COVID-19: Raj Locked Down, Entry Restrictions Imposed in WB, Goa
Read all the latest news on coronavirus (COVID-19).
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13 of 15 in Italian Tourist Group Test Negative
13 out of 15 positive cases of an Italian group, Including 1 Indian guide, tested negative on Saturday after 16 days of medical care, according to Govt Sources.
The group was shifted from the ITBP Quarantine facility in Chhawla, New Delhi to Hospitals on 4 March.
COVID-19 Cases in Delhi Rise to 27
The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital has risen to 27, PTI reported, quoting Delhi Health Department.
First Case in Northeast: 4-Year-Old Tests Positive in Assam
A 4-year-old child tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam’s Jorhat district, making it the first case of the disease in Northeast India, reports Eastmojo.
Rajasthan to Be Locked Down Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Rajasthan to lockdown its borders to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Shops selling daily necessities like vegetables, dairy and medical items to remain open, reported ANI.
Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot to Be Locked Down Till 25 March
In a high-level meeting today, it was decided that Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, and Vadodara will be locked down till 25 March. Shops selling daily necessities like vegetables, dairy and medical items to remain open, reported ANI, quoting the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office.
'Don't Panic Buy': Mother Dairy MD
Shri Sangram Chaudhary, Managing Director of Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Private Limited on Saturday announced that the company will ensure there is no delay or restriction on the distribution of their products.
He also urged the public not to panic-buy and to not crowd in public spaces.
Punjab Announces Relief for Construction Workers
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday announced an immediate relief of Rs 3,000 each for all the registered construction workers in the state. The money will be transferred to the bank accounts of the workers by Monday, reported ANI.
One More Tests Positive in WB
A 57-year-old man tested positive for COVID-19 in Dum Dum on Saturday. He was admitted on 16 March with fever and dry cough. His symptoms intensified with acute respiratory distress syndrome and he was put on a ventilator.
The patient is currently in the ICU.
Jamia Temporarily Suspends CAA Protests Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Jamia Millia Islamia students temporarily suspend protest against the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak in the capital, reported PTI.
UP Dy CM Tests Negative for COVID-19
Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has tested negative for COVID-19. He had recently met an uncle of singer Kanika Kapoor, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
Section 144 to Be Imposed on 23 March in Puducherry, to Be in Force Till Month End
As part of steps to control the spread of coronavirus, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Saturday said prohibitory order under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code will be clamped in Puducherry region on 23 March and it will be in force till month end, reported PTI.
Puducherry reported its first coronavirus case on Tuesday with a 68-year-old woman testing positive in Mahe, an enclave of the union territory in Kerala.
15 With Home Quarantine Stamps Found at CST Station Mumbai
15 persons with home quarantine stamp were detected at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus by Railway Protection Force staff on Saturday, said Central Railways, Chief Public Relation Officers.
“With the help of the medical team, GRP MCGM team all 15 people sent to Visawa Rest House, Worli,” he added.
Kerala Reports 12 New Positive Cases of COVID-19
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanon on Saturday reported twelve new positive cases of COVID-19-3 from Kannur, 6 from Kasaragod and 3 Ernakulam-raising the total number of cases in the state to 52, reported ANI.
“All 12 people who have been tested positive have returned from Gulf countries,” he added.
Karnataka Reports 5 New Positive COVID-19 Cases
Karnataka on Saturday reported five new positive cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases in the state to 20.
One of the patients is a 53-year-old housemaid in a previous case in the state. She was on strict home quarantine and has been admitted to an isolation hospital in Bangalore
The other four cases have travel histories to Netherlands, Mecca, United Kingdom and Dubai. All four arrived in India between 14-19 March.
Extraordinary Times Call for Extraordinary Measures: Sonia Gandhi
Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said that a comprehensive sector-wise relief package needs to be announced immediately by the government to combat the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
“All businesses, especially the micro, small and medium businesses, are under huge stress on account of COVID-19. Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures,” she said.
“A comprehensive sector-wise relief package needs to be announced forthwith by the Govt including tax breaks, interest subvention and deferment of liabilities. For the salaried class, Govt and the RBI must consider a deferment of EMIs,” she added.
Chennai Corporation to Shut Entry for Public to Beaches, Class 10 Exams Postponed
Chennai Corporation on Saturday announced that entry to beaches in and around the city for the public will be shut to avoid large gatherings.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami also announced on Saturday that class 10 public exams will be postponed to 13 April.
Georgia Declares State of Emergency Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Georgia on Saturday declared a nationwide state of emergency over the novel coronavirus pandemic, allowing the government to regulate prices for food and medicines if needed, reported AFP.
"The situation is grave and is expected to worsen," President Salome Zurabishvili said in a televised address to the nation, saying the state of emergency is effective immediately and will last for one month.
She praised her cabinet for successfully containing the pandemic but added that the time had come to prepare for a "second wave that will be acute." The Black Sea nation of some 3.7 million people has so far reported 48 cases of COVID-19, while some 2,000 people are under quarantine.
Delhi Metro to Be Shut From 10 am-4 pm on 23 March
Metro services on all lines will remain closed from 10 am to 4 pm on Monday, reported ANI, quoting Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Metro services will again resume from 4 pm from all lines and will continue till 8 pm.
Parking at the Metro stations will also remain closed on Monday, March 23. These modified Metro services are applicable for this Monday only, said Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
PM Modi Thanks Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal for Contributing to COVID-19 Emergency Fund
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked the Maldives for contributing to the COVID-19 emergency fund to tackle the spread of the deadly virus in the SAARC countries.
On Friday, he had thanked Bhutan and Nepal for their contributions to the fund.
Addressing the SAARC leaders and representatives on March 15 via video, Modi had proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of USD 10 million from India for the purpose.
Vasundhara Raje Tests Negative for COVID-19
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje took to Twitter on Saturday to announce that she and her son have tested negative for COVID-19.
Raje and her son, BJP MP , Dushyant Singh were in self-quarantine after they heard singer Kanika Kapoor, who they had recently attended a dinner party with in Lucknow, had tested positive for COVID-19.
“However, as a preventive measure, my son and I will continue to be in isolation for 15 days,” Raje said in her tweet.
Three More Test Positive in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar on Saturday announced three new positive cases of COVID-19 in the state. The patients are from Thailand and New Zealand are undergoing treatment in isolation.
Goa Seals Border to Curb Spread of COVID-19
The Goa government Saturday had decided to shut down its borders for mass passenger and tourist vehicles, as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, read an order issued by the District Magistrate of Goa’s two districts, South Goa and North Goa.
No Lockdown for Now, But Will Have to Do It If Needed: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said they have not imposed a lockdown for now, but would have to do so if the need arises in light of the coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.
He announced that those receiving ration from fair-price shops would get 50 percent extra for next month, and also doubled the pension for widows, differently abled and elderly for this month.
The government has also reduced the size of social, religious and political gatherings to not more than five persons.
Contact Tracing in Process, Source Not Yet Known: Health Ministry on COVID-19 Cases
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry on Saturday said that contact tracing for the two positive COVID-19 cases from Pune and Chennai is currently in process. The two cases has domestic travel histories to Mumbai and Delhi.
“As of today, we are contact-tracing around 7,000 cases. Once we get factual information on community transmission cases, we will let people know.” he added.
'Near-Total' Lockdown in 5 Districts, 8 Towns of Odisha For One Week
Chief Minister of Odisha Naveen Patnaik on Saturday announced that nearly 40 percent of Odisha, which includes 5 districts and 8 major towns, will be in lockdown for a week starting 22 March, reported ANI.
“Airport, railways, bus-stands and essential services are exempted. All service providers, including private sector, engaged in COVID-19 relief services have been declared as Emergency Workers,” Patnaik added.
All Restaurants, Pubs & Bars in West Bengal to Remain Shut
West Bengal government on Saturday ordered all restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs, amusement parks, museums and zoos to remain shut till 31 March as a precautionary measure in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI, quoting a senior official.
The directive also applies to massage parlours and hookah bars, the official said, adding that strict action would be taken in case of any violation.
Clapping Won't Help: Rahul Gandhi on Janata Curfew
Senior Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday tweeted that clapping won't help small and medium businessmen and daily-wage workers on Sunday during the nationwide janata curfew.
“Coronavirus is a tough attack on our fragile economy. Small, medium businessmen and daily wage workers are the worst affected. Clapping won't help them. Today, a huge economic package is needed such as cash help, tax breaks and debt repayment. Take quick steps.”
Iran Death Toll Climbs to 1,556
Iran on Saturday announced 123 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing its overall toll to 1,556 amid 20,610 confirmed cases, reported AFP.
Farooq Abdullah Releases MPLAD Funds to Check Spread of COVID-19 in J&K
NC president and Member of Parliament Farooq Abdullah released an amount of Rs one crore from his MPLAD fund on Saturday to combat the spread of coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI.
Rs 50 lakh have been earmarked for SKIMS, Srinagar while Rs 25 lakh each for Budgam and Ganderbal districts in central Kashmir.
COVID-19 Cases in Pakistan Surge to 510
he number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan on Saturday surged to 510 as more pilgrims who returned from Iran tested positive for the virus. So far, three have died of COVID-19 in the country, reported PTI.
Pakistan confirmed the third casualty from coronavirus in Karachi on Friday, two days after two men – both pilgrims returning from Iran and Saudi Arabia – died of the coronavirus in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
PIA Stops International Operations Till 28 March
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has cancelled all its international flights till 28 March. The suspension will come into effect from 8 pm on 22 March.
“This does not mean that Pakistani airspace has been closed,” said Abdullah Khan, PIA spokesperson.
Delhi Govt Press Conferences to be Conducted Digitally: Kejriwal
Six New Coronavirus Positive Cases in Gujarat, Count Now 13
With six new coronavirus positive cases being reported in Gujarat on Saturday, the number of infected persons in the state has gone up to 13, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said, according to PTI.
These patients are being treated in hospitals at Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot, Patel told reporters in Vadodara. Twelve of them have history of travel abroad.
Gujarat Home Minister Gujarat Home Min Pradipsinh Jadeja said that one person tried to run away from the isolation ward, against whom police action has been taken.
WB Govt Postpones Higher Secondary Examination
The West Bengal state government has postponed the Higher Secondary Examination, in wake of COVID-19, suspending all exams are till 27 April. Dates of rescheduling will be fixed after 15 April, ANI reports.
215 Evacuees From Milan Test Negative
215 evacuees from Milan, quarantined at the at ITBP facility at Chhawla, Delhi have tested negative for coronavirus after seven days stay at the facility.
The second and final sampling will be done on 14th day of the quarantine period and if that also results as negative, then all of them will be released from the facility, ANI reports.
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation Temporarily Withdraws 25% Concession for Senior Citizens
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation has temporarily withdrawn the 25 percent concession given to senior citizens on bus tickets, to minimise their travel by KSRTC buses.
Maharashtra School Education Dept Postpones Class 10 SSC Board Exam
The Maharashtra School Education Department has decided to postpone the Class 10 SSC Board exam scheduled for Monday 23 March. The decision about rescheduling the exam date will be taken after 31 March.
8 Passengers Travelling on AP Sampark Kranti Express on 13 March Test Positive: Railways
4 Passengers Aboard Godan Express on 16 March Test Positive: Railways
Delhi Couple Deboarded From Rajdhani After Home Quarantine Seal Found on Husband’s Hand
A couple was deboarded from a Delhi-bound Rajdhani train on Saturday after co-passengers observed a home quarantine seal on the husband's hand, the Railways said Saturday.
Officials said the Delhi-based couple boarded the Bangalore City-New Delhi Rajdhani at Secunderabad on Saturday morning.
Karnataka's Total Cases Jump to 18
Two more COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the state’s total to 18. A 32-year-old man had been identified earlier on Saturday.
48 government hospitals and 35 private hospitals have been identified as first respondent hospitals for the case management of COVID-19 cases.
Indian Railways Relaxes Refund Rules for PRS Counter-Generated Tickets
Indian Railways has relaxed refund rules for PRS counter-generated tickets from 21 March to 15 April amid the coronavirus outbreak, issuing an advisory to avoid crowding and practice social distancing.
Second Positive Case Reported in Chandigarh
A woman who came into contact with the Chandigarh COVID-19 patient has tested positive for the virus on Saturday, ANI reported, quoting Dr Jasjeet Kaur, Civil Surgeon, Panchkula. Kaur told ANI that the woman had given beauty services to the Chandigarh patient and has been admitted to an isolation ward.
Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh Tests Negative
Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh, who attended a party with Kanika Kapoor, has tested negative for COVID-19, ANI reported on Saturday, quoting Dr Sudhir Singh, incharge of isolation ward at Lucknow's King George's Medical University.
Three More Test Positive in Ladakh
Three more people have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of cases to 13 in the Union Territory. The condition of all the infected people is stable.
ICMR Pegs Tally at 271
Indian Council of Medical Research on Saturday said that a total of 271 individuals have been confirmed positive in India.
32-Year-Old Man in Karnataka Tests Positive for COVID-19
A 32-year-old man in Gauribidanur, Chikballapur with travel history to Mecca has tested positive for COVID-19. He has been placed under isolation and is receiving treatment, reported ANI on Saturday, quoting Karnataka Minister B Sriramulu.
Meanwhile, Section 144 has been imposed in Chikballapur district.
Singapore Reports First Coronavirus Deaths
Singapore on Saturday reported its first coronavirus deaths, the health ministry said. The two fatalities include a 75-year-old woman and a 64-year-old Indonesian man who died on Saturday, the health ministry said, according to PTI.
Singapore on Friday confirmed 40 new COVID-19 cases, including 30 imported infections, taking the total number to 385 in the country.
Positive Cases in Gujarat Now at 8
One more person has tested positive for coronavirus in Gujarat, taking the state’s total to eight, PTI reports, quoting officials.
Pune Woman With No Travel History Tests Positive
Jitendra Oswal, Deputy Medical Director of Pune’s Bharti Hospital on Saturday said that a woman who had tested positive does not have any recent travel history.
“She, including her family members do not have recent travel history. The patient is critical and kept on a ventilator. Her reports have been sent to the central government,” he said, according to ANI.
Section 144 Imposed in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu
Jagdish Chander Sharma, Superintendent of Police in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu said on Saturday that restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC have been imposed in in the district.
Gautam Budh Nagar Society Sealed After Residence Tests Positive
One person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Supertech Capetown Society located in sector 74, Gautam Budh Nagar, ANI reported on Saturday, 21 March.
Gautam Budh Nagar DM BN Singh has ordered sealing of the society premises from today till 23 March. Residents of the society have been ordered to remain at their residence.
RBI's Coronavirus Contingency Plan: Keep It Going From a Secret Location
As the country goes on a self-imposed lockdown amid the COVID-19 outbreak, a crack team of 150 people, in hazmat suits, is keeping India’s financial system up and running since 19 March from an undisclosed location in a completely quarantined environment, Business Standard reports.
These 150 people, including 37 officials from critical departments of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), such as debt management, reserve management and monetary operations, and third-party service providers, are now in charge of the business continuity plan of the central bank, the report says.
Don't Panic, Sufficient Stock of Essential Commodities: Adityanath
Addressing the media on Saturday, UP CM Yogi Adityanath said, “I appeal people to not panic over coronavirus. We've sufficient stock of essential commodities and medicines in the state. So please don't rush to shops to buy things and hoard commodities.”
The CM also announced that Rs 1000 each will be given 15 lakh daily wage labourers and 20.37 lakh construction workers to help them meet their daily needs.
Speaking about the ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday, Adityanath said that all metro rail, state and city bus services in the state would remain closed.
Tamil Nadu Govt Trying to Rope in Retired Doctors
The Tamil Nadu government is trying to rope in retired doctors as well as part of efforts to battle COVID-19, the state health minister has said.
Maha Govt Circular Directs Lowering Usage of ACs Over Coronavirus Fears
The Maharashtra government has issued a circular to restrict or lower the use of air-conditioners (ACs) to a minimum in government offices. The circular says that coronavirus survives for a longer duration in AC rooms and that if the droplets dry fast the spread can be restricted. The circular has directed doors of offices to be kept open for ventilation.
Environment Ministry Suspends Meetings of Its Green Panel Till 31 March
The Environment Ministry has put all meetings of its expert appraisal committees (EAC), responsible for issuing green clearances, on hold till 31 March amid a spurt in new coronavirus cases across the country, a top environment ministry official said, according to PTI.
"We have put all (meetings of) EACs on hold due to the situation. No meeting will take place till March 31. One meeting means 50-60 people coming together. So we will not have that," the official said.
Air India Plane to Fly to Rome Today to Evacuate Stranded Indians
Air India will fly a 787-Dreamliner to Rome on Saturday to evacuate students, other travellers or any Indians stranded there. The flight will return to Delhi tomorrow morning, ANI reports.
Indian Embassy in Vietnam Issues Travel Advisory
The Embassy of India in Vietnam has issued a travel advisory for Indian nationals in Vietnam on COVID-19.
Maharashtra Cases Rise to 63
According to an official, the number of cases in Maharashtra has risen to 63, with 11 more cases reported since Friday evening, PTI reports.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that this includes eight individuals with travel history and three others who were infected after being in contact with them.
Positive Cases in India Rise to 258: Health Ministry
The total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in India now stands at 258, including 39 foreigners, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Saturday, 21 March. Four people have died due to the disease in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab and Maharashtra.
Trump Approves New York Disaster Declaration
President Donald Trump has declared that a major disaster exists in the State of New York and ordered federal assistance to be given to the state to aid local recovery efforts in areas impacted by the coronavirus outbreak, Bloomberg reported.
The move will unlock federal funding for New York state, the White House office of the press secretary said in a statement.
Third Positive Case in Punjab
One Mohali resident with travel history to the UK has tested positive for COVID-19. The total number of positive cases in Punjab rises to three with this.
West Bengal Reports Third Positive Case
A 23-year-old woman who recently returned from Scotland has tested positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal, health ministry sources said. The patient is a resident of Habra, North 24 Parganas and is admitted to Beleghata Hospital. This takes the state’s total to three cases.
Gorakhpur's Gorakhnath Temple Closed Till 31 March
Gorakhpur's Gorakhnath temple has been closed for devotees till 31 March amid coronavirus fears.
US Defence Secretary Praises India's Coronavirus Initiative For SAARC Countries
US Defence Secretary Mark Esper on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and praised India's COVID-19 initiative for South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries, the Pentagon said, according to PTI.
The two leaders discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and underscored their commitment to close communication during this period in order to maintain momentum on initiatives that reinforce their comprehensive global partnership, the Pentagon said in a readout of the call.
"During the call, the two leaders also discussed bilateral defence priorities, including the ongoing regional cooperation and initiatives to enhance military-to-military engagement and defence trade," it said.
Indian Embassy in Washington DC Issues Advisory
The Embassy of India in Washington DC has issued an advisory for Indian nationals in USA, in view of COVID-19, asking Indians to stay safe and isolated within residential premises and follow social distancing norms. It has also asked people to refer to the USCIS website for extension of visa in the US.
Staffer in Mike Pence's Office Tests Positive
A staffer in US Vice President Mike Pence's office has tested positive for COVID-19, reports AFP.
Hotel in Dehradun Closed After Guest Tests Positive
Dehradun District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Srivastava has said that Four Points by Sheraton, a hotel in Dehradun’s Rajpur area has been closed with immediate effect till further orders, as a woman who had stayed at the hotel has been tested positive for COVID-19.
KMRL to Suspend Kochi Metro's Operations on 22 March
“We have decided to suspend Kochi Metro's operations on 22 March. The move is part of KMRL's initiative to spread awareness about the importance of staying indoors to fight COVID-19,” Kochi Metro Rail Limited said, according to ANI.
Real Numbers Are Much Higher: Doctor on Coronavirus
“Have always suspected that the number of coronavirus cases that are being declared is just the tip of the iceberg. The real numbers are much higher": Dr Arvind Kumar, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told NDTV.
He added that the number of cases will rise exponentially.
Go Air Suspends All Flights
“We will voluntarily suspend all flights on Sunday, 22 March, in support of the Janta Curfew proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We will protect all the PNRs dated 22 March 2020, for a period of one year under the 'Protect Your PNR' scheme,” GoAir said in a statement.
Maldives Pledges USD 2,00,000 for SAARC Emergency Relief Fund
Abdulla Shahid, Maldives Foreign Minister said, “We welcome PM Narendra Modi’s initiative to create a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund and his pledge of USD 10 million. The government of Maldives joins the initiative and pledge USD 2,00,000 to address issues emanating from COVID-19.”
3M to Double Production of Respirator Masks Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
US industrial giant 3M said on Friday that it is doubling the global production of its N95 respirators masks to over 1.1 billion a year to meet the soaring demand due to the coronavirus outbreak, Reuters reported.
3M currently makes more than 400 million of such respirator masks a year in the United States and plans here to expand its global capacity by over 30 percent in the next one year.
Haryana Govt Advises Invoking Section 144 in All Districts
The Government of Haryana has advised all District Magistrates/Police Commissioners in the state to “invoke section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code in their respective Districts/jurisdiction restricting the assembly of 5 or more than 5 persons in a public place,” ANI reported.
'Janta Curfew': Vistara to Curtail Domestic Operations on 22 March
After GoAir and IndiGo, Vistara announced on Friday night that it will be curtailing its domestic operations on Sunday when 'Janta curfew' would be in force, PTI reported.
While IndiGo announced that it will be operating 60 percent of its domestic flights on Sunday, GoAir said that it will be suspending its domestic operations completely on that day.
"Vistara will operate on a reduced network on Sunday, 22 March on account of Janta curfew. Passengers who have been affected by cancellations will be contacted soon," said the airline's spokesperson.
Mumbai Monorail to Suspend Services on Sunday
Mumbai Monorail is scheduled to suspend services on Sunday, 22 March, PTI reported.
Five Fresh COVID-19 Cases Reported From Rajasthan
Five fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from the state, taking the total number of infected patients to 17, a Rajasthan official said on Friday, PTI reported.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh, however, said these cases included the three patients who have recovered from the infection.
Among the three is the 69-year-old Italian tourist who had recovered from the disease but died of heart attack at a private hospital on Thursday night.
UK Heads for Stricter Lockdown as Pubs, Gyms Told to Shut Down
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told pubs, bars, restaurants, gyms and other social venues to shut down from Friday night and stay closed as part of stricter lockdown measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed 177 lives in the UK, PTI reported.
Addressing his daily briefing from 10 Downing Street in London, the UK PM said the new rules would be enforced strictly and the situation would be reviewed on a month by month basis.
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In light of the coronavirus pandemic, Rajasthan will be in lockdown from 22-31 March. Shops selling essentials such as vegetables, dairy and medical items will stay open, ANI reported on Saturday, 21 March.
Union Health Ministry, on Saturday, authorised private laboratories to test for COVID-19 under guidelines issued by Indian Council of Medical Research.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan, Goa, West Bengal, Gujarat have locked down their borders as a precautionary measure.
A four-year-old in Assam has tested positive for COVID-19, making this the first case in Northeast India. Further, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanon on Saturday, reported twelve new positive cases of COVID-19, raising the total number of cases in the state to 52, reported ANI.
- PM Modi announced a ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday, 22 March, from 7 am to 9 pm to curb the spread of COVID-19
- No passenger trains will begin their journey between 12 am and 10 pm on Sunday, in view of the ‘Janata Curfew’ imposed by PM Modi
- In the first case of COVID-19 in Northeast India, a 4-year-old in Assam has tested positive.
- Rajasthan to be on lockdown from 22 March to 31 March
- The global death toll has crossed 11,000, with an estimated 275,000 people infected
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