Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: No COVID-19 cases reported in Goa today; Maharashtra tally rises to 1,018

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

No new COVID-19 cases found in Noida sector 8 today

No new cases were found in Noida Sector 8. Only as a precautionary measure of ‘cluster containment’ where previous cases have been found, people have been shifted and will be put under observation for welfare of them and their surroundings. Request you to dispel rumours, said Gautam Budh Nagar DM.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

DRDO-made disinfectant deployed at AIIMS Delhi

A DRDO made disinfectant chamber was today deployed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. The chamber uses a solution that is known to kill COVID-19 and will help in controlling the spread of coronavirus.

#WATCH A DRDO made disinfectant chamber was today deployed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi. The chamber uses a solution that is known to kill #COVID19 & will help in controlling the spread of coronavirus. (Video source - DRDO) pic.twitter.com/Qx6wNlq1Vd

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Action taken by Assam Police during lockdown:

Figure of action taken across the state of Assam #lockdown by @assampolice till April 7th, 2000 Hrs @DGPAssamPolice @CMOfficeAssam pic.twitter.com/AWPHjMuvUW

— GP Singh (@gpsinghips) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Another COVID-19 patient reported in Assam

Another COVID-19 case has been reported in Assam, reports said, adding that the patient is from the Hailakandi district with a travel to Saudi Arabia. The total number of COVID-19 patients in Assam now stands at 28, said Assam Mminister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

GoM recommends closure of educational institutes and religious places till 15 May

A Group of Ministers on COVID19 on Tuesday recommended extension of closure of all educational institutions and restricting all religious activities having public participation till May 15 irrespective of whether the government extends the 21-day lockdown or not, PTI reported.

A meeting of the GoM chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and participated by Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded that religious centres, shopping malls and educational institutions must not be allowed to resume normal functioning at least for four weeks from April 14 when the current lockdown ends.

The thinking in the government is that schools and colleges will more less remain shut till end of June as the summer vacation will start from middle of May.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

51 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi today

The Delhi government said that 51 fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in the National Capital in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

NYC virus deaths exceed 3,200, topping toll for 9/11 attacks

New York City’s death toll from the coronavirus eclipsed the number of those killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11, health officials said Tuesday. At least 3,202 people have died in New York from COVID-19, according to the count released by the city.

The deadliest terror attack on US soil killed 2,753 people in the city and 2,977 overall, when hijacked planes slammed into the twin towers, the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field on 11 September, 2001. New York state recorded 731 new coronavirus deaths, its biggest one-day jump yet, for a statewide toll of nearly 5,500, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

“Behind every one of those numbers is an individual. There’s a family, there’s a mother, there’s a father, there’s a sister, there’s a brother. So a lot of pain again today for many New Yorkers,” he said.

(AP)

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

14 month old toddler dies of COVID-19 in Gujarat, say reports

A 14 month old chil who had tested positive for coronavirus in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, passed away on Tuesday evening, reports said .

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR issues guidelines for COVID-19 sample collection

For the first time, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines for sample collection sites for COVID-19 testing. Few state governments had suggested establishing sample collection sites, over which ICMR said it has no objection and released an advisory.

For the first time, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines for sample collection sites for #COVID19 testing. Few state governments had suggested establishing sample collection sites, over which ICMR said it has no objection & released an advisory. pic.twitter.com/GsmtWgTf01

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Tablighi Jamaat returnees in Maharashtra have switched off their phones

The Maharashtra government said that around 50-60 people who had returned to Maharashtra from the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi have switched off their phones and are trying to hide. Police are looking for them in various parts of the state.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra excise dept registers 152 cases for violations

The Maharashtra excise department has registered 152 cases, arrested 55 people and seized liquor worth over Rs 38 lakhs in last 24 hours, amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Coronavirus in Goa Latest Updates

No COVID-19 cases reported in Goa today

No COVID-19 cases in Goa on Tuesday, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state stands at seven, the state health department said.

No #COVID19 cases in Goa today, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the state stands at 7: Goa Health Department pic.twitter.com/8I6KfGXZQE

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

125 COVID-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir so far

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that 125 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir as of 6 pm on Tuesday. This includes 118 active cases, four recovered patients and three deaths.

125 #COVID19 cases in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as of 6 pm today (118 active cases, 4 recovered & 3 deaths): Government of Jammu & Kashmir pic.twitter.com/mrLRatnpBf

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

Gujarat reports 19 new COVID-19 cases, two deaths today

The Gujarat government said that 19 COVID-19 positive cases and two deaths have been reported in the state on Tuesday. Both the deceased had comorbidity condition. Total positive cases in the state stand at 175.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

150 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra today

The Maharashtra health department said that 150 more COVID-19 positive cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 1,018.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Essential goods shops to remain open for two hours everyday in some places

Pune Police on Tuesday imposed restrictions in several areas of the city to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Shops related to essential services (excluding medicals and hospitals) to remain open from 10 am to 12 pm (for 2 hours only), the police said.

“Restrictions are applicable in the areas which fall in jurisdiction of police stations such as Kondhwa, Swargate, Khadak, and Faraskhana. These areas were sealed by Pune Municipal corporation yesterday. Restrictions to be imposed from 7 pm on Tuesday to 14 April,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt to give compensation of Rs 1 crore to medical workers in csase of death

The Delhi government issued an order on Tuesday to provide a compensation of Rs 1 crore for doctors, nurses, and sanitation workers if the death will occur due to COVID-19.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Bengaluru taxi drivers struggle to pay loans

ANI reported that taxi drivers in Bengaluru said that they are struggling to pay for their loans with no income amid COVID-19 lockdown. Sunder Kumar said, “I don’t have any work currently. How will I pay EMIs in coming months? Banks also continue to add interest on EMIs. The government should help us.”

Karnataka: Taxi drivers in Bengaluru say they are struggling to pay for their loans with no income amid #COVID19 lockdown. Sunder Kumar says "I don't have any work currently. How will I pay EMIs in coming months? Banks also continue to add interest on EMIs. Govt should help us" pic.twitter.com/L3u5cSbEx9

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

All hospitals must inform authorities if they admit COVID-19 patient, says Delhi Police

Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa said that all hospitals must inform the police, the Delhi health department the COVID-19 authorized hospitals if they admit any COVID-19 positive patient. “If this is not followed it will be considered as concealment of facts and legal action will be taken,” he said.

He added, “After 1 March, whoever visited Markaz Nizamuddin should inform their concerned police stations. If they don’t do so it will be considered as concealment of facts and legal action will be taken against the violators.”

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

NIV Pune approves 7 antibody rapid tests

The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune has validated seven antibody-based rapid tests for coronavirus and found them to be satisfactory, ANI reported on Tuesday.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

UK registers 786 COVID-19 deaths in one day

The UK registered a daily record of 786 coronavirus deaths, AFP reported on Tuesday.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi reports 25 new COVID-19 cases 

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that in the last 24 hours, 25 new cases of coronavirus and 2 deaths have been reported in the National Capital.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra health bulletin today:

New COVID-19 cases reported across the state today, district wise.

Latur — 08
Buldhana — 06
Pune — 2
Pimpri Chinchwad — 2
Ahmednagar — 2
Hingoli — 1
Jalgaon — 1
Washim — 1

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Trump accuses WHO of being ‘China-centric’

US president Donald Trump criticised the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s action plan over the coronavirus pandemic and said the “largely US-funded organisation” was being “very China-centric”.

The W.H.O. really blew it. For some reason, funded largely by the United States, yet very China centric. We will be giving that a good look. Fortunately I rejected their advice on keeping our borders open to China early on. Why did they give us such a faulty recommendation?

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

100 Ola, Uber cabs to be used for medical emergencies in Bengaluru

Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu said that 100 Ola cabs and 100 Uber cabs will be used for medical emergency in Bengaluru.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

Boris Johnson needed oxygen support in ICU, now ‘stable’

British prime minister Boris Johnson was stable in intensive care on Tuesday after receiving oxygen support to help him battle COVID-19, while his foreign minister led the government’s response to the outbreak.

Johnson, 55, was admitted to St Thomas’ Hospital across the River Thames from the House of Commons late on Sunday after suffering persistent coronavirus symptoms, including a high temperature and a cough, for more than 10 days.

But his condition rapidly deteriorated over the next 24 hours, and he was moved on Monday to an intensive care unit, where the most serious cases are treated, in case he needed to be put on a ventilator. He was still conscious, his office said.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam govt announces 30% cut in salaries of CM, MLAs

The Assam government on Tuesday announced a 30 percent cut in the salaries of the chief minister, ministers and MLAs for one year to save money for fight against COVID-19, PTI reported.

Coromavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

BMC to disallow vegetable vendors in containment zones in Mumbai

Reports said that the BMC is likely to disallow vegetable vendors in containment zones in Mumbai, which are 241 where COVID-19 positive patients have been found. Because people have not adhered to the guidelines of the lockdown to go to the market, the BMC said it had decided that streetside vegetable vendors won’t be allowed in the zones

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra cyber cell registers 113 cases for spreading rumours

The Maharashtra cyber cell on Tuesday registered 113 cases against people for spreading rumours and hateful messages around the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

100 new COVID-19 cases, 5 deaths reported in Mumbai today

The BMC said that 100 new COVID-19 cases and five new deaths have been reported in Mumbai on Tuesday, the toll in the city rose to 40. The total number of positive cases in Mumbai stand at 590.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Over 3 lakh N-95 masks available in Maharashtra, says govt

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday said that currently there are 3,02,795 N-95 masks available in the state, and 41,400 personal protective equipment (PPEs) are available.

The statement also said that 10,317 Isolation beds are ready and available and 2,666 ICU beds are available.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India’s COVID-19 cases rise to 4,789 with 508 new cases in last 24 hours

The Union health ministry said that 508 more COVID-19 positive cases and 13 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. India’s positive cases rise to 4,789 (including 4312 active cases, 353 cured/discharged/migrated people and 124 deaths).

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab govt sets up control room for upcoming wheat harvesting season

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said that it has set up a control room for the coordination and for providing logistic support during the upcoming wheat harvesting and marketing season, which is set to begin on 15 April under tight security and safety measures to ensure smooth operations amid the coronavirus lockdown.

He also wrote to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking her personal intervention to revive manufacturing and loading at the jute mills in her state against the pending indents for gunny bales placed by Punjab government, a statement by the Punjab CMO said.

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab govt to buy 10 lakh rapid testing kits

Punjab health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that the state government has planned to buy 10 lakh rapid testing kits, adding that the total cases of coronavirus are 99 in the state as of Tuesday, after eight more cases were reported.

He added that of the 468 Tablighi Jamaat attendees who came back to Punjab from Delhi, 448 have been traced and 15 have tested positive for COVID-19.

The results of 119 samples are awaited.

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

33 new COVID-19 cases reported in Haryana

The Haryana health department said that 33 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in the state on Tuesday. Total coronavirus positive cases in the state stand at 129, which includes two deaths and 17 people who have now been discharged.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Everyone entering Bengal after lockdown will be quarantined, says Mamata

Mamata Banerjee said that if the complete nationwide lockdown over coronavirus is “abruptly removed” in West Bengal, migrant workers stuck outside the state will start pouring in and people will violate social distancing. “It will create health hazards,” she said.

“All those coming inside the state after lockdown is removed will first be kept in quarantine… I would rather call these centres “safe houses” instead of quarantine centres,” she added.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Flower markets in Bengal to open tomorrow, says Mamata

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that flower markets in the state will open from Wednesday so that wholesale suppliers can supply directly to the markets. “Police will not stop them,” she added.

According to reports, she also said that those who are working in the bidi-making business can continue operating from their homes while maintaining social distancing and agents can collect the product and sell in market.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll rises to 5 in West Bengal

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that the toll due to coronavirus rose to five in the state on Tuesday, after two more patients passed away. Eight new active cases were reported on Tuesday, taking the number of active cases to 69 in the state.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR to set up COVID-19 clinical research network

The ICMR on Tuesday said that the national task force set up to tackle the coronavirus pandemic in the country has recommended establishing an ‘India COVID-19 Clinical Research Collaborative Network” which will be coordinated by ICMR.

“Its goal is to enhance clinical understanding of COVID-19 to develop specific clinical management protocols and further research and development for therapeutics,” the ICMR said.

“For this purpose, a central database of clinical and laboratory parameters of hospitalised COVID-19 cases is being created. All hospitals currently managing COVID-19 patients are invited to become partners in the network,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Tamil Nadu reports 69 new COVID-19 cases, 63 attended Delhi event

Tamil Nadu health secretary Beela Rajesh said that 69 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 690. Of the new 69 new cases, 63 cases are related to the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, which has become one of the hotspots for coronavirus in the country.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Nine new COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala today

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that nine people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Tuesday, of which four are from Kasargod, three are from Kannur, one each from Kollam and Malappuram.

He also said that of the new cases, four people had returned from abroad, two are attendees of the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi and three people were affected from contact.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

BMC commissioner gives review on COVID-19 situation in Mumbai

BMC commissioner Praveen Pardeshi on Tuesday made a presentation before the state cabinet about the situation of coronavirus in Mumbai.

In a meeting on the situation, the Maharashtra cabinet also reportedly discussed the issue of migrants stuck in the state.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
 

Need more aggressive COVID-19 testing, say Maharashtra ministers
 

Ministers of the Maharashtra government on Tuesday discussed the need for “more aggressive testing” of coronavirus in the state. According to reports, the government is likely to seek more labs for testing.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Decision on extension of lockdown in Maharashtra to be taken in few days

Reports said that in a meeting of the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday, ministers said that the decision on whether the lockdown over coronavirus should be extended in the state is still to be taken and that a call will be taken depending on the state’s position in the coming days.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra ministers express concern over high mortality rate

In a meeting of the Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday, state ministers expressed concern over the high mortality rate in COVID-19 patients in the state. The state is the worst-hit, with the toll touching 50.

According to reports, they said that the Uddhav Thackeray governemnt should look at the way Kerala is handling the crisis to understand why the mortality rate in Kerala is low.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Gotabaya Rajapaksa thanks Narendra Modi for sending medicines to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka president Gotabaya Rajapaksa took to Twitter to convey his appreciation for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India for sending medicines to Sri Lanka on a chartered flight. He had earlier also requested for financial aid to fight the pandemic in the country during a phone conversation with the WHO director-general.

I wish to convey my heartfelt appreciation to Hon PM @narendramodi, Govt & people of #India for your warm gesture in sending medicines to #LKA on a special chartered flight. Your kind & generous support is deeply appreciated in this hour of need #TogetherWeCan #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/XpcUw9xK6d

— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) April 7, 2020

Gota

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt gives numbers of 1,950 people to police for quarantine monitoring

The Delhi government has given the phone numbers of 1,950 people connected to the Tablighi Jamat event to the Delhi Police, a statement said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

We have sufficient quantity of hydrochloroquine, says Centre

Lav Aggarwal, health ministry joint secretary, said that the hydrochloroquine drug is being used only in particular cases for critical patients and health workers.

He also said that the pharma ministry is monitoring the situation, adding, “…assure you we have sufficient quantity (of the drug).”

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Students of classes 1 to 9 to be automatically promoted in Jammu

In light of the coronavirus outbreak, students of classes 1 to 9 of the Jammu division in Jammu and Kashmir are to be promoted to next class and all examinees, who appeared in the Class 11 examination falling under will be promoted to Class 12, the Jammu school education department said.

Coronavirus in Nepal Latest Updates

Nepal extends ban on international flights till 30 April

Nepal on Tuesday extended the ban on international flights till 30 April, whereas, the ban on domestic flights to remain in effect till 15 April.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR says over one lakh COVID-19 tests conducted so far

ICMR’s R Gangakhedkar said that 1,07,006 tests have been conducted for coronavirus so far. Currently, 136 government labs are working and 59 private labs have been given permission.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Without social distancing, a COVID-19 patient can infect 406 people in 30 days: Centre

The Union health ministry quoted an ICMR study as saying that if someone doesn’t follow social distancing then in 30 days a single infected person can infect 406 people. 2.5 persons will be infected if social distancing maintained by a single individual, Joint Secretary Lav Aggarwal said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 care centres are for patients with mild symptoms

The Union health ministry said that the COVID-19 care centres for those with mild symptoms or suspected cases, while the COVID-199 health centres are for those at the clinically moderate stage.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Status of essential goods and services satisfactory, says Centre

“The status of essential goods and services is by and large satisfactory. The home minister conducted a detailed review of the status of essential commodities and lockdown measures, he gave directions to take appropriate measures and ensure hoarding and black marketing is not done,” said PS Srivastav of the MHA.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Railways has set up 40,000 isolation beds in 2,500 coaches, says Centre

The Indian Railways has prepared 40,000 isolation beds in 2,500 coaches, the Union health ministry said in its briefing on Tuesday.

“They are making 375 isolation beds daily and this is going on across 133 locations across the country,” said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt adopting strategy for cluster containment to curb COVID-19 spread, says Centre

The Union health ministry on Tuesday, in its daily briefing on the coronavirus pandemic situation in the country, said that the Centre has been “adopting a strategy for cluster containment and for outbreaks that are amenable to management. This strategy is producing positive results, especially in Agra, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Pathanamthitta, Bhilwara and East Delhi,” said Lav Aggarwal, Union Health Ministry.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

326 COVID-19 patients have recovered, says Centre

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said that so far, 326 coronavirus patients across the country have been discharged after recovery. There are 4,421 COVID-19 positive cases in the country, including 354 cases in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Three COVID-19 deaths reported in Pune today

Three deaths have been reported in Pune on Tuesday, the district magistrate said. All patients were COVID-19 positive and are cases of comorbidity. Toll in Pune has risen to eight.

Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of cases in India. With 23 new patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive cases in the state rises to 891. In the last 24 hours, Sangali has reported one new case, Pune four, Anagar three, Buldhana two, Mumbai 10, Thane one and two cases.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Over 5 of 7.5 crore people have been screened in Rajasthan: CM

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the state government had taken immediate precautions in the state to control the coronavirus pandemic “from the beginning”.

“We held meetings with all political parties,doctors, Army, IAF, Railway, CRPF, CISF, and medical universities. We’ve somewhat managed to keep cases under control,though they are still coming. We’ve made control rooms at state level for monitoring. I’m also personally monitoring.

“Screened five crore people out of around 7.50 crore population. 15,000 tests have been done in different districts. Rs 25 crore incentive planned for doctors and health workers,” he said.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

SC issues notice to Assam govt on plea seeking release of people from detention centres

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Assam government on a plea seeking the release of people from detention centres in the state who have completed more than two years to avoid spreading of coronavirus, “as centres are overcrowded”, ANI reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

SpiceJet operates first cargo-only flight with vital supplies

SpiceJet operated India’s first cargo-on-seat flight, carrying 11 tons of vital supplies in passenger cabin and belly space from Delhi to Chennai. B737 passenger aircraft to do five rotations on Tuesday carrying crucial supplies, the airlines said.

SpiceJet operated India’s first cargo-on-seat flight, carrying 11 tons of vital supplies in passenger cabin & belly space from Delhi to Chennai. B737 passenger aircraft to do five rotations today carrying crucial supplies: SpiceJet #CoronaLockdown #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ZVy867s3af

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Railways takes up production of protective gear for railway doctors, paramedics

The Ministry of Railways on Tuesday said that the Indian Railways has taken up the production of a personal protective equipment-type ‘overall’. An overall produced by Jagadhari workshop was recently cleared by a DRDO lab.

“The approved one will be used for making this overall by other workshops.Facilities are being geared up in Railways to make up to 1,000 such protective overalls for railway doctors and paramedics every day. Around 17 workshops would be striving to contribute to this exercise.”

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

40 booked for coming out on roads with candles in Balrampur

A case has been registered against 40 people in this district of Uttar Pradesh for defying lockdown norms and coming out on the roads despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to lit lamps indoors, police said on Tuesday.

Millions of Indians across the country switched off lights at their homes and lit candles and diyas or turned on mobile phone torches on Sunday night, responding to Modi’s appeal to show the nation’s “collective resolve and solidarity” in its fight against coronavirus.

“While people across the country lit earthen lamps and candles on the prime minister’s call, some people in Tulsipur Bazar here came out on the roads in large numbers,” ASP Arvind Kumar Mishra.

Taking note of it, an FIR has been registered against 40 people for violating lockdown norms, he said, adding that a strict action will be taken against those found flouting the government orders.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update

Ashok Ghelot demands SC inquiry into Delhi’s Tablighi Jamaat event

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday demanded an inquiry by a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge to fix responsibility for the Delhi congregation of Tablighi Jamaat.

He said questions should not be raised on the ground of religion because any person from any caste or community can commit a mistake and only those at fault should be punished.

“An inquiry by a sitting or retired Supreme Court judge should be conducted in the Nizamuddin episode to make clear who all are responsible. Those who are at fault should be booked and punished. It will also make clear whether there was any mistake on part of the administration,” Gehlot told PTI.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

42 arrested for in UP for attacking police team for enforcing lockdown

An FIR was registered against 150 people for allegedly attacking a police team trying to enforce lockdown in Izatnagar area here, police said on Tuesday. Forty-two people were arrested in this connection, out of which three women were released on bail.

“An FIR was registered against 150 persons on Monday night under relevant sections of IPC for attacking policemen and trying to set ablaze police outpost,” Superintendent of Police, City, Ravindra Kumar said.

Among the accused, 42 were arrested, while three were released on bail, he said. The incident took place in Karampur Chaudhary area in Izzatnagar when two policemen had gone to enforce the lockdown and were attacked.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

BMC seals area around Uddhav Thackeray’s residence after tea seller suspected of contracting COVID-19

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) sealed off the Kalanagar area in Mumbai’s Bandra East after a tea seller was suspected to have contracted COVID-19 near a government guest house, located near Matoshree, the private residence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

The civic body has also put up posters informing the same near the government guest house. According to Mumbai police sources, the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s security personnel deployed at Matoshree, who were the frequent visitors to the tea stall, have been kept in isolation as a precautionary measure.

Sources also told ANI that along with the tea seller, four more people residing in his building have been put into a quarantine facility by the authorities.

Earlier on Monday, the BMC declared the city’s Wockhardt Hospital a containment zone after three doctors and 26 nurses tested positive for coronavirus within a span of one week.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Govt considering to extend lockdown, says report

A lot of state governments, as well as experts, are requesting the Central Government to extend the lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic in India. The Centre is considering this decision, say government sources, reports CNN-News18.

Coronavirus in Japan Latest Update

Japan declares state of emergency

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday declared a state of emergency to fight new coronavirus infections in major population centres and unveiled a stimulus package he described as among the world’s biggest to soften the economic blow. His cabinet will also finalise the stimulus package worth 108 trillion yen ($990 billion) – equal to 20 percent of Japan’s economic output.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Update

Gujarat COVID-19 cases climb to 165 after 19 test positive

The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat jumped to 165 on Tuesday, with 19 more people testing positive for the viral infection in the state, an official said.

Out of 19 new cases, 13 have been reported from Ahmedabad, three from Patan, and one each from Bhavnagar, Anand and Sabarkantha, Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi said.

Anand and Sabarkantha districts reported their first cases on Tuesday. With this, coronavirus cases have now been reported from 17 districts out of the total 33 in the state.

Ahmedabad has reported the maximum cases at 77, followed by Surat- 19, Bhavnagar-14, Gandhinagar-13, Vadodara- 12, Rajkot-10, Patan-five, Porbandar-three, Kutch, Mehsana, and Gir Somnath- two each, and Chhota Udepur, Anand, Sabarkantha, Jamnagar, and Morbi- one each.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Next 7 days critical in evolving lockdown exit plan, says Vice President

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the final week of the ongoing lockdown is “critical” for evolving an exit strategy as data regarding the spread of coronavirus will have a bearing on the decision to be taken by the government.

He also appealed to the people to abide by whatever decision is ultimately taken by the government and cooperate with the same spirit that has so far been evident “even if it meant to continue with some degree of hardship still beyond 14 April”.

The 21-day nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 March and it came into force on 25 March.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

SC says not an expert body on health, management issues of migrant workers

The Supreme Court Tuesday said it was not an “expert” body on dealing with health and management issues of migrant workers arising from the 21-day nationwide lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic and would rather ask the government to set up helpline for the needy.

A bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and justices S K Kaul and Deepak Gupta, through video conferencing, was hearing the plea filed by two civil rights activists seeking enforcement of fundamental right to life for migrant workers and payment of wages to them as they have been left without work or food following the lockdown.

“We do not plan to supplant the wisdom of the government with our wisdom. We are not experts in health or management and will ask the government to create a helpline for complaints,” the bench said while fixing the PIL for further hearing on 13 April.

The bench also said it cannot take a “better policy decision” at this stage and moreover, it also does not want to interfere with the policy decisions for the next ten-fifteen days.

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Update

16 Tablighi Jamaat attendees tests positive Mewat

 Mewat Civil Surgeon confirmed to ANI that 16 returnees from the Tablighi Jamaat event held recently in Delhi, tested positive for coronavirus, in Haryana on Tuesday. With 16 new cases, the tally of positive cases in Mewat stands at 30.

India’s tally of COVID-19 positive cases rose to 4,421, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Tuesday.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update

Odisha reports first COVID-19 death

Odisha has reported its first COVID-19 death after a 72-year-old man being treated for the coronavirus died at AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, said Health department on Tuesday.

The man was from Jharpada and had been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 4 April complaining of respiratory distress and had a history of chronic hypertension. Later, he was tested positive for coronavirus. He died on 6 April, reported ANI.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Sonia Gandhi writes to Modi, suggests measure to fight pandemic

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggesting five measures to conserve money for the fight against COVID-19, including a complete ban on media advertisements by government and PSUs for two years and suspending the Central Vista beautification project.

The suggestions came after Modi reached out to several opposition leaders, including Gandhi, on Monday.

Congress President and CPP Chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi suggesting various measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/77MzCYiokl

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Arunachal Pradesh Latest Update

Prohibitory order clamped in Arunachal Pradesh Capital complex

The Capital Complex administration in Arunachal Pradesh has imposed prohibitory order under section 144 CrPC on movement of people from Tuesday evening till 14 April.

The order was issued on Monday evening by Capital Complex Deputy Commissioner Komar Dolom as people have considerably violated the protocol of total lockdown on the ground.

The prohibitory order would be effective until 14 April, in addition to the already existing regulatory order issued earlier for the lockdown, the DC said in his order.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update

45-year-old tests positive in Bhubaneswar

A 45-year old man tests positive in Bhubhaneshwar in Odisha.  This brings the total reported cases of coronavirus in Odisha to 22. Among the total people infected as on date, two have recovered and none have passed away.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

12 new cases registered in Karnataka: state tally at 175

Twelve new positive coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of affected in the state to 175, the Health department said on Tuesday. Of the 175 positive cases, 25 have been discharged, it said.

“Twelve new positive cases have been reported from last evening to this noon…Till date 175 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 4 deaths and 25 discharges,” the department said in its mid-day situation update.

Among the 12 new cases, four (one from Bagalkote, two from Bengaluru city and one from Bengaluru Rural) had attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation at Delhi from March 13-18; while three from Mandya are contacts of patients with history of attending the Jamaat congregation.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Kalyan, Dombivali cities seal their borders to contain spread of COVID-19 outbreak

Civic authorities have ordered sealing of borders of the Kalyan and Dombivali cities in Maharashtra with immediate effect to check the spread of coronavirus.

In an order issued on Monday, Kalyan-Dombivali Municipal Commissioner Dr Vijay Suryavanshi said it was absolutely essential to seal the borders of the two cities. Police personnel have been deployed to ensure strict implementation of the directive.

The order will not be applicable to the essential and emergency services, the commissioner said. Till Monday, the Thane region, which includes Kalyan and Dombivali cities, reported 85 coronavirus cases and nine deaths.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

FIR filed against 150 Tablighi Jamaat attendees in Mumbai for negligence

Mumbai Police have registered an FIR against 150 people who attended the religious congregation of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in New Delhi last month for alleged negligent act during the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Tuesday.

The offence was registered on a complant lodged by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) at the Azad Maidan Police Station, he said.

The Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation in Delhi has emerged as one of the major COVID-19 hotspots in the country.

The Mumbai Police on Monday requested the Tablighi Jamaat members to approach the BMC and inform it about their travel details or face action.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

2,000 Markaz members identified in Delhi, says Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said that the government had a team of doctors and healthcare workers who were tracing people who had come in contact with positive cases, and that the police was also helping in the task.

“We have submitted 2,000 numbers of the Markaz members to the police, based on the tracing of these numbers we will seal and lock down affected areas,” he said. “We are increasing COVID-19 treatment centres, LNJP and GB Pant are corona hospitals and no other treatments are going on there, we have over 2400 beds.”

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Centre and state govts working together as a team, says Delhi CM

The fourth ‘T’ in the 5-tie plan is teamwork, said Arvind Kejriwal during the briefing on Tuesday. He noted that everyone in the country, from centre to state government and Opposition parties are working ’like a team.'

He said, “I am glad that everyone is working like a team — Centre, Delhi government and all other state governments. Doctors and nurses are the most important part of this team. We have to keep them safe at any cost. People in the country must stay at home.”

He also added that the Delhi government has already calculated as to how many PPE kits, ventilators and other medical equipments will be required at which stage.

 “The fifth ‘T’ is tracking. I am tracking everything that is happening in Delhi right now.” he said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Will convert more hospitals for only treating COVID-19 patients, says Kejriwal

The third ‘T’ in our plan is treatment, announced Delhi chief minister on Tuesday. He said that the government has converted a few hospitals only for treatment of COVID-19 patients. “We have enough patients right now to handle 30,000 active cases in the national capital. We will convert more hospitals if and when we need,” he said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Areas to be sealed based on tracing, says Delhi CM

Arvind Kerjirwal says that the plan is in 5 parts which can be called the ‘5-T’s’. The first is testing, the second step is to enhancing tracing, said Delhi chief minister. He said,  “We will self-quarantine, monitor and seal areas based on tracing.”

The five T’s include: testing, tracing, treatment, teamwork, tracking

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi govt to mass test one lakh people in hotspots

Delhi chief minister that the world has seen how mass-testing has helped many countries such as South Korea. “If we don’t test, we will not know who is getting infected. There was an issue with getting testing kits, that situation is now easing. We have ordered testing kits to carry out rapid testing on one lakh people in hotspots.”

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Have to stay three steps ahead, says Kejriwal

Arvind Kejriwal briefed the media about his 5-step programme to curb the pandemic in the National Capital on Tuesday. “We have to stay three steps ahead of the coronavirus. Hence, we have decided to implement a five-step plan to tackle the outbreak in Delhi”

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Breaking: Arvind Kejriwal begins briefing on his 5-step programme to curb COVID-19 in Delhi

Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Update

Pakistan’s cases sharply rise to 3,864; death toll at 54

The total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has sharply increased to 3,864 with more than 500 fresh infections while the death toll reached 54, the health officials said on Monday.

The Ministry of National Health Services, in an early morning update on its website, reported that four patients died of coronavirus in the last 24 hours.

The total number of patients who died due to COVID-19 has reached 54. As many as 429 have recovered while 28 were in critical condition, it said.

According to the officials, Punjab has 1,918 cases, Sindh 932, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 500, Gilgit-Baltistan 211, Balochistan 202, Islamabad 83 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 18.

Coronavirus Latest Update

WhatsApp limits forwards to one chat at a time  to fight fake news

WhatsApp is set to impose a strict new limit on message forwarding as the Facebook-owned chat app seeks to slow the dissemination of fake news, the company has announced on Tuesday.

If a user receives a frequently forwarded message – one which has been forwarded more than five times – under the new curbs, they will only be able to send it on to a single chat at a time, reports The Guardian .

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

India’s unemployment rate hits 23.4%, sees sharp spike after mid-March

Initial estimates of job data show that the coronavirus pandemic could have caused unemployment to rise to 23.4 percent, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) stated. 

The business information company tracks unemployment data on a weekly basis. According to its estimates, unemployment has risen from 8.4 percent in the week ended March 22 to 23.4 percent as of the week ended 5 April, reports moneycontrol .

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Update

Kerala hospital installs walk-in kiosks to collect samples

A Kerala hospital has indigenously developed a walk-in sample collection kiosk to test patients showing symptoms of coronavirus. The kiosk, modelled on those used in South Korea, does not require health workers to wear protective gear.

The kiosks have built-in gloves, which can be used by health workers as protective shield while collecting throat swab samples of persons suspected with COVID-19. This will be a departure from the usual practice of wearing gloves and other protective gear, reports Livemint.

As part of the expansion COVID-19 sample test in Ernakulam district, Walk-in-Sample Kiosks are installed.
The Kiosks will facilitate maximum sample collection. #COVID19 #Keralafightscovid #Covidkerala pic.twitter.com/1bEeNtV28X

— Shailaja Teacher (@shailajateacher) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

45-year-old dies in Kurnool; Andhra Pradesh’s toll rises to four

A 45-year old person died of coronavirus in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, taking the toll to four even as one more case of COVID-19 was reported overnight.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the state has now touched 304 while the active cases remained at 294, according to the bulletin issued by the Medical and Health Department on Tuesday.

The 45-year old person in Kurnool did not have any travel history but was admitted to the government hospital with symptoms of COVID-19 on 1 April.

He was said to be suffering from Type-2 diabetes and died on April 3, according to the state nodal officer Arja Srikanth. The person, who died tested positive for coronavirus, the official said.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Those harassing cops amid lockdown will be booked under NSA, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday has ordered that all accused involved in assaulting three policemen on duty amid the coronavirus lockdown in Madhya Pradesg will be booked under the National Security Act (NSA). Some youths in the old city had attacked cops with knives after they were asking locals to follow lockdown orders in Bhopal on Monday.

दिन-रात एक कर जनता को इस महामारी से बचाने में लगे पुलिसकर्मियों पर हमला बर्दाश्त नहीं किया जाएगा!

"कबूतर" हो या "कचौड़ी", किसी को बख्शा नहीं जाएगा!

अराजकता फैलाने वाले गुंडे-बदमाशों को सबक सिखाना अतिआवश्यक है!

इन गुंडों पर राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा कानून के तहत कार्रवाई की जाएगी! pic.twitter.com/sKrnWBoaCX

— Shivraj Singh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

8 Kyrgyzstan nationals booked in Karnataka for violating visa rules

Eight Kyrgyzstan nationals who have been quarantined in Bidar have been booked for visa rules violations by indulging in Islamic missionary activities in the district, a police official said on Tuesday.

“They had come here on a tourist visa but they are reported to be engaged in religious activities here, which they are not supposed to be doing on a tourist visa. So we have registered a case of violation of visa,” the Bidar Superintendent of Police Nagesh D L told PTI.

According to the FIR, these eight Kyrgyzstan nationals including Tashmatov Tilek and Anaraliev Begaly had come here on March 10 and stayed in mosques in Bidar for a few days. They had taken the help of some people from Odisha to carry out Islamic missionary activities, the FIR further read.

The Bidar SP said these foreigners have been quarantined at a rest house near the Ratkalpura mosque.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

36 booked for failing to inform authorities about participation in Nizamuddin congregation

Cases have been lodged against 36 persons in Chitrakoot range for negligence after they failed to inform authorities about their participation in a congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin, police said. The 36 people have been quarantined.

DIG, Chitrakoot range, Deepak Kumar said, “FIR has been lodged against 36 persons in Chitrakoot range and they were put in quarantine. All of them attended a religious congregation in Nizammudin, Delhi and had not informed administration due to which they have been booked for negligence”.

Of the 36, maximum 32 are from Banda, 2 in Hamirpur and one each in Mahoba and Chitrakoot, he said.

So far, more than 400 COVID-19 cases and about 15 deaths in the country have been found to be linked to the religious congregation held at the Nizamuddin headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat last month.

At least 9,000 people participated in the religious congregation in Nizamuddin last month, after which many of the attendees travelled to various parts of the country.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Update

Bihar pulls up health officials for absenteeism

Bihar government Tuesday sought an explanation from 76 Health Officials after they were found to be absent from duty. They’ve been asked to submit their replies within 3 days explaining why action should not be taken against them under Disaster Management Act-2005 & Epidemic Disease Act-1897. Bihar government is also taking action against 122 other health officials of the state who were found to be absent from duty.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Update

17 arrested in Kashmir for defying lockdown orders

Strict restrictions on the movement of people in Kashmir to contain the spread of coronavirus remained in force for the twentieth consecutive day on Tuesday, even as police arrested 17 persons for defying the lockdown orders here, officials said. Acting tough against violators of prohibitory orders, police on Monday arrested the 17 persons.

Police arrested three persons, including a shopkeeper, and seized a vehicle for violating the prohibitory orders in the jurisdiction of police stations Nishat and Harwan.

In the jurisdiction of police stations RM Bagh and Nowgam, police arrested nine persons and also seized eight vehicles for violating the government prohibitory orders, they added.

Similarly, the officials said, in the jurisdiction of police station Khanyar, police arrested five persons for violating the restrictions.

Cases under relevant sections of the law have been registered against all of them and further investigation has been initiated, they said.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

12 new coronavirus cases reported in Bhopal; MP tally rises to 268

Twelve more coronavirus cases have been found in Bhopal, taking the number of such cases in Madhya Pradesh to 268, a health official said on Tuesday.

Among the new patients, seven are police personnel and their family members, and five are health department employees, Bhopal’s Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Sudhir Kumar Deharia said.

With this, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state capital has gone up to 74. Two persons from Bhopal have so far been discharged after recovery, he said.

Out of the total 268 coronavirus cases in the state, maximum 151 have been reported from Indore. So far, 18 people have died, including 13 from Indore, two from Ujjain and one each from Khargone, Chhindwara and Bhopal.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Rahul Gandhi tweets on Trump’s ‘retaliation threat’

The Congress leader observed that India should help all countries in need in the time of pandemic, but adequate quantity of the drug should be made available to Indians first. The context of his tweet was MEA’s previous order of a blanket ban on a malaria drug touted to be effective against coronavirus, and a partial roleback later, after Trump threatened of a retaliation, in case exports were not opened up for the US. 

Friendship isn’t about retaliation. India must help all nations in their hour of need but lifesaving medicines should be made available to Indians in ample quantities first.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra tally crosses 890

Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of cases in India. With 23 new patients in the last 24 hours, the total number of positive cases in the state rises to 891. In the last 24 hours, Sangali has reported one new case, Pune four, Anagar three, Buldhana two, Mumbai 10, Thane one and two cases.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Update

Two asymptomatic people test positive in Kerala after 14 days in quarantine: Reports

Two asymptomatic persons who finished 14 day quarantine period tested positive in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, News18 reported. Kerala has been asking the high-risk category patients to be on quarantine for 28 days so both were under quarantine, according to health official.  The first person is a 19 year old student who had returned from Delhi’s Nizammudin area considered a local hotspot after the Tablighi Jamaat event. 

The second was a 60 year old man who had returned from Dubai but had showed no symptoms since. Both patients were tested because their contact and travel history pertained to known hotspots of the virus.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

India removes blanket ban on hydroxychloroquine export after Trump warns of ‘retaliation’

India on Tuesday partially lifted the ban on anti-malarial drug Hydroxychloroquine, saying it would provide the key drugs that have been touted as a potential coronavirus cure to “nations that have been badly affected” by the pandemic. The move comes hours after US President Donald Trump hinted at a “retaliation” if the Centre stopped the export of the medicine.

“If he doesn’t allow it to come out, that would be OK, but of course there may be retaliation, why wouldn’t that be,” Trump had said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Scribes threatened after ’exposing’ Tablighi link to spurt in cases, says News Broadcasters Association

The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) has expressed “grave concern” over the tendency among people belonging to a certain section of the society in resorting to threats against news channel journalists after the electronic media “exposed” the Tablighi Jamaat link in the nationwide spurt in coronavirus cases.

The NBA, in a statement released by its president Rajat Sharma, said videos are circulating on social media in which some religious preachers are naming some TV news anchors and threatening attacks on the reporters of those channels.

The news broadcasters’ body said it views with “grave concern” the tendency among people belonging to a certain section of society resorting to abuses and threats against anchors and reporters working in news channels.

This particular trend has been noticed after the electronic media recently exposed the Tablighi Jamaat link in nationwide spurt in coronavirus cases and subsequent deaths.

“Anchors and reporters working in news channels are being specifically targeted through social media platforms like WhatsApp, TikTok and Twitter,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Update

Assam MLA held for remarks calling COVID 19 hospitals worse detention centres

An opposition MLA in Assam was arrested on Tuesday for making “objectionable” remarks about the condition of quarantine facilities and hospitals treating COVID 19 patients, calling them worse than detention centres, police said.

Aminul Islam, the All India United Democratic Front (AIDUF) legislator from Dhing constituency was apprehended early in the morning after preliminary interrogation, state police chief Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta told PTI.

An audio clip containing a telephonic conversation purportedy between Islam and another person was doing the rounds on social media where the lawmaker was heard talking “disparagingly” about the quarantine facilities and hospitals.

He also purportedly said the living conditions there were worse than those at the detention centres.

Hundreds of suspected illegal migrants, many of them Muslims, are lodged in the detention centres in Assam after they did not figure in the controversial updated National Register of Citizens.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Rupee rises 26 paise to 75.87 against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee appreciated by 26 paise to 75.87 against the US dollar in early trade on Tuesday tracking positive opening in domestic equities.

Forex traders said a higher opening in domestic equities supported the local unit, while sustained foreign fund outflows and concerns over coronavirus outbreak weighed on the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 75.92, then gained ground and touched 75.87, registering a rise of 26 paise over its previous close. On Friday, rupee had settled at 76.13 against the US dollar. The forex market was closed on Monday on account of Mahavir Jayanti.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Kerala CM urges Arvind Kejriwal to take protective measures for Delhi nurses 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday urged Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to take protective measures to ensure the safety of nurses from the state who have tested positive for the coronavirus in the national capital.

“Unfortunately we are now hearing the news that some nurses have tested positive for the COVID-19 in Delhi. I would like to draw your attention to a situation which has been reported to us regarding the plight of nurses in Delhi,” Vijayan wrote in the letter.

In the letter, Kerala chief minister further requested for immediate action for the health workers treating COVID-19 patients.

“I request that immediate action may be taken to alleviate concerns of nurses from Kerala working in Delhi. Concerned officials may be directed to urgently ensure that utmost protection is given to them,” he said.

Vijayan had earlier raised a similar concern for health employees working in Maharashtra and requested Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to provide basic necessities to health workers hailing from Kerala. 

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital becomes containment zone after several medics test positive

Several of our healthcare professionals tested positive for COVID-19 at a South Mumbai facility, ANI reports. The source of the infection is identified as a 70-year-old patient who was admitted on March 17 for a cardiac emergency. Later, he tested positive for coronavirus, said Wockhardt Hospital.

“Our colleague nurses and the doctors identified as COVID-19 positive are presently being treated. The hospital is currently declared containment zone by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and we are closely working with the authorities,” Wockhardt Hospital said in a statement.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

India lifts ban on Paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine

In view of the humanitarian aspects of COVID-19 pandemic, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday announced that India has decided to licence Paracetamol and Hydroxychloroquine in appropriate quantities to all its neighbouring countries which are dependent on its capabilities.

The MEA further said: “We will also be supplying these essential drugs to some nations who have been particularly badly affected by the pandemic. We would, therefore, discourage any speculation in this regard or any attempts to politicise the matter.

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Update

Zoos in Telangana asked to be high alert after tiger tests positive in US

The Forest Department in Telangana has asked zoos and deer parks in the state to be on “highest alert” while issuing a set of directives to its officers after a tiger in a New York zoo tested positive for coronavirus.

State Principal Chief Conservator of Forests R Sobha in communication on Monday to officials, said the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) informed about the confirmation of COVID- 19 in a tiger housed in a zoo in New York, USA.

She advised that the zoos/deer parks in the state remain on “highest alert” and watch animals on 24×7 basis using CCTV for any abnormal behaviour/symptoms.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

2 new cases reported from Mumbai’s Dharavi area

Two more cases of the novel coronavirus disease have been found in the Dharavi area of Mumbai, Maharashtra. The cases have been reported in Dr Baliga Nagar. They are the father, 80, and brother, 49, of the second case from the area. The total cases in the area now stand at four.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update

24 new cases reported from Rajasthan

Rajasthan recorded 24 more cases of coronavirus on Tuesday, taking the total number of virus cases in the state to 325, an official said.

The virus has so far claimed six lives in the state. However, officials maintain that deaths occurred due to co-morbidity, more than one illness or disease occurring in one person at the same time.

“24 new cases have come up today, including in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Banswara and Churu districts. All have contact and travel history,” Additional Chief Secretary Rohit Kumar Singh said.

While there were nine cases in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer saw 7 cases. Banswara recorded 4 cases, Jaipur (3) and Churu (1).

He said the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has risen to 325.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Ahmednagar reports 25 confirmed cases; 23 of them are Markaz attendees

Ahmednagar district in Maharashtra has a total of twenty-five COVID-19 positive cases, as per the local administration. Twenty-one out of these twenty-five patients includes Tablighi Jamaat returnees and their close contacts.

In the last 24 hours, four people have tested positive for COVID-19 out of which three are close contacts of persons who attended the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi. 

With 120 new cases of COVID-19, the total number of confirmed cases in the state increased to 868 on Monday, Maharashtra Health Department informed in the daily media bulletin.

Coronavirus in China Latest Update

China reports no new coronavirus deaths for first time

China on Tuesday reported no new deaths from the deadly coronavirus for the first time since it started publishing figures in January but the number of imported infections increased to 983 with 32 new confirmed cases, health officials said.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) on Tuesday said that no death was reported on Monday. The official death toll in China is 3,331. It is a landmark in China’s over two-month-long fight against the deadly virus as the country continued to report coronavirus deaths till Sunday, especially from the epicentre Hubei province.

The overall confirmed cases on the mainland have reached 81,740 by Monday, including 1,242 patients still being treated, 77,167 patients discharged after recovery, and 3,331 people died of the disease, the NHC said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Sensex rallies over 1,300 pts; Nifty reclaims 8,400

Equity benchmark Sensex rallied over 1,300 points in early trade on Tuesday led gains in bank, IT and auto stocks amid recovery in global equities. After hitting a high of 28,963.25, the 30-share BSE barometer was trading 1,127.57 points or 4.09 percent higher at 28,718.52.

Similarly, the NSE Nifty soared 347.95 points, or 4.30 percent, to 8,431.75. IndusInd Bank was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, surging up to 15 percent, followed by Mahindra and Mahindra, HCL Tech, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank and Infosys.

On the other hand, Bajaj Finance was the sole loser.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Arvind Kejriwal to brief on 5 point plan against COVID-19 at 1 pm

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will be announcing a five-point strategy to counter the spread of COVID-19 in the national capital at 1.00 pm today, reports suggest. The strategy may include randomised testing in hotspots and quarantine centers being set up in large numbers.

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Update

Four more test positive in Himachal Pradesh, total cases rise to 19

Four Tablighi Jamaat members who attended a religious congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin have tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, a senior health official said. With this, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 19.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said 83 samples were collected in the state on Monday and the report of 81 was out, of which four tested positive, two samples will be tested again and the rest came out negative.

All the four who tested positive were from Tissa area of Chamba district and had attended the Jamaat event in the national capital, he said.

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Update

Cops don coronavirus-themed attire, urge people to stay home

Two policemen in Chhattisgarh’s Raigarh district have been moving around streets wearing coronavirus-themed outfits to make people aware about the lethality of the disease and urging them to strictly follow the prescribed guidelines to stay protected.

To make people aware about the severity of the viral infection, they laugh like devils and call themselves “corona demon”. They have been going around the town wearing red body suits with coronavirus-like spikes on it, and warning those violating the lockdown protocol.

The policemen have been repeatedly telling people that if they unnecessarily step out of their houses, they may carry the virus back home along with them.

Since the outbreak of coronavirus, police personnel in parts of the country have been coming up with novel ideas to spread information about the deadly viral infection and urging people to follow the lockdown and social distancing properly.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Narendra Modi urges citizens to express gratitude towards healthcare staff on World Health Day

On the occasion of World Health Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said we should show gratitude to the healthcare staff who are braving all odds to fight the coronavirus crisis. 

The Prime Minister further threw light on the importance of personal fitness to stay healthy. Modi has been continuously encouraging people to show support to the doctors and paramedical staff for their selfless work during the COVID-19 threat. 

Today on #WorldHealthDay, let us not only pray for each other’s good health and well-being but also reaffirm our gratitude towards all those doctors, nurses, medical staff and healthcare workers who are bravely leading the battle against the COVID-19 menace. 🙏🏼

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2020

This #WorldHealthDay, let us also ensure we follow practices like social distancing which will protect our own lives as well as the lives of others. May this day also inspire us towards focusing on personal fitness through the year, which would help improve our overall health.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Update

 ‘Phone booth’ sample collection centre introduced in Jharkhand

In a bid to ensure safety of health workers, the West Singhbhum administration in Jharkhand has introduced an innovative portable unit for collecting samples from suspected coronavirus-infected persons, an official said.

The unit looks like a public telephone booth and will reduce manpower needed for collecting samples for coronavirus tests, he said.

“The phone booth COVID-19 sample collection centre is a unique, low-cost and portable unit. It ensures the safety of health workers while collecting sample from a suspected patient,” the official said.

The sample collection kiosk can be mounted on a vehicle and transported to any location, he said. The model can also be useful for collecting samples in COVID-19 hotspots and border checkpoints, the official said, adding that each model costs about Rs 15,000-20,000.

Coronavirus in US Latest Update

US toll crosses 10,00 as country enters most difficult phase of pandemic

The death toll in the US from the coronavirus crossed the 10,000-mark on Monday as the country entered the most difficult phase during this pandemic with officials stating that there are encouraging signs in the fight against the dreaded disease mainly due to the aggressive implementation of the mitigation measures.

By Monday, more than 10,800 Americans died due to the deadly coronavirus and over 366,000 tested positive, to which top American scientists are racing against time to develop either a vaccine or a successful treatment.

Globally it has infected more than 13 lakhs people and resulted in the death of more than 74,000.

In New York, the epicenter of COVID-19 in the US, the fatalities on Monday increased to 4,758 and confirmed cases to 130,000, with officials saying that new cases and deaths have now slowed down in the Big Apple.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Update

1,182 people arrested in Assam for violating lockdown

As many as 1,182 people have been arrested and 504 cases registered so far in Assam for not following the lockdown restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said.

“1,182 people have been arrested and 504 cases registered so far in Assam for violating the coronavirus lockdown,” said GP Singh, Assam Additional Director General of Police, Law and Order.

State minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that over 2,000 samples have been tested in the state, out of which 26 tested positive for coronavirus so far.

“There are a total of 26 coronavirus positive cases in Assam so far. We have tested 2,000 samples till date. The reports for 165 samples are pending and are expected to come by this evening,” Sarma said during a press conference at NHM office.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

India registers 4,421 cases with 114 deaths

The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India has risen to 4,421, according to the Union Health Ministry’s latest data. The reported active cases of currently stands at 3,981, while the toll from the novel coronavirus pandemic has reached 114.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Govt may lift ban on hydroxychloroquine, paracetamol, say reports

Amid rising global pressure to allow exports of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol which is being tested on patients infected with coronavirus, the government is likely to clear the move after calculating sufficient stocks for the country, sources have told CNBC-TV18.

Last month, India had banned the export of hydroxychloroquine and formulations of the malaria drug while experts test its efficacy in helping treat COVID-19 patients.

There are currently no approved treatments, or preventive vaccines for COVID-19, the highly contagious, sometimes deadly respiratory illness caused by coronavirus.

“The decision follows a telephone conversation between Trump and Narendra Modi on Saturday”, claim reports. 

#CoronavirusUpdate | Govt partially lifts ban of export of Hydroxychloroquine & Paracetamol, sources tell @Parikshitl pic.twitter.com/Xz3OujA1PG

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

‘Hang in there’: Prime Minister Narendra Modi wishes Boris Johnson early recovery 

Hang in there, Prime Minister @BorisJohnson! Hope to see you out of hospital and in perfect health very soon.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2020

Hang in there, Prime Minister @BorisJohnson! Hope to see you out of hospital and in perfect health very soon.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 6, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

132 Lifeline UDAN flights supplied over 184 tons of medical cargo across India

Under Lifeline UDAN initiative of Ministry of Civil Aviation, 132 cargo flights have been operated so far across the country to transport medical cargo including to remote and hilly areas, said an official statement on Monday.

“With support from Air India, Alliance Air, IAF and private airlines, medical supplies of more than 184 tons have been delivered to date during lockdown period,” a release of Ministry of Civil Aviation said.

Air India and IAF collaborated for Ladakh, Kargil, Dimapur, Imphal, Guwahati, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Jammu, Kargil, Leh, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Port Blair.

On the International platform, Air India will be operating dedicated scheduled cargo flights to China for the uplifting of critical medical equipment as per the requirement. The statement said domestic cargo operators; Blue Dart, Spicejet and Indigo are operating cargo flights on a commercial basis.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Update

Boris Johnson admitted to intensive care; a look back at other British PMs who suffered illness while in office

British prime minister Boris Johnson is in hospital for tests after suffering persistent symptoms of the coronavirus, but he continues to lead the government and work on official business.

Which other British leaders have suffered illness whilst in office?

Coronavirus Latest Update

UN Security Council to discuss pandemic in closed session on Thursday

The United Nations Security Council will hold a closed session on Thursday to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, the first time the powerful UN organ is holding a meeting on coronavirus that has killed more than 74,000 people and infected over 1.3 million globally.

Council President for the month of April, the Dominican Republic, said it has formally scheduled a closed video-teleconferencing (VTC) “regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the issues that fall under the UNSC mandate”.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will participate in the session on Thursday afternoon as a briefer. It remains to be seen whether any press statement on the COVID-19 situation is issued after the meeting.

Last week, Special Envoy from Dominican Republic to UN Ambassador Jose Singer and President of Security Council for April said that a Council meeting on the coronavirus situation had been requested by five or six ambassadors and the Dominican Republic was working to schedule the discussion.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

India lifts ban on 24 pharmaceutical ingredients after US pressure, says report

While India has lifted restrictions on the export of 24 pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines made from them, it is not clear what prompted the move. However, Reuters has quoted government sources as saying that the bans had prompted intense pressure from the United States.

It had imposed the restrictions last month as the coronavirus outbreak disrupted global supply chains. Paracetamol, a common pain reliever, and its formulations were not included in the list of drugs freed up for export.

The decision also followed a telephone call on 4 April between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump. Trump said late yesterday that India could face retaliation for its decision to ban exports of hydroxychloroquine.

India had restricted the exports of 26 ingredients and medicines on 3 March. Paracetamol and its formulations accounted for two items on the original list.

The 26 active pharmaceutical ingredients and medicines accounted for 10 percent of all Indian pharmaceutical exports and includes several antibiotics, such as tinidazole and erythromycin, the hormone progesterone and Vitamin B12.

The government of India lifts restrictions on 24 active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and formulations made from them. These APIs are now allowed to be exported. pic.twitter.com/FBYxT4jw0y

— ANI (@ANI) April 7, 2020

Coronavirus Latest Update

World short of six million nurses, says WHO

Authorities must protect nurses and other health workers from harassment and attacks compounding the already heavy toll they are paying in the pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) and top nursing officials said on Tuesday.

Some 100 medical workers are reported to have died from the disease so far, including many nurses, Howard Catton, CEO of the International Council of Nurses, told a news briefing.

The world’s 28 million nurses, 59 percent of all health workers, were overstretched before the crisis began, the WHO, the Nursing Now campaign, and Geneva-based council said in the first “State of the World’s Nursing Report”.

There is still a global shortage of nearly 6 million nurses, mainly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, where the number of new recruits barely keeps pace with population growth, the report said.

Nurses are particularly lacking across Africa, in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen, and Venezuela, it added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Govt removes export restrictions on 12 APIs

The Central government has removed restrictions on the export of 12 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and their formulations, the Union Commerce and Industry Ministry said on Monday.

A notice issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlighted the 24 pharma ingredients and formulations. These include Tinidazole, Metronidazole, Acyclovir, Vitamin BI, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.

The notice said APIs and formulation made from these APIs are made free for export, with immediate effect. Restrictions on paracetamol have however not been lifted yet.

On 6 March, Union Minister of State for Shipping, and Chemical and Fertilizers, Mansukh Mandaviya had said that the government has imposed short term restrictions on some active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) with regards to coronavirus preparedness.

Central Government has removed restrictions on the export of 12 Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and 12 formulations made from these APIs, with immediate effect: Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry pic.twitter.com/cVRSBm0K0P

— ANI (@ANI) April 6, 2020

Coronavirus in US Latest Update

Would be surprised if India doesn’t allow export of Hydroxychloroquine to US, says Trump

US President Donald Trump has said he would be surprised if India did not allow the export of Hydroxychloroquine tablets to the United States despite a request made to New Delhi over the subject.

Last week Trump said that he has sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow the sale of Hydroxychloroquine tablets ordered by the US to treat the growing number of coronavirus patients in his country, hours after India banned the export of the anti-malarial drug.

I would be surprised if he would, you know, because India does very well with the United States, Trump told reporters during a press briefing at the White House on Monday.

Hydroxychloroquine tablet is used to prevent and treat malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, among other ailments.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

Lucknow Zoo takes precautionary measures for staff, animals

Director of the Lucknow Zoo on Monday said the Zoo was taking additional precautionary measures for animals and its staff amid coronavirus outbreak.

Among other precautionary measures include food provided to the animals being disinfected, the official said.  “Only 50 percent of Lucknow Zoo’s staff are working and they are maintaining high standards of hygiene. We are disinfecting food before providing it to animals. We have also made a quarantine ward for animals possibly infected by the COVID-19 if the need arises,” said Zoo Director, Rajendra Kumar Singh.

Meanwhile, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has asked all zoos across the country to monitor the health of kept animals as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19 after a tiger in a US zoo tested positive for the virus.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Update

Pinarayi Vijayan ask Modi to look into nurses testing positive due to PPE shortage

The Kerala government on Monday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to look into reports of nurses from the state getting infected with COVID-19 in Delhi and Maharashtra allegedly due to lack of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE).

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written a letter to Modi seeking his “attention to the situation”, an official said.

In a press meet after the evaluation meet on COVID-19, Vijayan said 46 nurses from Kerala working in Mumbai have contracted the deadly virus and more than 150 nurses are under observation there.

He said, five nurses at Delhi’s prestigious Cancer Institute have been infected with the virus amid complaints regarding lack of PPE across the country.

“I request that the concerned state governments may be advised to urgently look into the facts and circumstances… and provide due care, attention, and necessary precautions so that the standard health protocols are followed and utmost protection is given to the health personnel who are rendering valuable service to our society,” Vijayan said in the letter.

Vijayan said the nurses have requested that necessary steps be taken to separate people who are diagnosed positive for Coronavirus and those who presently have no symptoms.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Update

Boris Johnson taken into intensive care as his condition worsens, says Downing Street

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was in the hospital due to persistent coronavirus symptoms, has been taken into intensive care after his condition worsened, Downing Street has said.

Johnson, 55, asked UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab to deputise for him as he was moved on Monday to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at St Thomas’ Hospital in London, a move Downing Street said was a precaution should he require ventilation to aid his recovery.

Over the course of this afternoon (Monday), the condition of the Prime Minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the ICU at the hospital, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

The prime minister has asked Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is the First Secretary of State, to deputise for him where necessary," the spokesperson said.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Update

12 have tested positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal since Saturday; active cases at 61

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday said 12 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state since Saturday evening, taking the total number of active cases to 61.

So far, there are only three COVID-19 related deaths in the state, Banerjee told reporters at the state secretariat.

“Till Monday noon, there were 61 active COVID-19 cases in West Bengal. Out of these, 55 belong to seven families,” Banerjee told reporters.

Most of these 61 people have either returned from abroad or came in contact with someone who is a foreign returnee, she said.

Banerjee also urged people not to “indulge in politics” with the figures related to COVID-19 infection and deaths.

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Update

With 30 new cases, tally in Telangana rises to 308

Telangana on Monday reported 30 new positive coronavirus cases, taking the total number of active cases to 308 in the state.

“30 more persons have tested positive for the coronavirus in Telangana, while 12 patients have been cured/discharged, today. There are 308 active cases,” state health department bulletin said. 

The government said 11 deaths have been reported due to COVID-19 in the state, so far.

According to the Union health ministry update, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India has reached 4,281. While 111 people have died, 318 patients have been cured.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Four more die in Indore; MP toll goes up to 18

Four more persons succumbed to the dreaded coronavirus in the city, taking the toll to 18 in Madhya Pradesh on Monday, a health official said.

Three men and a woman have died in the last five days in different hospitals in Indore and their test reports received on Monday revealed they were infected with COVID-19, an official of the government-MGM medical college said. Indore alone now accounts for 13 deaths.

These patients were already suffering from asthma, diabetes, high BP and other ailments before getting infected with COVID-19, he said.

A health bulletin said so far 256 persons in the state have tested positive for COVID-19 and 151 of them are from Indore.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Toll crosses 100 in India, total confirmed cases rise to 4,067

The Union government on Monday said that there has been an increase of 704 COVID-19 cases taking the total number to 4,067 in the last 24 hours, the biggest rise so far in India.

Further, 28 deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours. With this, the total number of deaths in the country has crossed the 100-mark.

The total number of positive cases in India includes 3,851 active cases, 318 cured/discharged/migrated people and 111 deaths.