Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: G20 leaders to support strengthening WHO's mandate, pledge $5 trillion for global economy

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll rises to 16 in India

While the number of positive coronavirus cases in India rose to 694, the toll rose to 16 on Thursday, the health ministry said. 44 people have recovered from the infection. The states of Kerala and Maharashtra are the worst affected by the COVID-19, with 125 and 124 cases, respectively.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Half-million infected worldwide as economic toll rises

The human and economic toll of the lockdowns against the coronavirus mounted Thursday as India struggled to feed the multitudes, Italy shut down most of its industry, and a record-shattering 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits in a single week.

As the number of infections around the globe reached a half-million and world leaders held a video summit to grapple with how long to keep the economy at a standstill to help flatten the rising curve, the damage to people’s livelihoods and their well-being started to come into focus.

In India, where the country’s 1.3 billion people were under orders to stay home, legions of poor were suddenly thrown out of work, and many families were left struggling for something to eat.

Around the globe, the death toll stood at nearly 8,200 in Italy, more than 4,100 in Spain and over 1,000 in the US, approximately 400 of them in New York State, the worst hotspot in the nation. The United Nations estimated that as many as 25 million jobs could be lost in the economic upheaval, more than during the global financial meltdown of 2008.

(AP)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Ambulance services demand Rs 2,000 to take injured woman to hospital

A man carried his injured wife on a bicycle for 12 kilometres from Bharat Nagar to Kanganwal in Punjab to reach a hospital. The woman got injured during an accident which occurred on 20 March while she was working in a factory.

“Nobody was ready to drive us to the hospital due to the lockdown. Ambulance drivers were asking for Rs 2,000 which I could not pay, so I had to carry her on my bicycle,” the husband, Devdutt Ram, said.

He added, “When the accident took place, factory workers admitted her to a govt hospital in Bharat Nagar. Doctors there were taking x-rays of her chest instead of treating her leg. They said that her lungs have filled up with water. So I came to Kanganwal.”

Ludhiana: A man carried his injured wife on a bicycle for 12 kilometers from Bharat Nagar to Kanganwal to reach a hospital. The woman got injured during an accident which occurred on March 20 while she was working at a factory. #CoronavirusLockdown #Punjab pic.twitter.com/tX9dgxZ14C

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in China Latest Updates

Doctors in China to study coronavirus impact on male sex hormone

Doctors in the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan plan to embark on a long-term study of COVID-19 impact on the male reproductive system to verify initial research, indicating that the pathogen could affect sex hormone levels in men, PTI reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

One COVID-19 case reported in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

A man, in his mid-30s, tested positive for the COVID-19 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Thursday, the first case in the Union Territory, officials said. The man, a resident of Mayabunder, had returned from Kolkata on 24 March, Chief Secretary Chetan Sanghi said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Telangana govt reports 4 new cases, details travel history of patient 42

The Telangana government on Thursday reported four new cases, which brought the total cases of coronavirus in the state to 44, of which one has recovered.

On 14 March, the patient travelled by train to Delhi from Hyderabad and travelled back by train on 17 March. On 18 March, the patient arrived at the Secunderabad station, where he developed cold and fever, after which he went home in an auto with this son, the notification said. The same day, he consulted a doctor at Quthbullapur and was prescribed medicines.

On 25 March, he self-reported for collection of samples for the coronavirus test at the Gandhi hospital, and was tested positive for coronavirus on 26 March.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Social workers distribute food to people in Kurla  

Social workers on Thursday distributed food to people near the Kurla Terminus in Mumbai. 

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

G20 leaders support strengthening of WHO’s mandate

“G20 leaders agreed to take all necessary measures to contain COVID-19 pandemic and protect people. They also supported the strengthening of WHO’s mandate in the fight against pandemics, including delivery of medical supplies, diagnostic tools, treatments, medicines and vaccines,” the MEA said on Thursday.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

G20 leaders commit to minimise economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that G20 leaders committed to using all available policy tools to minimise economic and social cost of the COVID-19 pandemic and to restore global growth, market stability and strengthening resilience. G20 countries also committed to injecting over $5 trillion into the global economy.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

At G20, Modi says 90% of COVID-19 cases are in member nations

In his remarks at the G20 virtual summit, Narendra Modi noted the alarming social and economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic. He added that 90 percent of the COVID-19 cases and 88 percent of deaths were in G20 countries, even as they share 80 percent of world GDP and 60 percent of world population, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt to release 11,000 prisoners on parole

Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday, “Nearly 11,000 convicts and undertrials who are imprisoned for offences with prescribed punishment up to 7 years or less should be released on emergency parole or furlough to reduce overcrowding in prisons & to contain COVID-19 outbreak.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

MHA allows inter-state transportation of animal fodder

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday issued a notification allowing inter-state travel of animal fodder, The Indian Express reported. “It is hereby clarified that exceptions under clause 6 covers the transportation/inter-state movement of animal feed and fodder, being the essential items,” the notification read.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

NCP MLAs donate month’s salary 

NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Thursday said that MPs and MLAs of his party will donate one month’s salary for the government’s relief measures amid the coronavirus pandemic, News18 reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi govt withdraws permission for online delivery services to function

The Delhi government on Thursday withdrew the permission it had granted to online delivery services like Zomato to function during the 21-day complete lockdown.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

G20 members pledge $5 trillion for global economy

The G20 nations on Thursday pledged $5 trillion for the global economy as the world struggles to combat the global coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rahul Gandhi says FM’s measures are ‘first step in right direction’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said, “The government announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction.”

The Govt announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction. India owes a debt to its farmers, daily wage earners, labourers, women & the elderly who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing lockdown.#Corona

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India sees highest jump of COVID-19 cases in a day

The health ministry on Thursday said that 88 new cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in the country in a day, which is the highest jump of infections in a single day. The total number of cases rises to 694, the statement said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Jammu and Kashmir Police mark lockdown violators with indelible ink 

The Jammu and Kashmir police is putting stamps reading ‘corona lockdown violator’ on the hands of people in Ranbir Singh Pura city who are violating the complete lockdown over coronavirus. Shabir Khan, SDPO, RS Pura said, “We are using a permanent ink that takes around 15 days to erase”.

Jammu & Kashmir: Ranbir Singh Pura police is putting stamps reading 'corona lockdown violator' on the hands of people in the city who are violating the #CoronavirusLockdown. Shabir Khan, SDPO, RS Pura says, "We are using a permanent ink that takes around 15 days to erase". pic.twitter.com/rZDviUrL8e

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Chhattisgarh govt takes over to use private hospitals as COVID-19 treatment centres

The Chhattisgarh government has reportedly taken over all the private medical colleges, nursing homes, and hospitals, including RIMS in Ranchi, to use as centres to treat coronavirus patients.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

CRPF donates Rs 33 crore to PM relief fund

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Thursday made a donation of Rs 33 crore to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for those affected by the coronavirus pandemic. “We are dutifully committed to stand firmly with our Nation in this challenging time of COVID-19 spread. It’s a unanimous decision and a sincere effort by our personnel. The effort was to make the immediate contribution with the noble intent to keep it unrevealed. The CRPF remains steadfast towards its motto of service and loyalty,” the statement said.

It is submitted that CRPF personnel have decided to make a humble contribution of one day salary to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. We are dutifully committed to stand firmly with our Nation in this challenging time of COVID-19 spread: Central Reserve Police Force pic.twitter.com/k9fNQTnvJs

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra essential shops have no restriction of timing

Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh said that there was no restriction on the timings of essential service shops. “I assure that the food delivery boys will face no difficulty in carrying out their duties,” he said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi Police distributes food in Majnu ka Tila, Najafgarh

The Delhi Police on Thursday distributed food to people in the Najafgarh and Majnu ka Tila areas of the National Capital, ANI reported.

#WATCH Delhi Police today distributed food to the needy in several parts of the city amid #CoronavirusLockdown, visuals from Majnu ka Tila area pic.twitter.com/ActS3Kyktl

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

#WATCH Delhi Police today distributed food to the needy in Najafgarh area of Delhi. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/93XheqxAfj

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

DGCA says international flight services to be suspended till 14 April

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Thursday, “It has been decided that scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 18.30 hrs (GMT) of 14 April, 2020. This will not apply to approved international all-cargo operations and flights.”

It has been decided that scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 18:30 hrs (GMT) of April 14, 2020. This will not apply to approved international all-cargo operations & flights: Directorate General of Civil Aviation pic.twitter.com/NKQAw89rMd

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi homeless couple go hungry amid COVID-19 lockdown

A homeless couple living near Jantar Mantar in Delhi, Sapna and Sanjay, said that they were worried about sustenance amid the complete lockdown over the coronavirus. Sanjay was quoted by ANI as saying, “We have exhausted our rations and don’t know what will happen now. My wife is 8 months pregnant, my heart aches that she has to go hungry.”

Delhi: Sapna & Sanjay, a couple has been living on the streets near Jantar Mantar, even as country is under lockdown. Sanjay says, "We have exhausted our rations & don't know what will happen now. My wife is 8 months pregnant, my heart aches that she has to go hungry". #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/3swhgQQl4F

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mahindra group teams produce ventilators for COVID-19 patients

Mahindra Group chairperson Anand Mahindra on Thursday congratulated two teams of the company for producing various renditions of a ventilator for coronavirus patients.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Police ‘punish’ those violating lockdown in Rajasthan, Karnataka

Police personnel in several states like Rajasthan and Karnataka “punished” people for violating the lockdown over the coronavirus. Uttar Pradesh Police apologised for a similar incident in the state’s Badaun area after a video of it went viral.

#WATCH Police thrash people for violating #Coronaviruslockdown in Belgaum. The incident happened outside a Mosque when people were leaving after offering prayers. #Karnataka pic.twitter.com/tF9Vx4iqV5

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

#WATCH Rajasthan Police punish youngsters for allegedly violating #CoronavirusLockdown in Pratapgarh. pic.twitter.com/OuLnLNcNF7

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

US citizens in India might soon be able to return

The US Embassy in India issued an alert for its citizens stranded in India and said, “We urge US citizens to secure and keep your travel documents ready, as flights may be announced on short notice.”

More information can be found here:  https://in.usembassy.gov/covid-19-health-alert/

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

UP Police orders action against Badaun police for making migrants crawl

After a video of police personnel in Uttar Pradesh’s Badaun making migrant workers crawl on the roads went viral on Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Police issued an apology for the incident and said that disciplinary action had been initiated.

“Being the police chief of the district, I feel sorry and apologise for this. Investigation is being conducted against the responsible person,” said Ashok Kumar Tripathi, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Badaun.

PS सि0लाइन क्षेत्रांतर्गत नवादा चौराहे पर लॉकडाउन के दृष्टिगत पूछताछ व चैकिंग के दौरान प्रशिक्षणाधीन/परिविक्षाधीन आरक्षी द्वारा 2 लोगों को सड़क पर बैठक चाल में चलाने के प्रकरण की जांच SP City #budaunpolice के सुपुर्द किये जाने के सम्बन्ध में SSP @budaunpolice द्वारा दी गयी बाइट । pic.twitter.com/jlT8ICEoDv

— Budaun Police (@budaunpolice) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Unemployment claims surge to 3.28 million in US

Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — more than quadruple the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus. The surge in weekly applications was a stunning reflection of the damage the viral outbreak is doing to the economy. Filings for unemployment aid generally reflect the pace of layoffs.

The pace of layoffs is sure to accelerate as the U.S. economy sinks into a recession. Revenue has collapsed at restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, gyms, and airlines. Auto sales are plummeting, and car makers have close factories. Most such employers face loan payments and other fixed costs, so they’re cutting jobs to save money.

As job losses mount, some economists say the nation’s unemployment rate could approach 13 percent by May.

(AP)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases rise to 13 in Jammu and Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that a total of 13 people have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus till Thursday in the union territory. 5482 people in contact with possibly infected/positive cases have till now been put under surveillance, the statement added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mamata Banerjee reviews social distancing practice in Kolkata

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday directed officials and vendors to practice social distancing, in a market in Kolkata.

#WATCH West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seen directing officials and vendors to practice social distancing, in a market in Kolkata. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/dwkDbvcraR

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Grievance redressal cell set up for food processing industry: Centre

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries on Thursday wrote to state governments to ensure seamless production and distribution of essential food products during the 21-day lockdown over coronavirus. The statement also said that a grievance redressal cell has been set up.

Coronavirus in India Latest updates

DRDO says over 20,000 N-99 masks produced

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman, Dr G Satheesh Reddy was quoted by ANI as saying, “We have also developed N-99 and three-layered masks, we have produced more than 20,000 masks and supplied to various agencies, including Delhi Police.”

He added, “Sanitizers developed by us have been distributed to many people. In the last 15-20 days, we have supplied more than 20,000 sanitizer bottles to various agencies.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Social distancing will avoid community transmission, says Centre

“Community transmission phase of COVID-19 will start if the community and we (the government) don’t work collectively and follow guidelines. But it would never happen in India if we follow social distancing and treatment properly,” said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry.

He also said that COVID-19 “does not spread through mosquitoes”.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mumbai Police issues pass for essential services

The Mumbai Police on Thursday tweeted, “Essential pass, for essential services. Requesting all shops providing essential services & commodities, to reach out to their local police station for these passes, to ensure hassle-free commute and sale.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

People observe social distancing in Assam

#CoronavirusPandemic: People practice #socialdistancing in various parts of #Assam as the government enforces the 21-day complete lockdown.

Follow LIVE updates: https://t.co/i2wnKJ6uAr pic.twitter.com/ImTarecBD4

— Firstpost (@firstpost) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

State govts reach out to migrants stranded in other states

State governments like Jharkhand and Rajasthan have reached out to native migrants in other states as the 21-day complete lockdown over the coronavirus was imposed on Tuesday.

Rajasthan deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot replied to NC leader Omar Abdullah regarding some Kashmiri students stranded in Rajasthan’s Kota district. Pilot said, “Kota district officials and local police are in touch with these students now. Will be provided transport and/or accommodation, meals. And also to all other such stranded students from all over the country.”

Meanwhile, Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren took note of people stuck in Chennai.

साथियों, मैं आपकी पीड़ा को समझ सकता हूँ। पर अभी आपकी और आपके अपनो की सुरक्षा हेतु आपका जहाँ हैं वहाँ रुकना ही मुनासिब है।

आप तक मदद पहुँचाने हेतु हम हर सम्भव प्रयास कर रहे हैं। @jharkhand181 संज्ञान लें। https://t.co/4ossSPPqng

— Hemant Soren (@HemantSorenJMM) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Follow precautions to reduce COVID-19 cases: ICMR

R Ganga Ketkar of the Indian Council of Medical Research on Thursday said that the steps taken by the government “are so effective that if we follow them strictly, the coronavirus cases will hardly increase in the country”.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Migrant workers will get shelter, food: Health ministry

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal addressed concerns of the condition of daily wage workers and migrant workers stranded in cities after the 21-day lockdown was enforced and said that they will be given shelter and food from the government. “We have to stay where we are instead of moving around,” he added, reiterating the need for self-isolation.

“Seventeen states are starting to build hospitals dedicated for COVID-19. States have been asked to make dedicated COVID-19 hospitals,” he added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Migrants made to crawl by UP Police, says report

CNN-News18 reported that a few migrants were made to crawl by the Uttar Pradesh Police in the Badaun district.

THIS-Heartbreaking!

Video from Badaun, UP

Poor boys who’re on foot from Gwalior, WERE MADE TO CRAWL by UP Police

Cops been asked to help distressed migrants, not ill treat them like this.

Many cops doing good work but this is unacceptable! @pranshumisraa #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/YPllyphTO7

— Zeba Warsi (@Zebaism) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra daily wage worker walks 135 kms without food 

Amid travel restrictions due to the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, a 26-year-old daily wager walked over 135 km without food from Nagpur in Maharashtra to reach his home in Chandrapur, PTI reported.

As panic built up over the lockdown and poor people started returning to their homes, Narendra Shelke, who worked as a labourer in Pune, also decided to go back to his native Jambh village in Saoli tehsil of Chandrapur district.

He managed to catch the last train from Pune to Nagpur, but as the government later enforced restrictions on all sorts of travel, he got stranded in Nagpur.

Unable to find any assistance and left with no other option, Shelke started a foot march on the Nagpur-Nagbhid road on Tuesday to reach his village in Chandrapur. He walked for two days without food and survived only on water.

Coronavirus in Iran Latest Updates

Iran announces 157 new COVID-19 casualties

Iran on Thursday announced 157 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, AFP reported on Thursday. The total figure of deaths in the country is now 2,234. The report also said that Iran has imposed a ban on intercity travel to try to curb the spread.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rate of COVID-19 infection seems to be stabilising in India: Centre

Joint Secretary of the health ministry, Lav Aggarwal, said that while cases of coronavirus are increasing in India, the rate at which they are increasing “appears to be relatively stabilising”. “However, this is only the initial trend,” he said in the daily briefing on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Production, supply of essentials goods won’t get affected during lockdown: Centre

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the government is taking steps to ensure that production, supply or distribution of essential goods and services do not get affected during the 21-day complete lockdown over coronavirus. “States are working to provide food and shelter to migrant workers,” said Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, MHA.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says 42 new COVID-19 cases, 4 deaths reported in last 24 hours

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal on Thursday said, “Forty-two fresh coronavirus cases and four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases stands at 649.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Odisha to set up ’largest’ COVID-19 hospital, says report

Odisha is to set up the “largest” COVID-19 hospital in the country, ANI reported on Thursday, however, there was no official statement from the state government about the same. “Will be a 1,000 bed hospital and will be functional in a fortnight. Odisha will be the first state in the country to set up such a large scale hospital exclusively to treat COVID-19 patients,” the report said.

ANI further added that a tripartite agreement was signed between the Odisha government, corporates, and medical colleges to set up a 1,000-bed exclusive COVID-19 treatment hospital.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Apple Supplier Foxconn and Wistron temporarily shut production facility in India 

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in India due to coronavirus pandemic, several companies had to suspend or limit their services, whereas some had to close their production facilities, and Apple is one of them. iPhone suppliers Wistron and Foxconn have suspended their production in India.

As reported by Bloomberg, Foxconn also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry has halted its operations for now. It will resume its India facility based on further government announcements.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Apple’s 5G iPhone 12 launch likely to be delayed

With coronavirus disrupting day-to-day life across the world, Apple might postpone the launch of its iPhone 12 series. According to Japanese news portal Nikkei Asian Review, lowered demand and possible lukewarm consumer response might deter the leading tech firm from going ahead with the September 2020 launch of its first 5G iPhones.

The report added that Apple has held “internal discussions” on the probability of delaying the launch by months. Supply chain sources told the website that “practical hurdles” would also be a decisive factor in postponing the launch schedule.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt support required to restore supply chains or India can run out of stocks in 7-10 days: Britannia MD Varun Berry

Government support and intervention is required to restore supply chains immediately or the country could run out of stocks of packaged foods in the next 7-10 days, biscuits and dairy giant Britannia Industries managing director Varun Berry said on Thursday, as supply chain disruptions continue to be crippled amidst the Covid-19 outbreak.

“If even one link in supply chain is broken, India could run out of stocks of packaged foods in the next 7-10 days. The Centre has issued permissions but we need support at district level,” Berry said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt permits doorstep delivery of prescribed medicines for patients during lockdown

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a gazette notification easing the rules to allow the retail sale of drugs to the doorstep of patients during the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

These medicines fall under the schedule H category which means such drugs cannot be purchased without the prescription of a qualified doctor. The new rules allows submission of prescription in electronic forms if it gets delayed in case of acute crisis.

The sale will be regulated through first rule like online submission of prescription. In case of chronic illness, the chemist will not ask for prescription immediately and it can be presented within a month. Ministry said drugs can be supplied at the doorstep of the patients located within the same revenue district where the licensee (Chemist Shop) is located. The chemist will have to submit the email id through prescription is to be received to licensing authority

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Suzuki Motor Gujarat extends plant closure till 14 April

Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday said that the Gujarat-based Suzuki Motor Gujarat Pvt Ltd (SMG) will extend its plant shutdown till 14 April in view of nationwide lockdown announced in the country.

“Following the latest government directive on the COVID-19 situation, SMG will be extending plant shutdown till 14 April, 2020,” MSI said in a regulatory filing.

Earlier, the company had announced to temporarily suspend production till 31 March.

Coronavirus in Singapore Latest Updates

Lawrence Wong debunks WhatsApp rumour about possible lockdown in Singapore

WhatsApp messages about Singapore going under possible “lockdown” this weekend over the COVID-19 outbreak are untrue, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said.

“There is a rumour going around on WhatsApp – some of you may have heard the rumour – that there is going to be a lockdown in Singapore this weekend. Can I just make it very clear – there is no lockdown,” Mr Wong said in a press conference.

According to a WhatsApp message, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will be addressing the nation on Friday night to announce the nationwide shutdown.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Nitish Kumar announces Rs 100 crore relief package for the poor

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a grant of 100 crores for the coronavirus relief fund which will include shelter and food for labours, rickshaw pullers, roadside vendor and other poor people. He said that shelter camps will also be made along with the health facility.

Kumar had already announced that his state government will bear the treatment costs of coronavirus patients. In a bid to ease the hardships that the poor may face on account of the lockdown necessitated by the coronavirus outbreak, Kumar had also on Wednesday announced that all ration card holding families in the state will get an assistance of Rs one thousand each.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Steps taken under Modi’s firm leadership will be effective in combating COVID-19: Dalai Lama

The steps being taken by the government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s firm leadership will be effective in containing the spread of coronavirus, the Dalai Lama said on Thursday.

India has enforced a 21-day nationwide lockdown to check the spread of the deadly virus, which has infected nearly 650 people in the country so far. Moreover, some states and Union territories have clamped curfew to restrict movement of people to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has also written to Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, expressing his support to the efforts being made to control the fast-growing infection.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi Police distributes food packets to slum-dwellers

The Delhi Police on Thursday distributed food packets to slum-dwellers in West Delhi amid the lockdown and educated them about the precautions to be taken in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.

Approximately 1,000 food packets were distributed with the help of an NGO in slum clusters of West Delhi’’s Raghubir Nagar and Ghondewala Mandir, they said.

With the help of NGO “Ek Noor” and peace committee members, the police officials of West district initiated a campaign for distribution of food, water and sanitisation in the slum area, a senior police official said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Daily wager walks 135 km from Nagpur to reach his village amid lockdown

Amid travel restrictions due to the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus, a 26- year-old daily wager walked over 135 km without food from Nagpur in Maharashtra to reach his home in Chandrapur.

As panic built up over the lockdown and poor people started returning to their homes, Narendra Shelke, who worked as a labourer in Pune, also decided to go back to his native Jambh village in Saoli tehsil of Chandrapur district.

He managed to catch the last train from Pune to Nagpur, but as the government later enforced restrictions on all sorts of travel, he got stranded in Nagpur.

Unable to find any assistance and left with no other option, Shelke started a foot march on the Nagpur-Nagbhid road on Tuesday to reach his village in Chandrapur. He walked for two days without food and survived only on water.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi govt orders check-up of all healthcare workers after mohalla clinic doctor tests positive

After a 49-year-old doctor working in a mohalla clinic tested positive for COVID-19, the Delhi government has decided to conduct tests for all the healthcare workers who are directly involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. 

The city has reported 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 till Wednesday, of these 26 have a travel history and 10 are of local transmission.

An order by the department of health also stated that even the healthcare workers working in the facilities which are directly involved in drawing samples from patients at designated hospitals will also be tested for the disease. On Wednesday, the wife and a 17-year-old daughter of the mohalla clinic doctor was tested for COVID-19. Around 1,000 patients who were seen by the doctor between March 12 to March 18 are also being traced.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

3.5 crore construction workers to be benefited

State governments to be directed under Buildings and Other Construction Workers’ Fund to utilise an existing Rs 31,000 crore welfare fund for benefit of 3.5 crore construction workers.

The District Mineral Fund will also be utilised to augment medical testing, screening and other requirements to fight coronavirus and preventing its spread

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

8.3 crore BPL families to get free LPG cylinders for 3 months

Under the Ujjwala scheme, women will be given free cylinders for the next three months. 8.3 crore families below poverty line will get free LPG cylinders for three months.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Exgratia amount of Rs 500/ month for women Jan Dhan account holders

Women Jan Dhan account holders to get Rs 500 per month for the next three months. “There are 63 lakh self-help groups for women in the country. They get up to Rs 10 lakh collateral-free loans right now. We are doubling that to Rs 20 lakh,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre to contribute 24% towards EPF for firms with over 100 employees

Centre will pay the EPF0 contribution both, of the employer and of the employee (12 percent each) for firms with over 100 employees for the next three months, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Who all to benefit from PMGKAY 

Cash transfer under PMGKAY will be through DBT in eight parts: Farmers, MNREGA, widows, poor pensioners, divyang, women under Jan Dhan Yojana, women and households under Ujjwala scheme, self-help groups for women especially under the livelihood mission, organized sector workers under EPFO, construction workers and district mineral funds.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

8.69 crore farmer to benefit from PM-KISAN scheme

“Wage increase under MNREGA scheme will benefit 5 crore families. Wage increase will result in additional income of Rs 2,000 per worker,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.

“They receive Rs 6,000 per annum through the PM-KISAN scheme. We will now be giving the first instalment upfront. Around 8.69 crore farmer will get immediate benefit out of this,” said the finance minister.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

80 crore people to benefit from PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana: Nirmala Sitharaman

Under the Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana (food scheme), 80 crore people will be benfitted, said Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. “Every one under this scheme will get 5 kg of wheat/rice for free in addition to what they are already getting. We will also give one kg of one choice of pulse to each household under this scheme for the next three months. They can take it in two installments also,” said Sitharaman.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt grants Rs 50 lakh health insurance per health care worker for three months

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Yojana will include cash transfers to the poor and migrants.The finance minister has announced medical insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per health worker for three months.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre announces Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Scheme

The Centre on Thursday announced the ‘Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan Scheme’ for Rs 1.7 lakh crore. “This scheme includes food security and cash transfers,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Welfare package for the poor will be announced: Nirmala Sitharaman 

“The government has been working so that those affected due to the novel coronavirus since the lockdown commenced on the intervening night of 24-25 March, will be reached out. We have come up with a package which will take care of the welfare concerns of the poor,” said Nirmala Sitharaman.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman begins press conference

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

List of e-commerce and online services operational in Delhi, Noida

The list of e-commerce and online services that will be allowed for home delivery in Delhi and Noida include Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, Blue Dart, DTDC, Swiggy, Grofers, Bigbasket, Big Bazaar, Snapdeal, Urbanclap, Healthians Diagnostics, Jabong, Myntra, Spencer’s Reliance Fresh, Dr Lal pathlabs and many more. 

There company pass will be sufficient to carry out door-to-door supply.

Complete list of #ecommerce & #online services allowed for home delivery in #Delhi and #Noida during the #Lockdown21:#CoronavirusLockdown#HelpFightCorona pic.twitter.com/MMu9h4Ljhn

— Utkarsh Anand (@utkarsh_aanand) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Shops selling essentials will remain open round the clock, says Delhi LG

The Delhi government will allow shops selling essential items to operate round the clock so that there is no rush of people in the wake of the 21-day lockdown, Lt Governor Anil Baijal said on Thursday.

In a joint digital press conference with Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that one case of coronavirus was reported in Delhi in past 24 hours taking the total number of such cases to 36.

Also, concerned SDMs and ACPs have been directed to ensure shops selling groceries, vegetables and milk remain open and essential items are adequately stocked in their respective areas, Baijal said.

Kejriwal said that people are largely keeping indoors and the situation is “under control” but more caution was needed to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

Coronavirus in Singapore Latest Updates

Singapore researchers are developing a COVID-19 test that can diagnose infection in 5 min

Researchers at the NanoBio Lab at the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star) in Singapore have developed a rapid test that can diagnose a coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) infection in as little as five minutes. If and when the test seeks the necessary approvals, it would be the fastest test currently available for COVID-19. The team is currently optimising the test for a diverse range of potential patients and hopes to submit the test for approval in a month’s time.

The test is designed to seek out genetic material of the virus in secretions from a patient – most commonly saliva and secretions from the nose, both of which would have small amounts of the virus in an infected person. These samples are collected using a swab, and fed to a portable device that will return a result in 5 to 10 minutes. It uses an extremely rapid method to multiply the genetic material in the sample (exponentially), called Cepat.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

900 quarantined in Delhi after mohalla doctor tests positive

Close to 900 people are under quarantine after a doctor of a mohalla or community clinic in Delhi tested positive for coronavirus, reported NDTV.  They have all been isolated for 14 days, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain told the media house. He also said the number of coronavirus or COVID-19 cases in Delhi is now 36.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Nirmala Sitharaman to adress media shortly over COVID-19 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is expected to address the media in New Delhi at 1 pm. The finance minister is likely to announce a relief package amid 21-day nationwide shutdown over coronavirus pandemic. 

Press conference will also be live streamed on FINMIN SM Platforms and Telecast live by DD and ANI.

Finance Minister Smt. @nsitharaman will address a press conference at 1pm today in New Delhi.@nsitharamanoffc @PIB_India @DDNewslive#IndiaFightsCorona

Watch LIVE here: https://t.co/YFnPH1yqqK

— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Spicejet’s special flight to take 142 Indians who returned from Iran to Jodhpur

Spicejet has said that it will conduct a special flight to Jodhpur on Sunday to bring Indians returned from Iran yesterday to Delhi. “Will conduct special flight from Delhi to Jodhpur on Sunday to take Indians who have returned from Iran to government quarantine facility,” SpiceJet said in a statement.

“The special flight will be operated as per Government of India’s request and the airline will deploy its Boeing 737 aircraft for the assignment,” the low-cost carrier said in its press release.

The airline’s entire commercial passenger aircraft fleet of 82 Boeing 737, two Airbus A320 and 32 Bombardier Q-400s is currently grounded as the government has suspended domestic and international flight operations to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Sonia Gandhi urges govt to announce relief package for worst-hit businesses

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi supporting the 21-day national lockdown as a “welcome step” while suggesting economic and health measures in its fight against the novel coronavirus.

“As president of the Congress, I would like to state that we will support and collaborate fully with every step taking by the union government to ensure the containment of the pandemic,” Sonia Gandhi wrote in the four-page letter.

“At this challenging and uncertain time, it is imperative for each one of us to rise above partisan interests and honour one’s duty towards our country and indeed, towards humanity.”

She also suggested a sector-wise relief package for business badly hit by the pandemic. “Centre must consider announcing sector-wise relief package, including tax breaks, interest subvention, deferment of liability,” wrote Sonia.

Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Updates

24% of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan between 21-30 years age bracket, says Dr Zafar Mirza

In contrary to the trend seen in China or any other COVID-affected country, a majority of the 1,022 confirmed cases in Pakistan constitute young adults falling in the age bracket of 21-30 years, Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza informed during his televised media briefing on Wednesday.

“24% of the confirmed cases in Pakistan so far are between 21 to 30 years of age. This constitutes a majority of the cases. The pattern is unlike other countries where cases mostly comprise older people,” Geo TV quotes Mirza as saying.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Bengaluru Police to issue passes to deliverymen for smooth delivery of essentials

On Wednesday evening, over 300 representatives of multiple e-commerce food, medicine, fruits and vegetables delivery aggregators were called for a meeting by the Bengaluru Police Commissioner. The meeting was about the smooth delivery of essentials during the 21-day-long lockdown.

The two parties decided that the delivery person, along with the vehicle, will be issued passes. Passes can also be availed online after a couple of days. These passes will be produced at each DCP office to the organisations involved in the supply chain. The person must submit his Aadhaar card, and any misuse or false information given would lead to cognizable offence.

Interacted with over 300 food and medicine aggregators.Persons and vehicle passes will be issued on Aadhaar card and organization request letter, initially physically, it will be online, bulk, without borders from across all 8 DCP office, even considering transferable passes.

— Bhaskar Rao (@Nimmabhaskar22) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in Russia Latest Updates

Russia to impose temporary ban on international flights

The Russian government has ordered on Thursday a suspension in the operations of all regular and charter flights due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, flights that are returning Russia’s citizens from abroad to their home country will be excluded from the ban, in effect from Friday.  

On Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin instructed the Russian army to be prepared to help in the fight against the virus if it becomes necessary.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Sarusajai, Nehru Stadiums in Guwahati to become quarantine centres

To contain the rising threat from COVID-19, the Assam government has decided to set up two large quarantine centres with capacity of 1,000 persons each in the city. While one quarantine centre will come up at the Sarusajai Stadium, the other will be set up at the Nehru Stadium.

These announcements were made by Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after he inspected the preparations to tackle COVID-19 at Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH) on Wednesday.

He further said, “Presently, we are simultaneously working at two stages against coronavirus. The first is ‘social distancing’; and in this regard we are taking all necessary steps to make the people aware of this very important step to prevent the deadly virus.”

#IndiaFightsCorona

A large quarantine centre will be established at the Sarusojai Sports Complex, Guwahati with capacity for about 700 people. This morning visited the site to take stock of preparedness and the facility. It shall be ready in a week's time. pic.twitter.com/bolVMafOsE

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mahindra group along with two PSUs to escalate ventilator production 

Mahindra and Mahindra in partnership with two public sector units is working with an existing manufacturer of high-spec ventilators to help them simplify design and scale up capacity, said Pawan Goenka, MD of Mahindra & Mahindra a few days after the chairman Anand Mahindra announced that the group will offer all possible support to deal with COVID-19 contagion.

Goenka in a tweet said Mahindra is overwhelmed with pouring in of support from individuals and companies for its effort to make available ventilators.

He informed," The company is adopting two pronged approach. At one end, we along with two large PSUs are working with An existing manufacturer of high spec ventilators to help them to simplify design and scale up capacity. Our engineering team is right now with them working on it."

Ventilator 3: at other end we are working on an automated version of the Bag Valve Mask ventilator (commonly known as Ambu bag). We hope to have a Proto ready in 3 days for approval. Once proven this design will be made available to all for manufacturing. @PMOIndia @MahindraRise

— Pawan K Goenka (@GoenkaPk) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Delhi rise to 36

A mohalla clinic doctor in Delhi and four others have tested positive for COVID-19 after coming in contact with an infected patient, said Health Minister Satyendar Jain. The woman had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia. With this, the positive cases in the National Capital have risen to 36. 

“The doctor’s wife and daughter have also tested positive,” the Delhi health minister said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

649 confirmed cases, 13 deaths: Health Ministry 

According to the Union Health Ministry, the number of cases of coronavirus infection has reached 649 across the nation. The number of patients who have recovered and discharged from hospitals are 42. So far, India has reported 13 deaths. 

Total number of #COVID19 positive cases rise to 649 in India (including 593 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 13 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/mbn3okwvZp

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus In Maharashtra Latest Updates

Two cases emerge in Mumbai, Thane; state’s tally at 124

Two more positive cases of coronavirus has been reported in Mumbai and Thane on Thursday. With this the total number of positive cases in Maharashtra has gone up to 124, as per the state health department.

“Two new positive cases of coronavirus in Mumbai and Thane; Till now, the total number of positive cases in the state is 124: Health Department, Maharashtra,” ANI tweeted.

Maharashtra, with rest of the country is under lockdown till 14 April. Essential services like food items, vegetables, fruits, grocery and bakery items are exempted from lockdown. 

2 new positive cases of Coronavirus in Mumbai and Thane; Till now, the total number of positive cases in the state is 124: Health Department, Maharashtra pic.twitter.com/YirfRat6dP

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus In West Bengal Latest Updates

Another tests positive in Kolkata; state reports 10th confirmed case

An elderly man tested positive for the novel coronavirus in West Bengal, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to ten, health officials said on Thursday.

The 66-year-old from Nayabad in Kolkata had no history of travelling abroad or outside the state. He had recently attended a wedding in Midnapore and might have come in contact with a person infected with the virus.

He is undergoing treatment in the isolation ward of a private hospital and his family kept in home isolation under police protection, sources said.

Coronavirus In Maharashtra Latest Updates

Dead woman’s sample tests positive for COVID-19, Maharashtra’s toll reaches four

The test report of a woman who died on  24 March turned out positive for coronavirus on Thursday, taking the COVID-19 toll in Maharashtra to four, a health official said.

The woman, who hailed from Navi Mumbai, had symptoms similar to the coronavirus infection. Thus, as a precautionary measure, her samples were taken and sent for testing, he said.

“The test came out positive this morning. We are now taking the necessary precautions for her relatives as well,” the official said.

Coronavirus In India Latest Updates

Modi to participate in G20 video summit on ways to fight COVID-19

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman will chair an emergency virtual summit of G20 leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday to advance the coordinated response to the novel coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 21,000 lives and upended life and businesses across the globe. 

Saudi Arabia, which currently holds the G20 presidency, last week called for the “virtual summit” following criticism that the powerful group of major economies had been slow to address the global crisis.

“The Saudi G20 Presidency has set the date of the extraordinary virtual Leaders’ Summit for Thursday, March 26. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud will chair the meeting to advance a coordinated global response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its human and economic implications,” an official statement said on Wednesday.

Prime Minister @narendramodi will participate in the “Extraordinary Virtual #G20 Leaders’ Summit" today to discuss ways to mitigate the impact of #coronavirus on global economy and other matters.

— Prasar Bharati News Services & Digital Platform (@PBNS_India) March 26, 2020

Coronavirus In India Latest Updates

Kashmir reports first death 

Kashmir recorded its first death due to the novel coronavirus after a 65-year-old man from Soporev who tested positive to COVID-19 passed away at Chest Disease hospital Srinagar on Thursday morning. 

According to Kashmir News Observer, the person died due to cardiac arrest and he had a long medical history of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

He had a travel history of New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh where he was part of the Tablighi Jamaat, attended by people from  Malaysia and Indonesia.

According to reports, four other individuals who came in contact with the patient also tested positive.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Can blood groups, antibodies affect one’s immunity to COVID-19?

COVID-19, which first emerged in Wuhan, China in December 2019, is relentlessly sweeping across the world. The scale of the epidemic has caused chaos and led to the World Health Organisation declaring it a pandemic in March 2020.

Understanding the virus is the preoccupation of scientists who are trying to unravel its mysteries as a first step to finding ways to stop the disease spreading, and to finding a vaccine. On a daily basis scientists are finding out new things about SARS-CoV-2, the virus behind the rapidly spreading disease COVID-19.

An area of inquiry is its relationship to other coronaviruses. For example, it’s been identified as being part of the same family of coronaviruses which caused Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). SARS was first identified in 2002. It caused severe respiratory disease which was fatal in approximately 10% of cases. MERS, on the other hand, originated in the Middle East and although less infectious, caused death in around 37% of cases.

Scientists investigating SARS-CoV-2 have found that the structure is very similar to the SARS-CoV. But there are also a number of marked differences. For example, one of the most startling differences of COVID-19 is its rapid spread across the world.

Coronavirus in Italy Latest Updates

At least 67 priests killed in Italy due to COVID-19, says report 

A total of 67 Italian priests infected with the novel coronavirus have died since the pandemic reached the Mediterranean country in February, the Avvenire newspaper said Wednesday. The youngest of those listed by the Catholic Church-affiliated paper was 53.

“Priests get sick and die like everybody else, maybe even more than the rest,” the Avvenire wrote.

The paper said 22 of the fatalities were in the Bergamo diocese, at the heart of the outbreak not far from the financial centre Milan.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Sensex up 300 pts, Nifty above 8,400 level

The Indian indices opened on positive note on Thursday with Nifty above 8,400 level. The Sensex is up 243.93 points or 0.85 percent at 28779.71, while the Nifty up 53.85 points or 0.65 percent at 8371.70.

IndusInd Bank, Tech Mahindra, Axis Bank, Sun Pharma and HDFC are among major gainers on Nifty, while losers are Yes Bank, Grasim, JSW Steel, Adani Ports and Maruti Suzuki.

Coronavirus in United States Latest Update

COVID-19 cases reach 70,000 in US, more than 1,000 dead

The number of fatalities due to the novel coronavirus rose to 1,031 in the United States on Thursday, with 68,572 confirmed cases nationwide, according to the tracker run by the Johns Hopkins University.

The tracker had shown 827 deaths a few hours earlier. The United States has the third-highest number of confirmed cases behind China and Italy, and the US death rate is now 1.5 per cent, based on reported cases.

New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths.

Coronavirus in United States Latest Updates

New York’s toll touches 3,000 as city emerges virus hotspot

New York authorities mobilized to head off a potential public health disaster in the city on Wednesday, with its emergence as the nation’s biggest virus epicentre.

A makeshift morgue was set up outside Bellevue Hospital, and the city’s police, their ranks dwindling as more fall ill, were told to patrol nearly empty streets to enforce social distancing.

New York State alone accounted for more than 30,000 cases and close to 300 deaths , most of them in New York City. In Washington, President Donald Trump implored Congress to move on critical coronavirus aid without further delay.

Senate leaders were trying to overcome late objections to a $2 trillion economic rescue package to ease the financial pain of the pandemic.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Another five test positive, cases in Madhya Pradesh climb to 14 

Five more people tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Indore, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 14 in Madhya Pradesh.

Of the five patients, four belong to Indore. The fifth patient, a woman from Ujjain has also been admitted in here.

According to sources, two out of the five patients had recently visited Hrishikesh in Uttarakhand for a vacation.

Addressing media, Indore Collector Lokesh Kumar Jatav said that out of the total 21 samples forwarded to the virology lab at MGM College,Indore, five tested positive on late Tuesday night. “We are now trying to ascertain how many people came into contact with these patients,” said Jatav.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

Qatar Airways continues to operate amid COVID-19 scare

Qatar Airways has informed that it continues to operate more than 150 flights per day to over 70 cities worldwide despite the COVID-19 crisis that has crippled global airline operations.

Our state-of-the-art aircraft with their advanced air filter systems, combined with strict bio-security screening of our staff mean that we can continue operating a significant number of flights to reunite stranded passengers with their loved ones, the airline said in a statement.

“Figures for the last seven days show load factors of over 80 percent for flights to the UK, France and Germany, with a fall to 36 percent for outbound services from those countries, illustrating the demand for homeward travel,” said the airline.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Two more, including 3-yr-old, test positive in Hyderabad

A three-year-old is among two COVID-19 positive cases reported in Telangana on Wednesday, health officials said. The boy recently returned with his parents from Saudi Arabia. He has been admitted to a hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

A 43-year-old woman from Hyderabad with no history of international travel has also tested positive. She is the primary contact of a positive case reported earlier.

With these two cases, the number of positive cases in the state has gone up to 40.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Two new COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan

Taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 38 in the state, Rajasthan on Wednesday recorded two more positive cases.The Union Health Ministry had said 606 positive COVID-19 cases in India including 43 foreign nationals were reported so far.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Goa reports first three COVID-19 cases

Three persons, all with travel history abroad, tested positive for the novel in Goa on Wednesday, health department officials said, as the tourist haven joined the states which have reported COVID-19 cases.

This is the first time the tourist state has reported coronavirus positive cases.

The Directorate of Health Services, in a late night press statement in Panaji, said three suspected cases of COVID-19 from Goa, whose test results were awaited, have turned out positive.

All three are male patients of ages 25, 29 and 55 years. They have travel history of returning to Goa from Spain, Australia and the USA, respectively, the officials said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Three-yr-old Indian girl among 73 who tested positive in Singapore

A three-year-old Indian girl was among the 73 new COVID-19 cases that have been reported in Singapore in a day, taking the tally to over 600.

The 73 new cases reported on Wednesday has brought the total number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore to 631, the health ministry said.

According to the ministry, of the new cases, 38 people have travel history to Europe, North America, ASEAN and other parts of Asia, while the rest were locally transmitted cases.

Eighteen coronavirus positive cases were linked to a kindergarten centre, PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots in Fengshan. It has been decided that all PCF centres, operated as pre-schools by the ruling People’s Action Party, would be closed for four days from Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Bank of Baroda sets up emergency credit line to provide funds for MSMEs

Bank of Baroda on Wednesday said it has set up an emergency credit line to provide funds to its existing MSME and corporate borrowers impacted by the outbreak of coronavirus.

This follows a similar additional funding facility announced by the country’s largest lender State Bank of India for its borrowers, last week.

“The Bank has decided to make maximum 10 percent of the existing fund based working capital limits (FBWC) subject to maximum of Rs 200 crore. This is in addition to existing adhoc/excess/standby letter of credit (SLC)/gold card limit,” BoB said in a late night statement.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Vehicular movement involving essential goods allowed in Delhi-Noida border during lockdown

The movement of vehicles carrying essential services has been permitted during the 21-day nationwide shutdown in the Delhi-Noida border (Noida Sector-14-Mayur Vihar border). 

To ensure the smooth continuance of essential services, the Delhi Police on Tuesday had decided to issue curfew passes for goods vehicles driving into the city from the National Capital region (NCR) carrying essential items.

The owners of these vehicles will have to collect the passes from the DCP offices in their respective areas and hand them over to the drivers of the vehicles after which they would be allowed entry through the border posts.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Banks announce special emergency loan products, credit lines for customers

In a bid to help people and businesses affected in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak, state-owned lenders including Indian Bank, Union Bank of India and Bank of Baroda on Wednesday announced special emergency loan products. Besides, other public sector lenders—Canara Bank, UCO Bank and Indian Overseas Bank — too announced emergency credit line for customers.

Public sector banks with about 80 percent of banking operation have taken steps to ensure the safety of its staff and uninterrupted banking services to customers.

“In these challenging times, the bank is committed to stand by its customers. Keeping in view the hardships faced by various sectors of the economy, we have launched products to take care of immediate liquidity requirement of businesses and retail customers,” Indian Bank managing director Padmaja Chunduru told PTI.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Lockdown not enough to fight COVID-19, use time to fight pandemic: WHO

Amid the worldwide increase in COVID-19 cases, World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday said that a nationwide shurdown, which is being implemented by India and many other countries to curb the fast-spreading virus, will not be enough to eradicate the pandemic.

“To slow the spread of Covid-19, many countries introduced “lockdown” measures. But on their own, these measures will not extinguish epidemics. We call on all countries to use this time to attack the novel coronavirus. You have created a second window of opportunity,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a press conference.

“Asking people to stay at home and shutting down population movement is buying time and reducing the pressure on health systems. But on their own, these measures will not extinguish epidemics,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus added.

To slow the spread of #COVID19, many countries introduced "lockdown" measures. But on their own, these measures will not extinguish epidemics. We call on all countries to use this time to attack the #coronavirus.
You've created a 2nd window of opportunity. pic.twitter.com/jupcsdYnWm

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 25, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre halts toll collection on national highways to ease emergency services

The Centre on Wednesday announced to temporarily suspend toll collection on national highways to ease emergency services during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“In view of COVID-19, it has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of toll at all toll plazas across India,” Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari announced.

This will not only reduce inconvenience to emergency services but also save critical time, he said. The minister said maintenance of roads and availability of emergency resources at toll plazas will continue as usual.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

FIR against Congress MLA in Puducherry for violating lockdown orders

A complaint was filed against Congress MLA John Kumar for allegedly violating the lockdown orders issued by the Puducherry government to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

It has been alleged that Kumar was distributing bags containing vegetables to a gathering of more than 200 people near his residence in Nellithope.

Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy had earlier announced that curfew will be imposed in the Union Territory till 31 March.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Confirmed cases tops 600

A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic, nearly 90 more coronavirus positive cases were reported in India, taking the total number of cases to 606 on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the number of cases was 519.

The toll due to the virus increased to 10 with another fatality being reported from Maharashtra, according to official data.