Local trains to be used only for essential travel, says official

Konkan Divisional Commissioner Shivaji Daund issed orders restricting travel on suburban local trains in Mumbai only for those engaged in essential services or those requiring medical aid, reported the Indian Express.

“All the people who are not related to emergency services should avoid unnecessary travel from railway. They will not be given the entry on the railway stations. The officials and staff involved in the emergency services will be verified based in their government identity card or appointment orders,” states the order issued by Daund.

“Those needing medical attention will be exempted. There are 135 suburban stations. Railways have reduced services by 35 to 40 per cent but we would like it come down further,” PTI quotes Daund as saying.

West Bengal suspends interstate bus travel

The West Bengal government has suspended all inter-state bus operations originating from the state from 12 midnight on 21 March till 31 March, reports ANI.. Inter state buses originating in the neighboring states shall not be allowed to enter the state till 31 March.

10 COVID-19 patients recovered in Uttar Pradesh

  The Uttar Pradesh government said on Saturday that 10 out of 26 coronavirus patients who were undergoing treatment have recovered and were discharged. The total number positive cases in the state are 26 — eight each in Agra and Lucknow, six in Noida, two in Ghaziabad, one each in Lakhimpur Kheri and Moradabad, said Vikasendu Agrawal, joint director/state surveillance officer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, in a statement.Ten COVID-19 patients in the state have recovered fully and discharged from hospitals where they were admitted, the statement said.

PTI

Italy reports 793 deaths, 60% in Lombardy region

Italy’s tally of coronavirus cases and deaths continues to soar, with officials on Saturday announcing new day-to-day highs: 793 dead and 6,557 cases, reports AP. The country, at the heart of western Europe’s rampaging outbreak, now counts 53,578 known cases. More than 60 percent of the latest deaths occurred in the northern region of Lombardy, whose hospitals have been reeling under a staggering case load that has left intensive care beds hard to find and respirators in short supply.

Uttar Pradesh tally rises to 26;one in Moradabad, two in Noida test positive

A girl who recently returned from France to Moradabad and two persons in Noida have tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 26, PTI quoted officials as saying. The student who came from France earlier this week was suffering from cough and cold. She was immediately rushed to a hospital and her sample was sent to a lab in Aligarh, where it tested positive for coronavirus on Friday, Moradabad Chief Medical Officer M C Garg told PTI.

Two persons in Noida also tested positive, said Vikasendu Agrawal, joint director/state surveillance officer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, in a statement.As many as 162 ‘contacts’, who have attended different parties in Lucknow with a COVID-19-positive patient, have been identified and contacted so far. The samples collected from them have tested negative, according to the statement.

All positive cases in the state are persons with recent history of foreign travel, it said.

Gujarat declares lockdown in four major cities

Shops selling non-essential items will remain closed in the state’s four largest cities till 25 March, while government offices will operate at half strength on a rotational basis till 29 March, the Gujarat government announced. The decision to lock down four cities was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani.In Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot, shops and malls selling non-essential items will remain shut till Wednesday. Shops selling essential items like milk, vegetables, food items, medicines, medical equipment, as well as hospitals and laboratories, will remain open, said a government release. Essential services of municipal corporations, panchayat offices, internet-telephone, IT, banks, media houses, bank clearinghouses, ATMs, transport services, petrol pumps, shops selling food items, will continue to operate, it said.

The state has so far reported 14 COVID-19 cases, with seven new cases on Saturday.

PTI

Assam reports first positive coronavirus case

Assam recorded its first case with a four-and-a-half-year-old girl in Jorhat district with no travel history abroad testing positive, reports PTI. Jorhat Deputy Commissioner Roshni Aparanji Korati said the initial results from Jorhat Medical College and Hospital (JMCH) were positive and the samples have been sent to ICMR-RMRC laboratory at Lahowal in Dibrugarh district for a recheck.

Ashok Gehlot announces statewide lockdown in Rajasthan

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has ordered a lockdown in the state from March 22-March 31. Apart from essential services, all governement and private offices, factories and even public transport shall remain closed in the state, he said. 

इस लॉक डाउन के तहत आवश्यक सेवाओं के अतिरिक्ति समस्त राजकीय एवं निजी कार्यालय, मॉल्स, दुकानें, फैक्ट्रियां एवं सार्वजनिक परिवहन आदि बंद रहेंगे। इस वैश्विक महामारी से निपटने के लिए लोगों का घरों में रहना बेहद जरूरी है।#COVID19 #राजस्थान_सतर्क_है

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus outbreak Latest Updates

Govt to allow accredited private labs to test for COVID19: report

The government of India has notified guidelines laid down by Indian Council of Medical Research for COVID-19 testing in Private labs. The maximum cost for testing sample should not exceed Rs 4,500. This may include Rs 1.500 as a screening test for suspect cases, and additional Rs 3,000 for contamination test, reports NDTV.  The names of the lab which have been allowed to carry out the tests will be announced tomorrow, said the report.

Fourth case reported in West Bengal

A 57-year-old man with no travel history was admitted to the Salt Lake Hospital in Kolkata with acute respiratory distress syndrome. He tested positive for COVID-19, taking the number of cases in the state to four, reports PTI.

Two new cases in Telangana, CM calls for 24hr curfew tomorrow

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao called for a 24-hour voluntary curfew from 6 am on March 22 to combat the spread of the coronavirus, as two new fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in the state taking the tally to 21, reports PTI. The fresh cases, include a 35-year-old man, a city resident who moved closely with a person who has already tested positive for the virus, according to a media bulletin on COVID-19.

Coronavirus outbreak in Telangana Latest Updates

Telangana govt to put up home quarantine homes outside homes

The Telangana government has decided to put up stickers cautioning people from against visiitng the homes of those under quarantine, reports the NewsMinute. This will be in addition to the home quarantine stamps on the hands of those advised to be under quarantine in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

Besides stamping people who are supposed to be in quarantine, the Telangana govt will also be sticking these stickers outside their residence, cautioning people against visiting the house. pic.twitter.com/AfdoSF2rne

— Bala (@Bala__G) March 21, 2020

Passengers complain after IndiGo boards those advised home quarantine

Chandrani Dutta ,a  passenger aboard the IndiGo airlines flight 6E823 from Delhi to Kolkata  alleged that five persons with home quarantine stamps for suspected coronavirus symptoms travelled with her on the flight. When this was brought to the notice of the cabin crew, they refused to take action against the passengers with the quarantine stamps and instead asked Dutta and her mother to disembark and take another flight “if they had a problem”, she claimed.

Coronavirus  ‘a sledgehammer blow to brittle economy’, says Rahul Gandhi

In a veiled attack on the Central government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that clapping won’t help small and medium businesses and daily wage labourers, who are the worst-affected due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Terming the pandemic as a sledgehammer blow to the brittle economy, he said that only an economic package that includes direct cash transfers, tax breaks and a moratorium on loan repayments​ will help those affected.

The #Coronavirus is a sledgehammer blow to our brittle economy.

Small & medium businesses & daily wage earners are the worst hit. Clapping won’t help them. Only a massive economic package that includes direct cash transfers, tax breaks & a moratorium on loan repayments, will. pic.twitter.com/xMBW3BGk10

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 21, 2020

Will lockdown Delhi if required: Kejriwal 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the restrictions, including shutting down of malls, restaurants and various other public spaces are causing severe financial stress to the poorer sections of the society and the government cannot afford to let people go hungry.

He, however, added, “We are not going for any lockdown immediately, but if any such measure is in the interest of people, we will implement that as well.”

Centre failed to utilise India’s public, private sectors despite early detection of disease, says Sonia

“Testing is the key to prevention. In a nation of 130 crore, only 15,701 samples are reported to have been tested so far. Despite ample time, early warnings and lessons from other nations, we appear to have underutilised our public and private sector capacities. This must change. We must begin by testing all cases under surveillance and expand to all other symptomatic cases and those coming into contact with the ones testing positive,” Sonia Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi calls for sector-wise relief packages, says govt duty bound to provide essential commodities

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi today said, “A comprehensive sector wise relief package needs to be announced forthwith by the government including necessary tax breaks, interest subvention and deferment of liabilities. For the salaried class, government and the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) must consider a deferment of EMIs.”

Thane: Assembly of over 10 banned, no standing travel in buses

Thane Municipal Commissioner Vijay​ Singhal on Saturday banned assembly of more than ten persons in the city in view of the coronavirus outbreak. Action will be taken if more than ten people are found to have gathered on roads or in other public places, he said.

Coronavirus: Over 500 cases filed in Maharashtra for violations

Around 540 offences have been registered in Maharashtra for violating orders in place to stop the spread of novel coronavirus, officials said on Saturday. The violations include not observing lockdown, hiding or falsifying travel history, fleeing home quarantine, spreading rumours about the infection and advertising products with the aim of profiting from the outbreak, they said.

Karnataka residents do a mock drill before Janata Curfew

#WATCH Karnataka: Residents of Bengaluru today did a rehearsal for 'Janta Curfew' ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 between 7 am and 9 pm. #Covid_19. pic.twitter.com/NilFTefrvr

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

Hundreds take part in Kerala Hindu festival despite appeals for social distancing

ANI reported that hundreds of people took part in the  Malayinkeezhu Sree Krishna Swami Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, held yesterday. This was in violation of the norms of social distancing enforced by the state government, Police is probing the matter. 

Kerala: A traditional procession 'Arattu' was organised at Malayinkeezhu Sree Krishna Swami Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, yesterday. Hundreds of people participated in the procession by violating guidelines, issued to avoid large gatherings. Police probing the matter. pic.twitter.com/powjPcSEWM

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Punjab Latest Updates

Amarinder Singh shares awareness video made by Punjab Police

Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh shared a video of Punjab Police personnel spreading awareness about measures to be taken against the novel coronavirus through song and dance. 

Innovative messaging by @PunjabPoliceInd on necessary precautions to fight #COVID19. We all need strict adherence of precautionary guidelines. All foreign travellers must observe full home quarantine, hygiene & avoid contact with others. Share this video with more & more people. pic.twitter.com/OmRJ2lRg5d

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus outbreak Latest Updates

Offices, restaurants, saloons to remain closed in Gautam Buddha Nagar tomorrow

The Gautambuddhanagar district magistrate has announced the closure of all government offices and private establishments, including shops, saloons, restaurants and cafes in Gautambuddhanagar from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday. Those providing essential services including hospitals, medical stores, grocery stores and rations shops are exempted from the order.

Closure order ( as per details) for tomorrow 22nd March 2020 in Gautambuddhanagar. Kindly read the details. pic.twitter.com/6pDNbXkzl6

— DM G.B. Nagar (@dmgbnagar) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

‘Near total’ lockdown in 5 Odisha districts, 8 other towns

 A day before the nationwide ‘Janata curfew’, the Odisha government announced a “near total” shutdown in five districts and eight other prominent towns for a week to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic. It will come into effect from Sunday morning, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in a video message.

The districts that will observe near-total lockdown are Khurda, Ganjam, Cuttack, Kendrapara and Angul, while the towns include Puri, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Rourkela, Bhadrak, Jajpur Road and Jajpur, Patnaik said. These districts and towns were identified as over 3,000 residents have returned to these places from abroad in the past few days. “The 4.5-crore people are my family. Please cooperate to defeat the virus. I have asked the police to take stern action against violators,” PTI quotes Patnaik as saying.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Three foreign nationals test positive

Three foreign nationals under observation in Tamil Nadu have testes positive for coronavirus, taking the tally in the state to six, PTI quotes Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar as saying.

“All 6 positive cases are imported cases from different regions with travel histories and not community transmitted. New cases were already quarantined and in our radar.Screening is more intensified at all ports of arrival including at railway stations,domestic arrivals  and interstate borders,” he said.

#coronaupdate: 3 positive cases confirmed, 2 Thai nationals & 1 from New Zealand.Patients are undergoing treatment in isolation. @MoHFW_INDIA #Vijayabaskar

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Likely to issue guidelines to private labs today, says health ministry

“We are likely to issue on Saturday guidelines for private labs over charging, sample collection for COVID test,” PTI quotes the health ministry as saying. It however, cautioned people from testing for COVID19 as a “fashion” or for confidence building and said testing should be done as per protocols.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Contact-tracing 7,000 people, says health ministry

During a press briefing, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry said, “As of today, we are contact-tracing around 7,000 cases.” He added that the health ministry will inform the country when officials come to know factual details about cases of community transmissions.

Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry: As of today, we are contact-tracing around 7,000 cases. Once we get factual information on community transmission cases we will let people know. pic.twitter.com/8YFl5cAZ8w

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

UP govt bans travel to Ayodhya till 2 April

Uttar Pradesh government has banned all travel to Ayodhya till 2 April. The move comes amid rapid spread of coronavirus.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

At least three India cases have no history of foreign travel; health ministry says efforts on to trace source of infection

In a health ministry breifing, reporters questioned the officials on three cases in India who have no reported history of foreign travel and only had history of domestic travel from Mumbai, Pune and Chennai respectively. The ministry officials, however, refused to call it a case of community spread and said efforts were on to trace their contact history.

Breaking: Health Ministry says 111 labs across the country will be functional from today

Coronavirus Outbreak in UP Latest Updates

UP launches scheme to disburse Rs 1,000/month to daily wage workers

In order to dampen the impact of shutdown-like situation on daily wage earners, who increasingly find themselves out of work as fear of the pandemic settles in, the Uttar Pradesh government Saturday launched a new scheme under which at least 20.37 lakh labourers will be given Rs 1,000 per month through Direct Benefit Transfer.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also ordered the immediate release of a month’s worth of food grain to about 1.67 crore people who have Antyodaya cards, MGNREGA cards, and also to construction workers and daily wage workers registered with the labour department, The Indian Express reported.

Coronavirus undermines Indian farm crop prices, derails rural rebound

After excessive rains damaged summer-sown crops in 2019, India was banking heavily on winter-sown crops to fuel a rebound in rural earnings. However, the coronavirus outbreak sent crop prices tumbling just as Asia’s third-biggest economy was expanding at its slowest pace in more than six years.

In response, authorities have imposed travel restrictions and banned big gatherings, cutting food demand. 

Prices for key crops like corn, soybeans, cotton and onions have plunged as much as 50 percent just as farmers prepare for harvest, putting paid to prospects for a rural economic rebound.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Why Maharashtra govt doesn’t want you to use your ACs

Maharshtra government has issued an advisory asking people to restrict the use of air conditioners in view of COVID-19 pandemic citing the reason that the virus can sneak in through the AC vents. The announcement was made by Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Saturday, quoting the World Health Organsiation guidelines which say that the virus can sneak in via AC vents, News18 reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi Metro services to remain shut in view of ‘Janta curfew’ tomorrow 

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Friday announced the closure of metro services in the National Capital on 22 March keeping in mind the ‘Janta Curfew’ declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“In the wake of ‘Janta Curfew’ to be observed this Sunday i.e., on 22nd March 2020, DMRC has decided to keep its services closed. The move is aimed at encouraging the public to stay indoors and maintain social distancing, which is essential in the fight against Covid-19,” Anuj Dayal, Executive Director, DMRC said in an official statement.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Bengaluru makes public announcments in view ‘Janata curfew’ tomorrow

Ahead of the ‘Janat curfew’ Sunday, public announcements were made via loudspeakers across localities in Bengaluru. Preventive measures such as social distancing were also discussed.

Government and private organisations have announced stopping their services to follow a Janta Curfew on Sunday in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to the people of the country to stay at home for a day.

#COVID19India: Public announcements made via loudspeakers across localities in Bengaluru ahead of #JanataCurfew day (March 22). Social distancing measures are also discussed. Video from Koramangala. @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/oA7lLdIJrK

— Ralph Alex Arakal (@ralpharakal) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Afghanistan pledges contribution to COVID-19 SAARC emergency fund

The Afghan government has pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The government has approved a contribution of $ 1 million to COVID-19 Emergency Fund as per the discussions in SAARC heads of nations VTC, believing in joint collaboration and strengthening partnership to fight this pandemic,” ANI reported.

Sediq Sediqqi, Spokesperson for President of Afghanistan: Afghan Govt has approved a contribution of 1Million USD to COVID-19 Emergency Fund as per the discussions in SAARC heads of nations VTC, believing in joint collaboration,&strengthening partnership to fight this pandemic pic.twitter.com/xZmSGNZC2c

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Autos, taxis to remain off road in Delhi during ‘Janta Curfew’

Autos and taxis will be off roads in the National Capital on Sunday as several unions have extended support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a ‘Janta Curfew’ in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Several unions including the Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh, Delhi Pradesh Taxi Union, Delhi Auto Taxi Transport Congress Union and Delhi Taxi Tourist Transport Association, have decided to join the curfew from 7 am to 10 pm on Sunday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

West Bengal govt suspends Class 12 exams till 27 April 

The West Bengal government has postponed the Higher Secondary Examination, in wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak. “All exams are suspended till 27 April. Dates of rescheduling will be fixed after 15 April,” ANI reported.

West Bengal: State government has postponed the Higher Secondary Examination, in wake of #COVID19. All exams are suspended till 27th April. Dates of rescheduling will be fixed after 15th April.

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Prayers suspended in Wakf-affiliated mosques, shrines in Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Wakf Board on Saturday announced suspension of regular prayers at its affiliated mosques and shrines as a preventive measure to contain the fast-spreading COVID-19.

“In view of the of coronavirus outbreak, declared as ‘Pandemic’ by the World Health Organization and as a preventive measure to contain the spread of the virus in Kashmir Valley and subsequent the imposition of restrictions under Section 144 Crpc by the District Administration concerned, it is hereby ordered to suspend regular prayers in shrines / mosques affiliated with the Wakaf Board and displaying of Holy Relic (PBUH) on the occasion of Mehrai-ul-Alam (SAW) celebrations,” the Wakf Board, said in an order, issued on Saturday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Three new cases in Karnataka; state’s tally at 18

Three new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number ofinfections to 18, the state government said on Saturday.

Earlier on Saturday, Health Minister B Sriramulu giving details about one positive case said, a 32-year old person from Gauribidanur in Chikkaballapura district, who has returned from Mecca has been confirmed for the infection.

The person has been admitted in a designated isolated hospital for treatment, he said in a tweet. Details regarding the other two patients are still awaited.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt postpones last paper of Class 10 exams

The Maharashtra government on Saturday announced that the last paper of the SSC (Class 10) exam, which was scheduled to be held on Monday, has been postponed in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

School Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad made this announcement. She said the new date would be announced later. 

So far, 63 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Delhi govt to conduct all press conferences digitally: Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that all govt press conferences will be conducted digitally from now on. “All Delhi government press conferences will be conducted digitally now. It’s very important that all journalists, who are on the forefront of our battle against Corona, also protect themselves as they are in a high exposure environment,” he tweeted.

All Delhi Govt. press conferences will be conducted digitally now. It’s very important that all journalists, who are on the forefront of our battle against Corona, also protect themselves as they are in a high exposure environment.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Singapore Latest Updates

Singapore reports first two deaths due to COVID-19

Two patients in Singapore have died from complications due to COVID-19, the first deaths in the country linked to the infection. The patients – a 75-year-old Singaporean woman and 64-year-old Indonesian man – died on Saturday morning, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

The woman, known as Case 90, was linked to the cluster at The Life Church and Missions Singapore. 

The second patient, known as Case 212, was a 64-year-old Indonesian man with a history of heart disease. He reported the onset of symptoms on 9 March and had been hospitalised in a hospital in Indonesia for pneumonia.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Four passengers who travelled in Godan Express test positive

The Ministry of Railway on Saturday issued a statement that four passengers who traveled in Godan Express on 16 March have been tested positive for coronavirus. The train was destined to Jabalpur from Mumbai.

According to the ministry, the passengers came to India from Dubai last week. In an official statement, the Ministry said: “Railways has found that 4 passengers who traveled on Godan Express (Train 11055) from Mumbai to Jabalpur on 16 March have been tested positive for COVID-19. They came to India from Dubai last week. All concerned have been alerted to take necessary action.”

Railways has found that 4 passengers travelling on Godan Express (Train 11055) from Mumbai to Jabalpur on 16th March in B1 Coach have been tested positive for COVID-19 yesterday.

They came to India from Dubai last week. All concerned have been alerted to take necessary action.

— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi tweets video on how to take precaution against pandemic

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a video on Twitter on Saturday which educates people about how to take minute precautions against coronavirus pandemic. which can make monumental impacts and save many lives.

“Minute precautions can make monumental impacts and save many lives. Saw this interesting video on social media. If you have such videos that can educate people and spread awareness on battling COVID-19, please do so using #IndiaFightsCorona,” he tweeted.

Minute precautions can make monumental impacts and save many lives.

Saw this interesting video on social media. If you have such videos that can educate people and spread awareness on battling COVID-19, please do so using #IndiaFightsCorona. pic.twitter.com/OfguKRMs1g

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance constantly monitoring orders, inventories of medicines​

The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) is closely monitoring inventory and working with the government in the wake of the rapid spread of COVID-19, according to CNBC-TV18. 

The IPA and its member companies are working with the Centre and state governments, Indian pharmaceutical industry associations and key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to ensure that patients in India and the world continue to have access to medicines.

“The IPA member companies are closely monitoring orders and inventories of medicines. With an adequate stock of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), finished product formulations and channel availability, we would be able to sustain the supply of medicines for the coming months. We are not aware of any medicines shortage, to date,” the IPA said in a press statement.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Delhi couple with home quarantine seal found aboard Bangalore-Delhi Rajdhani, deboarded at Kazipet

A couple was deboarded from a Delhi-bound Rajdhani train on Saturday after co-passengers observed a home quarantine seal on the husband’s hand, the Railways said Saturday. Officials said the Delhi-based couple boarded the Bangalore City-New Delhi Rajdhani at Secunderabad Saturday morning.

When the train reached Kazipet in Telangana at 9.45 am a co-passenger noticed the quarantine mark — authorities are putting on suspected coronavirus cases — on the husband’’s hand when he was wash his hands. Other co-passengers then informed the TTE on board the train, the national transporter said.

The train was briefly detained and the couple was taken to a hospital. The coach was completely sanitised in Kazipet and was locked, officials said.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

WHO launches health alert on WhatsApp over COVID-19 pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) has created a health alert on WhatsApp to keep people aware and updated about the coronavirus pandemic and combat misinformation.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the move on his social media platform and said that they have worked together with the WHO to get “authoritative information” about coronavirus sent directly to one’s WhatsApp account.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Three more, including Army jawan, test positive in Ladakh

Three more persons tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Ladakh on Saturday, taking the total number of cases in the Union Territory to thirteen, officials said.

Greater Kashmir quoted Commissioner Secretary (Health) Rigzin Samphel as saying, “The samples of three more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Ladakh.” Those affected include an army soldier as well.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research revised its strategy to fight the spread of the new coronavirus on Saturday, saying all hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for COVID-19 infection.

Three more test positive in Ladakh, taking the number of positive COVID_19 cases to 13.

— Shuja ul haq (@ShujaUH) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Air India aircraft to rescue stranded Indians in Rome, Italy

As the coronavirus crisis continued to affect every country, a special Air India flight will be sent to evacuate students or any stranded Indians in Rome and arrive back in Delhi on Sunday.

News agency PTI reported that the National Carrier will send a 787 Dreamliner aircraft to Rome on Saturday to evacuate Indians stranded in Rome amid the coronavirus crisis. The Air India flight will return with the Indian citizens from Rome on Sunday morning. From Sunday, the government has decided not to allow any international flight to land in India for a week.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Nirmala Sitharaman says Centre to announce economic package for COVID-19 soon

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said an economic package for the coronavirus-affected sectors will be announced “as soon as possible”. The minister, however, did not give any timeline by when the package will be unveiled.

“I had a meeting with tourism ministry, MSME, civil aviation, animal husbandry sectors. These ministries presented assessment of their sector after consultation with their stakeholders.We had a detailed discussion in the presence of the Finance Secretary and Economic Affairs Secretary. We are compiling their suggestions,” Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters in Delhi.

The ministry will hold an internal meeting on Saturday to firm up the action plan to deal with the crisis, she added.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

BMC chief Praveen Pardeshi urges to avoid overcrowding major civic hospitals in Mumbai 

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) chief Praveen Pardeshi ordered to avoid overcrowding major civic hospitals in the city, postpone routine surgeries, shut OPD dealing with hypertension, asthma, diabetes, thyroid, hematology, Geriatric etc.

Patients have been directed to the nearest dispensary or peripheral hospital. Appointments for the dates of routine or elective surgeries to be deferred by 2 to 3 weeks. No floor beds or sharing of beds shall be allowed. Inter-bed distance to be maintained to 1 meter in all wards.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Delhi airport bars all international flights for a week from 22 March

The Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has barred all International flights for one week from 22 March onwards amid the coronavirus pandemic.

“It is very difficult situation here and our government should help us,” said Irina, a Russian national at IGI airport.

“It took me four days to book a flight back home. Many Israelis are stuck in India; there are 3000 Israelis who cannot go home. I hope the situation gets better,” said Illa, an Israeli national at IGI airport.

-ANI

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

SBI opens emergency credit line for borrowers

Amid businesses getting affected due to the coronavirus pandemic, the country’s largest lender State Bank of India has opened an emergency credit line to meet any liquidity mismatch for its borrowers.

The additional liquidity facility – COVID-19 Emergency Credit Line (CECL), will provide funds up to Rs 200 crore and will be available till 30 June, 2020, SBI said in a circular issued on Friday.

The loan will be offered at an interest rate of 7.25 percent with a tenure of 12 months.

“With a view to provide some degree of relief to the borrowers whose operations are impacted by COVID-19, it is decided to make available additional liquidity credit facilities to the eligible borrowers by way of ad-hoc facilities — CECL to tide over the current crisis situation,” the bank said in a circular to all branches.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Positive cases now rise to 271

A total of 271 individuals have been confirmed positive among suspected COVID-19 cases and contacts of known positive cases, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The government as well as medical experts have advised social distancing, and thereby avoiding large gatherings, as one of the major preventive measures.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

One more tests positive in Noida, total 5

One more person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Noida, taking the number of positive cases to five here, district officials said on Saturday.

The person stays in Supertech Capetown in Sector 74 and the district administration has announced a lockdown of the residential society, which has thousands of residents, from 10 am Saturday till 7 am on Monday for sanitisation, the officials said.

“During this period nobody would be allowed to get in or go out of the society except only in very essential cases. Everybody is requested to stay indoors,” District Magistrate BN Singh stated in an order.

Earlier three residents from Sectors 100, 78 and 41 and one from Delhi been tested positive in Noida, according to officials.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Centre likely to defer Census, NPR exercise, claim reports

According to several media reports, Centre is likely to defer or advise states the 1 April launch of Census 2021 and National Population Register (NPR) update, in view of the situation arising out of the novel coronavirus. 

The NPR exercise was scheduled scheduled to kick off in central Delhi, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and Meghalaya on 1 April.

Such an indication comes even as states have begun writing to the Centre seeking a review of the notified Census timeline. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said all efforts of the state machinery were directed towards containment of the infection and mobilisation for Census and concerned activities posed a risk for field functionaries and the people.

“I would rather suggest to postpone the scheduled Census and related activities,” Patnaik had said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Provide face masks, sanitisers to prisoners in Tihar, other Delhi jails: PIL in high court

An advocate has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court seeking immediate direction to the Delhi government to provide face masks and hand sanitisers to all prisoners and to spray disinfectants and quarantine the jail premises of Tihar Jail and other jails in the National Capital.

The petition will be heard on 24 March, ANI reported.

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Ola suspends its share facility till further notice

In its efforts to contain the novel coronavirus, Ola has suspended its share option until further notice. “In our efforts to ensure the well-being of our customers & driver partners during these challenging times,we’ve decided to suspend Ola Share until further notice. Our support teams are available 24/7 for any assistance,” read the notice.

In our efforts to ensure the well-being of our customers & driver partners during these challenging times,we’ve decided to suspend Ola Share until further notice. Our support teams are available 24/7 for any assistance. Read More Here :https://t.co/70wrLMAkz2

— Ola (@Olacabs) March 20, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra health minister urges to practice social distancing

“We have more than 250 beds for isolation and more than 7000 ordinary beds at hospitals in the state,” said Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope while appealing citizens to practice social distancing to curb the fast-spreading novel coronavirus.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope: We appeal to all to practice social distancing to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. https://t.co/HIMNnpvlRv

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Maximum trains deployed for people who want to leave Mumbai: Rajesh Tope

To avoid over crowding at railway stations in Mumbai, maximum number of trains have been deployed so people can leave the city immediately without risking the guidelines of social distancing. 

“We saw people are leaving Mumbai in large numbers. There are big crowds at the railway stations. We are speaking to railway officials that maximum number of trains should be made available so that people can leave the city easily and railway stations aren’t crowded,” said Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

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Many in Mumbai board trains to flee city after Udhhav Thackeray declares lockdown 

Thousands began flocking to train stations in Mumbai on Friday to flee the city, ignoring all appeals by chief minister Uddhav Thackeray for social distancing, avoiding large congregations and travelling only when absolutely necessary.

As four of Mumbai Metropolitan Region’s (MMR) main long-distance train stations – Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), Thane and Kalyan – brimmed with passengers, the Central Railway posted its men with thermometer guns to screen passengers for fever. However, till reports last came in, not a single passenger had been prevented from boarding a train.

Mumbai Mirror quoted Dr Om Shrivastva, an infectious diseases specialist, as saying, “people in such large numbers crowding railway stations goes against the aim of shutting down the city. The whole idea of shutting down restaurants offices and malls was to reduce mass gatherings, but this is crazy.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

In Pictures: Quarantine notices put up at all infected people houses in Chandigarh

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Cash aid of 1000 each to daily wage workers: Yogi Adityanath 

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday announced cash aid of Rs 1000 each to 20,3700 registered lakh daily wage workers in the state. The cash aid will be given through state Labour Department with the help of labour cess. Around 15 lakh people who depend on small shops, kiosks will also be benefitted with this.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Restricted use of ACs in Maharashtra​ govt offices 

Maharashtra government has issued circular to restrict or lower use of air-conditioners (ACs) to minimum in government offices in the state.

“Coronavirus survives for a longer duration in AC rooms. If the droplets dry fast, the spread can be restricted. The doors and offices have to kept open for ventilation,” the circular read.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

No metro, rail, bus services to ply tomorrow: Yogi Adityanath 

Adhering to the ‘Janta curfew’ called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended the functioning of all metro rail, state and city bus services in the state.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath also urged citizens to refrain from panic-buying.

“I appeal people to not panic over coronavirus. We’ve sufficient stock of essential commodities and medicines in the state. So please don’t rush to shops to buy things and hoard commodities,” said Adityanath.

We all must adhere to ‘Janta curfew’ called by the Prime Minister. All metro rail, state and city bus services in the state to remain closed tomorrow

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: We all must adhere to 'Janta curfew' called by the Prime Minister. All metro rail, state and city bus services in the state to remain closed tomorrow pic.twitter.com/BBWfBCpCC7

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 21, 2020

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23 positive cases in Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath 

A total of 23 people have been found to be infected with coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh. “Of the total cases, nine people have recovered. We have sufficient number of isolation wards in the state,” said Yogi Adityanath while briefing the media on the state’s preparedness on tackling the novel coronavirus.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Three more test positive in Punjab’s Mohali; state’s tally at 6

Three more people in Punjab have tested positive for the new coronavirus, taking the total in the state to six, an official said on Saturday. “Three more people have tested positive in Mohali,” Deputy Commissioner Girish Dayalan said.

Among the fresh cases is the sister of a 69-year-old Mohali woman who tested positive on Friday, he said.

Another person who tested positive had come in contact with a Chandigarh-based 23-year-old coronavirus patient, Dayalan said.

The other person is a 42-year-old resident who had recently returned from the United Kingdom and was admitted to a government hospital in Sector-16 in Chandigarh, the official said.

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Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor booked for negligence

The Uttar Police has booked singer Kanika Kapoor for negligence and committing acts that are likely to spread disease dangerous to life after she attended at least three gatherings in Lucknow, including a party where political leaders were present, and tested positive for the new coronavirus, an official said.

The FIR was registered at Sarojini Nagar police station on Friday based on a complaint filed by the Lucknow chief medical officer, said Police Commissioner Surjit Pandey.

Pandey said Kapoor has been charged under IPC Sections 269 (negligent acts likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 270 (malignant acts likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life), 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).

Kapoor has become the first Bollywood celebrity to test positive for the deadly virus in the country and has said she is under complete quarantine and medical care. In a statement on Instagram, the 41-year-old ‘Baby Doll’ singer said she developed signs of flu in the last five days.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

11 more COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra; tally at 63

An official with the Maharashtra government has said that the number of confirmed cases in the state stand at 63 after 11 more individuals tested positive since Friday evening, PTI reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Three labs in Maharashtra, including NIV in Pune, testing COVID-19 samples in other states too

Three laboratories in Maharashtra, which are currently burdened with the task of testing samples of suspected COVID-19 patients, are analysing samples not only from the state, but also from the neighbouring regions.

Of these three facilities, the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) is a global referral laboratory, which gets samples even from SAARC countries for confirmation of various types of infections, including coronavirus, a senior official said on Thursday.

“Global referral means its reports are considered valid even in other countries,” he said.

Apart from the NIV, one lab is currently being operated at the Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) in Nagpur and the other one at Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai.

“All these labs are meant not only to cater to particular geographies. They are supposed to carry out tests as per the requirement, and samples can come from any corner of the country,” he said.

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Consumption of poultry products have no role on COVID-19

Experts from National Institute of Virology, Pune, JJ Hospital, Mumbai and Sasson Hospital in Pune clarified that consumption of chicken is not linked with the coronavirus infection.

On the contrary, chicken and chicken products consumption has gone up in the US, China and other developed countries.

The Maharashtra Police (Cyber Crime Cell) have arrested two people for spreading fake news about linking coronavirus with consumption of chicken and eggs.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

West Bengal reports third positive case

A woman with a recent travel history to Scotland has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, making it the third confirmed case in West Bengal, a state health department official said on Saturday.

The woman, in her early 20s, returned from Scotland on 16 March and was subsequently admitted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital in the city with symptoms of COVID-19, the official said.

The woman is a resident of Habra in North 24 Parganas district. The official, however, could not confirm whether she was on home quarantine as per the protocol after returning from abroad.

Before this, two persons with travel history to abroad have been reported positive for the virus in West Bengal.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Confirmed cases climb to 258

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has said that the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases has risen to 258. Of the total 258, 219 are Indian nationals and 39 are foreigners. 

The total number of people who have been cured, discharged or migrated stood at 23. So far, four deaths have been reported.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Environment Ministry suspends meetings of its green panel till 31 March 

The Environment Ministry has put all meetings of its expert appraisal committees (EAC), responsible for issuing green clearances, on hold till 31 March amid a spurt in new coronavirus cases across the country, a top environment ministry official said.

“We have put all (meetings of) EACs on hold due to the situation. No meeting will take place till 31 March. One meeting means 50-60 people coming together. So we will not have that,” the official said.

Among the projects pending before the committees is a proposal to construct a new Parliament building, a part of the government’s ambitious plan to redevelop the Central Vista.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Fresh case in Gujarat as 52 yr-old man tests positive in Vadodara; total cases at 8

Another new case of coronavirus has been reported in Gujarat after a 52-year-old man who returned from Sri Lanka tested positive in Vadodara.

With this the number of infected individuals in the state has risen to eight. 

According to reports, the patient went to Sri Lanka and upon returning his health has been deteriorating. He was sent to SSG Government Hospital, Vadodara, and has been undergoing treatment since 18 March.

coronavirus : રાજ્યમાં કોરોનાનો વધુ એક કેસ પોઝિટિવ, શ્રીલંકાથી પરત આવેલા વડોદરાના આધેડ સંક્રમિતhttps://t.co/0dXeWcvjaQ#Gujarat #Coronavirus #Coronaindia #coronaingujarat

— News18Gujarati (@News18Guj) March 21, 2020

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Nepal, Bhutan pledge contribution to COVID-19 SAARC emergency fund

Nepal and Bhutan have pitched in for the COVID-19 emergency fund for South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries which was envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Kathmandu has announced 10 crore Nepali Rupees for the fund while Bhutan has announced $100,000 for it.

Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced it during his Friday evening address to the nation on the COVID-19 pandemic. He said, “I want to inform you that Nepal will contribute Rs 10 crores in this fund set up with the objective to provide requisite help to the SAARC nations”

The Bhutan foreign office in a statement said, “The Royal Government of Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the Emergency Fund and has decided to make an initial contribution of $100,000 (US Dollar One Hundred Thousand only).”

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Updates

US blames China, Russia and Iran for ‘disinformation campaign’

The United States on Friday blamed Russia, China and Iran for the alleged “disinformation campaign” against it on the coronavirus and urged its citizens to be aware about this on social media.

“I wanted to talk about the disinformation the people are seeing both on Twitter and around the world. Some of it coming from government, some of it coming from other individuals,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters at a White House news conference.

He identified three countries for this “disinformation campaign”. “It is pretty defused unfortunately but we have certainly seen it come from places like China and Russia and Iran where there are coordinated efforts to disparage what America is doing and our activity to do all of the things that President (Donald) Trump has set in motion here,” Pompeo said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Railway ministry cancels 3,700 trains till Sunday 10 pm in line with Modi’s appeal for day-long curfew

The Indian Railways on Friday said it has cancelled 3,700 trains from Saturday midnight till Sunday 10 pm, in line with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal of a day-long curfew to contain the spread of coronavirus.

On Thursday evening, Modi called for a people’s curfew on Sunday in a drastic step by his administration to prevent a surge in COVID-19 cases. In an address to the nation, Modi asked citizens to voluntarily stay indoors from  7 am till 9 pm.

Suburban train services in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Secunderbad will be reduced to ‘bare minimum’, an official statement said.

“Actual no of trains to be run on 20 March will be decided by the respective zonal railways as per the assessment of local conditions and requirements,” it said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Kerala confirms 12 new cases, tally at 37

Kerala confirmed 12 more COVID-19 cases on Friday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. In a first, two MLAs in the state were also placed under quarantine on Friday after they came in contact with coronavirus patients. Following the increase in fresh cases, passenger vehicles from Kerala reeled under a shut down of borders from neighbouring Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

Six of the new patients are from Kasargode district, another one is from Palakkad and the rest five are in Ernakulam district, said Vijayan. All have a recent travel history. With the new patients included, Kerala has a total of 37 active cases now.

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Update

New York bans gatherings, nonessential workers to stay home

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced sweeping orders on Friday that will severely restrict gatherings of any size for the state’s more than 19 million residents and will require workers in nonessential businesses to stay home.

The Democratic governor said the “drastic action” was needed to check the rapid spread of the coronavirus virus in a state with more than 8,000 confirmed cases, the most in the nation.

New York’s restrictions, effective 8 pm Sunday, come a day after California decided to all but confine its population in the biggest lockdown in the US. “No, this is not life as usual,” Cuomo said at a news conference,adding, “Accept it, and realize it, and deal with it.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in China Latest Update

China sees zero local coronavirus cases for third day

Mainland China reported zero locally transmitted cases of the coronavirus for a third day running, while the daily log of infections involving travellers arriving from other countries continued to rise.

Mainland China had 41 cases from foreign transmission on Friday, the country’s National Health Commission said. That brought the total number of imported cases to 269.

High in the charts was Beijing, with 14 new imported cases. Shanghai and six provinces also identified such cases.

That brought the total number of confirmed cases in mainland China to 81,008, the health authority said in a statement on Saturday.

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ICJ suspends all hearings, meetings till 16 April at least

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, has cancelled any hearings or meetings of the Court in March and at least until 16 April.

It has also suspended all official travel of Members of the Court and Registry staff and decided to cancel all visits and to implement teleworking. These measures have been taken by the international court to reduce to a minimum the physical presence of staff at the Peace Palace, the seat of the ICJ.

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Update

White House staffer tests positive for COVID-19

A staffer in the team of US Vice President Mike Pence has tested positive for the coronavirus, making him the first White House personnel to have been infected by the deadly disease that has so far claimed the lives of 230 people in the country.

“This evening we were notified that a member of the office of the Vice President tested positive for the coronavirus,” Katie Miller, Press Secretary to Vice President, said in a statement.

“Neither President Donald Trump nor Vice President Pence had close contact with the individual. Further contact tracing is being conducted in accordance with CDC guidelines,” Miller said.

This is the first case of a White House staffer being tested positive for the deadly virus. Last week, Trump had tested for the coronavirus but the result was negative.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy Latest Update

Italy sees largest daily rise in COVID-19 cases, toll jumps to 4,032

The toll from the coronavirus pandemic in Italy leapt by 627 on Friday to 4,032, officials said, an increase of 18.4 percent, which is the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the contagion emerged a month ago.

On Thursday, Italy, a country with 60 million citizens, recorded more deaths from the coronavirus than China, the source of the pandemic with a population over 20 times larger.

Until Friday, Italy had never recorded more than 475 deaths in a single day, while China, where the contagion has slowed sharply, has never reported more than 150.

The total number of cases in Italy rose to 47,021 from a previous 41,035, an increase of 14.6 percent, the Civil Protection Agency said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in China Latest Update

Wuhan’s recovery gives hope to rest of world: WHO

The World Health Organization said Friday that the Chinese epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak at last reporting no new cases gave hope to the rest of the world battling the pandemic.

The city of Wuhan registered no new cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours — for the first time since reporting its first case in December in an outbreak that has gone on to infect more than 250,000 people around the world and kill more than 11,000 people.

“Yesterday, Wuhan reported no new cases for the first time since the outbreak started,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual news conference in Geneva.

“Wuhan provides hope for the rest of the world that even the most severe situation can be turned around,” said Ghebreyesus.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Uddhav Thackeray orders lockdown in Mumbai till 31 March

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Friday announced a lockdown in Mumbai, MMR region, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur till 31 March. He further added that all offices will have to initiate work-from-home practice and if that is not possible then they will have to shut their offices. But he stated that there are no plan to stop local train, bus services in the state.

He said that these stringent measures had to be put in force as people were not practicing social distancing.

All shops and offices are to be shut in Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri, except essential services. He also said that the government is working on measures to mitigate financial crisis.

The shutdown order will come into force by Friday midnight till 31 March.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Politicians Anupriya Patel and Derek O’Brien in self-isolation 

Lawmakers Anupriya Patel and Derek O’Brien on Friday announced that they have gone into “self-isolation” as they came in contact with colleague Dushyant Singh, who has also gone into self-quarantine as a precautionary measure after attending a dinner party with Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor.

“I was present at an event yesterday. Member of Parliament Mr. Dushyant Singh was also present at the event. As a precaution, I am going to self isolation. I will follow the necessary guidelines by the government,” tweeted Apna Dal party chief Anupriya Patel, who represents UP’s Mirzapur in Lok Sabha.

Taking to Twitter, TMC leader Derek O’Brien said: " I’m on self-isolation and following all protocol, as I was sitting right next to MP Dushyant for two hours at a Parliament meeting on 18 March."

Coronavirus Outbreak in Japan Latest Updates

Tokyo 2020 date should be postponed: UK Athletics chair

Nic Coward, the new chairman of UK Athletics, has suggested that the Tokyo 2020 Olympics should be postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.

It comes amid the cancellation of key qualifying events and mounting athlete criticism of the organisers’ stance to press ahead with plans to stage the event, which is due to run from 24 July to 9 August.

GB Taekwondo performance director Gary Hall, who is in Japan, said organisers are “nervous” and rates prospects of the Games beginning in July at “50-50”, according to BBC.

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World’s fastest supercomputer Summit joins fight against COVID-19

Researchers are using the IBM-built supercomputer Summit to look through thousands of molecules to find compounds that could be used as a new drug against the novel coronavirus. The results of the research being conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, published in the journal ChemRxiv, revealed that the supercomputer identified 77 chemical compounds. These compounds could stop the pandemic from spreading through the creation of an effective vaccine.

Coronavirus Outbreak in UAE Latest Updates

UAE reports first two deaths

The United Arab Emirates on Friday reported the first two deaths from coronavirus in the country. Abu Dhabi has reported 140 infections so far, of whom 31 have recovered, but no deaths.

“The Ministry of Health and Prevention has announced the first two deaths caused by the novel coronavirus in the country,” the Emirates News Agency reported.

One of the individuals was a 78-year old Arab national who had arrived in the country from Europe.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

US Defense Secretary praises Modi for initiating SAARC emergency fund

US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and praised India’s COVID-19 initiative for SAARC countries, the Pentagon said.

The two leaders discussed the pandemic and underscored their commitment to close communication during this period in order to maintain momentum on initiatives that reinforce their comprehensive global partnership, the Pentagon said in a readout of the call.

Esper expressed his appreciation for India’s leadership in coordinating COVID-19 related relief efforts among South Asian countries and conveyed his intent to visit India at the earliest opportunity, the Pentagon said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Health ministry issues advisory for hospitals, medical institutions

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday issued an advisory for hospitals and medical education institutions in the view of COVID-19. The ministry has asked hospitals to postpone non-essential elective surgeries.

“Some beds should be set apart and prepared for creating isolation facilities in every public and private hospital. All hospitals should mobilize additional resources including masks, gloves and personal protection equipment. Healthcare personnel should be trained for dealing with any foreseeable emergencies,” read the advisory.

The ministry said that all doctors, nurses, and support staff in different specialties, including pre and para clinical departments, should be mobilised and trained in infection prevention and control practices.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Total 236 positive COVID-19 cases, says ICMR

COVID-19 cases rose to 236 in India after 63 fresh cases were reported on Friday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) while, the Union health ministry figure stood at 223.

The governments in the National Capital and Maharashtra announced shutdown of public places to contain the spread of COVID-19 that has claimed more than 10,000 lives globally.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

No community spread of coronavirus in India: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Friday that there was no community spread of coronavirus in the country and a defined protocol exists about who needs to go for a test.

Answering during the question hour in Lok Sabha, the minister said the scientists in the country were doing their own research about coronavirus and were also in touch with their counterparts in other countries. “There is a very defined protocol about who needs to be tested,” the minister said.

He said those with symptoms and travel history need to go for tests and the ministry was also doing a detailed contact tracing. He said the infection was travelling from one person to another and “has not gone to the community”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Govt launches chatbot on WhatsApp to resolve queries

The coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm with over 2 lakh people being affected. India is leaving no stone unturned to combat the dreaded disease.

With myths and misinformation spreading as fast as COVID-19 itself, the Centre has launched an official chatbot on messaging app WhatsApp to resolve any queries related to COVID-19.

The chatbot has been named MyGov Corona Helpdesk and is a bid to make citizens aware of the pandemic.

To use the MyGov Corona Helpdesk, one needs to save the number 9013151515 in the phone’s contact list and send a query related to COVID-19 to get an answer. The helpdesk is free for all.