Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: Containment areas in Delhi rise to 84 after five more added on Monday, cases in capital rise to 2,003
Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: Five more areas of Delhi were added to the list of COVID-19 containment zones in the last 24 hours. The number of containment zones in the National Capital is now at 84.
 "Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: Containment areas in Delhi rise to 84 after five more added on Monday, cases in capital rise to 2,003")
Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates
Three new COVID-19 cases reported in Jharkhand today
Three new COVID-19 cases were reported in Jharkhand on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 45.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
IMA demands law punishing violence against doctors
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday demanded a special central law on violence against doctors, nurses, health care workers, and hospitals by an ordinance. IMA to observe ‘white alert’ on 22nd April.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates
98 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today
The Rajasthan health department said that 98 more COVID-19 new cases were reported in the state on Monday, including 50 in Jaipur, 32 in Jodhpur, and seven in Kota.
Two more deaths, in Nagaur and Kota, were reported in Rajasthan on Monday. Total coronavirus cases in the state now at 1,576 and toll is at 25.
Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates
750 rapid testing kits given to Gurgoan health department
Reports said that 750 rapid testing kits were given to the Gurgaon health department on Monday, which are likely to aid a “faster” provess.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
75,000 rapid tests to be conducted, says Maharashtra govt
Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that 75,000 rapid tests will be conducted soon “as the central government has given us conditional permission for it”.
“We have also decided to use hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as a precautionary measure in some areas, like Dharavi in Mumbai. We will take care that people with cardiac issues and those above 65 years & below 15 years of age are not given hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets,” he said.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
West Bengal govt conducts antibody tests
The West Bengal government on Monday conducted rapid antibody tests as per ICMR directives in “red zones’ where containment measures are going, The Indian Express reported. “The rapid antibody tests were done in Kolkata’s Belgachia urban slum area where there were reports of considerable outbreak,” the report said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
ICMR says 201 lab operational
The ICMR on Monday said total Operational (initiated independent testing) Government Laboratories reporting to ICMR are 201 and 3 collection sites.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
466 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra today
The Maharashtra health department said that 466 new COVID-19 cases and nine deaths were reported in the state till 6 pm on Monday, taking total number of cases to 4,666 and toll rises to 232 in the state.
With 65 patients being discharged from hospitals on Monday, number of cured patients stands at 572.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates
Ashok Gehlot asks Amit Shah to facilitate return of Rajasthan migrants
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot spoke to Home Minister Amit Sha on Monday, requesting him facilitate the return of migrants from Rajasthan stuck in other states due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Containment areas in Delhi rise to 84
Five more areas of Delhi were added to the list of COVID-19 containment zones in the last 24 hours. The number of containment zones in the National Capital is now at 84.
Lane 24-28 of Tughlaqabad Extension, Block – G of Jahangirpuri, Flat number 265 to 500 of Sanjay Enclave, Block 34 of Trilokpuri, and Block AF of Shalimar Bagh have been added to the list of containment zones.
5 more areas of Delhi added to the list of #COVID19 containment zones in the last 24 hours. The number of containment zones in the national capital is now at 84. pic.twitter.com/xFsF2OCqVD
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates
COVID-19 testing camp organised for journalists in Bhubaneshwar
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation organised a COVID-19 rapid test camp for journalists and other frontline workers in the city on Monday.
Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates
14 new COVID-19 cases reported in Telangana
The Telangana government said that 14 more COVID-19 cases and two more deaths were reported in the state, as of 8 pm on Monay. Total cases in the state currently at 872 and toll at 23.
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates
Naveen Patnaik speaks to doctors about opening 5 more COVID-19 hospitals
Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik reportedly interacted with doctors and health workers during opening of five more COVID-19 hospitals having a combined capacity of 825 beds in the state
Coroavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Delhi Police use drones to monitor Chandhi Mahal containment area
Delhi Police on Monday used droneesfor surveillance in a COVID-19 hotspot, Chandni Mahal, which has been declared a ‘containment zone’.
Till now, 8 police personnel from Chandni Mahal Police Station have tested positive for COVID-19.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
COVID-19 positive doctor in UP’s Moradabad passes away
The head of a government health centre in the district, who had tested positive for COVID-19, and a 72-year-old man suspected to have contracted coronavirus have died, PTI reported. Both of them were at a quarantine centre in the TMU Hospital in the district and died on Sunday night.
Reportedly, the doctor was part of the team that conducted a survey regarding the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi’s Nizammudin area in March.
Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates
43 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu government on Monday said that 43 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 1,520 in the state. Meanwhile, 46 COVID-19 patients were discharged on Monday.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
30 new COVID-19 cases reported in Dharavi today
Reports said that 30 new COVID-19 cases were reported from Mumbai’s Dharavi on Monday. The total tally of cases in the densely-populated area rose to 168 with 11 deaths so far.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
84 new COVID-19 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh today
The Uttar Pradesh health department on Monday said that 84 n new COVID-19 cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state rose to 1,184, including 1,026 active cases, 140 discharged, and 18 deaths.
Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates
Global COVID-19 toll crosses 1,65,000
The worldwide toll of the coronavirus pandemic rose to 1,65,216 on Monday, according to the tally by AFP.
“More than 24,03,410 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 5, 37,700 are now considered recovered,” India Today reported.
Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates
Four COVID-19 recover in Jharkhand, says CM
India Today quoted Jharkhand chief minister Hemant Soren as saying that four coronavirus patients in the state have recovered. “This is first set of recoveries in the state which now has 38 active cases,” the report said.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
Kerala govt says no conflict with Centre over lockdown guidelines
Kerala cheif minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that there “has been no confrontation between state government and Centre. Kerala is following directions issued by Centre. A decision was taken earlier to open barber shops during the lockdown, but many experts pointed out against it. So, the Kerala Government is withdrawing the decision.”
Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates
Manipur is COVID-19-free state, says CM
Manipur chief minister Biren Singh said that the state has become COVID-19-free. “We have decided to relax coronavirus lockdown in rural areas but it will continue in Imphal till further orders. Shops of essential goods will open between 8 am and 2 pm in urban areas,” he said.
Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates
Only one red zones in Chhattisgarh currently, says CM
Chhattisgarh chief minister Bhupesh Baghesh on Monday said that there is only one red zone district in the state.
“For the last 72 hours, no COVID-19 positive patient has been found even in that red zone district. I am hoping that whole of Chhattisgarh will be green zone soon,” he said.
Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates
Only one case reported in Punjab today
The Punjab health department was quoted by ANI as saying that only one person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Monday. The person is contact of a COVID-19 patient, the statement said.
The statement added, “Number of COVID-19 cases reaches 245 in Punjab including 38 cured and 16 deaths. 61 cases have been reported in SAS Nagar, 48 in Jalandhar and 26 in Patiala.”
Only one person has been tested positive for #COVID19 in Punjab today. The person is contact of a COVID-19 patient: State Health Department https://t.co/edWinM7QGn pic.twitter.com/abKLmY80gW
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
283 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra today
Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope on Monday said that 283 more COVID-19 cases were reported in the state as of 11 am, taking total positive cases in the state to 4,483. He said that of the 283 new cases, Mumbai has recorded 187.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
Mamata slams Centre for ‘unilateral’ decision to review lockdown violations in state
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday criticised the Central government for “unilaterally” deciding which districts in the state have to be reviewed for lockdown violations and said that the Centre’s decision was based on “a figment of imagination”.
Listing the COVID-19 situation in some districts in a letter to Narendra Modi, Mamata said, “It shows that selection of districts and observations made are nothing but a figment of imagination and unfortunate.”
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
Kerala govt says Malayali nurses are getting infected in Delhi, Mumbai
The Kerala government was quoted by India Today as saying that malayali nurses were gettting infected in Delhi and Mumbai. “In some other states, the COVID-19 spread seems to be going out of control. We need to be cautious about this even after the restrictions are lifted,” the statement said.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
142 of 169 COVID-19 patients recover in Kerala’s Kasaragod
India Today reported that 142 of the total 169 patients in Kerala’s Kasargod district have been cured and discharged.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Rahul Gandhi says soaps, sanitisers, masks should be made GST-free
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday said that essential item like PPEs against coronavirus should be made GST-free. “It is wrong to acquire GST from people, who are already fighting poverty, through sale of soaps, sanitisers, masks,” he said.
#Covid19 के इस मुश्किल वक्त में हम लगातार सरकार से माँग कर रहे हैं कि इस महामारी के उपचार से जुड़े सभी छोटे-बड़े उपकरण GST मुक्त किए जाएँ।बीमारी और ग़रीबी से जूझती जनता से सैनीटाईज़र, साबुन, मास्क, दस्ताने आदि पर GST वसूलना ग़लत है। #GSTFreeCorona माँग पर हम डटे रहेंगे। pic.twitter.com/iXLkw7lMxM
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
Mamata Banerjee opposes Centre’s review of lockdown violations in Bengal hotspots
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday opposed the Centre’s decision to send ‘inter-ministerial central teams’ (IMCT) to districts calssified as hotspots in the state, and said that the purpose of the plan was “unclear” and questioned the Narendra Modi and Amit Shah over the criteria to warrant such a review.
I urge both Honb’le Prime Minister @NarendraModi Ji & Home Minister @AmitShah Ji to share the criterion used for this. Until then I am afraid, we would not be able to move ahead on this as without valid reasons this might not be consistent with the spirit of federalism. (2/2)
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Arunachal Pradesh Latest Updates
Arunachal govt says Rs 5.20 cr given to 14,000 natives stranded outside
Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu said that on Monday, the government released about Rs 5.20 crores as financial assistance for 14,859 Arunachalis stranded outside the state.
“Each Arunachali will receive Rs. 3,500 as one-time financial aid as per recent cabinet decision,” he said.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
6 new cases reported in Kerala today
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that six people tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, all from the Kannur district. He added that five were with travel history from abroad. Meanwhile, 21 people have recovered on Monday.
The total number of cases are at 408 of which 114 are active cases.
Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates
23 COVID-19 active cases in Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh government said that there were 23 active COVID-19 cases in the state as on Monday. Of these, 11 patients have recovered, four migrated out of the state and one person succumbed to the disease. A total of 2,902 people have been tested for COVID-19 so far.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
54 new COVID-19 cases reported in Bengal
West Bengal chief secretary Rajiv Sinha said that 54 more COVID-19 cases were reported in the state in the last 24 hours.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
53 Mumbai journalists test positive for COVID-19
The BMC on Monday said that 53 journalists in Mumbai tested positive for COVID-19 and all are under isolation. Samples of 171 journalists reporting from field, including photographers, video journalists and Reporters were collected. Most of the positive journalists were asymptomatic.
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates
18 new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka in 24 hours
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka rose to 408 on Monday after 18 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours. The total tally includes 16 casualties and 112 recoveries.
The new cases include five from Kalaburgi and 11 from Vijaypura.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Journalists testing positive for COVID-19 is unfortunate, says Centre
Lav Aggarwal, health ministry joint secretary on Monday said, “Journalists testing positive for COVID-19 is very unfortunate news. When you (journalists) attend your call of duty, kindly take the required precautions, follow the norms of social distancing and wear face masks.”
#WATCH Journalists testing positive for #COVID19 is very unfortunate news. When you (journalists) attend your call of duty, kindly take the required precautions, follow the norms of social distancing & wear face masks: Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/0Xu9vP9xLw
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
India’s doubling rate improved to 7.5 days, says Centre
“India’s doubling rate before the lockdown was 3.4 days, it has now improved to 7.5 days. As per data on 19 April, in 18 states, the rate is better than the national average,” said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MGNREGA wages increased by Rs 20, says Centre
The Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj said that the Centre has hiked wages of workers under Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Act in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. The average increase is Rs 20.
Coronavirus in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
One more COVID-19 case reported in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Andaman and Nicobar Islands chief secretary said that one more person has tested positive for COVID-19 in the union territory. “He came in contact with one of the present four positive patients. So, the total number of positive cases now stands at five,” said Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
No cases in 3 Puducherry, Karnataka, Uttarakhand districts in 28 days, says Centre
Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal said that Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand have not reported any COVID-19 case in last 28 days.
The number of districts where no case has been reported in last 14 days has increased to 59. Goa is now COVID-19 free, he added.
Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates
14 new COVID-19 reports reported in Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir principal secretary Rohit Kansal said that 14 new COVID1-9 cases were reported in the union territory on Monday, all of which are from Kashmir.
Total number of cases now stands at 368, 55 reported in Jammu and 313 reported in Kashmir.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
ICMR takes note of Bengal’s complaint regarding RTPCR kits
“We have received a grievance that In West Bengal, RTPCR kits are not working properly. These kits are US FDA approved & have good standards, only thing is they should be stored under 20 degrees temperature, otherwise, results may not be correct,” said R Gangakhedkar, ICMR.
#WATCH "We have received a grievance that In West Bengal, RTPCR kits are not working properly. These kits are US FDA approved & have good standards, only thing is they should be stored under 20 degrees temperature, otherwise, results may not be correct": R Gangakhedkar, ICMR pic.twitter.com/wQponrqUXy
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
1,553 new COVID-19 cases reported across India, says Centre
The Union health ministry, in its daily briefing, on Monday said that since Sunday there have been 1,553 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 17,265. 36 more deaths also reported in the last 24 hours.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
MHA says Kerala’s modified guidelines violate ministry’s instructions on lockdown
MHA’s PS Srivastava on Monday said that the ministry has written to the Kerala government “expressing concerns over modified guidelines regarding lockdown issued by the latter. Kerala has allowed some activities that violate the ministry’s instructions issued under Disaster Management Act,” she said.
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates
Six new COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha
Reports said that six new coronavirus cases were reported in Odisha on Monday, taking the total cases to 74 in the state. The total number of active cases stand at 49.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Sown area of summer crops increased by 36% this year, says Centre
The Union ministry of agriculture on Monday said that despite restrictions imposed as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, the sown area of summer crops has increased “significantly”, “registering an increase of 36 percent over the previous year, pushed up mainly by rice cultivation”.
Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates
Badrinath temple to open on 15 May
News18 reported that the Badrinath temple in the Himalayas, which was scheduled to open on 30 April, will be opened on 15 May. “The decision to reschedule the opening of the temple gates was taken in view of circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Thermal screening of visitors conducted at Parliament
Thermal screening of visitors was conducted at the Parliament on Monday. Cars of all the visitors were being sanitised in the Parliament House Complex.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariat resumed work from Monday after they were shut on 24 March in the wake of COVID-19 outbreak.
Delhi: Thermal screening of visitors being conducted at Parliament. Also, cars of all the visitors are being sanitised in the Parliament House Complex.
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha Secretariat resumed work from today after they were shut on March 24 in the wake of #COVID19 outbreak. pic.twitter.com/sHJ9LZ6txs
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
List of economic activities to be allowed in Maharashtra from today:
The Maharashtra government has decided to bring in some easing of restrictions on some business activities, starting from Monday, in a bid to minimise the impact of the coronavirus lockdown on the state economy.
The list of activities that will be allowed in Maharashtra from Monday include “work at infrastructure projects and wedding events, only if these are outside designated containment zones and follow strict safety procedures against coronavirus.”
The BMC also said that “fisheries and related work, cable services, DTH and call centres can resume work in non-containment areas, with minimum staff.”
Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates
COVID-19 situation in Uttarakhand is under control, says CM
Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that the coronavirus situation in the state is “completely under control”.
“The role of our health-workers, policemen and all frontline workers is commendable. I appeal to all citizens to continue to cooperate with lockdown rules,” he added.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
IMA sends SOS to Centre on violence against health workers; warns of Black Day on 23 April
While the frontline workers are putting their lives at risk in the fight against coronavirus pandemic, many are not being valued for their immense efforts.
In the wake of assaults on doctors, Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday said that it will observe ‘Black Day’ on 23 April if the government does not enact Central Law on violence against healthcare workers.
On Thursday, all the doctors across the nation will work with black badges as a mark of protest.
The IMA said it is sounding a White Alert under which all doctors and hospitals will light a candle at 9 pm on 22 April to mark the protest against incidents of violence.
If the govt fails to enact Central Law on violence against Doctors & Hospitals even after White Alert, IMA will declare Black Day on 23rd April. All doctors in the country will work with black badges: Indian Medical Association pic.twitter.com/9z1KAsflcO
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
China objects to India tweaking FDI rules
China on Monday criticised India for tweaking its foreign direct investment rules to prevent the opportunistic takeover of Indian firms as covid-19 pandemic ravaged the economy, saying the move violates World Trade Organisation rules.
Chinese embassy spokesperson Ji Rong said in a statement that the “barriers set by Indian side for investors from specific countries violate WTO’s principle of non-discrimination, and go against the general trend of liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment."
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Don’t assume lockdown is lifted in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
No one should think that lockdown has been lifted in Maharashtra, we have just tried to revolve the wheel of economy a bit, said chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.
“I’ve heard that some people are treating relaxations as lifting of lockdown. If they continue to behave like this we’ll take strict measures,” said Thackeray.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA says COVID-19 situation ’especially serious’ in Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur and Indore
The COVID-19 situation is “especially serious” in Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata and a few other places in West Bengal, and violation of lockdown measures risk the spread of the novel coronavirus, the Centre said on Monday.
In a communication to state governments, the home ministry said there have been several incidents of violence against COVID-19 frontline healthcare professionals, complete violation of social distancing norms and movement of vehicles in urban areas. These should be stopped, it said.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Pune reports 42 COVID-19 cases, zero deaths in past 24 hrs
With 42 more people testing positive for COVID-19 in Pune on Sunday, the total number of positive cases in the city climbed to 586. As many as 18 COVID-19 patients have recovered from the infectious disease.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Net-based learning can’t be temporary measure, must be part of education policy
As the lockdown initiated due to the coronavirus pandemic has been extended, one of the biggest concerns has been the disruption to education. Schools and colleges at all levels have been shut. Entrance and recruitment exams have been postponed. The latest UNESCO report on the impact of COVID-19 on education has noted that around 32 crore students in India have been affected by this.
The government, in its directions, has recognised this and encouraged educational institutions to engage with students and provide counselling support during this time. The other aspect that has been seen is the push for online education and e-learning during this time.
In the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification issued on 15 April — which contains the guidelines issued for the lockdown period till 3 May, it is mentioned that online learning is to be encouraged and institutions must adhere to the academic calendar through online education. This could have worked if India had the infrastructure or the digital literacy levels to support this. Regrettably, the country is lacking in both.
Read full article here…Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
Lucknow, Agra and Firozabad will not ease lockdown restrictions
With the increase in the total number of COVID-19 cases in some districts of Uttar Pradesh, the administration in Lucknow, Agra and Firozabad have decided against giving any kind of relaxation during the continued lockdown. Reports from other districts in the state on giving relaxation were awaited.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a video conference with respective district magistrates on Sunday night, had authorised them to take a call on giving relaxation from Monday after assessing the prevailing conditions there.
He directed authorities in 19 districts with 10 or more coronavirus cases to take extra precautions.
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates
Three more COVID-19 deaths in Indore take toll to 52, confirmed cases at 897
With three more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Indore, the overall toll in the city climbed to 52 on Monday. The total number of confirmed positive cases has stood at 897.
The recovery rate of COVID-19 patients in the city was at 8 percent after 71 individuals were cured.
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates
Odisha launches five COVID-19 dedicated hospitals
Five dedicated COVID-19 hospitals were launched in Odisha on Monday. Chief minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Prahlad Joshi and other officials were present at the launch via video-conferencing.
Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates
Two journalists test COVID-19 positive in Chennai
Two Chennai-based journalists have tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Sunday, after they exhibited mild symptoms of the disease. While one of them is a 25-year-old print reporter, the other is a 23-year-old journalist who is part of the editorial team of a news channel.
The print reporter was staying at a common lodging in Triplicane along with 5 other reporters and has attended a press briefing held by the Health Secretary Beela Rajesh. He had been shifted to the health beat following the spread of the virus but was not regularly going out on the field.
Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates
Bihar govt resumes operations
Several departments of the Bihar government have resumed functioning from Monday, amid COVID-19 lockdown period, reported ANI.
Patna: The departments of Bihar government have resumed functioning from today, amid COVID19 lockdown period. pic.twitter.com/1ue0qhxauJ
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Flight restrictions in place till 3 May
Civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri pn Monday reiterated that flight restrictions were in place till 3 May, till the lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus was lifted and posed no danger to anyone.
“Since some airlines didn’t heed our advisory, opened bookings and started collecting money from flyers, a directive was issued to them on 19 April restraining them from doing so. They were also informed that they’ll be given sufficient notice and time to commence bookings, said Puri.
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates
Lockdown extended in Karnataka till 21 April
The Karnataka government extended the lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus till 21 April midnight after issuing fresh orders. The state cabinet will meet on Monday to discuss on the issue, sources told PTI.
The government is considering a relaxation in lockdown after 21 April.
Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates
Gujarat reports 1,851 COVID-19 cases after 108 more test positive
With 108 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Gujarat, the overall count in the state climbed to 1,851 on Monday. Of the fresh cases, 91 were reported in Ahmedabad.
Sixty seven patients have succumbed to the infectious disease in the state while, 106 have recovered so far.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
Kerala govt says lockdown relaxations in accordance with Centre’s guidelines
The Kerala government on Monday said there was some “misunderstanding”, due to which the Centre had objected to dilution of the lockdown guidelines after the state had allowed opening of restaurants and MSME industries in municipal areas among others.
The Union Home Ministry has taken strong objection to Kerala government’s decision to allow opening of restaurants, bus travel in cities and opening of MSME industries in municipal areas, saying it amounts to dilution of its lockdown guidelines.
“We have given relaxations in accordance with the Centre’s guidelines. I think there is some misunderstanding, based on which the Centre has sought an explanation. Once we give an explanation, it will all be sorted out. The Centre and the state have the same stand with regard to fight the pandemic. There is no contradiction in the stand taken. It’s just a misunderstanding we will clear it,” State Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said.
Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates
18 COVID-19 patients in Assam recover: Himanta Biswa Sarma
As many as 18 COVID-19 patients in Assam have recovered and since been discharged, said health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday. Taking on Twitter, Sarma said a COVID-19 patient named Hazrat Ali was discharged on Monday from Sonapur Civil Hospital, after his two successive tests confirmed as negative.
The health minister also made a request to everyone in the state to strictly adhere to home quarantine guidelines.
One #COVID19 patient - Hazrat Ali has been discharged today from Sonapur Civil Hospital, after his two successive tests confirmed as negative.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 20, 2020
Cured patients -18.
Request all to strictly follow home quarantine guidelines. pic.twitter.com/vYqXUzNWxV
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
West Bengal sees resumption in operation of govt offices, IT companies with 25% workforce
The West Bengal government has announced several easing of lockdown regulations in the state. The flower markets, vegetable and fruits markets continue to remain open.
Apart from the essentials, the government offices have also resumed operation with a basic workforce of 25 percent. The IT companies have also been allowed to function from Monday with an employee attendance of 25 percent.
However, the 60 Jute factories across the state will remain functional with only 15% workforce.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Passenger train services will not resume till 3 May: Centre
The Centre issued a statement on Monday reiterating that services of all passenger trains will remain suspended till 3 May, the last day of the nationwide lockdown, until further orders.
All ticket counters for bookings including UTS and PRS will not be operational.
“No advance reservation of train tickets, including E-tickets, till further advice, however, facility of online cancellation will remain functional,” read the notice.
It is once again reiterated that no passenger train, no suburban train will run till 3.5.2020. pic.twitter.com/Sg1rkNMi73
— DRM Mumbai CR (@drmmumbaicr) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Delhi reports 2,003 COVID-19 cases, 45 deaths; rapid tests likely to start from today
After 110 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Delhi on Sunday, the total number of confirmed cases in the National Capital climbed to 2,003 on Monday, said health minister Satyendra Jain.
As many as 45 people have succumbed to the infectious disease while 38 of them have suffered from serious ailments, said Jain.
Rapid tests are most likely to start in Delhi from Monday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Six 6 inter-ministerial central teams to make on-spot assessment of COVID-19 situation
The Centre has set up six inter-ministerial teams to make on-spot assessment of COVID-19 situation and issue necessary directions to States. The teams will focus on compliance, implementation of lockdown; supply of essentials and safety of health workers.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Selective lockdown relaxation in non-hotspot areas from today; tea planation to operate with 50% work force
The Centre will allow certain relaxations on the nationwide lockdown, effective from Monday, in select areas without hotspots. In the wake of extension of national lockdown till 3 May, a series of directives have been put in place to ensure a strict compliance of lockdown.
However, keeping in mind the current financial situation of low-income earners and farmers, the Centre had said that it will be permitting a few more services to function in areas that are not COVID-19 containment zones from Monday.
Operation of the fishing aquaculture industry, movement of fish and fish products and workers of all these activities are allowed. The guideline also allows operations of tea, coffee and rubber plantations with maximum of 50 percent workers.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
For families of child sexual abuse survivors, lockdown makes dealing with trauma much more difficult
The lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak has greatly added to the woes of families of child sexual abuse survivors in Mumbai, a recent study by NGO Aarambh India Initiative has found.
As part of the study, the NGO interviewed 127 families with whom it is presently associated, most of them being from the underprivileged sections of society. The researchers say that for many families, the challenges of dealing with the aftermath of child sexual abuse have been compounded by a sudden loss of income and a lack of social support.
Increased vulnerability
Uma Subramanian, a co-founder of the Aarambh India Initiative, mentioned several instances in which the lockdown has aggravated the problems that families of child sexual abuse survivors face. She said, “For example, one girl whom we are supporting presently has cerebral palsy. Her father is accused of sexually abusing her, and was arrested for a brief while. He was later released on bail, after which he refused to financially support the family any longer. The child’s mother works as a daily wage labourer, and work has dried up for her due to the lockdown. The restrictions on movement also mean that it is difficult for her to access the required medical support for the child.”
Read full article here…Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update
Rajasthan reports 17 new cases, one death
Rajasthan has reported 17 new coronavirus cases – one each in Ajmer, Banswara and Nagour, two each in Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur and Kota and eight in Jaipur. The total positive cases in the state rose to 1495 and the toll stands at 24.
A 62-year-old man from Nagour, admitted at a hospital, died last night. He was also suffering from hypertension.
Coronavirus in Goa Latest Update
Goa becomes ‘zero coronavirus’ state
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant called Goa a ‘zero coronavirus case’ state after the last patient tested negative on Sunday. All seven COVID-19 patients in the state have now tested negative for the disease.
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update
Person, who escaped from isolation ward, arrested
A man, who was confirmed to have coronavirus, escaped earlier from the isolation ward of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College in Jabalpur. He was arrested later in Narsinghpurunder National Security Act and sent to Jabalpur Central jail.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Toll in India rises to 543
The number of confirmed cases in India rose to 17,265, while the toll now stands at 543. The confirmed cases include 36 new cases in the last 24 hours and 2,546 cured/discharged/migrated persons.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Update
MHA objects to Kerala’s relaxation of lockdown
Objecting to relaxation of some measures in Kerala adopted during the nationwide lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic, thehome ministry sent a letter to the state government. The ministry said that allowing the opening of local workshops, barber shops, restaurants, book stores, MSMEs in municipal limits and allowing bus travel for shorter distances is a violation of the 15 April order issued under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, sources told ANI.
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates
Nine-day-old infant tests positive for COVID-19 in Bhopal, city reports 241 cases
A nine-day-old baby girl tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Bhopal on Sunday, taking the overall count in the city to 214 in the city.
She was born in Sultania Hospital, where two hospital nurses earlier tested positive for the infectious disease, said the state health department. The parents of the infant have been tested for the novel coronavirus, and their reports are awaited.
The number of positive COVID-19 cases has increased to 1,407 in Madhya Pradesh including 72 deaths, while 131 patients have recovered.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
West Bengal health dept alleges supply of defective test kits by ICMR causing delay in testing COVID-19 samples
The Heath Department in West Bengal, in a series of tweets on 19 April, alleged defective test kits supplied by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as one of the reasons behind delays in COVID-19 sample testing.
“The testing kits supplied by ICMR-NICED about two weeks ago have started to throw up a large number of ‘inconclusive’ results, necessitating a repeat/confirmatory test run, thereby causing a delay in the generation of the final test report,” said the health department.
5/5 The apparently defective test kits supplied by ICMR-NICED, Kolkata are resulting in a high number of repeat/ confirmatory tests and causing delays and other attendant problems at a time when we are battling a pandemic. This is an issue that ICMR needs to look into immediately
— Department of Health & Family Welfare, West Bengal (@wbdhfw) April 19, 2020
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
In Photos: Toll collection resumes in Borkhedi national highway in Nagpur
Maharashtra: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) resumes toll collection on national highways from today. Visuals from Borkhedi toll plaza in Nagpur. pic.twitter.com/nbdhMCCMlg
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
Agra registers 255 COVID-19 cases, six deaths
With 14 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Agra on Sunday, the total number of confirmed cases in the district climbed to 255.
“Fourteen people have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the tally to 255,” said the Agra district administration in a statement.
So far six people have succumbed to the infectious disease.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
No relaxation in Delhi lockdown for at least a week, COVID-19 cases at 1,893
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced that in view of the current coronavirus situation in the National Capital, no relaxation will be given in the lockdown for at least a week.
“We have decided to keep people of Delhi safe. The lockdown will remain and there will be no relaxation. We will review the situation again after a week,” said Kejriwal.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rises to 16,116 with 519 deaths
The Union health ministry on Sunday said that at least 519 people had died due to the novel coronavirus so far and the number of confirmed cases have climbed to 16,116 in India, registering an increase of 31 deaths and 1,324 cases since Saturday evening.
The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 13,295 while 2,301 people have been cured and discharged, and one patient has migrated, the ministry said.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
Lockdown restrictions to be partially lifted in Orange-B, Green zones in Kerala
The Kerala government will ease lockdown restrictions in its Green and Orange-B zones in the state effective from Monday. In some districts, even restaurants, shops, and public transport facilities will be allowed to operate, said state government officials.
Kerala has classified the districts in the state under four different zones — Red, Green, Orange-A and Orange-B, for containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Orange-B zone comprises Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram, Palakkad, Thrissur and Wayanad. The lockdown will be in effect until 24 April in this zone and then partial relaxation will be allowed. Kottayam and Idukki come under the Green zone, in which lockdown will be in effect until 20 April and then regulations will be eased.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Maharashtra govt to allow industrial activities to resume in select areas
Maharashtra will allow a limited number of sectors to resume business on Monday, after a weeks-long shutdown to curb the fast-spreading coronavirus that left millions out of work.
Maharashtra, home to financial centre Mumbai, has the biggest share of India’s caseload of 16,116 infections, including a large number now ripping through its densely-packed slums.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray told a news conference on Sunday that some activity would be permitted in the least-affected parts of the state while observing a strict lockdown in the red zones that have the maximum number of cases.
Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates
Telangana Cabinet decides to extend lockdown in state till 7 May
Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekar Rao has announced extension of the lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus in the state till 7 May. He said the lockdown will be enforced in a stringent manner. Food delivery mobile applications will not be allowed starting Monday.
“The cabinet has decided to extend the lockdown in the state till 7 May. The cabinet will take stock of the situation on 5 May,” he said.
Rao informed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 858, including 21 deaths. Five districts – Warangal, Yadradri Bhadradri, Siddipet, Wanaparthy – are coronavirus-free, he said, adding, “We are doing better than many other states”.
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