Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Delhi govt says no new cases reported in 2 hotspots for 15 days; containment zones rise to 60

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

US COVID-19 toll approaches 31,000

The toll from the coronavirus pandemic in the United States approached 31,000 as governors began cautiously preparing Americans for a post-virus life that would likely include public face coverings as the ’new normal'.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi Police ASI tests positive for COVID-19

The Delhi Police said that an ASI officer posted with the security unit has been tested positive for COVID-19. He had a history of exposure while on duty on 5 April. Currently, he is asymptomatic and is in home isolation. His wife is also asymptomatic.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

23 police personnel in Maharashtra have tested positive for COVID-19

Reports said that so far, 23 police personnel in Maharashtra have tested positive for coronavirus.

Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates

2 more cases reported in Meghalaya

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said that two more people tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday.He said that both are family members of the first patient in the state.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

6-month-old among new COVID-19 cases reported in Bihar

The Bihar health department on Thursday said that three more people, including a 6-month-old baby, who are family members/contacts of an earlier positive case in Munger, have been tested positive for COVID-19. The total number of positive cases in Bihar rose to 83.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

62 new COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi today

The Delhi health department said that 62 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths were reported in the National Capital in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,640.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Odd-Even system to be implemented in Kerala after 20 April

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the ‘Odd-Even’ system for vehicles will be implemented in the state after 20 April in districts with partial restrictions. Also, concession will be given to vehicles driven by women.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR says 3 lakh samples tested so far

A total of 3,02,956 samples from 2,86,714 individuals have been tested as on 16 April, 9 pm, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

55 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today

A total of 55 people in Rajasthan, including 23 from Bharatpur, 11 from Tonk, 11 from Jodhpur and three from Jaipur tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Thursday. The total number of positive cases in the state is 1,131.

Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates

UK extends COVID-19 lockdown for next three weeks

The UK officials on Thursday extended the lockdown as a measure to curb the spread of coronavirus for ‘at least next three weeks’, AFP reported.

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases in Himachal stand at 35

The Himachal Pradesh government said that the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 35, including 12 discharged patients and one death.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi containment zones increased to 60

The list of ‘containment zones’ in Delhi on Thursday rose to 60 with the areas of Street no 6, A block, Abu Fazal enclave, Shaheen Bagh and Street nos 3-5, East Ram Nagar, Shahdara included in the list.

List of 'containment zones' in Delhi raised to 60; areas of Street no. 6, A block, Abu Fazal enclave, Shaheen Bagh and Street no.s 3-5, East Ram Nagar, Shahdara included in the list pic.twitter.com/K91C46ekhi

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

25 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu today

The Tamil Nadu government said that 25 more COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday. The total number of coronavirus cases in the state is now at 1,267, including 180 discharged and 15 deaths.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

ICMR says 23 antibody rapid tests validated at NIV

ICMR on Thursday said that so far, 23 antibody-based rapid tests have been validated at ICMR-NIV Pune, and a list has been prepared of the ones that were found to be satisfactory. Nine of these kits are manufactured in India.

Till now, 23 antibody-based rapid tests have been validated at ICMR-NIV Pune, and the following (in pic) were found to be satisfactory. 9 of these kits are manufactured in India: Indian Council of Medical Research pic.twitter.com/m9R0NEOSSW

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

286 new COVID cases, 7 deaths reported in Maharashtra today

The Maharashtra health department said that 286 more COVID-19 cases and seven deaths (four in Pune and three in Mumbai) were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 3,202 and the toll to 194.

300 patients have been discharged from hospitals in the state, including five on Thursday.

“Out of the seven deaths today, five were men and two were women. Four of them aged over 60 years and three were from the age group of 40 to 60 years. Six out of these seven patients had high-risk co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma and heart disease,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

58 new COVID-19 cases reported in Gujarat

The Gujarat health department said thay 58 more COVID-19 cases were reported in the state on Thursday. The total number of coronavirus cases in the state is at 929, including 73 recovered/discharged and 36 deaths related to the virus.

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

Some COVID-19 patients are below 11 years old, says Andhra Pradesh govt

Andhra Pradesh special chief secretary said that there are some COVID-19 patients who are below 11 years of age in the state.

“That’s a new trend, new disease new infection, we’re still trying to understand nature of infection. Line of treatment/protocol remains same. We’re following the advice by ICMR,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

New COVID-19 cases reported in 2 Delhi hotspots for 15 days

The Delhi government on Thursday said that no new coronavirus case has been reported in the last 15 days here from the two hotspots in the National Capital — Vasundhara Enclave and Khichripur — which were sealed on 31 March as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Over 90 officials of Bhopal health dept have tested positive for COVID-19

Bhopal district collector Tarun Pithode said that more than 90 officials from the health department and 20 from police department have tested positive for COVID-19 in the district till date.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “I have given orders to investigate how does it spread among so many health officials. Necessary action will be taken after investigation completes.”

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Six new COVID-19 cases reported in Bihar today

The Bihar government said that six new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Thursday, taking the total number of cases to 80. All six positive cases are family members of the person from Munger who tested positive on Wednesday, the statement said.

6.5 lakh rapid antibody testing kits imported from China to arrive today
 

At least 6.5 lakh rapid antibody testing kits and RNA extraction kits imported from China by the Central government are arriving to the country for Covid-19 patients on Thursday, ICMR officials said during a media interaction.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Seven new COVID-19 cases in Kerala
 

Seven fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported from Kerala on Thursday, taking the total number of active cases to 147 in the state,even as over 88,000 people are under observation. On Wednesday, only one positive case had been reported, the lowest in weeks.

BJP workers providing food to 5 crore needy people daily, says JP Nadda

BJP workers have been providing food to over five crore needy people daily, party president J P Nadda said on Thursday while reviewing the party’s welfare work during the nationwide lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak, PTI reported.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

12 new cases of coronavirus detected in Noida

Today 12 new cases of coronavirus were detected in UP’s Gautam Buddh Nagar. With this, the city’s tally has risen to 92. The official said that out of the 92 cases so far, 26 corona-infected patients have been cured and 66 are still undergoing treatment.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt says NSA to be slapped against those attacking police, health workers

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to invoke the stringent National Security Act against those attacking policemen, health and sanitation workers involved in the fight against coronavirus. Giving directions at a review meeting about coronavirus, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath told officials that people indulging in violence should also be made to pay for the damage to property.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Arvind Kejriwal says Delhi will try plasma technique on Covid patients soon
 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that doctors here will be trying out the plasma technique on coronavirus patients, after the Union government gave its nod for the same.

Patiala cop, whose hands were chopped off during clashes over lockdown, promoted by Punjab govt

An Assistant sub inspector, whose hand was chopped off in a brutal attack by a group of ‘Nihangs’ in Patiala, has been promoted to the rank of sub inspector in recognition of his exemplary courage, police said on Thursday. Fifty-year-old ASI Harjeet Singh’s hand was chopped off with a sword while three other Punjab policemen and a mandi official had sustained injuries when a group of Nihangs attacked them on being asked to show curfew passes at a vegetable market in Patiala district on Sunday.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh, whose hand was chopped off (& later replanted) fighting off an attack, while enforcing curfew at the Patiala Sabzi Mandi, has been promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector, in recognition of his exemplary courage: Punjab Chief Minister's Office pic.twitter.com/pytVaNzr4O

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Corona lockdown: UP cops lodge nearly 20,000 FIRs, net in Rs 7.7 cr fine

The Uttar Pradesh police has registered 19,448 FIRs and booked 60,258 people for allegedly violating prohibitory regulations under the current lockdown, an official said on Thursday. Acting sternly against those violating the lockdown, it also collected a total fine of Rs 7.7 crore from people violating the restrictions, he said. The FIRs were lodged under IPC section 188, which deals with disobedience to any order promulgated by a public servant.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mask-wearing, social distancing should be enforced strictly: MHA on lockdown

The Union home ministry on Thursday asserted that rules such as wearing face masks, practising social distancing and no gathering of five or more persons should be strictly enforced at public places in order to ensure that the lockdown clamped to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country is implemented effectively. Addressing the daily media briefing, Joint Secretary in the ministry Punya Salila Srivastava said it should be ensured that five or more persons do not assemble at a public place. Also, people should not spit at public places and workplaces, she said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Fluctuations in fresh cases in Delhi due to varied contact tracing, testing, say Experts

The number of fresh COVID-19 cases in Delhi went from 356, the city’s highest, on 13 to 17 April just two days later on April 15, a fluctuation that experts say points to the pace of contact tracing and a possible indication the infection has not gone to the community. The erratic numbers also reflect the time taken – four to five days — for results of the RT-PCR test being used in India currently since the rapid anti-bodies test kits are yet to arrive, the experts said. 

There is no discernible trajectory in the last few days with the number of cases going up and down erratically. On April 10, the city recorded 183 fresh cases, including 154 from the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin. On 11 April, it was 166, 12 April (85), 13 April (356), 14 April (51) and 15 April (17).

11 new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today

The Punjab health department said that 11 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Thursday, of which nine have contact history and two have a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). The total coronavirus cases in the state rose to 197, including 29 cured and 14 deaths.

Sweet shops in Bengal to be open for 8 hours 

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that sweet shops in the state will be allowed to operate for 8 hours, from 8 am to 4 pm everyday. Earlier, the state government had allowed them to remain open for 4 hours from 12 noon to 4 pm everyday.

Kerala govt says mortality rate is below 0.5%

Kerala health minister KK Shailaja said that the mortality rate due to coronavirus in the state is below 0.5 percent “whereas it’s more than 5 percent in the world.” 

“In some places, it is even more than 10 percent. The discharging/cure rate is also very high in Kerala because of our systematic work. We evaluate every thing every day,” she said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

COVID-19 cases rise to 12,759 in India, says Centre 

The Union health ministry said that the total cases of coronavirus in the country rose to 12,759 on Thursday, iincluding 10,824 active cases, 1,514 cured/discharged/migrated and 420 deaths.

26 new COVID-19 cases reported from Dharavi today

According to latest reports, 26 new cases were reported from Mumbai’s Dharavi today. The total number of cases from the area has reached 86, while 9 people have died so far.

 Army to strictly observe ’no movement’ till 19 April

The Indian Army on Thursday issued a directive to all its military establishments, cantonments, formation headquarters and units, asking them to strictly ensure no movement of forces till April 19 in view of the extended lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
 
India went under a total shutdown of 21 days from 25 March to 14 April to fight the coronavirus pandemic. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced extending the lockdown till 3 May but added that certain restrictions could be lifted from 20 April, _PT_I reported.

Assam’s tally reaches 34 as 2 new cases reported today

Alert ~ Two persons from Morigaon have tested #COVID19 positive. They both are secondary contacts of #NizamuddinMarkaz attendees.

The cumulative number of patients in Assam now stands at 34. So far 5 patients have been cured.

Update at 5 pm / April 16#AssamCovidCount

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 16, 2020

Over 3,000 Indians in 53 countries infected with coronavirus

A total of 3,336 Indians in 53 countries were infected by the coronavirus while 25 lost their lives due to the disease, government sources said on Thursday.
 
They said Indians stranded abroad will have to be patient as the government is not evacuating them as part of a larger policy decision to check spread of the virus in the country, PTI reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Curfew violators, those indulging in violence to be booked under Disaster Management Act

MHA is monitoring on daily basis incidents of violation of lockdown guidelines including congregation of people and opening of shops and establishments. Instances of violence against health workers engaged in surveillance and quarantine measures etc are also being ascertained. The Ministry of Home Affairs would take action under the Disaster Management Act against officers found responsible for such violations.

Have issued advisory for safe drinking water practices during coronavirus lockdown: Health Ministry
 

The Ministry has issued an advisory for safe drinking water practices during coronavirus lockdown. The Public health department has been advised to augment water supplies with special focus on relief camps and for vulnerable sections of the society, said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

BCCI postpones IPL2020 ‘until further notice’

The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been postponed ‘until further notice’ on Thursday. The league was scheduled to begin on 29 March but was postponed till 15 April in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak that has halted all sporting activities all around the world.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Aviation ministry directs airlines to make full refund on flights booked during first phase of lockdown

The Ministry of Civil Aviation today issued an advisory directing all airlines to make full refunds on flights booked during the first phase of lockdown for travel up to 3 May. “If passengers have booked during the lockdown period for a travel falling in the lockdown period (domestic & international) the amount should be REFUNDED in full by airlines,” the ministry said. 

The ministry also said that the stipulated refund should be made within three weeks of the cancellation.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Health Ministry prepares action plan to boost testing, discusses strategy with WHO officials

Health Minister and MoS Health held a video conference yesterday, with health functionaries and field officers of the World Health Organisation (WHO), in which micro-plan for clusters and outbreak containment of COVID-19 at district-level was discussed.

An action plan has been prepared on strengthening our ongoing surveillance utilizing the services of WHO national polio surveillance network team.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India reports 941 cases in 24 hrs

Joint Secretary, Health Ministry Lav Agarwal said on Thursday that the confirmed COVID-19 cases in India jumped by 941 in the last 24 hours, while 37 patients succumbed to the disease in the same time period. Overall, India has 12,456 cases and 423 deaths since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Govt says areas not recognised as hotspots may get relaxations from curfew after 20 April

“The areas that are not hotspots or containment zones, certain permissions may be given from April 20, 2020,” Punya Srivastava, Joint Secretary, MHA told News18.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

At least 40 children contract COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh 

As many as 40 children in the age group of 3 to 17 years have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh. They are among the 475 active cases under treatment at various COVID-19 centres in the state, as on 15 April, The Indian Express reported. 

Officials said all the children contracted the virus from family members who attended the Tablighi Jamaat meeting at Delhi’s Nizamuddin in March. “The jamaat returnees were unaware that they were infected, and inadvertently passed it on to their family members, among them are several children,” an official said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Aviation Ministry mulls guidelines for airlines over ticket cancellations

With the nationwide lockdown extended till 3 May, domestic airlines have again decided not to refund customers in cash for their cancelled flights and instead have offered them rescheduling of tickets for a later date without any additional fee.

After several people complained on social media, senior officials of Ministry of Civil Aviation and CEOs of Indian airlines companies met on Wednesday afternoon on the issue of cancellation refunds during the coronavirus lockdown period.

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Thursday said it is deliberating upon forming a set of guidelines on refunds for flight ticket cancellations due to coronavirus lockdown.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mukhtar Naqvi asks state waqf boards to follow lockdown order during Ramzan

Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Thursday directed state waqf boards to ensure strict implementation of lockdown and social distancing guidelines during Ramzan starting next week amid the coronavirus pandemic.

At a meeting via video conferencing, Naqvi asked the state waqf boards’ officials to create awareness among people to offer prayers and perform other religious rituals like “iftar (breaking of fast)” during Ramzan, which begins on 24-25 April, staying inside their homes.

We should remain cautious of any type of fake news and conspiracies aimed at creating misinformation. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has been strongly working with all state govts. for safety and well-being of all citizens of the country. #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/loQGZrESRs

— Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Migrant workers accommodated at Schwing Stetter’s Tamil Nadu unit

Over 600 migrant workers employed by concrete equipment manufacturer Schwing Stetter India in Tamil Nadu were provided accommodation, food and shelter following the lockdown, according to a top official.

It may be recalled that the Tamil Nadu government has directed companies and the district administration to ensure migrant workers were not stranded and were taken care of in view of coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Three COVID-19 patients recover in Goalpara

Three COVID-19 positive patients who were being treated at the Goalpara Civil Hospital, Assam, have been discharged on Thursday after they tested negative in two successive tests, said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

They are further sent to home quarantine for 14 days

I & MoS @Pijush_hazarika visited Goalpara Civil Hospital to monitor discharge of 3 #Covid patients - Khabiruddin Ahmed, Shahjahan Ali Ahmed & Yusuf Ali. As per @ICMRDelhi protocols, they have been sent to 14-day home quarantine after they tested negative in 2 successive tests. pic.twitter.com/Hbw4j7BDIL

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Mobiles, TVs, refrigerators to be available on Amazon, Flipkart from 20 April 

Mobile phones, televisions, refrigerators, laptops and stationary items will be allowed to be sold through e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal from April 20 during the lockdown, officials said on Thursday.

The clarification from a senior home ministry official came a day after Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla issued revised guidelines for the extended lockdown period till May 3.

Electronic items like the mobile phones, TVs, laptops will be available on the e-commerce platforms from April 20, the official said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Zoom not secure video conferencing platform: MHA

The Ministry of Home of Affairs on Thursday said that Zoom is not a secure video conferencing platform for individuals. The ministry also issued guidelines for those who still want to use the platform.

“Prevent unauthorised entry in the conference room, prevent an unauthorised participant to carry out malicious on the terminals of other in the conference, avoid DOS attack by restricting users through passwords and access grant,” read the advisory.

MHA issues advisory, says Zoom not secure video conferencing platform for private individuals. Mentions guidelines for those who still want to use it. pic.twitter.com/b900JOw1Si

— Prasar Bharati News Services & Digital Platform (@PBNS_India) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates

Meghalaya’s lone COVID-19 patient succumbs to virus

Meghalaya’s first COVID-19 patient, a 69 year old doctor, passed away on Wednesday morning. He breathed his last at around 2:45 am.

Sampath Kumar, commissioner and secretary of Meghalaya’s Health Department has also confirmed the news of the passing away of the patient.

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma also tweeted: “I am deeply saddened to inform that the first COVID-19 positive patient in Meghalaya passed away this morning at 2.45 am. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Dr. John L. Sailo Ryntathiang laid to rest at the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Cemetery today.
Kindness is the need of the hour and our gratitude goes to the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church for their gesture. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/gFjTTheNMz

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Tamil Nadu reports 1,267 COVID-19 cases

The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in Tamil Nadu climbed to 1,267 on Thursday after 25 more individuals tested positive for COVID-19, said chief minister K Palaniswami.

The death count in the state rose to 15 on Thursday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Masaba Gupta’s fashion label launches Maskaba, initiative to produce non-surgical masks

Fashion designer Masaba Gupta on Wednesday announced that she will be producing non-surgical masks as her contribution to the country’s battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

The Mumbai-based designer, who owns the label House of Masaba which has come to a halt amid lockdown like any other workplace, has launched the self-explanatory initiative ‘‘Maskaba’’.

“We thought why not do our bit by donating something that is the need of the hour – non-surgical masks. These masks are being produced at a production facility with three workers who are being completely taken care of,” Masaba wrote on Instagram.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal WBBSE Class 12 exams to be held in June

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that WBBSE Class 12 exams would be conducted in June. The higher secondary examination was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

WBBSE Class 12 exams were earlier slated to be held from 12 to 27 March.

Bringing a sigh of relief to all Class 11 and college students, Banerjee said that they would be promoted to the next class and semesters respectively, reported The Times of India.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Ramzan advisory issued in Karnataka 

With the Centre extending the nationwide lockdown till 3 May in view the novel coronavirus, the Karnataka government on Thursday ordered that no one will be allowed to perform five-time congregational prayers in mosques during the holy month of Ramzan at the end of April.

“No public address system to be used by the staff of mosques for offering namaz,” State Minority Welfare, Waqf and Hajj Department said. 

No public shall be allowed to perform five-time congregational prayers in mosques, across Karnataka, during #Ramzan, in view of #COVID19 pandemic. No public address system to be used by the staff of mosques for offering namaz: State Minority Welfare, Waqf & Hajj Department pic.twitter.com/QTEhZ44jYZ

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Migrant labour issue must be resolved quickly: Rahul Gandhi 

Stressing on the migrant labourers issue, Rahul Gandhi said “Centre needs to work on a strategy on migrant workers. If you don’t solve the problem, there will be social unrest. People are starving, you have to fix it. The government has to be sensitive and respond quickly.”

“Our government must be very compassionate in dealing with migrants,” he said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Rahul Gandhi urges PM to create map to track COVID-19 

Rahul Gandhi appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use testing to create a map of India to track the virus and help states to fight it.

“Lockdown is not a solution, not a treatment. Therefore we must find a strategy to come out from that lockdown phase. PM’s role should be to empower the states,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

11 fresh COVID-19 cases emerge in Dharavi, taking overall tally to 71

With 11 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Dharavi, in south Mumbai, the overall COVID-19 tally in the slum area rose to 71 on Thursday, a civic official said.

Of the 11 new cases, four were reported from Mukund Nagar, two each from Social Nagar and Rajiv Nagar, and one each from Sai Raj Nagar, Transit camp and Ramji Chawl localities of Dharavi, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) official said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India needs strategic lifting of lockdown: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi pushed for strategic lifting of lockdown by ramping up testing facilities. “This has to be done via testing. You need two zones – hotspot and non-hotspot. When you lock people up, the disease gets locked up. When you open the door, the disease comes out,” said Rahul.

The Congress leader also highlighted the progress report at battling COVID-19 in state and district levels.

“To fight against COVID-19, our main force is working at the state and district levels. Success has been achieved in Wayanad, Kerala because of the effective machinery at the district level,” he said.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka reports highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases at 34

The Karnataka government on Thursday said 34 people tested positive for the novel coronaviirus till noon on Thursday, marking the highest single-day rise so far in the state. It also reported death of a 66-year old man from Bengaluru, with the total death count at 13. 

“Till date, 313 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 13 deaths and 82 discharges,” the state’s health department said in its morning bulletin.

Of the 34 new cases reported since Wednesday 5 pm, 17 of them were from Belagavi, all of them had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

‘Lockdown is pause button, not solution to COVID-19’: Rahul Gandhi

Lockdown doesn’t defeat the virus, it stops the virus for some time, said Rahul Gandhi during an online press conference on Thursday. “Lockdown is like a pause button. It is in no way a solution to the virus. when we come out of lockdown, the virus will start its work again. We need to have a strategy for that. Ramp up testing abilities, prepare hospitals,” he adds.

Rahul further proposed scaling of testing and using testing strategically across the nation.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

68% of COVID-19 cases in Delhi due to Tablighi Jamaat event

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said that over 68 percent of the COVID-19 positive cases in the National Capital is because of the Tablighi Jamaat event at the Markaz Nizamuddin.

“In the last 24 hours, with only 17 new cases being reported and two deaths, the total number of cases rises to 1,578 of which, 1,080 cases (68.4 percent) are Markaz cases,” the Delhi Health Minister told ANI.

Out of the 1,578 cases, 867 people have been admitted to hospitals. 29 patients are in intensive care, five patients are currently on the ventilator and 32 patients are dead.

Coronavirus in Colombia Latest Updates

Colombia tries to limit number of people in streets by separating men and women

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital and largest city, joined Panama this week in instituting a gender-based virus-prevention measure designed to limit the number of people in the streets. On odd-numbered days, men can leave the house to seek out essentials. On even-numbered days, it’s the women’s turn.

The measure comes as cities across Latin America are struggling to keep people off the streets, despite quarantine orders that have been in places for weeks in most countries.

The virus has been slower to hit the region, but it is starting to be felt with brutal force in some parts, particularly in Ecuador, where hundreds of people have died in recent weeks, overwhelming the business hub of Guayaquil.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra COVID-19 tally at 3,081; Mumbai records 107 cases

The total number of coronavirus cases in Maharashtra reached 3,081 after 165 more individuals tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, said state health department. 

Mumbai reported 107 positive coronavirus cases, said the health department.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai cop in Juhu tests positive

A constable attached to Juhu police station in Mumbai has tested positive for coronavirus, an official said on Thursday. Other police personnel who came in contact with the constable will also be tested, he said.

The constable, a resident of Kandivali area, was on leave as he had not been keeping well since the last few days. After he started showing symptoms of coronavirus, his test was conducted which came out positive on Wednesday, the official said.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Tablighi Jamaat attendee tests positive in MP

A 60-year-old man from Madhya Pradesh who attended the religious gathering of Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin in Delhi during mid-March has tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Thursday.

He is admitted to a hospital in Khargone and booked for negligent act, they said. “His test report came out positive on Tuesday,” district nodal medical officer Dr Anupam Atre said.

Coronavirus in United Kingdom Latest Updates

Harry Potter studio tour buses provide free transport to NHS workers

Branded Harry Potter buses that generally take fans to Warner Bros’ The Making of Harry Potter studio tour in the UK are now being used to transport key National Health Service (NHS) workers for free between hospitals battling coronavirus.

The buses have been provided by Warner Bros Studios Leavesden and bus operator Golden Tours to transport key workers between West Herts Hospitals NHS Trust’s three sites, reported Variety.

Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Updates

Nine Tablighi Jamaat members test positive in Pakistan, taking COVID-19 tally over 6,000

At least nine Tablighi Jamaat members have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Pakistan’s Punjab province, taking the total number of infections to 6,506 in the country, according to a media report on Thursday.

The new cases emerged on Tuesday in different districts of the Punjab province. Two weeks back, 198 Tablighi Jamaat workers were quarantined in Pakpattan and nine of them have tested positive, Dawn newspaper reported.

“Their test reports were received and of them, one tested positive for the virus in Pakpattan. Similarly six other preachers tested positive for coronavirus in Sahiwal and two others tested positive in Bahawalpur,” authorities were quoted as saying in the report.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Yediyurappa inaugurates mobile testing kiosk for COVID-19 in Bengaluru 

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa inaugurated a mobile testing kiosk for the novel coronavirus in Bengaluru on Thursday. These mobile booths will start working in all wards of the Bengaluru to take samples for COVID-19.

The mobile kiosk developed by Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences can be deployed in hotspots and clusters to procure the throat swabs according to the guidelines issued by ICMR.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra records highest COVID-19 cases at 2,916 with 187 deaths 

At 2,916, Maharashtra has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India. Maharashtra is followed by Delhi at 1,578 and Tamil Nadu at 1,242. 

The total number of novel coronavirus cases in India surged past the 12,000-mark on Thursday while the death toll has climbed to 414.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

JUST IN: Gujarat registers 871 COVID-19 cases as 105 more test positive

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

1.5 lakh PPE kits to be supplied to AIIMS Delhi 

Hans Engineering Works is manufacturing 1.5 lakh Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits in Meerut for AIIMS, Delhi. “The hospital has placed an order for 1.5 lakh PPE kits. We’ve supplied 80,000 so far, rest to be supplied within a week.”

Meerut: PPE (Personal protective equipment) kits are being manufactured by Hans Engineering Works, for supply to AIIMS Delhi. Director of the company says, "AIIMS Delhi has placed an order for 1.5 Lakh PPE kits. We've supplied 80,000 so far, rest to be supplied within a week." pic.twitter.com/pVr3wt3O95

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

COVID-19 death count in Gujarat climbs to 36 

With three more people succumbing to the novel coronavirus in Gujarat, the death count in the state on Thursday climbed to 36, said a state government official. 

71 new coronavirus cases were reported as of 8 am on Thursday in the state, according to data released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This brings the total reported cases of coronavirus in Gujarat to 766.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra’s tally nears 3,000

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with nearly 3,000 cases now and 295 deaths as of Thursday. The government has identified 170 districts across the country as COVID-19 ‘hotspots’ or ‘red zones’, and another 207 districts as ‘potential hotspots’, reports Indian Express.

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Update

Telangana Cabinet to meet on 19 April

Telangana Cabinet to meet on 19 April to discuss the further course of COVID-19 lockdown extension. The cabinet will discuss if there should be a total lockdown till 3 May or should there be some restrictions eased as per Centre guidelines.

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update

COVID-19 patient from Sundergarh recovers, total 19 people cured so far in Odisha

A COVID-19 patient from Odishas Sundergarh district has recovered and will soon be discharged from the hospital, the state government said.

A 67-year-old man and an 18-year-old boy from the Bisra area in Sundergarh district had tested positive for the virus and were admitted to the a hospital in Rourkela. While the elderly man had attended a religious congregation organised by the Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi’s Nizamuddin last month, the teenager was infected after coming in contact with him.

However, it was not immediately clear which one of the two patients recovered. The Health and Family Welfare Department said that with this recovery, the total number of persons cured of COVID-19 in the state is 19.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Pizza delivery boy tests positive in Delhi

A pizza delivery boy has tested positive for coronavirus. The administration has asked people living in around 72 houses to stay in quarantine, District Magistrate South Delhi told ANI on Thursday. 

According to DM BM Mishra, a delivery boy from a famous pizza chain in Malviya Nagar area tested positive on Tuesday, following which the authorities immediately decided to quarantine his 16 colleagues at the outlet. A detailed trail was followed to identify each house where food was delivered by the outlet. 

“We have found that 72 houses had taken delivery from that outlet and hence everyone has been told to follow precautionary measures and be under self- quarantine,” Mishra told India TV.

Coronavirus in Goa Latest Update

Goa Police compiles video to urge people to stay at home

After spreading awareness about coronavirus by singing songs out on streets, Goa Police have compiled a video, featuring local artists, to highlight the importance of staying at home for protection against the deadly disease.

Goa Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh on Wednesday released the video, titled ‘Gharantuch tum rav’ (you stay indoors), on various social media platforms.

The song shown in the video has been written and composed by Deputy Superintendent of Police Edwin Colaco.

“The video was shot in a house during the lockdown period, but the crew members ensured that guidelines of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare were not violated, Colaco told PTI.

https://t.co/SNNHXrUHfU Tum Rav - A video song by DySP Edwin Colaco on why we need to #StayHomeStaySafe even if we get #bored. This is a crucial time in #GoaFightsCOVID19. Let’s look at it as just a few more days! @goacm @PIB_Panaji @dip_goa @goanewshub @PrimeTVGoa @bigfmindia

— DGP Goa Sh. Jaspal Singh IPS (@DGP_Goa) April 15, 2020

Coronavirus in China Latest Update

China dispatches 6,50,000 medical kits to India to fight COVID-19: Indian envoy

China on Thursday dispatched 6,50,000 coronavirus medical kits to India to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Ambassador to Beijing Vikram Misri said. Over two million test kits being procured from China will be sent to India in the next 15 days, he told PTI.

As its factories resumed operations after over a two-month grim battle against the coronavirus, China is busy tapping into the vast business opportunities of export of key medical goods, especially ventilators and personal protection equipment (PPE), across the world, including India, where both private and government bodies are placing orders for the import of these products.

Two major consignments of medical kits were reported to have been sent to India from China earlier as part of efforts to step up testing, especially in hotspots during the current lockdown in the country.

#IndiaFightsCoronavirus A total of 650,000 kits, including Rapid Antibody Tests and RNA Extraction Kits have been despatched early today from Guangzhou Airport to #India | #2019nCoV #StayHomeSaveLives @MEAIndia @HarshShringla @DrSJaishankar

— Vikram Misri (@VikramMisri) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Andhra Pradesh reports 9 new cases; case count rises to 534

Nine new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Andhra Pradesh from 7 pm on Wednesday to 9 am Thursday – 3 each in Krishna, Kurnool and West Godavari districts. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 534, including 20 discharged and 14 deaths: Arja Srikanth, State Nodal Officer told ANI.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Finance Ministry extends date of payment for renewal of insurance policies

The Ministry of Finance has issued a notification extending the date of payment for the renewal of insurance policies to 15 May due to the coronavirus. This pertains to health and motor third party insurance policies that are due between 25 March and 3 May.

With a view to mitigate hardship to policyholders whose health&motor (3rd party) insurance policies are due for renewal during lockdown, Govt. has issued notification allowing policyholders to make payments on or before 15.05.2020 towards renewal of their policies: FM Sitharaman pic.twitter.com/HJctAhUJa2

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Rupee tanks 36 paise to all-time low of 76.80 against US dollar in early trade

The Indian rupee tanked 36 paise to an all-time low of 76.80 against the US dollar in opening trade on Thursday, tracking weak domestic equities and sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country.

Forex traders said the weakness in the rupee was largely due to strengthening of the US Dollar against the basket of currencies as investors fled to safe haven Greenback amid weakening risk appetite in the markets.

The rupee opened weak at 76.75 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to hit an all-time low of 76.80, down 36 paise over its last close.

The rupee had settled at 76.44 against the US dollar on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in Australia Latest Update

Australia opens first ‘virtual hospital’ for COVID-19 patients, says report

Australia has started a trial of its first “virtual hospital” for COVID-19 patients in the State of New South Wales (NSW), a local television network reported on Wednesday, reported Xinhua news agency.

Armidale hospital in NSW began the trial on Wednesday which would allow COVID-19 patients with moderate symptoms to return home with a monitoring device to report their vital life signs.

With the help of artificial intelligence, a team of doctors then could monitor the health of patients remotely and call them back to the hospital if their condition deteriorated.

Australia opens 1st "virtual hospital" in New South Wales that allows #COVID19 patients with moderate symptoms to return home with a monitoring device to report their vital life signs https://t.co/hk4eSaI88R pic.twitter.com/oPCarSXZyL

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

42 police personnel tested for COVID-19 so far

According to think tank organisation Indian Police Foundation as of Thursday morning, 42 police / CAPF personnel have tested COVID-19 positive and more than 350 are under isolation/home quarantine.

As of today, 42 police / CAPF personnel have tested covid19 positive and more than 350 are on isolation / home quarantine. Take care, for your own safety and the safety of others: Keep distance; wear face masks; follow hand hygiene.

— Indian Police Foundation (@IPF_ORG) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

25 fresh cases take Rajasthan’s COVID-19 tally past 1,000-mark

The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in Rajasthan reached 1,101 after 25 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday at 9 am, said media reports. 

According to reports, 11 cases were reported in Tonk,10 in Jodhpur, two in Jhunjhunu while one each in Bikaner and Ajmer.

#COVID_19 update #Rajasthan
25 new cases reported at 9am

11 from #Tonk
10 from #Jodhpur
2 from Jhunjhunu
1 from Bikaner
1 from Ajmer

Total positive 1101 ⁦@rohitksingh⁩ #stayhome #staysafe pic.twitter.com/VHfwBBId7U

— Avinash Kalla (@avinashkalla) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka’s COVID-19 toll at 13 after 66-yr-old succumbs to infection 

The death of a senior citizen in Bengaluru on Thursday took Covid-19 related fatalities to 13 in Karnataka, said the health department. " A 66-year old man infected by coronavirus dies in Bengaluru, death toll in Karnataka rises to 13, said the state health department.

With 19 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, the total number of case rose to 279 in the state.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Special parcel train service extended till Secundarabad

The running of Special Parcel Train Service has been extended till Secundarabad, said the Divisional Railway Manager, Mumbai, Central Railways on Thursday. 

The move is aimed at quick transportation of essential services to supplement the supply chain during the lockdown in view of COVID-19. 

Parcel Loaders and e-commerce companies who want to send essential commodities may avail this opportunity.

Running of Special Parcel Train Service is extended up to SECUNDERABAD. It is aimed to transport more essential items to fight #COVID19. Parcel Loaders and e-commerce companies who want to send essential commodities may avail this opportunity. Details as attached. pic.twitter.com/NyBpvefrH4

— DRM Mumbai CR (@drmmumbaicr) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Three-day complete lockdown issued in Raipur

A complete lockdown has been issued in Raipur for three days, starting from 5 pm on 16 April to 5 pm on 19 April, said the District Relations Office. Vegetable markets and shops will remain shut and only emergency services will ply.

“Only medical shops, milk booths, petrol pumps, LPG gas outlets and online home delivery services will remain open,” said the District Relations Office.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Bihar reach 72

Two more individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, bringing the total number of cases in the state to 72, a top official said on Thursday. The fresh cases were reported from Patna and Vaishali districts, he said.

Reports of a 60-year-old man from Patna and 35-year-old man from Vaishali, which came in late Wednesday night, were positive, according to Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

COVID-19 count in Agra rises to 167

With 19 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday, the COVID-19 tally in the district in Uttar Pradesh climbed to 167, said gra District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

42 new COVID-19 cases in Indore take Madhya Pradesh tally to 980

With 42 more people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Indore, the COVID-19 tally in Madhya Pradesh rose to 980, health officials said on Thursday.

Two more deaths were also reported from Indore late Wednesday night, taking the toll in the state to 55. The viral infection has now spread in 26 out of total 52 districts in the state.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

414 COVID-19 deaths, confirmed cases at 12,380

According to the data released by the Union health ministry on Thursday, the death count due to the novel coronavirus rose to 414 while the number of positive cases reached 12,380. 

As many as 1,488 people have been cured and discharged, and one has migrated, the ministry said, which takes the number of active cases to 10,477.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

WHO chief lauds India to engage in polio surveillance network to fight COVID-19 

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday appreciated India’s collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the systematic engagement of polio surveillance network across the country to fight against coronavirus.

In a series of tweets, Ghebreyesus said, “Great news: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and World Health Organisation-South-East Asia initiated a systematic engagement of the WHO’s national polio surveillance network, and other field staff, for India’s Covid-19 response, tapping into the best practices and resources that helped India win its war against polio.”

Great news: @MoHFW_INDIA & @WHOSEARO initiated a systematic engagement of @WHO’s national polio surveillance network, and other field staff, for 🇮🇳’s #COVID19 response, tapping into the best practices & resources that helped 🇮🇳 win its war against polio. https://t.co/G7ttUz5QkH

— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 15, 2020

Coronavirus in United States Latest Updates

US records nearly 2,600 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hrs

The United States on Wednesday recorded nearly 2,600 additional deaths from the new coronavirus in 24 hours, a new record and the heaviest daily count of any country, Johns Hopkins University said.

A running tally from Johns Hopkins showed 2,569 victims, compared with the same time the previous evening, bringing the total number of deaths in the US to 28,326 – higher than any other nation.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

COVID-19 vaccine only way to bring back ’normalcy’: UN chief 

A COVID-19 vaccine may be the only thing that can bring back “normalcy,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Wednesday, hoping for just that before the end of the year.

“A safe and effective vaccine may be the only tool that can return the world to a sense of ’normalcy,’ saving millions of lives and countless trillions of dollars,” he added during a video conference with the 50 or so African countries that are members of the United Nations.

He called for its accelerated development and accessibility to all, adding it must have a “universal global benefit” and “allow us to control the pandemic.”

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt to setup paid-quarantine centres in three hotels

The Delhi government will set up quarantine facilities at three private hotels in wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Wednesday.

People using quarantine facilities at the Welcome Hotel, the Vivanta by Taj and the Piccadily Hotel will have to pay Rs 3,100, excluding the Goods and Services Tax, per day, according to the official.

The official said these hotels are located in the Southwest District of Delhi. The district administration has issued orders for setting up the paid-quarantine facilities by reserving 767 rooms in these hotels.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Kerala man carries ailing father, walks for 1 km after autorickshaw stopped by police

A Kerala man carried his 65-year-old ailing father in Punalur and walked close to one-kilometre after the autorickshaw he brought to take his father back from the hospital was allegedly stopped by Police, due to the lockdown guidelines in view of coronavirus. 

#WATCH Kerala: A person carried his 65-year-old ailing father in Punalur & walked close to one-kilometre after the autorickshaw he brought to take his father back from the hospital was allegedly stopped by Police, due to #CoronavirusLockdown guidelines. (15.4) pic.twitter.com/I03claE1XO

— ANI (@ANI) April 16, 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Global COVID-19 death count over 130,000 

The coronavirus has killed at least 131,319 people around the world, with Europe accounting for more than two-thirds of the deaths, according to an AFP tally on Wednesday from official sources.

Europe has reported 88,716 deaths, while the United States has the single highest toll at 26,950.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal to provide financial aid to migrant workers in state 

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced that her government will provide financial aid and relief to migrant workers and families from the state stranded outside due to the nationwide lockdown.

Seventeen more people have, meanwhile, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the state in the past 24 hours and five patients discharged after recovery. The total number of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Bengal has risen to 163. 

“We have decided to provide financial aid and relief to migrant workers and families from Bengal stranded in other states. We are a poor state and have limited resources. But we will still help our people stranded outside,” Mamata told journalists.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi registers 1,578 COVID cases after 17 more test positive

The Delhi government on Wednesday decided to use the plasma enrichment technique to treat severely-ill coronavirus patients on a trial basis as the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the National Capital reached 1,578.

The clinical trial of the plasma enrichment technique will be conducted at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), according to an official.

In the technique, antibodies from blood of patients, who have recovered from coronavirus, are used to treat severely infected patients. It is aimed at assessing the efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit complications in COVID-19 patients.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai Police arrests 11, including scribe, in Bandra migrant workers’ protest 

The police have arrested a total of 11 persons including a journalist with regard to the crowd of migrant labourers which gathered in suburban Bandra on Tuesday, officials said.

The police have registered three cases in connection with the incident so far.

In the first case, registered against the mob of around 800 to 1,000 persons for unlawful assembly, rioting, violation of prohibitory orders during the lockdown, nine persons were arrested on Wednesday.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Dip in new COVID-19 cases in Maharshtra and Delhi 

The number of fresh Covid-19 cases dropped on Wednesday in Maharashtra and Delhi, the two worst affected states, even as 29 more deaths were recorded in the last 24 hours across the country, taking the toll to 422.

While Delhi recorded just 17 new cases, its lowest single-day tally in April, Maharashtra reported 232 — the lowest figure in the last six days. Nine new Covid-19 deaths were reported in Maharashtra and two in Delhi in the last 24 hours.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

170 dists declared as COVID-19 hotspots: Health Ministry 

Taking intensive efforts for implementing containment measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the Union Health Ministry has classified 170 hotspot districts in the ‘Red Zone’, while 207 non-hotspot districts with clusters and non-infected districts have been classified as ‘Green Zone’.

The Centre has named hotspot districts as Red Zone as it needs to have attention in these areas reporting a large number of COVID-19 cases and high growth rate.

For hotspots within the Red Zone, the Centre has identified about 170 districts. This is further divided into two groups i.e. there are 123 hotspot districts with a large outbreak and 47 hotspot districts with clusters.