Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: No new COVID-19 case reported in Himachal Pradesh for last 7 days, says state govt; one death so far
Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said that the new guidelines issued to fight COVID-19 will come into effect from 4 May, ‘which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come."
 "Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: No new COVID-19 case reported in Himachal Pradesh for last 7 days, says state govt; one death so far")
Coronavirus in Singapore Latest Updates
Singapore reports 690 cases
Singapore on Wednesday reported 690 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients, a vast majority of whom are foreigners, to 15,641, the health ministry said.
Out of the 690 fresh cases, six are Singapore citizens or permanent residents while the rest of them are foreigners with work permits residing in dormitories, it said.
“We are still working through the details of the cases, and further updates will be shared via the press release that will be issued tonight,” the ministry said.
(PTI)
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
COVID-19 patients gives birth in Nagpur
A 28-year-old woman who was tested positive of #coronavirus in Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), Nagpur has given birth to a baby girl on Wednesday. The baby’s COVID-19 test will be conducted after three days, said Dr Sagar Pandey, Deputy Superintendent, IGGMCH Nagpur.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
125 cases, 2 deaths reported in Delhi today
The Delhi government said that two deaths and 125 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the National Capital on Wednesday. The total positive cases stand at 3,439.
Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates
Man from Tamil Nadu tests positive for COVID-19 in Tripura
Tripura minister Ratan Lal Nath said that an ambulance driver from Tamil Nadu who came to Tripura along with five passengers has tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
29-yr-old Mumbai Police personnel tests positive for COVID-19
The Mumbai Police said on Wednesday, “Our 29 year old frontline warrior, who tested positive for Coronavirus, just summarised what we’ve been meaning to tell you all along – काही टेंशन घेऊ नको रे, मित्रा! (Don’t worry, friend!).
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates
Karnataka minister tests negative, under home quarantine
Karnataka medical education minister K Sudhakar on Wednesday said, “On knowing that a TV journalist whom I have interacted tested positive for COVID-19, I got checked and tested negative. However, as abundant precaution, I have decided to be in home quarantine for the next seven days and carry out my duties from home.”
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates
Karnataka deputy CM tests negative for COVID-19
Karnataka deputy chief minister Dr Ashwathnarayan CN said, “After being informed that I might have come in contact with a COVID-19 affected person, I have been in Home Quarantine. I have tested negative, but will continue to be vigilant and take all necessary precautions”
Coronavirus in UK Latest Updates
UK’s COVID-19 toll rises by 4,419
The UK government said that the toll from coronavirus rose by 4,419 to 26,097, as care home deaths were included, AFP reported.
Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh Latest Updates
No COVID-19 case reported in Himachal for last 7 days
The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday said that no COVID-19 positive case has been reported in the state in the last 7 days. The total number of active cases stands at 10. One person has succumbed to the infection till date.
Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates
No deaths reported in Telangana today
No deaths reported in the last 24 hours in Telangana. 7 new #COVID19 positive cases reported in the state today, taking the total number of active cases to 582: State Health Department
Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates
Srinagar DM makes it mandatory to wear face masks after 1 May
“It shall be mandatory to wear face mask/face covering at all public places from 1 May,” said District Magistrate, Srinagar.
It shall be mandatory to wear face mask/face covering at all public places from 1st May: District Magistrate, Srinagar. #JammuAndKashmir #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/egVOaLlu7K
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates
74 new cases, 3 deaths reported in Rajasthan today
The Rajasthan health department said that 74 new cases of COVID-19 and three new deaths have been reported in the state on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 2,438 including 55 deaths. 814 patients have recovered from the disease till date.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
26 COVID-19 deaths reported in Mumbai
BMC said that 26 deaths and 475 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 9,532 in the city.
Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates
Two deaths, 104 new COVID-19 cases reported in Tamil Nadu today
The Tamil Nadu government said that two deaths and 104 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Wednesday. The total number of cases in the state stand at 2,162. Number of active cases is 922.
Coronavirus in Delhu Latest Updates
Kejriwal says Delhi govt in touch with other states over MHA guidelines
Reports said that Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the Delhi government is in touch with other states on the MHA’s order about the movement of migrant workers and that “the government will come with a proper plan in the next one-two days”.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre says CBSE exams to be conducted after situation becomes normal
HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Wednesday said that he had a discussion with the education ministers of other states on the CBSE Examinations held this year. He added that the exams that were not conducted due to the coronavirus outbreak will be conducted once situation becomes normal in the country.
Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates
308 new COVID-19 cases reported in Gujarat
The Gujarat health department said that In the last 24 hours, 308 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in the state, taking the total number of cases in the state to 4,082, including 527 cured/ discharged and 197 deaths.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre’s new guidelines to be effective from 4 May
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday said that the new guidelines issued to fight COVID-19 will come into effect from 4 May, “which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts. Details regarding this shall be communicated in the days to come.”
The Centre allowed stranded migrant workers, students, tourists, etc to travel back home, with some conditions.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
BMC officer succumbs to COVID-19
The BMC said that an inspector of the municipal corporation’s assessment department, Madhukar Haryan passed away on Wednesday. He had tested positive for coronavirus.
Our very own, Shri Madhukar Haryan (Inspector, Assessment Dept, BMC) passed away today. He had devoted himself in the service of Mumbaikars & the needy.
— माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) April 29, 2020
May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with the Haryan family.
He tested COVID +ve
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates
Supply in Delhi’s Azadpur Mandi affected by sealing of Haryana border
The vegetable supply in Azadpur Mandi was severely affected on Wednesday as traders could not get fresh arrivals due to sealing of Haryana border amid fears of COVID-19 infection at the Asia’s largest wholesale market in the wake of 11 traders testing positive.
Adil Ahmad Khan, chairman of Azadpur Agricultural Produce Marketting Committee, said there was no supply of vegetables from Sonipat.
“On Wednesday, 5,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables were supplied to Azadpur Mandi. Since the lockdown has been announced, supply of 7,000 to 8,000 tonnes of fruits and vegetables per day was being recorded at the mandi,” Khan said.
(PTI)
Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates
Modi speaks to Sheikh Hasina over COVID-19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he had spoken to Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina about the COVID-19 situation in the country and also to greet her for Ramadan.
Spoke to PM Sheikh Hasina to greet her & the people of Bangladesh on the Holy Month of Ramzan. We discussed COVID-19 situation & ways India and Bangladesh can collaborate in the fight against it. Our relationship with Bangladesh will continue to be one of our highest priorities.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates
2,560 COVID-19 cases reported in MP so far
The Madhya Pradesh health department said that so far, 2,560 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state and 130 people have lost their lives. Indore has recorded 1,476 cases and 65 deaths, while in Bhopal there are 483 cases and 14 deaths.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
UGC says exams for intermediate, terminal semester students to be held in July
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Wednesday said, “Intermediate Semester Students will be graded based on the internal assessment of the present and previous semester. In states where the COVID-19 situation has normalized, there will be exams in the month of July.
“For terminal semester students exams will be held in the month of July. A COVID-19 cell will be constituted in every university which will be empowered to solve the issues of students related to academic calendar and examinations.”
The UGC also said that the academic session 2020-21 may commence from 1 August 2020 for students who have already taken admission, from 1 September for fresh students.
Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates
COVID-19 cases rise to 83 in Haryana
The Haryana health department said that number of active cases of COVID-19 rose to 83 in the state on Wednesday. 225 patients have been cured/discharged while three others succumbed to the infection so far.
Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Updates
Nine more cases reported in Bihar
Nine more Covid-19 positive cases have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of positive cases to 392. We are ascertaining their infection trail, says State Principal Secretary (Health) Sanjay Kumar.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Harsh Vardhan says Centre working to increase testing capacity soon
Health minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said, “288 govt labs working along with 97 private lab chains with around 16,000 sample collection centres and testing around 60,000 tests per day. Govt is working to increase testing capacity to 1 lakh tests per day within next few days.”
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates
Three more COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha
The Odisha government said that three new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state’s Balasore district.
The statement said that all three have returned from Kolkata, they are asymptomatic and were in quarantine. Contact tracing and follow-up action is being done. Total positive cases rise to 125 in the state.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates
Kerala govt makes masks mandatory from tomorrow
Reports said that the Kerala government has been made mandatory masks mandatory from Thursday tomorrow in public places and offices. Those who violate the rule will be fined Rs 200 and for a repeated offence, a fine of Rs 5,000 will be imposed.
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates
One death recorded in Karnataka today
One coronavirus patient passed away in Karnataka’s Tumkur on Wednesday, taking the toll to 21.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
14 new COVID-19 cases reported in Dharavi
The BMC said that 14 new coronavirus cases have been reported in Mumbai’s Dharavi on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the area to 344.
No new death was recorded in Dharavi.
Additionally, three new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Mahim and no new cases have been reported in Dadar.
Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates
Jammu and Kashmir reports 16 new COVID-19 cases
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said that 16 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the union territory in last 24 hours. The total number of cases stand at 581, which includes 381 active cases and eight deaths.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
P Chidambaram welcomes Centre’s decision to allow movement of migrants
Congress leader P Chidambaram welcomed the Centre’s decision to allow inter-state movement of migrant workers and students after testing them by bus.
Buses alone will not be sufficient. It is better to run sanitized trains point-to-point to move the large numbers who desire to migrate back to their home states.
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Chandigarh Latest Updates
12 new COVID-19 cases reported in Chandigarh
The Chandigarh administration said that 12 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the union territory on Wednesday, taking the total positive cases to 68.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre says those undertaking travel should be quarantined by local authorities
The MHA on Wednesday said that migrants, students, tourists travelling from one state to another will be screened and only those who are asymptomatic will be allowed to proceed.
On arrival to the destination, each traveller should be quarantined by local health authorities.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre say states must mutually consent to movement of stranded migrants
As per the new guidelines issued by the MHA on the movement of stranded migrant workers, tourists, students, to return to their native places, all states/UTs have been instructed to appoint a nodal officer and develop a SOP for receiving and sending such stranded people to other states.
The guidelines also said that state governments are “consult each other in case of a group of stranded person wish to move from one state to another state/UT.”
Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates
Seven active COVID-19 cases in Assam currently
Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that currently, there are seven active cases of coronavirus in Assam. So far, 37 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.
He added, “10 people from Assam, which includes seven Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans have tested positive for COVID-19 in Delhi.”
Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates
WHO thanks World Bank for allocating relief fund to 60 countries
World Health Organisation (WHO) director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday tweeted his thanks to the World Bank for allocating $196M to over 60 of the poorest countries as aid to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are only as strong as our weakest link & to end this pandemic we must act in solidarity,” he said.
My thanks to the @WorldBank Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility for allocating $196M to over 60 of the poorest countries to fight #COVID19. We are only as strong as our weakest link & to end this pandemic we must act in solidarity! https://t.co/ZzqW16S0ya
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
India’s COVID-19 toll crosses 1,000
THe Union health ministry said that 71 new deaths due to coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total toll to 1,008 in the country.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
Bengal govt to allow relaxations in restrictions in green and orange zones
“We have taken certain decisions that will be implemented from Monday if everything is alright. There will be relaxations in green zone & orange zone where standalone shops of essential items will remain open. There will be no relaxation for containment areas, " said West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Highest single-day jump in COVID-19 cases with 1,813 reported
The Union health ministry, in its 5 pm update on Wednesday, said that with 1,813 new cases and 71 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 31,787.
This includes 22,982 active cases, 1,008 deaths, 7,797 cured/discharged and 1 migrated.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
MHA allows movement of stranded migrants
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday issued directions allowing the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students who are stranded at various places.
“The movement would happen only in groups and those travelling will be screened before movement. The movement will require mutual agreement between the sending and receiving states,” The Indian Express reported.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) allows movement of migrant workers, tourists, students etc. stranded at various places. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/3JH2YPAuQU
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
Centre says doubling rate slows to 11.3 days
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said that for the last three days, the doubling rate is 11.3 days in the country.
“Although the global mortality rate is around 7 percent, India is having a mortality rate of around 3 percent and around 86 percent of fatality of persons with co-morbidity,” he said.
Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates
Two prisoners in Sabarmati Centrail Jail test positive for COVID-19
PTI reported that two prisoners of Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad have tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
70-yr-old COVID-19 patient passes away in Nagour
A 70-year-old man, who was admitted to the IGGMCH (Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital) in Nagpur on 21 April after testing positive for coronavirus, passed away on Wednesday, said Dr Ajay Keoliya, Dean, IGGMCH.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates
Ashish Shelar asks Maharashtra govt to slash school fees by 10%
Reports said that in view of the demand of hiked fees by several private schools in Mumbai, BJP MLA Ashish Shelar wrote to Maharashtra education minister Varsha Gaikwad seeking slashing of fees by 10 percent for all schools
Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates
One more person tests positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand
The Jharkhand government said that one more person tested positive for COVID-19 in the state’s Jamtara district on Wednesday. The patient had returned from West Bengal. Total two cases have been reported in Jamtara so far and 106 cases in total in the state till date, says Nitin Madan Kulkarni, State Health Secretary.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
No plan to do away with pending class 10, 12 board exams, says CBSE
The board exams for class 10 and 12 pending due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown will be conducted at the first possibility and there is no move to do away with the remaining exams, CBSE officials said on Wednesday.
The board is prepared to conduct the exams for class 10 and 12 for crucial 29 subjects, while the HRD Ministry has directed states to start the evaluation process for the exams already conducted and facilitate the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in evaluation of answer sheets.
“Recently, there has been a lot of speculation regarding CBSE Board exams. The board’s decision to take exams for 29 subjects of class 10 and 12, stands the same. There is no change in position of conducting board exams. Therefore, exams will be conducted,” Sanyam Bhardwaj, CBSE’s Controller of Examinations said.
The clarification by the CBSE officials came amid uncertainty over when the exams will be conducted leading to speculations that the exams will be done away with in a one-time arrangement.
(PTI)
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
Kailash Vijayvargiya writes to Mamata Banerjee over COVID-19 response
BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya on Wednesday wrote to West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, slamming the state government for “mismanaging fight against coronavirus”. “Stop suppressing data, test more, end appeasement politics and save West Bengal,” he wrote on Twitter.
My Open Letter to West Bengal CM @MamataOfficial ji
— Kailash Vijayvargiya (@KailashOnline) April 29, 2020
Her government is mismanaging fight against coronavirus. Stop suppressing data, test more, end appeasement politics and save West Bengal.
Fight the virus not the BJP. pic.twitter.com/pCm3Mtjjbn
Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates
Over 2,000 migrants in protest in Hyderabad, demand to be sent home
On Wednesday, around 2,400 migrant labourers who were working at construction sites in IIT Hyderabad reportedly staged a protest, demanding they be sent back to their homes, the Sangareddy Rural Police said.
The statement added that few of those protesting pelted stones at a police team deployed there. One cop received injuries and a police vehicle was also damaged.
Around 2,400 migrant labourers who were working at construction sites in IIT Hyderabad staged protest today morning, demanding they be sent back to their homes: Sangareddy Rural Police. #Telangana pic.twitter.com/xvhGaIcFb2
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
10 people arrested over Howrah incident
India Today reported that 10 people were arrested in Howrah in connection with an attack on a police party that was enforcing the lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus at Tikiapara in West Bengal’s Howrah district, a ‘red zone’, on Tuesday.
Coronavirus in Assam Latest Updates
Assam govt allows intra-district movement to continue
The Assam government has extended the permission for intra-district movement in the state to 2 May. News18 reported that around 48,770 e-passes have been generated so far.
“About 1 lakh people, stranded across the state, have been helped through this initiative. As many as 20,371 people have availed ASTC buses facility to return to their home or workplace,” the report said.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates
Over 2,500 students to travel from Kota to Bengal today
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that around 2,500 to 3,000 students from Rajasthan’s Kota will board buses on Wednesday evening.
“It will take three days for them to reach here,” she added.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
UP govt to allow brick kilns to operate
Reports said that the Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday decided to allow the operations of brick klins and gave permission for contruction material shops to open. “The State Home department writes to district magistrates, to allow such operations in non-hotspot rural areas,” News18 reported.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
2,115 COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh so far
The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said, “There are 2,115 positive cases in the state right now. Out of these, 477 have been discharged after making complete recovery. 36 people have died due to COVID-19. There are 1,602 active cases in the state.”
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates
Adityanath orders dedicated COVID-19 facilities be expanded
Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered that the capacity of L1 (basic), L2 (those with oxygen facility), L3 (those with ventilators) dedicated COVID-19 hospitals be expanded and arrangement be made for 52,000 more beds.
Coronavirus in India Latest Updates
NABARD employees to donate Rs 9.85 cr to PM-CARES
National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) on Wednesday said its employees have pledged Rs 9.85 crore towards the PM-CARES Fund to help the government fight COVID-19 pandemic.
The development finance institution’s 3,554 employees have contributed the amount from their salary, a statement said.
The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARES Fund) was set up on March 28 to raise money for combating the coronavirus outbreak and to provide relief to the affected.
(PTI)
Coronavirus in Meghalaya Latest Updates
16 family members of index patient in Meghalaya test negative
Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma said that 16 family members of the index coronavirus patient were tested again, including eight who were positive.
They have all tested negative. Eight positive cases will need to be tested again after 24 hours as per protocol to completely declare them as recovered, he added.
Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates
Punjab govt says lockdown to be lifted from 7 to 11 am everyday
Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh said that the coronavirus lockdown in the state “will be lifted from 7 am to 11 am every day”.
“During this time people can come out of their houses and shops will be opening. Also, we have decided to extend the curfew in the state by two more weeks,” he added.
#WATCH Lockdown will be lifted from 7 am to 11 am every day; during this time people can come out of their houses and shops will be opening. Also, we have decided to extend the curfew in the state by two more weeks: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/tHTaE22NYB
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update
MP hospitals to follow AIIMS’ protocol for COVID-19 care
The health department of Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday said it will follow the clinical protocol adopted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in the state.
Hospitals and health centres dedicated to treating COVID-19 patients were directed to follow the clinical protocol issued by New Delhi’s AIIMS on 21 April, an official from the public relations department said.
These guidelines will be updated from time to time in keeping with the epidemiological trends of the country, the official said.
As per the AIIMS’ protocol, adequate beverages, a balanced diet, recommended doses of vitamins A, D, C, and zinc would be given to patients admitted to COVID-19 centres and hospitals.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
Four cops test positive for COVID-19 in UP’s Firozabad
Four policemen including a Senior Sub Inspector posted at Ramgarh police station in Firozabad tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday. On 14 April, Ramgarh police had taken a youth into custody for flouting the lockdown and he later tested positive for the coronavirus disease, chief medical officer Dr SK Dikshit said.
The samples of 27 police personnel of the Ramgarh police station were later sent for testing and in the report received Wednesday, four of them have been tested positive, he said.
All the police personnel of the Ramgarh police station were sent into quarantine soon after the youth had tested positive, Deputy SP (City) Prabal Pratap Singh said.
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update
COVID-19 cases rise despite curfew in Indore; death rate declines in city
A large number of new COVID-19 cases are coming to the fore in Madhya Pradesh’s worst-hit Indore despite the curfew being in place in urban areas of the district for more than a month now.
Though the steady rise in cases has raised questions over the enforcement of preventive measures as well as the very nature of the viral spread, government data also suggested a drop in the COVID-19 mortality rate in the district over the last 20 days.
With 94 new coronavirus positive cases in the last 24 hours, the number of COVID-19 patients in Indore district has mounted to 1,466, officials said on Wednesday.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update
Rajasthan reports 29 new cases; state tally now at 2,393
29 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Rajasthan on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 2,393 including 52 deaths. 781 patients have recovered from the disease, according to the state’s health department.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Central teams find infection control practices not duly followed in high caseload districts
Central teams, which were tasked to check preparedness of districts with a high load of coronavirus cases, found that infection prevention control practices were not properly followed in several hospitals raising concerns over the safety of healthcare workers, official sources said.
Six high-level multi-disciplinary teams were constituted by the Union Health Ministry to assist and review state health departments for proper implementation of cluster containment plans for large outbreaks and check hospital preparedness for COVID-19.
Teams comprising experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), AIIMS and ICMR among others visited states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu which have high case load districts.
They visited the stated between second and third week of April.
**Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh** Latest Update
Railway employee under quarantine commits suicide in UP
A 55-year-old railway employee, who was under quarantine at a medical college here, allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday, police said.
The employee was under quarantine at FH Medical College and Hospital, Tundla. His body was found hanging in the medical college, Gyanendra Kumar, SHO, Tundla said.
The victim, a resident of Railway Colony Tundla, was sent into quarantine on April 20 after his senior tested positive for coronavirus, the officer said.
His samples were taken on 23 April for testing, but the test could not be conducted. Another sample was taken for testing on Tuesday and its report is awaited, SDM Tundla, KP Singh Tomer said. The body has been sent to the district hospital for postmortem, he added.
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update
Odisha reports 3 new COVID-19 cases as state tally now stands at 122
Three new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Odisha on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 122. All three tested positive after returning from West Bengal and are asymptomatic said state health department.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
Delhi HC asks nodal officer to check lockdown violations by CWG residents
The Delhi High Court has asked a nodal officer to keep a check on violation of lockdown guidelines and social distancing norms by the residents of Commonwealth Games Village (CWGV) near Akshardham Temple and report it to the authorities concerned, PTI reports.
The high court had last year appointed a retired district judge as the nodal officer who was permitted to act to the limited extent of making payment of essential service charges related to the CWGV.
Coronavirus in Singapore Latest Update
Singapore reports 690 new cases as tally rises to 15,641
Singapore on Wednesday reported 690 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients, a vast majority of whom are foreigners, to 15,641, the health ministry said.
Out of the 690 fresh cases, six are Singapore citizens or permanent residents while the rest of them are foreigners with work permits residing in dormitories, it said. We are still working through the details of the cases, and further updates will be shared via the press release that will be issued tonight, the ministry said.
It said that the total number of coronavirus cases in the country stands at 15,641.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
P Chidambaram urges govt to protect salaries, wages of 12 crore workers
Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Wednesday urged the government to announce a scheme to protect the salaries and wages of 12 crore people as employers are facing a financial crunch in the wake of the COVID-19-induced lockdown.
He also called upon the government to announce a financial package for the MSME sector, as proposed by his party, and provide financial assistance to states to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The former finance minister asked the government to prepare an exit strategy in view of the lockdown and look into the issue of migrants stranded in different places due to it.
“Time is of the essence. In the absence of a clear signal of assistance from the government during these extremely difficult times, the private sector will be forced to resort to large scale retrenchments and layoffs, which will devastate livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people,” he said.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
PG student at Kasturba Hospital tests positive for COVID-19
A first-year postgraduate student of the Kasturba Hospital here has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, senior officials said on Wednesday.
Her test was conducted at the LNJP Hospital and her report came on Wednesday night. The student’s condition is stable and she is in-home quarantine, they said.
The Kasturba Hospital is a North Delhi Municipal Corporation-run hospital. Seven doctors and four nurses are primary contacts. They came in touch with her and have been kept in-home quarantine, for now, the officials said.
They will be tested soon, they added. The duration of quarantine will depend on test reports.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Centre mandates all govt employees to download Aarogya Setu app ‘immediately’
The government on Wednesday has mandated all Central government officers and staff to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones “immediately”.The staff has been advised to leave for office only when the app shows ‘safe’ or ’low risk’ status, reports Indian Express.
Government has mandated all Central government officers and staff to download Aarogya Setu app on their mobile phones "immediately".
— Pranav Mukul (@pranavmukul) April 29, 2020
Staff advised to leave for office only when the app shows 'safe' or 'low risk' status.@IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/6d1SMxBKic
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
Agra reports 21 new cases
21 new positive cases reported in Agra district on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the district to 425. The total toll stands at 11 while 69 people have been discharged after making a complete recovery from the disease, Agra District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh told ANI.
Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Update
Haryana reports 308 cases, including 224 recoveries
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in Haryana stand at 308, including 224 discharges and three deaths. There are 81 active cases in the state, said Haryana Health Department on Wednesday.
#COVID19 cases in Haryana stand at 308 including 224 discharges & three deaths. There are 81 active cases in the State: Haryana Health Department pic.twitter.com/AEgYIWhwvU
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Goa Latest Update
Over 1,000 people arrested for lockdown violations in Goa
As many as 1,058 persons were arrested and 588 FIRs were lodged by the Goa police for violation of the COVID-19 lockdown, an official said on Wednesday. With 101 offences and 172 arrests, the Calangute police station in North Goa registered the highest number of cases till Tuesday, a release here stated.
The police were strictly implementing the lockdown across the state, including the beach belt of Calangute, deputy superintendent of police (Porvorim) Edwin Colaco said.
Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Update
Kerala govt to issue ordinance for cutting salary of its staff for COVID-19 battle
The Kerala government on Wednesday decided to issue an ordinance allowing it to deduct salaries of its employees to mobilise funds to fight COVID-19 in the state.
The move comes a day after the High Court had stayed an order of the Left government for salary cut of its employees, observing that it lacked legal backing.
Announcing the cabinet decision, Finance Minister TM Thomas Isaac told reporters that as per the ordinance, the state government has been empowered to defer 25 percent of the salary of its employees in the event of a disaster.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
Bareilly records first coronavirus death in district
A 35-year-old man suffering from coronavirus died at a hospital here, the first death due to the virus in the district, officials said on Wednesday. The man was also suffering from cardiac problems, asthma and diabetes, Chief Medical Officer, Vineet Kumar Shukla, said.
The patient was brought to the district hospital on Saturday and was later placed under quarantine at a super speciality hospital, the CMO said
Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Update
Punjab reports 16 new cases
Punjab reported 16 new cases, including 12 who were Nanded pilgrims, according to KBS Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary, Punjab, ANI reported.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update
HCQ to be given to health workers treating COVID-19 patients
Health workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients will be given hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) tablets as a preventive medication, the Maharashtra government has said and issued guidelines on the use of the drug.
State health secretary Pradeep Vyas in a recent circular said the medicine will be given to doctors, nurses and medical staff involved in the treatment of COVID-19 patients and suspects, as well as contacts of those testing positive for the disease.
Members of the survey squads moving in the coronavirus containment zones and medical workers at hospitals in areas whereCOVID-19 cases are found will also be given the medicine.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
SpiceJet flight carries eight tonnes of medical supplies to Malaysia
Amid the coronavirus lockdown, SpiceJet said on Wednesday that it operated its maiden freighter flight to Kuala Lumpur carrying around eight tonnes of critical medical supplies.
The flight departed from Hyderabad to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia at 11 pm on Tuesday, the budget carrier stated in a press release.
Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, SpiceJet, said, With the addition of Kuala Lumpur to our international cargo network, SpiceJet is now operating regularly to over fifteen international destinations carrying essential and medical supplies."
India has been under lockdown since March 25 to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. All commercial passenger flights have been suspended for this period.
Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Update
4-day lockdown in Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore not to be extended, says TN govt
The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday said the four-day total shutdown in Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore Corporation limits ending by today will not be extended.
It also announced a relaxation in the business hours of shops selling essential items including vegetables for April 30, saying they can function from 6 AM to 5 PM.
Amidst rising Covid-19 cases in the state, Chief Minister K Palaniswami had on April 24 announced a complete shutdown from Sunday (April 26) in Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai for four days, disallowing grocery shops as well and fully curtailing movement of the public.
The shutdown in the corporation limits of Chennai, Madurai and Coimbatore, scheduled to end by Wednesday night, will revert to the pre-April 26 conditions, an official release here said.
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update
Karnataka reports 9 new cases
Karnataka health department said on Wednesday that 9 new COVID-19 cases have been reported from 28 April 5 pm to 29 April 12 pm. The total number of COVID-19 cases rise to 532 in the state including 20 deaths and 215 discharges.
Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Update
Shops to open in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai for 2 days, says CM
“In Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, on 30 April, shops will open from 6 am to 5 pm for essential items, vegetables, and fruits. From 1 May the shops will open from 6 am to 1 pm. People are advised not to rush to shops to buy essential items,” Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami.
சென்னை, கோவை, மதுரை ஆகிய மாநகராட்சிகளில் இன்று முழு ஊரடங்கு முடிவடையும் நிலையில், நாளை முதல் 26.4.2020 க்கு முன்பு இருந்த நிலைப்படி ஊரடங்கு தொடரும்.
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) April 29, 2020
அத்தியாவசிய பொருட்கள் விற்கும் கடைகள் நாளை மட்டும், காலை 6 மணி முதல் மாலை 5 மணி வரை திறந்திருக்க அனுமதிக்கப்படும். pic.twitter.com/hlc4HvhTgA
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update
70 buses leave from Maharashtra to bring back students stuck in Kota
At least 70 state transport buses left from Maharashtra on Wednesday morning to bring back students stranded at Kota in Rajasthan due to the coronavirus-enforced lockdown, an official said. The vehicles left from Maharashtra’s Dhule district around 10.30 am and will reach Rajasthan by Wednesday night, he said.
“The buses will leave from Kota on Thursday morning,” the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) official said, adding that only 20 students will be allowed in each bus and the vehicles will halt at two to three places for food breaks.
A number of students from Maharashtra have been staying at Kota to take coaching classes for the preparation of various competitive entrance examinations after Class 12.
Coronavirus in Andaman and Nicobar Latest Update
Scribe arrested in Andamans over tweet
A well-known journalist was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over a tweet where he questioned the rationale of the authorities allegedly asking people to be home-quarantined after they had spoken to COVID-19 patients by phone, police said on Wednesday.
The charges under which Zubair Ahmed has been booked include one about circulating “rumour”.
Zubair Ahmed, the editor of ‘Light of Andaman, a popular weekly newspaper which is now published online, was summoned to the Bambooflat police station in South Andaman district on 27 April for questioning over his tweet and then arrested, police said on Tuesday.
He was then taken to the Aberdeen police station where he spent the night in a lockup, it said.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
UP govt plans to bring ordinance to punish those who misbehave with frontline workers
The Uttar Pradesh government is contemplating to bring an ordinance with provisions for stringent punishment against those flouting lockdown orders and misbehaving with frontline COVID-19 workers, sources said.
The state government is mulling over bringing an ordinance called the ‘Uttar Pradesh Epidemic Disease Control Ordinance, 2020’, they said. It will also have provisions for strict punishment against those running away from quarantine centres, besides for people caught violating lockdown orders, the government sources said.
Provisions for punishment for those attacking frontline COVID-19 workers like medical and sanitation workers, and police personnel will also be there in the ordinance, they said.
Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Update
77-year-old tests positive for COVID-19 in Bhubaneswar
A 77-year-old man from Bhubaneswar tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 119, officials said.
The man, a resident of the Madhusudan Nagar area of the city, got infected after coming in contact with a relative who tested positive some days back, the Information and Public Relation department said.
The fresh case was reported from Bhubaneswar after a gap of 14 days. The previous case was reported on 14 April. The total number of persons infected with the deadly virus in the city is 47. Of them, 20 are undergoing treatment, and 26 have recovered. A person died on 6 April.
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update
Scientists use AI to crack novel coronavirus genome signature
Scientists, including one of Indian origin, have used artificial intelligence (AI) to identify an underlying genomic signature for 29 different DNA sequences of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, providing an important tool for vaccine and drug developers.
This new data discovery tool will allow researchers to quickly and easily classify a deadly virus like SARS-CoV-2 in just minutes, according to the researchers, including Gurjit Randhawa from Western University in Canada.
It provides a process of high importance for strategic planning and mobilising medical needs during a pandemic, they said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Govt extends ‘work from home’ connectivity norms for IT, BPO firms till 31 July
The government has extended the relaxed connectivity norms for ‘work from home’, applicable on IT and BPO companies, till 31 July, amid the coronavirus pandemic. The deadline for the easier norms was to end on 30 April.
Industry body Nasscom said the decision to extend the timelines on relaxed norms for other service providers (OSPs) to facilitate ‘work from home’ will help IT and BPO firms plan their strategy of bringing back workforce to offices, in a gradual and phased manner.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
CBSE dismisses rumours, says all exams to be conducted as per 1 April circular
Amid a lot of speculation regarding 10th CBSE Board exams, the board on Wednesday reiterated that the board’s decision to take board exams for 29 subjects of Class 10 and 12, stands the same as mentioned in circular dated 1 April 2020.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
UP reports 20 new COVID-19 cases
20 more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh. “20 out of 725 samples have tested positive for coronavirus. 4 are from Lucknow, 9 are from Agra and 7 are from Firozabad,” King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow said in a release on Wednesday.
400 persons have been cured of the disease in the state while 31 have succumbed to it.
Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update
11 month-old-baby among 73 new cases in Andhra Pradesh
According to the latest data provided by the department of health and family welfare in Andhra Pradesh, the state recorded 73 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of cases to 1,332. An 11-month old baby among 73 new coronavirus cases reported in the state, PTI reports.
Coronavirus in Pakistan Latest Update
Coronavirus cases in Pakistan rise to 14,885 with 327 deaths
Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have climbed to 14,885 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 327 with 26 more fatalities, the health ministry said on Wednesday.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,425 people have recovered from the contagion while 129 were still in critical condition.
The ministry said that Punjab has reported 5,827, Sindh 5,291, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 2,160, Balochistan 915, Gilgit-Baltistan 330, Islamabad 297 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 65 cases.
So far 165,911 tests have been conducted, including 8,530 on 28 April.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Navy ships ready to evacuate Indian citizens from Gulf countries if required, says report
The Indian Navy is readying its Landing Platform Dock warship INS Jalashwa and two Magar class amphibious warships for evacuating Indian citizens from Gulf countries, if required, government sources told ANI.
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update
Lockdowns could lead to 7 million unintended pregnancies: UN Study
Ongoing lockdowns and major disruptions to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic could leave 47 million women in low and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to seven million unintended pregnancies in the coming months, according to data released by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners, reports PTI.
The agencies estimate that the number of women unable to access family planning or facing unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices, could “skyrocket” by millions due to the crisis.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
11 traders test positive in Delhi’s Azadpur market
About 11 traders associated with Delhi’s Azadpur vegetable market have tested positive for coronavirus on Wednesday, reports ANI. “We are tracing the contacts of the cases. They are not directly connected to the mandi,” clarified District Magistrate (North) Deepak Shinde.
“Azadpur Mandi is being properly disinfected. All the shops nearby, where COVID-19 positive cases were reported, have been sealed. All the precautionary measures are being taken,” said Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain.
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update
Rupee rises 34 paise to 75.84 against US dollar in early trade
The rupee appreciated 34 paise to 75.84 against the US dollar in early trade on Wednesday tracking positive opening of domestic equities and weakness in the American dollar.
Forex traders said a positive start of domestic stocks supported the local unit. Besides, market sentiments improved as more countries are announcing the gradual lifting of lockdowns that have been imposed to contain coronavirus infection.
At the interbank foreign exchange, the rupee opened at 75.94, then gained ground and touched 75.84, registering a rise of 34 paise over its previous close. On Tuesday, the rupee had settled at 76.18 against the US dollar.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
Only 3 out of 529 media personnel test positive for COVID-19, says Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said that he is “happy to share that “only 3 out of 529 media persons tested have been detected positive.” Taking to Twitter, the chief minister said, “My best wishes to all of you. Your work is very important especially during a pandemic. Those who have been detected positive, I am praying for your speedy recovery,” he said.
Am so happy to share only 3 out of 529 media persons tested have been detected positive. My best wishes to all of you. Your work is very important esp during a pandemic. Those who have been detected positive, I am praying for your speedy recovery
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update
Only streamed films to be eligible for Oscars 2021 for the first time
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will allow only films streamed online for the forthcoming Oscars in the wake of the industry-wide shutdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The organisers of the annual awards made the announcement on Tuesday, adding that the COVID-19 outbreak had forced the Academy to make the “temporary exception” due to the shutdown of theatres.
Earlier, the Academy required that a film be shown in a commercial motion picture theatre in Los Angeles County for a theatrical qualifying run of at least seven consecutive days, during which period screenings must occur at least three times daily.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Narendra Modi asks states to follow ‘Himachal model’ in red zones, says report
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to consider the ‘Himachal Pradesh model’ to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Under the model, the state screened its entire population for influenza-like symptoms. People who did not improve after initial medication were put through a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, the report suggests.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update
Maharashtra registers 9,318 cases and 400 deaths
Maharashtra reported 729 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the state’s tally to 9,318, a health official said. The state also reported 31 more deaths due to the disease, raising the toll to 400, he said.
With this, Maharashtra COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases-9,318, deaths-400, discharged-1,388, active cases-7,530 and people tested so far-1,29,931. Mumbai city reported an increase of 393 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday, taking its tally to 6,169. The state capital has reported deaths of 244 patients so far.
Coronavirus in US Latest Update
New York guv says coronavirus hospitalizations drop to month low
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Tuesday that new hospitalizations for the novel coronavirus dropped to a one-month low and laid out a plan to employ thousands of case investigators under criteria for reopening his state.
Cuomo, who has traded barbs with US President Donald Trump over who was to blame for the crisis, also criticized federal agencies, the intelligence community, and the mainstream press for failing to “blow the bugle” early enough, while arguing the primary responsibility for the pandemic did not lie with states.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Sensex jumps over 300 pts in early trade; Nifty reclaims 9,400
Equity benchmark Sensex surged over 300 points in opening trade on Wednesday led by buying in index-heavyweights HDFC twins and positive cues from Asian peers.
After hitting a high of 32,431.20, the 30-share index was trading 285.83 points or 0.89 percent higher at 32,400.35. Similarly, the NSE Nifty advanced 78.95 points, or 0.84 per cent, to 9,459.85.
HDFC was the top gainer in the Sensex pack, rallying nearly 5 percent, followed by Bajaj Finance, HDFC Bank, Tech Mahindra, M&M, Reliance Industries and NTPC.
Follow LIVE updates on Stock Markets hereCoronavirus in Gujarat Latest Update
Road accidents reduce amid lockdown
Road accidents in Gujarat came down by 71 percent during the lockdown as compared to normal days, according to an analysis by an emergency services agency quoted by PTI.
From about 398 daily cases of accidents in normal times, the number fell to 115 during the lockdown period, says the study conducted by GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) that operates the free 108 ambulance service in the state.
However, cases of non-vehicular trauma rose from 281 on normal days to 400 during lockdown, showing more people were physically or sexually assaulted, or fell down and hurt themselves, it said.
Besides, the number of people calling for ambulance after suffering from high fever doubled during this period, mainly due to coronavirus concerns, the agency said.
Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update
Karnataka government will not face April pay cut
The Karnataka Finance department issued orders ensuring that employees would the April salary. Due to the prevailing situation of lockdown following COVID-19, the revenues of state governments are severely constrained.
Last week top government sources had told PTI that the government may spare employees salary cuts in April despite severe resources crunch following steep fall in revenue collection due to the ongoing lockdown.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update
Rajasthan reports 19 new cases
19 new confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in Rajasthan, taking the state’s total to 2,383. Out of the 19 new cases, five are from Jaipur, 11 from Ajmer and one each from Udaipur, Banswara and Jodhpur.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update
APMC Vashi partially shut after two confirmed cases
Some sections of the sprawling APMC market in Vashi in neighbouring Navi Mumbai will remain shut for 14 days after two COVID-19 cases were detected there on Tuesday.
Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation health officer Dr Balasaheb Sonawane, in a letter to the police, directed that roads leading to the grain, vegetable and some other segments be closed for 14 days as a precautionary measure.
Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Update
Medical team manhandled in Uttarakhand village
A medical team which went to Makhanpur village in Uttarakhand’s Haridwar district on Tuesday was misbehaved with and manhandled while carrying out a COVID-19 survey. An FIR was registered and one person was arrested, while the search to nab those absconding continues.
Among the team that was manhandled was ASHA worker Anita. “We had gone for the COVID-19 survey. We had collected the data of all families. When we went to the last house, they told us to strike off all names. One woman took our register and started doing that. She also tore pages off the register. We received some injuries,” she told ANI.
Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update
Confirmed cases in India rise to 31,332
The total number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 31,332.The figure includes 1,007 deaths, 7,695 discharged and 1 migrated.
73 deaths and 1,897 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours, the sharpest ever increase in COVID-19 deaths in India.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
Flower farmers face slump in business
Flower farmers in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut said they witnessed a slump in business amid the lockdown imposed to stem the spread of coronavirus. “I’m forced to destroy plants and prepare the field for the new crop. Around 30 families were dependent on it, but we’ve suffered losses amounting to Rs 10-12 lakhs,” farmer Mahipal Singh told ANI.
Coronavirus in US Latest Update
Failure to stop COVID-19 at source led to 184 countries ‘going through hell’, says Trump
US President Donald Trump doubled down on China for failing to tame the coronavirus at its very origin, saying it has led to 184 countries “going through hell”, as several American lawmakers demanded steps to reduce dependence on Beijing for manufacturing and minerals.
Trump has been publicly blaming China for the global spread of the “invisible enemy” and launched an investigation against it. He has also indicated that the US may be looking at “a lot more money” in damages from China than the USD 140 billion being sought by Germany from Beijing for the pandemic.
Leaders of the US, the UK, and Germany believe that the deaths and the destruction of the global economy could have been avoided, had China shared the information about the virus in its early phases.
Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Update
Two cops injured in stone-pelting incident in West Bengal
Two police personnel were injured after they were attacked by a mob when they tried to disperse a crowd in a marketplace in Tikiapara of Howrah on Tuesday.
The crowd which had gathered in the market defying the lockdown, pelted stones at police officials following which heavy police force and RAF have been deployed in the area. State police said that it is taking strong action against the people involved in the incident.
“We are taking strong action against everyone involved in the incident at Tikiapara, Howrah, today. The perpetrators will be identified and brought to justice. No transgression of the law anywhere will be tolerated,” West Bengal Police tweeted.
#WATCH: A crowd, which had gathered at a market place in Tikiapara of Howrah today - defying the lockdown, attacked Police personnel & pelted stones at them when they asked the crowd to return to their homes. 2 police personnel injured. #WestBengal (Video source: Amateur video) pic.twitter.com/EAZbm5wWlc
— ANI (@ANI) April 28, 2020
We are taking strong action against everyone involved in the incident at Tikiapara, Howrah today. The perpetrators will be identified & brought to justice. No transgression of the law anywhere will be tolerated.
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) April 28, 2020
Coronavirus in Uttarakhand Latest Update
Two staffers of AIIMS Rishikesh test positive for COVID-19
Two more people have tested positive of coronavirus in All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital, said Harish Thapliyal, AIIMS spokesperson on Tuesday.
“Of the two new COVID-19 cases, one is a nurse in General Surgery Ward and the other is an attendant of a patient admitted in Urology department,” said Thapliyal.
Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Update
Travel of govt employees, common people from nearby states, districts to Faridabad prohibited
Travel of government employees and common people from neighbouring states and districts to Faridabad is now prohibited under the new guidelines issued by the government. “Doctors, paramedical staff, police & bank employees to be permitted on producing their identity cards, only till 12 pm on Wednesday”, Yash Pal, Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad told ANI.
He also said that vehicles engaged in the movement of essential goods and banking services are exempted and the order to remain in effect till 3 May 2020.
Vehicles engaged in the movement of essential goods & banking services to be exempted. Order to remain in effect till 3rd May 2020: Yash Pal, Deputy Commissioner, Faridabad #Haryana #COVID19 https://t.co/tlIdGtgKpQ
— ANI (@ANI) April 29, 2020
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
Delhi hospital refutes charge alleged by patient on being ‘kept next to bodies’
A video has surfaced on social media in which a coronavirus patient has alleged that he was kept on a bed “next to dead bodies” at a hospital in Delhi, a charge refuted by authorities at the facility.
The video circulating on WhatsApp and other networking platforms show a man, wearing a mask, who apparently shot the video inside the ward of LNJP Hospital where he is admitted.
In the video, he alleges that he was kept on a bed in a ward that had “dead bodies next to his bed” and that he was not getting good on time.
LNJP authorities refuted the allegations, saying, this patient “required psychotherapy and counselling that was arranged for him. He is currently being attended to by specialists in the field”. There was no problem of food or water in that particular ward or any other ward of the hospital, a senior official of the hospital said.
Coronavirus in US Latest Update
Nearly 70 dead in ‘horrific’ outbreak at veterans’ home
Nearly 70 residents sickened with the coronavirus have died at a Massachusetts home for aging veterans, as state and federal officials try to figure out what went wrong in the deadliest outbreak at a long-term care facility in the US.
While the death toll at the state-run Holyoke Soldiers’ Home continues to climb, federal officials are investigating whether residents were denied proper medical care and the state’s top prosecutor is deciding whether to bring legal action.
“It’s horrific,” said Edward Lapointe, whose father-in-law lives at the home and had a mild case of the virus. “These guys never had a chance.”
Sixty-eight veteran residents who tested positive for the virus have died, officials said Tuesday, and it’s not known whether another person who died had COVID-19. Another 82 residents and 81 employees have tested positive.
Coronavirus in US Latest Update
COVID-19 cases in US cross 1 million with nearly 59,000 fatalities
The number of people infected by the coronavirus in the United States crossed one million and the fatalities jumped to nearly 59,000, but several states initiated the process to reopen their economies amidst signs of decline in both new cases and deaths.
“We continue to pray for the victims as well as for those Americans who are grieving their lost ones and their loved ones. There’s never been anything like this. We suffer from one heart but we will prevail. We are coming back, and we’re coming back strong,” US President Donald Trump said at the White House during his remarks on the Paycheck Protection Program.
The US on Tuesday became the first country in the world to have more than one million cases of coronavirus. It accounts for nearly one-third of the 3.1 million cases globally. With nearly 59,000 deaths, the US also accounts for one-fourth of the over 213,000 global fatalities.
Coronavirus in UK Latest Update
British Airways set to cut up to 12,000 jobs
British Airways is set to slash up to 12,000 jobs as part of a restructuring plan as the carrier grapples with the fallout of the novel coronavirus pandemic, its parent company IAG said Tuesday.
The firm said it was still deliberating its options but that it was “likely that they will affect most of British Airways’ employees and may result in the redundancy of up to 12,000”.
Passenger demand will take “several years” to return to 2019 levels, it added.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update
Rajasthan HC extends deadline for conducting elections to three municipal corporations
The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday extended the deadline for conducting elections to Jaipur, Kota and Jodhpur municipal corporations till 31 August. A plea was moved before the court by the state election commission seeking an extension of the deadline for elections to the three corporations.
The commission argued that it was not possible to hold the polls amid the ongoing lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus threat.
The bench of Chief Justice Inderjeet Mahanty and Justice S K Sharma, which heard the plea, extended the deadline for conducting the elections to three corporations till 31 August.
On 18 March, the court had told the commission to conduct the elections to the corporations within six weeks.
Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Update
CRPF jawans posted at Ranchi’s Hindpiri to enforce lockdown
CRPF jawans are being posted in three shifts at Ranchi’s Covid-19 hotspot Hindpiri locality to ensure that people strictly follow lockdown rules, an official said on Tuesday. Residents of Hindpiri are not allowed to enter or leave the area, Ranchi Deputy Commissioner Rai Mahimapat Ray said.
The administration would provide ambulance in case of any emergency medical requirement, he said.
Ray held a meeting with the CRPF and district officials on Tuesday, a day after the Jharkhand government decided to deploy personnel from the central para-military force amid rising coronavirus cases, mostly in that locality.
Ranchi Senior Superintendent of Police Anish Gupta said action would be taken if any person flouts the lockdown guidelines.
Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
Delhi’s reports 3,314 cases with 201 recoveries that is highest in a day
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi rose to 3,314 on Tuesday, even as 201 coronavirus patients recovered from the disease, the highest so far in a day with no fatalities, authorities said. No death was reported for the third consecutive day in the National Capital.
Among the 3,314 cases includes a Delhi Police constable attached to the crime branch. The constable had visited the Tablighi Jamaat religious congregation in Nizamuddin, which had last month become the epicentre of the COVID-19 spread.
Fifteen members of the crime branch team, who came in touch with the constable, have been advised home quarantine. So far, 1,078 COVID-19 patients have recovered and there are 2,182 active cases in Delhi. The number of containment zones in the city reached 100.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
Bank employee tests positive in Ghaziabad
An employee of a nationalised bank and a doctor have tested positive for coronavirus, an official said here on Tuesday. Chief Medical Officer Dr NK Gupta said both have been shifted to a Sahibabad hospital.
The bank employee himself gave his blood sample for testing as he was feeling unwell. The bank has been sanitised as closed. Its 15 employees have been quarantined. Their family members will also be quarantined.
The official said so far 60 people have tested positive for the virus, of which 31 have recovered. At present, 29 are under treatment, he said.
Coronavirus in India Latest Update
Cases in India inch towards 30,000 as toll rises to 937
The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India inched towards 30,000, with 1,594 new infections reported on Tuesday. The total deaths due to COVID-19 rose to 937 on Tuesday, with 50 new patients succumbing to the virus in 24 hours. Additionally, more than 7,000 have recovered.
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