COVID-19 Live Updates: India has recorded 5,609 coronavirus cases in the last 24-hours.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): A total of 660 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported today, the biggest single-day spike, the authorities said. The coronavirus death count in Delhi has mounted to 208. The total number of cases in the city now stands at 12,319. This is the first time in Delhi that over 600 COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day.
According to the Delhi Health Department bulletin, out of the total 12,319 cases recorded so far, at least 1,835 are admitted to various hospitals like LNJP Hospital, RML Hospital, Safdarjung Hospital, Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) and AIIMS Jhajjhar. It said 169 patients are in intensive care unit and 27 on ventilators.
India has recorded the biggest single-day jump of 6,088 new coronavirus cases, with the total cases hitting 1,1,8447, including 3,583 deaths, Union Health Ministry figures this morning show. 148 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.
The Union health ministry on Thursday said the period of lockdown has been gainfully utilised to "ramp up the health infrastructure", with around 3,027 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and 7,013 care centers being readied across the country to fight the disease.
Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus Outbreak:
Coronavirus news: Markets in Ghaziabad to open from May 25
The Ghaziabad administration in Uttar Pradesh on Friday said markets in the district will open from May 25 on alternate days from 10 am to 5 pm.
Two days' time has been given to shopkeepers to make arrangements to ensure social distancing, it said.
District Magistrate (DM) Ajay Shankar Pandey told news agency PTI that in case the markets open on Saturday, people would rush to shop and there is a risk of spreading of COVID-19.
Coronavirus update: Top Court issues guidelines concerning Lawyers Chamber Blocks
In view of coronavirus outbreak and the countrywide lockdown which is in the fourth phase with some relaxations, the Supreme Court has issued a circular which said that all Lawyers Chamber Blocks in the SCs premises will be open for entry of only members and their staff.
The circular also said that Lawyers Chamber Blocks will have to follow fixed timings, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: Shops selling essential items will be allowed to open till 9 pm depending on the Eid ul- Fitr moon sighting, says Kerala CM
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday said that shops selling essential items will be allowed to open till 9 pm depending on the Eid ul- Fitr moon sighting.
"The faithful usually visit shops after the moon sighting in the night. So the shops selling essential items will be allowed to remain open until 9 pm for that day," said Mr Vijayan while addressing a press conference.
Chief Minister said that if Eid ul-Fitr falls on Sunday, certain relaxations will be granted in the complete lockdown that Kerala has declared on every Sundays, ANI reported.
Coronavirus news: 7-day institutional quarantine for returnees from 6 high-risk states, says Karnataka Government
The Karnataka government on Friday said returnees from six states with high COVID-19 caseload -- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh -- will be kept in institutional quarantine for seven days, PTI reported.
After the returnees test negative for the disease in pool testing, they will be sent for home quarantine for another seven days, it said.
Coronavirus update: Cyclone Amphan hits COVID-19 testing in Bengal; coronavirus death count rises to 193
Cyclone Amphan hits COVID-19 testing in Bengal; coronavirus death count rises to 19. The number of samples tested for COVID-19 in West Bengal almost halved over the last two days, as most technicians could not reach laboratories making their way through thousands of trees and electric poles that lay scattered across the state, owing to the impact of Cyclone Amphan, a senior official said.
While the number of samples tested on Tuesday and Wednesday were 8,712 and 8,722, respectively, the count came down to 4,242 on Thursday and 5,355 on Friday, PTI reported.
COVID-19 News: Jammu and Kashmir Reports 40 New Coronavirus Cases
Forty new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today, taking the total count of cases in the union territory (UT) to 1,489.
A media bulletin from the administration of Jammu and Kashmir said that "40 new COVID19 cases (33 from Kashmir division and 7 from Jammu division) reported since yesterday."
The total number of positive cases in the union territory is 1,489 so far, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus News: 100 Stranded Indians Brought Back From USAn Air India special flight from New York carrying 100 passengers, including 60 residents of Punjab, landed at the Chandigarh international airport today afternoon, officials said.
The Air India flight AI-0102 reached Chandigarh via Delhi. Other than 60 residents of Punjab, the flight carried 12 residents of Haryana, 16 of Himachal Pradesh, 10 of Chandigarh and two of Uttarakhand.
All the returnees will reach their destinations under the supervision of the respective state government representatives, who had set up help desks at the airport, and will be quarantined for 14 days, officials said, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19 News: National Disaster Response Force Reports First Coronavirus CaseAn official of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been found positive for coronavirus, the first case such being detected in the federal contingency force, officials said today.
They said the sub-Inspector rank official was on leave and had gone to a doctor for some dental treatment, following which his COVID-19 test was done.
The NDRF official has been admitted to an isolation ward in a Greater Noida hospital on Thursday, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19 News: Assam Reports 46 New Coronavirus Cases, Highest Single-Day Spike
Assam witnessed the biggest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 46 people testing positive today, taking the total tally to 256, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
All the fresh cases were reported from different quarantine centres and hospitals in Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat and Silchar, he said in a series of tweets, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19 News: Haryana Sees 3-Fold Increase In coronavirus Cases In 3 Weeks
Haryana has recorded a three-fold increase in coronavirus cases in the first three weeks of May and a majority of them have come from four NCR districts.
The cases have jumped from 339 on April 30 to 1,067 on May 22, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus News: 5,000 Fined For Not Wearing Face Masks In UP Amid COVID-19
The Uttar Pradesh police has initiated action against 5,000 people in the state in recent days for not wearing masks or covering their faces and imposed fines on them, a senior government official said today.
"They are being warned and asked not come out without mask or face cover," Additional Chief Secretary, Home and Information, Awanish Kumar Awasthi told reporters in Lucknow, news agency PTI reported.
COVID-19 News: Kerala Reports 42 New Coronavirus Cases, Highest One-Day Spike
Kerala has reported its highest rise of COVID-19 cases in a single day with 42 new cases today of which 23 returned from other states and 17 from abroad.
There are 84,258 people under observation across the state, 83,649 are quarantined in their houses or institutional quarantine centres and 609 are isolated in hospitals.
A total of 162 people were admitted to hospitals today.
Till now, 51,310 samples have been sent for testing and 49,535 samples have been confirmed without any infection. Apart from this, as part of sentinel surveillance of high-risk groups, 7,072 samples were tested separately and out of these, 6,630 samples have been confirmed with no infection.
No new place was declared as hotspot today and there are 28 hotspots in the state, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus Patient Allegedly Denied Ambulance, Walks To Hospital In MaharashtraA man who tested positive for coronavirus had to walk around 2 kilometres to the hospital in Maharashtra's Dombivili on Thursday after he was allegedly denied an ambulance by the authorities.
After repeated calls to the hospital, the patient was allegedly told that no ambulance was available at the moment and he may come to the hospital on his own.
The patient then walked to the hospital with help of some local residents.
Read here Coronavirus Update: Doctor, 67, Dies of COVID-19 In Indore
A 67-year old doctor has died of coronavirus infection in Madhya Pradesh's Indore.
An official told news agency PTI that the doctor had been admitted to a private hospital in the city in critical condition.
"Despite all efforts, his life could not be saved. He died on Thursday evening," he said.
The doctor ran a private clinic, but such clinics had been shut after the virus outbreak, and the source of his infection was being ascertained, the official added.
Coronavirus News: Visa, Travel Restrictions Eased For These OCI Cardholders Stranded AbroadVisa and travel restrictions imposed during the coronavirus lockdown have been relaxed for certain categories of Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) stranded abroad and wishing to return to India, the Home Ministry said on Friday afternoon.
In its notification the ministry said restrictions imposed via an earlier order "would not apply to any aircraft, ship, train or any other vehicle deployed to bring back OCI cardholders stranded abroad".
Read COVID-19 Ambulance Teams Working 24x7 Have Dues Pending For MonthsIn seconds after getting a call, Ganesh and Prashanth - frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus in Kerala - start donning their Personal Protection Equipment. Within minutes, two more men rush into the same room to change into their PPEs. These men, working round the clock, are a part of COVID-19 ambulance emergency response teams in the state.
"We are going to a quarantine centre. Someone there needs to be taken to a hospital for swab collection. I have been on this duty for three days. I work cumulatively for a few days before returning to my family. I am proud to be a part of this team", Mr Ganesh, a technician with the emergency response team said.
Read Coronavirus update: Don't Begin Flights Till May 31, Tamil Nadu To Centre Over Virus SpurtTamil Nadu has asked the central government not to restart flights in the state until May 31 on account of a spurt in coronavirus cases.
Flights are to resume from Monday, but Tamil Nadu has asked the civil aviation ministry to defer the move because of rising COVID-19 cases in Chennai.
The government has said flights will initially operate from metros, including Chennai, and will be increased gradually.
Tamil Nadu said besides the virus worries, Chennai also does not have enough public transport because of the lockdown.
"We are yet to hear from the civil aviation ministry," a senior Officer told NDTV.
Read More Coronavirus News: PM's Package "Cruel Joke On Country", Says Sonia Gandhi At Opposition MeetThe government has abandoned any pretence of being democratic, has no compassion for the poor and has embarked on a "wild adventure of so-called reforms" including a grand clearance sale of public sector units, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said today during the first online meeting of opposition parties to discuss the coronavirus crisis.
"All power is now concentrated in one office, the PMO," the Congress president said in a searing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over its Covid response.
Read Coronavirus News: India Scaled Up Coronavirus Testing 100 Times In 2 MonthsIndia has significantly ramped up COVID-19 testing since the first test on January 24 at Pune's National Institute of Virology, from a "one lab, one test" scenario at the start of the outbreak to one lakh tests per day in May.
There has been a steady increase in testing capacity over that period, starting with only four labs carrying out tests in the first week of February to 1,000 tests per day in March and one lakh tests daily tests this month.
Overall, according to the ICMR (Indian Council for Medical Research, the nodal body in this health crisis), India has conducted over 25 lakh COVID-19 tests so far.
Read Coronavirus Update: Intra-State Train Services Resume In Karnataka
Intra-state passenger train services resumed in the Karnataka on Friday, nearly two months after being suspended due to COVID-19 lockdown, with the operation of three trains, the South Western Railway said.
"First intra-state passenger train in India after March 22 started in South Western Railway. We are back to normal," it said in a statement.
Congress's Sanjay Jha tests positive for COVID-19
Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha has been tested positive for coronavirus, he said on Twitter on Friday afternoon. Mr Jha, who is asymptomatic or without symptoms of the infection, is under home quarantine in Mumbai.
Read Here Maharashtra cop dies of coronavirus
HC Arun Phadtare from Vile Parle Police Station, Mumbai lost his life to coronavirus. May his soul rest in peace. DGP and all ranks of Maharashtra Police offer their condolences to the Phadtare family: Maharashtra Police
Congress leader tests positive for coronavirus
I have tested positive for coronavirus. As I am asymptomatic I am in home quarantine for the next 10-12 days. Please don't underestimate transmission risks, we are all vulnerable. Do take care all: Congress Leader, Sanjay Jha
Domestic flights from Monday: Check full schedule here
Aviation regulator Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has released the schedule of flights that would operate from May 25. The schedule -- which details flight name along with its arrival and departure time and the origin and destination city -- has been prepared till June 30. Only GoAir flights will operate till August 24, as per the schedule.
Read Here UP government clears Rs 36 lakh bill sent by Rajasthan government for return of students
A day after the Congress-led Rajasthan government sent a bill of over Rs 36 lakh for facilitating the return of stranded students of Uttar Pradesh from Kota, the Yogi Adityanath government cleared the dues on Friday, an official said, reports PTI.
Coronavirus news: Four persons test positive for COVID-19 in Assam
Four persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total number of cases to 214, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Friday. The fresh cases were detected among those in two quarantine centres in Tezpur and Jorhat, Sarma said in a series of tweets.
Coronavirus: Chattisgarh records 16 fresh COVID-19 cases
At least 16 more people, mostly migrant labourers, tested positive for COVID-19 in Chhattisgarh on Friday, taking the state''s tally to 148, a health official said, reports PTI.
Coronavirus latest news: 105 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Karnataka
105 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Karnataka from 5 pm yesterday till 12 noon today.
Coronavirus news: Delhi reports 660 new coronavirus cases in last 24 hour
Delhi reports 660 new coronavirus cases and 14 deaths in last 24 hours.
Coronavirus: Special flight from Vancouver reached Amritsar today
Special repatriation flight carrying 116 passengers from Vancouver in Canada reached Amritsar today.
Coronavirus news: Uber resumes operations in Karnataka
Uber said today that it has resumed its operations in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, and Hubballi, in compliance with Lockdown 4.0 guidelines issued by the Government, reports PTI.
COVID-19: Uttarakhand government to allocate Rs 1,000 each to auto drivers registered with Tourism Department
The Uttarakhand government has decided to grant Rs 1,000 to auto drivers registered with the State Tourism Department. This will impose a surcharge of Rs 25 crore on the state government, reports ANI.
COVID-19 news: 76 test coronavirus positive in Indore
As many as 76 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Indore in the last 24 hours, taking up the number of such cases to 2,850, an official said today, reports PTI.
Don't begin flights till May 31: Tamil Nadu to Centre over virus spurt
Tamil Nadu has asked the central government not to restart flights in the state until May 31 on account of a spurt in coronavirus cases. Flights are to resume from Monday, but Tamil Nadu has asked the civil aviation ministry to defer the move because of rising COVID-19 cases in Chennai.
Read Here Coronavirus: 86 new COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha, state count 1,189
Eighty-six new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Odisha today, as per information provided by the State Health Department, reports ANI.
Air India domestic flight bookings to start today
Air India tweeted: Our domestic flight bookings will start from today.
Delhi sees heavy traffic at ITO
Heavy traffic congestion seen at ITO in Delhi.
NITI Aayog CEO welcomes RBI announcements
NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant congratulated RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das for being progressive and for being a solution provider in these challenging times. Great to see the Repo rate cut by 40 Bps to 4% for extending the moratorium. Now we need a one time restructuring of loans for seriously impacted sectors. This is critical.
Coronavirus news: 23 more test COVID-19 positive in Nashik district
With 23 more persons testing positive for coronavirus, the tally in Nashik district of Maharashtra has gone up to 890, officials said on Friday. These included 11 from Malegaon town and eight from Nashik city. The remaining four patients are from outside the district but they are undergoing treatment here, according to an official statement issued by the local administration, PTI reports.
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra takes control of 80% of private hospital beds, caps rates
The Maharashtra government has taken control of 80 per cent of all private hospital beds in the state till August 31 as it tackles over 40,000 coronavirus cases, the most in the country. Facing complaints of exorbitant rates charged by hospitals, the Uddhav Thackeray government has also capped the price for treatment.
Read Here Government revenues have been impacted severely: RBI Governor
Government revenues have been impacted severely due to slowdown in economic activity amid COVID-19 outbreak, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
Government revenues have been impacted severely: RBI Governor
Government revenues have been impacted severely due to slowdown in economic activity amid COVID-19 outbreak, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
COVID-19 news: India Post Office resumes booking for International speed post to 15 countries
India Post Office has resumed booking for international speed post to 15 countries and international tracked packet services to already available destinations amid the lockdown, said Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday, reports ANI.
Coronavirus has crippled the global economy: RBI Governor
Coronavirus has crippled the global economy, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das in his address today.
Coronavirus news: Air India flight with 327 passengers to arrive in Delhi from New York
Under the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission, An Air India repatriation flight from New York carrying 327 passengers and one infant is scheduled to land in Delhi at 10:30 am on Friday. The flight will then leave for Chandigarh, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus latest news: Five new COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand's Bokaro
With five new cases of COVID-19 in Jharkhand's Bokaro district, the total number of coronavirus cases reached 308 on Friday, said Nitin Madan Kulkarni, Jharkhand Health Secretary, reports ANI.
Coronavirus latest news: 6,088 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours
India has recorded the biggest single-day jump of 6,088 new coronavirus cases, with the total cases hitting 1,1,8447, including 3,583 deaths, Union Health Ministry figures this morning show. 148 deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours.
Coronavirus news: Special flight arrives in Amritsar from Kuala Lumpur
Under Vande Bharat Mission, a special repatriation flight carrying Indian nationals from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia arrived at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Friday, reports news agency ANI.
Coronavirus latest news: People gather outside Rail Reservation Centre of New Delhi Railway Station
People gather outside the Rail Reservation Centre of New Delhi Railway Station as reservation counters and Common Service Centers to book train tickets will resume today.
Coronavirus news: Preparations at Amritsar airport for domestic flight services resumption
Amritsar airport authorities are making arrangements to ensure social distancing in view of resumption of domestic flight services from May 25, reports PTI.
Coronavirus - Maharashtra crosses 40,000 COVID-19 Cases
Maharashtra registered as many as 2,345 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the COVID-19 tally in the state to 41,642, health officials said on Thursday. Mumbai crossed the 25,000 mark with 1,382 new cases. With 64 deaths due to the pandemic reported during the day - 41 of them in the worst-hit city of Mumbai - the number of fatalities in the state rose to 1,454, officials said.
Read Here Coronavirus news: With 76 new cases, Indore's COVID-19 count reaches 2,850
Seventy-six persons were tested positive for COVID-19 in Indore on Thursday, taking the city tally to 2,850, CMO Dr Praveen Jadiya informed. The death count in the city has now reached 109, he added.
Coronavirus news: People arrive at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Ghazipur
Delhi people arrive at wholesale fruit and vegetable market in Ghazipur, to make purchases amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus News: 38 New Cases In Haryana Takes Total To 1,031
Coronavirus cases in Haryana rose to 1,031 after 38 new cases were reported on Thursday, the state Health Department data showed, reported ANI. "The total recovered /discharged patients in the state are 681. The recovery rate in the state is 66.05 per cent. There are 335 active COVID-19 patients in the state while the doubling rate here is 17 days," informed the department.
Coronavirus News: 7 Posted At Delhi Police Wireless Control Room Test Positive
Seven people posted at the Wireless Control Room of Delhi Police's west district have tested positive for coronavirus following which the district control room was shut on Thursday night, police said, reported PTI. A staffer posted at the wireless control room of the west district tested positive four days ago, following which samples of others were taken for testing. "After seven were found coronavirus positive, we had to shut down the operations from the office concerned by 8 pm. Thirty staff members are being sent for home isolation for the next five days," a senior police officer said. Meanwhile, Mobile Control Room of the force will function as the west district control room, he said.
Coronavirus News: J&K Government Brought Home 83,334 Stranded Residents Amid Lockdown
The Jammu and Kashmir government has brought home over 83,000 residents, including students, in 23 special trains, three flights and scores of buses, an official said on Thursday, reported PTI. It brought home 63,109 state residents from other states and UTs through the Lakhanpur border with Punjab, and 19,724 people in special trains to Jammu and Udhampur railway stations. Also, 501 people, including students, have been flown back from other countries in special flights, he said.
Coronavirus News: Police Constable Dies Of Coronavirus In Mumbai
A 55-year-old constable of the Mumbai police died of the novel coronavirus infection on Thursday, an official said, reported PTI. The constable was posted at Mumbai's Vile Parle police station and had tested positive for the virus earlier this month, he said. He was undergoing treatment at a private hospital since May 9 and died on Thursday, he said. 11 policemen have died of coronavirus infection from Mumbai and 17 have died in the Maharashtra police force, the official said. Earlier on Thursday, a 43-year-old police constable died of coronavirus in Pune, while a woman constable died in Thane, the official said.
Lockdown period utilised to ramp up country's medical infrastructure: Health Ministry
Health ministry has said that the period of lockdown has been gainfully utilised to "ramp up the health infrastructure", with around 3,027 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and 7,013 care centers being readied across the country to fight the disease.
"There are reports in a section of the media about some decisions of the government regarding the lockdown implementation and response to COVID-19 management. The period of the lockdown has been gainfully utilised to ramp up the health infrastructure in the country," the ministry said.
Coronavirus News: Train Ticket Reservation Counters To Open At Select Railway Stations From TomorrowThe Indian Railways will open its reservation counters at select stations for booking of only reserved tickets from tomorrow, the Railway Board said in an order today.
It said it will also allow reservation of reserved tickets from common service centres (CSC) and through ticketing agents with effect from Friday.
The zonal railways have been instructed to decide and notify opening of reservation counters according to local needs and conditions, the order stated.
These booking counters as well as the CSCs were shut since March 25 when a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus began.
Earlier in the day, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said booking of train tickets will resume at around 1.7 lakh CSCs across the country from tomorrow (Friday), making the service accessible to those in remote locations where the availability of computers and internet is negligible or absent.
Read PM Modi In Bengal, Odisha Tomorrow For Aerial Survey Of Cyclone Amphan DamagePrime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengal and Odisha tomorrow to survey the ground situation after yesterday's havoc by cyclone Amphan. Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the Prime Minister to visit the state and inspect the damage, which she said was in the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore.
"I have never witnessed such a fierce cyclone and destruction in my life. I would request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come and visit Cyclone Amphan-affected areas," Mr Banerjee said after a review meeting this morning.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister, in a series of tweets, said the entire county stands with Bengal and "no stone will be left unturned" to help those affected.
Read Birth dose vaccinations to continue in all zones: Centre
The health ministry has said that the birth dose vaccinations at health facilities would continue irrespective of the categorisation of zones.
According to the "Guidance note for immunisation services during and post COVID outbreak" released by the Union Health Ministry, an area exiting a containment or a buffer zone category can start facility-based and outreach immunization activities only after a minimum gap of 14 days.
Coronvirus News: 7 Fare Bands For Domestic Flights; Ticket Prices Between Rs 2,000-18,600Air tickets will be capped between Rs 2,000 and Rs 18,600 in seven bands depending on flight duration, the government said on Thursday, as it announced details of resuming air travel after a two-month suspension because of the coronavirus crisis.
Flights under 40 minutes will have a lower and upper limit of Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,000, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.
For flights with duration between 40 and 60 minutes, there will be a lower and upper fare limit of Rs 2,500 and Rs 7,500, the agency said.
Flights between 90 and 120 minutes, like the Delhi-Mumbai route, will have a lower and upper fare limit of Rs 3,500 and Rs 10,000, the DGCA said.
Read More Coronavirus News: Rajastha's COVID-19 Count Rises To 6,146
Rajasthan reported 131 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, taking its the total count to 6,146, as per the Health Department''s latest bulletin issued on Thursday.
There are 2,574 active COVID-19 cases, while 3,422 patients have been discharged.
Three new deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the number of deaths to 150.
Coronavirus Update: Centre Says Lockdown Period Utilised To Ramp Up Country's Medical Infrastructure
Health Ministry has said the period of lockdown has been gainfully utilised to "ramp up the health infrastructure".
The Ministry added that around 3,027 dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and 7,013 care centers being readied across the country to fight the disease.
"There are reports in a section of the media about some decisions of the government regarding the lockdown implementation and response to COVID-19 management. The period of the lockdown has been gainfully utilised to ramp up the health infrastructure in the country," the ministry said.
Coronavirus News: 27 Test Positive In Himachal Pradesh
Twenty-seven people have tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh. The total number of cases in the state so far now stands at 138, officials said on Thursday.
At least 15 of them returned either from Mumbai or West Bengal recently, they said.
Coronavirus News: Yogi Adityanath Asks Official To Increase Beds In COVID-19 Hospitals To 1 Lakh By Month-EndYogi Adityanath has asked officials in Uttar Pradesh to increase the number of beds in COVID-19 hospitals to one lakh by the end of this month.
The Chief Minister held a meeting with the officers of ''COVID-19 management Team-11'' today.
According to a press release, "the UP CM expressed satisfaction over the availability of 78,033 beds in L1, L2 and L3 COVID hospitals in the state and directed to increase the number of beds to 1 lakh by the end of this month."
Coromavirus Update: 24 New Cases In KeralaAs many as 24 more people have tested positive of coronavirus on Thursday. "With 24 new COVID-19 cases, the total number of active cases in the state has mounted to 177 and a total of 510 people have recovered," read an official statement issued by the State Health Department.
As per health ministry, the total number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 1,12,359, including 45,300 recovered/migrated and 3,435 deaths.
Bihar reports 10th COVID-19 Death, Tally Reaches 1,872
A migrant from Delhi, who died in Bihar's Begusarai a couple of days ago, is state's 10th COVID 19 casualty, officials said here on Thursday.
The health department said the total count of coronavirus positive cases has risen to 1872 in the state.
According to a state official, the man belonged to Khagaria district and he had died at a hospital in Begusarai on May 17 where he was admitted upon a deterioration in his health.
"His test reports came out late Wednesday night, confirming that he was infected with the coronavirus," an official told PTI-Bhasha.
Coronavirus News: Delhi Jail Official Tests COVID-19 Positive
A senior official at Delhi's Mandoli Jail has tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Thursday.
"The officer was on leave since May 11 as he had fever. He got himself tested for COVID-19 at Ganga Ram Hospital and the report came positive on Wednesday," a senior jail official said.
COVID-19 update: Cop Dies Of Coronavirus In Hyderabad
A policeman, 37, died of coronavirus in Hyderabad on Wednesday, news agency PTI has reported. The constable was undergoing treatment at a government hospital. The constable is survived by wife and two children. Telangana Director General of Police (DGP) M Mahendar Reddy expressed condolences over the death of the police personnel.
The DGP tweeted "#PoliceConstableOfficer a #Covid19FrontLineWarrior of @hydcitypolice died of #CoronaVirus last night @ GandhiHospital. My Heartfelt Condolences to the bereaved family members. The Govt & #TSPolice will standby & support the family in #TheHourOfDistress by all means."
Coronavirus News: Gobal Coronavirus Count Surpasses 5 Million, More Than 3 Lakh Deaths
More than 5 million or 50 lakh people have been infected by the novel Coronavirus now, with more than 3 lakh deaths, said Johns Hopkins University on Wednesday.
The United States is the worst-hit country from COVID-19, which was declared as a pandemic by the WHO on March 11.
At least 93,439 people have died in the US from the coronavirus, according to Johns Hopkins University's latest tally.
New fare structure has been done to ensure flying is affordable: Hardeep Singh Puri
Full domestic travel will be opened based on other forms of transport - like railways. Flight durations have been divided in 7 categories - 0-30 mins, 30-60, 60-90, 90-120, 120-150, 150-180, and 180-210 mins.There is a new fare structure. The focus is to grow the aviation sector much larger than what it was before COVID-19. The new fare structure has been done to ensure that flying is affordable for as many people as possible. For example The minimum fare for a Delhi-Mumbai flight will be Rs.3,500 and the maximum fare will be Rs 10,000. This will be applicable for 3 months, says Hardeep Singh Puri
Only web check-ins will be allowed: Hardeep Singh Puri
There will be no physical check-ins at airports. Only web check-ins will be allowed. Aarogya Setu app will be mandated on mobile devices. Only 1 check-in bag to be allowed. Passengers will have to reach the airport at least 2 hours before the flight. Food and beverage will not be served on flights. All cabin staff will have to wear full protective gear. All fares will have to be within the fixed slab. The number of flights will be increased from the one-third we are starting with as and when the situation permits, says Hardeep Singh Puri
Domestic civil aviation services to resume starting May 25
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that starting Monday May 25, the government will restart the domestic civil aviation operations in calibrated manner.
Hardeep Singh Puri addressing media on resumption of airline services
Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, while addressing media today, said, "The clear focus of the Vande Bharat minnsion was to bring back Indians who were genuinely stranded or were under stress. It was not b=to bring back all Indians, as the numbers are large. Vande Bharat mission has been a success and was done well."
Coronavirus news: 116 new COVID-19 cases in Karnataka, total infections at 1,578
For the second time this week, Karnataka registered over 100 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the state's count to 1,578 till Thursday afternoon. According to the health department, as many as 116 cases, most of them returnees to the state, were added in the state from since Wednesday evening.
Coronavirus cases: Barabanki emerges as COVID-19 hotspot; 95 new cases
Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district has emerged as the new COVID-19 hotspot as 95 new cases of the virus were reported in a single day, half of them migrant workers returning from other states. District Magistrate, Barabanki, Aadarsh Kumar, said on Wednesday that of the 245 samples sent for testing on May 15-16, 95 have been found positive.
No meals, minimum hand baggage: dos and don'ts on flights
Only those passengers who have downloaded the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones should be allowed to travel once commercial flight operations begin from May 25, the government said today.
Read Here Coronavirus news: 11 new COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh
At least 11 more people, mostly migrant workers, tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh on Thursday, taking the state''s tally to 126, a health official said.
Coronavirus news: DMRC reviews preparedness ahead of resuming metro services
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) Managing Director Mangu Singh today reviewed the preparedness ahead of resuming metro services soon in the national capital.
More trains soon, bookings to begin at rail counters in 2-3 days: Centre
More trains will be allowed soon, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said today, asserting that it was time to take India towards normalcy after weeks of shutdown to slow the spread of coronavirus. "We will announce resumption of more trains; it is time to take India towards normalcy," Piyush Goyal was quoted as saying by Press Trust of India.
Read More International scheduled flight operations to remain suspended at Delhi Airport till May 31, 2020
All domestic scheduled flight operations will resume in a graded manner from May 25, 2020 and International scheduled flight operations to remain suspended at Delhi Airport till May 31, 2020.
COVID-19 news: Nearly 1.5 lakh tickets booked in first 2 hrs for trains running from June 1
Almost 1.50 lakh tickets were booked within two hours of opening the bookings for the 100 pairs of passenger trains that the railways will operationalise on June 1, officials said Thursday. On Wednesday, railways issued a list of 100 pairs of trains that it will operate from June 1. The list included popular trains such as Durontos, Sampark Krantis, Jan Shatabdis and Poorva Express. This is the second slew of special passenger services that marked the Railways graded restoration of its trains which were suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus news: How airport security checks in India will look amid pandemic
New rules for domestic flight travel during the lockdown were released by the government today, including mandatory thermal screening before entering airport terminals, use of face masks for the entire journey and displaying "green" status on the Aarogya Setu app. Passengers will also be required to do a web check-in at home and obtain a boarding pass before arriving at the airport.
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Bookings also to resume at ticket counters of stations in next 2-3 days: Piyush Goyal
We are going to announce the resumption of more trains in the upcoming days. We have also permitted the operation of shops at railway stations. However, only takeaways will be allowed, said Railway Minister Piyush Goyal.
Domestic flight rules: Only web check-in, 1 check-in bag, crew in PPE
About a third of operations will be allowed when domestic flights resume on Monday, the civil aviation ministry said while releasing SOPs for flying in the time of coronavirus. The ministry has said vulnerable persons, including the elderly, pregnant women and passengers with health issues should avoid air travel.
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Coronavirus latest news: India fights coronavirus
Ministry of Health has advised people to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places.
Coronavirus lockdown: For domestic flights, only passengers with web check-in allowed
For domestic flights, only passengers with web check-in allowed, only one check-in bag, flight crew in full protective suits.
Coronavirus: Odisha reports 7th COVID death, total cases 1103
Odisha today reported its seventh COVID-19 fatality, while 51 new coronavirus case were detected, taking the total number of such cases to 1,103, official sources said.
Coronavirus news: Akhilesh Yadav on lack of facilities at quarantine centres
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav raised the issue of coronavirus cases and lack facilities at quarantine centres in Uttar Pradesh
Coronavirus update: Gautam Buddh Nagar issues new guidelines for the opening of shops, markets
The administration and trader associations of Gautam Buddh Nagar district on Wednesday reached an agreement to open 50 percent shops in markets on one day and the rest the following day.
Coronavirus news: IRCTC website working fine
Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation tweeted saying the website is working properly and the tickets are getting booked.
Coronavirus update: Assam reports 189 COVID-19 Cases
One new Covid-19 positive case confirmed at Barpeta Medical College. The patient is at Kokrajhar Quarantine Centre.
Coronavirus news: Special flight takes off with 224 Indians from Sydney
An Air India special flight from Sydney carrying 224 Indian nationals is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi on Thursday evening. "First special Air India flight from Sydney to New Delhi, under Vande Bharat Mission, took off today with 224 Indians onboard," the High Commission of India in Australia said on Twitter.
Strict action will be taken against those violating quarantine rules: Uttarakhand Chief Minister
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Wednesday said that strict action will be taken against those found flouting the quarantine rules.
Coronavirus news: SOPs for domestic flights: What is allowed at airports, what isn't
SOPs for airline passengers have been announced by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) a day after the government announced that domestic flights, stopped due to the coronavirus lockdown, would resume from May 25 (Monday).
Read Here Coronavirus news: List of trains to operate from June 1
Complete list of 200 (100 pairs) Mail/Express Trains to be run by Railways Ministry with the effect from June 1.
Coronavirus latest: 5,609 COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours
India has recorded 5,609 coronavirus cases in a 24-hour period, data from the Union Health Ministry showed this morning, with 132 deaths reported in the same period. This takes the total number of cases to 1.12 lakh, with 3,435 deaths linked to the virus.
Coronavirus latest news: Online bookings open today for passenger trains from June 1
The railways today said bookings for 200 regular passenger trains will open from 10 am tomorrow on the IRCTC website or through its app. These trains will run from June 1 and include both air-conditioned and non-AC coaches, the railways said in a statement, a day after it said only non-AC passenger trains would run.
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