India Coronavirus Cases Highlights: The number of people who have recovered is 71,106. (File)
Coronavirus Highlights: The centre has issued fresh guidelines for coronavirus lockdown5 as it extended the lockdown till June 30 in containment zones. The centre has given a plan for phased reopening of areas outside containment zones.
India reported 7,964 new coronavirus cases in 24 hours, registering its biggest jump since the first case was reported in the country in January. 265 people also lost their life due to the virus during the period, taking the total number of deaths to 4,971, the Health Ministry data showed. Over 1,73 lakh people have tested positive for the virus in the country so far.
This is the second consecutive time that more than 7,000 COVID-19 cases have been detected in a 24-hour period and follows seven straight days of more than 6,000 new cases per day.
Here are the Highlights on Coronavirus Outbreak:
Brazil virus death count hits 28,834, surpassing hard-hit France, news agency AFP reported quoting government.
More than 6 million coronavirus cases confirmed worldwide, news agency AFP reported.
Coronavirus: 252 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan, total cases rise to 8,617
With 252 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan on Saturday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 8,617.
According to the state Health Department, there are 2,685 active cases and 5,739 patients have recovered of which 5,079 patients have been discharged.
With nine deaths due to COVID-19 reported in the state in the last 24 hours, the death toll has risen to 193.
Highest spike of 1,163 COVID cases in Delhi takes total to over 18,000A record single-day spike of 1,163 fresh cases took the COVID-19 tally in Delhi to over 18,000 on Saturday and the death toll due to the disease mounted to 416, authorities said.
The previous highest spike in fresh cases -- 1106 -- was recorded on May 29. This is the second consecutive day in Delhi when over 1,100 COVID-19 cases have been reported in a day.
In a bulletin issued on Saturday, the Delhi health department said, the death toll from coronavirus infection has risen to 416, and the total number of cases mounted to 18,549.
The number of containment zones in Delhi increased to 122 on Saturday.
246 new COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh
With 246 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan on Saturday, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state has risen to 7,891.
The state Health Department said that 4,444 patients have been cured and discharged.
Nine deaths due to COVID-19 were reported in the state on Saturday taking the total death toll to 343.
Total number of coronavirus positive cases in Mumbai now 38,220
Coronavirus: 32 new COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh
A total of 32 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 447 in the state, Chhattisgarh health department said.
One death was also reported in the state.
"With the new cases coming in, there are 344 active cases in the state now," the Department of Health said.
390 Domestic Flights Carried Over 35,000 Passengers On Saturday Till 5PM: Minister
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said that a total of 390 domestic flights carrying 35,293 passengers operated in India till 5 PM on Saturday.
Domestic services were suspended in India due to a coronavirus lockdown and resumed after a gap of two months on Monday. Indian carriers operated a total of 1,827 flights till Thursday -- 428 on Monday, 445 on Tuesday, 460 on Wednesday and 494 on Thursday. Puri said 513 domestic flights carrying 39,969 passengers operated on Friday.
New Lockdown Guidelines: Read Government's Full Guidelines HereThe nationwide coronavirus lockdown has been extended to June 30, the centre said today and released a list of new guidelines for the fifth phase. Dubbing it "Unlock 1", which will have an economic focus", the home ministry said prohibited activities will be opened in a phased manner outside containment zones.
These will be allowed in three stages, the ministry said, adding that each would only be allowed if Health Ministry SOPs are followed. Activities listed in the second and third stages will only be permitted after assessing the on-ground situation at that time and in consultation with states and union territories, the home ministry added.
Read More Centre's Nudge To Employers To Have Workers Use Aarogya Setu In New RulesAarogya Setu, the contact-tracing app the centre has pushed in its fight against coronavirus, found a mention in the new guidelines released by the home ministry as the lockdown eases.
Although not mandatory, the centre wants companies on their "best effort basis" to ensure the app is installed by employees having compatible phones. Staggering work hours are allowed in offices, shops, markets, and industrial areas however work from home is encouraged, the centre said in its order.
Saying that the app acts as a shield for individuals and the community, the centre reiterated that Aarogya Setu enables early identification of the potential risk of COVID-19 infection. The app evaluates the chances of the user contracting the virus based on location, medical and travel history.
Read More Decision On Reopening Schools In July After Assessing Situation: CentreThe government today said schools, colleges, coaching centres and other educational institutions will be reopened after discussing the coronavirus situation with the states and Union Territories in July.
"Schools, colleges, educational, training, coaching institutions... will be opened after consultation with states and UTs (Union Territories). State governments and UT administrations may hold consultations at the institution level with parents and other stakeholders. Based on the feedback, a decision on reopening of these institutions will be taken in the month of July, 2020," the Home Ministry said in a statement.
The Health Ministry will make a list of standard operating procedure in consultation with other ministries and departments related to education to ensure social distancing and contain the spread of COVID- 19, the government said in the statement today.
The Home Ministry said all activities will be allowed in areas outside containment zones, except for a select few like malls and restaurants that will reopen in phases and some for which no decision has been taken yet.
Read More New Coronavirus Guidelines: 10 Things To Know10 Facts On Centre's COVID Directives
Face Coverings: Wearing of face cover is compulsory in public places; in workplaces; and during transport.
Social distancing: Individuals must maintain distance of 6 feet in public places. Shops will ensure physical distancing among customers and will not allow more than five persons at one time.
Gatherings: Large public gatherings/congregations continue to be prohibited.
Marriage related guidelines: Number of guests not to exceed 50. Funeral/last rites related gatherings: Number of persons not to exceed 50.
Spitting in public places will be punishable with fine, as may be prescribed by the state/UT local authority in accordance with its laws, rules or regulations.
Consumption of liquor, paan, gutka, tobacco in public places prohibited.
Work from home: As far as possible, the practise of WFH should be followed.
Staggering of work/business hours should be followed in offices
Screening and hygiene: Provision for thermal scanning, hand wash and santitizer will be made at all entry and exit points and common areas
Frequent sanitization of entire workplace, common facilities and all points which human contact e.g door handles etc... will be ensured, including between shifts.
Social distancing: All persons in charge of work places will ensure adequate distance between workers, adequate gaps between shifts, staggering the lunch breaks of staff etc.
MHA Guidelines On Lockdown Today: Here Are The New RulesThe coronavirus lockdown has been extended till June 30, but malls and restaurants can reopen from June 8 except in containment zones, or areas sealed because of a large number of virus cases. The new guidelines had been issued based on extensive consultations held with States and Union Territories, the home ministry said.
Here are some of the rules under the new guidelines:- Complete lockdown will remain in force in containment zones till June 30. No activities will be allowed in the zones and strict surveillance will continue
- Night curfew has been relaxed, movement will now be prohibited from 9pm to 5am across the country.
- From June 8, places of worship, malls, restaurants and hotels will be allowed to reopen.
- No restrictions on inter-state and intra-state movement of people or goods. No separate permission required for this.
- Resuming international flight travel, gyms, metro, bars, theatres and swimming pools to be decided after assessment of the situation.
Read Decision On International Flights, Gyms After First 2 Phases Of Lockdown5The government today said it will consider restarting international flights, metro trains, cinemas and gyms after the first two phases of lockdown5, which kicks in on June 8 with the opening of places of worship, hotels, restaurants and malls.
The Home Ministry in a statement said based on the situation of the first two phases, the government will decide on the dates for restarting international flights, metro rail, cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools, parks, bars, auditoriums and assembly halls.
Regular international and domestic flights were stopped after the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus pandemic was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in late March. This week, the government allowed domestic flights to resume, but with strict social distancing and safety guidelines.
Read More
Coronavirus Lockdown5 News: Malls, Restaurants, Places Of Worship Can Open Starting June 8The coronavirus lockdown has been extended till June 30, but malls and restaurants can reopen from June 8 except in containment zones, or areas sealed because of a large number of virus cases.
Religious places, hotels and restaurants will also be allowed from June 8, the home ministry has said in its new guidelines ordering phased re-opening of areas outside containment zones.
Night curfew timings in lockdown5 will be changed to 9 pm-5 am from the existing 7 pm-7am.
"The current phase of re-opening, Unlock 1, will have an economic focus," said the guidelines.
The new guidelines had been issued based on extensive consultations held with States and Union Territories, the home ministry said.
All activities banned earlier will be opened up in areas outside Containment Zones in a phased manner, with SOPs to be prescribed by the Health Ministry.
A decision on reopening schools and colleges will be taken in July, after consultations with states, parents and other stake-holders.
Read More Coronavirus Lockdown5 Update: No Restriction On Movement Between States In No separate permission, approval or e-permit will be required for inter-state or intra-state movement of people and goods, the centre said on Saturday, announcing guidelines for Lockdown5. If a state or Union territory decides to regulate movement, it will be required to publicise their decision in advance, it added.
"There shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods. No Separate permission/approval/e-permit will be required for such movements," the centre said in a statement.
"However, if a state/union territory, based on reasons of public health and its assessment of the situation, proposes to regulate movement of persons, it will give wide publicity in advance regarding the restrictions to be placed on such movements, and the related procedures to be followed," it added.
The centre today extended the coronavirus lockdown till June 30, but said that malls and restaurants can reopen from June 8 except in containment zones, or areas sealed because of a large number of virus cases.
Read More Night Curfew Timings Reduced To 9 PM-5 AM From 7 PM-7 AM In Lockdown5Night curfew will remain in force from 9 pm to 5 am across the country, the Home Ministry said in a statement, a change from 7 am to 7 pm in lockdown4. People linked to essential services are allowed to move at night.
"Movement of individuals shall remain strictly prohibited between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities," the Home Ministry said.
"Local authorities shall issue orders in the entire area of their jurisdiction, under appropriate provisions of law, such as under Section 144 of CrPC, and ensure strict compliance," the Home Ministry said.
The centre has allowed several activities to reopen outside containment zones in phases, subject to following social distancing and other safety guidelines.
Read More BREAKING: Madhya Pradesh To Extend Coronavirus Lockdown Till June 15
Madhya Pradesh to extend coronavirus lockdown till June 15, says Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, reports news agency ANI
Coronavirus: 150 COVID-19 cases reported in Bihar today
A total of 150 more people were tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar on Saturday, taking the total number of cases to 3,509 in the state.
"150 more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 3,509," State Health Department said.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is 1,73,763, including 86,422 active cases.
Coronavirus: 11 returnees test COVID-19 positive in Nagaland, tally reaches 36Eleven people who returned to Nagaland from Chennai have tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, raising the total number of active cases in the state to 36, Health and Family Welfare minister S Pangnyu Phom said.
Nagaland had remained COVID-19-free till Monday when three returnees from Chennai tested positive for the virus.
However, the state government has not counted a person from Nagaland who tested positive for COVID-19 on April 13 in Assam after a private hospital referred him to a government facility in Guwahati. He later recovered from the disease.
Coronavirus: 18 test positive after attending COVID-19 patient's funeralAt least 18 mourners, who attended the funeral of a COVID-19 patient, have tested positive for
the infection in Ulhasnagar town of Maharashtra's Thane district, a civic official said on Saturday.
Defying prohibitory orders, at least 70 persons had attended the funeral of a 40-year-old woman, who had tested positive for the virus post her death, a spokesperson of the Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation said.
The woman's body was handed over to her family with specific instructions to not open the bag, but they opened the wrapped body to perform the last rites on May 25, the official
said.
The police were first alerted about the funeral, following which the civic authorities were notified, he said.
A case has been registered against the victim's family for violating provisions of the Epidemic Act, the official added.
Senior medical official, two staffers test positive for COVID-19 at Delhi Hospital
Senior medical official at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital (LNJP) along with two other members of the staff have tested positive for COVID-19, informed Delhi Health Department on Saturday.
India witnessed the highest ever spike of 7,964 coronavirus positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country to 1,73,763, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
114 more police personnel test positive for COVID-19 in Maharashtra
In the last 24 hours, 114 police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, and one police official has died due to the virus, said Maharashtra Police.
The total number of COVID-19 infected personnel is now 2,325 in the state, while 26 have succumbed to the infection.
According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Maharashtra has reported 33,133 COVID-19 positive cases so far.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country is 1,73,763, including 86,422 active cases.
Bengaluru corporator tests positive for COVID-19A city corporator in Bengaluru was sent into quarantine on Saturday after he tested positive
for the coronavirus infection, officials said.
"Yes, I have tested positive," Padarayanapura municipal ward corporator Imran Pasha told some news channels.
The JDS corporator said he would quarantine himself as per the regulations.
The entire area where Pasha lives was cordoned off. Health workers reached there in an ambulance and gave him a personal protection gear to wear and he was taken to a designated hospital.
Coronavirus cases: 11 More Healthcare Workers At AIIMS Test Coronavirus Positive, Total 206 So Far
As many as 11 healthcare workers, including two resident doctors, have tested positive for coronavirus at the AIIMS on Friday, taking the total number of hospital staff infected so far to 206.
Since February 1, 206 healthcare workers including two faculty, ten resident doctors, 26 nurses, nine technicians, five mess workers, 49 hospital attendants, 34 sanitation workers and 69 security guards have been infected by the novel coronavirus, an AIIMS official said.
More than 150 healthcare personnel have recovered and have joined back duties, AIIMS Medical Superintendent, Dr DK Sharma, said.
Over 64 healthcare personnel including resident doctors, nurses, laboratory staff, technicians, sanitation staff and security guards have tested positive in the last three days.
Coronavirus News: 3 More COVID-19 Cases In Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhavan
Samples of three people living inside Raj Bhavan in Madhya Pradesh have returned positive for novel coronavirus, taking the total number of positive cases among its residents to 10.
The 10 people who tested positive are from three families who live in the containment zones inside its premises. They are among the 190 people living inside the premises who were tested for the virus. The remaining 180 people have tested negative.
Governor Lalji Tandon has also tested negative for COVID-19. (Read full story here)
Delhi "4 steps ahead of virus", Says Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that his government has taken necessary steps to ensure that the national capital "is four steps ahead of coronavirus", and stressed that a permanent lockdown will not slow the growth of virus, which has affected over 17,000 people in the city-state.
"We agree that the city has seen a huge spike in the number of coronavirus cases. But we should not panic. It would be worrying for me in two scenarios - if the number of deaths increase and if there's a shortage of hospital beds," the Chief Minister said today during a video conference.
"A permanent lockdown is no solution. Life has to carry on with coronavirus with all the precautions," the Chief Minister further said, stressing that the national capital "is four steps ahead of coronavirus".
There will be no complete lockdown on Sunday (tomorrow) in the interest of the general public of the state. Normal day to day life will continue tomorrow: Karnataka Chief Minister's Office
Source: ANI
Coronavirus news: 96 new COVID-19 cases in Odisha, state tally reaches 1,819
96 new COVID-19 cases have been reported from Odisha, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 1,819, said the state Health Department.
Out of the 1,819 positive cases in the state, 833 cases are active. While 977 patients have recovered after treatment, seven deaths due to the infection have been reported in Odisha.
WHO, 37 Countries Launch Alliance To Share Tools To Battle COVID-19Thirty-seven countries and the World Health Organization (WHO) appealed on Friday for common ownership of vaccines, medicines and diagnostic tools to tackle the global coronavirus pandemic, taking aim at patent laws they fear could become a barrier to sharing crucial supplies."
Coronavirus news: Chennai Metro first metro rail in India to install foot-operated lift
The Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) has come up with an ingenious way towards contactless operations amid the spread of coronavirus. The agency has installed foot-operated lift to avoid hand contact with the elevator buttons thereby reducing the possibility of contracting the virus, making it the first metro rail in the country to do so.
Coronavirus news: Assam witnesses highest single-day spike with 177 fresh positive cases
The number of coronavirus cases in Assam crossed the 1,000-mark, with 177 new cases today. From 256 cases on May 22 to 1057 on 29th May, the cases have quadrupled in a week to 1,057 cases on May 29. Four people have died due to the virus in the state so far.
925 people are being treated and 125 have been discharged in the state so far.
Samples of over 90,000 people have been collected and sent for examination.
Coronavirus news: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Telangana record highest single-day jump
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu -- two worst-hit states -- continue to record the highest single-day jump in the number of COVID-19 patients.
In Maharashtra, the worst-hit state, 116 deaths linked to COVID-19 were recorded in a day, taking the tally to 2,098. The total number of cases surpassed the 62,000-mark.
In Tamil Nadu, 874 new cases were reported, taking the infection count past the 20,000-mark.
Telangana also recorded 169 new patients and four deaths on Friday, taking the tally to 2,425.
JUST IN: 7,964 new coronavirus cases, 265 deaths due to virus in 24 hours in India
Coronavirus news: 169 New COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours, Highest Spike In Telangana
Telangana reported 169 new COVID-19 positive cases and four deaths in 24 hours, once again recording its highest single day spike. The number of cases now stand at 2,425. Seventy-one people have died in the state due to virus.
Coronavirus news: 874 New COVID-19 Cases In Tamil Nadu, 618 From Chennai
Tamil Nadu reported 874 positive cases of the novel coronavirus today, taking the total number of cases past 20,000. State capital Chennai remains the worst affected, reporting 618 of the 874 cases in the state.
The state government has attributed the high number of cases to increased testing and high population in Chennai.
"Chennai's high density of population and cramped houses are key reason for the spread of the virus. Government is doing everything to control this," said Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami.
US records 1,225 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins, news agency AFP reported.
Death count in Brazil due to coronavirus hits 27,878, news agency AFP reported.