5 years ago
New Delhi:
Coronavirus Live Updates: Union Minister of Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Health and Family Welfare Harsh Vardhan on Monday said that India's fight against COVID-19 is moving ahead fast strongly and steadily.
Mr Vardhan was addressing a digital conference -- RE-START - Reboot the Economy through Science, Technology and Research Translations -- organised to celebrate the National Technology Day here. It was organised by the Technology Development Board (TDB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), read a statement. While applauding the Ministry of Science and Technology's response to epidemics like COVID-19 in the country, Mr Vardhan said: "Indian government, academia, scientists, startups, entrepreneurs and industry have been working relentlessly to find solutions to combat this pandemic."
"We must appreciate the efforts of our scientists, our entrepreneurs and our institutions working to find quick and deployable solutions for COVID-19. New discoveries, industry partnerships, and enhanced researches have thus, been rapidly developed and adopted," added Dr Vardhan.
A central economic package to offset the revenue losses during the lockdown to combat coronavirus and autonomy in identifying and colour-coding the virus-hit districts were the two key demands of the states at their 6-hour videoconference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.
PM Modi has assured them that the Centre is looking into ways to "open up the economy". At the meeting, held to focus on life after May 17, when the nationwide lockdown is scheduled to end, the Prime Minister said the government had "decided to invite all Chief Ministers to speak" before a "considered view" is taken on the matter.
The Centre has already made it clear that the lifting of the lockdown will be phased and done slowly over a period but not in containment and hot spot zones.
When train services restart tomorrow for limited operations, passengers have to be at the station 90 minutes in advance and entry will be stopped 15 minutes before the trains leave. The passengers will be screened before they enter the station and only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to board, according to SOPs put out by the home ministry today.
The special trains will have only air-conditioned. No linen, blankets or curtains will be given, so people have to bring their own sheets, the railways said.
Tickets cannot be cancelled at less than 24 hours' notice and the cancellation charge will be half the fare. Passengers are to install the COVID-19 tracker app Aarogya Setu on their mobile phones.
Passengers have also been asked to travel with light luggage, said senior Railways officer Arun Kumar. They have to follow social distancing and keep their masks on throughout the journey.
India recorded the biggest single-day jump in the number of coronavirus patients with 4,213 new cases in the last 24 hours and 97 deaths, which takes the total to 67,152 cases so far, Union Health Ministry said on Monday. The total number of deaths in India linked to one of the most contagious illness the world has seen in recent decades has soared to 2,206. 20,917 COVID-19 patients have been cured till now, taking recovery rate to 31.15 percent of which 1,559 patients recovered in last 24 hours, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry said during a press conference on Monday.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cases Highlights:
Coronavirus Lockdown: East Coast Railway advises special train passengers to carry food, linen
The East Coast Railway (ECoR) on Monday issued an advisory for passengers to travel on a special train on May 13, asking them to carry their own food and linen and arrive at the city station at least 90 minutes before departure for health screening.
The train, with all AC coaches, will leave from the Bhubaneswar railway station at 10 am on Wednesday and terminate at New Delhi, an ECoR official said.
"Only limited food and packaged drinking water will be available on payment inside the train and the passengers are advised to carry their own food," the official said, adding that the linen will not be provided.
The train will stop at Balasore, Hijli (Kharagpur), Tata, Bokaro Steel City, Gaya, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and Kanpur Central before terminating at the national capital.
Over 450 shramik special trains helped more than 5 lakh migrant labourers reach their native states: Indian Railways
Indian Railways has run over 450 ''shramik special trains'' and brought over 5 lakh migrant labourers to their respective states, said RD Bajpai, Railways Executive Director.
"We have run more than 450 ''shramik special trains'' and brought over 5 lakh migrants to their respective states. Our target is to run more than 100 trains a day and we will achieve it," Bajpai told ANI.
In these Shramik special trains, proper screening of passengers is ensured before they board the train and are given free meals and water during the journey.
39 test positive for COVID-19 in Bihar; total cases now 746
Thirty-nine people of Bihar tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 746 in the state, a top health department official said.
Of the 39 new cases, Patna district accounted for the highest 11. "We are ascertaining their infection trail," Health Department's Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar said.
Six of the new patients have returned from outside the state recently.
Telangana Chief Minister urges PM Modi to not resume passenger train services
Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to resume passenger train services, which were stopped as part of preventive measures to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country.
Mr Rao's remark came during Prime Minister Modi''s video conference with Chief Ministers to discuss the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country.
During the conference, CM Rao raised concern over the decision to resume train services.
COVID-19 India: Vijay Rupani updates PM Modi on latest coronavirus situation in Gujarat
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Monday apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the latest coronavirus situation in Gujarat and steps taken by his government to contain its spread.
In an official release, the state government said Mr Rupani took part in the meeting and shared details about various decisions taken so far by his government about opening shops, industries and other commercial activities in the state. Mr Rupani also held discussions with the PM about future strategy to contain the viral infection and also start industrial activities, it said.
COVID-19: Delhi Hotels being converted into quarantine facilities
Hotels in Central Delhi are being converted into quarantine facilities for people who are returning to the city from abroad. A hotel owner says," temperature of customers will be checked at their arrival&proper sanitization will be done. Paperless registration will be introduced" pic.twitter.com/KUnkuWwRxv
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus Lockdown: Third Air India flight with 107 Indians arrives in Mumbai from Dhaka
As many as 107 stranded Indians, who departed from Dhaka in Bangladesh, arrived in Mumbai on a special Air India flight on Monday.
The passengers had returned via Air India flight under the Vande Bharat Mission. This was the third flight from Bangladesh which had departed from Dhaka at 4 pm today.
An Air India flight carrying 129 Indian nationals from Dhaka had landed at Delhi airport on Saturday as part of Vande Bharat Mission to bring back stranded Indians from different countries.
Odisha reports 37 more COVID-19 cases, total rises to 414
Odisha recorded 37 more COVID-19 cases on Monday, raising the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 414, officials said.
Of the fresh cases, 29 were reported from Ganjam district and all of them have been identified as Surat returnees, the Health and Family Welfare Department said. It said 17 patients recovered from the disease on Monday and the overall figure of the cured rose to 85.
COVID-19: 4 more test positive in Jharkhand; total cases rise to 161
Four more people including three Surat returnees tested positive for novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 161 in Jharkhand.
Three persons of Giridih and one belonging to hotspot Hindpiri locality in the state capital were found to be afflicted with COVID-19, health officials said. The three persons of Giridih were among 77 migrant workers who had returned from Surat in Gujarat, he said.
Coronavirus Lockdown: 23 migrant labourers arrive in West Bengal from Telangana
A bus carrying 23 migrant labourers arrived here from Telangana on Monday after a three-day journey across three states, officials said.
The workers, who hail from Pathar Pratima in South 24 Parganas district, claimed they were left penniless after making a payment of Rs 1.5 lakh to the bus owner for the over 1600-km journey.
They were first taken to the district headquarter at Alipore after they reached the city, and following necessary clearance by the authorities, the bus was allowed to travel to their village, which is another 100 kms away from here, the officials said.
The labourers have been placed under a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
2 more BSF personnel test COVID-19 positive in Tripura
Two more Border Security Force (BSF) jawans tested positive for coronavirus in Tripura on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 154, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said.
"In a massive COVID19 test among 750 civilian and BSF in Dhalai dist today, 2 BSF officials were found COVID-19 positive. All patients are responding well to the treatment. With the blessings of Mata Tripurasundari soon our state will be corona free," Deb tweeted.
Earlier, addressing a press conference, Law Minister and cabinet spokesman Ratan Lal Nath said the frequency of corona tests in the state is higher than the national average.
COVID-19 hits auto drivers hard in Madhya Pradesh capital Bhopal
Auto rickshaw drivers in Bhopal, who are struggling to make ends meet amid the lockdown, have decide to leave the state after being unable to pay the rent to their landlords.
Auto drivers said they have been facing a lot of difficulties for the past two months. "We are facing a lot of troubles. We do not have any work for the past two months. The landlord is troubling us for rent. We do not have any money," said a driver.
The movement of all vehicles, except for those providing essential services and commodities, is prohibited during the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Hyderabad Police to take strict action against lockdown violators
Additional Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad, Anil Kumar has said that strict action will be taken against those violating lockdown rules. Mr Kumar said the the governement is particular about the strict implementation of the lockdown.
He said that with relaxations given, all establishments should be closed by 6 pm and people must reach home before 7 pm as per rules.
"All our check posts are still functioning. There are 75 check posts in the city. After the Telangana Government gave certain relaxations for running of business activities, economic activities, construction activities, IT related sectors, government offices, postal service...naturally the number of vehicles on the road has increased but our enforcement has not come down," Mr Kumar told news agency ANI.
Coronavirus Lockdown: 13,000 migrant workers have so far left Pune: Collector
Around 13,000 migrant workers have so far left for their respective states and within Maharashtra in special trains and buses from Pune amid the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, a senior district official said on Monday.
Pune is the second worst coronavirus-affected city in Maharashtra after Mumbai. "So far six trains have left from Pune - four fo Madhya Pradesh and each one for Uttar Pradesh and Uttarkhand," said Naval Kishore Ram, the district collector.
He said so far around 13,000 migrant workers have left for their respective states and districts within Maharashtra by trains and buses from Pune.
COVID-19: INS Magar enroute to Kochi in Kerala from Maldives with 202 passengers
Visuals from onboard INS Magar enroute to Kochi from Maldives with 202 passengers. Expected time of arrival at Kochi port is tomorrow 7 pm: Indian Navy #OperationSamudraSetu pic.twitter.com/gWaqqwGcmr
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urges PM Modi for national SOP to reboot economy
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring a national standard operating procedure (SOP) to reboot the economic activities in the country post-COVID-19 lockdown.
"To reboot the economic activities, the Union Government may come up with a national standard operating procedure (SOP). Our production lines are interlinked so also our value addition process, cuttingacross state boundaries. A national SOP will guide in a unified response in rebooting the economy," said Mr Patnaik during a video conference with Prime Minister Modi on Monday.
#VandeBharatMission: Repatriation flight Air India AI 1920 carrying 170 passengers from Abu Dhabi (UAE) landed at Hyderabad Airport, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/5hqWqslGBm
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
All persons returning to Karnataka from any State, symptomatic or asymptomatic shall be kept in institutional quarantine: Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, Government of Karnataka
PM Modi asks chief ministers to share by May 15 a broad strategy on how they want to deal with lockdown regime in their states: Statement
All 5 Air India pilots who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, have now been found negative in the retest, news agency ANI reported.
We will agree with whatever decision the Central Government takes on lockdown but our advice is to extend the lockdown till the end of May: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during video conference with PM Narendra Modi
By 9:15 pm, approximately 30,000 PNRs had been generated and reservations were issued to more than 54,000 passengers, news agency ANI reported quoting Indian Railways official
174 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of cases & deaths to 3,988 and 113, respectively. Number of active cases in the state stands at 1551: Rajasthan Health Department
79 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Telangana today; the total number of positive cases in the state is 1,275 including 444 active cases, 801 cured/discharged and 30 deaths: Telangana Health Department
#WATCH Air India Flight IX 474 with 184 Indian nationals aboard takes off from Bahrain for Kozhikode, Kerala #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/svvWkE624i
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
1,230 new COVID-19 positive cases and 36 deaths reported in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 23,401; total deaths stand at 868: Maharashtra Health Department
Coronavirus News: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's COVID-19 Fund Receives Over Rs 50 Crore
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Relief Fund has received donations of Rs 56.40 crore between March 24, a day before lockdown for the novel coronavirus outbreak began, and May 7.
A state government release said the donations were made by commercial and social organisations, firms, government staff and common citizens.
"Between March 24 and May 7, the Chief Minister Relief Fund received Rs 56,04,38,815 as donations. Of which, we have released Rs 10,25,30,000 to districts of the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to provide assistance to the needy people," Bhupesh Baghel tweeted, news agency PTI reported.
The Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Relief Fund has received donations of Rs 56.40 crore between March 24, a day before lockdown for the novel coronavirus outbreak began, and May 7.
A state government release said the donations were made by commercial and social organisations, firms, government staff and common citizens.
"Between March 24 and May 7, the Chief Minister Relief Fund received Rs 56,04,38,815 as donations. Of which, we have released Rs 10,25,30,000 to districts of the state to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to provide assistance to the needy people," Bhupesh Baghel tweeted, news agency PTI reported.
The Indian railways said that ticket fare concessions can be availed only by patients, students, people with disabilities, news agency PTI reported
Total 161 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Jharkhand till date, of which 80 are active cases and 78 are recovered/discharged cases: Jharkhand Health Department
States face different challenges & therefore should be given the freedom to make reasonable changes to the guidelines relating to the lockdown: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during video conference with PM Narendra Modi
In the last 24 hours, 347 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Gujarat. The total number of cases stands at 8542 now, including 2780 cured/discharged cases and 513 deaths: Gujarat Health Department
World Health Organisation (WHO) to conduct COVID-19 press conference every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30 pm.
Indian Nationals to be repatriated to Kozhikode, Kerala collected boarding passes at Bahrain International Airport for Air India Flight IX 474: Embassy of India in Bahrain. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/TcYMndWL34
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Economic activities should be allowed to resume in all parts of Delhi except containment zones: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during video conference meet with PM Modi
What Chief Ministers Said On Lockdown In Video Meet With PM ModiPrime Minister Narendra Modi today said he would hear all Chief Ministers before taking a considered decision on the road ahead after May 17, when the nationwide coronavirus lockdown is due to end. At his fifth virtual meet with Chief Ministers, divergent views emerged. While some suggested reopening economic activity in phases, others believed that it would be dangerous, at this stage in India's fight against the spread of COVID-19, to start flights and trains just now.
The number of COVID-19 cases reaches 3,785 in Madhya Pradesh, with 171 new cases reported today. Out of the total cases, 1,747 patients have recovered while 221 others died due to the infection: Madhya Pradesh Health Department
Howrah-New Delhi railway station 3AC tickets booked fully in less than 10 minutes, news agency ANI reported quoting Railway official
Madhya Pradesh: Auto drivers in Bhopal have started leaving the state amid #COVID19 lockdown. They say, "We are in a lot of trouble as we do not have any work from the past 2 months. We were living on rent but the landlord is troubling us for money. We do not have any money". pic.twitter.com/8ZQ9D7cj3B
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
18 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today; 6 from Jammu division and 12 from Kashmir division. Total positive cases in the Union Territory stands at 879, including 442 active cases: Government of Jammu and Kashmir
3 more COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha. Total number of cases in the state is now at 394, including 306 active cases, 85 cured, and 3 deaths: State Health and Family Welfare Department
IRCTC website reopens with COVID-19 alert- "Use Face Mask, Maintain Social Distancing and Wash Hands Frequently"
During video conference held by PM Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami urges him not to allow regular air services till May 31, news agency PTI reported.
Six BSF Personnel Test COVID-19 Positive In Last 24 Hours
Six Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, said an official statement on Monday.
Among the six BSF personnel, four are from Kolkata, and one each from Tripura and New Delhi.
All of them are under treatment in designated COVID Health Care hospitals, the BSF said.
The Union Health Ministry on Monday confirmed 67,152 COVID-19 cases in India so far, of which, 20,917 have been cured and discharged and 2,206 have succumbed to the infection, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus India: Helpline Launched For Counselling Of Odisha University Students
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank on Monday launched a helpline for counselling of students of the Central University of Odisha, who are in mental distress in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Inaugurating the helpline "Bharosa" through a video conference, Pokhriyal lauded the initiative as it aims at providing mental and psychological assistance to the students of the institute.
Addressing the mental health concern of students is of great importance and the helpline, 08046801010, introduced by the university, is a good initiative, he said.
The minister urged other central and state universities and institutions of higher education across the country to emulate the initiative that will provide cognitive emotional rehabilitation services to students, news agency PTI reported.
Some clusters have been found in our country; in some locations relatively large outbreak of COVID-19 has been noticed, news agency PTI reported quoting Health Ministry
IRCTC Website Not Opening, Booking For 15 Special Trains Will Begin At 6 pm Now
The IRCTC website, which was to take bookings for 15 special trains being run from May 12, seemed unable to take the load of visitors as thousands of passengers tried to book their tickets at 16:00 hours, when it was slated to open.
The Railways said the booking will now commence at 18:00 hours. While no official reason was stated as to why the website did not open, sources said "it did not crash, but data is being uploaded". They urged passengers to "please wait".
Last checked, the IRCTC site was not even opening its home page. Till 4 pm, the Railways had not been able to publicise the train list or timings of the departure of the 15 trains, news agency PTI reported.
Over 2 Lakh Workers Brought To Uttar Pradesh In Shramik Trains: Official
Over two lakh workers stuck in other states due to the coronavirus lockdown have been brought to Uttar Pradesh in special Sharmik trains till now, an official said on Monday.
Besides, over one lakh workers have returned to the state through other modes of transportation in the past four days, he added.
"Till Monday morning, 184 trains have arrived in the state with 2,20,640 migrant workers. Sixteen trains arrived on Monday and 55 more will be coming later in the day with 70,000 workers," Additional Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi said.
Mr Awasthi said details about them along with their skill set are being collected, news agency PTI reported.
Aarogya Setu app has been downloaded in 9.8 crore smartphones so far. It will be available on Jio feature smartphones from tomorrow. We've worked a lot on data privacy of Aarogya Setu users and made sure that user data are not compromised: Ajay Sahni, Chairman of Empowered Group 9
New Normal For Rail Travel: No Linen, Only Packaged Food, Arrival At Least 90 Minutes Early At Stations
Railways has issued new protocols for passengers for travel from May 12, saying no linen will be provided to them, only packaged food and hand-sanitisers will be made available, and travellers are required to reach stations at least 90 minutes before departure.
It also said all passengers must wear face masks during the journey. The railways, which has announced to resume a limited number of passenger services after an almost a 50-day hiatus, said the 15 trains to run from Tuesday will be air-conditioned and will run on full-capacity on the Rajdhani route from Delhi to all the major cities of the country.
The fares will be equivalent to Rajdhani fares.
Since the trains will be operated amidst the lockdown, only those passengers with confirmed e-tickets shall be allowed to enter the station, an MHA order has stated.
However, passengers can book these trains up to seven days in advance.
Online cancellation shall be permitted up to 24 hours before scheduled departure of train. Cancellation charge shall be 50 per cent of fare, news agency PTI reported.
As per revised policy, mild/very mild/pre-symptomatic cases admitted to COVID care facility can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and if there is no fever for 3 days. No need to test before discharge, home isolation advised after discharge: Lav Agarwal, Health Ministry
No catering charges shall be included in fare. Provision for prepaid meal booking, e-catering disabled. IRCTC shall make provision for limited eatables and packaged drinking water on payment basis. Passengers are encouraged to carry their own food & drinking water: Railways Ministry
Discharge policy has been changed because several countries have changed their policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy. We have also changed it based on this: Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry
People having COVID-19 symptoms should come forward to report so that they don't spread infection to others: Health Ministry.
All passengers are advised to download and use the Aarogya Setu application. No Linen, blankets and curtains shall be provided inside the train. Passengers are advised to carry their own linen for the travel: Ministry of Railways
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee takes part in the video conference with Chief Ministers over #COVID19 under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/jQpUngWzQe
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Around 4,000 Indians have been brought back by 23 flights under Vande Bharat Mission. Over 5 lakh migrant workers have been sent to their home states by 468 special trains. 101 special trains were run yesterday: Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava
Online cancellation permitted up to 24 hours before scheduled departure; Cancellation charge to be 50 per cent of fare: Railways
Passengers shall reach station at least 90 minutes in advance to facilitate thermal screening: Railways
Special trains to have only AC classes, fare structure shall be as applicable for regular time-tabled Rajdhani trains: Railways
We are prepared to operate our airport. There will be a separate queue for corona warriors so that they don't have to wait along with other passengers. We are sanitizing daily: Gaurang Nathwani, DGM-Air Traffic Controller, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/BC0WvXTz7E
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
COVID-19 Impact: Ahmedabad Decides To Go Digital To Prevent Spread Through Currency
To contain the spread of COVID-19, Ahmedabad, the second-worst coronavirus affected city in India, has decided to go completely digital to prevent the spread of the pandemic through currency notes.
As part of the preparatory strategy post-lockdown period, all retail and home delivery agencies have been contacted and asked to get 100 per cent screening of their delivery staff, according to an order.
As an abundant caution to prevent the spread of coronavirus through currency notes, it has been made mandatory to accept digital payments through Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and other platforms, according to the order issued on Monday by Gujarat Additional Chief Secretary Rajiv Kumar Gupta.
From May 15, all home deliveries will have to be paid digitally and no cash on delivery will be accepted, the order stated. Gupta is also in-charge of coronavirus-related work in Ahmedabad.
The COVID-19 cases in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat jumped to 5,818 after 278 people tested positive for the infection on Sunday alone. About the worst-affected city, Mumbai, as many as 875 people were tested coronavirus positive on Sunday, taking the total number of such patients in the financial capital to 13,564, news agency PTI reported.
CM Bhupesh Baghel took part in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference meeting with Chief Ministers over #COVID19: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister's Office pic.twitter.com/vF9YFZAyv9
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan takes part in the Chief Ministers' video conference meeting over #COVID19 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Madhya Pradesh CM's office pic.twitter.com/aoGmmwQrQm
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus India lockdown: PM Modi's video meet with chief minister begins
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video conference meeting with Chief Ministers has begun. This is the fifth video meeting between PM Modi and state chief ministers.
The discussions will revolve around a plan for life after May 17, when the third phase of the nationwide lockdown ends. Today's meeting, set to start at 3 pm, will go on "till proceedings continue", say officials.
Coronavirus India Lockdown: At PM Modi Virtual Meet Today, Floor Open to All Chief Ministers: 10 PointsPrime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with Chief Ministers today in the fifth such virtual meet on the coronavirus crisis. The discussions will revolve around a plan for life after May 17, when the nationwide lockdown is due to end after its second extension. Today's meeting, set to start at 3 pm, will go on "till proceedings continue", say officials. Yesterday, the government took a major step by allowing limited passenger train services from Tuesday, for which online bookings start today. Special trains (total of 30 journeys) will run between Delhi and 14 states."
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Can't Exploit Workers, Suppress Their Voice, says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said many states were amending labour laws, but the fight against the novel coronavirus pandemic cannot be an excuse to exploit workers, suppress their voice and crush their human rights.
Rahul Gandhi said there cannot be any compromise on the basic principles by allowing unsafe workplaces.
"Many states are amending labour laws. We are together fighting against corona, but this cannot be an excuse to crush human rights, allow unsafe workplaces, exploit workers and suppress their voice," he said.
"There cannot be any compromise on these basic principles," he added. (Read full story here)
Coronavirus cases: 11 new COVID-19 cases in Bihar, total 707
The number of novel coronavirus cases crossed the 700-mark in Bihar on Monday after 11 more people tested positive for the infection, newsagency PTIreportedquoting a Health Department official.
Five of the new COVID-19 cases are from Khagaria, four from Begusarai and two from Banka districts, the official said.
"11 more covid19 +ve cases in bihar taking the total to 707," Health Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar tweeted. "We are ascertaining their further infection trail."
All the new patients are males and in the age group of 17-52, Kumar added.
Coronavirus India: Shramik Special Train From Gujarat Brings Back 1,383 Migrants To Madhya Pradesh's BhopalAs many as 1,383 migrant labourers reached Bhopal on board a Shramik special train on Monday, from Morbi in Gujarat."
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Sonia Gandhi Paid For Your Tickets, Congress MLA Tells Migrants On Train
As a special train with migrants was rolling out of a station on Sunday in Congress-ruled Punjab, each passenger was handed a pamphlet. "Your ticket was paid for by Sonia Gandhi," said the flyers distributed at Bhatinda station by a Congress MLA.
The MLA, Amarinder Raja Warring, showed up with a contingent of Congress workers to "see off" the migrants heading to Bihar's Muzaffarpur and ensure they knew who their "benefactor" was.
Mr Warring also made a speech at the railway station before the train left, attempting to draw political capital from a move Congress president Sonia Gandhi had announced last week to help "every needy worker and migrant". (Read full story here)
Coronavirus news: Migrant workers leave Mumbai for UP in taxis, auto rickshaws
Amid indications that the ''Mumbai dream'' is turning sour for migrant workers amid the lockdown, many of them driving taxis and auto rickshaws in the city have left for their native places in their vehicles, news agency PTI reported.
They pegged the number of ''kaali peeli'' taxis and autos leaving the city to 1000 and 5000 respectively.
A cyclist on the Mumbai-Agra highway told PTI that he saw migrants travelling in trucks, auto rickshaws and bikes on way to their native places in central and north India. Union officials said with increasing possibility of further extension of the coronavirus-induced lockdown, several auto and taxi drivers are going to their native places in their black and yellow coloured auto rickshaws and taxis.
#VandeBharatMission: Details of the inbound and outbound passengers who have been carried onboard repatriation flights. pic.twitter.com/AU2irXHoJU
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
TRAI issues Advisory to public for exercising due care while joining online conference platforms through audio callshttps://t.co/zNUScerF3L
- TRAI (@TRAI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus news: 10 new cases reported in Karnataka, total number of infections rises at 858
Ten new positive cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Karnataka. With the addition of these case, the total number of infections in the state have risen to to 858, the Health
department said on Monday.
"Ten new positive cases have been reported from last evening to this noon... Till date 858 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 31 deaths and 422 discharges," the department said in its mid-day situation update.
Three cases were reported from Davangere, two each from Bidar and Bagalkote, one each from Kalaburagi, Shiggavi in Haveri and Vijayapura.
Coronavirus news: ICMR issues guidance for appropriate recording of COVID-19 deaths
COVID-19 would be recorded as an "underlying cause of death" when leading to pneumonia, cardiac injury and clotting in the bloodstream, among others, according to the guidance issued by ICMR for appropriate recording of deaths due to the disease in India.
Explaining the public health significance of recording the cause of death in the COVID-19 pandemic, ICMR said COVID-19 is a new disease and is a pandemic affecting all communities and countries and a robust data is needed in India to measure the public health impact of the ailment and to plan for timely health interventions.
Coronavirus news: 14 new cases in Odisha, total cases now at 391
At least 14 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha on Monday, taking the virus tally in the state to 391, the Health and Family Welfare department said.
Most of the people who contracted the virus came from Surat.
The fresh cases were reported from Ganjam (12) and one each from Sundergarh and Kendrapara districts, they said.
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: ITBP escorts 900 supply trucks to Kargil from Zoji La in Ladakh
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has ensured a safe passage for over 900 trucks carrying essential supplies, from the icy heights of Zoji La to the frozen slopes of Kargil in past 21 days.
The land route through Zoji La pass serves as a lifeline for the nearly 1.5 lakh residents of Kargil.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) has been assigned the vital responsibility to escort goods trucks and fuel tankers carrying essential supplies to people located in far-flung areas of Ladakh.
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Allow Opening Of Road, Air Transport To Start Economic Activity: P Chidambaram
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has asked the government to allow operation of road and air transport, saying it was the only way economic and commercial activities can effectively resume.
He also welcomed the government''s decision to start select inter-state train services.
The government has decided to start train services from May 12 connecting Delhi to some select stations across the country, bookings for which will begin from Monday by the IRCTC.
We welcome the decision of the government to cautiously start operations of inter state passenger trains.
- P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) May 11, 2020
The same modest opening should be started with road transport and air transport.
Coronavirus news: 84 fresh cases in Rajasthan
Rajasthan recorded 84 fresh cases of coronavirus on Monday, taking the state's virus tally to 3,898, news agency PTI reported quoting an official.
The state has so far seen 108 deaths due to the virus, with Jaipur accounting for 57 deaths.
"As many as 84 fresh cases have been reported in 12 districts of the state today, including 40 in Udaipur district," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
Besides Udaipur, 11 cases were reported from Jaipur; six from Ajmer, five each in Pali and Chittorgarh, four each in Rajsamand and Jalore, three from Kota, two from Tonk and Karauli and one each in Dungarpur and Nagaur.
#VandeBharatMission: Special evacuation flight Air India AI 1617 carrying 118 Indian citizens from US (San Francisco) landed at Hyderabad Airport today. pic.twitter.com/8HyJ9XYNRL
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Union Home Secretary writes to Chief Secretaries over movement of healthcare professionals
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to Chief Secretaries of all states/UTs to allow smooth movement of medical professionals, paramedics, sanitation personnel and ambulances and ensure opening of all private clinics with all medical staff.
Union Home Secy Ajay Bhalla writes to Chief Secretaries of all states/UTs to allow smooth movement of medical professionals, paramedics, sanitation personnel&ambulances&ensure opening of all private clinics with all medical staff.Such movement will also be facilitated inter-state pic.twitter.com/GjdMnMsX9o
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus updates: INS Magar departs from Male port after evacuating 202 Indians
INS Magar departed from Male in Maldives on Sunday for Kochi in Kerala with 202 Indian nationals, the Indian Navy said.
As part of larger National Effort to bring back our stranded citizens from overseas @indiannavy launched Op #SamudraSetu.
- SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 9, 2020
Phase 1 commenced.#INSJalashwa departed Male, #Maldives on 08 May 2020 with 698 citizens onboard.@SpokespersonMoD@DefenceMinIndiahttps://t.co/0pdX8fIf0h
Coronavirus news: 84 more COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan
84 more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Rajasthan on Monday, taking the total number of cases and deaths to 3,898 and 108, respectively, said the state Health Department. The total number of active cases in the state stands at 1,537.
Coronavirus: 7 special flights to reach India on Day 5 of ''Vande Bharat Mission''
A total of 7 special evacuation flights from across the globe will bring home stranded Indians on the fifth day of ''Vande Bharat Mission'' today. The special flights include London to Delhi to Bengaluru, San Francisco to Mumbai to Hyderabad, Dhaka to Mumbai, Dubai to Kochi, Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad, Kaula Lampur to Chennai and Bahrain to Kozhikode.
COVID-19 news: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issues revised guidelines
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued revised guidelines for home isolation of very mild/pre-symptomatic COVID-19 cases.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued revised guidelines for home isolation of very mild/pre-symptomatic #COVID19 cases pic.twitter.com/hTPcGRBqxd
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
COVID-19: UP cops overturn vegetable carts near coronavirus hotspot
Senior officials of Uttar Pradesh Police have ordered a probe after a mobile phone video that purportedly shows a team of policemen in western UP's Meerut overturning vegetable carts in a locality in the city went viral on Sunday. Read Here
Coronavirus latest update: India COVID-19 cases rise to 67,152
India reported 4213 new coronavirus patients in the last 24 hours and 97 deaths linked to the illness that brings the total number of cases in the country to 67152, including 2206 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said today.
Coronavirus news: Limited passenger trains from tomorrow, online bookings to start today
Indian Railways plans to restart passenger trains in a phased manner from Tuesday, five days before the end of the national lockdown to break the coronavirus chain of transmission, according to a statement released on Sunday. Ticket bookings will be opened from 4 pm today, with these to be sold only via the IRCTC website or mobile app. Booking through ticket agents (whether IRCTC or Railways) is not permitted. Counters at all stations, including those for platform tickets, will remain closed. Read Here
COVID-19 news: Jamia University sends stranded hostellers back to J&K in special bus
The Jamia Millia Islamia on Sunday sent its students from Jammu and Kashmir back to their native places in a special bus arranged by it. Two university guards, who are former armymen, are also accompanying students in the bus, the varsity said. These students were stranded in hostels due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the university said. The bus was properly sanitised before leaving for Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University for medical screening of students, guards and drivers for fever and other symptoms related to the coronavirus, it said.
COVID-19: PM Modi praises innovators fighting coronavirus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised all those at the forefront of research and innovation on ways to defeat coronavirus pandemic.
Today, technology is helping many in the efforts to make the world free from COVID-19. I salute all those at the forefront of research and innovation on ways to defeat Coronavirus. May we keep harnessing technology in order to create a healthier and better planet.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 11, 2020
COVID-19 news: Here's list of trains that will run from tomorrow, stations, timings
The railways on Sunday said it will "gradually" restart operations from Tuesday as the country eases the coronavirus lockdown. A total of 30 train journeys - 15 pairs of return trips - will run from New Delhi railway station to other cities including Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. Read Here
COVID-19: PM Modi to meet chief ministers today at 3 pm to discuss lockdown
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have another video conference with state Chief Ministers at 3 pm today. The meeting will be the fifth since the lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus started on March 25.
PM @narendramodi to hold the 5th meeting via video-conference with state Chief Ministers tomorrow afternoon at 3 PM.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 10, 2020
Coronavirus news: Migrant cycling 1,000 km home takes meal break, hit by car in UP, dies
A migrant worker, trying to cycle over 1,000 kilometres from Delhi to his hometown East Champaran in Bihar, died on Saturday in Lucknow after being hit by a car. He is survived by his wife and three children. Sagheer Ansari, 26, had begun from Delhi on May 5 with seven of his friends as they were unable to find work because of the coronavirus lockdown. It took them five days to cover half the distance, till Lucknow. Read Here
Coronavirus news: Indian passengers in US to board special Air India flight to Mumbai
Indian passengers arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport in US to board the Air India flight to Mumbai. The flight will later fly to Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Thermal screening and security checks of passengers have begun.
United States: Indian passengers arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport to board the Air India flight to Mumbai. The flight will later fly to Ahmedabad in Gujarat. Thermal screening and security checks of passengers have begun. #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/ANKWmWokrH
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus lockdown: People arrive at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Delhi's Ghazipur
People arrive at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Delhi's Ghazipur, to make purchases amid coronavirus lockdown.
People arrive at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Delhi's Ghazipur, to make purchases amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/WbkBhAK9Zr
- ANI (@ANI) May 11, 2020
Coronavirus news: 7 Haryana Roadways buses carrying 267 migrant labourers leave for UP
Seven buses of Haryana Roadways carrying 267 migrant labourers from Ambala departed for Uttar Pradesh on Sunday amid lockdown. "267 people have been sent on seven buses. Three buses with 122 people have left for Shamli, two buses with 67 people for Saharanpur, and two buses with 78 people for Bhagpat. They will be dropped at the border," RK Gupta, Nodal officer, told ANI.
COVID-19: First Air India flight brings in 225 stranded Indians from US to Mumbai
First Air India special flight, which took off from San Francisco with 225 Indians on board, landed in Mumbai today. The passengers departed from San Francisco International Airport on Saturday (local time) under the Government of India's Vande Bharat mission on Sunday.
Coronavirus news: Boris Johnson launches new COVID-19 alert system
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday launched a new COVID-19 Alert System as he "modified" the UK's coronavirus lockdown as part of a "conditional plan", which allows people more time outdoors as long as social distancing measures are adhered to.
National Security Guard staff member test coronavirus positive
One of the members of the National Security Guard (NSG) has tested positive of coronavirus.
"We've one COVID-19 positive case. The individual is a non-combatant support staff in our Composite Hospital. He is stable with mild symptoms," said AK Singh, Director General of NSG.
Mr Singh further said that the report of their member getting infected with coronavirus hasn't impacted the preparedness and availability of any of their combat formations.
A total of 62,939 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in India so far. 19,358 persons have recovered or migrated, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Sunday.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Jamia sends stranded hostellers back to J-K in special bus
The Jamia Millia Islamia on Sunday sent its students from Jammu and Kashmir back to their native places in a special bus arranged by it.
Two university guards, who are former armymen, are also accompanying students in the bus, the varsity said. These students were stranded in hostels due to the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic, the university said.
The bus was properly sanitised before leaving for Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University for medical screening of students, guards and drivers for fever and other symptoms related to the coronavirus, it said.
Coronavirus Lockdown: 220 migrants found going on foot, taken in buses till Madhya Pradesh border
As many as 220 migrants, including women and children, found going on foot towards Madhya Pradesh, were accommodated in 10 buses and dropped till the border of their home state from Nashik on Sunday, officials said.
These migrant labourers had started their journey to their home state on foot on Mumbai-Agra National Highway. However, authorities stopped them at Chandwad toll plaza and buses were arranged for them for their further journey, they said.
"They were accommodated in 10 buses of the Maharashtra State Transport Corporation (MSRTC). They were given biscuits and water bottles. Preference was given to women and children," Chandwad SDO Ganesh Misal said.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Couple marries wearing masks and face shields in Kanpur
A couple tied the knot wearing masks and face shields at a Gurudwara in Kanpur yesterday, in view of #COVID19 pandemic. As per the guidelines of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), gathering of not more than 50 persons is allowed at wedding functions. pic.twitter.com/CnmJUQ1xEH
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 10, 2020
COVID-19 Lockdown: Haryana Roadways buses with 267 migrant labourers head towards Uttar Pradesh from Ambala
Seven buses of Haryana Roadways carrying 267 migrant labourers from Ambala departed for Uttar Pradesh yesterday, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/A5i3m2Rn2f
- ANI (@ANI) May 10, 2020
Coronavirus Pandemic: Global COVID-19 number of deaths exceeds 2,80,000
The number of deaths globally from COVID-19 has surpassed 280,000, according to the database compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
There are currently 280,507 fatalities worldwide. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy have the highest numbers of deaths among countries, 78,932, 31,930, and 30,560, respectively.
The total number of cases is currently over 4,067,112, while the number of recoveries is at 1,392,359.
Coronavirus India: Special train with 1055 people departs from Goa for Jammu and Kashmir
A special train carrying 1055 stranded people departed from Goa for Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.
Earlier in the day, another train with 1,000 passengers on board, departed from Bengaluru and will reach Udhampur on May 12.
Special trains are being run as the Ministry of Home Affairs allows people stranded in other regions to reach their native states.
