Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Updates

Wardha reports first COVID-19 fatality as woman who died on 8 May tests positive 

 A 35-year-old woman, who died in Wardha district of Maharashtra on Friday, tested COVID-19 positive on Sunday, officials said. The test results of the woman’s swab samples, which were received on Sunday, confirmed that she was coronavirus positive, they said. As Wardha district was a green zone with not a single case of coronavirus infection found so far, the woman’s death has shocked the residents of Hiwara Tanda village in Arvi tahsil, where she was from.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala  Latest Updates

Kerala govt revises home quarantine guidelines for those returning home

The Kerala Government has revised its home quarantine guidelines for those coming to the state from other parts of the country. All returnees should undergo medical examination and those symptomatic should be admitted to COVID-19 hospitals for further treatment. Those whose test results are negative in RT-PCR tests and who do not show symptoms during the medical examination should be sent to the home quarantine for 14 day, ANI quotes Kerala health minister KK Shailaja as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala  Latest Updates

Kerala govt revises home quarantine guidelines for those returning home

The Kerala Government has revised its home quarantine guidelines for those coming to the state from other parts of the country. All returnees should undergo medical examination and those symptomatic should be admitted to COVID-19 hospitals for further treatment. Those whose test results are negative in RT-PCR tests and who do not show symptoms during the medical examination should be sent to the home quarantine for 14 day, ANI quotes Kerala health minister KK Shailaja as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Updates

No tatkal or current booking for passenger trains being run from 11 May, clarifies railways ministry

Tickets shall be booked only online on IRCTC website or through Mobile App for the passenger trains being operated from Tuesday.Booking of tickets through ‘agents’, (both IRCTC and Railway) shall not be allowed. No provision of tatkal and premium tatkal accommodation. No Current booking shall be allowed, ANI quotes the railways ministry as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab  Latest Updates

Punjab to provide Rs 50 lakh ex-grati to kin of govt employees in case of death

The Punjab government on Sunday said it has decided to grant an ex-gratia compensation of Rs 50 lakh to dependants of its employees, dying in harness while fighting against coronavirus crisis, reports PTI.  

 The compensation is admissible only for the pandemic of Covid-19 and it would remain in force from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020 subject to review thereafter,said a government release later. “The ex-gratia would be applicable to all categories of regular employees of the state government, who die in harness due to Covid-19 disease contracted while performing official duties. “The ex-gratia would be admissible to all employees covered under the old pension scheme and those recruited on and after 1 January, 2004 and covered under the New Pension Scheme (NPS),” said a government release.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan  Latest Updates

Rajasthan reports two more coronavirus deaths, 106 fresh cases

Two persons died due to coronavirus and 106 more people tested positive for the infection in Rajasthan on Sunday, bringing the tally to 3,814 in the state and the death toll to 108, PTI quotes officials as saying. The deaths were reported from Jaipur and Banswara, they said. Of the fresh cases, 30 are from Udaipur, 23 from Jaipur, 17 from Kota, 11 from Jodhpur, nine from Ajmer, four from Tonk, three from Nagaur, two each from Pali and Baran, and one each from Bikaner, Dungarpur, Jalore, Rajsamand and Sirohi, according to an official. The cumulative number of positive cases in the state now stands at 3,814. Jaipur accounts for more than half deaths (57) and maximum positive COVID-19 cases (1,219) in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tripura  Latest Updates

Tripura now has 148 active cases

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Tripura rose to 148 after 16 more persons, including an officer, children and women, from a BSF battalion tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection, said chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu  Latest Updates

Non-AC textile showrooms, jewellery shops can open in rural Tamil Nadu, says govt

The Tamil Nadu government on Sunday specifically named the kind of standalone outlets that could resume work from Monday and made it clear that only small and non-air conditioned jewellery and textile showrooms located in rural areas will be permitted to open. The government, a day after announcing easing curbs further in non-containment zones with conditions like social distancing effective 11 May, listed 34 kinds of businesses that are allowed to operate. Motorcycles/two-wheeler and car sales and service showrooms, firms dealing in automobile spare parts are allowed to open. Stores selling tiles, construction materials, cement, sanitary ware,household appliances and optical shops can also operate.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jharkahnd  Latest Updates

Migrant worker recently returned from Mumbai tests positive

A migrant worker, who recently returned to Hazaribagh district in Jharkhand from Mumbai, has tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking the total number
of COVID-19 cases in the state to 157, PTI quotes health officials as saying. 

A total of 76 persons are still afflicted with the disease in the state while 78 persons have recovered, the health officials said. Two persons have died of the disease in the state while one because of comorbidity, they added

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Updates

Two more test corona-positive in Shamli, count rises to four

 A woman and her son tested positive for coronavirus infection in the neighbouring Shamli distrct, raising the number of  virus-infected persons in the district to four, an official said on Sunday. The duo belong to the same family whose two members, both vegetable market agents, were found infected earlier, said Shamli district Magistrate Jasjit Kaur. She said all four have been admitted to the a dedicate Covid Hospital at Jhinjhana.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Updates

NSG reports first coronavirus case as medical staff tests positive

A medical staff of the country’s elite counterterrorism force, the National Security Guard (NSG), has tested coronavirus positive, PTI quotes officials as saying. This is the first case of COVID-19 infection in the commando force that was raised in 1984 to render specialist counterterrorism, anti-hijack and hostage rescue responsibilities.

Officials said the 33-year-old personnel is not in combat ranks of the ‘black cat’ commandos force and was posted at the NSG hospital at its garrison in Gurgaon’s Manesar. He was sent on attendant duty to look after a patient who has been admitted to a city hospital for some ailment, a senior official said. On his return to the NSG base, the jawan was sent on two-week quarantine and during this time he developed flu-like symptoms. The personnel has now been admitted to the referral hospital of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) in Greater Noida, he said. The personnel is stable with mild symptoms, he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Updates

Uttar Pradesh cases up by 102 to 3,467

102 new  cases have been reported in Uttar Pradesh in last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 3,467. Death toll stands at 79, says the state Health Department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Updates

Staff at Mathura nursing home quarantined after doctor couple tests positive

Over two dozen staff members of a private nursing home here have been quarantined after a doctor couple working at the facility tested positive for COVID-19, PTI quotes a senior official as saying The test reports came late in the evening on Saturday, following which the staff members of the Kosikalan-based nursing home were sent to the Krishna Kutir quarantine centre here, District Magistrate Sarvagya Ram Mishra said. “The doctor couple has been admitted to K D Medical College for treatment,” Mishra said. The Arya Nagar area of Kosikalan, where the nursing home is located, has been sealed, the DM said. The official further said a door-to-door survey by employees of the Health Department has started.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Updates

Battle against coronavirus successful, says Jitendra Awhad after discharge

Maharashtra minister and NCP leader Jitendra Awhad on Sunday said he had been discharged from hospital after recovering from the coronavirus infection.

“My battle I was waging against Corona has finally succeeded and I am going home safely. I wish your love and blessings continue to be with me. I have been advised of complete rest for next one month. I can not meet any party workers or people outside my family. I will be back with more energy to serve people,” Awhad tweeted in Marathi.

Awhad, MLA from Mumbra-Kalwa, had gone in quarantine as a precautionary measure on April 13 after some of the police personnel providing him security tested positive. On 21 April, he got himself admitted in a private hospital and tested positive for the virus a few days later.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat  Latest Updates

Ahmedabad case count jumps to 5,818

The COVID-19 cases in Ahmedabad district of Gujarat jumped to 5,818 after 278 people tested positive for the infection on Sunday alone, an official of the state health department said. Of the 21 coronavirus patients who died in the state on Sunday, 18 were from Ahmedabad district, the official said. With this, the death toll in the district has gone up to 381. A total of 266 patients were discharged from Ahmedabad​city hospitals on Sunday, taking the number of recovered patients in the district to 1,373, the official said.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Updates

Maharashtra reports 1,278 fresh infections, 53 deaths

Maharashtra on Sunday reported 1,278 new coronavirus cases and 53 deaths, taking the total number of infections in the state to 22,171, according to the evening bulletin issued by the state health department. 19 deaths were recorded in Mumbai while 14 were reported from Malegaon. 399 patients were discharged following their recovery and 4,199 patients have been discharged till date.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka    Latest Updates

Yediyurappa directs officials to quarantine all those returning to Karnataka

Ahead of the return of stranded people to Karnataka from abroad and other states, the state government on Sunday took a slew of decisionsincluding one to quarantine the returnees for 14 days, reports PTI. At a high-level meeting attended by senior ministers among others, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa directed the officials that only those who were stranded in other states due to the lockdown should be allowed to return. They must inform their place of arrival and date while registering to return to Karnataka. The stranded passengers will be allowed to come to Karnataka according to the availability of quarantine facilities. In view of the safety of villagers, the passengers will be not allowed to return to their village on arrival. Instead they will be quarantined for 14 days outside the village.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu  Latest Updates

Migrant workers leave from Tamil Nadu for Manipur

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh  Latest Updates

Case count in Madhya Pradesh jumps to 3,614; 1,858 cases reported in Indore

The number of coronavirus cases reaches 3,614 in Madhya Pradesh, with 157 new cases reported today. Out of the total cases, 1676 patients have recovered while 215 others succumbed to the infection, according to data released by the Madhya Pradesh Health Department. 1858 cases and 89 deaths have been reported in Indore while Bhopal has reported 743 cases and 30 casualties.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt to bear ticket costs of migrants workers traveling to and from state in special trains

The Maharashtra government has said that it will pay for the tickets of migrant workers wishing to return to their states as well migrant workers stranded in other states wishing to return to Maharashtra on the special Shramik trains, provided they fulfill all other conditions prescribed by the Home Ministry, railway ministry and state government. The amount will be taken from the Chief Minister’s Relief fund.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Updates

Railways to gradually resume operations from 12 May; online booking to start at 4 pm on 11 May

Indian Railways plans to gradually restart passenger train operations from 12 May, 2020, initially with 15 pairs of trains (30 return journeys). These trains will be run as special trains from New Delhi Station connecting Dibrugarh, Agartala, Howrah, Patna, Bilaspur, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Secunderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Madgaon, Mumbai Central, Ahmedabad and Jammu Tawi.  Booking for reservation in these trains will start at 4 pm on 11May and will be available only on the IRCTC website, says Ministry of Railways. Ticket booking counters at the railway stations shall remain closed and no counter  tickets (including platform tickets) shall be issued. The schedule for the trains will be released soon, he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Updates

Two more test positive in Gautam Buddh Nagar, total reaches 218

Two more people, including an octogenarian woman, have tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar, taking the number of cases in the district to 218, officials said on Sunday. So far, two people have succumbed to the infection in the district. The new patients are a 40-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman, both from Noida’s Sector 22, District Surveillance Officer Sunil Dohare said in a statement.​ The surveillance officer said the total positive cases in the district were 218 now while the numbers shown by the state government were higher due to a “duplication of entry and wrongful ID generation”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana  Latest Updates

28 fresh infections reported in Haryana

28 fresh infections were reported in Haryana today. Total number of positive cases stands at 703 including 10 deaths and 393 active cases. According to the health bullettin issued by the state health department, the recovery rate in the state stands at 42.67 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat  Latest Updates

398 cases reported in Gujarat in 24 hours

In the last 24 hours, 398 new cases have been reported in Gujarat. The total number of cases stands at 8195 now, including 2545 cured/discharged cases and 493 deaths, ANI quotes the state health department as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Updates

Pune reports three more deaths

Three more persons,  including a 13-month-old child, died due to the coronavirus infection in Pune today, taking the COVID-19 toll to 151 in the district, ANI quotes the Pune Health Department as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana  Latest Updates

Telangana records 33 new cases

Telangana on Saturday recorded 33 new cases, taking total number in state to 1,196. Of these, only 145 patients are currently undergoing treatment as 751 have been cured and discahrged while 30 persons have succumbed to the disease.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra    Latest Updates

NIV develops first indigeneous antibody test kit

“National Institute of Virology, Pune has successfully developed the first indigenous anti-SARS-CoV-2 human IgG ELISA test kit for detecting antibodies. It will play a critical role in surveillance of proportion of population exposed to the infection,” ANI quotes  Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra    Latest Updates

Mumbai case count up by 875

875 fresh cases of coronavirus  and 19 deaths due to the infections have been reported in Mumbai on Sunday, taking the total number of  cases to 13,564 including 212 cured/discharged and 508 deaths.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra    Latest Updates

81 more test positive in Mumbai’s Arthur Road prison

81 more inmates of Mumbai’s Arthur Road prison have tested positive, taking the total number of positive cases in the prison to 184 of which 26 are staff members and rest are inmates, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha reports 15 more cases

According to figures released at 7 pm, Odisha has reported 15 more coronavirus cases, taking the total number in the state to 377.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Jammu and Kashmir reports 25 new cases

Jammu and Kashmir has reported 25 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number in the Union Territory to 861. The death toll stands at nine, according to official figures quoted by ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal reports 153 new cases today

West Bengal has reported 153 new cases on Sunday, taking the total cases in the state to 1,939. A total of 113 people died due to COVID-19 in the state, while 72 deaths died due to co-morbidities, according to official figures.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab  Latest Update

Case count in Punjab touches 1,823

The total number of coronavirus cases in Punjab mounts to 1,823, with 61 more people testing positive today.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Update

All shops to remain closed in containment areas of Pune

The Pune Municipal Commissioner has issued an order to close all shops in containment zones of Pune from 11 to 17 May, reports ANI. In all 69 containment zones of the city, only hospitals and medical stores will be allowed to remain open:

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam  Latest Update

71 resident doctors at Assam’s Regional Dental College Hospital  test negative

“After a resident doctor was tested COVID-19 positive, samples of 71 residents of Regional Dental College Hostel were taken and all are negative,” said Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi  Latest Update

Delhi govt issues SOP to hospitals for reporting COVID-19 deaths

All COVID-19 hospitals to send death report to Delhi government through email by 5 pm everyday and nodal officers shall be appointed for this purpose by every hospital, said an an order issued by the government. If there is delay in reporting deaths, MS, MD, nodal officer of ‘defaulter hospital’ will have to file written explanation, the order further stated. The government also warned the hospitals and health facilities of strict action in case of more delay in reporting of death cases.

The order come after reports had on Saturday pointed to a discrepancy in the number of deaths reported by the Delhi government and the numbers obtained from various hospitals in the National Capital.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu  Latest Update

Of 669 new cases, 509 found in Chennai

According to data released by the Tamil Nadu state health department, 509 of the state’s 669 new infections were reported from  Chennai. The city now has a total of 3,839 infections.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi  Latest Update

56 ITBP jawans test positive in Delhi

56 jawans of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have tested positive for COVID-19  in the last 24 hours, all new cases are in Delhi. Total number of COVID-19 cases in ITBP reaches 156, ANI quotes the ITBP as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh  Latest Update

Confirmed cases in Himachal Pradesh rise to 55

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu  Latest Update

Tamil Nadu sees spike in infections, case count reaches 7,204

Tamil Nadu on Saturday reported 669 new cases and three deaths due to the novel coronavirus, pushing the total number of infections in the state to 7,204 and toll to 47. 135 persons were also discharged following their recovery bringing the number of those recovered in the state to 1,959.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi  Latest Update

Delhi cop tests positive

 Additional Station House Officer of Shalimar Bagh Police Station in New Delhi tests positive for coronavirus. Seven police personnel of the police station have been quarantined, ANI quotes Vijayanta Arya, DCP North-west Delhi as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka  Latest Update

Karnataka reports 54 new cases 

54 new cases  have been reported in Karnataka today, taking the total number of cases to 848 including 31 deaths and 422 discharges. Number of active cases stands at 394, according to a bulletin issued by the state health department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra  Latest Update

With 26 new cases, Dharavi’s total jumps to 859

26 persons from Mumbai’s Dharavi tested positive for the viral infection today while two more persons succumbed to the disease. With this, the total number of positive cases in the slum area has climbed to 859 while toll has reached 29.  222 people have been cured and discharged till date, ANI quotes the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar  Latest Update

Toll in Bihar rises to six

A man died of COVID-19 at a hospital in Patna, pushing the toll in Bihar to six, reports PTI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala  Latest Update

Kerala reports seven new cases, four recoveries

Seven more persons tested coronavirus positive in Kerala on Sunday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 512 including 489 recovered/discharged and three fatalities. Four people recovered from the infection today, taking the total number of active cases to 20 in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

18 new cases recorded in BSF

18 fresh infections have been reported in Border Security Force (BSF)  on Sunday — 16 from Tripura and two from Delhi, reports ANI. The total number of active COVID-19 cases in the force stands at 276.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bangladesh  Latest Update

Air India Express flight from Doha to Kerala cancelled

The Air India Express flight IX 374 from Doha, Qatar which was earlier scheduled to leave Doha at 3.35 pm today and reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala by 10.45 pm is cancelled. The revised schedule will be updated later, ANI quotes the spokesperson of Air India Express as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bangladesh  Latest Update

Bangladesh records highest COVID-19 cases in single day; tally rises to 14,657

Bangladesh has reported 14 more deaths due to coronavirus and registered a record 887 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 14,657, officials said on Sunday. “Fourteen more COVID-19 patients died in the last 24 hours, increasing the death toll from the pandemic to 228,” Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Additional Director General Nasima Sultana said. Addressing a virtual press conference, she said the tally of coronavirus infections climbed to 14,657 after 887 new COVID-19 cases were detected, marking the biggest spike in a 24-hour count. She said the fresh cases were detected after examining 5,738 samples at 36 authorized laboratories across the country during the period. Sultana, however, said the recovery count rose to 2,650 in the last 24 hours after 236 patients were discharged from hospitals.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

Railway Minister Goyal urges states to allow special trains to ferry migrants

Day after Home Minister Amit Shah wrote to West Bengal chief minister Mamamta Banerjee to allow special trains in the state, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has appealed to all states to permit the operation of migrant special trains so that the stranded can reach home in the next three to four days.

“As per the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Railways is fully geared up to run 300 Shramik Special trains everyday at short notice since the last six days,” he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh  Latest Update

Death rate in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain nearly 19%

Even as Indore in Madhya Pradesh continues to be among the country’s most worrisome coronavirus hotpots, a city some 54 kilometres from here, Ujjain, is making health officials uneasy as the latter’s death rate from the infection as on Sunday stood at a whopping 19 per cent, far higher than the 3.35 per cent national average. Ujjain, famous for the Mahakal Temple and a city with seven lakh inhabitants, has seen 45 of 237 COVID-19 patients succumbing to the infection, the death rate being a shade below 19 per cent at 18.9 per cent, as per official data. Among those who have died are a police inspector and a BJP corporator, leading to major political parties pointing out to the city’s creaky health infrastructure, and the Shivraj Singh Chouhan government responding by shunting out the district collector and the superintendent of police.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Gujarat  Latest Update

334 ‘super-spreaders’ found in Ahmedabad, say civic officials

As many as 334 coronavirus ‘super-spreaders’ have been found in Ahmedabad so far, and it is the main reason for the order to keep shops of groceries and vegetables closed till 15 May, PTI quotes officials as saying. ‘Super-spreaders’ are the infectious disease carriers who could transmit the pathogen to a large number of people. They could be vegetable vendors, grocery and milk shop owners, petrol pump attendants or garbage collectors, who by the nature of their job carry the risk of getting infected and infecting others.

Till Saturday, Gujarat reported 7,797 coronavirus positive cases and 472 deaths. Of these, Ahmedabad alone has reported 5,540 cases and 363 deaths.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

7,740 dedicated COVID-19 facilities identified across 483 districts, says health ministry

A total of 7,740 dedicated COVID-19 facilities in 483 districts have been identified, the Union health ministry said on Sunday, asserting that adequate health infrastructure is in place to fight the pandemic. The public health facilities dedicated to COVID-19 management are categorised into three categories — Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH), Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC) and Dedicated COVID Care Centre (DCCC).

As on Sunday, 7,740 facilities in 483 districts have been identified in all States/Union Territories that include hospitals and facilities of the State/UT governments as well as the central government, a health ministry statement said.  There are 6,56,769 isolation beds, 3,05,567 beds for confirmed cases, 3,51,204 for suspected cases, 99,492 oxygen-supported beds, 1,696 facilities with oxygen manifold and 34,076 ICU beds, it said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

Second flight from Singapore reaches Mumbai

The second flight from Singapore (AI343) carrying 243 passengers has landed in Mumbai, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

Two staffers of Air India  Engineering Services Ltd test positive

A technician and a tow-tug operator/ driver working with the Air India Engineering Services Ltd ( AIESL) have also tested positive for coronavirus, PTI quotes sources as saying. These employees were working at the aircraft hangar of a non-schedule operator at the Mumbai airport. They were found to be infected during tests done on 7 May, they added.

Regarding two staff of AIESL testing positive for coronavirus, the non-scheduled operator had informed the company in a recent e-mail. As per the e-mail, seen by PTI, the operator said that outsourced MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) personnel attending its aircraft are also tested for coronavirus infection. “AIESL personnel are also being tested in a phased manner. The results of tests conducted on May 7 have been received and two AIESL personnel have tested COVID-19 positive,” the engineering head of the operator said in the e-mail to AIESL CEO.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India  Latest Update

Hopeful that Monsoon session of Parliament can be held on time, says Om Birla

The Monsoon Session of Parliament, which normally begins in the last week of June or in the first week of July, may still be held on time, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Sunday, amid concerns that the coronavirus pandemic may delay its start. Last year, the Monsoon Session ran between 20 June and 7 August.  “Despite COVID-19 crisis, I am hopeful that session could be held on time. But it will also depend on the situation prevailing at that time,” Birla told PTI. Asked whether it will be possible to hold the session if there are strict social-distancing norms still in place in June-July, Birla said a way out could be found when that situation comes.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Update

Uttar Pradesh has received 214 special trains, says official

Uttar Pradesh Additional Home Chief Secretary Awanish Awasthi said that a total of around 214 carrying 2 lakh 30 thousand have arrived in the state. Additionaly, 57 trains carrying an estimated 70,000 people are expected to arrive in Lucknow today.

Coronavirus Outbreak  in Uttar Pradesh  Latest Update

Number of active cases in Uttar Pradesh stands at 1,884, says health secretary

Uttar Pradesh has a total of 1884 active cases. The total number of people who have been cured and discharged are 1,504, ANI quotes Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad as syaing.

Coronavirus Outbreak    Latest Update

INS Magar reaches Male Port

INS Magar, the second naval ship to evacuate stranded Indians from Maldives and ensure smooth and safe passage back to India, arrives at Male Port, said the Indian Navy. According to the Indian Express, the ship will evacuate about 200 citizens and ensure that  social distancing norms are followed. An entirely separate section of the ship with essential facilities like food and washrooms has been prepared to accommodate the evacuees and a separate mess has been allotted for women, infants and senior citizens. Additional precautions have been taken by dividing the evacuees into groups to avoid crowding at common areas like dining hall, bathrooms, said the report.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi  Latest Update

75% patients asymptomatic or show mild symptoms, says Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said 75 per cent of COVID-19 cases in the city are asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms, and asserted the number of serious patients and deaths caused by the infection is “less”. “The number of serious patients is less. The number of COVID-19 -19 deaths is very less,” he said, a day after his government was attacked for “under-reporting” the deaths.

On Saturday, Congress leader Ajay Maken sought more transparency from the Kejriwal government and Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari urged the chief minister to “tell the truth”, saying people have a right to know about the severity of the outbreak. Officials of the 10 hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in Delhi said the number of people dead due to the virus is higher than what the Delhi government’s bulletin reflects. A confusion has prevailed over the exact number of deaths as the data from four hospitals showed 92 people succumbed to the infection against 68 reported by the government till Friday. However, Kejriwal said on Sunday that 73 people have died due to the virus.

PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttarakhand  Latest Update

Uttarkashi reports first COVID-19 case as Gujarat returnee tests positive

Uttarkashi district on Sunday reported its first COVID-19 case, raising Uttarakhand’s coronavirus tally to 68. The man, who tested positive, hails from Dhanaripatti village in Dunda block and had returned recently from Surat in Gujarat, Chief Medical Officer DP Joshi told PTI.

Uttarkashi district falls in the green zone. The red, orange and green zone classification is based on the number of coronavirus cases, doubling rate of coronavirus cases, and the extent of testing and surveillance

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Update

Odisha reports 10 new infections

10 new positive cases were reported in Odisha taking the total number of cases in the state to 362 including 291 active cases, 68 cured/discharged and  three deaths, ANI quotes the Odisha Health Department as saying

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

High-level team should be sent to Agra, Meerut and Kanpur, says Yogi Adityanath

People involved in the preparation of food in community kitchens in the state should be tested on a daily basis, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked officials on Sunday. Chairing a meeting of senior UP officials, Adityanath said the community kitchens must be regularly sanitised.  “People cooking food in various community kitchens should be medically tested on a daily basis. Cleanliness must be ensured at these community kitchens. These should be regularly sanitised. It should also be ensured that the community kitchens prepare adequate food for the needy,” the chief minister said.  The chief minister further said to contain the spread of coronavirus and monitor the prevailing situation, a high-level medical team should be sent to Agra, Meerut and Kanpur.  “The medical check-up of all migrants workers must be done,” he directed.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Update

Nearly 1,000 workers from Tamil Nadu stranded in Maharashtra reach Tiruchirappalli 

Nearly 1,000 workers from Tamil Nadu, stranded in Maharashtra, reached Tiruchirappalli on Sunday by a special train, PTI quotes a senior Southern Railway official as saying.  “Shramik Special from Pandharpur (Maharashtra) arrivedat Trichy at 11:50 am with 969 passengers belonging to Tamil Nadu. District and Railway authorities received them after letting them go through health formalities. They proceeded to their native districts by buses arranged by the
district officials,” Southern Railway General Manager said on his twitter handle.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Update

Rajasthan reports 33 new cases, taking total to  3,741

Rajasthan reported one more coronavirus death on Sunday morning as the number of people testing positive for the infection rose to 3,741 with 33 fresh cases. The death reported from Jaipur took the total number of fatalities in the state to 107.

Of the new 33 cases, 10 are from Jaipur, nine each from Udaipur and Kota, two each from Ajmer and Pali and one from Dungarpur. With this, the total number of positive cases in the state has gone up to 3,741, according to an official.

Jaipur accounts for more than half deaths (57) and maximum positive cases (1,206). As of now, there are 1,458 active cases in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Narendra Modi to hold meeting via video-conference with CMs on Monday 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to hold a video conference with chief ministers of states tomorrow at 3 pm. The Home Minister, Health Minister, Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Health Secretary and DGP have been requested to attend, reports News18.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Haryana Latest Update

Haryana registers 20 new cases, taking total to 695

Twenty new positive cases of coronavirus cases were reported in Haryana on Sunday. This took the total number of positive cases to 695, which including 10 deaths and 394 active cases, according to the Haryana Health Department, ANI reports.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Russia Latest Update

Russia records highest single-day spike in new cases

Russia’s count of coronavirus infections has climbed above 2,00,000 after its highest daily tally of new cases. Figures released Sunday recorded 11,012 new cases of the virus for a total of 209,688, with 1,915 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Russian officials say the sharp rise in numbers can be attributed to increased testing, at least in part.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Africa Latest Update

More than 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases registered in Africa

Africa has more than 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, according to a tally from the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Africa CDC says that all but one of the continent’s 54 countries, tiny Lesotho, has confirmed cases of the virus. South Africa has the most with more than 9,400 registered.

The widespread shortage of testing capacity continues to be a challenge and means the true figures are likely to be much higher.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Cabinet Secy says over 350 special trains have run by railways, ferrying 3.5 lakh migrants so far

Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary on Sunday held a video conference with Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all States and Union Territories. At the outset, Cabinet Secretary noted the cooperation of states on the return of Indians from abroad under ‘Vande Bharat Mission’.

Cabinet Secretary also noted that more than 350 ‘shramik special trains’ have been run by railways carrying 3.5 lakh migrant workers. He requested state governments to cooperate with railways in the running of more ‘shramik special trains’.

He emphasised that movement of doctors, nurses and paramedics should be totally unhindered and all steps should be taken to facilitate and protect ‘coronavirus warriors’. 

Meanwhile, the Chief Secretaries of States informed about the situation in their states and also said that while protection is required from COVID-19, the economic activities also need to be stepped up in a calibrated manner.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

COVID-19 cases in Indore rise to 1,858, with toll now at 89

The number of COVID-19 cases in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district rose to 1,858 after 78 more people tested positive for the disease in last 24 hours, a senior health official said on Sunday.

Also, two more people died of coronavirus in last two days, taking the death toll in the state’s worst hit district to 89, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia said.“An 85-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man died due to the disease at a private hospital in the last two days, the official said.

Both the victims hailed from the district’s Mhow town and were also suffering from other health conditions, including hypertension.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

Air India schedules 7 commercial flights to repatriate nationals from US

Some of the Indian nationals stranded in the US due to COVID-19 related international travel restrictions will fly back home on Sunday on a non-scheduled commercial flight from New Jersey to Mumbai and Ahmedabad, even as authorities said another five flights have been arranged to repatriate others still stuck in the country.

Beginning 9 May, Air India has scheduled seven non-scheduled commercial flights from the US to India facilitating the return of Indian nationals, who could not travel due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Indian Embassy in Washington had said in its advisory on Wednesday night.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Singapore Latest Update

Coronavirus cases in Singapore surge to 23,336 with 20 deaths

Singapore on Sunday reported 876 new cases of coronavirus, mostly among the foreign workers residing in the dormitories, taking the total infections to 23,336 with 20 deaths so far, the health ministry said.

The vast majority of the new cases are work permit holders residing in foreign worker dormitories while only three of the infected cases are Singapore citizens or permanent residents (foreigners).

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Inmate tests positive in Byculla women’s jail

A woman has tested positive in Byculla women’s jail in Mumbai, reports ANI. The patient is 54-year-old and was referred to JJ Hospital after the oxygen saturation level fell below 90 percent. Her first test had come out negative on 8 May, but her second test, conducted on 9 May, had come positive. She is being treated at St George Hospital.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Update

Decision to allow COVID-19 positive ambulance driver to leave Assam draws flak online

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said an ambulance driver who tested positive for COVID-19 was allowed to leave for Mumbai as he was asymptomatic, drawing flak from netizens on his social media accounts.

On Saturday night, Sarma said on Facebook and Twitter that three persons, including the ambulance driver who drove them to Jorhat district from Mumbai, tested positive and the driver was sent back to Mumbai.

This created a long stream of reactions by his followers on both the platforms, who said the step was “totally not justified” and asked why the driver was allowed to leave Assam as there is maximum possibility of him spreading the infection on his way back.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Over 150 migrants sent to Punjab from Delhi by bus

Around 150 migrants from Punjab, who were sheltered at a Delhi government facility in Nehru Vihar amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown, were on Sunday sent to their home state by bus.

In a tweet, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s office said the Punjab migrants staying at Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Nehru Vihar, shelter were medically screened before they left for their homes.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

1,500 in hospital, 27 on ventilator: Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, speaking at a press conference Sunday, said of roughly 7,000 positive cases in the state, approximately 1,500 are in hospital. Of these only 27 are on ventilator, he added.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Arranging more trains for migrants: Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal, speaking at a press conference Sunday, said that more trains were being arranged for migrants. “I appeal to them not to travel on foot. It is not safe. We take your responsibility. We are here to take care of you,” the Delhi chief minister said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

18 CISF test positive in 24 hours

Eighteen Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 over the past 24 hours. There are 64 active cases within the ranks today, says Central Industrial Security Force​, as per ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

Karnataka reports 53 new cases, including 31 with travel history to Ajmer, 8 to Ahmedabad

53 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka between 5 pm on Saturday and 12 pm Sunday. Of the 53 new cases, 31 have a history of travel to Ajmer and 8 to Ahmedabad. Total number of cases in the state is at 847, including 405 discharged and 31 deaths, according to the state Health Department. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

82% of people who lost their lives due to COVID-19 in Delhi are above 50 years, says Kejriwal

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday noted that most of the coronavirus deaths in the National Capital are all elderly people. “We have analysed that 82% of the people who have lost their lives were above the age of 50. We are seeing that there are more deaths among elderly people,” he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Majority of cases in Delhi as asymptomatic, say Arvind Kejriwal 

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that out of roughly 7000 COVID-19 cases in Delhi, approximately 1500 are in hospital. “Out of these 1500 in hospital, only 27 are on a ventilator. The majority of cases are mild or asymptomatic,” said Kejriwal.

 “Those who have mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, the Delhi government have arranged that they can be treated at home. Our team goes to their home and checks everything. If they have all the resources, the patient is allowed to isolate at home. Our team calls them daily and are in touch with them. " he further said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

8 people test positive for COVID-19 in Karnataka’s green zone Shivamogga district

8 people who had returned from Ahmedabad in Gujarat have tested positive for COVID-19 in Shivamogga, said Karnataka Minister KS Eshwarappa. Karnataka’s Shivamogga district is under the green zone category, reports ANI,

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

Quarantine facilities arranged in Mangaluru for NRIs

The Dakshina Kannada district administration has made arrangements to quarantine non- resident citizens arriving in Mangaluru by flights from various countries amid the COVID-19 crisis.

The first repatriation flight from Dubai carrying 170 passengers is expected to land at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) here on Tuesday.

Nearly 1,000 rooms at lodges, hostels and service apartments have been kept ready as quarantine facilities for the NRIs.

The authorities have reserved rooms in 18 hotels, lodges and six hostels for the mandated two-week quarantine. The returnees will be given the option of staying either at hotels or in government facilities, sources said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Many Delhi hospitals report deaths but don’t send summaries, says health minister

“Many hospitals report deaths but don’t send summaries. We have directed all hospitals to send detailed summaries within 24 hours of the occurrence of deaths. This issue is due to summaries” said Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain on discrepancies in coronavirus deaths, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

In leaked call, Obama describes Trump’s handling of virus as ‘chaotic’

Former President Barack Obama described President Donald Trump’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic as “chaotic” in a conference call with former members of his administration, Reuters has reported.

Obama has largely kept out of the fray even as Trump has blamed him and his Democratic administration for a variety of problems related to having sufficient supplies to battle the pandemic.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Govt mulls credit guarantee scheme for loans for payment of wages by MSMEs

As part of a stimulus package for the coronavirus-hit economy, the government is working on a credit guarantee scheme to enable banks to provide additional 10-15 percent working capital to MSMEs for payment of wages, sources told PTI.

Currently, banks are offering an extra line of credit of 10 percent based on working capital limits, which the government intends to increase further.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

5 Air India pilots test positive for COVID-19

Five pilots of Air India found COVID-19 positive, during the pre-flight COVID test which is carried out 72 hours before they are rostered for flight duties. All of them are asymptomatic and based in Mumbai. “They had undertaken cargo flights to China’ Guangzhou,” Air India sources told ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in UAE Latest Update

First batch of 88 nurses from India arrive in UAE to help country’s stretched healthcare system

The first batch of 88 nurses from India arrived in the UAE to help the country’s stretched healthcare professionals amid a surge in the number of COVID-19 infections in the Gulf nation that has crossed 17,000, according to media reports.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention said the UAE reported 624 new cases on Saturday, taking the total number of infections to 17,417. The number of fatalities reached 185 after 11 deaths were reported on the day.

The nurses, who are from Aster DM Healthcare hospitals in the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, will be put under quarantine for 14 days after which they will be assigned to various field hospitals as per requirement, the Khaleej Times reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

Special train with 1,140 migrants leaves for Jharkhand from Mangalore

A special train carrying 1,140 migrant workers stranded in the lockdown has left Mangaluru railway station for Jharkhand.

Dakshina Kannada MP Nalin Kumar Kateel and Vedavyas Kamath, MLA, were present at the railway station on Saturday night when the train left.

Kamath said the workers who had registered on the state governments Seva Sindhu portal were brought to the railway station in Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses.

A health check-up was carried out before they boarded the train. The district administration also provided food packets and water to the migrants at the station.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Chhattisgarh Latest Update

Chhattisgarh CM writes to Centre, demands additional levy on coal

Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Bagel has written to Union Minister Prahlad Joshi demanding additional levy amount of Rs 4140.21 crore on coal from the Centre. The letter states," The amount will enable state govt to work effectively towards prevention of COVID-19. and the situation arising from it," ANI reports.

C

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Andhra Pradesh registers 50 new cases, taking total to 1,980

Andhra Pradesh reported 50 new COVID19 cases ( including 26 returned from Gujarat and 1 returned from Karnataka) in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,980, said Andhra Pradesh, Nodal Officer, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi registers 381 new cases and 5 deaths; total infections now at 6,923

381 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi between 12 am, 8 May to 12 am on 9 May. Five deaths have also been reported on Sunday. The total number of cases in the National Capitals is now at 6,923, including 4,781 active cases, 2,069 recovered and 73 deaths, said Delhi Director General of Health Services.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

Yenepoya hospital first district in south Karnataka to get nod for COVID-19 tests

The Yenepoya medical college hospital at Deralakatte in Mangalore has become the first private hospital in Dakshina Kannada district to get coronavirus (COVID-19) testing approval.

The laboratory at the hospital has received the nod from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct tests for COVID-19, a release here said.

Dakshina Kannada will now have two centres for coronavirus tests, the first one being the district Wenlock hospital, the designated hospital for COVID-19.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

301 stranded migrant labourers leave Bengal for Bihar in bus

As per special initiative of Government of West Bengal,  301 stranded migrant labourers of Bihar started their journey back home from Alipurduar on Sunday, tweeted the state department of Health & Family Welfare.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Update

Authorities lift 62 food samples for screening in J&K

Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir carried out nearly 1,000 surprise inspections and lifted 62 samples of different food items for screening since the beginning of this month, an official spokesperson said on Sunday.

The special drive by the Food Safety Wing of Food and Drugs Administration Department was necessitated amidst growing concern that some unscrupulous traders can take advantage of the lockdown imposed by the government due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

New BMC chief’s reviews situation in Mumbai, urges for micro-level planning in city

Iqbal Singh Chahal, a 1989 batch Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer, who took charge as the chief of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) late on Friday held a review meeting with senior officials from the BMC on Saturday. He reviewed the steps of various departments and urged micro-level planning.

These are some of the other steps discussed during the meeting:

• Intensify contact tracing, currently ratio is 3:1, make it 6:1 and all contacts be shifted to institutional quarantine 
• All the Divisional Assistant Commissioners should ensure more efficient and more effective allocation of functions and responsibilities in their respective jurisdictions.
• All of them to monitor activities of hospitals that come under their jurisdiction 
• Careful attention needs to be paid to the issue of containment zones. It should have ’effective management centered on results’. This area also needs to be streamlined for effective management. Also, every citizen in this area should be screened. For this, the necessary coordination should be made regularly at the police level.
• COVID-19 warriors should be appointed as coordinators for each ‘containment zone’ on a temporary basis.
• All the Divisional Assistant Commissioners should seek the co-operation of the local people’s representatives while working in their respective areas.
• Ensure timely supply of essentials in the ‘Containment Zone’ area.
• Proper coordination between various agencies

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Govt should allow private vehicles to ferry migrants, says Sanjay Raut

Senior Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Sunday said the Maharashtra government should give permission to private vehicles for ferrying migrant labourers to their native places during the lockdown.

Raising concern over migrant workers setting off for their hometowns on foot, Raut said they were falling sick and some have also died.

“The labour class is walking back home, this is not a good picture. Their children are with them. Railways are not ready to operate trains for them. The state government should give permission to private vehicles to ply,” Raut tweeted.

“People are falling ill while walking. Some have died. Even then their walking hasn’t stopped, the Rajya Sabha member further said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Cabinet to meet with state health secys to discuss COVID-19 situation at 11 am

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba will be holding a video conference at 11.00 am today with Chief Secretaries and Health Secretaries of all states and Union Territories.

Discussion is likely to focus on seeking state’s views on easing lockdown regulations and the need for strengthening enforcement of stringent measures in containment zones, reports suggest.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

East Coast Railway urges people not to walk on train tracts 

In the wake of migrant workers sleeping on railway lines being crushed to death by a goods train in Maharashtra, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has asked people to refrain from walking on the tracks as several special trains are running during the lockdown.

Although passenger trains have been suspended due to COVID-19 outbreak, goods trains and parcel express trains are continuously running on all the railway tracks to maintain supply of essential commodities across the country, a railway official said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra police record 786 COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths 

786 police personnel have tested positive for COVID19 in Maharashtra, of which 703 are active cases, 76 recovered with 7 deaths. There have been 200 incidents of assault on police personnel during the lockdown period and 732 accused have been arrested for the same, according to Maharashtra Police, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Update

34 more test positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, taking total count to 629

At least 34 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Bihar, raising the total count in the state to 629, a top health department official said on Sunday.

Of the 34, 11 hail from Begusarai, seven each from Saharsa and Madhepura, five, including a woman, from Rohtas, two from Darbhanga and one each from Khagaria and Araria districts, Sanjay Kumar, the principal secretary of the state health department, said.

“We are ascertaining the infection trail. These are yesterday’s results received late in the night,” Kumar said, adding that seven out of 34 patients were minors. Barring Jamui, all 37 districts in the state have reported coronavirus cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Update

Patna’s military police camp declared as hotspot after 5 jawans test positive

Bihar Military Police camp area in Patna has been declared to be coronavirus hotspot area after 5 Bihar Military Police jawans from Khajpura tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Update

Rajasthan reports 33 new cases, taking total infections to 3,741 

Rajasthan on Sunday registered 33 new COVID19 positive cases, taking the total number of positive cases to 3,741, with 107 deaths, according to Rajasthan Health Department, reported ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Update

Naval ship carrying 698 Indians from Maldives arrives in Kochi

Naval Ship INS Jalashwa with 698 repatriated Indians from Maldives arrives in Kochi harbour on Sunday. According to the Indian Navy, there are 19 pregnant women among the 698 Indian nationals.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Bombay HC asks Maharashtra not to stop vehicles ferrying pets, sick animals

The Bombay High Court has directed the Maharashtra government to issue a clear directive to the state police to ensure ambulances or other vehicles ferrying pets and sick animals to and from veterinary clinics are not stopped during the lockdown.

Justice SC Gupte in an order on Friday said the police administration must not obstruct or stop such vehicles.

He also directed the state to clarify its stand on permitting residents across the state to take their dogs out for a walk during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown period.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Meghalaya Latest Update

Shops, vehicles to operate in Meghalaya from Monday

Apart from Shillong which currently has two active COVID-19 cases, the Meghalaya government has allowed shops to reopen and vehicles to ply across the state from Monday.

The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, official sources said. “The deputy commissioners and district transport officers have been asked to work out the modalities for regulating (public and private transport) on a rotation basis,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Saturday.

All passenger vehicles have been asked to run with 50 percent occupancy.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh Latest Update

Himachal Pradesh reports two new cases

Two more COVID19 positive cases reported in Himachal Pradesh on Sunday, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 54, said Nipun Jindal, Special Secretary-Health, Himachal Pradesh.

Coronavirus Outbreak in China Latest Update

China reports 34 new coronavirus cases

China has reported 14 new coronavirus cases including one from the first COVID-19 epicentre of Hubei province, taking the number of infections in the country to 82,901, while over 4,630 people have succumbed to the disease, health officials said on Sunday.

According to China’s National Health Commission (NHC), 12 cases were domestically transmitted, with 11 reported from Jilin Province and one in Hubei Province, the first COVID-19 epicentre which has remained free from coronavirus infections for the last 35 days.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Germany Latest Update

Bundesliga’s plan to restart receives blow as second-tier Dynamo Dresden placed in quarantine

Germany’s plans to restart competitive football on 16 May have suffered an early setback after the entire team of second-tier Dynamo Dresden were placed in a two-week quarantine following two positive coronavirus tests.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India registers 3,277 cases, 127 deaths in past 24 hours

India on Sunday reported a spike of 3,277 COVID-19 cases and 127 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total cases in the country now at 62,939, including 41,472 active cases, 19,358 cured/discharged/migrated and 2109 deaths, according to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Maharashtra, Gujarat continue to remain worst affected states in India

With 20,228 COVID-19 cases, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of infections, followed by Gujarat (7,796) and Delhi (6,542).

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

COVID-19 cases in India rise to 62,939; toll now at 2,109

The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 62,939, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Sunday. 

 The toll in India now due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has risen to 2,109, with 41,472 reported active COVID-19 cases, and  as many as 19,358 patients have been cured and discharged so far.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Guidelines given by MHA for restarting manufacturing units

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on May 10 issued fresh guidelines on restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown period.

• While restarting the unit, consider the first week as the trial or test run period; ensure all safety protocols; and not try to achieve high production targets.
• To minimize the risk it is important that employees who work on specific equipment are sensitized and made aware of the need to identify abnormalities like strange sounds or smell, exposed wires, vibrations, leaks, smoke, abnormal wobbling, irregular grinding or other potentially hazardous signs which indicate the need for an immediate maintenance or if required shutdown.
• Especially during the COVID-19 times, ensure all lockout and tag out procedures are in place on a daily basis (not applicable for units running 24 hours).
• Inspection of all equipment as per the safety protocols during the restart phase.
• In case the industry has any difficulty in managing crucial backward linkages that may be critical for  their  safe  functioning,  they  should  approach  the  local  district  administration  for  specific assistance. District Magistrates may be instructed to ensure that in such instances, the industrial  unit  may  be  facilitated  to  run  their  end  to  end  operations,  in  the  overall  interests  of  industrial security.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Update

Bihar registers 18 new cases, taking total to 629

18 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Bihar taking the total number of positive cases to 629, according to Principal Secretary-Health, Bihar Government reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in South Korea Latest Update

South Korea sees rise in new COVID-19 cases

South Korea reported 34 additional cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours as a spate of transmissions linked to clubgoers threatens the country’s hard-won gains in its fight against the virus.

Figures released Sunday by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention increased national totals to 10,874 with 256 deaths. The agency said 9,610 have recovered and 10,128 others were undergoing tests to determine whether they’ve contracted the virus.

The agency said a tentative assessment showed 26 of the 34 new patients were locally transmitted cases, while the rest were imported. South Korean media reported it was the first time that South Korea’s daily jump has marked above 30 in about a month.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

3 members of White House coronavirus task force kept in quarantine

Three members of the White House coronavirus task force, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, placed themselves in quarantine after contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, another stark reminder that not even one of the nation’s most secure buildings is immune from the virus.

Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a leading member of the task force, has become nationally known for his simple and direct explanations to the public about the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes. Also quarantining are Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, Stephen Hahn.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

MHA issues new guidelines for restarting industries post lockdown 

After the Vizag gas leak incident, which left 11 dead and over affected over 800 people, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued fresh guidelines for restarting manufacturing industries after the lockdown.

“While restarting the unit, consider the first week as the trial or test run period; ensure all safety and protocols, and don’t try to achieve high production targets”, said MHA.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Shivraj Singh Chouhan condoles deaths of 5 migrant workers

After the incident of five migrant workers dying in a road accident in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed his condolences on Twitter. 

He also said, “High officials of administration are present on the spot for proper treatment of injured and other arrangements. I earnestly pray to god for the quick recovery of the injured.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Five migrant labourers killed, 11 injured after truck overturns in MP

Five migrant labourers died and 11 others were injured in Madhya Pradesh late on Saturday after the truck they were travelling in overturned in a village, around 200 km away from Bhopal, reports ANI.

“The truck that was carrying 15 migrants had on it 18 people in total. It was travelling to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Five people have died till now, while 2 out of the 13 are critically injured and are being treated at Jabalpur Medical college right now,” Narsinghpur collector Deepak Saxena told News18.

“A total of 18 people were in the truck laden with mangoes,” Saxena added. “When the truck overturned near Patha village in Narsinghpur, five labourers died and 11 got injured.”

The incident took place in Patha village in Narsinghpur. The labourers were travelling in a truck carrying mangoes from Telangana’s Hyderabad city to Agra in Uttar Pradesh, said Deepak Saxena, district collector of Narsinghpur.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

Elon Musk threatens to pull Telsa’s HQ out of California over virus restrictions

Tesla CEO Elon Musk threatened Saturday to pull the company’s factory and headquarters out of California in an escalating spat with local officials who have stopped the company from reopening its electric vehicle factory.

On Twitter, Musk also threatened to sue over Alameda County Health Department coronavirus restrictions that have stopped Tesla from restarting production its factory in Fremont south of San Francisco.

Musk has been ranting about the stay-home order since the company’s 29 April first-quarter earnings were released, calling the restrictions fascist and urging governments to stop taking people’s freedom.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

Bengal govt forms teams for surveillance support, monitoring of treatment at COVID-19 hospitals

The West Bengal Health Department on Saturday formed teams to support surveillance and monitoring of treatment at five hospitals treating COVID-19 patients in the city. The team members will pay regular visits to these hospitals and send reports to the department, the state government said in an order.

The department has also set up a dedicated helpline for issues regarding the non-availability of PPEs and other supplies. The feedback and suggestions will be duly recorded and acted upon by the state government for appropriate remedial measures, the order said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

IMAGES: Indians stranded in Uzbekistan prepare to leave for New Delhi

Indians stranded in Uzbekistan due to COVID-19 outbreak, leaving for New Delhi under Vande Bharat Mission special mission prepare for take off. Thermal checks being performed by the Indian Embassy officials in Tashkent, Santosh Jha, Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan told ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

US approves new coronavirus antigen test with fast results

US regulators have approved a new type of coronavirus test that administration officials have promoted as a key to opening up the country, reports The Associated Press.

The Food and Drug Administration on Saturday announced emergency authorization for antigen tests developed by Quidel Corporation of San Diego. The test can rapidly detect fragments of virus proteins in samples collected from swabs swiped inside the nasal cavity, the FDA said in a statement.

The antigen test is the third type of test to be authorized by the FDA.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Mumbai Police pays tribute to cop who died of COVID-19 on Twitter

The Mumbai Police on Sunday paid tribute to assistant sub-inspector (ASI) attached to Vinoba Bhave Nagar police station who died of the coronavirus disease COVID-19 on Friday.

The samples of an assistant sub-inspector attached to Vinoba Bhave Nagar police station in Mumbai who died on Friday have tested positive for novel
coronavirus, PTI quotes officials as saying.

He died in the early hours of Friday after being admitted in a civic hospital on Wednesday with COVID-19-like​symptoms, an official said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Update

Not testing samples of 16-yr-old girl who died of COVID-19 was ‘a mistake’, says Himanta Biswa Sarma

Doctors at the government-run ESIC Hospital here committed a “mistake” by not testing samples of a 16-year-old girl, who later died of Covid-19, Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

The girl breathed her last on Thursday at the B Barooah Cancer Institute. Her samples, which were taken after her death, tested positive for coronavirus infection/

“The girl first went to ESIC Hospital with all symptoms like fever and pain in legs. It was a mistake by doctors that her samples were not sent for testing… It is a matter of concern,” Sarma told reporters.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi school teacher involved in distributing ration tests positive for COVID-19

A teacher of a civic body-run school, who was involved in distributing ration during the lockdown, has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, officials said on Saturday. The teacher was posted at a primary school in Wazirabad under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation.

The teacher had last come to school on April 28 and started showing COVID-19 symptoms from 2 May. His test report came on Friday, an official of North Delhi Municipal Corporation said.

“We traced his six primary contacts and they have been sent into quarantine. Since they are completely asymptomatic, no test has been done yet,” he said, adding the school building has been sanitised.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Pakistan Latest Update

Pakistan eases nationwide lockdown even as COVID-19 cases rise

Pakistan on Saturday began easing the month-long lockdown despite a steady rise in the number of coronavirus cases which has now crossed the 28,000-mark with 618 deaths.

Doctors have warned against easing restrictions. The Representative of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has demanded that the government observe World Health Organisation protocols and implement strict lockdown.

“We think the number will definitely spike. According to our information, there are five hospitals in Karachi that have a total of 63 beds reserved for coronavirus patients. If this is the condition in a city like Karachi, then you can imagine what it is like in other cities of Pakistan,” said Dr Ikram Tunio of the PMA in a press conference in Karachi.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

First batch of 326 Indians stranded in UK arrives in Mumbai

The first batch of 326 Indian nationals stranded in the UK due to the coronavirus-linked global travel restrictions arrived here from London early on Sunday morning.

The special evacuation flight AI 130, a Boeing 777 plane which departed from London on Saturday, landed at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) at around 1.30 AM with 326 Indians, according to a source.

The airport authorities, in a statement on Saturday, said that the arriving passengers with symptoms will be moved to isolation centres.

Asymptomatic passengers residing in Mumbai will be moved to quarantine facilities like hotels, while those from outside of the city will be transported by the state to their respective district headquarters, it said

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

CRPF reports 62 new cases on Saturday

As many as 62 more personnel of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been infected with coronavirus on Saturday.

“With 62 new COVID-19 cases, the total number of coronavirus cases reported from CRPF is 234, of which 231 are active cases,” according to an official statement issued by the CRPF.

Meanwhile, 35 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Border Security Force (BSF) on Saturday, taking the total count of cases in the force over 250.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Air India flight with 163 Indians from Kuwait lands at Hyderabad airport

An Air India flight with 163 Indians landed at the Hyderabad international airport from Kuwait on Saturday night as part of the government’s Vande Bharat Mission to bring home Indian nationals stranded abroad, airport sources said. The AI flight 988 landed at the airport shortly after 10 pm, the sources said.

To facilitate the arriving passengers and aircraft crew, the Hyderabad International Airport has kept the international arrivals and the stretch right from the aerobridge to the arrivals ramp fully sanitized and fumigated, the sources said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Update

Odisha registers 58 new cases, taking total to 352

Odisha on Sunday reported 58 more COVID-19 cases. The total number of cases in the state is now at 352, including 281 active cases, 68 cured/recovered & 3 deaths, according to the latest date by the state health department, reports ANI

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

First Air India repatriation flight takes off from US with 224 Indians

Around 224 Indians stranded in the US due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown boarded the first repatriation flight from San Francisco to Mumbai and Hyderabad on Saturday.

In the first phase of the US-India segment of the ‘Operation Vande Bharat- A homecoming’, flights have been planned from San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Washington DC to New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai and Bengaluru.

As many as 1,961 Indians are likely to be repatriated through seven flights from the four cities in the first phase, officials said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Total COVID-19 cases in India now at 59,662 with nearly 2,000 deaths

The nationwide tally of confirmed COVID-19 cases reached 59,662 on Saturday and the death toll rose to 1,981 with the country registering an increase of 95 deaths and 3,320 cases in 24 hours till Saturday morning, the Union Health Ministry said even as fresh infections among central armed police forces, and the repatriated Indians raised new concerns among experts.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 39,834, while 17,846 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, the Union Health Ministry said.