Tuesday 9 June 2020

Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Tamil Nadu cancels Class 10 exams; students to be promoted based on previous scores, attendance, says govt

12:56 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Update

Tamil Nadu government cancels Class 10, 11 exams

The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled Class 10 and 11 exams in view of the rising coronavirus cases in the state. Students of these classes will be promoted on the basis of quarterly and half-yearly exam results as well as their attendance. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami said that the decision regarding class 12th exams will be taken in coming days.

The exams were to be held between 15 and 25 June.

12:37 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over "Corona Express" remark

Union home minister Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Corona Express' remark on trains for migrants, saying "It will become your exit route" while addressing the ‘West Bengal Jan Samvad Rally’ via video conference on Tuesday. 

"Mamata ji, you refered to Shramik Special Trains as 'Corona Express'. The name that you have given, 'Corona Express' will become an exit express for TMC. You've insulted migrant workers, you've rubbed salt into their wounds and they will not forget it," he said.

12:30 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Amit Shah lauds coronavirus warriors at West Bengal Jan Samvad Rally

Union home minister Amit Shah addressed the ‘West Bengal Jan Samvad Rally’ via video conferencing on Tuesday and lauded the selfless, tireless fight put up by ‘corona warriors’ against India’s battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. 

12:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tripura Latest Update

Tripura reports 38 fresh COVID-19 cases, takes total to 841

The number of COVID-19 cases in Tripura increased to 841 as 38 more people tested positive for the infection, officials said on Tuesday. The 38 people who tested positive for COVID-19 have recently returned from Chennai and all of them were from Sipahijala district, they said.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the COVID-19 cell of the state government said, that so far 37,453 samples have been tested of which 36,612 were found negative and the rest 841 came as positive.

12:18 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Update

Malls, restaurants and places of worship open in Kerala

Malls, restaurants and places of worship opened in Kerala on Tuesday morning after over two-and half months of coronavirus induced lockdown. There were very few visitors in the malls and restaurants in the early hours and people preferred takeaways in eateries.

Various temples, including the famous Lord Krishna temple at Guruvayoor, a few churches, and mosques opened in the state for the devotees. The Guruvayur shrine opened at 9.30 am and around 150 people, who had booked through virtual queue system, offered prayers.

Devotees wearing masks were seen standing adhering to the social distance norm.

12:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Over 300 healthcare workers at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital test positive, say reports

Over 300 medical workers at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital tested positive for coronavirus between 7 April and 2 June, News18 reported. Additionally, around 100 family members of these workers contracted the infection which has claimed 874 lives in the National Capital so far.

The hospital’s chairman DS Rana said that very few of those tested positive were posted in the COVID-19 ward. “313 employees have tested positive since April. We have maintained since the beginning the staff is at great risk and even asymptomatic persons are to be screened,” he told CNN-News18.

Read full report here

11:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Rajasthan Latest Update

COVID-19 toll in Rajasthan rises to 251; cases cross 11,000-mark

The coronavirus toll in Rajasthan reached 251 on Tuesday, while the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state crossed the 11,000-mark after 144 more people tested positive for the pathogen, officials said. Five more deaths due to coronavirus were recorded in the state, they said.

Two deaths were reported from Jaipur and one each from Jodhpur and Ajmer, while one patient from another state succumbed to coronavirus, the officials said. With 144 new cases, the COVID-19 tally in the state rose to 11,020, they said.

11:52 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

11 Kolkata Police personnel test positive for COVID-19

As many as 11 Kolkata Police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of infected policemen in the force to 217, a senior officer told PTI on Tuesday. The 11 infected Kolkata Police personnel were from the combat force, the Police Training School (PTS), and different police stations, the officer said.

11:45 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Delhi has to further enhance bed-capacity, says Satyender Jain

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Tuesday said the Delhi government earlier expected that the beds in private hospitals would cater to patients up to 15 days but have found that most of the beds reserved for COVID-19 patients have been used in 4-5 days, reports ANI. “We have to further enhance the capacity now,” he adds.

He also said there is a community spread only when Centre admits it. “Community spread is when there are cases in which source [of infection] cannot be ascertained... Almost half of our cases are like this,” he adds.

11:40 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Disinvestment secretary tests COVID-19 positive

Disinvestment secretary Tuhin Kanta Pandey has tested positive for COVID-19 and is under home quarantine, according to sources. Pandey got himself tested for COVID-19 after developing mild fever and was found to be infected by coronavirus, said one of the sources.

Following this, joint secretaries in the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) have gone into home quarantine, sources said.

The department, which is in the CGO complex, has been sealed for sanitisation. This is the third case in the department.

11:34 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Pakistan Latest Update

Pakistan reports more than 100 COVID-19 deaths in single day, cases cross 1 lakh

Pakistan for the first time has recorded more than 100 deaths in a single day due to the deadly coronavirus which has infected over 108,000 people in the country, health officials said on Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 105 deaths were reported on Monday as the total number of fatalities reached 2,172 in the country. It also showed that at least 35,018 patients have fully recovered from the coronavirus.

Another 4,646 new patents were diagnosed in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally of patients to 108,317.

11:27 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Jharkhand Latest Update

Jharkhand registers 1,330 cases, 7 deaths

The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Jharkhand rise to 1,330 including 804 active cases, 519 recovered and 7 deaths, according to the latest updated from the state health department.

11:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

SC asks states to submit details on job creation; next hearing on 8 July

Supreme Court in its order on Tuesday has asked all the states to submit their detailed affidavits on schemes, job creation, etc. and has fixed the matter for further hearing on 8 July.

11:18 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

On COVID-19, we may have fallen short (but) what did Opposition do?: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday that the government may have made a “mistake (galti)” or “fallen short (kam pad gaye honge)” while dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak and the ensuing migrant workers’ crisis, but its commitment (nishtha) was clear, reports The Indian Express.

Saying that the Narendra Modi government had announced a package of Rs 1,70,000 crore, he asked the Opposition what it had done. Shah was addressing a virtual rally for Odisha from New Delhi.

11:12 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Railways to provide Shramil special trains for migrants within 24 hrs

In its order, the Supreme Court says in the event of a demand for Shramik Special trains, the Railways will provide trains within 24 hours.

The apex court also said that the Centre and states have to prepare a list for identification of migrant workers in a streamlined manner. Employment relief is to be mapped out and skill-mapping to be carried out for migrant labourers.

11:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Send migrant workers to their home towns within 15 days: SC tells states

The Supreme Court says migrant workers should be identified and sent home within 15 days, reports PTI. It also asks states to drop all cases of lockdown violation against them.

All cases registered against migrants for alleged violated lockdown orders are to be considered for withdrawal under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

11:02 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

No cases reported in last 24 hrs: Maharashtra Police

The Maharashtra Police say there has been no new case in the force in the last 24 hours, reports ANI. The total coronavirus cases in the force stand at 2,562, toll at 34. 

10:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

ICMR says over 49 lakh samples collected so far

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 49,16,116 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the country till 9.00 am today. Of these, 1,41,682 were tested in the last 24 hours.

10:45 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Anil Baijal calls for meeting with all parties

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal has called an all-party meeting later in the day to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the city and measures to contain the spread of the dreaded virus.

The meeting will be held after the Delhi Disaster Management Authority's high-level meet to assess whether coronavirus has entered the community spread stage in the National Capital.

10:40 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Telangana Latest Update

Difficult to test all dead for coronavirus: Telangana govt officials

Officials of the Telangana government are of the opinion that it is difficult to implement the High Court order to conduct COVID-19 tests on the dead before releasing them from the hospitals in the state.

The officials' response comes a fortnight after the high court ordered the state government to conduct coronavirus tests on all bodies before they were released from government hospitals.

According to a press release by Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao's office on Monday night, the officials opined that the state government should go for an appeal in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court's order.

10:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Sample of Arvind Kejriwal collected

Covid-19 sample of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been collected. The results will come out after 24 hours.

10:29 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Centre issues guidelines for its staff

The Centre issues fresh guidelines for officials and staffers after several officials in various central government ministries and departments tested positive, reports ANI.

10:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Dharavi, Worli show signs of flattening COVID-19 curve: Report

Two Mumbai localities with dense population — Dharavi and Worli — which emerged as major coronavirus hotspots in the city, on Monday saw a drop in their daily tally. Dharavi, which is one of the largest slums in Asia, reported nearly 1,400 COVID-19 cases in May, or a whopping jump of about 380 percent from the April figures, adding to concerns of its residents, reports News18.

The rate of infection in Worli, which reached an average of 60-62 in May, has now come down to 35 to 40. According to a report in Hindustan Times, average new cases in Dharavi have come down from 47 in May to 27 in June. The growth rates of Worli and Dharavi has come down to 1.9% and 1.7%, respectively, which are among the lowest in the city.

10:16 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Bihar Latest Update

Sushil Modi bats for new law to protect migrant workers during crisis

Sympathising with migrant workers who endured days of hardship to return home amid the lockdown, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi said he has urged the Centre to replace the four-decade-old interstate law with a new one to ensure their social security.

The senior BJP leader also said that the troubles of the hapless workers grew manifold, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, as their employers did not implement the provisions of the existing Inter State Migrant Labour Act, 1979.

The Act, moreover, covers only labourers hired by registered contractors, leaving out a vast majority recruited through agents, the deputy chief minister said.

10:10 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Sikkim Latest Update

Six test positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim, takes total to 13

Six more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Sikkim, taking the total number of cases in the state to 13, a senior Health Department official said on Tuesday.

Director General (DG)-cum-Secretary of Health department, Dr Pempa Tshering Bhutia said four persons from West Sikkim and one each from South and East Sikkim have tested positive for COVID-19.

Of the total 13 COVID-19 cases in Sikkim, 10 are active as three persons have recovered from the disease on Monday, officials said.

10:02 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Petrol price hiked by 54 paise per litre, diesel by 58 paise

Petrol price on Tuesday was hiked by 54 paise per litre and diesel by 58 paise a litre - the third straight daily increase in rates after oil PSUs ended an 82-day hiatus in rate revision.

Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 73.00 per litre from 72.46, while diesel rates were increased to Rs 71.17 a litre from Rs 70.59, according to a price notification of state oil marketing companies.

This is the third daily increase in rates in a row. Oil companies had on Sunday restarted revising prices in line with costs, after ending an 82-day hiatus.

09:52 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India reports 9,987 new cases, 331 deaths in past 24 hours

India on Tuesday reported the highest single-day spike of 9,987 new COVID19 cases & 331 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the country now at 266598, including 129917 active cases, 129215 cured/discharged/migrated and 7466 deaths according to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

09:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu remain worst-affected

With 88,528 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains worst-affected state in the country, followed by Tamil Nadu (33,229) and Delhi (29,943).

With 88,528 confirmed novel coronavirus cases, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country. According to the latest data from the Union Health Ministry, the state has reported 3,169 COVID-19 deaths so far. As many as 40,975 patients have recovered.

09:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India reports 2.6 lakh cases, 7,466 deaths due to COVID-19

The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 2,66,598, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry, while the toll due to the coronavirus pandemic has risen to 7,466. As many as 1,29,215 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far with 1,29,917 active cases.

09:21 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in US Latest Update

Trump open to another relief package: White House

United States President Donald Trump is open to another economic relief package in response to the coronavirus pandemic and remains in favour of a payroll tax holiday, White House spokeswoman Kayleigh McEnany said yesterday.

09:16 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Some Mumbai labs took 18 days to submit swab reports: BMC chief

Some laboratories in Mumbai took as many as 18 days to deliver swab reports related to coronavirus cases, BMC Commissioner IS Chahal has said.

The senior IAS officer, who took over as commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) last month, said after he joined the post, he found that swab reports of 4 April were delivered on 22 April.

The civic chief said he told such labs that inordinate delay in submitting reports of samples taken for coronavirus was not acceptable.

09:05 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Clerical mistake, matter being sorted out: Sources on FIR against Ganga Ram Hospital

Two days after an FIR was filed against Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) for allegedly violating Covid-19 regulation norms, sources at the facility told PTI on Sunday that there was a "clerical mistake" and the matter is "being sorted out".

The FIR was filed against the medical superintendent of SGRH under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly violating directions issued under the Epidemic Disease Covid-19 Regulation, 2020.

According to the complaint, the hospital was allegedly not using RT-PCR app while collecting Covid-19 samples. As per the guidelines, it is "mandatory" for labs to collect samples through RT-PCR app, it said. A source at the hospital, meanwhile, said, "It was a clerical error and the matter is being sorted out."

09:01 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Update

50% of Kolkata restaurants reopen with safety protocols

Around 50 percent of the 30,000 -odd eateries in Kolkata opened on Monday following the Centre's notice allowing restaurants to start functioning with all COVID-19 safety protocols in place, reports PTI.

About 15,000 restaurants opened with at least 6 feet distance between two tables and minimum contact with the restaurant staff during payment and ordering menus, President of Hotels and Restaurants Association of Eastern India Sudesh Poddar said.

Around 25-30 percent of normal customer presence was reported in the eating joints on the first day, owners of several restaurants said.

08:52 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Update

Former MLA seen violating social distancing norms in Noida

Former MLA, Guddu Pandit was seen violating social distancing norms in Noida while cutting cake on a highway, in a viral video. Rajesh Singh, DCP (Zone 3) says, "A case has been registered against him. Further action will be taken," ANI reports.

08:45 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

GoM to meet today via video-conference

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will chair a meeting of the Group of Ministers, via video conferencing at 10.00 am today, reports ANI.

08:40 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in South Korea Latest Update

South Korea reports 38 new cases of COVID-19, one death

South Korea has reported 38 new cases of COVID-19 and one more death, bringing national totals to 11,852 infections and 274 virus-related fatalities.

Figures from South Korea's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday showed 35 of the new cases came from the densely populated Seoul metropolitan area, where officials have struggled to trace transmissions linked to entertainment venues, church gatherings and low-income workers who couldn't afford to stay home.

08:28 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

Mumbai's COVID-19 tally crosses 50,000 mark

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mumbai crossed the 50,000-mark yesterday and reached 50,085. This came after 1,311 more people tested positive for the viral infection. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Mumbai stands at 1,702.

08:23 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India's economy to contract by 3.2% in 2020-21: World Bank

India's economy will shrink by 3.2 percent in the current fiscal, the World Bank said on Monday as it joined a chorus of international agencies that are forecasting a contraction in growth rate due to the coronavirus lockdown halting economic activity.

The Washington-based multilateral lender said that the COVID-19 pandemic and the multi-phased lockdown imposed to curb its spread has resulted in a devastating blow to the Indian economy.

In its latest edition of the Global Economic Prospect, the World Bank downgraded its projection of India by a massive negative nine percent.

08:16 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

99% ICU beds occupied in Mumbai, says report

Critically ill Covid-19 patients continue to battle for beds, according to the latest data from BMC, which shows that 99 percent intensive care unit (ICU) beds are full and 94 percent ventilators are occupied in public and private hospitals in Mumbai, but nearly 12 percent of the beds are occupied by non-critical patients, reports The Indian Express.

Government officials said hospitals have been instructed to strictly adhere to admission and discharge guidelines and only admit severely symptomatic patients to allow beds for critical patients, but on the ground, it appears this protocol is not being followed.

08:09 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Delhi Latest Update

Arvind Kejriwal to test himself for COVID-19 today

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had gone into self-quarantine after developing sore throat and fever, and will get himself tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, officials said on Monday. The 51-year-old chief minister, who is also a diabetic, was feeling unwell since Sunday afternoon. Earlier officials said Kejriwal has also developed a mild fever.

08:04 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

Global COVID-19 cases cross 70 lakh, toll at 4.5 lakh

Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 70.8 lakh, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 4.05 lakh.

With over 19.5 lakh reported cases to date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, the United Kingdom and India.

07:50 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Update

WHO chief warns virus is worsening globally

The head of the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus pandemic is worsening globally, even as the situation in Europe is improving.

At a press briefing on Monday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that about 75% of cases reported to the UN health agency on Sunday came from 10 countries in the Americas and South Asia. He noted that more than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days and that the 136,000 cases reported Sunday was the biggest number so far.

07:44 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Update

District judge tests COVID-19 positive in MP'S Khandwa district

A lower court judge has tested positive for coronavirus in Khandwa district, leading the Madhya Pradesh High Court administration to assign his duties and that of others to the session judge of Burhanpur on Monday, an official said.

After the district judge tested positive for COVID-19, his colleagues were quarantined as a precaution, he said

07:38 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Update

COVID-19 cases in Aurangabad district rise to 2,069

With 49 more people testing positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra's Aurangabad district, the number of the cases rose to 2,069 on Monday, an official said. The toll stood at 104.

The number of the recovered cases stood at 1,224 while 737 others are undergoing treatment at various facilities, the official said.

07:33 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in India Latest Update

India's toll mounts to 7,132, confirmed cases reach 2,56,611 

The toll due to coronavirus in India climbed to 7,135 and the total number of persons infected increased to 2,56,611 on Monday as malls, temples and restaurants re-opened in various parts of the country after nearly two months under the Centre's 'Unlock' plan.

In the 24 hours since 8 am on Sunday, India registered 206 fatalities and a record single-day spike of 9,983 cases, taking the toll to 7,135 and case count to 2,56,611, according to Union health ministry data.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The Tamil Nadu government has cancelled Class 10 and 11 exams in view of the rising coronavirus cases in the state. Students of these classes will be promoted on the basis of quarterly and half-yearly exam results as well as their attendance.

Union home minister Amit Shah attacks Mamata Banerjee over 'Corona Express' remark on trains for migrants, saying "It will become your exit route" while addressing the ‘West Bengal Jan Samvad Rally’ via video conference on Tuesday. 'Mamata ji, you referred to Shramik Special Trains as 'Corona Express'. The name that you have given, 'Corona Express' will become an exit express for TMC. You've insulted migrant workers, you've rubbed salt into their wounds and they will not forget it,' he said.

Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal has called an all-party meeting later in the day to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the city and measures to contain the spread of the dreaded virus. The meeting will be held after the Delhi Disaster Management Authority's high-level meet to assess whether coronavirus has entered the community spread stage in the national capital.

In its order, the Supreme Court says in the event of a demand for Shramik Special trains, the Railways will provide trains within 24 hours. The apex court also said that the Centre and states have to prepare a list for the identification of migrant workers in a streamlined manner. Employment relief is to be mapped out and skill-mapping to be carried out for migrant labourers.

The Supreme Court says migrant workers should be identified and sent home within 15 days, reports PTI. It also asks states to drop all cases of lockdown violations against them.

The Worli and Dharavi areas of Mumbai, which are hotspots for the novel coronavirus, are now witnessing a continuous decline in the number of daily cases, and an increase in the doubling rate, the Hindustan Times reported on Tuesday.

India on Tuesday reported the highest single-day spike of 9,987 new COVID19 cases & 331 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the country now at 266598, including 129917 active cases, 129215 cured/discharged/migrated and 7466 deaths according to the latest update by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 2,66,598, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry, while the toll due to the coronavirus pandemic has risen to 7,466. As many as 1,29,215 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far with 1,29,917 active cases.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had gone into self-quarantine after developing sore throat and fever, and will get himself tested for COVID-19 on Tuesday, officials said on Monday. The 51-year-old chief minister, who is also a diabetic, was feeling unwell since Sunday afternoon. Earlier officials said Kejriwal has also developed a mild fever.

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mumbai crossed the 50,000-mark yesterday and reached 50,085. This came after 1,311 more people tested positive for the viral infection. The number of COVID-19 fatalities in Mumbai stands at 1,702. Critically ill Covid-19 patients continue to battle for beds, according to the latest data from BMC, which shows that 99 percent intensive care unit (ICU) beds are full.

The head of the World Health Organization warned that the coronavirus pandemic is worsening globally, even as the situation in Europe is improving. At a press briefing on Monday, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that about 75% of cases reported to the UN health agency on Sunday came from 10 countries in the Americas and South Asia. He noted that more than 100,000 cases have been reported on nine of the past 10 days and that the 136,000 cases reported Sunday was the biggest number so far.

The toll due to coronavirus in India climbed to 7,135 and the total number of persons infected increased to 2,56,611 on Monday as malls, temples and restaurants re-opened in various parts of the country after nearly two months under the Centre's 'Unlock' plan.

However, Mizoram extended 'complete lockdown' in the state for two weeks and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the lockdown would continue in the state for 15 more days till 30 June.

India reports 206 deaths, 9,983 cases in 24 hours

In the 24 hours since 8 am on Sunday, India registered 206 fatalities and a record single-day spike of 9,983 cases, taking the toll to 7,135 and case count to 2,56,611 , according to Union health ministry data.

The number of active novel coronavirus cases stands at 1,25,381 while 1,24,094 people have recovered, said the ministry.  "Thus, around 48.36 percent patients have recovered so far," a senior health ministry official said.

Of the 206 deaths reported since Sunday morning, 91 were in Maharashtra, 30 in Gujarat, 18 each in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, 13 each in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh, nine in Rajasthan, four in Haryana, two each in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir and Uttarakhand, and one each in Odisha and Punjab.

Out of the total 7,135 fatalities, Maharashtra has reported the highest with 3,060 deaths followed by Gujarat with 1,249 deaths, Delhi with 761, Madhya Pradesh with 412, West Bengal with 396, Uttar Pradesh with 275, Tamil Nadu with 269, Rajasthan with 240 and Telangana with 123 deaths.

Malls, restaurants and religious places re-opened in various parts of the country. AP

Maharashtra also accounts for the highest number of cases at 85,975, followed by Tamil Nadu at 31,667, Delhi at 27,654, Gujarat at 20,070, Rajasthan at 10,599, Uttar Pradesh at 10,536 and Madhya Pradesh at 9,401, according to the health ministry's data updated in the morning.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 8,187 in West Bengal, 5,452 in Karnataka, 5,088 in Bihar and 4,708 in Andhra Pradesh.

The ministry's website said that 9,189 cases are being reassigned to states and "our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR".

Separately, the health ministry asked officials of 45 civic bodies across 38 districts in 10 states, which account for around 78 percent of the country's total COVID-19 cases, to bolster house-to-house surveys, prompt testing and surveillance measures to contain the infection and reduce mortality.

"In view of the easing of lockdown and lifting of curbs, states were advised to make a district-wise prospective plan for the coming months," the ministry said.

Malls, restaurants, religious places open

Also on Monday, the country began emerging out of a 75-day lockdown with malls, religious places and offices opening in several parts of the country under strict conditions limiting the number of people and mandating sanitisation of all premises.

However, amid strict guidelines preventing trial of clothes in malls in some states, and distribution of 'prasad' in religious places, footfall remained low.

Gurdwaras, temples, mosques and churches opened their doors in several parts of the country, including in Delhi, West Bengal and Karnataka, but the entry of devotees was restricted in keeping with social distancing norms. In some places, temple bells were wrapped in cloth.

The historic Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Golden Temple in Amritsar saw the devout come in, albeit in far fewer numbers, after the long gap.

The Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya, too, opened with precautions. According to chief priest Acharya Satyendra Das, only five people were allowed to pay obeisance at a time and that too 15 metres away from the idol of Ram Lalla.

The government last week issued a set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) outside containment zones, mandating strict adherence to contain the spread of COVID-19. Cinema halls, spas, metro services and swimming pools remain closed.  The SOPs were advisory in nature and the state governments were left to finetune the details.

In Tamil Nadu, where shops had opened some time ago, restaurants were closed for dine-in customers but takeaways continued. In West Bengal, shopping malls, restaurants and other establishments reopened to a cautious welcome too.

The Mamata Banerjee-led government had eased curbs in the state from 1 June, allowing places of worship to reopen and full  operationalisation of the jute, tea and construction sectors.

People came out on the streets of Kolkata in large numbers, with many flouting the social distancing norms. Traffic snarls were reported from several areas as government offices started operating with 70 percent attendance and most private offices and establishments recommenced near-normal functioning.

'Mission Begin Again' took off in Maharashtra, the worst-affected state, in a truncated form without malls or religious places re-opening but with offices and several shops back in business.

In the state capital Mumbai, offices opened in many places, including the Bandra-Kurla Complex and Lower Parel. Shops in key market areas of Dadar, Colaba and Kurla also opened for businesses.

Though the lockdown is in force till 30 June, the Maharashtra government, as part of the phase-wise reopening of the economy and public activities, has allowed private offices to resume operations with 10 percent staff. About 2,100 buses hit the city roads till noon, a BEST statement said.

In Kerala as well, government offices began functioning with full staff from Monday in accordance with a state government order.

The Odisha government took a call to keep its religious places, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants closed till 30 June in a clarification issued late on Sunday.

West Bengal, Mizoram extend lockdown

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday extended lockdown announced that the lockdown, which was set to end on 15 June, has been extended in the state for another 15 days.

"The lockdown is being extended in the state till 30 June, with all existing relaxations and conditions still in place. Earlier, we had allowed only 10 people at social programmes such as a marriage or a funeral ceremony, now we have increased it to 25," she said after a meeting of the state Cabinet.

In Mizoram, a consultative meeting of ministers, association of doctors, churches, NGOs, local and village councils chaired by Chief Minister Zoramthanga unanimously decided to impose a total lockdown till 22 June to contain the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in the state

Officials told PTI that a complete lockdown would continue in towns and cities, but there could be "area-wise moderation", particularly in rural areas.

The northeastern state on Monday reported eight coronavirus cases, taking the tally from 1 to 42 in a week.

State-wise figures

Many states and Union Territories continued reporting a rise in infections and deaths and a PTI tally put the total number of coronavirus cases in the country till 9.35 pm at 2,57,777 and deaths at 7,468. According to the news agency, a total of 1,28,508 persons have recovered from the viral infection.

The number of confirmed cases in Gujarat rose to 20,574 with the addition of 477 new infections, while 31 more patients died, taking the toll to 1,280, the state health department said. In Ahmedabad, number of fatalities went up by 24 to 1,039 while cases increased by 424 to 14,631.

Maharashtra reported 2,553 new COVID-19 cases and 109 deaths, taking the case count to 88,528 and number of fatalities to 3,169. Mumbai alone has recorded over 50,000 cases and 1,702 deaths.

Tamil Nadu reported 1,562 new coronavirus cases and 17 deaths pushing the infection count to 33,229 and toll to 286 as state government asserted that there were sufficient beds for COVID-19 patients in government and private hospitals. It also said a portal would be launched to provide information on occupancy and vacancy in hospitals.

Kerala's case count crossed 2,000 with 91 new positive cases being detected and a Madlives returnee succumbing to the virus on Monday, taking the death toll due to the infection to 16. With the fresh tests, the state's infection tally touched 2,004 while the active cases stood at 1,174 with 814 recoveries, including 11 who were discharged on Monday,state Health Minister KK Shailaja said.

In Delhi, the number of confirmed cases climbed to 29,943 and the toll mounted to 874 as 1,007 new cases and 17 deaths were recorded.

Delhi LG overrules two AAP govt orders

Lt Governor Anil Baijal overruled  two controversial orders of the AAP government — one on reserving Delhi government-run and private hospitals in the National Capital for Delhiites and another allowing COVID-19 test of only symptomatic patients.

In his first order, Baijal made it clear that the Supreme Court has invariably held in several successive judgements that 'Right to Health' is an integral part of 'Right to Life' under Article 21 of the Constitution and directed that all patients in Delhi be given treatment.

The development came a day after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had announced that hospitals run by the Delhi government and private entities will only treat Delhiites during the coronavirus crisis due to the likely rise in cases in the National Capital in the coming days.

In his second order, Baijal said all nine categories people, including asymptomatic, as prescribed by the ICMR should be tested for COVID-19.

The Aam Aadmi Party reacted sharply to the LG's move, alleging that he had been pressured by the BJP which is doing "dirty politics" on the issue.

With inputs from agencies



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