Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: Narendra Modi to speak on measures to curb COVID-19 tomorrow at 9 pm; Srinagar reports first case, says report

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Seven more cases confirmed in Telangana

Seven more coronavirus cases were confirmed in Telangana on Wednesday night, ANI reported. All the patients are Indonesian nationals and have been kept in isolation wards, a notification from the government said.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Trump says youth are feeling ‘invincible’ but should heed advise

US president Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the country’s youth needed to heed the advice of experts to exercise caution, but also called for them to stay calm.

He said, “I hope they just listen to what we’ve been saying over the last period of time. We don’t want them gathering, and I see that they do gather including on beaches, and including in restaurants, young people. They don’t realize that — they’re feeling invincible, I don’t know if you felt invincible when you were young. But they don’t realize that they could be carrying lots of bad things home to their grandmother and grandfather and even their parents,” he said.

He continued, “So we want them to heed the advice… and I do believe it’s getting through.”

Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Updates

Pakistan records first COVID-19 death

Pakistan recorded the first death due to the novel coronavirus on Wednesday as confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 289, reports said.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

UK schools to shut from Friday

UK prime minister Boris Johnson said that schools across the country will shut from Friday, in his weekly press conference. “The closures will affect students of all ages, except for the children of key workers — including NHS staff, police and delivery drivers – and vulnerable children,” CNN reported.

“We therefore need schools to make provisions for the children of these key workers … and they also need to look after the most vulnerable children. For many parents, these steps will be frustrating. That’s why we are now working on further measures… to keep our economy going.” Johnson was quoted as saying.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Passengers from 36 countries banned temporarily

‘“No airline will bring any passenger from Australia, Belgium, Bulgeria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom effective 12 GMT March 12 at Port of departure,” a home ministry spokesperson was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 patient commits suicide in Delhi, says report

A patient with the novel coronavirus committed suicide at the Safdarjung hospital in Delhi on Wednesday, India Today reported.

“The 35-year-old deceased jumped off the 7th floor of the Safdarjung Hospital, according to a PCR call received by the Delhi Police. He was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital at 9 pm on Wednesday only as a suspected coronavirus patient. The deceased has come to India from Sydney in Australia and had complained of a headache,” the report said.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Trump invokes emergency authority; Big 3 automakers closing

President Donald Trump on Wednesday moved to invoke a federal law that allows the government to marshal the private sector to deal with the coronavirus epidemic, as the economic damage mounted with word that Detroit’s Big Three automakers agreed to shut down all their factories to protect workers.

On a day of head-spinning developments, stocks tumbled again on Wall Street, falling so fast they triggered another automatic trading halt. More borders slammed shut across Europe and North America, with the U.S. and Canada agreeing to close their shared boundary to all but essential travel. And the Trump administration pressed Congress to swiftly pass a potentially $1 trillion rescue package to prop up the economy and speed relief checks to Americans in a matter of weeks.

Calling himself a “wartime president,” Trump said he would sign the Defense Production Act “in case we need it” as the government bolsters resources for an expected surge in cases of the virus.

(AP)

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll rises to 104 in UK 

The United Kingdom on Wednesday reported a rise in the national toll due to coronavirus. The toll has risen to 104, with 99 deaths in England, three deaths in Scotland, and two deaths in Wales. On Wednesday, 104 patients succumbed to the disease, which is the biggest daily jump in the country so far.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rajasthan govt imposes Section 144 across state

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Wednesday said that Section 144 had been imposed across the state in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. “In order to save the lives of the people from the coronavirus infection, Section 144 has been directed to be implemented in the first phase across the state by 31 March. The District Magistrate, Sub Divisional Officers have been authorized to issue necessary guidelines in this regard,” Gehlot said.

“The entire effort of the state government is that the citizens of the state survive the infection of this epidemic. People should be advised not to congregate through loudspeakers at other religious and public places including temples, mosques,” he added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Modi holds meeting to review COVID-19 measures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a review meeting on the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country, the Prime Minister’s Office said. on Wednesday.

“PM Modi emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the Covid-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

JEE-Main scheduled for April postponed 

The Joint Entrance Exam (JEE-Main) for admission to IITs and engineering colleges was postponed on Wednesday in view of coronavirus, according to the HRD Ministry’s National Testing Agency (NTA). The exam was scheduled to be held from 5 April to 11 April.

“The JEE-Main exam has been postponed. The new date will be decided in accordance with the board exams schedule and other competitive exams to ensure there is no clash,” a senior NTA official said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

First COVID-19 case reported in Srinagar, says report

The first case of coronavirus was reported in the Kashmir area of the Jammu and Kashmir union territory on Wednesday, India Today reported.

“A resident of Khanyar area in Srinagar tested positive for COVID-19, Jammu and Kashmir administration confirmed. According to authorities, the patient had a history of international travel and arrived in India on 16 March. The patient has currently been put under isolation and surveillance, contact tracing has started in a 300-metre area,” the report said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Narendra Modi to address the nation over COVID-19 tomorrow

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday night at 9 pm, he will speak about issues related to the novel coronavirus and the measures taken by the government to combat the spread of the infection.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

CBSE postpones exams till 31 March

The CBSE board has postponed all exams in India and abroad from 19 to 31 March in light of the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. Adhering to the government’s advisory to observe ‘social distancing’, the board said that a new exam schedule will be announced by 31 March after reassessing the situation, The Indian Express reported .

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt says workforce in offices, public transport to work at 50% capacity

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday said that a decision had been made that offices will continue on a day-to-day basis, accounting for 50 percent of the workforce. “Besides, it has been suggested to try to operate 50 percent passenger capacity of the public transport system including rail, buses and metro. The shop hours in the city will be decided in such a way that the shops will open in the morning and close in the afternoon. There is no reason to panic as the supply of essential commodities in the state is sufficient and smooth,” Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Health ministry says passengers from South Korea to produce negative cert

The health ministry on Wednesday said that passengers coming/transiting through the UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait after 12 GMT on 18 March (port of departure) to be quarantined upon arrival for 14 days. Those who have visited China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany on/after 15 February to be quarantined.

“Indians coming from South Korea are required to produce negative COVID-19 certificate to come to the country,” the notification said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

One more COVID-19 case reported in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra public health department said that a 50-year-old person has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Ratnagiri. The person has a travel history to Dubai. Total number of positive cases reaches 45 in Maharashtra.

  Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

States to sell protective gear in fair price shops

Reports on Wednesday said that the Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs has directed states to sell surgical masks, soaps, and hand sanitisers in fair price shops and for beneficiaries of the ration scheme to wear surgical masks.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Lack of mid-day meals due to school shutdown should not deprive kids of food, says SC

The Supreme Court said on Wednesday that non-availability of mid-day meals to children, as schools in many parts of the country have been shut due to the coronavirus pandemic, should not deprive them of nutritious food.

While dealing with one crisis, the situation may not lead to creation of another crisis as on account of the shutdown of schools and Anganwadis, children as well as lactating and nursing mothers would be deprived of the nutritional food, the top court said while seeking response of the states and Union Territories.

Taking suo motu (on its own) note of the situation, it said all the states and UTs should come out with a uniform policy so as to ensure that while preventing spread of COVID-19, the schemes for providing nutritional food to the children and nursing and lactating mothers are not adversely affected.  

A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant said that non-supply of nutritional food to the children as well as lactating and nursing mothers may lead to large-scale malnourishment.

“Particularly, the children and the lactating and nursing mothers in rural as well as tribal area are prone to such mal-nourishment. Such mal-nutrition may affect their immunity system and as such, such children and lactating and nursing mothers would be more prone to catch the infection. While dealing with one crisis, the situation may not lead to creation of another crisis,” the bench said.

PTI

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

17 people tested positive in UP

The Times of India has quoted the Directorate of Health Services, Uttar Pradesh as saying, “A total of 17 people have tested positive for coronavirus; 8 from Agra, 2 from Ghaziabad, 4 from Noida and 3 from Lucknow.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Punjab govt considers releasing petty criminals to reduce prison overcrowding

The Punjab jails department is considering releasing around 3,000 drug peddlers and 2,800 petty criminals lodged in various jails in state to curb prison overcrowding and contain the coronavirus outbreak, News18 reported .

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Passengers report chaos at Delhi airport amid COVID-19

Passengers have been reporting chaos at the Delhi airport amid the quarantine imposed for Indian nationals arriving from abroad for the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

195 Indian pilgrims from Iran quarantined at Jaisalmer facility

At least 195 Indians who were stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran have been quarantined in a facility in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer. They arrived in India on Wednesday evening.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt to allow 8 labs to conduct COVID-19 tests

The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to allow novel coronavirus testing at eight labs apart from from the National Institute of Virology in Pune, reports said. News18 reported that the testing in three new labs will begin from Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

HRD ministry to launch e-classes for schools

The Human Resource Development ministry is likely to launch e-classes on the Swayam Prabha DTH channels for school students, reports said on Wednesday. “Time slots of four hours daily approved on Swayam Prabha DTH channels for selected states,” the ministry was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

US to close border with Canada

Donald Trump said that the US was shutting its northern border with Canada for non-essential traffic with “mutual consent” in a bid to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. “Trade will not be affected,” Trump tweeted.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 toll crosses 8,000

Desperate travelers choked European border crossings Wednesday after countries implemented strict controls to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has now infected more than 200,000 people worldwide and killed more than 8,000.

In releasing the new figures, Johns Hopkins University also said more than 82,000 people recovered from the virus, which causes only mild or moderate symptoms such as fever and cough for most people, although severe illness is more likely in the elderly and those with existing health problems.

Italy has been the second hardest hit country with more than 31,000 cases, behind more than 81,000 in China.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi encourages social distancing, Uttarakhand orders work-for-home for govt employees

Delhi lieutenant governor Anil Baijal said that in a meeting with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday, the authorities deliberated social distancing measures which can be encouraged in government offices, public transport, and public places.

Meanwhile, the Uttarakhand government has also issued an order to allow government employees to work from home. The order reads, “Only employees whose presence in offices is very necessary shall be called to office”. The order will be effective from 19 March to 25 March."

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Andhra Pradesh shuts schools, colleges

The Andhra Pradesh government on Wednesday declared that all educational institutions in the state will be shut in light of the coronavirus outbreak. This includes schools, colleges, universities, and coaching centers.

The government also asked people to take necessary precautionary measures.

Coronavirus in Iran Latest Updates

Iran reports 147 new deaths, toll now at 1,135

Iran reported its single biggest jump in deaths from the new coronavirus on Wednesday as another 147 people died, raising the country’s overall death toll to 1,135, AP reported. The nearly 15 percent spike in deaths — amid a total of 17,361 confirmed cases in Iran — marks the biggest 24-hour rise in fatalities since officials first acknowledged cases of the virus in Iran in mid-February.

Still, even as the number of cases continues to grow each day, food markets were still packed with shoppers on Wednesday and highways were crowded with traffic as families traveled between cities ahead of the Persian New Year, Nowruz, on Friday.

Iran’s deputy health minister, Alireza Raisi, urged the public to avoid travel and crowded places. In a statement on state TV, Raisi told Iranians the coming period represented two “golden weeks” to try curb the virus from spreading further.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt says no decision on private labs conducting COVID-19 tests

The Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that the state government has not taken any decision on allowing private labs to conduct the coronavirus diagnostic tests in the state.

Maharashtra is the worst-affected state by the COVID-19 outbreak, with 42 cases reported so far.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

UK pharmacies impose rations on hand sanitisers, masks

CNN reported that UK’s pharmacies, including the biggest chain ‘Boots’, have imposed rations on essential items like hand sanitisers as a measure against panic-buying amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“In Boots stores across London, items like thermometers, paracetemol and hand soap have sold out. Hand soap sales alone are at about 1,000% of usual levels,” the report said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Vistara suspends international operations

Vistara airlines on Wednesday said that it was suspending its international flights from 20 March to 31 March. “We are temporarily suspending our international operations from 20 March to 31 March. We have also temporarily adjusted domestic capacity for March and April in view of reduced demand. Customers booked on the affected flights will be fully refunded,” the statement.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre to issue advisory on incidents of racial remarks

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said a strict advisory is being issued to all states to take action after some incidents of racial remarks against people belonging to the North East in some parts of the country were reported in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Rijiju, who hails from Arunachal Pradesh, also said the issue was taken up with the North East division in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

“Some incidents of racial remarks against North-East people have emerged in some parts of India in the wake of #Coronavirus due to cultural ignorance, prejudice minset & lack of understanding. Matter discussed with NE Division, MHA. Strict advisory is being issued to the States,” Rijiju tweeted.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases rise to 151 in India

The number of positive cases of coronavirus in India on Wednesday rose to 151, which included 25 foreign nationals and 126 Indians, according to the health ministry’s website.

Coronavirus in Iran Latest Updates

Indians in Iran include 1,100 pilgrims from J&K, Ladakh

In Iran, as per available information, there are over 6,000 Indian nationals, MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in his written reply to a question on whether many Indians are held up in Arab countries including Kuwait and Iran due to coronavirus.

The Indians in Iran include about 1,100 pilgrims mainly from Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra, nearly 300 students primarily from Jammu and Kashmir, about 1,000 fishermen, including from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, and others who are on a long-term stay in Iran for pursuing their livelihood and religious studies, the minister said.

Asked about steps take by the Centre to help Indians stranded in Iran due to the coronavirus outbreak, Muraleedharan said the government has made focussed efforts for the safe return of Indians from that country.

A team of six Indian health officials has been deputed to Iran in order to set up testing and sampling facilities there, he said.

Muraleedharan said 1,706 samples have been taken, including from pilgrims, students and other Indians stranded in Iran.

Coronavirus in China Latest Updates

India provides medical supplies worth Rs 2.11 crore to China

Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, said that India had assisted China with medical supplies worth Rs 2,11 crore, including one lakh surgical masks, five lakh pairs of sugical gloves, 75 pieces of infusion pumps, 30 pieces of enteral feeding pumps, 21 pieces of defibrillator and 4,000 pieces of N-95 masks. 

The global coronavirus pandemic originated in China’s Wuhan province.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Kolkata COVID-19 patient refused to get admitted, interacted with many others, claims report

Despite being cautioned by medical officials multiple times, man from West Bengal’s Kolkata ignored crucial health directives and now has been tested positive for coronavirus. He is also incidentally West Bengal’s first confirmed case. The infected person, a student in the UK, refused to get tested for the COVID-19 infection despite being asked by several authorities as he had just returned from the UK.

A reporter with ThePrint tweeted that he was first advised to get admitted to the Beleghata ID hospital in Kolkata on 15 March, but he ignored the advisory and interacted with several people, including family members. “On 16 he was taken to MR Bangur hospital, met deputy super and others. Again turned down requests to get admitted. He returned home again. His mother went to Nabanna, attended many important meetings, met many people. He too met people, who are now being tracked,” the tweet further added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Harsh Vardhan asks teams to review quarantine facilities

Health minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday directed teams to visit quarantine facilities to assess and monitor amenities, PTI reported.

Meanwhile, The Times of India reported that a case has been filed against Vardhan in Bihar for “not stopping the black marketing of essential items”.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rahul Gandhi calls for ‘aggressive’ action against COVID-19

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who has been targetting the government over the the slowing economy and the coronavirus outbreak in the last few weeks, on Wednesday said that the Centre needs to take “quick and aggressive action” in tackling with the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

India is currently dealing with 130 active cases, while three people have succumbed to the infection.

Quick aggressive action is the answer to tackling the #Coronavirus . India is going to pay an extremely heavy price for our governments inability to act decisively.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 18, 2020

Coronavirus in North Korea Latest Updates

North Korea lacks medical facilities to deal with COVID-19, says state media

North Korean state media quoted Kim Jong-un has saying that the country lacked modern medical facilities equipped to deal with the global spread of the novel coronavirus outbreak and appealed for urgent improvements, News18 reported. The report quoted experts as saying that an oubreak of coronavirus in North Korea would be devastating ebcause of the lack of medical supplies and “outdated healthcare infrastructure”.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Karnataka to set aside Rs 200 crore to curb COVID-19

The Karnataka Cabinet on Wednesday set aside Rs 200 crore to tackle the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state, The Times of India quoted Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa as saying. The state currently is dealing with 11 active cases of the flu-like disease that has claimed over 7,000 lives worldwide.

“The restrictions that have been imposed in the state for a week from 14 March have been extended till 31 March, he announced in the Legislative Assembly after a special cabinet meeting to discuss the impact of Covid-19,” the report said.

The report also said that the state is going to be in lockdown till 31 March.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Trump says businesses to get reimbursed for losses during quarantine

US president Donald Trump said that the businesses that have suffered losses due to the “Chinese virus” will be reimbursed. News18 reported that this is the second time Trump has referred to the COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus”.

For the people that are now out of work because of the important and necessary containment policies, for instance the shutting down of hotels, bars and restaurants, money will soon be coming to you. The onslaught of the Chinese Virus is not your fault! Will be stronger than ever!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Army to cancel all training activities, freeze authorisation of leaves

The Indian Army has issued advisory to all commands regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. The advisory said that all wargames and conferences are postponed till further orders. All training activities are to be postponed or cancelled, in view of the current circumstances, the advisory added.

As per the advisory, the leave granting authorities have been told to grant leave only on essential or compassionate grounds till situation improves.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Four people prescribed home quarantine flee in Maharashtra

PTI reported that four passengers who have travel history with Germany and with prescribed home quarantine on Wednesday deboarded from the Bandra Terminus-Delhi Garibrath Express train at Palghar station. The co-passengers raised an alarm, the report said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Protection of Child Rights commission receives complaint over Shaheen Bagh protest

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said that it had received a complaint on Tuesday, regarding the assembly of people, including children and infants, at the Shaheen Bagh protest amid the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country.

The National Capital has 10 active cases at present according to the health ministry website, and of the total cases in the city, one patient has died while two people have recovered.

Coronavirus in Portugal Latest Update

Portugal announces 9.2 billion euros of coronavirus aid

Portugal’s government announced on Wednesday a 9.2 billion-euro package to support workers and provide liquidity for companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

The package, presented by Finance Minister Mario Centeno and Economy Minister Pedro Siza Vieira, includes 5.2 billion in fiscal stimulus, 3 billion in state-backed credit guarantees and one billion related to social security payments.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Roche Diagnostics gets emergency approval to run COVID-19 tests

Health ministry officials were on Wednesday quoted by ANI as saying that a private company, Roche Diagnostics, has received emergency approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and have received a license to conduct coronavirus diagnostic tests.

Health Ministry's top officials: BioMerieux Diagnostics, another private company, has also approached Drug Controller General of India (DCGI). It will take 7 days to get approved as officials are making assessment. Once approved, it can conduct the confirmatory test of #COVID19 https://t.co/vehu1RJIFk

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Coronavirus in Indonesia Latest Updates

Indonesia reports 55 new cases

Indonesia announced on Wednesday 55 new coronavirus cases, taking the total to 227 in the Southeast Asian nation and marking the biggest daily rise in positive cases.

Achmad Yurianto, a health ministry official, also told a news conference that the number of deaths from the disease rose to 19, with deaths recorded in seven different provinces, while 11 patients had recovered.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Vaishno Devi yatra shut by Jammu and Kashmir administration

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Wednesday suspended the Vaishno Devi Yatra in view of coronavirus outbreak.

“Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been closed from today. Operations of all inter-state buses, both incoming and outgoing from Jammu and Kashmir, are banned from today,” the Department of Information and Public Relations said in a statement.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Ensure adequate distance between students sitting for exams, says CBSE

Central Board of Secondary Education has directed the exam centres conducting board exams for Classes 10 and 12 to ensure sitting arrangement with adequate distance between students.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Non-emergency leave for paramilitary personnel to be cancelled, says govt

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has asked all paramilitary forces to get into “battle mode” and “plan ahead” to combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has infected almost 200,000 and killed nearly 8,000 people worldwide.

The guidelines come in the wake of an Indian Army trooper from Ladakh testing positive for the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) on Wednesday.

According to latest guidelines issued by the government, the director generals of Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, National Security Guards and Assam Rifles have been asked to cancel all non-emergency leaves of paramilitary personnel to minimise the risk of contracting the virus during travel.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Shutting down of markets merely a rumour

Amid various rumours of closure of markets in Delhi and other States of the Country, the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), apex body of business community of the Country clarified that so far no Trade Association has taken any decision to close the markets in the wake of corona virus. The Government is taking various steps in combating COVID-19 at the front and therefore any decision of such closure can be taken in consultation with Government, other Agencies and with trade leaders of each State including Delhi. However, if Government takes any such decision, the traders will comply with the same-added CAIT.

CAIT National President BC Bhartia & Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that trade leaders will consider all pros & cons of any shutdown of the markets as the shops of the traders are first point contact for 130 crore people for meeting their requirements. There are about 7 crore traders in the Country providing employment to nearly 45 crore people and as such any decision of closure of shops will be taken after due consideration.  In Delhi, there are about 15 lakh small and big traders who are vetting to the requirements of 1.25 crore people of Delhi.

Both Bhartia and Khandelwal said that closure of physical markets is not the only solution unless sales of e commerce platforms are also banned as the possibility of infection in goods delivered by e commerce companies can not be ruled out. Even the delivery boys of the e commerce companies visit several places in the day to deliver the goods mostly to unknown people and no one knows when they get infected by any person suffering with virus. Therefore, closure of e commerce sales is all the more much required.

Input by Praveen Khandelwal, CAIT

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Fresh case reported from Telangana

A fresh coronavirus case has been reported in Telangana on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to six. The person, who tested positive for the virus, came from the United Kingdom, official sources said, adding that further details would be shared later.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

276 Indians affected abroad, says MEA

Ministry of External Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha said that 276 Indians are infected with coronavirus abroad including 255 in Iran, 12 in UAE, 5 in Italy, and 1 each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda, and Sri Lanka.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

IT Bombay announces closure of activities

In view of the novel coronavirus​  outbreak, IIT Bombay has announced a virtual shutdown of itscampus at Powai in Mumbai till 31 March. In the Tuesday night decision, the IIT-B decided to ask students to vacate hostels by 20 March evening.

An emergency meeting of all heads of departments and other academic and administrative units was called on Tuesday to take stock of the situation on the campus, arising out of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

An IIT-B official said while the total intake of students is 11,000, many of them have already left the campus for various reasons.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi Zoo shut till 31 March

The Delhi Zoo administration on Wednesday shut the zoological party till 31 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

Delhi Zoo Director Suneesh Buxy said directions have been issued to close down the zoo, which witnesses a high number of visitors everyday, till March end to arrest the spread of the disease.

The Central Zoo Authority had on Friday directed all zoos in the country to screen visitors for coronavirus and maintain sanitation measures at entry and exit gates.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Two persons test positive in Bengaluru

Karnataka health minister B Sriramulu said that two people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru, taking the total cases in the state to 13. While one person is a 56-year-old man returning from the US, the other is a 25-year-old woman returning from Spain.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Kerala Police video explains importance of washing hands

In a video stressing the importance of washing hands properly, the Kerala Police is seen explaining the various steps of the process to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

WHO explains importance of social distancing

In an informative video, the World Health Organisation explained the importance of measures like social distancing and washing hands properly at a time when coronavirus is spreading rapidly worldwide.

The number of confirmed cases now stand at 199,180, with 7,994 deaths being reported.

🚿 How to protect oneself from #COVID2019 ??

🤷Why is #SocialDistanacing important

&

How critical is the role of #handwashing in our fight against #COVID19

Check out in an informative video⬇️#covidindia #IndiaFightsCorona @PMOIndia @drharshvardhan @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/gthFZa3P49

— PIB India (@PIB_India) March 17, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Fourth person tests positive in Noida

A person, with a travel history to Indonesia, tested positive for coronavirus. This is the fourth positive case of coronavirus from Gautam Buddh Nagar.

Of the three people who had tested positive earlier, two of them were residents of Noida’s Sector 78 and Sector 100.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Norway national testing positive a ‘hoax’, confirms Goa govt

Goa Health Min Vishwajit Rane said that a reported call made to health authorities by impersonating testing lab which notified of a positive COVID-19 case in the state was a hoax. The information was received by Dr Edwin of Goa Medical College.

“There’s absolutely no reason to panic. Final report hasn’t yet come and we’re waiting. All future information will be given only by Dr Utkarsh (state epidemiologist) as per protocol. We’re also trying to locate the number from which Dr Edwin received the call,” he said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Army postpones SSB batches, quarantines all Ladakh Scouts soldiers

The Indian Army has quarantined all the soldiers and colleagues of the Ladakh Scouts jawan who has tested positive for COVID-19, sources told ANI.

Meanwhile, The army has postponed all Services Selection Board (SSB) batches commencing from 20 March onwards till further orders.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Delhi HC to consider plea seeking video conferencing for advocates

Delhi High Court said that it will consider the petition seeking the court’s direction to issue a direction for a practice that stipulates that video conferencing be allowed for advocates, in order to allow courts to function in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

Meanwhile, in the Supreme Court, Justice MR Shah told senior advocate Aryman Sundaram and the Bar Council to ensure that only one advocate accompanies a senior advocate. SC Justice Arun Mishra observed, “See the frailty of humans. You may devise all weapons. But, you can’t fight this virus. We have to fight this at our own level."

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Doctor in Lucknow isolation ward tests positive

A junior doctor treating patients at an isolation ward set up at the King George’s Medical University and Hospital in Lucknow has tested positive for COVID-19, in-charge of the facility Dr Sudhir Singh told ANI. The doctor’s condition is stable.

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No fresh coronavirus case in Mumbai on Wednesday morning, says BMC

Number of novel coronavirus cases in Mumbai remained constant and no new case was recorded on Wednesday morning, a senior civic official said. Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani said the number of COVID-19 cases remained constant in the metropolis with no fresh case being detected till 11 am.

Until now, 15 COVID-19 cases have been found in Mumbai and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).

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Norway national tests positive in Goa

A Norwegian man on Wednesday tested positive for novel coronavirus infection in Goa, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said. The man had travelled to Delhi, Agra, Assam and Meghalaya after leaving Norway on 6 February, he said.

“The man came to Goa on 20 February. He was having fever since 10 March and was isolated as a suspect in hospital in Panaji,” the minister told PTI.

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South Indian film industry comes to a standstill

Film industries in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have to come to a standstill due to the coronavirus outbreak in various parts of the country. Kerala was the first state to shut down theaters in the south followed by Karnataka, Telangana, and now, Tamil Nadu also joined hands to fight against the novel virus.

In his official statement, RK Selvamani, President of FEFSI said: “We have decided to not take part in the film and TV serial shoots from March 19. Our members will not participate in any form of shoots until the country gets back to normalcy. Yes, this is a tough time and the revenue loss is going to be very huge for producers and daily wagers in the film industry but considering the life-threatening situation and keeping the safety of our workers in mind, we have taken this decision”.

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Maharashtra to open seven more labs for testing

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said seven more laboratories will come up across the state for testing suspected novel coronavirus cases. At present, only three labs are operating in the state at Mumbai, Nagpur and Pune where samples of suspected persons are tested.

“KEM, JJ Hospital and Haffkine Institute will soon get the testing facilities. Most likely they will commence operations in the next five days,” Tope told reporters.Similar laboratories will come up in different parts of the state, he added.

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167 suspected patients go missing in Ludhiana

At least 167 people suspected of having coronavirus have been missing in Ludhiana while only 29 have been traced, said Dr Rajesh Bagga, the city’s civil surgeon told ANI on Wednesday. Medical officials in Punjab had received a list of people who have recently returned to India and have been tracking down people on the list in a bid to ascertain infections if any.

“Two teams have been tasked to find people coming from abroad, in which police have been given responsibility for finding 119 people. They have found 12 people so far and the other team is from the health department, in which they were given the responsibility to find 77 people,” he told ANI.

“17 people have been traced by the health department team. The rest of 167 people are still missing in Ludhiana,” he added. Kumar mentioned that the main reason behind the same is they are not able to trace all of them is due to either wrong address in the passport and telephone number.

“The main reason behind this issue is that these people do not have the correct addresses and telephone numbers. It seems that the address and telephone numbers have changed,” he said. “Our teams are active and searching for them. They will be traced soon,” Kumar added.

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Australia bans all overseas travel; rules out all cricket players, coaches from IPL

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday declared a “human biosecurity emergency” and said the country’s citizens should abandon all overseas travel because of the coronavirus epidemic that he warned could last at least six months. This essentially rules out all Australian players, coaches, etc from the IPL which had been postponed to mid-April. 

The formal declaration gives the government the power to close off cities or regions, impose curfews and order people to quarantine, if deemed necessary to contain the spread of the virus.

The upgrade in official advice to an unprecedented “Level 4: Do not travel” to any country in the world, was accompanied by a ban on any non-essential indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, reports  Reuters .

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Older adults in India are least fearful of contracting coronavirus, says survey

As India grapples to curb the outbreak of coronavirus cases in the country, a survey by  YouGov  has revealed that despite being most likely to be at the receiving end of the pandemic, more than half of senior citizens in India are confident they won’t acquire the virus.

YouGov’s latest survey, which includes data collected online by YouGov Omnibus from around 1054 respondents in India between 10 to 15 March 2020, using YouGov’s panel of over eight million people worldwide. The data is representative of the adult online population in the country.

According to YouGov’s ongoing coronavirus tracker which captures public sentiment and behavior around COVID-19, 44 percent of GenX respondents, (people who were born between 1965 and 1980), who were surveyed said they are “not at all or not very scared” about contracting the pandemic virus.

The survey noted that fear was notably lower among Baby Boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964), with more than half, about 52 percent, saying that they aren’t fearful about getting infected.

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Health Ministry issues guidelines for notifying virus-affected persons by private institutions

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued fresh guidelines for notifying COVID-19 affected persons by private healthcare institutions. It stated that “it is of utmost importance that each and every case (suspects/confirmed) of COVID-19 is isolated and provided appropriate treatment and their contacts are traced at the earliest to break the chain of transmission.

It added that it is important that the support and cooperation of the private sector are enlisted in this regard.

The Health Ministry stated that it shall be mandatory for all hospitals, both government and private, medical officers in government health institutions and registered private medical practitioners including AYUSH practitioners, to “notify such person(s) with COVID-19 affected person to the concerned district surveillance unit.”

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All UP govt school students of classes 1 to 8 to get promoted without exams

Students of classes one to eight of all government primary schools in Uttar Pradesh will get promoted without having to appear in examinations in view of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Wednesday. Examinations in primary schools were scheduled between  23 and 28 March.

“Orders have been issued to promote all students, studying in schools run by the basic education department, of class one to eight to next classes without examination. All schools have been closed till 2 April,” Additional Chief Secretary, Education Renuka Kumar said in a order issued on Tuesday night.

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Photos: Thermal scanning of visitors done on Parliament premises

Temperature of people were being checked with the help of thermometer gun at Parliament Gate as precautionary measure to contain the spread of coronavirus on Wednesday.

Delhi: Temperature of people are being checked with the help of thermometer gun at Parliament Gate as precautionary measure to contain the spread of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/RT4cmHdLCd

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Delhi: Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha M Venkaiah Naidu got his temperature checked with the help of thermometer gun, before entering his office as part of precautionary measures being undertaken to contain the spread of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/iTh0900usV

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

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‘Better to be safe than sorry’, says P Chidambaram

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram took to Twitter to discuss the novel coronavirus pandemic and urged citizens to take all necessary precautions. He also said that the government must address the economic fallout of COVID-19 and announce measures to help the poor who will be affected most.

Time to declare partial to total lockdown in many towns and cities to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Time to take tougher measures that may cause pain, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 18, 2020

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Nagpur closes all parks and gardens

All parks and gardens of Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority (NMRDA) are closed till 31 March. The state government had earlier issued an order that all tiger reserves, sanctuaries and national parks will remain closed till 31 March.

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UP man booked for black marketing, selling sub-standard masks

Amid increase in the demand of masks due to coronavirus outbreak, a man has been booked for allegedly black marketing and selling sub-standard masks, the Uttar Pradesh police told PTI on Wednesday.

The FIR was registered against Vivek Kumar on Tuesday after a district administration team found him selling sub-standard masks and also black marketing them, in Babrala locality of Gunnaur area here, Superintendent of Police Yamuna Prasad said. Police have recovered 500 masks made of cloth from him, he said.

Uttar Pradesh has so far recorded 16 cases, including one foreigner as the number of cases across the country rose to 147 on Wednesday, according to the Union Health Ministry.

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SC takes note of non-availability of mid-day meals

Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of unavailability of mid-day meals for children in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak and shutdown of schools. It also sought a reply from states and union territories on how children are being provided the meals.

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Confirmed cases rise to 147

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases have risen to 147 in India, including 125 Indians and 22 foreigners. Three deaths have been reported and 14 people have been cured.

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Indian passport holders travelling from UK, Turkey, EU cannot enter India

India has prohibited the entry of Indian passport holders in European Union, Turkey, and United Kingdom to India from today. The latest travel advisory read, “With effect from the 18 March, travel of passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey and the United Kingdom to India is prohibited with effect.”

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BJP cancels public gatherings, demonstrations

The BJP has decided not to hold any protest or demonstration for one month in view of coronavirus, party chief JP Nadda announced. No public gatherings will be held and if senior party leaders will convey important information in the form of memorandums.

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Andhra Pradesh govt constitutes committee for COVID-19 containment

The government of Andhra Pradesh constituted an inter-departmental coordination committee with the Secretaries of Line Departments for concerted measures to containment and surveillance.

Andhra Pradesh currently has one confirmed case of coronavirus.

Government of Andhra Pradesh constitutes the following Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee with the Secretaries of Line Departments for concerted measurements to containment and surveillance of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/S60l0IGaAe

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

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COVID-19 unlikely to adversely impact economy: Anurag Thakur

Minister of State of Finance Anurag Thakur said in the Rajya Sabha that India’s near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to the disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus pandemic. “However, latest available data on trade and indicators of domestic output don’t suggest any adverse impact on economy. Additionally, a positive impact on India’s economy may arise from decline in global oil prices triggered by outbreak,” he said.

Thakur also said that in order to address the possibility of a trade-induced adverse impact on economy, the government is constantly engaging with Expert Promotion Councils and trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors, where supply chains are sourcing imports from China.

“These agencies have been put in touch with Indian missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with existing suppliers. Indian missions abroad have been asked to explore alternate sources of supply of raw material for supporting India’s domestic production,’ he added.

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Suresh Prabhu isolates self despite testing negative

BJP MP Suresh Prabhu has kept himself under isolation at his residence for the next 14 days as a precautionary measure even after testing negative. He returned from Saudi Arabia, where he had gone to attend the Second Sherpas’ Meeting on 10 March.

On Tuesday, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs V Muraleedharan went into self-quarantine, but was later tested negative.

BJP MP Suresh Prabhu has kept himself under isolation at his residence for the next 14 days, as a precautionary measure even after testing negative, following his return from a recent visit to Saudi Arabia to attend Second Sherpas' Meeting on 10th March 2020. (file pic) #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/jz4YYX6ecf

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

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China gives go-ahead to test vaccines

China has given a go-ahead to researchers to begin human safety tests of an experimental coronavirus vaccine in the race to develop a shot against the COVID-19 epidemic, Reuters reported.

This comes a day after US began the testing of a vaccine in Seattle.

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Doing out best to help 300 Indian students in Italy: Embassy

Embassy of India in Italy said that it is doing all that is possible within limited resources, and despite the current lockdown, to support and assist more than 300 Indian students in Rome and nearby areas. It added that their swab tests have been taken over the weekend and reports are awaited.

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Indian crew on Grand Princess will return after quarantine: Indian ambassador to US

TS Sandhu, India’s Ambassador to US, said that the Indian government is in touch with the shipping company and US authorities regarding welfare of Indian crew on the Grand Princess cruise ship. “They’re required to undergo mandatory quarantine. We’re extending necessary assistance and will facilitate their return on completion of quarantine,” he said.

The Grand Princess, which circled at sea off the coast of California for days before docking at the Port of Oakland, finally began setting sail Monday morning – to a spot in San Francisco Bay, the local Mercury News reported.

As many as 21 of the 2,500 passengers of the Grand Princess had tested positive for coronavirus. According to USA Today, more than 500 of the 1,100 crew members have disembarked over the weekend and gone home.

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Pune woman tests positive

A woman from Pune, who had a travel history to France and Netherlands, tested positive for COVID-19. This takes the number of cases in Pune to 18 and in Maharashtra to 42.

Meanwhile, hotels in Pune will remain closed till 20 March. G Shetty, President of Pune Restaurants and Hoteliers Association told ANI, “Police requested us to halt operations and it’s also our moral duty. There are 850 hotels in the city in which around 25,000 people work.”

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66 premises sealed in Hyderabad

Authorities in Hyderabad sealed 66 premises, including coaching centers, schools, gyms and bars for violating state government order of closure till 31 March. Bonthu Rammohan, Mayor of Greater Hyderabad, said, “18 special teams have been constituted for daily inspections.”

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Mumbai steps up preventive measures after death at Kasturba hospital

After a 64-year-old man, undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Kasturba hospital, passed away, the city was seen springing into action to curb the spread of COVID-19. While some people distributed hand sanitisers, the local trains of Mumbai were covered with advisories and posters containing information about the virus and how to combat it.

Maharashtra: Members of the Shree Jain Alert Group distributed hand sanitizers & masks to people in Mumbai yesterday, amid #COVID19 pandemic. pic.twitter.com/bqIvDiWwYf

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Maharashtra: Central Railway has vinyl wrapped a 12 coach Mumbai local train with messages regarding #COVID19, in order to raise awareness among commuters. pic.twitter.com/mZ7WFsngFv

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

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Section 144 imposed in five Odisha districts

Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed in Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj districts in Odisha.

The state currently has one confirmed case of COVID-19.

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Ladakh scouts jawan tests positive

An Indian Army jawan from Ladakh, whose father had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage, has become the first positive case of COVID-19 in the 1.3 million-strong force. Senior Army sources told ANI that the Indian Army Lance Naik from Ladakh Scouts was among the confirmed cases in the Union Territory.

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J&K suspends public transport in Udhampur

Public transport, including buses, mini buses and tempos, will remain suspended across the Udhampur district till further notice. The Union Territory has also banned the entry of foreign travellers.

In the neighbouring Ladakh union territory, six confirmed cases have been reported.

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Kerala resident tested positive; 26 confirmed cases in state

Seeram Sambasiva Rao, Kozhikode District Collector, said that a resident of Mahe, who arrived at Calicut international Airport on 13 March, on board Etihad Airways (EY 250) from Abu Dhabi has been confirmed with COVID19. He added that passengers of this flight residing in Calicut should be under house quarantine.and those residing in other districts must contact their respective District Control Rooms.

The total number of cases in India right now are 137, icluding 24 foreign nationals. Kerala has 26 confirmed cases, including two foreign nationals.

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J&K bans entry of foreign tourists

The government of Jammu and Kashmir barred the entry of foreign tourists as a precautionary measure in view of the coronavirus outbreak. Currently, three positive cases have been reported in the Union Territory. Meanwhile, of the 137 people tested positive in various parts of India, 24 are foreign nationals.

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Health ministry issues list of state helpline numbers

Directing private and government hospitals and medical practitioners to direct all suspect cases of coronavirus to the respective district surveillance unit, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issues a list of state helpline numbers. It also directed medical practitioners to keep self-declaration forms ready for those who travelled in the last 14 days and fall under the category of suspect cases.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India issues guidelines for notifying #COVID19 affected persons by private institutions. pic.twitter.com/pMcozHWwJY

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

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PM Modi discussed outbreak with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince

Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed the COVID-19 pandemic over a telephone conversation on Tuesday with the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman. Modi mentioned India’s recent initiative to organise a video conference among SAARC countries and the two leaders agreed that a similar exercise at the level of G20 leaders, under the aegis of Saudi Arabia as the Chair of G20, would be useful at a global scale.

So far, over 7,900 deaths and or than 198,000 confirmed cases have been reported worldwide, with 82,762 people having recovered.