Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: 414 new COVID-19 cases, 20 deaths reported in Mumbai today, total number of cases crosses 7,000

Amarinder Singh writes to PM, seeks rail transport for stranded migrants

Captain Amarinder Singh has written a letter to Narendra Modi saying ‘given the large number of workers stuck due to lockdown, use of buses for their transportation would not work’. He urged the prime minister to advise Railway Ministry to make special arrangements for migrants, according to a statement by the chief minister’s office.

Pinarayi Vijayan seeks special non-stop trains for migrant labourers

Welcoming the Centre’s decision to allow inter-state movement of migrant labourers, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday demanded special non-stop trains for them.

ANI

Russian PM tests positive for COVID-19

Russia’s prime minister Mikhail Mishustin has tested positive for coronavirus, AFP has reported.

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

28 people have recovered from COVID-19 in HP till date

ANI has quoted Nipun Jindal, Himachal Pradesh’s state special secretary (health) as saying that 28 people have recovered from coronavirus till date. He added that the total number of active cases in the state is now 7.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Two teams deployed in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi after cases detected

Two medical teams have been deployed at Azadpur Mandi after COVID-19 positive cases were detected at the wholesale market.

Delhi: Two medical teams have been deployed at Azadpur Mandi after #COVID19 positive cases were detected at the wholesale market. pic.twitter.com/vVIljA8lcR

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

146 cases, 3 deaths reported in Rajasthan reported

The Rajasthan health department said that three COVID-19 deaths and 146 new cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 2,584, including 58 deaths.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Cops above the age of 55 to be deployed in areas with minimum contact with people

The Uttarakhand police said that “personnel above the age of 55 years will be deployed in areas where they have minimum direct contact with people considering their higher vulnerability to infections,” India Today reported.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Pregnant woman tests positive for COVID-19 in Gautam Buddh Nagar

According to India Today, a nine months pregnant woman tested positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddh Nagar on Thursday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the district to 138.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Another COVID-19 case reported in Assam

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that one person from Karimganj, a secondary contact of a Nizamuddin Markaz attendee, has tested positive for COVID-19.

The total number of cases in Assam now stands at 42. (29 are discharged, 1 death, so active hospital cases 12), he added.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

COVID-19 patient passes away in Karnataka

Reports said that one coronavirus patient passed away in Karnataka on Thursday. The patient was reportedly a 67-year-old woman in the Bantwal district.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Railways drafts plan to operate 400 trains for movement of stranded people, says report

The Indian Express quoted government sources as saying that that the Ministry of Railways “has drafted a plan to operate 400 special trains per day, which can be scaled up to 1,000, with a detailed protocol.”

“While there has been no indication that passenger train services will resume before May 3, the Railways carried out an internal exercise and communicated the plan to top levels in the government. According to the plan, each non-AC train will carry 1,000 people per trip — about half the usual number — to ensure adequate social distancing,” the report said.

This comes after the MHA’s order allowing stranded people — migrants, students, tourists — to travel back to their homes on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt issues guidelines for home isolation of mildly symptomatic cases

The Government of Delhi has issued a notification stating guidelines for home isolation of very mild/pre-symptomatic COVID-19 cases.

Government of Delhi has issued a notification stating guidelines for home isolation of very mild/pre-symptomatic #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/bSF5uURcYn

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

27 new COVID-19 deaths reported in Maharashtrra today

The Maharashtra health department on Thursday said that 27 new coronavirus deaths and 583 new cases were reported in the state, taking the total number of cases 10,498.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt removes Vardhaman apartments area from containment zones list

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that the government had implemented ‘Operation Shield’ to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Vardhaman apartment.

“In the last four weeks, no new case has been reported and today the apartment is being de-contained,” he added.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai reports 414 cases, 20 deaths today

Mumbai reported 417 new COVID-19 cases and 20 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the city’s tally of coronavirus cases to 7,061. The toll rose to 290.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

614 COVID-19 cases reported in J&K so far

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that 614 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the UT so far, of which 390 cases (384 in Kashmir, six in Jammu) are active.

Eight patients have succumbed to the disease while 216 others have recovered. 80 percent COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt says tentative plan is to open schools in July

The Uttar Pradesh government said that the Basic Education Department is planning to open schools in July “but will take the final decision as per the guidelines of Central and state governments.”

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

77 new COVID-19 cases reported in UP today

The Uttar Pradesh health department on Thursday said that 77 more people have been tested positive for coronavirus in the state, taking total number of cases to 2,211.

Out of the total cases, 551 patients have been cured while 40 others lost their lives due to the infection.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

Gujarat reports 313 new COVID-19 cases

The Gujarat health department said that 313 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 4,395.

This includes 613 cured/discharged and 214 deaths.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

J&K admin approves Rs 350 cr relief package for those affected by lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir administrative council on Thursday approved Rs 350 crore relief package for eight categories of people affected due to COVID-19 lockdown. Rs 1,000 will be given to 1.8 lakh construction workers for three months. One month’s relief has already been given.

“Houseboat workers, shikarawalas registered with tourism department, poniwalas, pithuwalas working at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and different tourism development authorities will be given Rs 1,000 per month for three months,” the government said.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

36 new COVID cases reported in Bengal today

The West Bengal government on Thursday said that 36 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state, taking the number of active cases to 572. Reports added that the toll increased by 11 in the state, and the total toll tose to 33.

139 patients have been cured/discharged for different hospitals so far. 1,905 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Uttarakhand reports two new COVID-19 cases

The Uttarakhand health department said that two new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday. taking the total number of cases in the state to 57.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar govt says people returning to state will be given food and screened

Bihar DGP Gupteshwar Pandey on Thursday said that migrant workers, students and others returning to the state will be provided food and screened for COVID-19 at the state borders.

“We’ll make arrangements to drop them at their respective blocks where they will be screened again and quarantined,” he added.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Dharavi reports 25 new COVID-19 cases today

The BMC said that 25 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Mumbai’s Dharavi on Thursday. The total number of cases in Dharavi is now 369, toll is at 18.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Seven J&K officers given additional charge over movement of stranded people

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that seven officers of the UT have been given additional charge and assigned tasks related to the movement of stranded persons including migrant workers, students, pilgrims and tourists into and outside Jammu and Kashmir.

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

105 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab

The Tamil Nadu health department said that 105 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 480, out of which 356 cases are active. 104 patients have been cured of the infection while 20 other lost their lives.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

MHA tells states to ensure free movement of trucks

The MHA instructed state governemnts to ensure free movement of trucks/goods carriers, including empty trucks.

“Local authorities must not insist on separate passes at inter-state borders across the country. This is essential to maintain the supply chain of goods and services in the country,” the statement said.

MHA to States-Ensure free movement of trucks/goods carriers, incl empty trucks. Local authorities must not insist on separate passes at inter-state borders across the country. This is essential to maintain the supply chain of goods & services in the country: Spox, Home Ministry pic.twitter.com/1MUwndbtPW

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

CISF personnel at Delhi Metro tests positive for COVID-19

The CISF on Thursday said that a personnel who was deployed at the Delhi Metro has been tested COVID-19 positive.

“The jawan was performing duty at a metro station on a rotational basis. Total number of COVID-19 cases in CISF in Delhi has reached three, other two were deployed at Delhi airport,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Tamil Nadu reports highest jump in COVID-19 cases

With 161 new coronavirus cases reported in Tamil Nadu in the last 24 hours, the state recorded the highest single-day jump in the tally of cases. The total number of cases is now 2,323. Chennai has the most number of COVID-19 cases, with 906 infections, followed by Coimbatore with 141

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala today

Tw new coronavirus cases were reported in Kerala on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 497. The new cases have reportedly been detected in Malappuram and Kasargod districts. Kerala now has 117 active cases.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt to shift COVID-19 patients without comorbidity to care centres

The Maharashtra government on Thursday said that in order to decongest hospitals, all asymptomatic positive patients without comorbidity should be shifted to appropriate COVID-19 Care Centres.

“Hospitals should ensure that no admissions are granted to asymptomatic positive patients without comorbidity. Similar patients in private hospitals should be stamped and sent away for home quarantine after proper counselling according to the Government of India guidelines,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

30 new cases reported in Karnataka in last 24 hours

The Karnataka health department said that 30 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in the state from 5 pm on 29 April to 5 pm on 30 April.

The total number of cases rose to 565.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

1,823 new COVID-19 cases reported in 24 hours, says Centre

The Union health ministry said that 1,823 new coronavirus cases and 67 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours, across the country.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 33,610, including 24,162 active cases, 8,373 cured, discharged, migrated and 1,075 deaths.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Kasaragod district officers under self-quarantine after journalist tests positive

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Kasaragod district collector D Sajith Babu, IG Vijay Sakhare and IG Ashok Yadav have gone into self-quarantine after a journalist in the district tested COVID-19 positive on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka govt announces Rs 30 lakhs compensation for aanganwadi workers

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday announced Rs 30 lakh compensation for anganwadi workers and assistants, civil workers, and police personnel who die after getting infected by COVID-19 while carrying out their duties.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

MEA says 2.8 mn HCQ tablets, 1.9 mn paracetamol tablets given to 87 countries

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that India had provided 2.8 million HCQ tablets and 1.9 million paracetamol tablets as part of assistance to other countries. “India also provided HCQ and Paracetamol tablets on a commercial basis to 87 countries,” the statement sais.

“Testing kits from China are under examination under the ICMR, priority is now to enhance rapid test kits. MEA is helping as part of the empowered group,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi Police says stranded people must register themselves

The Delhi Police on Thursday said that the police and state government are finalising modalities for the movement of people of other states.

“We are in touch with resident commissioners of different states. People will need to register themselves for the travel. Please don’t pay heed to rumours,” said Delhi Police PRO MS Randhawa.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says average of 49,000 tests being conducted per day

The Union health ministry on Thursday said that a total of 58,686 tests were done on Wednesday. He added that 49,000 tests are being conducted on an average per day.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 recovery rate stands at 25.19%, says Centre

The Union health ministry on Thursday said that the recovery rate of COVID-19 cases is at 25.19 percent, which was 13.06 percent 14 days ago.

“The fatality rate is 3.2 percent. Comorbidities were found in COVID-19 patients in 78 percent of the deaths. Doubling rate of the cases has now increased to 11 days,” said Lav Agrawal, health ministry joint secretary.

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Two more people test positive for COVID-19 in Chattisgarh

Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo said that two more people tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 40, of which 36 have fully recovered.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

No patient can be denied health services for any reason, says Bengal govt

The West Bengal government on Thursday said, “It is clarified that no government approval is required for either admitting or treating any patient in any healthcare facility or for testing an individual for COVID-19 as per ICMR’s testing protocol. No patient can be denied health services for any reason.”

It is clarified that no government approval is required for either admitting or treating any patient in any healthcare facility or for testing an individual for COVID19 as per ICMR's testing protocol. No patient can be denied health services for any reason: Govt of West Bengal pic.twitter.com/g3ja0joslI

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says approval only for RT-PCR tests so far

Health Ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal on Thursday said, “As far as testing and treatment protocol is concerned we have to use RT-PCR test only.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says non-COVID-19 patients shouldn’t be turned away by private hospitals

Union health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal on Thursday said, “Non-COVID-19 patients should not be turned away by private hospitals, and critical services should be functional. Private hospitals should not insist on COVID-19 negative tests, guidelines are in place, PPEs should be used.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says special trains not being considered for stranded people

When asked if the Centre is considering the proposal by many state governments for running special trains to transport stranded people like students and migrant labourers, MHA joint secretary PS Srivastava said that as of now, the directives are to use buses.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Doubing rate improves to 11 days after lockdown, says Centre

The Union health ministry on Thursday said that the coronavirus doubling rate of cases in India, which was 3.4 days before the lockdown, has improved to 11 days.

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal said that 16 states, had performed better than national average.

11-20 days: Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab,

20-40 days: Karnataka, Ladakh, Haryana, Uttarakhand and Kerala,

Above 40 days: Assam, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says 1,718 new COVID-19 cases reported in last 24 hours

In the daily briefing at 4 pm on Thursday, Health Ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal said that 1,718 new cases of coronavirus were reported across the country in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 33,050 cases so far.

He added that there are 23,651 active cases in the country, with 360 having recovered in the last 24 hours. A total of 8,324 people have recovered cured so far.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar govt says situation ‘unfavourable’ to bring migrants back

Bihar minister and JD(U) leader Ashok Chaudhary said on Thursday, “If we follow social distancing norms, about 1.70 lakh buses will be required to bring 25 lakhs registered labourers of Bihar stranded in different states. We’ve constituted a nodal team for it, but the situation is not favourable for government to bring them.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says IMCT in Hyderabad found adequate PPEs, testing kits

MHA joint secretary PS Srivastava said that the IMCT visiting Hyderabad found that “the state has adequate number of testing kits, PPEs”.

She added, “The state is using an end-to-end IT dashboard to track patients right from testing to discharge.”

Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates

Two Shillong COVID-19 patients test negative in consecutive tests 

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said that two more coronavirus patients, who are being treated at Shillong’s Civil Hospital have tested negative on Thursday.

Two more positive cases who are being treated at Civil Hospital, Shillong, have tested negative today and they are in the process of recovery. They will have to be tested again after 24 hours as per protocol to declare them as recovered.

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt says will bring back migrants ‘in staggered manner’

Uttar Pradesh additional chief home secretary Awanish Awasthi on Thursday said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to migrant workers not to travel back to the state on foot.

He said, “Government is making arrangements to bring them back. Chief Secretary and Home Department will hold discussions with states to bring workers in a staggered manner.”

“People will have to undergo necessary medical screening before boarding the buses for Uttar Pradesh. 100 buses have left Madhya Pradesh to bring back people to Uttar Pradesh and we are sending people to Madhya Pradesh in 40 buses,” he added.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar govt conducts door-to-door drive to screen people for COVID-19

The Bihar health minister on Thursday said that the government had conducted a door-to-door drive to screen people for COVID-19 in some districts that reported relatively higher number of cases. The door-to-door screening led to identification of more cases in those districts.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Udpates

Delhi AIIMS releases number for foolow-up questions

The Delhi AIIMS on Thursday said that follow-up patients of the institute can now book advance appointments for teleconsultations by calling the number +9115444155.

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

Gurugram district admin issues stricter measures on intra-district movement

The Gurugram district administration has issued notification for enforcing stricter measures through curbs on cross-movement across all borders of the district from 10 am on 1 May 2020.

Gurugram District administration has issued notification for enforcing stricter measures through curbs on cross-movement across all borders of the district from 10 AM on 1st May 2020. #Haryana pic.twitter.com/504xr0Yjdh

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Cashew processing units in Mangaluru resume operation

Cashew processing units in Karnataka’s Mangaluru have resumed operations, amid the coronavirus lockdown imposed till 3 May, ANI reported.

Prakash Rao, Chairman, CII-Mangaluru said, “This industry employs about 60,000 women. We have created SOPs and are following all guidelines like use of masks and maintaining social distance.”

Karnataka: Cashew processing units in Mangaluru have resumed operations, amid lockdown till May 3. Prakash Rao, Chairman, CII-Mangaluru says, "This industry employs about 60,000 women. We have created SOPs&following all guidelines like use of masks&maintaining social distance". pic.twitter.com/Pj2vyQWbf4

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Hong Kong Latest Updates

Hong Kong records fifth day in row of no new COVID-19 cases

Hong Kong recorded no new cases of coronavirus for a fifth day in a row on Thursday, but health experts expected the number of infections to potentially rebound with imported cases in coming days, as the first batch of residents stranded in Pakistan would return home by chartered flight ion Thursday evening.

There have been no local COVID-19 cases recorded in 11 days, and it was the seventh time in the same period that the city overall had no new infections, with the total remaining at 1,037.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam Police says no NSG personnel infected by COVID-19

“There has been some speculation in media regarding an NSG personnel being affected with coronavirus. This is to clarify that he had mild fever day before, but has had no fever or symptoms since yesterday. As a precaution he has been tested, is asymptomatic and in quarantine,” the Assam Police tweeted on Thursday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

86 new COVID-19 cases take Rajasthan’s overall count to 2,524

As many as 86 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Rajasthan on Thursday. Of the fresh cases, 59 were reported in Jodhpur and 14 in Jaipur.

Four infections were detected in Ajmer, three in Chittorgarh, two in Tonk and a case each in Alwar, Baran, Dholpur and Kota districts, the Health Department official said.

The state now has 2,524 total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, of which 592 have been discharged from hospitals. There are 1,662 active cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Over one lakh NRIs from Kerala want to return home due to job loss: Pinarayi Vijayan

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that over three lakh Kerala expatriates have registered on the online portal of NORKA (Department of Non-Resident Keralite Affairs) from Sunday to Wednesday, to return to their home state amidst the pandemic, The News Minute reported. 

Of this, over one lakh non-resident Indians (NRIs) have registered to return to the state due to job loss or for annual holiday.

Loss of job, annual holiday, expiry of visas and being released from jail are some of the reasons cited for returning home. The Chief Minister also said that there are 9,561 children and 9,515 pregnant women among the people who have registered with NORKA for this purpose.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Two more COVID-19 deaths in Rajasthan take toll to 57

The toll due to the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 57 in Rajasthan on Thursday with two more fatalities, while the number of cases climbed to 2,524 after 86 people tested positive, an official said.

Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said the two deaths occurred in Jaipur, which accounted for 32 of the total 57 fatalities in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar confirms 407 COVID-19 cases

Bihar registered 407 COVID-19 cases after four more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday. All the fresh cases were reported in Sitamarhi district.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

Assam confirms 41 COVID-19 cases after four more test positive

Assam health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said that four more people tested COVID-19 positive in the state and the cases were reported in Bongaigaon district.

With these, the total confirmed cases in the state stood at 41, of which 29 have been discharged.

There are 11 active cases in the state and one COVID-19 patient has succumbed to the disease so far. 

Alert ~ Four more #COVID positive cases are reported from Bongaingaon district.

The number of #COVID19 patients in Assam now stands at 41. ( 29 are discharged, 1 death, so active hospital cases 11.)

Update at 1 pm / April 30#AssamCovidCount

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Two COVID-19 patients recover in Chhattisgarh

Two COVID-19 patients, including a pregnant woman, were discharged from Chhattisgarh’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur on Thursday, after recovering from the illness.

As many as 36 persons have recovered from the deadly infection in the state, which now has only two active cases left.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt issues guidelines on movement of stranded migrant workers

In accordance to the order issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the Maharashtra government on Thursday released the guidelines on the implementation of movement of stranded migrant labourers. 

“Due to the lockdown, migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons are stranded at different places. They would be allowed to move as per the conditions in the attached Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) as ANNEXURE A,” read the statement. 

All district collectors will be designated noodal authority for receiving and sending suh stranded individuals between States/UTs and also within Maharashtra

🚨UPDATE 🚨

Due to the lockdown, migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons are stranded at different places. They would be allowed to move as per the conditions in the attached Standard Operating Procedure(SOP) as ANNEXURE "A". pic.twitter.com/Stwc3mdXpC

— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt making arrangements to bring back students in Kota to hometowns: Kejriwal 

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday tweeted that the government was making arrangements to bring back stranded students in Kota, Rajasthan to their hometowns. 

Delhi govt is making arrangements to soon bring Del students back home from Kota

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

14 of 22 new COVID-19 cases reported in Belagavi 

More than half of the new 22 COVID-19 cases – 14 – are from Belagavi, taking the total number of positive cases from the district to 67. 

While three cases from Bengaluru Urban have been detected including two from Padarayanapura, two are from Vijayapura and one each from Davangere, Tumakuru and Dakshina Kannada.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

22 fresh COVID-19 cases in Karnataka 

As many as 22 positive COVID-19 cases have been detected on Thursday morning in Karnataka taking the total number of cases to 557. The figure includes 21 deaths and one non-COVID death and 223 discharged persons.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka to allow interstate movement of migrant workers, students

Karnataka government on Thursday said it would allow interstate movement, especially for students and migrant workers. “They’ll have to bear the transport charges. We’ll allow inter-district movement for once. It’ll happen according to guidelines,” said state Minister JC Madhuswamy.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Greta Thunberg donates $100,000 to UN to fight COVID-19 

Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has donated a $100,000 prize she won from a Danish foundation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for use against the COVID-19 pandemic, the world body said Thursday.

“Like the climate crisis, the coronavirus pandemic is a child rights crisis,” Thunberg, 17, was quoted as saying in the UNICEF statement.

“It will affect all children, now and in the long term, but vulnerable groups will be impacted the most,” she added.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Nearly 20,000 stranded migrant workers from Madhya Pradesh reach native dists 

Nearly 20,000 migrant labourers from Madhya Pradesh stranded in other states due to the lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus have been brought back to their native districts so far, according to All India Radio News. 

The Additional Chief Secretary and State Control Room in- charge ICP Keshri informed that on Wednesday, labourers in 200 buses reached Neemuch, Agar-Malwa, Sheopur and Guna entry points of the state from Jaisalmer, Nagaur, Jodhpur and Jaipur.

Coronavirus in South Korea Latest Updates

South Korea reports zero local COVID-19 cases for first time since February

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

KCDC reported four new infections, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

70 buses to bring back over 1,700 students stuck in Kota to Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government has deployed 70 buses to bring back over 1,700  students who are stuck in Kota, Rajasthan, News18 reported on Thursday. 

The vehicles left from Maharashtra’s Dhule district around 10.30 am on Wednesday and arrived in Rajasthan by night. 

“The buses will leave from Kota on Thursday morning,” the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) official said, adding that only 20 students will be allowed in each bus and the vehicles will halt at two to three places for food breaks.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Stranded pilgrims in Maharashtra arrive at Bathinda

Pilgrims from Sri Hazur Sahib, stranded in Maharashtra’s Nanded, returned to Bathinda in Punjab on Wednesday. As of now, around 3613 such pilgrims have returned to the state. 

DC Bathinda said, “Two pilgrims, who returned to Bathinda, have tested positive for COVID-19.”

Punjab: Pilgrims from Sri Hazur Sahib, stranded in Maharashtra's Nanded, returned to the state y'day. As of now, around 3613 such pilgrims have returned to the state. Visuals from Bathinda. DC Bathinda says, "2 pilgrims, who returned to Bathinda,have tested positive for #COVID19" pic.twitter.com/vY7Knq4iiM

— ANI (@ANI) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Order on screening of stranded migrant workers in Maharashtra to be issued today 

Over 6.5 lakh migrant labourers, a majority of them from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, are stranded in various parts of Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai and Pune. 

According to the state administration, by the end of day an order will be issued on detailed screening of the workers before they are put on buses, which will then ply to their respective states.

Coronavirus in Germany Latest Updates

Germany confirms 1,478 new COVID-19 cases in past 24 hrs, overall count crosses 1.59 lakh

Germany has confirmed 1,478 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours, with the overall count at 159,119, the Robert Koch Institute said on Thursday.

The toll due to the viral infection has also seen an increase by 173 to 6,288 within the same period of time. Over 123,000 COVID-19 patients have recovered in Germany since the beginning of the outbreak.

Coronavirus in Meghlaya Latest Updates

East Khasi Hills dist not in green zones list 

Barring East Khasi Hills district, all other 10 districts in Meghalaya are in the green zone as they have not reported any COVID-19 cases. All deputy commissioners in the green zones may allow inter-district movement," Political Department secretary Cyril VD Diengdoh said in a letter to the district magistrates.

“The inter-district movement has been allowed in the green zones on the condition that people do not transit through East Khasi Hills district,” he said.

Coronavirus in Meghlaya Latest Updates

10 Meghalaya dists declared green zones

Ten out of 11 districts in Meghalaya have been declared ‘green zones’ by the state government on Thursday, PTI quoted officials as saying. The government has permitted inter-district movement in these areas.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Following Rishi Kapoor’s demise, his family urges fans not to violate social distancing norms

Following Rishi Kapoor’s demise this morning, his family appealed to fans not to gather to mourn the death of the Bollywood actor. “In this hour of personal loss, we also recognise the world is going through a very difficult and troubled time. There are numerous restrictions around movement and gathering in public. We would like to request all his fans and well-wishers and friends of the family to please respect the laws that are in force. He would not have it any other way,” his family said in a message.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update

Walk-in sample collection kiosk for COVID-19 tests developed by ITI in Odisha

In an effort to ensure the safety of health workers in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, state-run Industrial Training Institute (ITI), Cuttack has developed a portable walk-in kiosk for collecting samples from suspected coronavirus-infected persons, an official said on Thursday.

Inspired by a similar initiative taken by medical staff in South Korea, a dedicated team of 4 skilled trainers of the institute started working on the project and developed the mobile sample collection unit, its principal Hrushikesh Mohanty said. This will help health workers maintain social distancing norms while collecting samples from people, he said.

The walk-in sample collection kiosk is a mobile cubicle with a sealed glass on its front side that protects the health personnel from getting infected with the virus while collecting the samples, he said.

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Andhra Pradesh registers 71 new cases

71 new positive cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh in last 24 hours. The total number of COVID19 cases in the state stands at 1403, including 1051 active cases, 31 deaths and 321 discharges. No death reported in the last 24 hours, according to the latest media bulletin by the government.

Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Update

Cases in Pakistan jumps to 15,759, with 346 deaths

Pakistan reported 874 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of infections to 15,759 with 346 deaths so far in the county, an official statement said on Thursday.

The Ministry of National Health Services said the death of 19 more patients have been reported in the provinces of Punjab, Balochistan among others, taking the total death toll to 346.

Punjab reported 6,061 cases, Sindh 5,695, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,313, Balochistan 978, Gilgit-Baltistan 333, Islamabad 313 and Pakistan-cccupied Kashmir reported 66 cases, a statement from the ministry said. So far 4,052 patients have recovered while the total active cases in the country were 11,361.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

New COVID-19 case reported in Maharajganj district

A man who had recently returned from Delhi tested positive for novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh’s Mahrajganj district, which had not reported any infection for over three weeks, an official told PTI.

District Magistrate Ujjwal Kumar said the sample of the man, who had returned from Delhi six days ago to his native Ratanpurwa village in Paniyara area, tested positive in the report received from the Gorakhpur medical college late on Wednesday.

“The family members and all those who came in contact with him will be quarantined. The entire area has been sealed and sanitised,” Kumar said. The district had not reported any new COVID-19 case after six people had tested positive on 4 April.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Four more traders test positive in Delhi’s Azadpur market

Four more traders associated with Delhi’s Azadpur Sabzi Mandi have tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday. “They did not commute to and fro the vegetable market. A total of 15 positive cases in the vegetable market have been reported so far,” Azadpur Mandi official told ANI.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

UP police orders 10,000 PPE kits as 28 cops test positive

The Uttar Pradesh police has ordered over 10,000 personal protective equipments and asked cops above the age of 55 years with a health history to stay off the frontline duty after 28 of them tested positive.

Director-General of Police Hitesh Chandra Awasthi also asked district police chiefs to purchase necessary safety kits at the local level wherever needed. “Till Thursday, 28 policemen have been found coronavirus positive in different districts of the state,” Awasthi told PTI.

“We have already ordered 10,000 PPE kits. But due to shortage, only 3,000-4,000 kits have been received so far. Over 6,000 PPE kits are being purchased at the district level,” he said. “We have to take extra precautions to save our personnel from coronavirus,” the state police chief said.

Coronavirus in Maldives Latest Update

Maldives reports its first COVID-19 death as cases rise to 280

The Maldives has reported its first death to the new coronavirus with the total number of positive cases standing at 280. Health Minister Abdulla Ameen said Thursday that the victim was an 83-year-old woman from the capital Male’, reports The Associated Press.

First cases of COVID-19 were reported at tourist resorts in this Indian Ocean archipelago state and authorities for sometime kept it from spilling over into the community.

However, there is now a sudden spike in the number of patients in the capital island as well as far off islands with no traceable source of infection.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

71 new cases reported in Nashik; district tally rises to 276

The number of coronavirus cases in Nashik district of Maharashtra has gone up to 276 as 71 more people have tested positive for the disease, an official from the district administration said on Thursday.

Most of the new cases are from the district’s Malegaon town, he said. The new patients include six police personnel and three children – aged three months, 5 years and 11 years.

Out of the total 276 cases, 253 have been reported from Malegaon, 10 from Nashik city, 11 from other parts of the district and two patients are from outside the district who are undergoing treatment in hospitals here. There was no change in the death toll which stood at 12, the official said.

Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates

Meghalaya declares 10 of 11 districts as ‘green zones’

The Meghalaya government on Thursday declared 10 of the state’s 11 districts as ‘green zones’ and allowed inter-district movement there, a top official told PTI.

The decision was taken as no COVID-19 case was reported from these districts, he said. All the 12 COVID-19 cases in the state, including one death, have been reported in the state capital that falls under East Khasi Hills district.

“Barring East Khasi Hills district, all other 10 districts in the state are in the green zone as they have not reported any COVID-19 cases. All deputy commissioners in the green zones may allow inter-district movement,” Political Department secretary Cyril VD Diengdoh said in a letter to the district magistrates.

The inter-district movement has been allowed in the green zones on the condition that people do not transit through East Khasi Hills district, he said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rupee surges 63 paise to 75.03 against US dollar

The rupee appreciated by 63 paise to 75.03 against the US dollar in early trade on Thursday tracking positive opening of domestic equities and fresh foreign fund inflows.

Forex traders said a positive start of domestic stocks supported the local unit. Moreover, investor risk appetite is improving as India could relax restrictions in many areas from 4 May.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates

128 test COVID-19 positive in Odisha

With three more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Jajpur district, the overall count in Odisha climbed to 128 on Thursday, PTI quoted officials as saying.

Coronavirus in United States Latest Updates

US won’t extend COVID-19 social distancing guidelines: Donald Trump

President Donald Trump said the federal government will not be extending its coronavirus social distancing guidelines once they expire Thursday, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, predicted that by July the country will be “really rocking again.”

To underscore his confidence, Trump said Wednesday he plans to resume out-of-state travel after spending more than a month mostly cooped up in the White House, starting with a trip to Arizona next week.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

UGC issues guidelines to outline academic calendar for universities during COVID-19

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued an advisory to chart out academic calendar for universities and conduct of exams in view of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown,  Bar and Bench  reported. 

These guidelines concern aspects such as the academic calendar, admissions, online teaching etc. and are intended to be flexibly adopted by Universities in a transparent manner to avoid academic loss during the pandemic.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Death rate due to hunger will be more than COVID-19 if lockdown continues, says Infosys founder

The death rate in India due to hunger will be more than from the COVID-19 pandemic if the lockdown continued to be in place, said Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy. He further said that the novel coronavirus must be accepted as the new normal and the return-to-work of able-bodied must be facilitated while protecting the most vulnerable. 

“What is important for us to understand is that India cannot continue in this situation for too long. Because at some point of time, deaths due to hunger will far outweigh deaths due to coronavirus,” he told business leaders at a webinar on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Need to lift lockdown in measured way as India has no capacity to feed people for long: Raghuram Rajan 

We need to be cleverer in lifting lockdown; need to open up in measured way as India does not have capacity to feed people for long, said Raghuram Rajan during the interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday. 

“Social harmony is a public good; we cannot afford to have our houses divided in times when challenges are big,” said Rajan.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Need of the hour to create good quality jobs: Raghuram Rajan 

We need to create good quality jobs so that people do not depend on government jobs and the comfort that comes with it, said Raghuram Rajan during the interaction with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India can afford Rs 65,000 cr to save livelihood of poor: Raghuram Rajan 

India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at is Rs 200 lakh crore, so we can afford Rs 65,000 crore to save the livelihood of India’s poor, Raghuram Rajan said during the interaction with Rahul Gandhi via video conference on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Difficult to aim for 100% success in eliminating COVID-19: Raghuram Rajan 

It is difficult to ensure 100 percent success in eliminating the novel coronavirus and register zero COVID-19 cases when we open up, Raghuram Rajan told Rahul Gandhi on Thursday.  

“Social distancing will be the key,” said Rajan.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

At least 65,000 cr needed to help the poor during COVID-19 crisis: Raghuram Rajan 

India needs Rs 65,000 crore to help the poor during the novel coronavirus crisis, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll reaches 1,074, confirmed cases at 33,050

According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, the fatalities due to COVID-19 pandemic have reached 1,074. The total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus climbed to 33,050 on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Further lockdowns can be devastating for economy: Raghuram Rajan 

A second or third lockdown will be devastating for the Indian economy, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan. 

“Our fiscal resources are restricted but, it is pivotal to reopen economic activities,” said Rajan.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre not successful in its first attempt: Raghuram Rajan 

Extending lockdown suggests that government wasn’t successful in its first attempt, said former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

All too easy to extend lockdown: Raghuram Rajan on COVID-19 crisis

Rahul Gandhi’s conversation on economy with former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan begins

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rahul Gandhi to discuss about tackling COVID-19 crisis

Rahul Gandhi will also be later having dialogues with health experts on how to deal with the pandemic, besides talking to experts in different fields on the effect of the novel coronavirus, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

Tune into our social media channels at 9AM today to watch Shri @RahulGandhi interact with Former RBI Governor Dr. Raghuram Rajan on the COVID-19 crisis.#RahulShowsTheWay pic.twitter.com/PWbe3i1BjF

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 30, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates  

Rahul Gandhi to discuss economy with Raghuram Rajan, experts today

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will on Thursday initiate his series of dialogues with experts on economy and health, with the first one being with former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said Gandhi will be in conversation with Mr Rajan in the first such dialogue and the same will be aired on social media from Thursday morning.

He said the former Congress president will be interacting with Mr Rajan and other experts on critical issues related to COVID-19 and its impact on the economy.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates  

COVID-19 cases in Indore rise to 1,485 after 19 more test positive 

With 19 new COVID-19 cases reported in Indore on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed cases in the city now stood at 1,485.

Dr Praveen Jadia, Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer confirmed three new deaths due to the disease in Indore took the toll to 68.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,560 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 130 deaths have been reported in Madhya Pradesh so far, said the state’s Health Department.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates  

Rajasthan hikes excise duty on liquor to recover from revenue shortfall

In an attempt to increase its revenue, liquor and beer will now be costing in Rajasthan as the state government on Wednesday hiked excise duty on Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) and basic license fee on country liquor.

The excise department of the state issued a notification on Thursday increasing the excise duty by 10 percentage points on IMFL and beer to 45 percent. For some categories of IMFL, the excise duty is lower at 35 percent.

Excise duty hiked on Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) to 35%, other liquor categories to 45%, including beer with immediate effect: Rajasthan Excise Department. pic.twitter.com/dVhprgZ1kp

— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates  

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 125 new cases in Delhi 

The number of coronavirus cases in the National Capital rose to 3,439 on Wednesday, with two deaths being reported, according to the Delhi government. 

According to data shared by the Delhi government, 125 fresh cases were reported on Wednesday. The number of fatalities due to the viral infection has now gone up to 56 in the Union Territory.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates  

Spike in COVID-19 positive cases in Indore by 19, overall count at 1,485

With 19 new COVID-19 cases reported in Indore on Wednesday, the total number of confirmed cases in the city now stood at 1,485.

Dr Praveen Jadia, Indore Chief Medical and Health Officer confirmed three new deaths due to the disease in Indore took the toll to 68.

Meanwhile, a total of 2,560 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 130 deaths have been reported in Madhya Pradesh so far, said the state’s Health Department.

Coronavirus in South Africa Latest Updates  

South Africa reports highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases with 354

South Africa registered another 354 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, reporting the highest single-day increase so far, and brought the overall count to 5,350, the health department said in a tweet.

“This is the highest number of cases in a 24 hour cycle recorded to date and represents a 73 percent increase on the day before,” it said, adding in a separate tweet that the number of deaths had risen by 10 to 103.