Worldwide COVID-19 Deaths Cross 30,000; Over 900 Indians Infected
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More than 30,000 people have died worldwide in the coronavirus pandemic, two-thirds of them in Europe, according to an AFP tally on Saturday, 28 March.
India saw the highest jump in COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 185 patients testing positive for the virus. The total number of cases, as on Saturday, is 909, which includes 19 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry.
The first death due to COVID-19 was recorded in Telangana on Saturday. At least six persons tested positive, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 65.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 28 March, announced the constitution of PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund for people who wanted to contribute to India’s fight against COVID-19.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to states and UTs on Friday to prevent an exodus of migrant and agricultural labourers, industrial workers, and unorganised sector workers
- The Ministry of Human Resource Development on Friday, said it has postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam
- First phase of Census 2021 and updation of National Population Register (NPR) postponed until further orders
- Nationwide lockdown to curb coronavirus was announced on Tuesday, beginning at midnight, 25 March, for 21 days
- The United States,on 27 March, announced $2.9 million aid for India to help them fight the coronavirus pandemic
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US Announces Additional Financial Aid Worth $174 Million to 64 Countries, Including India
The United States on Friday, 27 March, announced $174 million financial assistance to 64 countries including $2.9 million to India to help them fight the coronavirus pandemic, PTI reported.
This is in addition to the $100 million aid announced by the US in February.
The newly announced assistance is part of a larger American global response package across multiple departments and agencies, including the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funding is for 64 of the most at-risk countries facing the threat of the global pandemic.
Coronavirus: Confirmed Cases Cross 1,00,000 in the US
The United States now has more than 100,000 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus, a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University showed on Friday, according to AFP.
There have been 100,717 cases including 1,544 deaths as of 6:00 pm Eastern time (3:30 am IST).
The biggest cluster by far is in New York, home to almost half the cases, overwhelming the hospital system.
COVID-19: 2 More Test Positive in Jammu and Kashmir
Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, Principal Secretary and government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said on Friday.
748 Active Cases, 19 Deaths in India: Health Ministry
There are 748 active COVID-19 cases so far in the country, out of which 67 are cured/discharged/migrated cases and 19 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday, 28 March.
Coronavirus Cases in India Climb to 834, Death Toll Reaches 19
The number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 834 in India on Saturday with the death toll rising to 19, according to the Union Health Ministry.
In its updated figures, the ministry stated two fresh deaths.
However, it could not be immediately known where these two new deaths were reported from as the state-wise figures are awaited.
China Reports Three Deaths, 54 New Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus
China has reported 54 new imported coronavirus cases, taking their tally in the last few days to 649, while the death toll in the country has risen to 3,295 with three more fatalities confirmed on Friday, China's National Health Commission said on Saturday, 28 March.
While no new locally transmitted cases of COVID-19 were reported on Friday, the number of coronavirus infections in people returning from abroad has gone up to 649 with 54 new cases reported, it said.
A total of three deaths and 29 new suspected cases were reported in the Chinese mainland on Friday.
All the deaths were reported in the COVID-19 epicentre Hubei Province and its capital Wuhan, which are now being gradually opened up after kept under lockdown since 23 January.
The overall confirmed cases in the mainland reached 81,394 by the end of Friday.
Dornier Aircraft of Indian Navy Carrying 60 COVID-19 Samples Takes off to Pune
A Dornier aircraft of Indian Navy, carrying 60 samples for COVID-19 testing, took off from INS Hansa (located near Dabolim in Goa) to Pune in Maharashtra on Friday, 27 March. The samples were carried by a technician from Goa State Health department.
Restaurants in Dehradun Can Keep Kitchen Open For Take Away/Deliveries
Restaurants in Dehradun can keep their kitchens open for take away/food deliveries from today, reported ANI. Also, vehicles of people rendering/availing essential services will not be stopped, ANI said quoting Dehradun District Magistrate Ashish Kumar Srivastava.
Seven New COVID-19 Cases in Maharashtra, Total Rises to 160
Six new coronavirus positive cases were confirmed in Maharashtra on Saturday, 28 March. The total number of positive cases in the state has risen to 159, said Maharashtra Health Ministry.
Over 2,500 People in Nagaland Kept Under Home Quarantine
Over 2,500 people have recently returned from other parts of the country and placed under home quarantine in Nagaland, where no person has so far tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
Out of the 17 samples that were sent for testing, results for 13 were negative and the remaining reports are awaited, government spokesperson and minister for planning & coordination Neiba Kronu said.
149 New Cases in Last 24 Hours, Total Cases in India Soar to 873
149 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in last 24 hours, total positive cases in India now stand at 873, according to Union Health Ministry.
Six New Cases in Gujarat, Total Stands at 53
Six more people have been tested COVID-19 positive, taking total number of cases to 53 in Gujarat, said Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary, Health and family welfare Department.
Kerala CM Writes to PM Modi on 'Karanataka Police Blocking Thalassery-Coorg Highway'
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to PM Modi about 'the action of Karnataka Police which has resulted in blocking of Thalassery-Coorg State Highways-30'. The CM, in a letter, has requested the PM to intervene in the matter to ensure smooth flow of essential commodities to Kerala amid lockdown.
UP Govt Arranges1,000 Buses to Take Migrant Labourers Back Home
A large group of migrant workers gathered near Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border as people waited to board special buses arranged by UP govt for their native districts in Uttar Pradesh.
Government of Uttar Pradesh has arranged for 1,000 buses to take the migrant workers to their respective hometowns amid coronavirus lockdown. Transportation Officers, bus drivers and conductors were called by the CM last night to make all the arrangements.
Covid-19 Patient Recovers in Himachal Pradesh: Official
A man who had tested positive for the coronavirus has recovered in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra district, an official told PTI.
The 32-year-old man from Harchakkian tehsil of the district's Shahpur subdivision has recovered from the disease, said Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman in a statement.
Govt of India Issues Notice on Electricity Supply
CPSU Generation/Transmission Companies will continue supply/transmission of electricity even to DISCOMs which have large outstanding dues to the Generation/Transmission companies. During the present emergency there will be no curtailment of supply to any DISCOM, notified the government of India.
“Till 31 May 2020 the payment security mechanism to be maintained by the Distribution Companies with the Generating Companies for dispatch of power shall be reduced by 50 percent, ” said the government notification.
Ola Launches Fund to Support Unemployed Drivers
Ola Co-founder and CEO Bhavish Aggarwal launched a fund to support drivers who lost their jobs during coronavirus lockdown. He said, “Millions of drivers and their families find themselves without an income today. To support them, we're launching the ‘Drive the Driver’ fund. I'm contributing my next year salary and Ola along with employees will contribute Rs 20 cr to the fund.”
Kerala Reports FIrst COVID-19 Death From Kochi
Kerala's first COVID-19 death has been reported from a hospital in Kochi, said the state government
Will Speak to Banks to Facilitate Cash Flow, Ensure Timely Access: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Lauding efforts of bankers in this difficult time, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said that she will speak to all banks to facilitate cash flow and enable timely access to all.
She also assured that she will talk to states and ensure that there are no restrictions in the movement of cash, bankers, vendors or bank mitra.
"Appreciate the service Bank Mitra/Banking Correspondents are undertaking across the country. Will talk to states - request no restrictions in their movements. Will speak to all banks to facilitate cash flow. Let's ensure timely access to all," the Finance Minister said in a series of tweets.
Two New Cases in Tamil Nadu, Both Have Foreign Travel History
Tamil Nadu has two new positive cases – a 42-year-old man Kumbakonam, who had returned from West Indies, and a 49-year-old man from Katpadi, who had returned from UK, at Vellore Private Hospital. Both had travelled via Middle East. They're in isolation and stable, said Tamil Nadu Health Ministry.
Nitin Gadkari Asks NHAI Chairman, Toll Operators to Help Migrant Workers
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Saturday asked NHAI Chairman and toll operators across national highways to provide food, water and other necessary support to migrant workers.
"I have advised Chairman NHAI and Highway Concessioners/Toll operators to consider providing food, water or any kind of support to migrant workers/citizens who are trying to reach to their respective native places," he said.
People Can Apply for Movement Passes on Delhi Police's Website
The Delhi Police on Saturday said people can apply for movement passes on their website during the 21-day nationwide lockdown.
According to a senior police officer, the applicants can visit the website of the Delhi Police to apply for a movement or curfew pass.
Farm Activities Exempted From Lockdown Rules to Ensure Food Security: Tomar
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Saturday, 28 March, said farming operations and related activities have been exempted from the lockdown rules for smooth harvesting of rabi crops and to ensure food security in the country.
"At this critical time, the exemptions have been given for agriculture related activities to ensure enough food supply to the people after the lockdown. It is also done to ensure ordinary citizens and farmers do not face problems," Tomar said in a statement.
Four People Test Positive for COVID-19 Test in Rajasthan, Total Cases Rises to 54
Four people test positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan, total number rises to 54, reported PTI quoting officials.
Seven New Cases in Jammu and Kashmir
Seven more positive cases in Srinagar on Saturday, 28 March. While four of them had a history of contact with already positive cases, who had attended a religious congregation, the other three have travel history outside J&K, said Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary Rohit Kansal.
10 New Cases Reported in Karnataka
Ten new coronavirus cases have been reported between 5 pm on Friday, 27 March and 8 am 28 March, taking the total number to 74 in Karnataka. This includes three deaths and five people who have been cured and discharged.
MHA Asks States to Provide Food, Shelter to Homeless People
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states/union territories to include provisions for temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care for homeless people, including migrant labourers, stranded due to lockdown.
Odisha To Provide Cooked Food For 200 People In Each Panchayat
Odisha government announced that cooked food will be provided for upto 200 poor people in each panchayat – with Self Help Groups being engaged for cooking. Financial assistance of Rs 3000 for 65,000 registered street vendors was also announced.
Five New Cases in Noida, Greater Noida
Five more people test positive for coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar, three in Noida, two in Greater Noida, officials tell PTI.
Coronavirus: Helpline Numbers of Different States, Union Territories
Indian Army Distributes Rice, Food Items in Shopian
62 Rashtriya Rifles of the Indian Army distributed rice and other food items among the needy in Shopian, earlier in the day.
Health Ministry Briefing on Coronavirus Outbreak in India
UGC To Contribute One-Day Salary to PM's Relief Fund
University Grants Commission to contribute one day's salary to Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to combat COVID-19. The body has also appealed to vice chancellor of universities & principals of colleges to urge their teaching & non-teaching colleagues to also contribute.
ITBP Monitoring 481 Indians Who Returned From Italy
481 Indians evacuated from Italy’s Milan and Rome being looked after at Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Chhawla Quarantine Facility. No fresh symptoms seen, reported ANI.
46-Year-Old Woman Dies of Coronavirus in Ahmedabad
A 46-year-old COVID19 positive patient in Ahmedabad passed away on Saturday, 28 March.
She was admitted to the hospital on 26 March and was suffering from hypertension, diabetes and was on ventilator, reported ANI.
With this, the total number of deaths due to COVID-19 in Gujarat rises to four with two deaths in Ahmedabad, and one each in Bhavnagar and Surat
8 New Cases, Total 167 COVID-19 Cases in Maharashtra
8 new coronavirus positive cases in Maharashtra on Saturday, 28 March. Seven of these in Mumbai while one case in Nagpur. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 167, said the Maharashtra Health Ministry, reported ANI.
Four New Coronavirus Positive Cases in Rajasthan
Four new coronavirus positive cases – including two nursing staff of Bangar Hospital, Bhilwara, was reported in the state today. With this, the total number of positive cases in Rajasthan now stands at 54.
21-Year-Old Dubai Return Tests Positive For Coronavirus in Dehradun
A 21-year old man, who recently returned from Dubai, tested positive for coronavirus in Dehradun on Saturday, 28 March, taking the total number of cases in Uttarakhand to six, officials said.
He had visited the Mahanth Indresh Hospital on 18 March.
His test reports arrived from the designated lab in Haldwani on Saturday confirming that he is suffering from coronavirus, they said.
India Constitutes Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief Fund
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, 28 March, announced the constitution of PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund for people who wanted to contribute to India’s fight against COVID-19.
183 Detained in Uttarakhand For Violating Lockdown Rules
183 persons detained in Uttarakhand on Saturday, 28 March, for violation of lockdown rules.
No Positive Case Of Coronavirus Reported in Punjab Today
No positive case of coronavirus has been reported in Punjab on Saturday, 28 March. “ICUs to be set up in all District Hospitals of the state. 50 new ventilators acquired to meet the demand,” said Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu to ANI.
Six More Test Positive For COVID-19 in Kerala
Six more COVID-19 positive cases in Kerala recorded on Saturday, 28 March. Two people from Thiruvananthapuram and 1 each from Kollam, Malappuram, Kasaragod and Palakkad.
A total of 165 coronavirus cases are under treatment in Kerala, said chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
“Rapid tests are to be conducted to understand whether there is community transmission or not,” he added.
India Sees Highest Jump in COVID-19 Cases in Last 24 Hrs
India saw the highest jump in COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 185 patients testing positive for the virus. The total number of cases, as on Saturday, 28 March, is 909, which includes 19 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry.
Telangana Records 1st Death, State Coronavirus Tally Rises to 65
The first death due to COVID-19 was recorded in Telangana on Saturday, 28 March. At least six persons have tested positive today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 65.
Maha Govt to Include Coronavirus Treatment Under Health Insurance
The Maharashtra government has decided to include treatment for coronavirus under its health care scheme Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojna from 1 April, reported ANI.
Gujarat Announces Ex Gratia For Cop Who Dies During Lockdown
An ex gratia of Rs. 25 lakhs will be given to their families of any Gujarat police official who dies while on duty during coronavirus lockdown, announced chief minister Vijay Rupani.
Migrant Workers Gather in Large Numbers in Delhi's Anand Vihar
Migrant workers gathered in large numbers in Delhi’s Anand Vihar bus terminal, to board buses to their respective hometowns and villages.
Total Number of COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra Touches 181
Total number of COVID-19 patients in the state of Maharashtra is at 181, after 28 new patients found positive on Saturday, 28 March.
Till now, a total of 26 patients have recovered/discharged.
Coronavirus: Total Cases in Jammu & Kashmir Touch 28
The total number of coronavirus cases in the Jammu and Kashmir is 28, including 25 active cases of which 21 are in Kashmir division and 4 in Jammu division.
“Our teams have been consistently trying to trace every single contact and test them,” said Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary-Planning.
356 Released on Interim Bail From Tihar Jail
The Tihar Jail has released 356 prisoners on 45-day interim bail and 63 on emergency parole of 8 weeks, as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus.
49 Coronavirus Cases in Delhi, Announces Govt
The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in Delhi rises to 49, announces Delhi government.
Amit Sahni Files Plea For Hearing Over Migrant Labourers
Advocate and activist Amit Sahni has filed a petition before the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing into his plea regarding "right to life of homeless persons, labourers and beggars amid COVID-19 lockdown."
Italy's Coronavirus Deaths Cross 10,000
Italy's coronavirus death toll tops 10,000, official tells AFP on Sunday, 28 March.
28-Day Paid Leave for COVID-19 Patients; Factory, Shop Workers to Get Daily Wage for Lockdown Period: Noida Admin
Any worker or employee infected with coronavirus and in isolation for treatment will get 28 days of paid leave from their employer across Noida and Greater Noida, the Gautam Buddh Nagar district administration has ordered.
In an order passed late on Saturday night, the administration also said that shops, industries and factories closed because of the lockdown will have to give daily wage along with leave to their workers and labourers during the closure period.
In Rare Case, US Infant Dies From COVID-19
A US infant has died from the COVID-19 illness, officials in the state of Illinois said on Saturday, marking an extremely rare case of juvenile death in the global pandemic.
At a news conference, Governor JB Pritzker said "an infant" was among the fatalities linked to the new coronavirus over the previous 24 hours.