Wednesday 8 April 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights: After Mumbai, Pune makes masks mandatory in public places; count in Bihar reaches 39

00:10 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

Decision on HCQ will not be forgotten, says Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday thanked India and its people for for lifting the ban on hydroxychloroquine. "Extraordinary times require even closer cooperation between friends. Thank you India and the Indian people for the decision on HCQ. Will not be forgotten! Thank you Prime Minister NarendraModi for your strong leadership in helping not just India, but humanity, in this fight!" he tweeted. 

 India had late on 8 April lifted the ban on the export of some drugs, invoking criticism from many.

 

23:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Pune makes masks compulsory in public places

With the number of coronavirus cases in Pune nearing 200, wearing a face mask has been made mandatory in public places, a senior official said on
Wednesday. Masks are necessary for preventing the spread of the virus, said district collector Naval Kishore Ram. "Therefore, we have ordered people and government employees to use masks in public places," he said.
 
Joint Commissioner of Police Ravindra Shisve said action will be taken under the Epidemic Diseases Act if a person is seen on the streets without a mask.
 
 

23:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in Bihar Latest Update

Man who had travelled to Delhi tests positive in Bihar, total now 39 

 
 A 38-year-old man with a travel history to Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar on Wednesday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 39, PTI quotes officials as saying. State epidemiologist Ragini Mishra said the patient hailed from Nawada, becoming the first person from the central Bihar district to test positive.
 
Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar said the patient had "a travel history to Delhi" and more details were sought about which places he visited in the National Capital and the people whom he came in contact with.

23:35 (IST)

Coronavirus in Italy Latest Update

Italy's toll reaches 17, 669

 
Deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy rose by 542 on Wednesday, a lower tally than the 604 the day before, but the number of new cases pushed higher to 3,836 compared with a previous 3,039, reports Reuters. 

The total death toll since the outbreak came to light on 21 February rose to 17,669, the Civil Protection Agency said, the highest in the world.

 
 

23:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Update

31 private hospitals to be used for treatment in Gujarat

The Gujarat government said on Wednesday that 31 private hospitals across the state would be put to use as `designated' COVID-19 hospitals for coronavirus patients, reports PTI. Already, dedicated COVID-19 hospitals with combined capacity of 2,200 beds are operational in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat. The 31 new designated hospitals will add 4,064 beds, said an official release.

 
The decision was taken at a state cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Vijay Rupani and held through video conference, said the release.

23:17 (IST)

Coronavirus in Goa Latest Update

 

Patient in Goa recovers

 

One of seven coronavirus patients undergoing treatment in Goa was declared as cured by health officials on Wednesday, reports PTI. He tested negative for infection in his last two tests, they said.
 
"Goa has its first recovered COVID-19 patient, bringing the total number of positive cases to 6. The patient will be kept under monitored quarantine for 14 days as per protocol before final discharge," said state health minister Vishwajit Rane.
 

23:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update
 

34 localities to be sealed in Noida

As many as 34 residential localities across Noida and Greater Noida will be sealed off till April 15 in order to contain coronavirus from spreading further, PTI quotes the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration  as saying.  These localities are part of hotspots, which means areas where COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in the past, the administration said in a statement.
 
According to an official list, the localities identified for sealing in Noida are Sector 22, Chauda village, sectors 27, 28, 37, 41, 44, Hyde Park in Sector 78 and Supertech Capetown in Sector 74, Logix Blossom County and Paras Tierra in sector 137 and Wazidpur village, Ace Golfshire in Sector 150, Jaypee Wishtown sector 128, GrandOmaxe in Sector 93B, Sector 5 and 8 JJ colony, Designer Park in Sector 62 and Lotus Boulevard in Sector 100. In Greater Noida, sector Alpha I, ATS Dolce in Zeta I, Omnicron III, Sector 3, Mehak Residency in Accheja village, Stellar MI Omnicron III, and Ghodi Baccheda village have been identified as the localities to be sealed, the list stated. Nirala Greenshire in Sector 2, Vishnoi village in Dadri, Palm Olympia in Sector 16 are the localities in Greater Noida (West) also known as Noida Extension, it added.
 
 Meanwhile, District Magistrate Suhas LY assured home delivery of essential commodities and services at all places in Gautam Buddh Nagar, urging people not to venture out and avoid panic buying. "Dear residents, no need for panic buying. Identified hotspots shall be sealed and home delivery of essential commodities and services shall be available at all places in the district. We shall take strict action against rumour mongerers/spreaders,” District Magistrate Suhas LY said in a brief statement.

23:00 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Update
 

49 test positive in Telangana, active cases at 397

 

Forty-nine fresh cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Telangana on Wednesday, taking the total number of positive cases in the state cumulatively to 453. The number of active cases in the state was 397 as 45 people have been discharged from hospitals after recovery, state Health Minister E Rajender told reporters.No death occurred due to the virus on Wednesday andthe number of deceased remained at 11, he said.
 

22:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update
 

With 72 new cases, Madhya Pradesh tally reaches 385

As 72 new coronavirus positive cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, the number of such patients in the state jumped to 385, PTI quotes health officials as saying. Of these 385, the highest number of 213 cases are from Indore, the commercial capital of the state. Forty of these cases were reported in the district on Wednesday alone, the officials said.Nine new cases were reported in Bhopal in 24-hours, which took the tally of COVID-19 patients in the state capital to 94, they said.
 
The death toll due to coronavirus in the state now stands at 29 of whom, 21 persons died in Indore. Five others died in Ujjain, one each in Bhopal, Khargone and Chhindwara, said health officials.

22:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update
 

Delhi reports 93 new cases, total reaches 669

 
With 93 fresh cases recorded on Wednesday,  the number of coronavirus patients in Delhi rose to 669, said the state health department. Of these, 426 are related to the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, it said. So far, nine deaths have been reported in the National Capital.

22:25 (IST)

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Update

Rajasthan tally reaches 383

 

40 positive cases have been reported in Rajasthan today taking the total to 383. While 20 cases were reported earlier in the day, 20 cases were reported in the evening.

22:16 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

UP Cabinet slashes salary of ministers, legislators by 30 percent

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 30 percent cut in salaries of ministers and state legislators in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak for one year, reports PTI. Besides, the local area fund given to the state legislators to meet development needs of their constituencies has also been suspended for the current year.          
 
The money will go into the COVID Care Fund set up by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for strengthening medical facilities to deal with the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna said. 

 

22:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in Andaman Latest Update

Woman who returned to Port Blair on plane with Tablighi Jamaat attendees tests positive 

A woman tested positive for COVID-19 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Wednesday, taking the total number of such cases in the Union Territory to 11, PTI quotes officials as saying. The woman, in her 20s, was on one of the planes that ferried some of the 10 other COVID-19 patients from Kolkata to Port Blair on 24 March, they added.
 
The other 10 patients, who attended a religious congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin last month, tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the national capital via Kolkata. The woman is undergoing treatment at the GB Pant Hospital, where a 48-bed isolation ward has been set up for coronavirus patients.

22:00 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala Latest Updates

Thrissur Pooram festival cancelled 

Kerala's grand temple festival Thrissur Pooram, scheduled to be heald on 3 May, was cancelled for the first time in 58 years in light of  the coronavirus outbreak, said reports. The festival will be held only as ritaul, the Devaswom said.

21:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Four patients discharged in Villupuram by mistake: reports

According to reports, four persons whose Covid-19 results came positive were discharged from a quarantine centre in Villupuram by “mistake” on Tuesday night. While three have been traced and admitted to the Villupuram Government Medical College Hospital, police are on the lookout for the fourth, who hails from Delhi. All four were among 24 persons who were quarantined after coming into contact with a COVID-19 patient.

21:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

 

Trade officials emphasised on need to strengthen intra-regional trade, says MEA

"Impact of health issues such as COVID19 on regional trade and measures to mitigate it was seen as new focus area for discussion in larger framework of trade facilitation in SAARC region. Need to enhance quantum of intra SAARC trade was highlighted," ANI quotes the MEA spokesperosn as saying.

21:30 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

SAARC nations, except Pakistan, hold video conference

A video conference of senior trade officials, inviting SAARC countries, was held today to discuss impact of travel restrictions and the impact of larger COVID19 situation on intra-regional trade, said Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava. All countries, excpet Pakistan, participated siad a press release issued by the ministry.

21:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Update

Four medical staff test positive in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur

Four medical staff have been tested positive with COVID-19 in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, reports News18. The medical staff were treating a 58-year-old man from Hindupur town who had passed away due to the coronavirus recently, said District Collector Veera Pandyan. 

Seven others have also tested positive in the district, taking the total number of positive cases to 13.

21:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in China Latest Update

China's Wuhan ends lockdown after 76 days

After 76 days in lockdown, the Chinese city at the heart of the global pandemic reopened Wednesday, and tens of thousands immediately hopped on trains and planes to leave, reports AP. Residents waved flags and the city staged a light show with skyscrapers and bridges radiating images of health workers helping patients.

 

21:09 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

NGOs, charitable institutions can buy wheat, rice directly from FCI, says food ministry

Non-government organisations and charitable institutes can now buy wheat and rice from state-owned Food Corporation of India (FCI) without going through e-auction process, the Food Ministry said on Wednesday.These organizations can purchase up to 10 tonne of foodgrains at a time from the FCI at the predetermined reserve prices under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), it said in a statement. "It will help relief camps in their philanthropic work of feeding poor and migrant workers in the country," it said.
 
Hitherto, only state governments and registered bulk users like Roller Flour Mills were allowed to buy the foodgrain stock from FCI at OMSS rates, it added.
 
 

21:05 (IST)

Tablighi Jamaat leader will join probe after self-quarantine period is over, says lawyer

Tablighi Jamaat leader Maulana Saad Kandhalvi will join the investigation after his quarantine period is over, said his lawyer.

On Tuesday, Delhi Police's Crime Branch lodged an FIR against seven people, including the cleric, on a complaint by SHO Nizamuddin for holding a religious congregation here allegedly in violation of the lockdown orders and not maintaining social distancing to contain the spread of coronavirus.

According to the FIR, the Delhi Police contacted the authorities of Markaz on 21 March and reminded them of the government order that prohibited any political or religious gathering of more than 50 people. However, no one paid any heed to the police's direction, it said.
 
 
Moreover, an audio recording purportedly of Saad was found in circulation on WhatsApp on 21 March, in which he was heard asking his followers to defy the lockdown and social distancing and to attend the religious gathering of the Markaz. 

21:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi's Sadar Bazaar sealed as cases reported from there: Manish Sisodia

 
Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said that the Sadar area of Delhi has been sealed as a COVID-19 hotspot some cases had been detected there. "Total 20 hotspots have been identified in Delhi, nobody will be allowed to enter or exit from these areas," ANI quotes him as saying.Government will ensure delivery of essential items in areas that have been sealed, he added.

20:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Kejriwal orders austerity measures in govt departments to cover costs of fighting the pandemic

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered all government departments to stop all expenditures except payment of salaries. The chief minister emphasised the need to cut expenses drastically considering current revenue status of Delhi and the need to boost up measures to fight spread of pandemic.

20:42 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Update

Kejriwal says masks now compulsory for all Delhi residents 

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal chaired an emergency meeting today, after which it was decided that use of masks will be made compulsory for all Delhi residents who step out of their homes. More details from the chief minister's meeting to come in shortly.

20:36 (IST)

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Update

Tablighi Jamaat members who failed to report will now be booked as deadline ends: Haryana minister

Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said the Tablighi Jamaat members who failed to report to authorities would now be booked under law as the deadline for them to identify themselves came to an end, even as the state reported 24 fresh coronavirus cases. Vij, who is also the health minister of the state, has maintained that a sharp spike in the total number of COVID-19 cases in Haryana was due to the sizeable chunk of positive cases belonging to the Jamaat members. With 24 fresh cases being reported on Wednesday, the total number of coronavirus cases in the northern state rose to 153 on Wednesday.

20:31 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

Hotspots in 15 UP districts to remain sealed till 15 April

Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Home Awanish Kumar Awasthi said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed to seal the highly infected areas of 15 districts of the state from Wednesday midnight till morning of 15 April. The hotspots have identified in districts where there are more than 6 cases. The state has reported 343 confirmed cases so far. 

20:20 (IST)

Telangana reports 49 fresh cases

 Telangana reported 49 fresh cases in the last 24 hours. The total cases in the state, including those who have died or have been discharged, rises to 453. Hyderabad had the highest number of Covid-19 cases at 113 confirmed infections.

20:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Indian Railways to deploy more than 2500 Doctors and 35000 paramedic staff  to meet  the COVID 19 challenge. 

More doctors and paramedics being recruited on a temporary basis by various zones. Around 5,000 beds in 17 dedicated hospitals and 33 hospital blocks in Railway Hospitals  identified for treatment of COVID-19 patients getting ready any contingency. 


5000 train coaches across Indian Railways to be converted as quarantine/isolation facilities for COVID-19; 3250 coaches already completed

20:07 (IST)

Situation akin to 'social emergency', has necessitated tough decisions: Modi

The situation in the country is akin to a "social emergency" and it has necessitated tough decisions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told political leaders on the COVID-19 outbreak as he asserted that his government's priority is to "save each and every life". Interacting with floor leaders of opposition and other parties in Parliament via video conferencing on Wednesday, Modi said, "We must continue to remain vigilant."

Modi told the leaders that the country is facing "serious economic challenges as a result of COVID-19, and the government is committed to overcoming them."
The leaders who attended the virtual meet talked about boosting the health and morale of the healthcare workers, ramping up testing facilities, the need to assist smaller states and UTs, and tackling the challenges of hunger and malnutrition.

19:59 (IST)

Mumbai reports 106 new case in a single day

Mumbai has reported 106 fresh cases in the past 24 hours with 5 deaths. The number of cases in Mumbai have risen to 696, a BMC release has said. The total number of deaths in Mumbai stand at 45. 

19:56 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra health minister rules out community spread

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope has said that the state still doesn't have community transmission. "Places like Dharavi need to follow lockdown strictly. Positive cases are increasing in cities like Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur, face masks are being made compulsory in Mumbai for everyone in public places," he said. 

19:50 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra reports 117 new cases, 8 deaths in 24 hours

Maharashtra has reported 117 new cases today along with 8 deaths, taking the state's total tally beyond 1100 cases. Here's the state-wise breakdown of cases

  • Bmc 72
  • Navi Mumbai 1
  • Buldhana 1
  • Pmc 36
  • Akola 1
  • Thane 3
  • Kdmc 1
  • Pune rural 2
  • Total 117
  • Progressive 1135​

19:35 (IST)

SC tells Centre to make COVID-19 testing at private labs free

The Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to make coronavirus tests free of cost, irrespective of whether they are taken in government or private labs.

The Supreme Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation challenging a recent government order capping the cost of COVID-19 at Rs 4,500.

"We find prima facie substance in the submission of petitioner that at this time of national calamity permitting private Labs to charge Rs.4500 for screening and confirmation test of COVID-19 may not be within means of a large part of population of this country and no person be deprived to undergo the COVID-19 test due to nonpayment of capped amount of Rs.4500. It is submitted before us that insofar as Government Laboratories are concerned the COVID-19 test is conducted free of cost," the SC said in its order.

19:15 (IST)

Govt to immediately issue I-T refunds upto Rs 5 lakhs

19:07 (IST)

Virus-hit Iran seeks $5 bn loan from IMF, US seeks to block move

Reeling under economic impact of UN sanctions and the coronavirus pandemic, Iran had urged the International Monetary Fund to sanction a loan of $5 billion to help beat the pandemic which has claimed around 4,000 lives in the country.

The US, however, plans to block Iran’s requested emergency loan it says it needs to fight its coronavirus crisis. US says Tehran already has Billion dollar accounts at its disposal, which the loan will free up to be used elsewhere, against USA's national interests. 

18:58 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

65-yr-old dies in Karnataka's Kalburgi

A 65 year old COVID-19 patient passed away in Karnataka's Kalaburagi district, and with this the death toll in the state has risen to five. Karnataka has so far reported 181 confirmed cases, of which 28 people have been cured so far, ANI reported.

18:33 (IST)

Modi to interact with chief ministers on 11 April

18:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Update

Maharashtra to setup 'fever clinics' to avoid accidental transmission 

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has said the state will set up ”Fever Clinics” for those with cough, cold and fever.

"The locations will be announced soon. Those with these symptoms should not go to other hospitals but only to these clinics to be launched in all divisions. Here, the patients will be examined will be directed for further treatment. Patients will be categorised into three sections, those with mild, moderate and severe symptoms along with other factors like high BP and kidney ailments. There will be doctors at all three places, but the third facility will have experts to deal with allied ailments like those of the kidney," Thackeray said. 

"This is because, if a COVID patient goes to a normal hospital, it affect the entire facility. We are taking care to prevent person-to-person transmission," he added.

18:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

COVID-19 cases increase to 343 in Uttar Pradesh

Eleven people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 343 on Wednesday, officials were quoted as saying by PTI.
 
Three COVID-19 patients have died in the state, one each in Meerut, Basti and Varanasi districts. Out of the total 343 cases, 187 COVID-19 patients are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation, Principal Secretary in the health department Amit Mohan Prasad said.

18:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Update

Mamata deprecates communal politics over Nizamuddin event

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday slammed those doing "communal politics" over the Tablighi Jamaat event in New Delhi's Nizamuddin and asked them to eschew it at a time of national crisis.

"We have been witnessing that some people are indulging in communal politics over the Nizamuddin event. This is completely unacceptable. A pandemic or a disease doesn't attack you on the basis of your religion or caste. I urge everybody not to communalise the crisis," Banerjee told reporters here. "Why the gathering was not stopped when it was happening? Now a lot of things are being said. This is not right. We should not forget that a riot happened in Delhi just days before the lockdown was announced. This is not the time for communal politics," she said.

18:12 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Update

Tamil Nadu reports 48 new cases taking state's count to 738

Tamil Nadu health secretary, on Wednesday said that the state has reported 48 new cases within the last 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases in state to 738. The death toll now stands at 8 and the number of people discharged is now at 21 including a 71-year-old man have been discharged after treatment for COVID19 in Tamil Nadu. 

17:36 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Equities surrender gains as virus concerns weigh; IT, bank stocks skid

Equity benchmarks failed to hold on to intra-day gains on Wednesday as investors turned jittery amid an unabated rise in coronavirus cases. Plunging over 1,300 points from the day's high, the 30-share BSE Sensex ended 173.25 points or 0.58 per cent lower at 29,893.96. It hit an intra-day high of 31,227.97.

 
Similarly, the NSE Nifty closed 43.45 points, or 0.49 per cent, down at 8,748.75. Traders said the previous session's euphoria evaporated and volatility set in on account of speculation that the central government was mulling lockdown extension beyond 14 April.

17:32 (IST)

Telangana bans spitting in public

Telangana government has issued a notification banning unhealthy practices such as Spitting of Paan/ chewable tobacco or non tobacco product, sputum in public places and institutions with immediate effect.

17:25 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Modi distances himself from campaign being run to honour him

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Wednesday said that a malicious campaign was running urging people to stand in public for 5 minutes to honour him. He distanced himself from the said appeal and urged people to not fall for such false calls.

"It has been brought to my attention that some people are running a campaign urging people to honour Naremdra Modi by standing up for 5 minutes. At first glance, it seems like a mischief to drag me into controversies. But even if someone is doing this with good intentions, I would like to insist that if you really want to express your love towards me then please take the responsibility of a poor family, at least as long as the coronavirus crisis exists. There can be no greater honour for me than that," he tweeted in Hindi.

17:19 (IST)

12 arrested in Navi Mumbai for violating lockdown

News agency PTI reported on Wednesday that at least 12 morning walkers were arrested in Navi Mumbai today for violating lockdown orders. 

17:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

Don't stop MPLAD funds, ready to give away full salary: TMC at meeting with PM

TMC leader Sudip Bandopadhyay urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday not to suspend the MPLAD funds scheme as it would impact development works at the grassroots level and demanded a financial moratorium for West Bengal to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. Bandopadhyay, the leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the Lok Sabha, spoke to the prime minister during a video-conference Modi held with the floor leaders of different parties in Parliament to discuss the situation arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and the government's efforts to contain the fast-spreading virus in the country.

16:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Update

No shortage of hydroxychloroquine drug, says Health Ministry

Health secretary Lav Agarwal on Wednesday said that the government has ensured that not only today even in future there will not be any lack of HCQ (Hydroxychloroquine) as and when needed. 

16:37 (IST)

India reports jump of 773 cases in 24 hours

The health ministry has said that till date total 402 people have been discharged, total 5,194 positive confirmed case have been reported. In last one day, 773 positive cases were reported. Total 149 deaths have been reported and around 32 people have died yesterday.  

16:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

Karnataka mulling to relax restrictions on liquor sales

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa told PTI on Wednesday that the state intended to relax liquor sales, stopped since the 21-day lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, after April 14 in a bid to increase state revenues.

16:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Update

Karnataka in favour of lifting lockdown in districts not affected by COVID-19

The Karnataka government is in favour of lifting the coronavirus lockdown in districts which remained free of the virus infection, subject to approval from the Centre, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa told PTI on Wednesday. According to officials, there were no COVID-19 cases in 12 districts of the total 30 districts in the state.

As on Wednesday, there were 181 COVID-19 cases in the state, including 5 deaths and 28 discharges. If the Prime Minister suggests to states to take decision
(on lock-down) based on the situation in their respective states, my position is to take a call (on roll-back) in districts free from COVID-19, Yediyurappa said.
 

Coronavirus Outbreak Updates:  A 38-year-old man with a travel history to Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar on Wednesday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 39. State epidemiologist Ragini Mishra said the patient hailed from Nawada, becoming the first person from the central Bihar district to test positive.

As many as 34 residential localities across Noida and Greater Noida will be sealed off till April 15 in order to contain coronavirus from spreading further, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration said.  These localities are part of hotspots, which means areas where COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in the past, the administration said in a statement.

With 93 fresh cases recorded on Wednesday,  the number of coronavirus patients in Delhi rose to 669, said the state health department. Of these, 426 are related to the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, it said. So far, nine deaths have been reported in the National Capital.

The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Wednesday approved a 30 percent cut in salaries of ministers and state legislators in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak for one year.

 Four medical staff have been tested positive with COVID-19 in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, said reports. The medical staff were treating a 58-year-old man from Hindupur town who had passed away due to the coronavirus recently, said District Collector Veera Pandyan. 

 The Delhi government on Wednesday made it compulsory for people to wear face masks when stepping outdoors to combat the coronavirus spread. The chief minister said that all government departments have been directed to stop all expenditures except salary, adding that they will have to cut expenses drastically considering the current revenue status.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed to seal the highly infected areas of 15 districts of the state from Wednesday midnight till morning of 15 April.

Supreme Court has ordered the Centre to make coronavirus tests free of cost, irrespective of whether they are taken in government or private labs.

Eleven people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 343 on Wednesday, officials were quoted as saying by PTI.

The health ministry has said that till date total 402 people have been discharged, total 5,194 positive confirmed case have been reported. In last one day, 773 positive cases were reported.

Amid an increase in the number of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, cases in the city, Mumbai's civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has made wearing of masks compulsory in public places, hospitals, offices, markets and while travelling in vehicles.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held an all-party meeting via video conference to discuss the fight against coronavirus as the number of cases in the country rose to 5,194. Citing government sources, multiple reports are saying that Narendra Modi has said that lifting the lockdown was 'not an option.'

Lucknow, Varanasi, and Agra among 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh that will be "sealed off completely" tonight to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, say multiple reports.

Uddhav Thackeray urged retired healthcare workers to volunteer to help the government fight the global pandemic as cases in state crossed 1,000. 'I am requesting retired nurses, ward boys, trained personnel and medical staff to help us. They can email us their names and contact information at Covidyoddha@gmail.com.'

Uddhav Thackeray begins briefing the state via social media on video on Wednesday. He said, 'We held a Cabinet meeting yesterday via video conferencing. I am constantly in touch with all ministers. This is teamwork.'

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to states to take urgent steps to ensure the availability of essential goods, and invoke provisions of the Essential Commodities (EC) Act, 1955, if needed, against hoarders.

Five people died of coronavirus in Pune in the last 12 hours, taking the COVID-19 toll in the Maharashtra district to 13, officials said on Wednesday.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a meeting via video-conferencing with all the MPs of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha from Delhi at 12 noon.

According to multiple reports the government is likely to take a final call on extending the lockdown for coronavirus after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second meeting with Chief Ministers via video conference on 11 April (Saturday).

With 1,018 cases of COVID-19, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of infections, followed by Tamil Nadu (690) and Delhi (576).

The total number of coronavirus positive cases in India has risen to 5,194 , which includes 4,643 active cases and 401 cured/discharged people. The toll is now at 149. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will hold a video meet with Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MPs from Delhi at 12 noon.

Two more people died of coronavirus infection in Pune, taking the toll in the Maharashtra district to 10, officials said on Wednesday. A 44-year-old man, who was on ventilator support and suffering from uncontrolled diabetes, died at the civic-run Naidu Hospital early Wednesday morning, Pune Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad said.

Health officials on Tuesday said that two pavement dwellers in Kolkata tested positive for coronavirus. A 40-year-old man who lived on a pavement in Bowbazar area, was earlier admitted to NRS Medical College Hospital on 3 April and was shifted to ID Hospital after testing positive for COVID-19.

The top brass of NITI Aayog told CNBC TV18 sources on Wednesday that the nationwide lockdown that is expected to end on 14 April need to have a 'phased exit' to cusion the economic damage caused by COVID-19 outbreak.

New York City's toll from the coronavirus rose past 3,200 Tuesday, eclipsing the number killed at the World Trade Center on 9/11. The number of deaths in the US due to coronavirus on crossed 12,700, with a record 1,900 fatalities in a single day.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases on Tuesday neared the 5,000 mark with India reporting 508 new cases and 13 deaths in 24 hours while many states advocated for a gradual approach to lifting the 21-day lockdown which ends on 14 April.

On Tuesday, several states also announced plans to ramp up their testing infrastructure and put in place strong 'cluster containment' plans in areas identified as hotspots of the outbreak.

Representational Image.PTI

There were also indications about possible relaxations from a complete lockdown for some sectors, including agriculture and unorganised labour sector, at least in some states, while there were also talks about even stronger area-specific restrictions in some places.

A Group of Ministers on COVID-19, recommended extension of closure of all educational institutions and restricting all religious activities having public participation till 15 May irrespective of whether the government extends the 21-day lockdown or not.

Confirmed cases climb to 4,789, toll reaches 124, says health ministry

Of the 4,789 cases confirmed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), 352 patients have been discharged or cured, one has migrated and there are 4,312 active cases in India.

However, a PTI tally of figures reported by various states at 9.45 pm showed 5,192 testing positive across the country and at least 162 deaths.

More than 400 have so far been cured and discharged, while nearly 1.1 lakh tests have been conducted so far in the country, as per official announcements, PTI said.

Also, while some states including Maharashtra reported a significant increase in the numbers, several states did not report a single additional positive case.

The number of confirmed cases in Maharashtra surged past 1,000, with 116 new cases being detected only in the city of Mumbai. The total number of coronavirus positive cases in Mumbai now stands at 642 with 40 deaths so far, including six new victims, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation said in a release.

In Madhya Pradesh and Rajsthan the number crossed 300, while in Delhi the number of COVID-19 patients reached 576. Fresh cases were also reported from Punjab, Telangana, Haryana, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu among other states.

However, no fresh cases were reported from various states and union territories including Chattisgarh, Chandigarh, Goa, Jharkhand, Laddakh, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Puducherry and Uttarakhand.

Lockdown, social distancing arrested spread of virus, claims health ministry

Officials said that the lockdown and social distancing measures have helped contain the pandemic in a big way in India.

Citing an ICMR study, the Health Ministry said just one COVID-19 patient can infect as many as 406 people in 30 days in the absence of preventive measures such as social distancing and the lockdown.

With the preventive measures, the possibility of the infection can be reduced to an average of just two-and-a-half persons per patient in the same period, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said in the central government's daily briefing on COVID-19.

He said social distancing works like a "social vaccine" in management of COVID-19, but refrained from commenting on whether the ongoing nationwide lockdown would be extended or lifted after 14 April.

"Whenever a decision is taken, it will be informed. Till a decision is officially communicated, please refrain from speculation," he said.

Government sources, however, said many state governments and experts are requesting the Centre to extend the lockdown and the Central Government is thinking in that direction.

There has been a nationwide lockdown since 25 March, though some states had initiated such measures a few days earlier, to check the pandemic that has claimed more than 75,000 lives worldwide since its emergence in China last December. Over 13 lakh people have tested positive for the virus across the world so far.

States likely to relax restrictions on some sectors

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said some relaxation on work front for unorganised sector workers was on the anvil. She, however, made it clear that all must practise social distancing. The state government has identified seven COVID-19 hotspots in West Bengal.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, however, said his government will extend the lockdown if needed, while his counterpart in Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, said the state cannot withdraw the lockdown immediately and it has to be done in a phased manner.

A Karnataka government minister said it's too early to take a call now on lifting the nationwide lockdown but appeared favouring an extension by at least two weeks.

Uttar Pradesh chief secretary RK Tiwari said, "There is still time for the lockdown and we will review the situation and then decide" on lifting it.

A panel report by the Kerala govt has suggested phased withdrawal of restrictions subject to the areas under review meet certain conditions.

Addressing his ministers through video conferencing on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also indicated towards a graded approach to lift the lockdown.

The Prime Minister had also asked the ministers whether the restrictions should be lifted sector-wise or district-wise, a source said. Modi has also asked the ministers to lay out plans to contain the economic impact of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the GoM chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and participated by Home Minister Amit Shah and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday concluded that religious centres, shopping malls and educational institutions must not be allowed to resume normal functioning at least for four weeks from 14 April when the current lockdown ends.

The GoM also briefly discussed possible scenarios after end of the current spell of the lockdown. It also recommended that the inputs of the states are crucial in taking specific decisions on measures to contain the pandemic.

Arvind Kejriwal announces 'five-T' action plan

Several states, including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, also announced plans to ramp up the tests, while numerous leaders across the country urged the people to strictly follow the lockdown and social distancing measures including for religious rituals.

Gehlot, the Rajasthan chief minister, said the state will start rapid testing within a week and that it has ordered 10 lakh testing kits from China.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a five-point action plan of "five Ts — testing, tracing, treatment, team-work and tracking — and monitoring" to contain the virus spread and said one lakh random rapid COVID-19 tests will be conducted in the city's hotspot areas. He said arrangements have been made to deal with as many as 30,000 cases.

Gujarat government has also decided to implement a cluster containment plan across 15 localities in four cities, which involves a complete lockdown of these areas.

Low GDP forecasts in view of lockdown

Rating agency ICRA on Tuesday forecast a GDP forecast of just 2 percent for the current fiscal and said the Indian economy is estimated to have contracted by 4.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of FY20 ended 31 March.

Industry body Retailers Association of India on the other hand warned that around 80,000 jobs were expected to be cut by various retailers due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It had conducted a survey of 768 retailers, which employ 3,92,963 people across India, to gauge their view on the impact of COVID-19 on their business and manpower.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) also said that the COVID-19 crisis has the potential to push around 40 crore informal sector workers in India deeper into poverty, with the lockdown and other containment measures affecting jobs and earnings.

The stock market, however, witnessed a sharp rebound on Tuesday with a 2,476-point rally in the benchmark Sensex, while the investors' wealth measured in terms of market value of all listed companies rose by nearly Rs 7.7 lakh crore.

Shares of pharma companies especially saw a lot of surge after India decided to partially lift a ban on export of paracetamol and anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine.

The decision came a week after a telephonic conversation between Modi and US President Donald Trump, who sought supply of hydroxychloroquine to the US to treat coronavirus infected people.

Trump on Monday said he would be surprised if New Delhi did not relent to the request as it has good relations with Washington and warned India of retaliation if it did not export the anti-malarial drug despite his personal request.

Indian pharma companies said there is enough stock of hydroxychloroquine in the country, and drug firms are ready to ramp up the production to meet domestic as well as export requirements.

Agarwal said cluster containment strategies are producing required results in some areas like Agra, Gautam Budh Nagar (UP), Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Bhilwara (Rajasthan), East Delhi and Mumbai and similar strategies are being adopted in other coronavirus-affected districts.

With inputs from PTI



from Firstpost India Latest News https://ift.tt/2RnJ6x0
Posted by at
Labels:

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)