Section 144 has been imposed in Delhi to curb the virus transmission (File)
Delhi to be under lockdown for 9 days from March 23rd 6 am to March 31st 12 am as a measure to contain the transmission of coronavirus.
Today India observed "Janata Curfew"- a stay-at-home measure. As a mandatory to Janata Curfew as told by Prime Minister Narendra Modi citizens were seen clapping, banging utensils at homes to show appreciation to those out in the field amid coronavirus pandemic. Large gatherings have been banned in Delhi, violators will be punished, the police said as coronavirus cases rise in the country. Section 144 has been imposed in Delhi to curb the virus transmission. India has so far reported seven death cases amid coronavirus.
Health experts said India's cases have been growing at a rate seen during the early stages of the outbreak in other countries, which subsequently reported exponential increases in infections. Several states announced measures to curb the spread of coronavirus. State leaders urged citizens not to rush to villages, avoid crowding trains and buses to prevent the virus spread. Tensions have mounted, however, with angry laborers protesting at some bus stations against sudden closures of basic transport services. Private events, such as weddings, and local elections were canceled. The federal government was accelerating the production of masks and allowed deodorant manufacturers to produce sanitizers.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus developments:
Mumbai Anti-CAA protests at Morland Road temporarily called off
Five Indians stranded in UK due to flights cancellation following coronavirus outbreakFive Indian Nationals who were flying back to Hyderabad from Chile via London, are currently stranded in the UK, seeking help from British authorities so that visas be extended, while urging Indian government for a flight back to India.
"Upon our request, they (airline) gave us their inability to fly us in writing and with this letter we could prevail on the border desk at UK immigration to give us a visa to enter the UK. They have accorded us a visa valid only for 24 hours. Now it's more than 24 hrs and we are still unable to go back and do not have means to approach the immigration authorities to extend our visas," the SOS email shot out to India's High Commission in London read.
Uttar Pradesh government puts 16 districts under lockdown till Wednesday
Nitin Gadkari, family clap, bang utensils for those on frontline of war against COVID-19Joining all other Indians by taking part in thanking health care providers and emergency responders who are on the frontline combating novel coronavirus pandemic, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and his family members also clapped and banged utensils for them at his home here on Sunday.
"I salute our doctors, nurses, armed and paramilitary forces, cleaning and assistance staff, aviation staffs, our entire railway workforce, government officials, media professionals and everyone who is working day and night selflessly to serve our nation against COVID-19," the minister wrote on Twitter.
No KSRTC services tomorrow in wake of COVID-19 pandemicThe Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) on Sunday announced that there will not be any transport service available in the state tomorrow as well after the city observed Janata Curfew on Sunday.
"Tomorrow there will not be any bus operations in all the districts of KSRTC jurisdiction. City, intercity and intracity bus operations will remain stalled," KSRTC informed.
Coronavirus: Anti-CAA ''Mumbai Bagh'' protest put on holdNearly two months after it began, the anti-CAA protest at Nagpada here, which came to be known as the ''Mumbai Bagh'' protest, was put on hold from Sunday due to the coronavirus outbreak, its participants said.
"The protesters have started returning home due to the coronavirus outbreak and also because section 144 has been imposed in the state. The stir has been put on hold temporarily. But it will resume again later," one of the protesters said.
UP govt puts 16 districts under lockdown till WednesdaySixteen districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, will be locked down till Wednesday amid a spurt in coronavirus cases.
The districts where the lockdown has been enforced in the first phase are Lucknow, Agra, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Aligarh, Moradabad, Lakhimpur Kheiri, Bareilly, Azamgarh, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur and Pilibhit.
The lockdown in Pilibhit was announced late Sunday night.
"Now 16 districts including Pilibhit are under lockdown," Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said in a statement.
Prohibitory orders in KozhikodeProhibitory orders were imposed in Kozhikode district Sunday night in an effort to contain the spread of novel coronavirus and to effectively impose social-distancing measures, District Collector Sambasiva Rao said.
The prohibitory orders under section 144 of the CrPC came into effect from 9 PM banning assembly of any kind for demonstrations, processions or protests.
Any gathering -- social, cultural, political, religious, academic, sports, seminar or conference -- is also not allowed, the order stated.
No shops and establishments other than those selling vegetables, fruits and essential commodities should be opened. These shops and medical stores would remain open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, it said.
2 positive cases in Bihar
Organisers temporarily calls off anti-CAA protests at Nizamuddin West over COVID19In the backdrop of coronavirus pandemic, organisers on Sunday temporarily called off their ongoing protest near Shiv Mandir at Nizamuddin West.
"The ongoing protest near Shiv Mandir at Nizamuddin West, against CAA, NRC, and NPR, has been temporarily called off in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. We will continue to register their protest from their houses through social media," organisers told ANI.
Only selective branches of banks to be open in areas under lockdownTo carry out basic essential transactions, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has asked banks to open only selective branches in areas that have been placed under lockdown across the country in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a late night communique to the heads of banks, the IBA requested the state level SLBC convenor banks and lead district managers to proactively consult the state administration to chalk out a feasible Business Continuity Plan (BCP).
Coronavirus Update: Yoga, Claps, Advices: What People Are Tweeting On Janata CurfewOn janata curfew, people across the country posted photos and videos of how they are passing time during the self-imposed one-day quarantine that was requested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The janata curfew was necessitated by the rising cases of COVID-19, a highly infectious disease caused by the Novel Coronavirus that primarily attacks the respiratory system."
3 more test positive for COVID-19 in Kolkata, total cases in Bengal rise to 7Three more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Kolkata on Sunday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal to seven, health department officials said.
The fresh cases are the parents of a UK-returned man, the second coronavirus patient in the state, and a help working at their Ballygunge residence, they said. All of them are currently at the isolation ward of the state-run Beliaghata ID hospital, the officials said.
Eight other family members of the 22-year-old man have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital's Rajarhat campus, where they are under observations, officials said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Defence Minister Lauds Efforts Of Health Workers During Coronavirus Outbreak
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today lauded efforts of health professionals and security personnel in fight against COVID-19.
During the "Janta curfew" today, Mr Singh worked from home and expressed gratitude to those serving the nation in these difficult times.
"At 5 pm, he joined the rest of the nation in applauding those who are leaving no stone unturned to arrest the spread of the virus and ensuring the supply and services of all essential commodities, including the safety and health, to the citizens," a statement said.
Mr Singh also commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his idea of "Janta curfew", terming it as the biggest social distancing and mass awareness initiative against a pandemic in the history of mankind.
He hailed PM Modi for "bringing the entire nation together at this critical juncture and giving the people a great amount of hope in combating the coronavirus".
Coronavirus Outbreak: Sena Won't Attend Budget Session Amid Coronavirus: Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena MPs won't attend Parliament's budget session from Monday in view of coronavirus outbreak, said Sanjay Raut.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Maharashtra Reports 10 More Positive Coronavirus Cases, Total Count Reaches 74
The total number of coronavirus positive patients in Maharashtra rose to 74 today with addition of 10 more such cases.
At 24, the highest number of these cases were reported from Mumbai, followed by 15 from Pune, 12 from Pimpri Chinchwada and four each from Navi Mumbai, Nagpur, Kalyan and Yavatmal, an official statement said.
Two persons have tested positive in Ahmednagar, while one each in Panvel, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri, it added.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 2 More Abroad Returnees Test Positive For Coronavirus In Tamil Nadu
The government of Tamil Nadu today said that two more foreign returnees test positive for coronavirus.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 New Coronavirus Cases In Rajasthan, Total Number Reaches 28
Three new coronavirus positive cases were reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number in the state to 28, an official said.
One positive case each was reported from Bhilwara, Jhunjhunu and Jodhpur, Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said.
He said that out of the total 28 cases, 13 are from Bhilwara and four from Jhunjhunu and rest from other parts of the state including the capital city Jaipur.
Mr Singh said that the government is in process if earmarking quarantine facility for 1 lakh people to face any emergency.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Night Curfew Imposed In Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills To Contain Coronavirus
Night curfew was imposed in East Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya today to tackle any emergent situation and ensure safety of people, amid concerns over coronavirus threat.
The night curfew has also been imposed to prevent incoming vehicles from Assam from entering the district via Malidor area, according to a senior government official.
"Keeping in view the emerging scenario, safety of the people, and to avoid any outbreak of an epidemic, night curfew has been imposed with effect from 7 pm on March 22 till 7 am on March 23," district magistrate FM Dopt said.
The state government has also directed its employees to be stationed at their places of posting even as inter-state and inter-district public transport have been withdrawn till March 31, according to a government notification.
Chief Secretary MS Rao has restricted government employees from leaving their place of posting without the permission of their respective deputy commissioners.
He also directed government employees to keep their mobile phones switched on so that they are available for any emergency requirement at all times, warning that non-compliance will be viewed seriously.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Lockdown In Andhra Pradesh Till March 31: Jagan Mohan Reddy
Lockdown has been imposed in Andhra Pradesh till March 31 in the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak in the country, said state Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy today.
"Until March 31, let us follow what the nation is doing. After that let us take stock of the situation; and will go ahead accordingly. I request all people to confine to houses, not to move out of their homes during the lockdown period in the state," said Mr Reddy at a press conference in Amaravati.
He said during this phase, the government will make ration available for the poor till March 29. "1 kg Dal will be given free, along with free ration. Every poor family will be given Rs 1,000 for ration purpose and in total Rs 1,500 crores will be spent for the scheme," he said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 6th Confirmed Coronavirus Case In Andhra Pradesh
Sixth confirmed coronavirus case in Andhra Pradesh, patient's husband with a travel history to Saudi Arabia earlier tested positive for in Visakhapatnam, says official.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Surat Man 1st Coronavirus Victim In Gujarat, Dies
Coronavirus claimed its first victim in Gujarat today when a 67-year-old man, who had tested positive for the infection, died at a private
hospital in Surat, officials said.
The total number of infected persons in the state went up to 18 with four new positive cases reported today alone. The total positive cases include the dead person, they said.
The Surat man, with travel history to Delhi and Jaipur, was admitted to a private hospital in Gandhinagar on March 17 with several complications related to kidney and asthma. He tested positive for coronavirus on March 21, officials said.
Of the total 18 cases, two each were reported from Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar today.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Passengers Of Trains From Mumbai, Pune Screened For Coronavirus In Kolkata
Two special trains carrying passengers from Mumbai and Pune in Maharashtra arrived at Kolkata's Howrah station today, Railway sources said.
The medical officers of the state government examined the passengers who disembarked at both Howrah and Kharagpur railway stations, they said.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Saturday alleged that the Railways was not ensuring proper screening of passengers entering the state through long-distance trains.
She claimed that migrant workers from the state, particularly those in Maharashtra, were being packed off in trains and sent back without medical checkups.
The medical officers also examined the passengers who disembarked at Kharagpur railway station, the sources said. Apart from the special trains, passengers of all long-distance trains arriving at Howrah in the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction today were being screened for any signs of fever, cough, they said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: In Noida, Woman, Son Test Positive For Coronavirus, Returned From Denmark
A man, who recently returned from Denmark, and his mother tested positive for coronavirus in Greater Noida (West) today, taking the number of identified COVID-19 cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar to eight, officials said.
The mother and son, residents of Sector 2 in Greater Noida (West), also known as Noida Extension, were quarantined at the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS), while two of their family members were in home isolation, they added.
"The son, 37, returned from Denmark on March 9. But it was his mother, 62, who first showed coronavirus symptoms, after which both were tested on March 19 and quarantined. Their reports came on Sunday and they have tested positive. Both are quarantined at GIMS now," Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anurag Bhargava said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Delhi Government Orders Top Officials To Quarantine Abroad Returnees Since March 1
The Delhi government has identified around 35,000 people who have returned from abroad and are living in Delhi after 1 March 2020.
The government has ordered all the district magistrates to verify that these people are in the 14-day home quarantine.
People exposed to these people should also be home quarantined for 14 days
The person who has been infected with the coronavirus will have to remain in isolation in the hospital, the person will leave the hospital only when the treating doctor will discharge them.
Total Lockdown In Jharkhand Till March 31 Amid Coronavirus
Jharkhand declares lockdown with immediate effect till March 31 to contain spread of novel coronavirus pandemic, an official release revealed.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Indian Air Force Cuts Staff At Headquarters From March 23 Over Coronavirus
Amid the coronavirus scare, Indian Air Force issued directions to reduce attendance in its headquarters with effect from March 23, excluding personnel engaged in essential and emergency services directly involved in taking measures to control spread of COVID-19.
Indian Air Force officials said it was also decided that 30 per cent of officers and 50 per cent of junior officers will work from home adhering to home quarantine for a week starting March 23.
Further it was also directed that a second group to proceed on home quarantine on March 30, 2020, and intermixing of groups to be avoided.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 3 More Test Positive For Coronavirus, Total Cases In Bengal Rise To 7
Three more persons tested positive for novel coronavirus in Kolkata today, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal to seven, health department officials said.
The three are parents of a UK-returned youth, the second positive case of the deadly infection in the state, and a maid working at their residence.
All the three are currently at an isolation ward of the state-run hospital, officials said.
Eight other members of the youth's family were admitted to the isolation ward, officials said.
The 22-year-old man, who is pursuing higher studies in the United Kingdom, had returned home on March 13. He was admitted to the hospital on Thursday with COVID-19 symptoms.
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Thank You": Tweets Priyanka Gandhi For Those Involved In Coronavirus FightPriyanka Gandhi has tweeted 'thank you' to all those who are involved in fight against Covid-19 ahead of lockdown in various parts in the country.
"We are proud of your courage & we're grateful for you," Priyanka Gandhi tweeted saluting the courage of the workers and doctors.
"In solidarity with all those, in India and around the world, who are in the frontline of the fight against COVID-19: doctors, nurses, technicians, bio- technicians, medical workers, support staff & healthcare volunteers," she added.
Coronavirus Outbreak: PM Modi's Mother Clangs Utensil To Express Her Gratitude To Coronavirus Fighters
Coronavirus Outbreak: Himachal Pradesh Orders "Indefinite Lockdown" In Kangra District
The Himachal Pradesh government today ordered an indefinite "complete lockdown" in Kangra district, where two persons have tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said.
In a statement, the Chief Minister urged people not to panic as "the state has adequate stock of essential commodities".
Coronavirus Outbreak: Bengal Orders Complete Lockdown Of Kolkata Over Coronavirus
The West Bengal government today ordered complete lockdown of Kolkata, six districts and municipal and district towns besides some rural areas in other parts of the state from 5 pm on Monday to Friday midnight to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The order was given under the West Bengal Epidemic Disease's COVID-19 regulations, 2020, framed according to relevant sections of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Coronavirus: All Districts In J&K To Remain In Lockdown Till March 31
The Jammu and Kashmir administration today ordered the shutdown of all establishments except those providing essential services and commodities across the Union Territory till March 31.
The shutdown will come into effect from 8 pm tonight till 6 pm on March 31, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said in a letter to all 20 deputy commissioners of the Union Territorry.
He said the shutdown was necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic and break the transmission chain of the virus.
"...it is necessary to enforce social distancing, i.e.,preventing/minimizing close contact between people, therefore, Deputy Commissioners/District Magistrates shall issue orders under section 144 CrPC and also under the Disaster Management Act 2005 (both Acts) to shutdown all establishments except those providing essential commodities/services in their districts from Sunday 22 March, 2020 (08.00 PM) till Tuesday, the 31st March, 2020 (06.00 pm)," the letter said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Chinese Ambassador Wishes India Early Victory Over Coronavirus Pandemic
As the number of coronavirus cases across the world continues to rise, Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong today wished his host country an early victory over the pandemic.
"Pay tribute to all those who have contributed to the fight against COVID-19. Wish India an early victory over the epidemic," Mr Weidong said on Twitter.
Coronavirus Outbreak: UP To Go On Lockdown For 2 Days Starting From March 23
Uttar Pradesh to remain completely shut from March 23-March 25. Transport services will be closed. Inter state connectivity to remain shut in the state. Bus services to Nepal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi will remain closed till March 25.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Domestic Flights In Delhi Airport To Remain Functional
A senior official of aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) clarified that domestic flights will be operating as usual at the airport.
The centre had announced three days ago that no international flight will be landing on the Indian soil from today onward for a period of one week.
"Domestic flights to and from the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will continue to operate and the airport will remain functional," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) official said.
At a press conference today evening, Arvind Kejriwal told reporters that no domestic or international flight would be allowed to arrive at the Delhi airport from March 23 to March 31.
In an order, the Delhi government subsequently reiterated the same.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Nagaland Orders Closure Of Business From March 22, Essential Commodities To Remain Open
In the wake of coronavirus scare, the Nagaland government has ordered the closing of all business establishments except pharmacies, petrol pumps, grocery shops and shops selling other essential commodities from midnight of March 22.
"All business establishments expect pharmacies, petrol pumps, grocery shops and shops selling essential commodities shall remain closed from midnight of March 22 till further orders," said a government official.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 1 Dead, 26 COVID-19 Positive In Karanataka
Karnataka has reported one death and 26 COVID-19 positive cases.
Coronavirus: After Delhi, Bihar Announces Complete Lockdown Till March 31st
Bihar also announced complete lock down till March 31 in the wake of coronavirus.
Coronavirus Outbreak: President Kovind Expressed Gratitude To Those Protecting People Amid CoronavirusPresident Ram Nath Kovind today expressed is gratitude to all the citizens and the first lady of India who helped in protecting the health of the nation by risking their own lives and their families.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Delhi Lockdown From March 23rd To March 31st
Dehli lockdown to start from March 23 at 6am and will continue till 31st March 12 am. During this time no public transport will operate and only 25% of the Delhi transport buses will be running. All the markets will be closed. The borders will also be sealed. Only important commodities will be to be in flow.
This measure was taken to curb the spread of coronavirus which transmits very easily through water droplets and has already crossed 300 mark in India.
Coronavirus: UP Congress Leader Who Attended Kanika Kapoor's Party Test Negative For Coronavirus
Senior Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Jitin Prasada, who had attended a party with Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor days before she tested positive for coronavirus, tested negative for COVID-19 today, the King George's Medical University said in a statement in Uttar Pradesh.
Mr Prasada said, "My wife and I have been tested negative for COVID-19. We had gone to the party of Kanika Kapoor on March 15. The results of the test came on Sunday after the samples were taken yesterday."
"For the next 14 days, I will be under self-isolation," the former union minister said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Many Thanks To The Countrymen": PM Modi To People For Ringing Bells For Those Out In Fields
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to twitter and said that the country has tanked each one who led the fight against coronavirus. He said, "It is a sound of thanks, but also the beginning of victory in a long battle. Let us, with this determination, tie ourselves in social distancing for a long battle with this restraint."
Coronavirus Outbreak: Bengal Suspends Truck Carrying Non-Essential Cargo Goods
In the wake of coronavirus scare, the West Bengal transport department today ordered the suspension of trucks carrying non-essential cargo items from midnight of March 22 till March 31.
"No such non-essential items carried in National Permit holding Goods Carriages like trucks, trailers, etc shall be allowed to enter the state from outside with effect from 12 midnight of March 22 till March 31," read the letter issued by the transport department.
Earlier today, the state government had ordered the suspension of all interstate bus services till March 31 as a preventive measure to check the spread of coronavirus.
As per the Union Health Ministry, till now the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases including foreign nationals is 341.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Yogi Adityanath Seen Banging Bell As Mark Of RespectUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also seen banging bell to pay respect to those out on the fields during the coronavirus pandemic.
Janata curfew: Citizens Clap, Bang Utensils To Show Appreciation To Those Out In Field Amid Coronavirus Pandemic.Janata curfew: Citizens clap, bang utensils at homes to show appreciation to those out in the field amid coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Delhi Government Distributing Free Meals Amid CoronavirusDelhi government is giving free meals to people at night shelters across the city to fight coronavirus. He took to twitter to share the images of people having meals at specific centers. He also wrote on twitter, "We are providing 72 lakh people free ration, doubling pensions. In addition to this, I urge all employers to provide paid leave, incl to domestic helps. Not only is this a compassionate gesture, it is essential for our economy to survive."
Coronavirus Outbreak: Section 144 Imposed In Delhi To Contain Transmission Of Coronavirus
Section 144 imposed in Delhi to contain the spread of coronvirus. Under Section 144 gathering of more than four-five people are banned. Since the number of coronavirus cases in Delhi is on the rise the decision was taken to curb the transmission of the virus.
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Strategy Is To Isolate People Coming From Abroad": Health Ministry On Combating Coronavirus
People who arrived from abroad the strategy is to isolate them. To break the chain of transmission we need to isolate them. Virus has strong transmission ability. Various Indian departments are working together to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Deaths are very less. Isolate them coming from outside. Mass screening to isolate them. We are conducting swab test by extracting RNA.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Uttarakhand Under Lockdown Till March 31 Amid Coronavirus
The Uttarakhand government imposed a lockdown till March 31 in the state today to contain the spread of the coronavirus, officials said.
However, essential supplies such as medicines, foodgrains, vegetables etc. were kept out of the ambit of the lockdown, they added.
The lockdown was imposed on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a countrywide "Janata Curfew" evoked a spontaneous response across the state with people staying at home and roads and marketplaces wearing a deserted look.
Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat had thrown clear hints about harsher measures to check the spread of the coronavirus when in a thanksgiving message to the people of the state for the success of the "Janata Curfew" earlier in the day, he had asked them to remain prepared for even tougher times ahead.
However, he had said there will be no shortage of foodgrains or medicines.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Woman With Coronavirus Symptoms, Undergoing Treatment, Dies In Haridwar
A woman having symptoms of coronavirus died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, today, said Dr Saroj Naithani, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Haridwar.
According to the official, the woman returned from the US on March 6.
She was admitted to a hospital early morning today as her health deteriorated. The doctors at the medical centre immediately collected her samples for coronavirus test.
The Uttarakhand state health department is looking into the matter.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 75 Districts In India To Go Under Lockdown Amid Coronavirus
The Centre and state governments have decided to announce a lockdown in 75 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported, officials said today.
It has also decided to suspend inter-state bus services till March 31, they said.
The decisions have been taken at a high level meeting attended by chief secretaries of all states and the cabinet secretary and the principal secretary to the Prime Minister.
In view of the need to contain the spread of COVID 19, it was agreed that there is urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport including inter-state transport buses till March 31, 2020, a home ministry official said.
State governments will issue orders allowing only essential services to operate in about 75 districts with confirmed COVID 19 cases or casualties, the official said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Section 144 Imposed In Bengaluru Amid Coronavirus
Section 144 imposed from 9 pm to 12 am (midnight) in commissionerate limits to ensure people do not come out of their home once the JanataCurfew ends, Bhaskar Rao, Commissioner of police, Bangalore city said.
Coronavirus Outbreak: "I Have No Option Left But To Apply Section 144 IN Maharashtra": Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today said, "Number of cases has increased considerably. I have no option left but to apply Section 144 in Maharashtra. No flights outside of India will be allowed to land in Mumbai".
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Request Everyone To Continue Janata Curfew Till Tomorrow Morning": Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today urged that the Janata Curfew be extended till tomorrow morning. He said, "I would like to request everyone to continue #JanataCurfew till tomorrow morning."
Coronavirus Outbreak: Noida Metro, Bus Services To Be Suspended Till March 31st
Noida Metro Rail Corporation said that all Noida-Greater Noida metro, Noida bus services till resume only after 31st March. The move has been taken to contain the spread of coronavirus cases.
TMC asks its MPs to withdraw from Parliament
The TMC on Sunday announced that it has given instructions to all its MPs to withdraw from Parliament and return to their constituencies in view of the coronavirus scare. TMC Rajya Sabha MP and leader of the party in the Upper House Derek O''Brien and Sudip Bandyopadhyay, Lok Sabha MP and leader of the party in the Lower House, have written to presiding officers of both Houses, urging then to wind up proceedings on Monday (March 23). The TMC has 22 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 13 in the Rajya Sabha. It said the TMC has been urging the government to defer Parliament for the past 10 days but no action has been taken so far.
90 health counters operational, things back to normal now at Delhi airport: Hardeep Singh Puri
Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said 90 health counters are operational at the Delhi airport and things are back to normal now. "We have a backlog of just about 500 passengers whom we should be able to clear in an hour. Passengers arriving on subsequent flights will also be screened within the same timeframe," Puri said on Twitter. After the Union Health Ministry announced that passengers from the UK, the US and Australia would also compulsorily undergo thermal screening, there was a turmoil at the Delhi airport on Saturday as passengers waited for hours to complete immigration and screening processes.
Woman in Panchkula tests positive for coronavirus
A 40-year-old woman in Panchkula in Haryana has tested positive for coronavirus, prompting the authorities to launch a health check in the slum where she lived with her family, officials said on Sunday. With this, the number of cases in the state reaches eight - four from Gurgaon and one each from Panchkula, Faridabad, Panipat and Sonipat. The slum in Panchkula, with a population of around 9,000, has been cordoned off and residents have been asked to quarantine themselves in their homes, they said. Health officials in Panchkula are checking each household and anyone with cough and fever has been asked to inform the authorities immediately, the officials said. The woman, who works as a masseuse in Chandigarh, got infected from a young woman who had recently returned from the UK. The Chandigarh resident later on tested positive for coronavirus, becoming the Union territory's first patient.
Pinarayi Vijayan today posted an awareness tweet to fight coronavirus
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today posted an awareness tweet to fight coronavirus
Railways suspends all passenger services till March 31
In an unprecedented move, the railways on Sunday announced suspension of all its passenger services from March 22 midnight to March 31 midnight and said only goods trains will run during the said period. The railways had already trimmed down its services on Friday by cancelling a majority of trains. However, it had allowed all trains that had already started the journey to continue. According to a new order issued by the railways, only goods trains will run from March 22 midnight to March 31 midnight. "However, a bare minimum suburban services and the Kolkata Metro Rail service will continue till March 22 midnight. Thereafter, these services will also be stopped till March 31 midnight," a spokesperson of the Indian Railways said.
Death count in India rises to 6
2 deaths due to coronavirus have reported in India today, each in Maharashtra and Bihar, taking the total death count to 6.
Stadium in Bengal transformed into a 150-bed temporary hospital for coronavirus patients
Virus deaths rise to 13,000 as one billion confined to homes
Nearly one billion people around the world were confined to their homes on Sunday, as the coronavirus death toll crossed 13,000 and factories were shut in worst-hit Italy after another single-day fatalities record. The raging pandemic has forced lockdowns in 35 countries across the globe, disrupting lives, travel and businesses as governments scramble to shut borders and unleash hundreds of billions in emergency measures to avoid a widespread virus-fuelled economic meltdown.
People's support is emphatic, says PM Modi
Eminent personalities are encouraging a Stay At Home Sunday to fight Coronavirus. And, people's support is emphatic," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted while praising people for their support to 'Janata Curfew' to curb the spread of novel coronavirus.
No trains till Wednesday, say sources, 315 Coronavirus cases now
Trains across the country will not run till March 25, sources said as the number of coronavirus or COVID-19 cases crossed 300 last night in the biggest jump the country has seen so far in its fight against the highly contagious virus. There are 315 active coronavirus cases, officials said on Sunday, on a day millions across India observed a 14-hour self-quarantine or "Janata Curfew" recommended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
US Vice President and wife test negative for coronavirus
US Vice President Pence Mike Pence and his wife have tested negative for coronavirus, his press office said Saturday. "Pleased to report that the COVID-19 test results came back negative for both Vice President @Mike_Pence and Second Lady @KarenPence," the vice president's press secretary Katie Miller tweeted. Earlier Pence had confirmed he would be tested for the virus after one of his office staffers contracted the illness.
North Korea says Trump offered virus cooperation in letter to Kim
North Korea on Saturday welcomed what it said was a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying it was a sign of "the special and very firm personal relations" between the two leaders despite recent frictions. A senior Trump administration official confirmed Trump sent the letter and said it was "consistent with his efforts to engage global leaders during the ongoing pandemic."
Mike Pence and his wife will be tested for coronavirus
US Vice President Mike Pence on Saturday said he and Second Lady Karen Pence will be tested for the coronavirus. Pence's comments came a day after his spokesperson said a staff from his team was tested positive for the deadly coronavirus. However, the infected staff was never in direct contact with either Pence or President Donald Trump. The name of the infected staffer has not been released. Pence said he was doing well. In the wake of the coronavirus, the White House has made stringent provisions for those entering the complex.
Chid suspected of coronavirus tested negative in Assam
A four-year-old child who was suspected of COVID-19 and tested in Jorhat Medical College and Regional Medical Research Center, Dibrugarh has been found negative. There is no COVID-19 positive case in Assam so far, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed.
With 12 new cases in a single day, Maharashtra has the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 64, including three foreigners. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope made a fresh appeal to avoid public transport to contain the spread and warned of tougher measures, having already asked offices and shops to close.
The Indian Railways urged people to avoid travelling on trains, saying that at least 13 people, including eight who travelled on the AP Sampark Kranti on March 13, have tested positive for coronavirus. It added that a couple was taken off the Bengaluru-Delhi Rajdhani train on Saturday after co-passengers spotted a quarantine seal on the husband's hand.
2 with no foreign travel link test positive as coronavirus cases at 315
A woman in Pune and a man in West Bengal - both without any history of foreign travel - tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, signalling a worrying trend as COVID-19 cases in India neared 315. People braced for the nationwide "Janata Curfew" on Sunday from 7 am and 9 pm - billed as a day of voluntary social distancing and widely seen as a pilot for a broader lockdown that can be imposed if the spread continues unabated. Most public transport - including trains and metros - will not run and all shops excluding pharmacies and grocery stores will be closed during the shutdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.
"Let Us All Be Part Of This": PM Modi On "Janata Curfew" To Fight Coronavirus
Moments before the "Janata Curfew" that he proposed came into effect on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that the daylong stay-at-home for millions of Indians would "add tremendous strength to the fight" against coronavirus or COVID-19. "In a few minutes from now, the #JantaCurfew commences. Let us all be a part of this curfew, which will add tremendous strength to the fight against COVID-19 menace. The steps we take now will help in the times to come," PM Modi tweeted.