Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao Tests COVID Positive
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Amid an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases, the Centre has announced that those above 18 years of age are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine from 1 May
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced a lockdown in the national capital beginning Monday, 19 April night till 5 AM on 26 April.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on the COVID-19 situation at 11:30 am today. He will also hold a discussion with top doctors and pharma companies later in the day.
India on Monday reported 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases, 1,619 fatalities and 1,44,178 discharges in 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total case tally has now reached 1,50,61,919 with 19,29,329 active cases and 1,78,769 deaths.
While the Centre and the states are tackling the rising pressure of the ferocious second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hong Kong has announced that it will ban flights from India, Pakistan, and the Philippines for 14 days starting 20 April, the country said in a statement on Sunday.
- TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee will not be campaigning in Kolkata for the West Bengal Assembly elections amid a surge in cases
- Congress leader Rahul Gandhi too has suspended all his rallies across the states
- The Centre has been taking a slew of measures to ramp up the production and supply of oxygen to the states
- Scores of politicians, Union ministers and state ministers have tested positive for COVID-19
Medical Staff Arrested in Indore for Remdesivir Black Marketing
A nurse and two medical supporters from Indore's Barod Hospital were arrested for black marketing Remdesivir on Sunday night, Amrita Singh, Station In charge, Rajendra Nagar Police Station, told ANI.
“They were selling the injection for Rs 35,000. A case has been registered,” she said.
Bihar MLA Mewala Chaudhary Passes Away
Mewalal Choudhary, JDU MLA and former Bihar minister, passed away due to COVID-19 at a hospital in Patna, ANI reported.
Hong Kong Bans Flights from India, Pakistan Starting 20 April
Hong Kong will ban flights from India, Pakistan and the Philippines for 14 days starting April 20, the government said in a statement Sunday.
2.73 Lakh New Cases Reported in India
India on Monday, 19 April reports 2,73,810 new COVID-19 cases, 1,619 fatalities and 1,44,178 discharges in the last 24 hours, as per the Union Health Ministry. The total case tally has now reached 1,50,61,919 with 19,29,329 active cases and 1,78,769 deaths.
26,78,94,549 Samples Tested for COVID-19 Till 18 April
26,78,94,549 samples tested for COVID-19 up to 18 April, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Of these, 13,56,133 samples were tested yesterday.
4,445 New Stories Reported in Odisha
Odisha reported 4,445 new positive cases, 1309 discharges and four deaths on 18 April.
Delhi Government Deputes Officers at. Oxygen Plants
Delhi Government has deputed officers at Oxygen filling plants, medical oxygen cylinders and Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) suppliers to oversee the entire procurement process of medical oxygen by the filler agency.
Telangana Reports 4,009 New COVID-19 cases
Telangana reported 4,009 new COVID-19 cases, 1878 recoveries and 14 deaths on 18 April. The total case tally of the state now stands at 3,55,433.
West Bengal Taking All Necessary Steps: Mamata
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that the state government is taking all necessary steps amid the COVID surge and the Assembly elections in the state.
“With the massive surge in COVID-19 cases across India, the Government of West Bengal is taking all necessary steps to protect its people. I have reached out to the PM to help us with additional medicines and vaccines required,” Banerjee said.
“I have also directed all top officials to make elaborate arrangements and step up their efforts at every level to deal with the COVID-19 situation in WB. Chief Secretary along with key officials will be doing a press conference at 2 pm to discuss details of the plan,” she said.
DRDO Sends 150 Pxygen Cylinders for Lucknow
As per the directions of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, DRDO supplies 150 jumbo cylinders of Oxygen to the Uttar Pradesh government, ANI reported. At least 1000 cylinders are to be sent to Lucknow.
Delhi Courts To Take Up Only Urgent Cases Via Video Conferencing
In view of the rise in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, the Delhi High Court ordered that all the judicial officers of the District Courts in Delhi shall take up only urgent cases of their respective courts via video conferencing.
PM Modi to Chair Meet at 11.30 AM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair an important meeting on the COVID-19 related situation at 11:30 am today.
Week-Long Lockdown in Delhi
Amid an unprecedented rise in COVID-19 cases, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced a lockdown in the national capital beginning Monday, 19 April night till 5 AM on 26 April.
While essential services, food services, medical services will continue, weddings can be held with a gathering of only 50 people andpasses will be issued separately for it, Kejriwal said.
Cabinet Secretary Holds Meets With Chief Secretaries of 12 States
The Cabinet Secretary convened a video conference on Monday on the issue of medical oxygen supply with Chief Secretaries and senior officials of Maharashtra, MP, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhatisgarh, UP, AP, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi.
Higher Requirement of Oxygen Found During Second Wave: ICMR DG
ICMR DG Dr Balram Bhargava said that the second wave of the pandemic has seen more requirement of oxygen than before.
“Higher requirement of oxygen was found in this wave. There is no difference in the percent of death between the first wave and second wave from the data we have,” he told ANI.
“We have had tremendous amount of laxity. COVID-19 inappropriate behaviour and various unidentified mutation - of them some are of concern like the UK, Brazilian and South African variants - which have been demonstrated to have higher transmissibility,” he said.
Bombay HC Orders Maha Govt to Provide 10k Remdesivir Vials to Nagpur
The Bombay High Court on Monday directed the Maharashtra government to release about 10,000 vials of the Remdesivir drug to COVID hospitals in Nagpur for the time being.
PM Modi to Interact With Doctors, Pharma Companies
PM Modi will interact with leading doctors from across the country via video conference on the COVID-19 situation at 4.30 pm. He will also hold a conversation with top pharma companies in the country at 6 pm.
Bar Council of Delhi to Extend Financial Help to COVID Positive Advocates
Advocates enrolled with Bar Council of Delhi, if infected with COVID19 will be extended financial help of Rs 25,000 on home quarantine and if hospitalised and not covered by any insurance scheme will be given Rs 50,000, reported ANI, citing Chairman, Bar Council of Delhi.
Karnataka CM to Hold a Meeting With Legislative Assembly & Legislative Council Leaders on 20 April
Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa has called a meeting via video conference of Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council leaders on 20 of April to discuss COVID19 management. Governor Vajubhai Vala will also be attending the meeting, reported ANI.
PIL Filed in Delhi HC for The Release of Under Trial Prisoners on Interim Bail Amid COVID
A PIL has been moved in Delhi High Court for the release of Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs) on interim bail in the wake of the prevalent COVID19 situation in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
Indian Army Makes Critical Rolling Stocks Available for Transport of Oxygen
Based on a formal request by Indian Railways, the Indian Army has made available its critical rolling stocks for transportation of Oxygen laden trucks to meet the critical requirement of Oxygen for COVID19 hospitals across the country, reported ANI, citing the Indian Army.
The Indian Army has further reportedly informed that the first demand received is for 32 wagons of which the first rake is likely to leave Panvel for Visakhapatnam for filling Oxygen by this evening
Responsibility of All Presiding Officers, Leaders to Stand by People: Om Birla
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla at a meeting conducted via video conferencing with presiding officers, reportedly said:
“To contain the spread of COVID-19, we all need to work in tandem and on a war footing. In these tough times, it's responsibility of all presiding officers and leaders to stand by people.”
Air-Borne Transmission More Prevalent Than Surface Transmission: Dr VK Paul
Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog, as per ANI, said on Monday that Air-borne transmission is more prevalent than surface transmission.
“As for Remdesivir production, it had gone down but now from 26 lakh vials per month, it has been scaled up to 40 lakh vials per month, while aiming for 76 lakh vials/month,” he further informed.
HC Directs Maha Govt to Supply 10,000 Remdisivir Injections to Nagpur City by 8 PM Today
Nagpur Bench of Bombay High Court directs Maharashtra government to supply 10,000 Remdisivir injections to Nagpur city by 8 pm on Monday, 19 April.
Delhi Metro Service to Be Available at Frequency of 30 Minutes During Peak Hours
Delhi Metro services will be available during the morning (8 am to 10 am) and evening (5 pm to 7 pm) peak hours across the network with a frequency of 30 minutes.
For non-peak hours, metro services across the network will be available with a frequency of 60 minutes only. Services during this period can be availed only by the exempted category of people on the production of valid ID cards.
Delhi Govt Sets Up Control Room to Counter Shortage of COVID Management Drugs
Drugs Control Department of the Delhi government has set up a control room to counter the shortage of COVID-19 management drugs in the national capital, reported ANI, citing the Delhi Chief Minister’s Office.
Mohali to be Under Complete Lockdown on Ram Navami to Avoid Gatherings Amid COVID Surge
Mohali to remain under complete lockdown on Wednesday, on the occasion of Ram Navami, to avoid gatherings amid the surging COVID19 cases in the region, reported ANI, citing the Punjab Government.
Chhattisgarh HC Declared Closed Till 26 April
The functioning of the Chhattisgarh High Court has been declared as closed till 26th April 2021.
The order announcing the same reads:
Jharkhand Caps the Cost of HRCT Scans
Jharkhand has reportedly capped the cost of High Resolution Computed Topography (HRCT) scans which can potentially play a role in diagnosing the damage, complications suffered by COVID-19 patients patients and also among negative cases. The scan is to be charged between Rs 2500-3000.
This cap is applicable in all private centres.
Russian Embassy's Visa Section Temporarily Shuts Operations in India
Amid a heavy surge in COVID-19 cases in India, Russian Embassy's visa section temporarily ceases its operations until further notice, reported ANI, citing the Russian Embassy in India.
COVID Surge: Allahabad HC Shuts Down For a Week
Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Allahabad High Court has reportedly shut down for a week.
Lockdown in UP, Varanasi, Three Other UP Cities
Lockdown has been announced from tonight in Prayagraj, Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur Nagar and Gorakhpur till 26 April. Essential services have been allowed.
Telangana HC Asks the State Govt to Take a Call on Imposing Nigh Curfew or Weekend Lockdown
Telangana High Court on Monday, 19 April, directed the State government to take a call on imposing night curfew or weekend lockdown to check spread of COVID-19.
"If government does not act on this in next 48 hours, court will pass orders," the HC said.
Ram Navami to Be Celebrated at Janmabhoomi Complex in Ayodhya Sans Devotees
Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra has informed via a tweet, that keeping in mind the current COVID19 situation, Ram Navami will be celebrated at the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Ayodhya without devotees.
AIIMS, Delhi to Switch From Physical OPD to Telephonic Services & Temporarily Defer Routine Hospitalisation
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), starting Thursday, 22 November, is switching from physical OPD service to telephonic services and temporarily postponing routine hospitalisation including elective surgeries.
Those Above 18 Years of Age Can Get the COVID Vaccine From 1 May
The Government of India, has as per ANI, announced “liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of COVID-19 vaccination from 1 May.”
Everyone above the age of 18 to be eligible to get vaccine, reported ANI, citing the government.
Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao Tests COVID Positive
Telangana CM K Chandrasekhar Rao tests positive for COVID-19. He has mild symptoms and has been advised isolation. A team of doctors is monitoring his health.
Ex-PM Manmohan Singh Tests COVID-Positive, Admitted to AIIMS
Former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been hospitalised at the AIIMS trauma centre in New Delhi, reported ANI.
The veteran Congress leader was administered a COVID test after he had spiked a fever. Singh had received both his doses of Covaxin, the first on 4 March and the second on 3 April.
Interviews for Civil Services Examination Deferred
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) defers interviews for civil services examination due to surge in COVID-19 cases.
Karnataka Reports 15,785 New Cases
Karnataka reports 15,785 new COVID-19 cases, 7,098 discharges and 146 deaths. Total case tally stands at 11,76,850, with 13,497 as the total death toll.
Gujarat Reports 11,403 New COVID-19 Cases
Gujarat reports 11,403 new COVID-19 cases, with 117 deaths, and 4,179 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Total active cases stand at 68,754.
Maharashtra Reports 58,924 New COVID-19 Cases
Maharashtra recorded 58,924 new COVID-19 cases, 52,412 recoveries and 351 deaths today. Total case tally reaches 38,98,262, death toll at 60,824.
Delhi Govt School to Begin Summer Vacation From Tomorrow
The Delhi government, on Monday, 19 April, issued a circular advancing the summer vacation in all city schools.
The vacation, earlier scheduled from May 11 to June 3, will now begin from tomorrow, 20 April and schools will remain shut till June 9, the order said.
Won't Hold Public Meeting in Poll Bound West Bengal With More Than 500 People: BJP
The Bharataiya Janata Party has announced that they have decided to hold public meetings in poll-bound West Bengal with not more than 500 people.
“It has been decided that only small public meetings with not more than 500 people will be held by PM Modi and other central ministers in West Bengal. All these public meetings will be held in open spaces following COVID19 guidelines,” said the party, as per ANI.
Earlier in the morning, All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Derek O’Brien in a tweet. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will not campaign in Kolkata for theongoing Assembly Elections anymore, amid a surge in COVID-19 cases.
HP Govt Orders Closure of All Educational Institutes Till 1 May
Himachal Pradesh government on Monday, 19 April, ordered closure of all educational institutes till 1 May after a review meeting chaired by CM Jai Ram Thakur over COVID-19 situation The state recorded 1,695 cases on Monda.
38 Children Test COVID-19 Positive at Remand Home in Chapra, Bihar
38 children have tested positive for COVID-19 at the remand home in Chapra in Bihar, and have been admitted to the district hospital, says Civil Surgeon.
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