Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Railways will partially restore train services from 1 June, says Centre; bookings for 200 trains to begin tomorrow

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

200 trains to be fully reserved, AC and non-AC, says Railways

“These will be fully reserved trains having both AC, non-AC classes; general coaches shall also have reserved seats for sitting,” said the Railways after releasing a list of 200 trains to be in operation from 1 June.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

Gujarat transport bus services resume

The Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) started running its buses across the state from Wednesday, after a nearly two-month-long hiatus due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown. The bus service had come to a halt from March 25, when a nationwide lockdown came into force.

The state government had lifted many restrictions on 19 May. However, the bus service resumed from Wednesday.

(PTI)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

DGCA calls for meeting on resumption of domestic flights tomorrow

Directorate General of Civil Aviation has called a meeting tomorrow with all airlines to discuss the matter in respect of resumption of Domestic Civil Air Operations in a calibrated manner. In order to maintain social distancing, 2 persons from each airline/airport allowed.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

List of 200 trains to be run from 1 June:

Indian Railways has released the list of the 200 trains which will be operated from 1st June: Government of India

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

14 new COVID-19 cases reported in Assam

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Air India flight from DOha lands in Hyderabad

Air India Express IX 244, an evacuation flight from Doha (Qatar) with 184 Indians landed today at Hyderabad International Airport under the second phase of Vande Bharat Mission.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Body of COVID-19 patient found in quarantined centre in Bihar

Sandip Shekhar, Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) in Bihar’s Vaishali said, “Body of one patient Rajesh Kumar found at a quarantine centre on Wednesday. He was brought to the centre two days back and his sample was already collected for COVID-19 test. Investigation underway.”

Coronavirus in INndia Latest Updates

Centre says trains services to be partially restored from 1 June

The Centre said that Ministry of Railways in consultation with Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided that train services on Indian Railways shall be further partially restored from 1 June 2020.

“Indian Railways will start operations of 200 passenger train services. These trains shall run from 1st June and booking of all these trains will commence from 10 am on 21 May,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Agra SP says Congress buses were not according to MHA guidelines

“The buses were waiting at the UP-Rajasthan border, but they (Congress) hadn’t applied for their entry into the state as per the guidelines of MHA. Since they didn’t have authentic passes for movement, the buses were sent back,” said Ravi Kumar, SP Agra West.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Pune reports 174 new cases, 14 deatbs today

The Pune health department said that 14 deaths and 174 new positive coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours in the Pune district. The toll now rises to 235 while total positive cases stand at 4544.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi HC tells DMRC to take adequate steps for social distancing

Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to take adequate steps to maintain social distancing once the Metro Rail is permitted to function, particularly, since compartments are fully packed, which can be dangerous in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Jammu and Kashmir reports 73 new COVID-19 cases

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that 73 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the union territory on Wednesday, of these 36 from Jammu division and 37 Kashmir division. Total positive cases stand at 1,390.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

271 new COVID-19 cases reported in Ahmedabad

With 271 new Covid-19 cases in Ahmedabad, tally goes up to 9,216; 26 more people succumb, taking toll to 602: Health official

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Health ministry says premises to be closed till 6 am tomorrow

“An official working with the Medical Education Section of Health Services tested positive for COVID-19. It has been decided to sanitize the concerned room in the premises. The premises to remain closed from 5.30 pm on Wednesday till 6 am on Thursday,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai COVID-19 cases rise to 24,118

The total number of coronavirus cases in Mumbai rose to 24,118 on Wednesday, reports said, adding that the toll stood at 841 in the city.

“1372 more #COVID19 cases and 41 deaths reported in Mumbai today. Total number of cases in the city is now at 23935, including 841 deaths,” Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

2,250 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra today

The total number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra touched 40,000 on Wednesday after 2,250 new cases were reported in 24 hours. The total cases rose to 39,297. 65 new deaths were also reported, taking the toll to 1,390.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

398 new COVID-19 cases reported in Gujarat today

The Gujarat health department on Wednesday said that 398 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state in the last 24 hours. The total number cases in the state stands at 12,539, including 5219 cured/discharged and 749 deaths.

Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates

Manipur reports 11 new COVID-19 cases today

The Manipur government on Wednesday said that 11 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state, taking the total number of positive cases to 20.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Harsh Vardhan claims ‘micro-identification, isolation’ prevented COVID-19 spread

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan, addressing the Non-Aligned Movement Health Ministers’ meeting on Wednesday, said that India’s response of “micro-identification, mass isolation and quick treatment” prevented “large scale deaths and spread of COVID-19,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in Chandigarh Latest Updates

Two new COVID-19 cases reported in Chandigarh

2 new positive cases have been reported today in Chandigarh, taking the total positive cases in the union territory to 202 including 3 deaths: Chandigarh Health Department

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says ‘small percentage’ of domestic flights will be operated from 25 May

Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that domestic flights will commence from 25 May, but initially, “only a small percentage of the total number of domestic flights will be operated”.

“Then depending on the experience we gain, we will increase the number of flights. I think Standard Operating Procedure (SOPs) should not be made so onerous that they are difficult to be followed. We’ve now reached a happy balance and SOPs will be announced soon. Those will be the norms for some time,” he added.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

48 COVID-19 patients in Assam discharged so far

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

13 new COVID-19 cases reported in Assam today

While Assam government said that 13 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Wednesday, reports said that 11 of the new patients were already in quarantined after they had returned from other states.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal reports 142 new COVID-19 cases today

The West Bengal government said that 142 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in the state on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state is now at 3,103, including 181 deaths. 72 deaths also occurred due to comorbidity.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Uddhav Thackeray says COVID-19 spread controlled to ’large extent’

“The Central government feels that the spike in coronavirus cases will be higher by May-end and in June, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said and added that the spread has been controlled to a large extent in the state,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

Haryana govt says inter-state buses won’t be allowed for now

Haryana home minister Anil Vij said that inter-state buses will not ply for now, “as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have not been made for their deployment yet”.

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu cross 13,000-mark

Reports said that 743 coronavirus cases were reported in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, taking the state’s total to 13,191. Three new deaths were also reported, taking the toll to 87.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says 6.39% COVID-19 cases needed hospital support

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal reportedly said that “of the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the country, 6.39 percent needed hospital support”.

“Aggarwal also said that 2.94 percent of active COVID-19 cases needed oxygen support, three per cent needed intense care units (ICU) and 0.45 per cent required ventilator support,” India Today reported.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala SSLC exam to be held from 26-30 May, says report

India Today on Wednesday reported that the Kerala government said that the SSLC and Plus 2 examination will be held between 26 to 30 May.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Uttarakhand HC asks states to make quarantine centres at borders

The Uttarakhand high court on Wednesday said, “At all border points, the state government shall make every possible effort to make functional quarantine centers where people who are returning from red zones shall be kept for a week and those who show symptoms as per ICMR guidelines shall be tested.”

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Dharavi reports 25 new COVID-19 cases today

The BMC said 25 more coronavirus cases were reported in the Dharavi area of Mumbai on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the area is now at 1,378.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

67 new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka today

The Karnataka health department said that 67 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state from 5 pm on Tuesday to 5 pm on Wednesday, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,462. There are 864 active cases.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Over 1 lakh samples tested in 24 hours, says ICMR

The ICMR was quoted India Today as saying that 1,07,609 samples were tested for coronavirus in the last 24 hours across the country. The nodal medical authority on the COVID-19 response in India also said that it will “review evidence to take call on Hydroxychloroquine’s efficacy.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Nirmala Sitharaman slams Priyanka Gandhi over migrants bus row

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said, “If she’s (Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) really focussed about Uttar Pradesh government, she should see why 300 trains arrived in the state, when not even 5-7 arrived in Chhattisgarh. Don’t want to politicise this as migrants are Indians&all of us in this extraordinary situation should concentrate and work together.”

She added, “300 trains as opposed to seven. I’m not saying that size of the populations are comparable but the migrants probably are comparable. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand — the numbers maybe comparable to entire UP put together. This is unfair, dirty and clearly shows the hypocrisy of Congress.”

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Congress’ buses for UP migrants turn back from Rajasthan-UP border

A Rajasthan Police official was quoted by PTI as saying that buses arranged by the Congress for Uttar Pradesh’s migrant workers have started turning back from the Rajasthan-UP border after they weren’t allowed into Uttar Pradesh.

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

Haryana govt says over 2 lakh migrants sent back to native states

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said that a total of 53 trains have departed from the state so far and with 4,257 buses, “more than 2 lakh migrant workers have been facilitated to their native homes”.

“We have always helped the migrant workers and will go to any length to help them,” he added.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

161 active COVID-19 cases in Kerala currently, says CM

The total cases of coronavirus in Kerala stand at 666, including 161 active cases, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala reports 24 new COVID-19 cases today

Twenty-four new cases of coronavirus were reported in Kerala on Wednesday, reports said. Of these, 12 are people who came abroad, 8 are from Maharashtra, 3 from Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, five people recovered on Wednesday, India Today reported.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt says 838 special trains arrived in state so far

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said that so far, a total of 838 shramik special trains have arrived in the state.

“Permission for 206 more trains has been given which will come in next 48 hours. Arrangements of total 1,044 trains have been done till now,” said Awanish Awasthi,Additional Chief Secretary(Home).

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says SOPs for domestic air travel to be issued soon

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says domestic flights to begin in calibrated manner from 25 May

Union civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Wednesday said that domestic civil aviation operations will recommence in a calibrated manner from 25 May.

“All airports and air carriers are being informed to be ready for operations from 25 May. SOPs for passenger movement also being separately issued by Ministry,” he added.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says recovery rate is 39.62%

“When the first lockdown started, then recovery rate was around 7.1 percent, the recovery rate during 2nd lockdown was 11.42 percent it then rose to 26.59 percent. Today the recovery rate is 39.62 percent,” said Lav Agarwal, Union Health ministry joint secretary.

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Trump says ‘badge of honour’ to have highest number of COVID-19 cases

US president Donald Trump has said it is a “badge of honour” for America to “lead” the world with 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases since it means the US is testing more people for the disease that has killed over 300,000 people across the world.

The US has 1.5 million confirmed coronavirus cases and over 91,000 deaths, both the world’s highest.

“I look at that as, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better,” he said on Tuesday at the White House as he hosted his first Cabinet meeting since the COVID-19 outbreak began.

“By the way,” he told reporters, “you know when you say that we lead in cases, that’s because we have more testing than anybody else.”

“So when we have a lot of cases,” he continued, “I don’t look at that as a bad thing, I look at that as, in a certain respect, as being a good thing because it means our testing is much better.”

He added: “So I view it as a badge of honour. Really, it’s a badge of honour.

(PTI)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

‘Satisfactory’ to note 42,298 recoveries so far, says Centre

Lav Agarwal, Union Health ministry joint secretary on Wednesday said, “is satisfactory to note that 42,298 people have recovered and the number of active cases are 61,149.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

MHA grants exemption from lockdown for classes 10, 12 board exams

Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said, “Taking into consideration the academic interest of large number of students, it has been decided to grant exemption from the lockdown measures to conduct board examination for classes 10th and 12th, with few conditions like social distancing,face mask etc for their safety.”

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

68 new COVID-19 cases reported in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday reported 68 new coronavirus cases, taking the state’s total number of cases to 2,557. The toll in the state is 53, with a casuaty in the Kurnool district on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Not the time for politics, says Priyanka Gandhi over buses row

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra was quoted by News18 as saying, “We’ll have to understand our responsibilities. They (migrant labourers walking to return to their native states)aren’t just Indians but India’s spinal cord. The country runs on their blood and sweat. It’s everyone’s responsibility. It’s not the time for politics.”

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Sharad Pawar says need to ‘accept COVID-19 as part of life’

NCP president Sharad Pawar was quoted by News18 as saying that since the coronavirus pandemic may not be eradicated completely in the immediate future, “it was imperative to accept it as a part of life while returning to normalcy”.

“The corona disease will not be eradicated shortly. It’s necessary to accept it as a part of life. Beware of it and create awareness among the masses about health care,” Pawar added.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Please allow buses to run, says Priyanka Gandhi to UP govt

On the row between Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi and the Uttar Pradesh government over the buses for migrant workers, Priyanka on Wednesday said, “Had the buses been been allowed to ply, 36,000 migrant workers yesterday and another 36,000 today could’ve been taken home safely. If you want to stick BJP stickers on these buses, please do. If you want to say these buses are yours, please do. But please get the buses running. Give us permit. If you don’t wish to use them, please tell us. We’ll call back the buses.”

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-case found in DGHS division in Health Ministry

A coronavirus positive case was on Wednesday detected in the Directorate General of Health Services in the medical education division at the Health Ministry, Nirman Bhawan. “Proper protocol for sanitisation of entire area will take place, contact tracing initiated,” the ministry’s statement said.

Coronavirus in Sri Lanka Latest Updates

Ex-Sri Lanka PM praises Kerala’s COVID-19 response

Former Sri Lankan prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday praised Kerala’s health minister KK Shailaja’s “proactive and bold leadership” in dealing with the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Repatriation flight with 168 lands in Goa from Italy

A repatriation flight carrying 168 seafarers from Italy lands at Goa International Airport. “All passengers will be screened for coronavirus,” said Goa Airport Director Gagan Malik.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Nine test positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand

Nine new coronavirus positive cases were reported in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, and one was cured/discharged. The total number of positive cases in the state rose to 120, the Uttarakhand control room for COVID-19 said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan reports 107 new cases till 2 pm

With 107 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan till 2 pm on Wednesday, the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 5,952. 

So far, the lives of 143 COVID-19 patients have been claimed by the infectious disease taking the mortality rate to 2.4 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Aurangabad reports two new COVID-19 deaths, 41 confirmed cases

Two more deaths were reported in Aurangabad district in Maharashtra, according to The Hindu . The district has continued to witness an uptick in new COVID-19 cases after 41 more individuals tested positive since Tuesday evening. 

The report quoted district authorities as saying that the cumulative cases in Aurangabad climbed to 1,117 so far.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

12 fresh COVID-19 cases emerge in Himachal Pradesh 

Twelve people, who had recently returned from Mumbai, have tested positive for coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh, taking the overall count in the state to 105. The 12 were among the 697 people, who had returned to Himachal Pradesh from Mumbai on a special train on 18 May.

The total number of infected people in the state stood at 105, while 51 of them have been cured. Four people have died due to COVID-19.

– PTI

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Gynaecologist tests COVID-19 positive in Bengaluru

Six employees of a private clinic in Kozhikode and a taxi driver have been put on mandatory 14 days quarantine after a gynaecologist running the dispensary tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru.

District Medical Officer Dr V Jayashree said the gynaecologist had returned to Karnataka a fortnight ago and tested positive while she was on quarantine there.

Six staff members of the clinic at nearby Thamarassery and the taxi driver who dropped her in Bengaluru on 5 May have been asked to go on quarantine, she said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi records highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases after 534 more test positive today

Delhi registered the highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases on Wednesday with 534 infections. The total number of confirmed cases in the National Capital climbed to 11,088. 

As many as 176 COVID-19 patients succumb to the viral infection so far.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

INS Jalashwa to embark Indians at Colombo on 1 June

INS Jalashwa will embark stranded Indian nationals at Colombo in Sri Lanka on 1 June, said Indian Navy. The operation Samudra setu was launched by the Centre to repatriate stranded Indians. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

Andhra Pradesh to resume intrastate bus services from Thursday

Andhra Pradesh government to resume intrastate bus services from Thursday, ANI quoted Madireddy Pratap, Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation, as saying. 

At least 1,683 buses will first run on 434 routes in non-containment zones, he added.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar transfers Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar  

Principal Secretary of Health Sanjay Kumar has been transferred to the tourism department as the principal secretary on Wednesday, ANI reported. Uday Singh Kumavat, who was Principal Secretary Tourism to be the new Bihar Principal Secretary (Health).

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Carbon emissions fall by 17% globally, higher in some countries, reveals study 

A new study by researchers at the University of East Anglia, UK claims that daily carbon emission levels have dropped by a whopping 17 percent owing to the drop in activity during the coronavirus pandemic. The paper adds that the last time emission levels were seen to be this low was in 2006.

The study published in the journal Nature Climate Change shows that daily emissions decreased by 17 percent, globally (which shapes up to roughly 17 million tonnes of carbon dioxide) when the peak lockdown measures were exercised in early April. This data was compared with mean daily levels in 2019, and found to be as low as levels last observed in 2006.

Researchers have laid out in the paper that emissions from surface transport – cars, busses, and other motor vehicles – account for nearly half (43 percent) of this fall in emissions during peak confinement (on 7 April). Emissions from industry and from power together account for an equal portion (43 percent) of the fall in daily emissions.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Ola to lay off 1,400 staff after revenues decline by 95% in past two months, says CEO 

Cab aggregator Ola is laying off 1,400 staff from rides, financial services and food business as revenues declined by 95 percent in the past two months due to coronavirus pandemic, a note by CEO Bhavish Aggarwal said.

In an email to employees, Aggarwal made it clear that the prognosis ahead for the business is “very unclear and uncertain” and the impact of this crisis is “definitely going to be long-drawn for us”.

“The fallout of the virus has been very tough for our industry in particular. Our revenue has come down 95 percent over the past two months. Most importantly, this crisis has affected the livelihoods of millions of our drivers and their families across India and our international geographies,” he said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Railways to operate 200 non-AC trains daily from 1 June

Indian Railways will operate 100 pairs (200 including return journeys) of non-AC trains from 1 June. “Only online ticket booking will be available for these trains. A schedule of these trains will be released soon,” said RD Bajpai, Railways Executive Director on Wednesday. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Shramik special trains can run without permit from destination states: Railways 

Shramik special trains will no longer require permission from receiving states, said RD Bajpai, Railways Executive Director on Wednesday. The decision was taken in view of cutting short the communication time between the states, he further said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jharkhand Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand rise to 248

The number of COVID-19 cases in Jharkhand has climbed to 248, out of which 118 cases are active, the state health department said on Wednesday. Jharkhand has tested 37,589 samples as of Wednesday, according to the state health department.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Railways has run 1,773 Shramik special trains​ so far, with 204 on 19 May alone​: Piyush Goyal 

The Indian Railways has excelled on its own promise of running Shramik Special trains by running 204 of them in a single day, said Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday.

Goyal, through a tweet, stated that going beyond the promised 200 Shramik Special trains per day, the Railways had run 204 such trains on 19 May to enable migrants, stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown, to return to their native states.

“The Railways had promised to run 200 Shramik Special trains for workers yesterday, exceeding that limit we ran a record 204 trains in the service of passengers. A total of 1,773 Shramik Special trains have been operated so far by the Indian Railways to send workers to their home states,” Goyal’s tweet read.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Air India flight carrying 145 Indians departed for Vijayawada airport from London 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

63 new cases emerge in Karnataka, takes state total to 1,458

63 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka between 5 pm yesterday to 12 pm today. The total number of cases in the state is now at 1,458, including 864 active cases  & 41 deaths (1 due to ’non-COVID’ cause), according to the latest update of the state health department. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

Unhappy over deployment in COVID-19 containment zones, 500 Kolkata cops stage protest

Around 500 personnel of the Kolkata Police Combat Force staged a protest here, alleging that they were being deployed in areas where chances of contracting COVID-19 are high, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The policemen demonstrated inside the Police Training School (PTS) complex on Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road late on Tuesday, he said.

Sources said they ‘gheraoed’ the vehicle of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Combat Battalion, Col Nevendera Singh Paul when he tried to initiate a dialogue with them, and allegedly vandalised his vehicle.

“We are being sent on duty in high-risk areas. There are several policemen who have been infected with the virus. This cannot go on,” a police officer of the Combat Force told PTI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Update

BBMP commissioner tweets on allegations of bribe and overcharging at quarantine hotels

Residents of Bengaluru who recently returned to the state and have been compulsorily quarantined at one of the city hotels have raised complains about sub-standard quality if food, no change of linen in over five days. 

With several complaints coming in, the civic body has set up an inspection squad to make the rounds of quarantine centres and hear out the inmates’ grievances, reports News18. 

BBMP commissioner took to Twitter to clarify that, “A team will look into complaints of hotels overcharging inmates as BBMP has fixed charges for stay & food”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra Police reports 1,388 confirmed cases, 12 deaths

The total number of COVID19 positive cases in Maharashtra Police is now 1388 including 948 active cases, 428 recovered and 12 deaths, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Andhra reports 68 new COVID-19 cases, one death in past 24 hours

One person died of coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh, where 68 new cases were confirmed, taking the total number of infections in the state to 2,557, a bulletin from the government said on Wednesday. The lone death was reported in Kurnool, taking the toll in the state to 53.

Of the fresh cases in the past 24 hours ending 9 AM on Tuesday, 10 were linked to the Koyambedu market in Chennai, the bulletin said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

96 CISF personnel infected with COVID-19 so far

The total number of active cases of coronavirus in the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) now stands at 96, according to a recently released bulletin, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in J&K Latest Update

40-yr-old coronavirus patient dies in J&K, takes toll to 18

A 40-year-old woman from Anantnag district who had tested positive for coronavirus has died at a hospital here, taking the COVID-19 related death toll in Jammu and Kashmir to 18, officials said on Wednesday.

The woman passed away around 11 pm on Tuesday night at the SKIMS hospital, the officials said.

They said the woman was admitted to SKIMS on 6 April as a case of necrotising pancreatitis and her test came out as positive on May 12, adding that the total number of fatalities due to COVID-19 in the Union territory was 18.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Rohini Jail official tests positive for COVID-19

“An official of Rohini jail has tested positive for COVID-19. The personnel who live nearby him in staff quarters will also be asked to do self-quarantine at home for 14 days,” said Tihar jail official, reports ANI.

This comes a week after 16 people from the prison premise were also tested positive for the virus, reports News18 . The total number of positive cases at the Rohini Jail stands 17 which includes 15 inmates and two jail officials.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Locals pelt stones at Delhi-Gurugram border

Locals pelted stones at police on Delhi-Gurugram border near Palam Vihar on Wednesday. They claimed that they were not allowed to cross the border into Gurugram, reports ANI.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Update

Migrants gather in large numbers in Coimbatore for train passes

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Update

Special train carrying stranded workers from Hyderabad arrives in Manipur

A Special train from Hyderabad carrying hundreds of stranded Manipuris arrived in Jiribam Railway Station, an official told PTI on Wednesday.

The returnees were screened at the Jiribam Railway Station after the train reached the station on Tuesday. They will have to remain at institutional or community quarantine centres in their respective districts for 14 days, the officials said.

After undergoing necessary medical screening the returnees boarded buses arranged by the state government for their respective districts.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

Six feet distancing not enough to stop virus transmission in light winds: Study

The current physical distancing guidelines of 6 feet may be insufficient to prevent COVID-19 transmission, according to a study which says a mild cough in low wind speeds can propel saliva droplets by as much as 18 feet.

Researchers, including those from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus, said a good baseline for studying the airborne transmission of viruses, like the one behind the COVID-19 pandemic, is a deeper understanding of how particles travel through the air when people cough.

In the study, published in the journal Physics of Fluids, they said even with a slight breeze of about four kilometres per hour (kph), saliva travels 18 feet in 5 seconds.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala postpones Class 10, 12 board exams till June

Kerala government has decided to postpone the SSLC or Class 10 and Plus two or Class 12 examination until first week of June after the Centre extended the coronavirus-induced lockdown until 31 May.

The union government’s guidelines will come in the first week of June. The Chief Minister’s Office said the date would be decided after that.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Meghalaya Latest Updates

Re-assembled budget session of Meghalaya to resume today

The Meghalaya Legislative Assembly will resume its budget session on Wednesday. The re-assembled budget session of Meghalaya for the financial year 2020-21 will be held from 20 May to 22 May. 

The budget estimates for the financial year 2020-21 will be placed on 21 May.

“The re-Assembled Budget Session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly commences today. Nice to see safety protocols being implemented at the State Assembly premises,” said chief minister Conrad Sangma. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha reports 1,052 confirmed cases

Odisha recorded a total of 1,052 confirmed cases on Wednesday after 74 more people test positive for the novel coronavirus. There has been one more COVID-19 related death in the state, taking the total fatalities to six.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

Over 74,000 people reached Assam in two weeks, says Additional DGP

In a period of two weeks, as many as 74,118  people travelled back to Assam while, 17,488 left the state, said Additional DGP GP Singh on Wednesday, who has been appointed as the nodal officer for inter-State transportation of stranded people of Assam.  

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Rupee rises 6 paise to 75.60 against US dollar in early trade

The rupee appreciated 6 paise to 75.60 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday tracking positive opening of domestic equities.

Forex traders said a positive start of domestic stocks supported the local unit, while sustained foreign fund outflows and concerns over coronavirus pandemic weighed on the local unit.

At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 75.60, registering a rise of 6 paise over its previous close.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

61 new COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan take total to 5,906 

With 61 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan till 9 am, the total number of confirmed cases in the state climbed to 5,906 on Wednesday. So far, lives of 143 people were claimed by the viral infection.

Of the total 5,906 confirmed cases, there are 2,409 active cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

1,852 COVID-19 cases in Navi Mumbai 

Navi Mumbai registered a total of 1,852 confirmed COVID-19 cases while, 52 patients have succumbed to the novel coronavirus so far, said Commissioner of Police, Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. 

The highest number of COVID-19 cases were recorded in Kopar Khairane with 294 cases and Nerul with 205.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Apart from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are worst COVID-affected states 

With 37,136 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remained worst-affected state across the nation, followed by Tamil Nadu with 12,448 and Gujarat with 12,140 cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Yogi Adityanath launches ‘Chikitsa Setu’ app for health workers, sanitation workers, police personnel

In a bid to ensure safety of COVID-19 frontline workers, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched an app for healthcare workers, sanitation workers and police personnel fighting against the pandemic.

“Spread of coronavirus can be controlled through awareness and corona warriors have a major role in this. For breaking the corona chain, when they become infected and are sent in quarantine or isolation, the fight will get interrupted,” he said.

“In such a situation, we will have to protect the doctors, para medical staff, nurses, ward boys, sweepers, police personnel working on the front line as corona warriors,” he added.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

Family of three test positive in Himachal Pradesh after returning from Mumbai 

Six people, including three of a family, who returned to Himachal Pradesh from Mumbai have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the state’s total to 99, officials said on Wednesday.

While five people, including three women, tested COVID-19 positive in Kangra district, a man confirmed positive for the disease in Kullu district, they said.

All the six persons had returned to the state from Mumbai along with other 697 people in a special train on May 18, the officials said.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Biggest benefit of Ayushman Bharat Yojana is portability, says Narendra Modi

“One of the biggest benefits of Ayushman Bharat is portability. Beneficiaries can get top quality and affordable medical care not only where they registered but also in other parts of India. This helps those who work away from home or registered at a place where they don’t belong,” tweeted Modi.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

With 37,136 confirmed cases, Maharashtra remains worst-affected state 

Maharashtra continued to remain the worst COVID-affected state with 37,136 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, according to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry. 

The state reported 1,325 COVID-19 deaths so far while, 9,639 patients have recovered taking the recovery rate to 26 percent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

61,149 active cases of total 1,06,750 infections across India

Of the total confirmed coronavirus cases of 1,06,750 across the nation, there are 61,149 active cases till now, according to the latest data released by Union Health Ministry on Wednesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India’s COVID-19 recovery rate at 39.62%

The COVID-19 recovery rate in India stood at 39.62 percent after 42,298 patients were cured of the novel coronavirus as of Wednesday. “As many as 42,298 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far,” the Union Health Ministry said in its latest update.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India records biggest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 5,611

India registered highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases with 5,611 in the past 24 hours, according to the latest data released by Union Health Ministry on Wednesday. 

The COVID-19 toll climbed to 3,303 after 140 more patients succumbed to the viral infection as of Wednesday.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Over 1 crore Indians benefit from Ayushman Bharat Yojana: Narendra Modi 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

54 new COVID-1 9 cases emerge in Bihar bringing total to 1,573 

Bihar registered a total of 1,573 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday after 54 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, said Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary Health, Bihar.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Yogi Adityanath announces ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for kin of victims

Expressing grief over the death of farmers in Etawah truck accident, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 to the injured. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

COVID-19 toll in Uttar Pradesh rise to 123

After five more COVID-19 patients succumbed to the viral infection in Uttar Pradesh, the toll in the state climbed to 123 on Wednesday. The total coronavirus cases reached 4,926 after 321 more individuals tested positive for the virus. Of the total, there are 1,885 active cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Six farmers killed after two trucks collide in UP’s Etawah

Six farmers were killed and one was injured after the pickup-truck in which they were travelling collided with another truck in Friends Colony area of Etawah, in Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday night. 

R Singh, SP City said, “Farmers were going to market to sell jackfruit. Injured person admitted at Saifai Medical College”.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Revised lockdown guidelines in Maharashtra to kick in post 22 May 

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday retained most of the lockdown curbs it had imposed in the previous phase, including ban on taxis and hair salons in red zones.

The revised guidelines for lockdown 4.0 will be applicable post 22 May. Areas outside municipal corporation in Mumbai and Pune have been excluded from the red zone.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

E-commerce activity for non-essential items allowed in red zones 

In the revised lockdown guidelines in Maharashtra, there are restrictions imposed on malls and shops selling non-essentials however, e-commerce activity for essential and non-essential items is allowed.

Banking, courier and postal services are allowed to function in both orange and red zones. Barber shops, spas and saloons are not permitted to reopen in red zones while relaxation has been given for orange zones.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

J&K administration issues fresh list of red, orange, green districts

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday issued a fresh classification of districts to implement the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown till 31 May.

In its order, the state executive committee (SEC), headed by chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam, announced classification of districts across the Union territory as red, orange and green for effective implementation of the new restrictions.

It stated that all districts of Kashmir province, except Ganderbal and Bandipora, are red zones, on the other hand in Jammu province, Kathua, Samba and Ramban districts have been classified as red zones.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

200 additional passenger non-AC trains to operate daily from 1 June: Railways 

In a big relief to migrants, the railways will run 200 special passenger trains from 1 June, the national transporter said on Tuesday. The service will involve non-air conditioned trains, which had not been allowed so far. 

In a tweet on Tuesday, the Railways said apart from the Shramik Special trains, it would run “200 additional timetable trains daily from 1 June, which will be non-air conditioned second class trains and booking of these trains will be available online”.  

Information on the trains will be made available soon, the Railways said.

The 15 trains that have been running since 12 May, are air-conditioned trains and the passengers are required to maintain rules of social distancing and use masks and sanitisers

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates  

Harsh Vardhan set to be WHO executive board chairman, say officials

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who is at the forefront of India’s battle against COVID-19, is set to take charge as the chairman of the WHO Executive Board on 22 May, officials said on Tuesday.

Vardhan would succeed Dr Hiroki Nakatani of Japan, currently the Chairman of the 34-member WHO Executive Board.

The proposal to appoint India’s nominee to the executive board was signed by the 194-nation World Health Assembly on Tuesday, officials said on condition of anonymity.