Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Assam reports highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases with 39 new infections; 107 active cases in state currently

Coronavirus in US Latest Updates

Experts: Trump’s threats to WHO could undercut global health

US president Donald Trump’s attacks on the World Health Organization are hurting its ability to protect global health, medical experts said Tuesday, as many WHO member states rallied around the UN health agency — even as they urged a look into its coordination of the global response to the coronavirus, AP reported.

Political sniping on issues like war in Ukraine and Taiwan’s status pockmarked a second and final day of the WHO’s annual assembly, which nonetheless produced a unanimous resolution that backs cooperation to find tools to address COVID-19 and inspect the world’s response to it, among other things.

(AP)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Flow of COVID-19 information from Centre almost nil as cases cross 1 lakh, says report 

From daily briefings by the health ministry on the coronavirus situation in the country, the Centre has restricted sources of information to a single press release every day, NDTV noted on Tuesday.

“But the tapering off has been on while, with the ministry briefings being curtailed to only on weekdays that too except Wednesday’s from April 22. Three days later, officials of the Indian Council of Medical Research — the country’s nodal body in the fight against the virus stopped attending briefings,” the report said.

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

Flight carrying 175 Indians lands in Hyderabad

Repatriation flight Air India Express IX 890 carrying 175 Indian passengers from Bahrain arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, earlier on Tuesday.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal announces dates of class 12 exams

“West Bengal education minister Partha Chatterjee announced the dates of the postponed examinations for the class 12 state boards. The exams, which couldn’t be held on the scheduled dates due to the coronavirus-forced lockdown, will be conducted on 29 June, 2 July and 6 July,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam COVID-19 cases rise to 157

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Punjab govt says 2.5 lakh migrants sent back to native states

The Punjab government said that it has aided the return of more than 2.5 lakh migrant workers to their home states “with the 200th train leaving for Maharashtra from Amritsar,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Air India flight from Saudi Arabia reaches Kochi

Air India special flight (AI 1908) from Dammam (Saudi Arabia) reached Cochin International Airport with 143 passengers: Public Relations Department, Kerala.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Ashok Gehlot asks Centre to coordinate bus services

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday asked Centre to coordinate bus services “between those states where train load is not available currently”, reports said.

“Once again I would like to state that the condition of migrant workers is becoming unbearable and with each passing day they are becoming more and more restless. Rajasthan has already started running Shramik Special buses ensuring no migrant are seen walking on the roads. I request GoI to coordinate similar kind of bus services between states across the country where train load is not available,” he tweeted.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt to open 21 hair salons in Lucknow

The Uttar Pradesh government will reportedly start 21 hair salons in Lucknow from Wednesday. “However, in order to practice social distancing, only one person will be allowed in the salon. The government also said that strict action will be taken against those who would be found without masks,” India Today reported.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Uttarakhand reports 7 COVID-19 cases today

Seven new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Uttarakhand on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 111, the Uttarakhand health department said.

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

338 new COVID-19 cases reported in Rajasthan today

The Rajasthan health department said that 338 new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the cumulative positive cases to 5,845. Five deaths have been also reported and toll is at 143.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka govt issues guidelines for salons, parlours

The Karnataka government on Tuesday issued SOPs for hair cutting salons and parlours. Appointments/token system to be adopted to stagger clients’ entry.

The notification said that sharp waste will be collected in puncture-proof, leakproof white container with 1 percent hypochlorite solution, to be handed over to biomedical waste disposal agency.

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

WHO says COVID-19 could cause ’extreme poverty’ for over 60 million people

“The coronavirus pandemic is expected to throw into extreme poverty more than 60 million people globally, the World Bank said as it announced emergency operations worth $160 billion in 100 developing countries to fight this deadly virus,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Shramik special train leaves Kalaburgi for Lucknow

A ‘Shramik special train’ carrying over 1480 passengers leaves for Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh from Kalaburagi Railway Station.

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

WHO member states agree for independent probe into own COVID-19 response

World Health Organisation (WHO) member states agreed on Tuesday to an independent probe into the UN agency’s #COVID19 response as US criticism mounted over its handling of the pandemic, AFP reported.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Uttar Pradesh reports 323 new COVID-19 cases today

The Uttar Pradesh health department said that 323 new cases have been reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of cases to 4,926.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Railways to run 200 non-AC trains daily from 1 June, says Centre

Union minister Piyush Goyal said that the Railways will run 200 non-AC scheduled trains every day from 1 June.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt says will fill 17,000 vacancies for specialist doctors

“We will soon fill around 17,000 vacancies for specialist doctors, nurses and other medical staff under the health department. Maharashtra is doing around 15,000 tests everyday in 67 testing labs. Death rate in Maharashtra has also come down to 3.2 percent now,” state health minister Rajesh Tope was quoted as saying by News18.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

1,411 cases reported in Mumbai today

The BMC on Tuesday said that 1,411 new coronavirus cases and 43 deaths have been reported in Mumbai. Total positive cases stand at 22,563 and death toll stands at 800.

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

Gujarat reports 395 new COVID-19 cases

The Gujarat health department said that 395 new coronavirus cases and 25 deaths were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking cases to 12,141 and toll 719.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Vande Bharat flight with 333 Indians takes off from London

The London-Kochi-Vijayawada evacuation flight departing with 333 Indians on board, the High Commission of India in London said.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka sees highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases

India Today reported that Karnataka reported the highest single-day spike of 149 new coronavirus cases. The total number of cases rose to 1,395 in the state and the active cases are at 811.

The toll rose to 40 with three more deaths.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP Police registers FIR agsinst Priyanka Gandhi’s PA

The Uttar Pradesh Police filed an FIR against Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s personal secretary Sandeep Singh and UP Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu after they staged a sit-in protest at the Agra-Rajasthan border in Uncha Nangla area on Tuesday after the buses they had arranged to bring back migrant workers from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh, was not allowed to enter Uttar Pradesg, ANI reported.

He was later removed from spot, the report said.

“As per MHA guidelines you need to apply for permission for inter-state bus movement after which pass is issued&permission is granted. They hadn’t applied and didn’t have pass. So they were not allowed to enter. He hasn’t been arrested, said SP rural (west), Agra (UP), Ravi Kumar.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

28 more COVID-19 cases reported in J&K

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that 28 more coronavirus cases have been reported in the union territory on Tuesday. Of these, 22 were reported from the Kashmir division and six from the Jammu division. The total positive cases in the union terrority stand at 1,317 including 653 active cases.

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Bengal reports 62 new COVID-19 cases today

The total number of coronavirus cases in West Bengal rose to 2,961, with 62 new cases being reported on Tuesday. Of these, 1,433 cases are in Kolkata and 739 are active. The toll in Bengal stands at 250.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam sees highest singhle-day spike in COVID-19 cases, say reports

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that 13 new coronavirus cases were detected from the Sarusajai Quarantine Centre. He added that the total patient count rose to 154.

However, other reports said that the state saw the highest single-day spike in infections. “So far, 39 cases have been recorded on the last 24 hours so far,” the reporter tweeted.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Madhya Pradesh records 229 new COVID-19 cases, 6 deaths today

Reports said that 229 new coronavirus cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday, along with six new casualties. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the state rose to 5,465, while active cases are 2,577.

The state-wide toll rose to 258, The Hindu reported,

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Migrant photographed weeping reaches home in Bihar’s Begusarai

Rampukar Pandit, who was in a photo “weeping inconsolably”, was on Tuesday taken home by family member on bicycle in Bihar’s Begusarai district after being discharged from hospital, PTI reported.

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

601 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu today

The Tamil Nadu health department said that 601 more coronavirus cases and three deaths were reported in the state on Tuesday. The total number of cases in the state is now at 12,448, including 7,466 active cases and 84 deaths.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Western Railway operated 582 special trains from 2 May to yesterday

Western Railway on Tuesday said it had operated 582 Shramik Special trains from 2 to 18 May, which have carried 8,31,205 passengers to their desired destinations.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

1,972 Indians brought back to Mumbai under Vande Bharat mission

Reports said that 1,972 Indian citizens have landed in Mumbai so far under the Vande Bharat mission. 

These people came from 10 countries through 13 flights. 822 of them are from Mumbai, 1,025 are from rest of Maharashtra  and 125 are from other states.

Reportedly, 27 more flights are expected to bring back stuck Indians to Mumbai.

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Five new COVID-19 cases reported in Chhattisgarh

Five new coronavirus cases have been reported in Chhattisgarh, of which four are from Rajnandgaon and one is from Korba, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur said. Total cases in Chhattisgarh stand at 100 including 59 discharges and 41 active cases.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says mortality per lakh population is 0.2 deaths

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says ‘record number’ of samples tested yesterday

The Union health ministry said that in terms of case mortality per lakh population, India has so far about 0.2 deaths per lakh population vis-a-vis approximately 4.1 deaths per lakh population for the world as a whole.

“A record number of 1,08,233 samples were tested yesterday in the country. So far a total of 24,25,742 samples have been tested,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

125 students brought back to J&K from Delhi

The Jammu and Kashmir government said that on the intervention of LG GC Murmu and Advisor to LG Baseer Khan, 125 stranded students including blind and physically challenged were brought back to Jammu and Kashmir from New Delhi in five air conditioned buses. No fare was charged for the travel, the government said.

Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates

Assam reports 6 new COVID-19 cases today

Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that six new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the state. Out of them, three are from Guwahati, two are related to a cancer patient who lost his life at GMCH (wife and daughter). two patients are from Karimganj and one from Sarusajai quarantine centre. Total patient count rose to 141, he added.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra minister asks UGC to cancel exams for final year UG, PG students

Maharashtra minister for higher studies Uday Samant on Tuesday reported asked the Universal Grants Commission (UGC) to cancel exams for final year UG and PG students in view of the coronavirus situation, Mumbai Mirror reported.

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

Global worries as infections spike in Russia, Brazil, India

New coronavirus cases have been spiking from India to South Africa to Mexico in a clear indication that the pandemic is far from over, while Russia and Brazil now sit behind only the United States in the number of reported infections.

The surges come even as much of Asia, Europe and scores of US states have seen enough progress in their fight against the virus to focus on how best to reopen their economies.

US autoworkers, French teachers and Thai mall workers are among the hundreds of thousands of employees back on the job with new safety precautions.

(AP)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India slowest to report more than 1,00,000 COVID-19 cases

“110 days after reporting its first case, and after three lockdown extensions, India has now become the 11th country to report >100,000 cases, the slowest so far. It has reported nearly 5,000 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday,” IndiaSpend reported.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

DGCA says social distancing to be followed during training

DGCA allows Approved Training Organization to function for simulator utilisation only, for Pilots. Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) operators are allowed to conduct non-revenue local training flights. DGCA directs that social distancing/disinfecting to be strictly followed.

Coronavirus in Manipur Latest Updates

Two returning from Delhi test positive in Manipur

Manipur officials were quoted by India Today as saying that a 64-year-old woman and her daughter, who returned from Delhi last week, tested positive for coronavirus in the state.

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

8 hours relaxation in curfew introduced in Shimla

The Shimla DM said that as per the order of the government, relaxation in curfew henceforth shall be for 8 hours daily. The relaxation in curfew in Shimla district shall be from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm till further orders.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Migrants begin walking to Bengal from Mangaluru

A group of migrant workers was seen walking on foot in Mangaluru towards their native places, ANI reported. One of them was quoted by the report as saying, “We are from Malda in West Bengal. We don’t have work here, so we are returning home. We don’t have food and water with us.”

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Nine more BEST employees test positive for COVID-19

Nine more BEST employees have tested positive for coronavirus on Tuesday. The total number of cases in BEST is now 137, the BEST Public Relations Officer said.

Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates

Himachal reports 90 COVID-19 cases so far

A total of 90 people in Himachal Pradesh have tested positive for COVID-19 till date, including 45 recovered and three deaths, the state department of health and family welfare said.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Heavy traffic in Delhi amid 4th phase of lockdown

Heavy traffic congestion seen at ITO and Yamuna Bridge area amid the fourth phase of the lockdown against the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

12 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala today

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 12 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the state on Tuesday. He said that four of these have returned from abroad while eight others have come from other states. Total positive cases stand at 642, which includes 142 active cases.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

BSF reports three COVID-19 cases today

The BSF said that three new coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours.

“They’re under treatment in designated COVID-19 hospitals. Since yesterday, 22 COVID-19 positive BSF personnel have been discharged from hospitals in Delhi, in addition to earlier 192. Total recovered till today 214. Active cases 144,” the statement said.

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Jammu and Kashmir govt issues revised guidelines for 4th phase of lockdown

The Jammu and Kashmir government issued revised guidelines for fourth phase of the lockdown on Tuesday. All economic and courier services, all agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and related activities, banks and financial activities have been permitted in the entire union territory.

Barber shops, saloons, parlours permitted in all areas except within the limits of Municipal Corporations in Orange zones.

Coronavirus in Chandigarh Latest Updates

Three new COVID-19 cases reported in Chandigarh

Three new positive cases have been reported on Tuesday in Chandigarh, taking the total positive cases in the union territory to 199 including three deaths, the Chandigarh Health Department said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Railways says consent of destination state for special trains not required

The Indian Express quoted an Indian Railway spokesperson as saying that the “consent of destination states is not necessary anymore for Shramik special trains”. These trains are part of the Centre’s plan to transport stranded people, including migrants, back to their home states amid the lockdown.

 “MHA 29th April circular was issued for Roadways and later MHA had issued 1st May circular making 29th April circular applicable for Railways too. Now today MHA has withdrawn 1st May circular and issued a seperate SOP for Railways,” the Railways spokesperson was quoted as saying by the report.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt says all necessary steps being taken for safe transport

Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot on Tuesday said that the government is taking “all precautions with regard to the resumption of public transport and urged people to wear masks and ensure social distancing.”

“At some terminals and bus stands, we have started conducting thermal screening of passengers before boarding. We will try to implement this at all busy bus stands. Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal, the government is taking all necessary steps to ensure safe transport for people,” he tweeted.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

US to ‘donate’ 200 ventilators to India, says report

Reports said that the US government will “donate” 200 ventilators to India with the first tranche of 50 expected to arrive soon “as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic”.

“Donald Trump had announced last week that the US will donate ventilators to India to treat the COVID-19 patients and help it fight the “invisible enemy”,” News18 reported.

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar reports 53 new COVID-19 cases today

53 more coronavirus cases have been reported in Bihar; taking the total number of cases to 1,495, the Bihar principal health secretary Sanjay Kumar said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

2,350 COVID-19 patients cured in 24 hours, says Health ministry

The Union health ministry on Tuesday said that in the last 24 hours, a total of 2,350 COVID-19 patients have been cured.

“Thus, so far, a total of 39,174 patients have been cured of COVID-19. This means a recovery rate of 38.73 percent amongst COVID-19 patients. The recovery rate is improving continuously.”

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

400 migrants protest in Mangaluru, demand to be sent back home

ANI reported that around 400 migrant workers protested in front of Milagres College in Mangaluru on Tuesday, demanding they be sent back to their native places. They later dispersed after Police Commissioner Dr P  Harsha visited the spot and assured help.

Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Updates

Eight new COVID-19 cases reported in Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand health department said that eight new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state on Tuesday. The total number of cases rse to 104 in the state, including 52 recovered, one death and 51 active cases.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt says ’large number of cases’ are being reported by returning migrants

Uttar Pradesh principal health secretary said that a “large number of cases of infection” was being reported among groups of migrant workers returning to the state.

“So it’s very important for village and mohalla monitoring committees to control the infection. They should ensure home quarantine for those coming from outside,” he said.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Intra-district bus service allowed with 50% capacity in Maharashtra

The Maharashtra government allowed intra-district bus travel with a maximum of 50 percent capacity.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt allows public transport in green, orange zones

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday revised the lockdown rules and allowed shops and public transport in green and orange zones in the state. The government also imposed a strict curfew from 7 pm to 7 am.

“No permission for taxis, rickshaws, cabs in red zones,” the statement added.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt allows shops, malls in red zones to open for maintenance 

The Maharashtra government on Tuesday said that shops, malls, establishments, and industries will be allowed to open in red zones, but “only for upkeep and maintenance”. No commercial activities will be allowed.

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Crowd assembles outside Bandra station for special train going to Bihar

The Western Railway PRO on Tuesday said that a shramik special train was scheduled for Purnia from Bandra Terminus for which passengers, registered with state authorities were to travel.

“But many people who were not registered and not called by state authorities gathered on bridge and road near the station. Bonafide passengers were checked and allowed to enter the station by state machinery and the train left Bandra Terminus at about 12 hrs with 1,700 labourers and their families who were entitled to travel. Later, the crowd was cleared from the area by Mumbai Police.”

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt allows e-commerce for non-essential goods from today

Reports said that the Maharashtra government on Tuesday allowed the e-commerce of non-essential goods. Under the revised guidelines for the fourth phase of the lockdown, the state government also allowed the opening of stadia, sports complexes, public spaces in non-red zones. However, no spectators will be allowed at any event.'

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

COVID-19 recovery rate in Rajasthan at 56.14%

Rajasthan registered a COVID-19 recovery rate of 56.14 percent after 3,232 were cured of the viral infection as of Tuesday, said the state health department. Of the total positive cases in the state, there are at least 2,386 active cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan reports 5,757 COVID-19 cases after 128 more test positive till 2 pm 

With 128 more individuals testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan till 2 pm on Tuesday, the total number of infections climbed to 5,757, said the state health department. One new COVID-19 death took toll to 139 in the state so far.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Crowd gather outside Bandra railway station

Migrant workers gathered outside the Bandra railway station in Mumbai on Tuesday to board a ‘Shramik’ special’ train to Bihar. Only people who had registered themselves were allowed to board, rest were later dispersed by police.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Leonardo DiCaprio teams up with European Commission to launch $2 mn fund for Virunga National Park

Joining hands with the European Commission, actor Leonardo DiCaprio launched the Virunga Fund with seed money of $ 2 million to support Africa’s Virunga National Park.

Since Virunga has lost a significant amount of revenue due to COVID shutdown post-March, the fund will be used to support the national park and the communities around, reported Variety.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

Students can now apply for JEE-Mains from 19 to 24 May: HRD Minister 

Human Resource Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal said students who were unable to study abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic can now apply for JEE-Mains. He further said that fresh applications for JEE-Mains can be submitted from 19 to 24 May.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Mahindra will now let its customers live stream footage of their car being serviced

For the first time, customers can see live video of their Mahindra cars being serviced at the workshop while being at the comfort of their homes. Mahindra has digitised its service facility and all repair information can be accessed on the company’s mobile application.

Customers can review the changes, repairs, costs and pay online for the facility. All service-related documents will be shared on Whatsapp. The company also rolled out its online sales platform called ‘Own Online’ to reach more customers in the post lockdown world.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

24 new COVID-19 cases emerge in Malegaon in Nashik dist

At least 24 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nashik district of Maharashtra on Tuesday, taking the total number of infections to 824 in the district, an official said.

As per an official release issued by the district administration, swab reports of 190 suspected patients were received on Tuesday, of which 24 from Malegaon were found positive for the infection.

Of the total 824 cases in the district, 643 patients are from Malegaon, 47 from Nashik city and 104 from other parts of the district, the release stated.

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

KPC Medical college and hospital to become 69th designated COVID-19 hospital in Bengal: CM

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that KPC Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata will be the 69th dedicated COVID-19 hospital in thee state. She further said that the hospital will start functioning from Tuesday with 200 beds. 

“KPC Medical College & Hospital, Kolkata will be the State’s 69th dedicated COVID hospital. As a full-fledged Govt designated free of cost COVID hospital, it will start functioning from today with 200 beds, further ramping up specialized COVID treatment capacity in the state,” tweeted Mamata. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Madhya Pradesh CM claims to transfer Rs 16,000 cr to accounts of migrant workers, farmers

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the state government has transferred over Rs 16,000 crore into the accounts of the poor, labourers and farmers to ease their economic challenges caused by the coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.

“We are also taking full care of labourers of Madhya Pradesh stranded in other states,” he added. “We will not allow them to walk or go to sleep hungry in the state. Every labourer is being transported to the border of the state and about 1,000 buses are engaged daily in this work.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Priyanka Gandhi’s office says buses for migrant buses to arrive at Noida and Ghaziabad by 5 pm 

Responding to Yogi Adityanath government’s demand to send 1,000 buses to Delhi-Uttar Pradesh borders by noon, Congress’ Priyanka Gandhi has now written to the Uttar Pradesh Home Secretary saying that the 1,000 buses for helping in movement of migrant labourers will reach Noida and Ghaziabad borders by 5 pm on Tuesday. She further said that the government should keep a list of the labourers ready with them.

After the UP government Home Department asked Priyanka to send 500 buses to Noida and 500 to Ghaziabad by 12 noon, Sandeep Singh, personal secretary to Priyanka Gandhi has written back and said the buses will reach the locations by 5 pm.

Sandeep Singh, Personal Secretary to Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in a new letter addressed to Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary (Home), said, “as requested by you buses will reach Noida and Ghaziabad border at 5 pm today, please keep a list of passengers and route map ready to ensure smooth coordination.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

UP govt asks Priyanka Gandhi to send 1,000 buses for migrants to Delhi-UP borders

The political tussle between the Congress and the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh over transportation of migrant labourers saw latest development early on Tuesday as Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s offer to run 1,000 buses to the state turned into in a game of exchanging letters between the two parties.

The UP government, which Monday accepted Congress’ proposal to run the buses, wrote to the office of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra early Tuesday asking it to send 500 buses each to Noida and Ghaziabad borders by noon.

It also asked for fitness certificates, insurance documents of buses, and drivers’ details to be submitted by the same time.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

First Coronavirus vaccine tested on human — Moderna — is showing promising early results

The first coronavirus vaccine to be tested in people appears to be safe and able to stimulate an immune response against the infection, the manufacturer, Moderna, announced Monday, offering a glint of hope to a world desperate for ways to stop the pandemic.

The preliminary findings, in the first eight people who each received two doses of the experimental vaccine, must now be repeated in far larger tests in hundreds and then thousands of people, to find out if the vaccine can work in the real world. Moderna’s technology, involving genetic material from the virus called mRNA, is relatively new and has yet to produce an approved vaccine.

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi reports 500 new cases in past 24 hours

Delhi on Tuesday reported 500 more COVID19 cases in the last 24 hours. The total cases rise to 10,554, including 5638 active cases and 166 deaths, according to the latest update from the Delhi Health Department, reports ANI.

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

127 new COVID-19 cases emerge in Karnataka, takes total to 1,373

Karnataka on Tuesday reported 127 COVID19 cases from 5 pm yesterday till 12 pm today. The total number of cases in the state is now at 1373, including 802 active cases, 530 discharged and 41 deaths (1 due to ’non-COVID’ cause), according to the latest bulletin by the state health department.

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

Indore reports 72 new infections in past 24 hours; district toll at 103

As many as 72 more people tested positive for coronavirus in Indore in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of such cases in the Madhya Pradesh district to 2,637, an official said on Tuesday.

Besides, two COVID-19 patients, both women aged 70, died in different hospitals here in the last three days, raising the death toll in the state’s worst-hit district to 103, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia said.

The two victims were already suffering from diabetes and some other chronic diseases, he said.

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Spitting at workplace punishable with fine: Govt

Spitting at the workplace will be punishable with fine, the Personnel Ministry has said, citing the national directives for COVID-19 management.

In an order issued to all central government departments, it has asked their heads to ensure strict compliance of this and other directives in this regard.

This order is likely to bring about changes in and around government and private workplaces, where one can easily spot stains of ‘pan’ and ‘gutka’ spitted at some of the corners of walls or areas not frequented by many employees/public.

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

Registration numbers given by Congress turned belong to autos, good carriers: UP minister

After the Congress said it will give 1,000 buses to the Uttar Pradesh government to ferry migrant workers, the state’s minister Sidharth Nath Singh has claimed that of the registration numbers of these vehicles given by the party, many belong to two-wheelers, auti-rickshaws and goods carriers. “Sonia Gandhi should answer why they are committing this fraud,” he said.

BJP leader Sambit Patra used the hashtag ‘Priyanka Vadra Bus Ghotala’ and shared details of vehicles whose registration numbers were shared by the Congress leader and which turned out to not be buses.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

MHA issues new SOPs regarding Shramik special trains

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a revised Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) on the movement of stranded workers by trains. According to the SOPs, states will have to share the requirement for trains with the Ministry of Railways, make suitable arrangements for sending and receiving the migrants at railway stations and train schedule and ticket booking procedures shall be publicised by the railways.

The routes of trains will be decided by the railways in consultation with the MHA.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Assam Latest Updates

Fourteen new COVID-19 cases in Assam

Fourteen new coronavirus cases were reported till 11.55 am on Tuesday in Assam, according to data released by the Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. This brings the total reported cases of coronavirus in Assam to 135.

Of the 14 new cases, seven were reported in Kamrup, two in Hojai, Biswanath and Nalbari each, one in Nagaon. 

Among the total people infected as on date, 41 have recovered and 2 have passed away.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Maruti Suzuki rolls out safety protocol for all service centres, dealerships in India 

Maruti Suzuki has rolled out safety protocols that must be strictly followed at all dealerships and service centres across the country. The company has a vast network of over 3800 service centres across 1914 cities.

These protocols ensure the safety of all employees and customers while working in the post lockdown world. The protocols have been developed after taking guidance from the social distancing initiative set by the government and other authorities in the best interest of people.

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Updates

‘Straight-Up Fire’ in His Veins: A personal recount of a New York teen who battled COVID-19 

When a sprinkling of a reddish rash appeared on Jack McMorrow’s hands in mid-April, his father figured the 14-year-old was overusing hand sanitizer — not a bad thing during a pandemic.

When Jack’s parents noticed that his eyes looked glossy, they attributed it to late nights of video games and TV.

When he developed a stomach ache and did not want dinner, “they thought it was because I ate too many cookies or whatever,” said Jack, a ninth-grader in the Queens borough of New York who loves Marvel Comics and has ambitions to teach himself “Stairway to Heaven” on the guitar.

But over the next 10 days, Jack felt increasingly unwell. His parents consulted his paediatricians in video appointments and took him to a weekend urgent care clinic. Then, one morning, he awoke unable to move.

Jack, who was previously healthy, was hospitalized with heart failure that day, in a stark example of the newly discovered severe inflammatory syndrome linked to the coronavirus that has been identified in about 200 children in the United States and Europe and killed several.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

55 cops test positive in past 24 hrs in Maharashtra

Over 55 police personnel have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Maharashtra, taking the total number of cops infected by the virus to 1,328 in the state. Over 12 officials have died in the state.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

Andhra Pradesh records 57 more COVID-19 cases

As many as 57 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh in the past 24 hours, taking the state’s total number of infections to 2,339. According to the health department in the state, of the total positive cases, there are 691 active cases. 

So far, 52 COVID-19 patients have succumbed to the infectious disease.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Lalbagh park opens in Bangalore to accommodate morning walkers from 7 am to 9 am 

A number of morning walkers were seen taking entry into Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore on Tuesday after the Karnataka Cabinet allowed parks to remain open in the fourth phase of nationwide lockdown imposed in view of the novel coronavirus, starting from today. The parks have been permitted to operate within the stipulated time in the morning from 7 am till 9 am. 

Speaking to Firstpost, Manjunath Bijjahalli, founder of Yellow Pages Group said, “Every walker had to stand in que for fifteen minutes at least before entering the West gate entrance of Lalbaugh. Everybody was screened and hand sanitised before entering the park. Social distancing was maintained and everybody wore masks.”

He appreciated the step taken by the state government to accommodate walkers. “At Lalbagh, everybody maintained the social distancing rules since they everyone takes different routes. The move by the government will help the walkers who genuinely care about their health and want to exercise.”

Image credit: Manjunath Bijjahall

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Updates

Rajasthan records 122 more COVID-19 cases taking total number of infections to 5,629

After 122 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Rajasthan, the total number of confirmed cases in the state rose to 5,629, said Rajasthan Health Department

Another COVID-19 patient succumbed to the viral infection taking the toll in the state to 139. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India faring well on both mortality and recovery rates: NITI Aayog chief 

NITI Aayog Amitabh Kant said India was faring well both in terms of mortality and fatality rates in comparison to European countries and United States. “The recovery rate of India is constantly improving and is now at 38 percent,” said Kant. 

“Fatalities are 2 per Mn compared to 275 in US and 591 in Spain. Our mortality rate is 3 percent compared to 16 percent in France,” he added. 

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Bihar records 1,442 COVID-19 cases

After 19 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state climbed to 1,442 on Tuesday, said Principal Secretary-Health, Bihar.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Updates

Nine migrant workers killed in bus-truck collision in Naugachhia

At least nine migrant labourers were killed and several injured in a bus-truck collision in Naugachhia, Bhagalpur on Tuesday. According to ANI, the truck in which the labourers were travelling, fell off the road following the collision. 

This is a developing story, more details are awaited.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India’s COVID-19 recovery rate at 38.7%

The COVID-19 recovery in India was now at 38.7 percent after at least 39,174 patients were discharged as of Tuesday, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

Of the total 101,139 confirmed cases across the nation, there are 58,802 active cases.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

In Photos: Karnataka govt allows bus services to resume

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Updates

Trump warns WHO must make ‘major improvements’ or funding freeze to be ‘permanent’

In a letter to World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, US president Donald Trump warns of freezing funds to the agency if it “does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days”.

The letter says that if the WHO “does not commit to major substantive improvements within the next 30 days, I will make my temporary freeze of United States funding to the World Health Organization permanent and reconsider our membership of the organization.”

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India registers over 1 lakh COVID-19 cases, 3,163 deaths

After registering a single-day jump of 4970 cases, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India surged past 1 lakh on Tuesday, according to the latest data released by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The total number of infections across the nation stood at 1,01,139. 

With 134 more deaths, the COVID-19 toll is now 3,163.

Coronavirus Outbreak in United States Latest Updates

Trump says he is taking hydroxychloroquine, despite FDA warnings 

US President Donald Trump revealed he is taking hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug that he has touted despite medical warnings about its use, as a preventive medicine against the coronavirus.

“I’ve been taking it for the last week and a half. A pill every day,” Trump told reporters. He said he has been having “zero symptoms” from it.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in April warned against taking hydroxychloroquine outside of a hospital or formal study, citing “serious and potentially life-threatening heart rhythm problems”.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

WHO agrees to launch independent probe into its handling of COVID-19 

The World Health Organization (WHO) bowed to calls on Monday from most of its member states to launch an independent probe into how it managed the international response to the coronavirus, which has been clouded by finger-pointing between the US and China over a pandemic that has killed over 300,000 people and leveled the global economy.

The “comprehensive evaluation”, sought by a coalition of African, European and other countries, is intended to review “lessons learned” from WHO’s coordination of the global response to COVID-19, but would stop short of looking into contentious issues such as the origins of the new coronavirus.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Four labourers killed, 15 injured in bus-truck collision in Yavatmal

Four migrant workers were killed and 15 injured after the bus they were travelling collided with a truck, in Yavatmal district in Maharashtra on Tuesday morning, ANI reported. The bus departed from Solapur to arrive at Jharkhand.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

ICMR revises its COVID-19 testing strategy 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday updated its strategy for testing coronavirus disease as the movement of migrant workers increased across the country.

The ICMR revised its Covid-19 testing strategy to include all returnees with any history of domestic or international travel who show symptoms for influenza like illness (ILI) within seven days of developing the ailment.

Besides an urgent drive to check migrant workers for flu and fevers, all symptomatic healthcare workers at the frontline involved in containment and mitigation of COVID-19 will also be tested through the RT-PCR test.

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Oil prices lifted for fourth day by signs of output cuts and demand pick-up

Oil prices rose on Tuesday, extending gains for a fourth straight session, amid signs that producers are cutting output as promised just as demand picks up, stoked by more countries easing out of curbs imposed to counter the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka bars entry of people from four states

The Karnataka government on Monday said it won’t allow passengers from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu to enter into the state till 31 May except in special cases and will consider allowing their entry in a staggered manner.

In the guidelines issued, on Sunday, the Ministry of Home Affairs had allowed the movement of passengers buses and vehicles between states with the condition that both state governments would have to give their consent.

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Updates

India registers highest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases with 5,242

India on Monday recorded its biggest single-day jump in cases with 5,242 cases and 157 deaths, taking the total infections to 96,169 and total fatalities to 3,029.

As the country entered the fourth phase of the nationwide lockdown, many state governments, including Karnataka, Gujarat and Assam too extended the lockdown in their states and issued guidelines allowing for more relaxations than in the previous phases of the lockdown in a bid to kickstart the economy.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Three women killed in Mahoba road accident 

According to the preliminary inputs in the Mahoba road accident in Uttar Pradesh o n Monday, all the three migrant workers killed were women. Apart from the three dead and four critically injured, five-six others suffered minor injuries.

The injured passengers have been rushed to nearby hospitals in Panwari.

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates  

Three migrant workers dead, 12 injured after truck overturns in UP’s Mahoba dist

Three migrant labourers were killed and 12 others were injured after a truck carrying them in Jhansi-Mirzapur highway, overturned in Mahoba district of Uttar Pradesh late on Monday.

SP Mahoba Mani Lal Patidar, said about 17 persons were travelling in the vehicle that was coming from Delhi. Tyre burst is said to the cause of the accident.

The accident took place in village Mahua near Panwari, according to The Hindu.