COVID-19: Over 4,000 Cases in Mumbai Alone; Delhi Tally at 2,376
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As many as 478 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Thursday, 23 April, taking the tally of cases in the city to 4,232. The death toll has risen to 168 with eight deaths reported on Thursday, the BMC was quoted by PTI as saying.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, the COVID-19 tally rose to 2,376 on Thursday, including 50 deaths.
Asserting that the ongoing lockdown has helped minimise the spread of coronavirus, the government on Thursday said the recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has almost doubled in the last ten days but testing needs to be ramped up continuously for a decisive battle against the pandemic.
According to the Health Ministry data, India's tally of COVID-19 cases stands at 21,700, including 16,689 active cases, 686 deaths, and 4,324 recoveries and one migrated patient.
- The COVID-19 tally in Maharashtra rose to 6,427 on Thursday, with 778 new cases and 14 deaths
- A dietician associated with LNJP Hospital mess in Delhi tested positive, resulting in 56 people being sent to quarantine
- Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred in the country
- Chief ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry have demanded a financial package for the states to deal with the pandemic
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Trump Signs Executive Order Temporarily Suspending Immigration into US
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order pausing immigration for 60 days to protect the jobs of Americans laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The temporary suspension of immigration will affect those who are legally seeking entry into the United States for employment purposes but not the ones who are already living in the country, the order said.
Describing it as “a very powerful order” Trump told reporters during his daily news briefing at the White House on Wednesday that he signed the order before coming for the press briefing.
Remittances to India Likely to Decline by 23% in 2020 Due to COVID-19: World Bank
As a result of the deadly coronavirus pandemic, which has resulted in a global recession, remittances to India are likely to drop by 23 percent from USD 83 billion last year to USD 64 billion this year, the World Bank has said.
"In India, remittances are projected to fall by about 23 percent in 2020, to USD 64 billion – a striking contrast with the growth of 5.5 percent and receipts of USD 83 billion seen in 2019,” the World Bank said in a report on the impact of COVID-19 on migration and remittances released on Wednesday.
Lockdown in India Impacted 40 Million Internal Migrants: World Bank
The nationwide lockdown in India which started about a month ago has impacted nearly 40 million internal migrants, the World Bank has said.
“The lockdown in India has impacted the livelihoods of a large proportion of the country's nearly 40 million internal migrants. Around 50,000–60,000 moved from urban centers to rural areas of origin in the span of a few days,” the bank said in a report released on Wednesday.
US Sees 1,738 New Coronavirus Deaths in 24 hours: Johns Hopkins
The United States on Wednesday recorded 1,738 deaths from coronavirus in the last 24 hours, a lower toll than the day before, according to a running tally by Johns Hopkins University.
The new deaths bring the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the US to 46,583 since the outbreak began there, by far the highest figures recorded by any country caught in the global pandemic.
Cases in India Cross 21,000
India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rose to 21,393 on Thursday. This number includes 16,454 active cases, 681 deaths, and 4,258 recoveries.
China's Asymptomatic Cases Increase to Over 980 with 27 New Infections
China has reported 27 new asymptomatic coronavirus cases, taking their total to 984, while a high-level committee headed by Premier Li Keqiang asked health officials to remain focussed on the targeted containment of the deadly virus.
Asiatic Lions Census Deferred Due to Lockdown
The census of Asiatic lions in Gujarat's Gir Wildlife Sanctuary has been deferred due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, a senior forest official said on Thursday.
The extensive counting exercise, which is taken up every five years, was to begin next month and preparations for it were on in full swing, but it has now been postponed because of the unprecedented coronavirus crisis, he said.
Kerala Lawmakers to Take 30% Salary Cut for 1 Year
Kerala CM announced that all elected representatives in the state including ministers, MLAs, members of different boards under the government and members of local self government bodies would take a 30% cut in their monthly salary and honorarium for 1 year.
35 Cops Quarantined in Moradabad
At least 35 police personnel have been quarantined at various lodges and hotels in the city for their samples to be taken today, Dr MC Garg, CMO Moradabad, told ANI.
President Approves Ordinance Against Attacks on Health Workers
President Ram Nath Kovind has approved to promulgate The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which provides stricter punishments for attacks against health workers.
47 More Cases in Rajasthan
Forty-seven more people were confirmed positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,935.
The fresh cases include 20 from Jodhpur, 12 from Jaipur, 10 from Nagaur, two each from Kota and Hanumangarh and one from Ajmer, they said.
Of the total 1,935 coronavirus cases, 344 patients have recovered and 133 have been discharged, according to the latest data issued by the government. The state has reported 27 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.
BJP Spreading Virus of Communal Prejudice, Hatred in Country: Sonia at CWC
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the BJP of spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred in the country and asserted that "grave damage" is being done to social harmony.
"Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one as Indians. When we should be tackling the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred," she said.
"Grave damage is being done to our social harmony. Our party, we will have to work hard to repair that damage," she added.
UN Chief: Pandemic is Fast Becoming a 'Human Rights Crisis'
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday that the coronavirus pandemic is “a human crisis that is fast becoming a human rights crisis.”
The UN chief said in a video message that there is discrimination in the delivery of public services to tackle COVID-19 and there are “structural inequalities that impede access to them.”
Guterres said the pandemic has also seen “disproportionate effects on certain communities, the rise of hate speech, the targeting of vulnerable groups, and the risks of heavy-handed security responses undermining the health response.”
Follow Govt's Instructions to Eradicate COVID-19: Jama Masjid Imam on Ramzan
Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid appealed to Muslims to follow government’s orders in the month of Ramzan to eradicate COVID-19.
“If we follow govt instructions,we'll be able to eradicate COVID-19 soon. Holy month of Ramzan is about to begin. Prayers have to be offered at homes itself and social distancing has to be maintained. By following it, we'll be able to protect everyone,” he said.
Priyanka Gandhi Seeks Relief Package for Chikankari Craft Industry
Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday urged the UP government to announce a relief package for Lucknow's 'chikankari' industry, saying it has been badly hit by the lockdown.
"Lucknow's chikan industry has brought laurels to UP in India and abroad. This industry which is already reeling due to demonetisation and GST has suffered badly due to the lockdown.
"UP government should immediately declare a relief package for the chikan industry and all other such small and medium industries and announce help to the labour working in them," she said in a tweet in Hindi.
Success of Lockdown To be Judged on Ability to Tackle COVID-19: Mammohan Singh
Former PM Manmohan Singh at the CEC meet said that the success of the lockdown will be judged on the ability to tackle COVID-19
“Success of lockdown is to be judged finally on our ability to tackle COVID-19. Cooperation between the Centre and states is key to the success of our fight against COVID,” he said.
Central Team Visits Quarantine Centre Near Kolkata
A central team on Thursday visited a quarantine centre in Rajarhat area near Kolkata to take stock of the COVID-19 situation.
Two central teams are in West Bengal to look into the state's preparedness for tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
The central team in the state capital, led by Apurba Chandra, a senior bureaucrat in the Ministry of Defence, visited the quarantine centre in Rajarhat area in North 24 Parganas district.
Restrictions to Contain Coronavirus Threat Continues in Kashmir
Restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus continued in Kashmir for the 36th consecutive day on Thursday, even as authorities are contemplating to take critical decisions to strengthen the lockdown in the wake of violations at some places, officials said.
They said the security forces have sealed off main roads in most places in the Valley and erected barriers at several other places to check the unwanted movement of the people and to enforce the lockdown.
16 New Cases in Karnataka
At least 16 new positive cases, including nine from Bengaluru Urban were reported in the last 19 hours. There are 443 COVID-19 positive cases in the state including 17 deaths and 141 discharges.
4 New Cases in Bihar's Munger
Four new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Bihar’s Munger. Their contact tracing is being done. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 147.
Over 33 Crore People Benefitted from PM's Gaarib Kalyan Package: Govt
More than 33 crore poor people received financial assistance of Rs 31,235 crore under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package according to the Finance Ministry. Rs 10,025 crore disbursed to 20.05 crore to Women Jan Dhan account holders.
Delhi Airport Designated Hub for Import-Export of COVID-19 Medical Essential
Ministry of Civil Aviation has designated Delhi International Airport as major hub for import and distribution of COVID-19 related medical essentials. A 3800 sq mt dedicated distribution facility has been made operational at the airport: GMR
Lockdown Norms Partially Relaxed in Karnataka from Today
The Karnataka government has partially relaxed COVID-19 lockdown norms in the state allowing IT and IT-enabled services to operate with essential minimum staff and also certain construction activities, manufacturing of packaging materials, courier services, among others from Thursday.
The activities will be permitted only outside the COVID-19 containment zones identified by the government.
US Repatriates Over 4,000 Americans from India
The US has so far repatriated over 4,000 Americans from India and efforts are being made to bring back about 6,000 more from the country, a senior US official has said.
The US Department of State has coordinated the repatriation of 65,000 American citizens and family members from 122 countries on 687 flights so far. This includes over 1,000 US citizens from Pakistan.
Puducherry CM, Ministers Undergo Tests for COVID-19
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, his Cabinet colleagues and Speaker V P Sivakolundhu on Thursday underwent tests here for COVID-19.
A team of doctors of the Health Department collected samples from the Chief Minister and the others at a special camp on the Assembly premises.
A release from the Chief Minister's office said the two Members of Parliament from Puducherry were among those who turned up for the tests.
Cong CMs Blame Centre for Not Giving Any Financial Assistance to States
The chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states on Thursday hit out at the central government, saying how will the country win the battle against COVID-19 if no financial assistance is provided to them.
The chief ministers of Punjab, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Puducherry, demanded a financial package for the states to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Cases in Pak Rises to 10,513, At Least 224 Dead
Pakistan on Thursday said it has reported 742 new cases of COVID-19 and 15 more deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of deadly coronavirus infections to 10,513 with 224 deaths in the country.
The Ministry of National Health Services said 15 more patients died across the country during the period, taking the toll to 224.
70 Areas in Palghar Notified as Containment Zones
As many as 70 areas in Palghar district of Maharashtra have been notified as containment zones in view of several coronavirus cases detected there.
The containment zones fall under the Vasai-Virar municipal limits, and Dahanu and Palghar talukas, district Collector Kailas Shinde said in an order on Wednesday evening.
Only essential services will be operational in the containment zones, he said.
Eastern Railway Hospital Doctor Tests Positive for COVID-19
A doctor at an Eastern Railway (ER) hospital here has tested positive for coronavirus, a spokesperson of the railway zone said on Thursday.
The doctor, who was on leave since April 14 as she was feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, ER spokesperson Nikhil Chakraborty said.
She has been admitted to a private hospital in the city, he said.
Ordinance to Punish Those Attacking Healthcare Personnel Comes into Force
An ordinance that makes acts of violence against healthcare personnel or damage to property during an epidemic a cognizable and non-bailable offence has come into effect.
The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 amends the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and provides for compensation for injury to healthcare service personnel or for causing damage or loss to property.
The President had given his assent for promulgation of the ordinance on Wednesday hours after the Union Cabinet approved it. The ordinance was issued on Wednesday night and came into force "at once".
Gujrat Conducting 3,000 COVID-19 Tests Everyday: Official
As many as 3,000 coronavirus tests are being conducted in Gujarat everyday and there is no plan to reduce it, a senior official said on Thursday while dismissing rumours that the state government has reduced COVID-19 testing.
The Gujarat government has also decided to declare the figures of coronavirus tests and deaths only once in 24 hours, instead of the present practice of providing the details twice a day, state principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told reporters in Gandhinagar.
Vice President Welcomes Ordinance to Protect Healthcare Workers from Acts of Violence
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday welcomed the ordinance to protect healthcare workers on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 from acts of violence, saying it is unfortunate that those rendering selfless service are facing attacks.
"Welcome the decision of the government to bring out an #ordinance making attacks on health workers cognizable & non-bailable," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted quoting Naidu.
Chhattisgarh CM Seeks Centre's Nod for Payment of MGNREGS Wages in Form of Food Grains
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has sought the Centre's approval for payment of wages to workers under the Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the form of food grains.
In a letter to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, he said five lakh workers are being employed every day under the scheme.
Center Cuts Dearness Allowances for Employees
Additional installment of Dearness Allowance (DA) payable to central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to central govt pensioners, due from 1 January, 2020 shall not be paid, the Finance Ministry announced. Additionall installments of DA and DR from 1 July 2020 and 1 January 2020 shall also not be paid.
However, Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will continue to be paid.
Cases in Haryana Rise to 270
Number of COVID-19 cases rises to 270 in Haryana including 24 linked to foreign nationals. 162 patients have been cured, 105 are undergoing treatment whereas three people have lost their lives due to the infection.
Migrant Workers Stuck at Various State Borders be Permitted to Return Home: Priyanka
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday demanded that migrant workers stuck at various state borders due to the lockdown be permitted to return to their native places after due testing and precautions.
She also said compassion was the key to fight COVID-19 and not hostility towards the victims of coronavirus.
"As times pass, we need to permit migrant workers to return home after due testing and precautions," Priyanka Gandhi said addressing the Congress Working Committee meeting through video-conferencing.
China Announces Additional USD 30 Million Grant for WHO
China on Thursday announced an additional USD 30 million grant to the World Health Organisation, days after Beijing expressed "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's decision to freeze the funding for the global health agency over its handling of the COVID-19 crisis.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang made the announcement at a media briefing. The grant will be in addition to the USD 20 million provided by China earlier to the WHO.
Pak Receives USD 1.39 Billion Emergency Loan from IMF
Cash-strapped Pakistan has received an emergency loan of USD 1.39 billion from the IMF to boost its foreign exchange reserves in the wake of the further economic downturn due to the coronavirus crisis.
The USD 1.39 billion loan is in addition to the USD 6 billion bailout package that Pakistan has signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in July last year to stave off a balance of payment crisis.
Indore's COVID-19 Death Toll Rises to 53
Coronavirus claimed one more life in Indore, taking the death toll in this worst-hit city of Madhya Pradesh to 53.
In the last 24 hours, as many as 26 new COVID-19 patients were found in Indore, which took the number of affected persons in the city to 945. Of them, 77 have been discharged after treatment.
Issues of Migrant Workers Must be Addressed as First Priority: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said issues of migrant workers must be addressed as the first priority and lockdown beyond 3 May should only be continued in COVID-19 hotspots and not in green zones.
Speaking at the Congress Working Committee meeting through video-conferencing, the former party president said the lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus was a mere pause button.
"Issue of migrant workers needs to be addressed as a first priority. Lockdown is a mere pause button," he said.
Over 1,000 More Foreign Workers in Singapore Test positive for COVID-19
Battling the second-wave of coronavirus infections, Singapore on Thursday reported 1,037 new COVID-19 cases, more than 1,000 of which are foreign workers, including Indian nationals, mostly working in labour intensive industries and living in packed dormitories.
This is the fourth day in a row that Singapore has reported a daily increase of more than 1,000 cases.
Delhi LG Directs Authorities For Dedicated Health Facilities for Police
Delhi LG Anil Baijal directs authorities to create a dedicated COVID-19 health facility for Delhi Police personnel, PTI reported quoting officials.
80 New Cases in Andhra Pradesh
At least 80 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total number of cases to 893. Out of the total cases, 141 patients have recovered and 27 others succumbed to the infection.
Haryana to Provide Rs 10 Lakh Insurance Cover to Journalists
Haryana state government has decided to provide insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during the coronavirus pandemic, CM Manohar Lal Khattar announced.
L-G Directs Authorities to Create Dedicated Health Facility, Testing Centre for Delhi Police
Delhi L-G Anil Baijal has directed authorities to create a dedicated COVID-19 health facility and a testing centre for Delhi Police personnel, according to officials, PTI reports.
Operate Special Trains From Mumbai Pune to Ferry Migrants Post Lockdown: Ajit Pawar to Piyush Goyal
Operate special trains from Mumbai, Pune to ferry migrant workers after lockdown ends, Ajit Pawar tells Piyush Goyal, PTI reports.
States Must be Empowered to Devise Solutions to Challenges: CWC Resolution
The Congress Working Committee has passed a resolution that states must be empowered to devise solutions to challenges due to COVID-19, according to KC Venugopal.
The CWC strongly recommended at least a one-year moratorium on loans for agriculture and the MSME sector. It also alleged that the BJP was seeking to inflame ‘communal division’ even as nation battles COVID-19.
No New Cases Reported in 78 Districts in Past 14 Days: Health Ministry
There are now 78 districts in 23 States/UTs that have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days, a Union health ministry official said in a briefing on Thursday, 23 April. 4,257 patients, which is 19.89 percent, have been cured so far.
“In last 30 days of lockdown, we have been able to cut transmission, minimise spread, consistently ramp up our testing and utilize this time to prepare ourselves for future,” a central government official said, during the health ministry press briefing.
“On 23 March we had done 14,915 tests across the country and on 22 April we have done more than 5 lakh tests. If a rough calculation is done it is about 33 times in 30 days. This is not enough and we need to ramp testing in this country,” the official added.
20 New Cases Reported in J&K
20 new cases were reported in J&K today, including 1 from Jammu division and 19 from Kashmir. Total cases in the union territory are now 427, including 57 in Jammu and 370 in Kashmir, according to an official, ANI reports.
18 New Cases Reported in Karnataka
Eighteen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka as on 23 April. Out of these, 10 cases are from Bangalore. The total number of cases is now 445, of which 62% are asymptomatic.
US Economy Sheds 4.4 Million Jobs in One Week
The US economy shed 4.4 million jobs in the last week ending 18 April.
Punjab Reports 26 New Cases
26 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Punjab today, taking the total positive cases in the state to 283, according to the state’s health department.
Tamil Nadu Reports 54 New Cases
Tamil Nadu reported 54 new cases and 2 new deaths due to COVID-19, taking the total death toll to 20 and case count to 1683.
ICMR Looking into Effectiveness of Kits Procured From China; Sources
The Indian Council of Medical Research is looking into the issue of the effectiveness of coronavirus testing kits procured from China, government sources told PTI.
No One Should have Concerns Over India's New FDI Norms: Govt Sources on China's Objections
No one should have concerns over India's decision to have new FDI norms as they don't prohibit any trade, government sources told PTI, referring to China’s objections.
India Studying US Order Temporarily Halting Immigration: Govt Sources
India is studying US President Donald Trump's executive order temporarily halting immigration into the US for 60 days, government sources told PTI.
Deliberate Attempts Being Made to Damage Indo-Arab Ties: Govt Sources
Deliberate attempts are made to damage Indo-Arab ties, government sources told PTI on the criticism in the gulf over alleged harassment of Muslims in India in the fight against COVID-19.
They called the accusations made by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation “regrettable”.
Pune District Death Toll Rises to 61
After a 62-year-old man passed away in Pune on Thursday, taking the total death toll in the district to 61, ANI reports.
Madhya Pradesh Case Tally at 1,687; Death Toll at 83
1687 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Madhya Pradesh out of which 83 people have lost their lives and 203 patients have recovered. Indore has recorded 945 cases and 53 deaths; in Bhopal, 323 cases and seven deaths have been reported, according to the state’s health department, ANI reports.
5 More Test Positive in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Five tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the number of active cases rise to 11, officials told PTI.
IIT Delhi Test Method Gets ICMR Nod
A COVID-19 detection test method developed by IIT-Delhi has received a nod from ICMR, officials told PTI.
West Bengal Directs Private Hospitals to Provide Free COVID-19 Treatment
The West Bengal government has directed the private hospitals, that have been requisitioned for COVID-19 treatment, to provide free treatment to COVID-19 patients.
"Govt has decided to reimburse charges to the hospitals for treatment of patients," the notification reads, ANI reports.
Pompeo Speaks With Jaishankar on Cooperation Over COVID-19
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke today with EAM S Jaishankar. They reportedly discussed bilateral ties and international cooperation to contain and mitigate COVID-19, including ensuring the availability of pharmaceutical and medical supplies, according to the US State Department.
Dharavi Reports 25 New Cases; Total 214
The Number of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai's Dharavi has risen to 214, with 25 new cases. The death toll is now 13, according to a BMC official.
Odisha Government Announces 60 Hour Complete Shutdown in 3 Districts
The Odisha government has announced a 60-hour complete shut down in Balasore, Bhadrak and Jajpur districts from 10 pm Thursday till 26 April, in view of the rise in COVID-19 cases, according to an official.
Maharashtra COVID-19 Tally at 6.427 as 778 More Test Positive
778 new COVID-19 cases and 14 deaths have been reported in Maharashtra today, as of 6 pm, taking the total coronavirus cases in the state to 6,427, including 840 discharged after recovery, according to the state’s health department.
Gujarat Reports 217 More COVID-19 Cases, 9 More Deaths
217 more COVID-19 cases and 9 more deaths reported in Gujarat today. Total coronavirus cases in the state now at 2624, including 2254 active cases, 258 cured/discharged and 112 deaths, according to the state’s health department.
COVID-19 Tally in Delhi Rises to 2,376; 50 Dead
As many as 128 new COVID-19 cases and two deaths were reported in Delhi on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the national capital to 2,376, including 1,518 active cases, 808 recovered patients and 50 deaths, the health department said.
Mumbai COVID-19 Tally Above 4,000; Death Toll at 168
As many as 478 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai on Thursday, taking the tally of cases in the city to 4,232. The death toll rose to 168 with eight deaths reported on Thursday, the BMC was quoted by PTI as saying.
3 Army Personnel, CRPF Head Constable Test Positive in Gujarat: Report
Three Army personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Gujarat's Baroda, Indian Army sources were quoted by ANI as saying.
Meanwhile, a CRPF head constable posted in Ahmedabad also tested positive on Thursday, according to sources in the force.
UP COVID-19 Tally Rises to 1,510
As many as 61 COVID-19 cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, taking the tally in the state to 1,510, including 1,280 active cases, 206 discharged patients and 24 deaths, the state health department said.
Maharashtra Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Maharashtra minister Jitendra Awhad has tested positive for coronavirus, media reports said late on Thursday.