Coronavirus Updates: Centre tells states to enable all doctors, including private practitioners, to prescribe COVID-19 tests

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

WHO says some countries have ’long, hard road’ ahead

“Some countries … have taken a fragmented approach. These countries face a long, hard road ahead,” WHO director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was quoted as saying at a virtual briefing from WHO headquarters in Geneva.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre tells states to enable private doctors to prescribe COVID-19 testing

The Union health ministry on Wednesday said that state governments and UTs “have been advised to facilitate testing at the earliest by enabling all qualified medical practitioners, including private practitioners, to prescribe COVID-19 test to any individual fulfilling the criteria for testing as per ICMR guidelines.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka reports 1,272 new COVID-19 cases

The Karnataka health department said that 1,272 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Wednesday, including 735 cases from Bengaluru Urban, taking the total number of cases to 16,514. The toll rose to 253 after 7 deaths were reported today.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

ICMR asks states, UTs to increase testing

Union health secretary Preeti Sudan and ICMR director general Balram Bhargava on Wednesday wrote to state governments and Union territories to increase testing.

The letter stated,“It is strongly advised that you should take all possible steps to ensure full capacity utilization of all Covid19 testing laboratories in the State/UT”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana Latest Updates

Haryana schools to open on 27 July

Schools to reopen from 27 July in Haryana after summer vacations end on 26 July, the Haryana directorate school education was quoted as saying by ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 recovery rate rises to 59.43%, says Centre

The COVID-19 recovery rate rose to 59.43 percent on Wednesday, the Centre said in a press release, adding that the number of recovered patients is nearly one lakh 30 thousand more than the active cases.

“As a result of the coordinated steps taken by Government of India along with States/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19, there are  1,27,864 recovered cases more than the active COVID-19 cases, as on date. This has resulted in the recovery rate further increasing to 59.43%. During the last 24 hours, a total of 13,157 COVID-19 patients have been cured, taking the cumulative figure to 3,47,978.

Presently, there are 2,20,114 active cases and all are under medical supervision,” the press release said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

3,882 new COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu today

Tamil Nadu health department officials said that 3,882 new coronavirus cases and 63 deaths were reported in the state on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 94,049 and 1,264 deaths. The tally includes 39,856 active cases and 52,926 discharged/cured, News18 reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala govt announces 25% hike in public bus fare

The Kerala government on Wednesday announced a 25 percent hike in “fares of state-run and pvt buses as interim measure to help public transport system tide over COVID-19 crisis,” The Times of India quoted state transport minister AK Saseendran as saying.

He added that the minimum charge will remain Rs 8, but the fare will be calculated for first 2.5 kilometres instead of 5 kilometres.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Section 144 imposed in Mumbai till 15 July

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

UPSC allows civil services prelims’ candidates to change exam centres

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has allowed candidates to change their centres for the civil services preliminary examination, scheduled on 4 October, reports PTI. The requests for change of centre will be granted on “first-apply-first allot” basis, a press release said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Thane district nearly doubled in 15 days

COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra’s Thane district have nearly doubled in the last 15 days and risen considerably since 1 May, a data released by the authorities revealed reports PTI. In the last 15 days alone, the cases in the district have nearly doubled from 17,008 to 33,324, it stated.

Considering the pattern of increase in cases, the civic administration in Thane, Mira Bhayandar and Kalyan-Dombivli have imposed a total lockdown for 10 days.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

15 inmates of Bengal prison test positive for COVID-19

Fifteen inmates of a prison in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district have tested positive for COVID-19, officials said on Wednesday, reports PTI. The infected inmates of the Baruipur Central Correctional Home are asymptomatic and have been admitted to an isolation ward of the prison hospital, an official of the Correctional Services Department said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bangladesh Latest Updates

Bangladesh extends restrictions on public activities till 3 August

Bangladesh has extended restrictions imposed on public activities and movement across the country till 3 August to rein in the coronavirus pandemic, reports PTI. The number of positive cases rose to 1,45,483 and the toll stands 1,847.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Situation in Delhi is improving, says Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal once again reiterates that the situation is under control and claims that it is improving in the National Capital. “It was predicted that by 30 June, Delhi would have 1 lakh cases out of which 60,000 would be active cases but today we only have 26,000 active cases,” he says. “This is the result of everyone’s hard work. We have been able to control the situation.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Section 144 imposed till 15 July in Mumbai

In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mumbai’s Deputy Police Commissioner Pranaya Ashok, on 1 July, issued prohibitory orders in the city under Section 144 till 15 July, unless it is withdrawn earlier, reports ANI. The order prohibits the presence or movement of one or more persons in public places or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places subject to certain conditions. 

According to the order, all movements of one or more persons in areas designated as “Containment Zones” by the municipal authorities have been prohibited, except for essential activities, the supply of essential goods, and medical emergencies. Further, the movement has been prohibited between 9.00 pm and 5.00 am, except for medical emergencies, emergency services, government agencies and their officials on duty, and establishments providing essential services.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Section-144 imposed in Mumbai

Section-144 has been imposed in Mumbai by Deputy Commissioner of Police Pranaya Ashok, prohibiting any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places in areas marked as ‘containment zones’ or gathering of any sort anywhere, including religious places subject to certain conditions, in view of COVID-19, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tripura Latest Updates

Complete lockdown in Tripura on 5 July, says CM

The Tripura government has announced a 24-hour complete lockdown on Sunday to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19, reports PTI.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in a Facebook post late Tuesday night said the lockdown, inspired by the ‘Janata curfew’ held on March 22, would begin from 5 am on Sunday and end at 5 am the next day. He, however, said that his government was not planning to extend the lockdown.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Complete lockdown in Mira Bhayander, Thane for 10 days

Thane city will observe a total lockdown between 2 to 12 July to contain the coronavirus outbreak, municipal commissioner Vipin Sharma said on Tuesday.

Non-essential services will not operate during this period nor would movement of vehicles for proposes other than medical and essential travel be allowed, the order said. Movement of all essential goods as well as perishable items will be allowed during this period.

In neighbouring Mira Bhayander, also part of Thane district, civic authorities re-imposed total lockdown, including closing of shops dealing in essential items, between July 1-10 to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll in Maharashtra Police force reaches 60

As many as 60 Maharashtra Police personnel, including three officers, have died of COVID-19 since the outbreak of the disease, an official said on Wednesday, reports PTI.

Out of the 60 victims, 38 were from the Mumbai Police force, he said. So far, nearly 4,900 police personnel have been infected with coronavirus in the state, including over 2,600 from the Mumbai Police force, he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India’s recovery rate now at 59%

India’s recovery rate now stands at over 59%. Of the 585,493 coronavirus cases in the country, the number of patients who have recovered till date stands at 347,978.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

79 test positive in Bihar’s Paliganj; most attended Patna wedding

79 people have tested positive for COVID19 in Paliganj, reports ANI. Most of the cases are related to a wedding ceremony held on 15 June, said Paliganj govt hospital doctor, Ajit Kumar Bihar on Tuesday.  The groom had died two days after his wedding.

Coronavirus in Puducherry Latest Updates

Puducherry reports 30 new COVID-19 cases

Puducherry reported 30 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, pushing the tally of viral infections in the Union Territory to 739.

A medical bulletin issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare said the total active cases were 426 spread over all the four regions of Puducherry (391 cases), Karaikal (25), Mahe (8 ) and Yanam (2).

The 30 new cases were identified at the end of testing of 634 samples, according to a state bulletin.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha to begin over-the-counter liquor sale

The Odisha government announced that it will allow over-the-counter liquor sale in addition to home delivery from Wedensday.

The easing of restrictions on alcohol sale comes even as the state imposed a weekend shutdown in 10 districts which have a high number of coronavirus cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Mizoram Latest Updates

Mizoram govt announces new guideline for partial lockdown

The Mizoram government has allowed marriage ceremonies, funerals functions, anniversary celebrations, and social events with a maximum attendance of 50 people as part of new relaxations for the partial lockdown in the state from 1 to 31 July, officials said.

A government order issued on Tuesday night said that partial lockdown with relaxed guidelines was inevitable to mitigate the economic hardship faced by the people without compromising the health and safety of the general public as the prolonged suspension of economic and livelihood activities has severely affected the vulnerable sections of society.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Case filed against 6 cops for not reporting to duty

A case has been registered against 6 police constables for not reporting to duty since last 2 months despite being served notice, ANI quoted Mumbai Police as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Groom dead, over 100 guests test positive after attending wedding in Patna

A wedding ceremony in rural Patna a fortnight ago where the groom was running high fever, two days before he died and his body cremated without being tested for COVID 19, appears to have set off the biggest infection chain in Bihar so far, health department officials said on Tuesday, reports PTI.

More than 100 people have tested positive in Paliganj sub-division of Patna district, about 55 km from the state capital, in the last few days, out of over 350 who have been tested upon contact tracing, they said. Fifteen of his relatives who attended the wedding tested positive for the contagion and apparently infected others.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

PM’s extension of PMAGKAY scheme ‘politically motivated, say CPI leader

CPI(M) leader Mohammad Salim alleges that Modi’s extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana till November is a politically motivated decision aimed at boosting the BJP ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, which are due to be held later in the year, reports PTI.

“But, since the Bihar elections are near, the prime minister has announced the free ration programme till Chatth puja,” Salim says. “It is old wine in a new bottle.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Lalbaughcha Raja not to hold Ganesh Chaturthi festivities this year

Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal has decided not to hold any of its famous Ganesh Chaturthi festivities this year in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, News18 reported. The organisers have decided to set-up a blood and plasma donation camp instead.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

There is scarcity of human resources, says Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday interacts with nurses working on frontline to combat COVID-19 on the occasion of Doctor’s Day. There was a feeling of fear in the starting while attending patients, says a nurse told the Congress leader. “There is a scarcity of human resources”, said Gandhi.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi applauds role of doctors, CAs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed the role of doctors in their “spirited” fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, saying they are saving lives by putting themselves in danger.

“India salutes our doctors – exceptional caregivers who are at the forefront of a spirited fight against COVID-19,” he wrote on Twitter to mark Doctors’ Day. In a short video of his recent speech, he said while mother’s give birth, doctors ensure our rebirth.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

ICMR says over 86.2 lakh samples tested so far

The total number of samples tested up to 30 June is 86,26,585 of which 2,17,931 samples were tested yesterday, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Coronavirus Outbreak in Goa Latest Updates

BJP MLA tests positive for COVID-19

A BJP MLA from Goa has tested positive for coronavirus, a senior state health official said on Wednesday. The legislator was admitted to Margao-based ESI Hospital, a specially designated facility for COVID-19 patients, after his test came out positive on Tuesday, the official said.

Last month, a former state health minister tested positive for coronavirus and has been undergoing treatment at the ESI Hospital. Till Tuesday, Goa reported 1,315 COVID-19 cases and three deaths due to the disease, as per official data

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu remain worst-hit

With 1,74,761 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (90,167) and Delhi (87,360).

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India registers 18,653 new cases, 507 deaths

India on Wednesday reported 507 deaths and 18,653 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the number of positive cases to 5,85,493 including 2,20,114 active cases, 3,47,979 cured/discharged/migrated and 17,400 deaths.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Updates

US could reach 1 lakh new cases a day, says Dr Anthony Fauci

Top United States infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said COVID-19 cases could grow to one lakh per day in the country if Americans do not start following public health recommendations, reports AP.

Asked to forecast the outcome of recent surges in some states, Fauci said he cannot make an accurate prediction but believes it will be “very disturbing”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal allows 50 people at weddings, funerals

The West Bengal government has allowed 50 people at marriage functions and funerals during the next phase of the coronavirus lockdown from 1 to 31 July. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said morning walks will be allowed from 5.30 am till 8.30 am, provided social distancing and all other norms are strictly followed".

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Gurugram civic body issues guidelines for resident welfare associations

The Municipal Corporation of Gurugram on Wednesday has issued guidelines for resident welfare associations, to be followed till 31 July during Unlock 2.0. The entry of maids/house-helps be allowed with restrictions, including mandatory use of face-mask, thermal scanning and hand sanitisation at the gate.

If the area of residence of maid or house-helps has been declared as containment zone or large outbreak region then their entry is not to be permitted by RWA: Municipal Corporation of Gurugram

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Security Council trying again for first COVID-19 resolution

The UN Security Council is trying again to reach agreement on its first resolution on COVID-19 since the coronavirus started circling the global in February, after a lengthy dispute between the US and China over mentioning the World Health Organization, reports AP.

A revised draft resolution by France and China was submitted for a vote on Tuesday and the result is expected to be announced on Wednesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Unlock 2.0 begins today

On 29 June, the Centre had announced guidelines for ‘Unlock 2.0’, the second phase of reopening of economic and other activities in the country. These will be applicable from today. Night curfew timings are being further relaxed and curfew shall be in force from 10.00 pm to 5.00 am.

While schools and colleges will continue to remain closed, there have been further restrictions regarding hotels and restaurants.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 cases now at 1.03 crore

Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 1.03 crore, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 5.06 lakh.

With over 26 lakh reported cases till date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, India and the United Kingdom.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

More local trains for essential services staff from today

Central Railway and Western Railway will run additional 150 and 148 local services, respectively, in Mumbai from 1 July, reports PTI. Only essential staff including those of Centre, IT, defense, Raj Bhavan will be allowed and no general passengers will be allowed yet, the news agency quotes Railways minister Piyush Goyal as saying.