4 years ago
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All theatres, auditoriums and offices in Maharashtra will take in only 50 per cent of their capacity till March 31 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the state government said in an order today.
Maharashtra reported 25,833 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the 24-hour period till Thursday night, the highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year. Mumbai has reported its biggest hike in coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day. The Maharashtra capital that had logged 2,877 cases yesterday, recorded 3,062 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is the city's highest single-day increment in its total cases ever.
Today's order curtailing the capacity in theatres and offices also comes days after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned people of another strict lockdown if they started going easy on safety rules like not wearing mask.
Amid a worrying surge in coronavirus cases, India recorded yet another spike of nearly 40,000 fresh infections in the last 24 hours - highest daily-rise since November 29 - as government warns against protocol violations and authorities prepare for a second Covid wave. 39,726 new cases took India's Covid tally to 1,15,14,331; 154 deaths in the last 24 hours took the total number fatalities to 1,59,370. Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat are the five states that have recorded the highest single-day surge since yesterday, government data shows.
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Mar 20, 2021 05:27 (IST)
Indore Woman Files Rape Complaint 17 Years After Incident: Police
An FIR has been registered after a woman filed a complaint accusing a man of raping her in 2004.
Station House Office Jyoti Sharma said that the woman was around 22-23 years old at the time of the incident.
"A woman came to the police station and gave a complaint that she was raped in Indore in 2004. She did not know the accused. He had given her a fake name. In 2019, she got to know about the accused on Facebook. We have registered an FIR," Ms Sharma told news agency ANI.
An FIR has been registered after a woman filed a complaint accusing a man of raping her in 2004.
Station House Office Jyoti Sharma said that the woman was around 22-23 years old at the time of the incident.
"A woman came to the police station and gave a complaint that she was raped in Indore in 2004. She did not know the accused. He had given her a fake name. In 2019, she got to know about the accused on Facebook. We have registered an FIR," Ms Sharma told news agency ANI.
Mar 20, 2021 05:21 (IST)
Saudi Arabia has prohibited its men from marrying women from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Chad and Myanmar, Pak newspaper Dawn reported citing a report in Saudi media.
Mar 20, 2021 05:06 (IST)
7 Bangladeshi Nationals Living Illegally In Maharashtra Arrested
Seven Bangladeshi nationals were arrested on Friday after they were found living in Vasai area of Palghar district without valid documents, reported news agency ANI.
The police said all the accused are from Bangladesh and were illegally living in Choti village, Sai Datt Nagar in Vasai area.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law and an investigation is underway.
Seven Bangladeshi nationals were arrested on Friday after they were found living in Vasai area of Palghar district without valid documents, reported news agency ANI.
The police said all the accused are from Bangladesh and were illegally living in Choti village, Sai Datt Nagar in Vasai area.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the law and an investigation is underway.
Mar 20, 2021 04:46 (IST)
In a major setback to All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi ahead of the West Bengal Assembly polls, the party's state in-charge Zamirul Hasan said Friday that he has resigned from the party and joined the "Indian National League".
Mar 20, 2021 03:46 (IST)
Puducherry BJP Candidate John Kumar Injured After Roadside Slab Gives Way
BJP candidate A John Kumar was injured on Friday when a road side slab gave way while he was campaigning in Puducherry's Kamaraj Nagar area for the April 6 assembly poll in the union territory, reported news agency PTI. Mr Kumar has suffered injuries on his left leg and was treated as an outpatient at a hospital, soon after which he resumed campaiging in a wheel chair, the police said. Mr Kumar, who shifted his allegiance from Congress to BJP, is seeking to retain the Kamaraj Nagar constituency.
BJP candidate A John Kumar was injured on Friday when a road side slab gave way while he was campaigning in Puducherry's Kamaraj Nagar area for the April 6 assembly poll in the union territory, reported news agency PTI. Mr Kumar has suffered injuries on his left leg and was treated as an outpatient at a hospital, soon after which he resumed campaiging in a wheel chair, the police said. Mr Kumar, who shifted his allegiance from Congress to BJP, is seeking to retain the Kamaraj Nagar constituency.
Mar 20, 2021 03:44 (IST)
UP Did Nothing In 4 Years To Help Homebuyers In Noida, Greater Noida: AAP
The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government has done nothing in four years to help home buyers who are awaiting possession of their flats in Noida and Greater Noida, the Aam Aadmi Party alleged on Friday, reported news agency PTI.
The BJP-led Uttar Pradesh government has done nothing in four years to help home buyers who are awaiting possession of their flats in Noida and Greater Noida, the Aam Aadmi Party alleged on Friday, reported news agency PTI.
On a day the Yogi Adityanath-led government marked four years of its completion in Uttar Pradesh, the AAP's Gautam Buddh Nagar unit also hit out at the state government for its "wrong policies" on issues of inflation, health, education, industrial development.
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Mar 20, 2021 03:40 (IST)
2 Rohingyas Charged In Jammu Over Fake Passport
Two Rohingyas have been charged for allegedly procuring fake passports in Jammu, officials said, reported news agency PTI. During ongoing verification of the Rohingyas living in Jammu, fake passports were detected from the two Rohingyas, they said. A case has been registered against Rehman and Gafoor, they said.
Two Rohingyas have been charged for allegedly procuring fake passports in Jammu, officials said, reported news agency PTI. During ongoing verification of the Rohingyas living in Jammu, fake passports were detected from the two Rohingyas, they said. A case has been registered against Rehman and Gafoor, they said.
Mar 20, 2021 03:28 (IST)
One-Day Lockdown In Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur On March 21 Amid Rising Covid Cases
One-day lockdown will be imposed tomorrow in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur amid rising cases of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency ANI.
According to the state government directive, all schools and colleges in these three cities will remain closed till March 31.
The decision has been taken after the review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh reported 1140 new COVID-19 cases, 556 recoveries and 7 deaths in the last 24 hours.
One-day lockdown will be imposed tomorrow in Indore, Bhopal and Jabalpur amid rising cases of coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh, reported news agency ANI.
According to the state government directive, all schools and colleges in these three cities will remain closed till March 31.
The decision has been taken after the review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday.
Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh reported 1140 new COVID-19 cases, 556 recoveries and 7 deaths in the last 24 hours.
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Mar 20, 2021 03:27 (IST)
Congress Will Give Boost Manufacturing In Assam: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Congress will boost manufacturing in Assam and alleged that there had been little impact of programmes of the Modi government to boost domestic manufacturing, reported news agency ANI.
"PM Modi talks about 'Make in India', but if you check mobile phones, shirts, you will find 'Made in China' on them, instead of Made in Assam and India. But we want to see Made in Assam and India. This can't be done by BJP," he said while addressing a public meeting in Assam's Dibrugarh.
Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in the state on a two-day campaign for assembly polls, interacted with students at a college in Lahowal and met tea garden workers at Dinjoy tea estate in Dibrugarh.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said Congress will boost manufacturing in Assam and alleged that there had been little impact of programmes of the Modi government to boost domestic manufacturing, reported news agency ANI.
"PM Modi talks about 'Make in India', but if you check mobile phones, shirts, you will find 'Made in China' on them, instead of Made in Assam and India. But we want to see Made in Assam and India. This can't be done by BJP," he said while addressing a public meeting in Assam's Dibrugarh.
Rahul Gandhi, who arrived in the state on a two-day campaign for assembly polls, interacted with students at a college in Lahowal and met tea garden workers at Dinjoy tea estate in Dibrugarh.
Mar 20, 2021 03:03 (IST)
The BJP on Friday issued a whip to all its members in the Lok Sabha and asked them to be present in the House on March 22, requesting their support for the government's stand on "very important legislative business" which is scheduled to be taken up on Monday in the ongoing Budget Session.
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Mar 20, 2021 02:57 (IST)
Amarinder Singh Asks Hospitals To Vaccinate People Against Covid 7 Days A Week Till March 31
Taking note of the low vaccination numbers in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday asked all private and government hospitals and health facilities to offer hassle-free vaccination services for at least 8 hours daily, seven days a week, till March 31, reported news agency ANI.
There should be no requirement of a separate certificate if an eligible, over 45-year-old person brings the medical record regarding comorbidities, he said.
The directions came during the COVID review meeting chaired by the chief Minister, who pointed out with concern that of the 1,291 registered private facilities, 891 have reportedly not administered a single dose.
Taking note of the low vaccination numbers in the state, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday asked all private and government hospitals and health facilities to offer hassle-free vaccination services for at least 8 hours daily, seven days a week, till March 31, reported news agency ANI.
There should be no requirement of a separate certificate if an eligible, over 45-year-old person brings the medical record regarding comorbidities, he said.
The directions came during the COVID review meeting chaired by the chief Minister, who pointed out with concern that of the 1,291 registered private facilities, 891 have reportedly not administered a single dose.
Mar 20, 2021 02:55 (IST)
No Threat To Amarnath Yatra, Security Arrangements Being Made: J&K Top Cop
Jammu and Kashmir top cop Dilbag Singh on Friday said there is no threat to Amarnath Yatra and the security forces will make necessary security arrangements, reported news agency ANI.
"We know the kind of security which is required for Amarnath Yatra and we are going to make the arrangements accordingly. There is no threat to the Yatra," Mr Singh told reporters.
"Like every year, the Yatra arrangements are being done. There is a set drill and we know what kind of security is required on the highways, camps, community kitchens and on the twin tracks of Pahalgam and Baltal. The arrangements are being done on the same pattern," he added.
This year Amarnath Yatra will begin in June.
Jammu and Kashmir top cop Dilbag Singh on Friday said there is no threat to Amarnath Yatra and the security forces will make necessary security arrangements, reported news agency ANI.
"We know the kind of security which is required for Amarnath Yatra and we are going to make the arrangements accordingly. There is no threat to the Yatra," Mr Singh told reporters.
"Like every year, the Yatra arrangements are being done. There is a set drill and we know what kind of security is required on the highways, camps, community kitchens and on the twin tracks of Pahalgam and Baltal. The arrangements are being done on the same pattern," he added.
This year Amarnath Yatra will begin in June.
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Mar 20, 2021 02:54 (IST)
A team of Forensic Science Laboratory of the Bengal government on Friday examined poles in Nandigram where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries on March 10 while campaigning for the upcoming elections.
Mar 20, 2021 02:08 (IST)
As all Facebook services suffered a brief outage around the world, WhatsApp's rival Signal jumped in to "welcome everyone".
Mar 20, 2021 01:15 (IST)
Frontline Workers Need Not Report To Work On Day Of Vaccination: Delhi Government
Keeping in view the fact that these beneficiaries may have to travel to designated healthcare facilities for vaccination and they may experience mild pain after administration of vaccine besides mild body ache and fever (in few cases), it may not be feasible for them to report to work on the day of vaccination and have a productive day in terms of the transaction of day-to-day business, an official order said.
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Delhi government on Friday said frontline workers and officials aged 45 and above, who have comorbidities, need not report to work on the day they are being vaccinated but will be considered to be "on duty" provided they submit proof of vaccination, reported news agency PTI.
Mar 20, 2021 01:13 (IST)
Meat Shops In Gurgaon To Remain Shut Every Tuesday, Municipal Corporation House Decides
Meat shops falling under the Gurgaon Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction will remain shut every Tuesday as proposal to this effect was passed by the Municipal Corporation House, reported news agency PTI.
He said there was a provision to close meat shops on any day of the week and during the meeting he suggested that Tuesday should be selected as many people do not consume meat on that day and thus it would suit the shops selling meat.
Meat shops falling under the Gurgaon Municipal Corporation's jurisdiction will remain shut every Tuesday as proposal to this effect was passed by the Municipal Corporation House, reported news agency PTI.
BJP councillor Subhash Singla said on Friday that the proposal was passed by the Gurgaon Municipal Corporation on Thursday.
Mar 19, 2021 23:09 (IST)
Tamil Nadu logs above 1,000 COVID-19 cases after over 80 day gap
The metropolis also leads in the number of fatalities with 4,194.
After a gap of over 80 days, Tamil Nadu logged above 1,000 COVID-19 cases on Friday, pushing the total caseload to nearly 8.65 lakh, while nine fatalities took the count to 12,582.
The state recorded 1,087 cases on Friday.
Tamil Nadu last reported over 1,000 cases in December 28, 2020.
Recoveries were on the lesser side, with 610 people getting discharged, taking the cumulative number to 8,45,178 leaving 6,690 active cases, a health bulletin said.
Chennai constituted the bulk of fresh cases with 421 infections, aggregating to 2,40,671 so far.
Mar 19, 2021 23:05 (IST)
Rajasthan reports 2 more COVID-19 deaths, 402 new cases
Of the 402 cases reported Friday, Kota accounted for 64, Jaipur 61, Rajsamand 38, Udaipur 36, Jodhpur 34, Dungarpur 30 and Ajmer 22.
Two fatalities were recorded on Friday in Rajasthan due to the novel coronavirus, pushing the state''s death toll to 2,796, while 402 new cases took the caseload to 3,24,503, according to a health department bulletin.
The bulletin said 3,18,586 people have been discharged after treatment so far, while 3,121 are still under medical observation.
So far, Jaipur has reported 519 deaths, Jodhpur 308 deaths, Ajmer 223, Kota 169, Bikaner 167, Bharatpur 120, Udaipur 125, Pali 109 and Sikar 101.
Mar 19, 2021 22:46 (IST)
Around 20 Delhi prisoners receive COVID-19 vaccine shot: Officials
"We spoke to the families of the inmates who were eligible for vaccination. If they had documents required for the registration, the jail authority asked their family members to send them on WhatsApp. Then, the inmates were taken to the nearest government hospital under the police guard for the vaccination," he said.
Around 20 eligible prison inmates in Delhi have received their first jab of COVID-19 vaccine, officials said on Friday, adding none of them has reported any adverse event so far.
The vaccination drive for prison inmates started on Thursday and 13 inmates got the shot on day one, and the rest on Friday, they said.
According to a senior jail official, the inmates were taken out of the jail premises for the vaccination.
Mar 19, 2021 22:26 (IST)
Chhattisgarh surge continues, 1,097 COVID-19 cases on Friday
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh continued on Friday as 1,097 people were
With nine more deaths, the statewide count mounted to 3,929, while 35 people were discharged from hospitals and 298 completed home isolation, leaving the state with 6,753 active cases, the official informed.
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh continued on Friday as 1,097 people were
detected with the infection, the highest single-day addition in over two months, taking its overall tally to 3,21,880, an official said.
It is also the second consecutive day when more than 1,000 cases have been reported.
Mar 19, 2021 22:26 (IST)
Over 1,400 new coronavirus cases in Gujarat, four deaths
Gujarat added 1,415 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 2,83,864, the state Health Department said on Friday evening.
A day after asking schools in eight major cities to continue only with online education, the state government on Friday ordered closure of all the tuition classes in these cities till April 10.
During the day, four COVID-19 patients, one each from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Surendranagar, died at different hospitals, taking the death count to 4,437.
With 948 patients recovered during the past 24 hours, the tally of recovered cases went to 2,73,280 cases. Gujarat's rate of recovery now stands at 96.27 per cent.
PTI
Mar 19, 2021 22:19 (IST)
2,490 new COVID cases, 38 deaths in Punjab
Punjab reported over 2,000 coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day, while the pathogen claimed the lives of 38 more people, the Health Department said.
The active cases rose to 15,459 and 1,339 more people were discharged, taking the number of recoveries to 1,86,187, according to a bulletin.
The 2,490 new infections took the tally to 2,07,888, while the count rose to 6,242 with 38 more deaths. Hoshiarpur reported a maximum of 416 cases, following by 292 in Ludhiana, 287 in Patiala, 258 in Mohali, 253 in Jalandhar and 181 in Amritsar, it said.
There are 22 critical patients who are on ventilator support and 286 are on oxygen support. A total of 55.29 lakh samples have been collected for testing so far, the bulletin stated.
PTI
Mar 19, 2021 22:18 (IST)
Bengal reports 347 new COVID-19 cases, 1 fresh fatality
West Bengal's COVID-19 tally surged to 5,79,826 on Friday as 347 more people tested
West Bengal's COVID-19 tally surged to 5,79,826 on Friday as 347 more people tested
positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality took the state's coronavirus death count to 10,301, a health bulletin said.
Kolkata reported the highest number of new cases at 99, followed by 98 in North 24 Parganas district. Howrah reported the lone fatality caused due to comorbidities where COVID-19 was incidental, it said.
PTI
Mar 19, 2021 22:18 (IST)
Pune sees 5,065 COVID-19 cases, 24 deaths, 808 recoveries
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pune district increased by 5,065 on Friday to reach 4,58,597,
"Pune city accounted for 2,834 of the new cases, and now has a caseload of 2,29,383. Pimpri Chinchwad''s tally rose by 1,326 to touch 1,19,518. The number of COVID-19 cases in rural, civil hospital and Pune cantonment areas increased to 1,09,696," he added.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pune district increased by 5,065 on Friday to reach 4,58,597,
while the day also saw 24 deaths and 808 people recovering, an official said.
The death count in the district now stands at 9,510, he said.
Mar 19, 2021 22:17 (IST)
Maharashtra: Over 2 lakh vaccinated, tally rises to 38.40 lakh
A total of 2,00,718 people were vaccinated in Maharashtra on Thursday, taking the state's
The state also administered the second dose of the vaccine to 9,044 health care workers and 16,848 frontline workers.
A total of 2,00,718 people were vaccinated in Maharashtra on Thursday, taking the state's
overall inoculation tally to 38,40,707 since the drive started on January 16, as per figures released by the state health department on Friday.
Of those vaccinated, 1,18,414 were senior citizens, 30,307 were in the 40 years plus age group with comorbidities, 10,217 were health care workers and 16,848 frontline workers.
Mar 19, 2021 22:17 (IST)
26 new cases push Noida's active COVID-19 tally to 85
Another eight patients got discharged during the period with the overall recoveries reaching 25,551, the fifth highest in the state, it showed.
Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar recorded 26 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday that pushed the district''s infection tally to 25,727, official data showed.
Gautam Buddh Nagar had the second highest number of new cases in a day after Lucknow (90), it stated.
The active cases in the district rose to 85 from 67 the previous day, according to data released by the Uttar Pradesh Health Department for a 24-hour period.
Mar 19, 2021 22:10 (IST)
COVID-19: Over 29,000 people vaccinated on Friday in Delhi
Two cases of minor AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) were recorded, officials said.
Over 29,000 beneficiaries received COVID-19 vaccine shots in the national capital on Friday, as per official data.
In the age bracket, 45-59 years, 2,540 beneficiaries received the jabs, while 12,683 senior citizens also got their first shots, a senior official said, adding that a total of 29,499 people were vaccinated across 385 sites.
On Thursday, 40,564 people had received jabs while the count on Wednesday was 28,394, a major fall in number from the 38,437 people who had received the vaccine shots on Tuesday.
"The sessions sites on Wednesday and Friday are fewer as dispensary-based sites are not functional," a senior official said.
PTI
Mar 19, 2021 22:03 (IST)
Will go ahead with Kisan Maha Sammelan in Moga and follow necessary COVID guidelines: AAP
"Following the recent guidelines brought about by the Congress government in Punjab, the AAP would go as per their plan and conduct the Kisan Maha Sammelan to be held at Baghapurana on March 21," according to a statement from the AAP.
Opposition Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab on Friday said it would go ahead as per plan and hold the Kisan Maha Sammelan at Baghapurana in Moga district on Sunday and follow all the necessary COVID-related guidelines.
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal is to address the Sammelan being held in support of the farmers.
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh had on Friday said that the ruling Congress will not hold any political gatherings for the next two weeks in the state in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.
Captain Singh, who held a review meeting on the COVID situation, had also appealed to other political parties and their leaders to keep their gatherings within the prescribed numbers i.e. 50 per cent of the capacity, subject to maximum of 100 in closed and 200 in open spaces. No political gatherings should take place in the most affected districts, he had said.
Mar 19, 2021 21:51 (IST)
Nashik sees record 2,508 COVID-19 cases on Friday
Nashik added a record 2,508 cases to its COVID-19 tally on Friday, the third consecutive day
Nashik added a record 2,508 cases to its COVID-19 tally on Friday, the third consecutive day
when the addition was in the 2000 plus range, officials said.
The district saw 2,146 cases on Wednesday and 2,421 on Thursday, both higher than the 2,048 detected on September 2 last year when the outbreak was at its peak in these parts.
The caseload of the district now stands at 1,43,395, while five deaths took the count to 2,202, he added.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 21:44 (IST)
The national capital today reported over 700 cases of COVID-19 in a 24-hour period for the first time this year. At least 716 cases were reported in the last 24 hours, according to government data released this evening.
Mar 19, 2021 21:42 (IST)
COVID-19: Malls, multiplexes to be closed on weekends in Ahmedabad
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on Friday informed that malls and multiplexes here will remain closed on weekends due to the recent surge in daily COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, the theatre owners are upset over the decision.
"We are very upset as multiplexes were shut for 7 months and we just started to settle down. On Saturdays and Sundays we expected much footfall," a movie theatre owner told ANI.
The administration has also imposed a night curfew in the city. The night curfew will be in force from 10 pm to 6 am.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 5,684 active cases in the state. (ANI)
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on Friday informed that malls and multiplexes here will remain closed on weekends due to the recent surge in daily COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, the theatre owners are upset over the decision.
"We are very upset as multiplexes were shut for 7 months and we just started to settle down. On Saturdays and Sundays we expected much footfall," a movie theatre owner told ANI.
The administration has also imposed a night curfew in the city. The night curfew will be in force from 10 pm to 6 am.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, there are 5,684 active cases in the state. (ANI)
Mar 19, 2021 21:29 (IST)
Theatre hall occupancy in Karnataka not to be restricted to 50%
"There is no such proposal before the government to allow a maximum of 50 per cent occupancy in cinema theatres," he tweeted after a section of media reported that such a move was
Noting that COVID-19 cases are again on the rise, the Chief Minister, in an open letter to the public, posted on Twitter, said the government has taken all necessary steps to contain the
Theatre hall occupancy in Karnataka would not be restricted to 50 per cent though there has been a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said on Friday.
He also urged theatre owners, the viewers and the general public to abide by all the government guidelines to help control the spread of the pandemic.
on the cards.
pandemic. However it would not be possible without people's support, he said.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 21:08 (IST)
Effective implementation of ''test, track, treat'' strategy must to check COVID-19 surge: Manohar Khattar
Health Minister Anil Vij also attended the meeting through video conferencing from Ambala.
During the meeting, Khattar told the officers that proactive COVID-19 management strategies should be planned with aggressive surveillance, stringent containment, swift contact tracing, focused clinical management and extensive Information, education and communication activities.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Friday said efficient implementation of ''test, track and treat'' strategy should be adopted at district, block and village levels to combat the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the state.
The chief minister while chairing a high-level meeting with administrative secretaries, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, municipal commissioners, senior and chief medical officers, said every officer should remain vigilant to deal with any unprecedented circumstances that may arise due to the recent increase in fresh coronavirus cases.
During the meeting, Khattar told the officers that proactive COVID-19 management strategies should be planned with aggressive surveillance, stringent containment, swift contact tracing, focused clinical management and extensive Information, education and communication activities.
Mar 19, 2021 20:54 (IST)
Surge in COVID-19 cases alarming, make masks must at rallies, polling booths: Bengal doctors tell CEC
A joint platform of doctors in West Bengal on Friday wrote to the Election Commission,
A joint platform of doctors in West Bengal on Friday wrote to the Election Commission,
sounding alarm over rising COVID-19 cases and "complete disappearance" of safety protocols at political rallies in the poll-bound state.
The doctors have also flagged non-availability of beds in COVID-19 hospitals as well as free ventilators in the state.
"The number of Covid victims in West Bengal has been increasing significantly over the last seven days. Mutant strains have been found in the bodies of several patients, too.
"It is also to be noted that the number of tests being regularly conducted is much less than before," Dr Hiralal Konar and Dr Punyabrata Gun, representing the Joint Platform of Doctors, said in a letter to the chief election commissioner.
The forum has over 30,000 doctors under its fold.
India saw 39,726new coronavirus infections in a day, the highest single day rise recorded so far this year, taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to1,15,14,331, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
Mar 19, 2021 20:48 (IST)
COVID-19: 1,587 new cases, 10 deaths in Karnataka
Karnataka recorded 1,587 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 related fatalities, taking the total
The day saw 869 patients getting discharged after recovery.
Karnataka recorded 1,587 new cases of COVID-19 and 10 related fatalities, taking the total
number of infections to 9,66,689 and the death count to 12,425, the Health Department said on Friday.
Out of the 1,587 cases, 1,037 cases were from Bengaluru Urban alone.
This is for the fourth consecutive day that the state is reporting over 1,000 new cases.
Mar 19, 2021 20:37 (IST)
Madhya Pradesh sees 1,140 COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths, 556 recoveries
Madhya Pradesh on Friday reported 1,140 COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 2,73,097, while
"A death each was reported from Bhopal, Gwalior, Ujjain, Chhindwara, Khandwa, Shajapur and Umaria. Indore's caseload rose by 309 to reach 63.510, while that of Bhopal touched 46,383 with the addition of 272 cases. The active caseload in the two cities is 1,960 and 1,495 respectively,"
Madhya Pradesh on Friday reported 1,140 COVID-19 cases, taking its tally to 2,73,097, while
seven deaths increased the count to 3,901, an official said.
He said 556 people were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, taking the count of recoveries in Madhya Pradesh to 2,62,587.
Four of 52 districts in the state did not report a new COVID-19 case in the last 24 hours, the official pointed out.
he said.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 20:29 (IST)
Goa records 100 new COVID-19 cases; two deaths; 60 recoveries
Goa on Friday recorded 100 new COVID-19 cases that have taken the tally of infections to
The coastal state is now left with 899 active cases, he said.
Goa on Friday recorded 100 new COVID-19 cases that have taken the tally of infections to
56,371 in the state, an official from the health department said.
With the death of two patients during the day, the count now stands at 815, the official said.
Apart from this, at least 60 patients were discharged from hospitals, raising the count of recoveries to 54,657, he said.
Mar 19, 2021 20:12 (IST)
Kerala's total Covid caseload mounts to over 11 lakh as 1984 fresh cases detected
Kerala reported 1984 fresh COVID-19 cases on Friday, including a UK returnee, pushing the total caseload to over 11 lakh as the active cases come down to 25,158, the state government said.
As many as 1,965 people have been cured of the infection taking the total recoveriesso far to 10,70,343, Health minister, K K Shailaja said.
The total number of cases have touched 11,00,624.
In the last 24 hours ending 2 pm, 53,184 samples were tested and the test positivity rate was 3.73 per cent.
So far, 1,25,58,269 samples have been sent for testing. Kozhikode accounted for the maximum of 261 cases,followed by Thrissur 203, Ernakulam 185, Kannur 180, while Idukkireported the least with 45.
Seventeen deaths took the count to 4,467.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 20:07 (IST)
Mumbai has reported its biggest hike in coronavirus cases for the second consecutive day. The Maharashtra capital that had logged 2,877 cases yesterday, recorded 3,062 Covid cases in the last 24 hours, which is the city's highest single-day increment in its total cases ever. This comes as the Maharashtra government announced restrictions today to arrest the massive upsurge in cases across the state.
Mar 19, 2021 19:49 (IST)
Hitting out at Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh on Friday alleged that the former does not want 'democracy'.
Mar 19, 2021 19:41 (IST)
246 COVID-19 cases reported in Andhra Pradesh
The active caseload rose to 1,909 after a total of 8,83,890 recoveries and 7,187 deaths, it said.
Another 246 cases were added on Friday to Andhra Pradeshs COVID-19 tally, which has now shot up to 8,92,986.
The state also reported 131 recoveries and one death in 24 hours ending 9 am on Friday, a health department bulletin said.
Guntur district reported the highest 58 fresh cases, followed by Chittoor 45, Krishna 37, Visakhapatnam 23 and East Godavari 20.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 19:30 (IST)
Lucknow district admin issues orders for strict compliance of COVID norms
The daily infection count of over 50 for the second day in a row in this Uttar Pradesh district has set the alarm bells ringing, with the DM directing the officials on Friday to ensure strict compliance of the coronavirus-related guidelines.
Recording details of all visitors to different establishments and workplaces in the district is among the guidelines issued by the district magistrate on Friday.
Lucknow recorded 77 new cases in the last 24 hours -- the highest in the state. There are a total of 381 active novel coronavirus patients in the district, according to official data.
The administration issued these guidelines after Lucknow witnessed more than 50 cases for the second consecutive day after two months. On Wednesday, 54 new cases were detected. The death toll from the pandemic stands at 1,190 in Lucknow, with four deaths in recorded in the last two weeks.
(PTI)
Mar 19, 2021 19:22 (IST)
Forty-eight of the 191 candidates contesting the first phase of assembly elections in West Bengal on March 27 or a little over 25 per cent have declared criminal cases against themselves, according to a report by poll rights group Association for Democratic Reforms.
Mar 19, 2021 18:56 (IST)
50% Capacity For Maharashtra Private Offices, Theatres Till March 31
Maharashtra reported 25,833 fresh cases of COVID-19 in the 24-hour period till Thursday night, the highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year.
All theatres, auditoriums and offices in Maharashtra will take in only 50 per cent of their capacity till March 31 amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the state government said in an order today.
Today's order curtailing the capacity in theatres and offices also comes days after Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray warned people of another strict lockdown if they started going easy on safety rules like not wearing mask.
Read more here
Mar 19, 2021 18:44 (IST)
Mounting an attack on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said speaking against Prime Minister Narendra Modi means speaking against "democracy" and "Bharat Mata".
Mar 19, 2021 18:21 (IST)
A day after Maharashtra witnessed the highest one-day spike of 25,833 COVID-19 cases, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray today said lockdown is an option but he trusts people to follow the norms on their own.
Mar 19, 2021 18:02 (IST)
Despite increase in COVID-19 cases, mortality rate remains low in Pune
Amid the concerns over spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the Pune administration on Friday informed that despite a surge in positivity rate, mortality rate remains low in the city.
Speaking to ANI, Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said, "Despite COVID-19 cases increasing with every passing day in Pune, the mortality rate remains low. The mortality rate in Pune is at 2.29 per cent which was above 2.6 per cent earlier. However, the positivity rate which had gone down below 10 per cent recently has again reached 23 per cent in Pune."
The Pune city administration has increased the COVID-19 testing upto 12,000 a day to combat the virus.
"Around 90 per cent of COVID positive patients are in home isolation and the severity of the cases is low this time. The Pune city administration has increased the COVID-19 testing upto 12,000 a day," the Mayor said.
Amid the concerns over spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the Pune administration on Friday informed that despite a surge in positivity rate, mortality rate remains low in the city.
Speaking to ANI, Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said, "Despite COVID-19 cases increasing with every passing day in Pune, the mortality rate remains low. The mortality rate in Pune is at 2.29 per cent which was above 2.6 per cent earlier. However, the positivity rate which had gone down below 10 per cent recently has again reached 23 per cent in Pune."
The Pune city administration has increased the COVID-19 testing upto 12,000 a day to combat the virus.
"Around 90 per cent of COVID positive patients are in home isolation and the severity of the cases is low this time. The Pune city administration has increased the COVID-19 testing upto 12,000 a day," the Mayor said.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh continue to report a surge in fresh COVID-19 cases and they account for 80.63 per cent of the daily new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
(ANI)
Mar 19, 2021 17:50 (IST)
The need to change the composition of Covaxin has not been felt yet in view of good efficacy of the vaccine against mutant variants, the government told Lok Sabha Friday.
Mar 19, 2021 17:12 (IST)
COVID-19: Punjab govt puts all rallies on hold till March 31
Punjab Congress will not hold any political gatherings for the next two weeks in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.
According to the press release, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at a review meeting on the COVID-19 situation.
The Chief Minister also appealed to other political parties and their leaders to keep their gatherings within the prescribed numbers example 50 per cent of capacity, subject to maximum of 100 in closed and 200 in open spaces. No political gatherings should take place in the most affected districts, he said.
Punjab Congress will not hold any political gatherings for the next two weeks in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.
According to the press release, the announcement was made by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh at a review meeting on the COVID-19 situation.
The Chief Minister also appealed to other political parties and their leaders to keep their gatherings within the prescribed numbers example 50 per cent of capacity, subject to maximum of 100 in closed and 200 in open spaces. No political gatherings should take place in the most affected districts, he said.
Mar 19, 2021 17:02 (IST)
Indian-made COVID-19 vaccines arrive in Solomon Islands
Soloman Islands on Friday received Indian-made COVID-19 vaccines under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative.
"The Indo-Pacific approach in practice. Made in India vaccines reach the Solomon Islands," S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, said in a tweet.
Under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative, India has been providing coronavirus vaccines to its neighbouring countries. 72 countries have already received vaccines under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' program.
Countries that have received Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines include Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, Myanmar, and other Gulf nations.
"India has provided medical supplies to 150 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, out of which 82 were given as grants," S Jaishankar had said in a tweet. (ANI)
Soloman Islands on Friday received Indian-made COVID-19 vaccines under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative.
"The Indo-Pacific approach in practice. Made in India vaccines reach the Solomon Islands," S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, said in a tweet.
Under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' initiative, India has been providing coronavirus vaccines to its neighbouring countries. 72 countries have already received vaccines under the ''Vaccine Maitri'' program.
Countries that have received Made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines include Maldives, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, Myanmar, and other Gulf nations.
"India has provided medical supplies to 150 nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, out of which 82 were given as grants," S Jaishankar had said in a tweet. (ANI)
Mar 19, 2021 16:24 (IST)
Five states account for 80.63 pc of daily COVID-19 cases, says Health Ministry
Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh continue to report a surge in fresh COVID-19 cases and they account for 80.63 per cent of the daily new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
"Some states in the country are reporting a surge in the daily new COVID-19 cases. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh together account 80.63 per cent of the daily new cases," according to a statement.
As many as 39,726 new daily cases were reported in last 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to record the highest daily new cases at 25,833, 65 per cent of the daily cases, followed by Punjab with 2,369 while Kerala reported 1,899 new cases.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh continue to report a surge in fresh COVID-19 cases and they account for 80.63 per cent of the daily new cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
"Some states in the country are reporting a surge in the daily new COVID-19 cases. Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh together account 80.63 per cent of the daily new cases," according to a statement.
As many as 39,726 new daily cases were reported in last 24 hours. Maharashtra continues to record the highest daily new cases at 25,833, 65 per cent of the daily cases, followed by Punjab with 2,369 while Kerala reported 1,899 new cases.
Mar 19, 2021 15:16 (IST)
"Selling Hatred To Create Division": Rahul Gandhi Attacks BJP In Assam
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday asserted that his party, if voted to power in Assam, will ensure that the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) is not implemented in the state.
Affirming that no religion teaches enmity, Mr Gandhi, during his interaction with college students in Dibrugarh district, said the BJP was "selling hatred to create divisions among people".
"It is the BJP that uses hatred to divide society. No matter where they go to spread hatred, the Congress will ensure it promotes there love and harmony," he said.
Mar 19, 2021 12:58 (IST)
30 New Covid Cases In Mumbai's Dharavi, First Daily High In 6 Months
After a gap of six months, Dharavi in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai is once again witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, the latest data released by the Health authorities show. The slum-dominated area located in the heart of the financial capital recorded 30 cases in the last 24 hours, the data shows.
The last time Dharavi, infamous as Asia's largest slum, recorded such a daily rise was on September 11 when 33 cases were reported.
With the addition of the new infections reported on Thursday, the caseload in the area has reached 4,328. There are 140 active cases.
Dharavi - which is spread across 2.5 square kilometres and has a population of 6.5 lakh - recorded 117 cases in January but has since seen a daily rise in cases in the following months. From February -when it reported 157 cases - the number of infections has shot by 35 per cent to 213 cases in March.
After a gap of six months, Dharavi in Maharashtra's capital Mumbai is once again witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, the latest data released by the Health authorities show. The slum-dominated area located in the heart of the financial capital recorded 30 cases in the last 24 hours, the data shows.
The last time Dharavi, infamous as Asia's largest slum, recorded such a daily rise was on September 11 when 33 cases were reported.
With the addition of the new infections reported on Thursday, the caseload in the area has reached 4,328. There are 140 active cases.
Dharavi - which is spread across 2.5 square kilometres and has a population of 6.5 lakh - recorded 117 cases in January but has since seen a daily rise in cases in the following months. From February -when it reported 157 cases - the number of infections has shot by 35 per cent to 213 cases in March.
Mar 19, 2021 11:18 (IST)
US To Meet 100 Million COVID-19 Vaccines Target This Week: Joe Biden
President Joe Biden said Thursday that his goal of getting 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses administered in his first 100 days in office will be met by Friday, far in advance of the original target.
"I'm proud to announce that tomorrow, 58 days into my administration, we will have met my goal of administering 100 million shots to our fellow Americans," he said in a White House speech.
When Biden came into office on January 20, the program to stop the coronavirus pandemic through national vaccination was only just getting going.
Biden initially said he wanted 100 million doses administered within 100 days but after easily reaching that target he said he would announce a new benchmark next week.
"Eight weeks ago, only eight percent of seniors -- those most vulnerable to Covid-19 -- had received a vaccination. Today, 65 percent of people aged 65 or older have received at least one shot," he said.
President Joe Biden said Thursday that his goal of getting 100 million coronavirus vaccine doses administered in his first 100 days in office will be met by Friday, far in advance of the original target.
When Biden came into office on January 20, the program to stop the coronavirus pandemic through national vaccination was only just getting going.
Biden initially said he wanted 100 million doses administered within 100 days but after easily reaching that target he said he would announce a new benchmark next week.
"Eight weeks ago, only eight percent of seniors -- those most vulnerable to Covid-19 -- had received a vaccination. Today, 65 percent of people aged 65 or older have received at least one shot," he said.
Mar 19, 2021 10:02 (IST)
Nearly 40,000 Fresh COVID-19 Cases In India In New High This Year
India saw yet another surge of nearly 40,000 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since November 29, the government data this morning showed. This takes the country's tally to 1,15,14,331 total cases. 154 deaths in the last 24 hours took the total number fatalities to 1,59,370.
The spike in coronavirus cases comes ahead of assembly elections in four states and one union territory that begin next week.
India saw yet another surge of nearly 40,000 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest single-day spike since November 29, the government data this morning showed. This takes the country's tally to 1,15,14,331 total cases. 154 deaths in the last 24 hours took the total number fatalities to 1,59,370.
The spike in coronavirus cases comes ahead of assembly elections in four states and one union territory that begin next week.
Mar 19, 2021 09:45 (IST)
39,726 new Coronavirus cases reported in India
India on Thursday reported 39,726 new coronavirus cases, health ministry data said.
India on Thursday reported 39,726 new coronavirus cases, health ministry data said.
Mar 19, 2021 09:40 (IST)
"At This Rate, Virus Will Win The Race": P Chidambaram On Vaccination Drive
Lamenting the slow pace of vaccination in the country, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday said at this rate the virus will win the race and attacked the government for having "failed" in the vaccination rollout.
"The central government has failed miserably in rolling out the vaccination to Indians," he said, urging the government to allow walk-in vaccination on demand.
"Is there any wonder that the number of infections is rising rapidly every day," he asked.
Mr Chidambaram said he shared pride that India exported 5.9 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Lamenting the slow pace of vaccination in the country, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday said at this rate the virus will win the race and attacked the government for having "failed" in the vaccination rollout.
"The central government has failed miserably in rolling out the vaccination to Indians," he said, urging the government to allow walk-in vaccination on demand.
"Is there any wonder that the number of infections is rising rapidly every day," he asked.
Mr Chidambaram said he shared pride that India exported 5.9 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
Mar 19, 2021 08:20 (IST)
European Countries To Resume AstraZeneca Vaccinations After "Safe, Effective" Verdict
Leading EU countries said Thursday they would resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab is "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk after days of commotion around the shot.
The closely-watched announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said the vaccine was safe, adding that it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.
After the EMA's announcement a raft of European countries said they would soon resume vaccinations, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria
Leading EU countries said Thursday they would resume AstraZeneca vaccinations after the European medical regulator said the jab is "safe and effective" and not associated with a higher blood clot risk after days of commotion around the shot.
The closely-watched announcement from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) came after the WHO and Britain's health watchdog both said the vaccine was safe, adding that it was far riskier to not get the shot as several countries face a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.
After the EMA's announcement a raft of European countries said they would soon resume vaccinations, including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Bulgaria
Mar 19, 2021 08:03 (IST)
At 25,833, Maharashtra Reports Highest Daily Rise In Covid Cases
Maharashtra has logged 25,833 fresh cases of Covid over the last 24 hours -- highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, becoming the epicentre of the second peak of the virus. In the same period, 58 deaths have taken place, marking a sharp rise in both the number of cases and fatalities.
Yesterday, the state logged 23,179 new coronavirus cases -- nearly 30 per cent higher than the day before. As of March 1, the positivity rate was around 11 per cent for Maharashtra, which grew to more than 16 per cent. Over the last 24 hours, the figure has dropped marginally to 13.35 per cent.
The figures on fatality also reflect a similar trend, currently standing at 2.2 per cent.
While the Uddhav Thackeray government is not giving any break-up data or details on hotspot locations, it is suspected that several strains of mutated virus are at work there, which accounts for such sharp rise in numbers.
Maharashtra has logged 25,833 fresh cases of Covid over the last 24 hours -- highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year, becoming the epicentre of the second peak of the virus. In the same period, 58 deaths have taken place, marking a sharp rise in both the number of cases and fatalities.
Yesterday, the state logged 23,179 new coronavirus cases -- nearly 30 per cent higher than the day before. As of March 1, the positivity rate was around 11 per cent for Maharashtra, which grew to more than 16 per cent. Over the last 24 hours, the figure has dropped marginally to 13.35 per cent.
The figures on fatality also reflect a similar trend, currently standing at 2.2 per cent.
While the Uddhav Thackeray government is not giving any break-up data or details on hotspot locations, it is suspected that several strains of mutated virus are at work there, which accounts for such sharp rise in numbers.
Mar 19, 2021 06:37 (IST)
Night curfew imposed in Amritsar
Amid surging COVID-19 cases, a night curfew has been imposed in Amritsar as a precautionary measure against the virus. The city reported 230 fresh cases of COVID-19 on March 18.
"The Chief Minister has ordered a curfew in the city between 11 pm and 5 am," said Assistant Commissioner of Police (Central) Parvesh Chopra.
Ahead of Holi celebrations, shopkeepers in Amritsar said their businesses are adversely affected due to rising cases of COVID-19.
Punjab reported 2,387 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, informed the state health department on Thursday.Meanwhile, Jalandhar District Collector Ghanshyam Thori and Ludhiana District Collector Varinder Sharna on Thursday imposed a night curfew in the respective districts from tonight. The curfew will remain imposed from 9 pm to 5 am until further orders.With the fresh COVID-19 cases, the total number of cases in the state now stands at 2,05,418.
Mar 19, 2021 06:23 (IST)
Amid third COVID-19 wave, France to go into month-long lockdown from Friday
French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday imposed a month-long lockdown in 16 areas of the country, including the greater Paris and Nice areas, in wake of rising COVID-19 cases.
The new measures will go into effect from Friday midnight lasting four weeks but are less restrictive than measures imposed in March and November of last year, reported CNN.
"Our choice, to be less restrictive on possibilities to leave one's home, will need to go hand in hand with real caution," PM Castex said.
"This is clearly about allowing for people to be outside, but not to go to friends'' homes to have a party or meet with many people without social distancing or a face mask. We know that it is in that kind of situation that the virus prospers," he added.
