COVID-19: Maharashtra Cases Cross 3,000 as India’s Tally Nears 13k
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With 286 new COVID-19 cases found in Maharashtra, the state tally on Thursday, 16 April rose to 3,202, PTI reported quoting health officials.The death toll in the state also rose to 194 with seven more fatalities.
Meanwhile, according to the figures released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rose to 12,759, on Thursday, including 10,824 active cases, 1,514 cured/discharged/migrated and 420 deaths.
Earlier, the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed that if a passenger has booked a ticket during the first phase of lockdown period (25 March-14 April), the airline shall refund the full amount within a period of 3 weeks from date of request of cancellation.
- Union health ministry has classified 170 hotspot districts as ‘Red Zones’, while 207 non-hotspot districts with clusters and non-infected districts have been classified as ‘Green Zones’
- The United States on Thursday reported nearly 2,600 COVID-19-related deaths
- As of Thursday, over 2 million people have been infected worldwide and nearly 1.4 lakh have died
- All states will be closely monitored until 20 April and conditional relaxations may be introduced in areas where hotspots don’t emerge, PM Modi had said
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US Reports Nearly 2,600 New Deaths in 24 Hours
The United States reported nearly 2,600 COVID-19 related deaths in the past 24 hours, AFP reported on Thursday, 16 April.
170 Red Zones, 270 Green Zones Identified in India
Taking intensive efforts for implementing containment measures to combat COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the health ministry has classified 170 hotspot districts as ‘Red Zones’, while 207 non-hotspot districts with clusters and non-infected districts have been classified as ‘Green Zones’, according to ANI.
The Red Zones are further divided into two groups; there are 123 hotspot districts with a large outbreak and 47 hotspot districts with clusters.
India Case Tally Rises to 12,380; Death Toll at 414
The total number of cases in India climbed to 12,380 on Thursday, 16 April, according to the data released by the health ministry. The number includes 414 deaths and 1,488 recoveries.
MP Tally Surges to 980 as Indore Reports 42 New Cases
42 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Indore, taking the Madhya Pradesh tally to 980, health officials told PTI.
Govt Allows Policyholders to Make Renewal Payments on or Before 15 May
To mitigate hardship to policyholders whose health and motor (3rd party) insurance policies are due for renewal during the lockdown, the government has issued a notification allowing policyholders to make payments on or before 15 May 2020 towards the renewal of their policies, FM Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.
Karnataka Death Toll Rises to 13
A 66-year-old COVID-19 patient from Bengaluru died on Wednesday at the city’s Victoria Hospital. The death toll in Karnataka is now 13.
Rajasthan Reports 25 New Cases, Total 1,101
Rajasthan reported 25 new COVID-19 cases, taking the state's tally to 1,101, PTI reported, quoting officials.
Testing Kits From China Leave for India: Reports
Rapid Antibody Testing Kits (first lot of 3 lakh from Guangzhou Wondfo and 2.5 lakh from Zhuhai Livzon) and RNA Extraction Kits (1 lakh from MGI Shenzhen), all custom cleared yesterday late night have left this morning for India, government sources told ANI.
FM Sitharaman Meets PM Modi to Discuss Stimulus Package, Support Measures
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met with to meet PM Modi today, to discuss the economic stimulus package and other support measures to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, according to NDTV.
Gujarat Records 105 New Cases; Total 871
105 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Gujarat; taking the state’s tally to 871, a health official told PTI.
165 New Cases in Maharashtra, 3,081 in Total
165 more COVID-19 cases, including 107 in Mumbai, were reported in Maharashtra today, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 3081, PTI reported, quoting the state’s health department.
Karnataka Reports Highest Single-Day Spike, Total at 313
Karnataka reports 34 new cases in its highest single-day spike so far. The total number of cases are at 313 with 13 deaths and 82 discharges, according to government data.
COVID-19 Lockdown a Pause Button, Not a Solution: Rahul Gandhi
Addressing the media on Thursday, 16 April, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi suggested heavy testing and a bottom-down approach to the COVID-19 pandemic amid the nationwide lockdown.
“Lockdown is in no way a solution to the COVID-19. Lockdown is like a pause button. When we come out of the lockdown, the virus is going to start its work again,” he said, adding that he was here to offer only constructive criticism.
The Congress leader stressed that the government needed to be more liberal with the cash and foodgrain supplied to the poor. He added that he will provide the Centre with only constructive criticism and emphasised the need for the nation to band together.
“A premature declaration of victory over virus could be fatal,” he warned.
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Will Expose 'Conspiracy' Behind Migrants' Unrest: Sena
The Shiv Sena on Thursday said the Maharashtra government will expose the "conspiracy" behind the recent migrants' unrest in Mumbai, and accused the opposition BJP of leaving no chance to disturb the Uddhav Thackeray-led dispensation in the state.
An editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said outstation trains depart not just from suburban Bandra, but alsofrom Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, Mumbai Central and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in the metropolis. But, the crowd gathered only at Bandra. Television news channels completely ignored a similar situation at Surat in Gujarat, it claimed.
COVID-19: Curfew in Parts of Surat from Thursday Midnight
The Gujarat government has decided to impose curfew in five densely populated areas of Surat from Thursday midnight to contain the spread of coronavirus, an official in the Chief Minister's Office said as quoted by PTI.
These areas fall under the jurisdiction of Salabatpura, Mahidharpura, Lalgate, Athwalines and Limbayat police stations, CMO secretary Ashwani Kumar said.
The curfew will remain in force till 22 April, and a three-hour relaxation will be given from 1 pm to 4 pm on these days,Kumar said.
Plea in SC Seeks Free Unlimited Calls, data usage facilities during COVID-19 lockdown
New Delhi, Apr 16 (PTI) A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre to ensure that free unlimited calling, data usage and DTH facilities are provided to subscribers to ease "psychological stress" during the lockdown till May 3 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It has also sought a direction to the Health Ministry to take appropriate steps to deal with psychological pressure mounting on individuals due to the lockdown or being kept in quarantine.
28 Fresh Cases of Coronavirus in Rajasthan
Rajasthan on Thursday reported 28 fresh cases of coronavirus, taking the state's virus tally to 1,104, officials told PTI.
Of the new cases, 11 each are from Tonk and Jodhpur, 2 each from Jhunjhunu and Kota and one each from Bikaner and Ajmer.
With the new 28 cases, the number of positive cases in the state has gone up to 1,104, they said.
Indore Police to Deliver FIRs at Home of Curfew Violators
Indore police in Madhya Pradesh are planning 'home delivery' of copies of FIRs to those violating curfew in the city, an official said on Thursday.
It has been found that many people in the city stay at home during police patrolling, but later venture out and roam around without any valid reason, thus violating the curfew imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus, Superintendent of Police Puneet Gehlot told PTI.
COVID -19 Suspect in Punjab Escapes from Hospital, Caught
A COVID-19 suspect who had fled from the isolation ward of a hospital in Punjab's Hoshiarpur district was caught by police on Thursday.
Yusuf Khan's samples had been sent for testing and he was under quarantine when he fled from the hospital on Wednesday night, creating scare among the people in the district and surrounding areas.
COVID-19: Plea in SC for Quashing of FIRs Lodged Under Section 188 of IPC During Lockdown
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking quashing of various FIRs registered under section 188 of IPC for disobedience of orders of a public servant and other petty offences during the nation-wide lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with an offence of disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
Four Officers Among 89 MP Health Dept Staff Test Positive
Nearly 89 personnel of the Madhya Pradesh health department, including four IAS officers and a few doctors, who have been playing a vital role in the fight against COVID-19, have tested coronavirus positive in the state, an official said on Thursday.
Apart from them, around 40 policemen and their family members, have also been found infected by the deadly virus, the official said.
“Around 89 personnel of the health department, including four bureaucrats and a few doctors, mostly working in Bhopal, have tested coronavirus positive,” the official said.
Rs 2,000 to Poor who Complete Quarantine in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has ordered to provide financial assistance of Rs 2,000 each to the poor who complete quarantine for buying nutritious food.
In a review meeting held on Thursday, the Chief Minister said besides providing Rs 2,000, suggestions should be given to them on the nutritious food like milk, vegetables, and egg etc. He made it clear that social distancing should be implemented strictly and special focus should be laid on COVID-19 prevalent areas.
All Food Delivery Ops Stopped in Ludhiana
All operations of food preparation establishments, including home delivery, stopped in Ludhiana, in view of COVID-19 pandemic and risk of food contamination, ANi reported quoting Ludhiana District Magistrate.
Amritsar-Heathrow Flight Ferries Stranded Passengers
A flight carrying 241 UK nationals and 28 Indians has departed today from Amritsar International Airport for Heathrow Airport in London.
Spain Deaths Toll Passes 19,000
Spain sees 551 new Coronavirus deaths as toll passes 19,000, reports AFP.
Accused Journalist in Mumbai Migrant Workers' Incident Gets Bail
Rahul Kulkarni, a journalist with a TV channel who was arrested in connection with spreading misinformation about trains that led to a huge gathering of migrant labourers outside Bandra Railway station, has been granted bail by a Mumbai court.
Two More Deaths in Pune
A 54-year-old COVID19 patient suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis and a 47-year old woman COVID19 patient suffering from diabetic nephropathy passed away today. Total death in Pune rises to 46 according to Pune Health officials.
Nine Members of Family Test Positive for Coronavirus in Panchkula
With nine members of a family from Panchkula testing positive for coronavirus, the total number of cases in Haryana rose to 213 on Thursday, officials told PTI.
A 44-year-old woman, her husband and seven other members of their family, who reside in two houses in Panchkula's Sector 15, have tested positive, officials said.
Panchkula Deputy Commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja told reporters that some of the family members had visited Pathankot on 18 March.
The woman developed some symptoms on 6 April, he said, adding later she went to a private hospital in Panchkula where he doctor took an X-ray and found a spot on her lung and administered some antibiotics.
3 Nabbed for Beating up Sanitation Worker in UP's Firozabad
A sanitation worker of the civic body here was beaten up in Azad Nagar locality of the city on Thursday over some dispute, following which three people were nabbed, police said.
The man was part of a team of sanitation workers which got into an altercation with the locals. After a member of the team was beaten up, the sanitation workers fled, they said.
On the complaint of the sanitation worker, Karan, three people were detained and they are being questioned. Efforts are being made to ascertain the reason behind the dispute, a police officer said.
Army to Strictly Observe 'No Movement' till 19 April
The Indian Army on Thursday issued a directive to all its military establishments, cantonments, formation headquarters and units, asking them to strictly ensure no movement of forces till 19 April in view of the extended lockdown to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Airlines Shall Refund Tickets Booked Between 25 March to 14 April: Govt
If a passenger has booked a ticket during the first phase of lockdown period (25 March-14 April), the airline shall refund the full amount within a period of 3 weeks from date of request of cancellation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation directed.
Migrant Workers Protest in Surat for Better Food
Around 100 migrant workers gathered in an industrial area of Surat city in Gujarat on Thursday afternoon and protested over the issue of food being served to them during the lockdown, officials said.
The migrant workers and their family members, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, sat on a street in Pandesara area, complaining that the food being served to them is not as per their taste, a local police officer said.
After being alerted about the incident, a police team, led by DCP Vidhi Chaudhari, rushed to the spot to convince the workers to adhere to lockdown rules.
Europe Coronavirus Death Toll Tops 90,000
The coronavirus has killed more than 90,000 people in Europe, over 65 percent of the overall global death toll, according to an AFP tally Thursday at 1030 GMT from official sources.
With a total of 90,180 deaths out of some 1,047,279 infections, Europe is the hardest-hit continent by the pandemic, which has killed a total of 137,499 worldwide.
Mask-Wearing, Social Distancing Should be Enforced Strictly: MHA
The Union home ministry on Thursday said some rules such as wearing face masks, practising social distancing and no gathering of five or more persons should be strictly enforced at public places in order to ensure that the lockdown clamped to contain the spread of coronavirus is implemented effectively.
In her daily briefing to the press, Joint Secretary in the ministry Punya Salila Srivastava said it should be ensured that five or more persons do not assemble at a public place.
30 Quarantined in Mumbi after travelling from UP in Bus
At least 30 persons, who had travelled to Maharashtra's Sangli district in a bus from Uttar Pradesh were detained and sent for institutional quarantine, police said on Thursday.
The bus carrying 30 persons was intercepted by the police and health officials at Miraj on Wednesday and on investigation, it was found that the passengers were residents of Sangli, who had gone to Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on business, an official said.
MP Govt Provides Financial Aid to Stranded Migrant Workers
The Madhya Pradesh government has provided Rs 1,000 each to about 7,000 migrant labourers from 22 states who are stranded in view of the lockdown enforced to stem the spread of coronavirus, an official said on Thursday.
A survey conducted by the labour department found that about 7,000 migrant labourers from 22 states are stranded in Madhya Pradesh due to the nation-wide lockdown imposed late last month, said the official from the public relations department.
2 More Die of COVID-19 in UP, Total Cases Climb to 773
Uttar Pradesh reported 46 fresh coronavirus cases and two fatalities on Thursday, taking the total number of COVID-19 patients to 773 and the death toll in the state to 13, an official told PTI.
"The number of coronavirus positive cases in the state are 773 in 48 districts. Thirteen deaths have been reported due to the virus while 69 patients have been treated and discharged," Principal Secretary, Health, Amit Mohan Prasad told reporters
PM Reviews Impact of COVID-19 on Economy; 2nd Stimulus in Consideration
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reviewed the impact of COVID-19 on the Indian economy and a possible second stimulus to boost sectors hit hard by the pandemic.
Modi held discussions with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman as the pandemic hit sectors from small industries to the aviation sector hard with millions of jobs at stake.
4 More Test Positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, Total Rises to 74
Four more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, taking the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 74, a top official told PTI on Thursday.
According to Principal Secretary, Health, Sanjay Kumar, Buxar district has reported its first two cases. Both are men, aged 67 and 35, with a travel history to Asansol in West Bengal.
Court Asks Officials to Use Aarogya Setu App in Fight Against COVID-19
The District Judge of Rouse Avenue courts complex has requested all the officials there to use Aarogya Setu mobile app to keep themselves updated regarding risks, best practices and government advisories on the COVID-19 pandemic.
District Judge Sujata Kohli passed the directions on 15 April in pursuance to an order of the Delhi High Court earlier this week.
12 Detained in Thane District While Traveling to UP in Tempo
Bhiwandi police in the district have detained 12 persons who were traveling to Uttar Pradesh in a tempo amid lockdown, an official told PTI.
A police team intercepted a tempo on Mumbai-Nashik road on Wednesday and found that it was carrying 12 persons who were headed for Uttar Pradesh.
3,336 Indians Infected by Coronavirus in 53 countries: Govt Sources
A total of 3,336 Indians in 53 countries were infected by the coronavirus while 25 lost their lives due to the disease, government sources said on Thursday.
They said Indians stranded abroad will have to be patient as the government is not evacuating them as part of a larger policy decision to check spread of the virus in the country.
Cases Rise in Dharavi
Tswenty-six new COVID-19 cases were reported from Dharavi today, taking the total number of positive cases in the area to 86, death toll stands at nine.
Two More Cases in Assam's Morigaon
Two persons from Assam’s Morigaon have tested positive for COVID-19 positive. They both are secondary contacts of 'Nizamuddin Markaz' attendees. The cumulative number of patients in Assam now stands at 34.
Cases in MP Rise to 1,115
Total number of Coronavirus positive patients in Madhya Pradesh rises to 1115 including 701 in Indore and 196 in Bhopal according to the Madhya Pradesh Health Department
Vases in Karnataka Rises to 315
With 36 cases in the last 24 hours in Karnataka, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state is now at 315, including 82 discharged and 13 deaths.
Punjab Jails to be Converted to Quarantine Centres
Punjab's Barnala and Patti Jails will be made quarantine centres with immediate effect. 202 inmates shifted will be to Central Jail Bathinda from Dist Jail Barnala and 100 inmates shifted to New Jail Nabha.
Sweet Shops in WB Allowed to Operate for 8 Hours
Sweet shops will be allowed to operate for 8 hours in West Bengal now, from 8 am to 4 pm everyday. The state government had earlier allowed sweet shops to operate for 4 hours from 12 noon to 4 pm everyday.
Cases in India Rise to 12,759
India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rises to 12,759, including 10,824 active cases, 1514 cured/discharged/migrated and 420 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.
Japan Expands Virus Emergency Nationwide
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday expanded a state of emergency due to the coronavirus to cover the whole country to stem the growing spread of the disease.
The declaration allows regional governors to urge people to stay indoors, but with no punitive measures or legal force, the measure is far weaker than strict lockdowns seen in other parts of the world.
Abe had already declared a month-long state of emergency in seven regions, including Tokyo, where a recent spike in cases has prompted warnings that emergency medical facilities could collapse
Death Toll in WB Rises to 10
Three more people die from COVID-19 in West Bengal, fatalities rise to 10.
Can't Evacuate Indians from Overseas: Centre Tells Madras HC
The Centre has informed the Madras High Court that it was not possible for it to organise any evacuation of Indian nationals from any foreign country in the current COVID-19 lockdown situation.
The submission was made in a counter to a PIL seeking steps to bring about 350 Indians stranded in Malaysia after visiting the country on tourist visa.
A Special Bench of Justice R Subbiah and Justice R Pongiappan, before which the PIL came up for hearing, adjourned the matter after two weeks after going through the counter.
Cases in Mumbai Rise to 2,043
With 107 new COVID19 positive cases and 3 deaths reported in Mumbai today, the total number of positive cases in Mumbai rises to 2043. The death toll stands at 116 according to Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai (MCGM).
Punjab Cop Whose Hand Was Chopped Off Promoted
Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjeet Singh, whose hand was chopped off and later replanted, while fighting off an attack amid enforcing curfew at the Patiala Sabzi Mandi, has been promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector, in recognition of his exemplary courage, the Punjab Chief Minister's Office said.
Cases in Punjab Rise to 197
Eleven new COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today, of which nine have contact history and two have a history of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Total coronavirus cases in the state is at 197, including 29 cured and 14 deaths.
55-Year-Old Succumbs to Virus in Pune
A 55 years old COVID19 patient passed away in Pune. The patient had comorbid conditions. The total death toll in Pune now stands to 47.
Rope in Health Workers to Fight COVID-19: Digvijaya to MP Govt
Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has urged the Madhya Pradesh government to take the help of 15,000 trained health workers in the fight against COVID-19 to ease the pressure on doctors and para-medical staff.
Singh has written a letter to Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in this connection.
"The district administration of Ratlam, Ujjain and Shajapur have deployed the trained 'janswasthya rakshaks' (health workers) to ease the pressure on the overburdened doctors and associated staff. This is a commendable step of the district authorities," he said in the letter written on Wednesday.
BJP Workers Providing Food to 5 Crore Needy People Daily: Nadda
BJP workers have been providing food to over five crore needy people daily, party president J P Nadda said on Thursday while reviewing the party's welfare work during the nationwide lockdown imposed to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
Speaking to functionaries of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha, the youth wing of the party through a video conference, Nadda asked them to pay special attention to the needs of migrant labourers and ensure that they face no hardship, according to a BJP statement.
TN reports one more COVID-19 death; CM describes virus as "disease of the rich" Eds: corrects toll in intro
As a fresh COVID-19 death was reported taking the virus toll in the state to 15 on Thursday,Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami described coronavirus as a "disease of the rich" and a "big challenge", and said the state has managed to contain the spread of the contagion as the daily positive cases were showing a dip.
On Thursday, the state reported a fresh COVID-19 death while 25 more people tested positive for the disease, taking the toll due to it to 15 and total cases to 1,267, Palaniswami said.
"It is a disease of the rich. People who had travelled abroad or to other states have imported it (to Tamil Nadu). It did not originate here," he said.
Meghalaya's First COVID-19 Victim Buried
A 69-year-old doctor, the first COVID-19 patient to die in Meghalaya, was laid to rest at a cemetery here on Thursday, a day after a city crematorium denied performing his last rites, citing lack of personal protective gear to handle coronavirus fatalities, and protest by locals.
John L Sailo Ryntathiang, founder of the Bethany Hospitals in the state, died on Wednesday morning, while six members of his family, including his wife, tested COVID-19 positive.
Rajnath Reviews Preventive Measures Taken by 62 Cantonment Boards Across Country
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reviewed the preventive measures taken by 62 cantonment boards across the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, according to an official statement.
Director General Defence Estates (DGDE) Deepa Bajwa, who is in-charge of managing the cantonment boards, gave an overview of the ongoing steps like maintenance of essential services like sanitation and water supply in cantonment areas, the statement by the Defence Ministry said.
COVID-19: Maha CM Relief Fund Gets Donations Worth Rs 245 cr
The Maharashtra Chief Minister's relief fund has so far received donations worth Rs 245 crore in support of the state's fight against coronavirus outbreak.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said people of Maharashtra have joined the state government in the war against the virus.
Sikkim Patients Stranded Outside State to Get Rs 30,000 from Govt
The Sikkim government on Thursday decided to provide patients from the state who are stranded outside because of the lockdown with a one-time aid of Rs 30,000.
"With a view to mitigate the hardship of those patients who are undergoing treatment in various hospitals outside the State and are stranded due to the lockdown on account of COVID-19 pandemic, the State Government has decided to provide financial relief amounting to Rs 30,000 per patient from the Chief Ministers Relief Fund," said a notification issued in this regard by Chief Secretary S C Gupta.
Another Constable Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai
After a constable from Juhu police tested positive for coronavirus, a policeman attached to Khar police station in the western suburbs has contracted the infection, police said on Thursday.
The 28-year-old constable from Khar police station had experienced symptoms of COVID-19 and sought medical help, following which he tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, an official said.
Noida: 12 New COVID-19 Cases; Total Climbs to 92
Twelve more coronavirus patients were detected across Noida and Greater Noida on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar district to 92, officials said.
The latest batch of positive cases includes a three-year-old child who got infected from his parents, who are already under treatment for COVID-19, and a 26-year-old nurse working at a quarantine facility, the officials said.
325 Districts in India With No COVID-19 Cases
325 districts in India have not reported any COVID19 cases. Mahe, Puducherry has not reported any fresh positive case for the last 28 days. 27 other districts have not reported any new case during the last 14 days.
PM Modi Speaks to Bhutanese Counterpart
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi spoke to Prime Minister of Bhutan Lotay Tshering, extending concern and support for Bhutan as the country deals with COVID-19 situation.
62 Pregnant Women in Pune Quarantined
Sixty-two pregnant women from Shikrapur put under institutional quarantine after they came in contact with a sonographer who has tested positive for COVID-19. These women came in contact with him between 6-8 April. None of the women have any COVID19 symptoms.
23 Maha Cops are COVID-19 Positive So Far
At least 23 police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus infection in Maharashta so far, an official said on Thursday.
Fifteen of these personnel are based in Mumbai, he said.
Maha May Let Industry Operate in Some Parts from 20 April
Maharashtra minister Subhash Desai on Thursday indicated that the state government may allow resumption of industrial activities in the areas where no COVID-19 patient has been found so far.
In an official statement, Desai, who is the state Industries Minister said, "In the areas where no COVID-19 cases have been found, the industrial activities are likely to resume from April 20 onwards."
"We will give the permissions within the framework set by the union government," he said.
India is supplying Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to 55 countries
India is supplying Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) to 55 countries including United States of America, United Kingdom, France, Russia, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Seychelles, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Egypt, Armenia, Senegal, Algeria, Jamaica, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Netherlands, Slovenia, Uruguay, Ecuador, and others.
Madras HC Grants Conditional Nod to DMK Over Distribution of COVID-19 Relief
The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the DMK to distribute COVID-19 relief materials to the poor, during the ongoing lockdown, after getting permission two days in advance from authorities concerned.
The special division bench comprising Justices R Subbiah and R Pongiappan directed the party to obtain permission from the Food Safety Officer concerned, 48 hours prior to distribution of essentials to the needy.
India's COVID-19 Testing Ratio Not Low: ICMR
Refuting allegations that India is not conducting enough COVID-19 tests, the Health Ministry said on Thursday the testing ratio is not low and in a country with such a huge population "not all people belong to vulnerable groups".
Responding to a question about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi alleging that the scale of testing in India has been low so far at 199 per 10 lakh people, the chief of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Raman R Gangakhedkar said for each positive case the country tests 24 people.
Rate of Doubling of Cases Slowing Down: Maha Health Minister
Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday that the rate of doubling of coronavirus cases in the state has fallen, while complaining that the state has not recieved enough N-95 masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
In a video message, he also said all the 1,400 persons who arrived in the state after attending Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi have been traced, and only 50 of them have tested positive for coronavirus.
The rest have been quarantined, he said, without elaborating on their test status.
Punjab Urges Employees to Take Salary Cut
Staring at revenue loss due to the curfew clamped to check the coronavirus outbreak, the Punjab government on Thursday urged its employees to take voluntary salary cut even as state ministers decided to donate their three months' salary to the CM's relief fund.
The appeal to the employees was made after a meeting of the finance sub-committee, headed by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh.
A government statement said with all Punjab ministers deciding not to take their salary for the next three months, an appeal was made to all government employees to take voluntary cuts in wages to help the state meet the unprecedented contingency.
At the meeting, Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal said the state was expected to earn at least Rs 22,000 crore less than its estimates for the current fiscal.
Nagpur District Tally of COVID-19 Patients Rises to 58
The number of COVID-19 patients rose to 58 in Nagpur district on Thursday with the addition of two such cases.
Both the persons had travelled to Delhi and were already quarantined at a facility in Nagpur city. Their test reports on Thursday confirmed that they are coronavirus positive, an official statement said.
With these two cases, the number of COVID-19 patients in the district has gone up to 58. So far, one person has died due to the infection in the district.
Maharashtra's Tally Crosses 3,000
With 286 new COVID-19 cases found in Maharashtra, the state tally has risen to 3,202, PTI reported quoting health officials.The death toll is up to 194 with 7 more fatalities.
Food Delivery Personnel in South Delhi Likely to be Screened
With 72 families quarantined after a pizza delivery agent tested positive for coronavirus in south Delhi, the authorities are considering clinical screening of all food delivery personnel in the area.
The 19-year-old tested positive for the virus on 14 April. A total of 72 families he delivered pizza to have been put under home quarantine, said B M Mishra, District Magistrate of South Delhi.
Don't Panic: Sushil Modi Tells Stranded Migrants
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi on Thursday urged migrant workers, desperate to return home amid the lockdown, to stay put wherever they were and assured that his government would make arrangements for their safe return no sooner than the restrictions were lifted.
In a video message, the senior BJP leader expressed dismay over "unfortunate incidents witnessed recently in places like Mumbai, Surat and Delhi" which he blamed on "rumour-mongering that trains were available to ferry the migrant workers back home".
Chandigarh Admin Asks Punjab, Haryana Govts to Run Offices With Minimum Staff
A day after the Centre declared Chandigarh a coronavirus hotspot, the UT Administration on Thursday asked the Punjab and Haryana governments to run their offices in the city with the minimum staff.
UT Adviser Manoj Parida said he has discussed the issue with both governments since the entire city has been declared a coronavirus hotspot
IGMC Team Which Treated COVID-19 Patients Kept in Quarantine
A 15-member medical team that treated three COVID-19 patients at Himachal Pradesh's premier Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) here has been kept in quarantine, the hospital's senior medical superintendent Dr Janak Raj said.
The team - including five doctors and four nurses as well as six safai karamcharis and security guards - has been kept in 14-day quarantine as per protocol since 13 April, he said.
India Received 5 Lakh Rapid COVID-19 Testing Kits from China: Health Ministry
India has received the much-awaited five lakh rapid COVID-19 testing kits from China and these are not meant for an early diagnosis of the disease rather for monitoring whether coronavirus hotspots in India are increasing or showing a declining trend, the government said on Thursday.
2 More Die of COVID-19 in UP, Total Cases Climb to 805
Two more persons died of COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday while 78 people tested positive for coronavirus infection, taking the total fatalities in the state to 13 and active cases to 805, an official statement said.
163 New Coronavirus Cases in Gujarat, State Tally at 929
The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat stood at 929 on Thursday after 163 new patients were detected, a senior official said.
Three COVID-19 patients died in the state since Wednesday night, taking the death toll to 36, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi.
Till now, 73 patients have recovered and given discharge from hospitals in the state. It includes nine patients who walked out of hospitals on Thursday.
Delhi Police ASI Tests Positive for COVID-19
An Assistant Sub-Inspector of Delhi Police on Thursday tested positive for coronavirus, police said.
The ASI's son also tested positive, they said, adding that his wife who works as a nurse at the Lok Nayak (LNJP) hospital had a few days ago tested positive. The ASI, his wife and their son are admitted at the LNJP hospital, police said.
The ASI is posted with the Provisions and Logistics department of the Delhi Police and is a resident of Model Town police colony, said Vijayanta Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest).
Ensure Adequate Arrangements for Migrant Labourers: Centre to States, UTs
States and union territories have been asked to ensure adequate arrangements for safety, shelter and food for migrant labourers and people stranded due to the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, according to an official communique issued on Thursday.
States and union territories have been asked that all districts under them may undertake a comprehensive enumeration of migrant labourers and stranded persons, and make all necessary arrangements for providing food and shelter to them, the communique said.
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has written to all states and union territories to ensure effective implementation of the detailed guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) for ensuring safety, shelter and food security of migrant labourers, it said.
55 Fresh COVID-19 Cases Reported in Rajasthan
Fifty-five fresh cases of the novel coronavirus, including three from Jaipur, were reported on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 1,131 in the state, according to an official.
Bharatpur district saw a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases, with 23 persons testing positive there, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Rohit Kumar Singh.
COVID-19 Cases in Delhi Mount to 1,640, Death Toll Climbs to 38: Authorities
The total number of novel coronavirus cases in the national capital on Thursday climbed to 1,640, with 62 fresh cases and six deaths being reported in a day, according to Delhi government authorities.
Of the total cases, 1,080 are those who have been brought to facilities through special operations, the same as on Wednesday.
Government authorities had last month carried out measures to quarantine people who were related to a religious congregation that took place in Nizamuddin in March.
Haryana to Launch Door-to-Door Screening of People
Amid a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the state, the Haryana government has decided to launch a door-to-door screening of people.
State Health Minister Anil Vij said under the initiative, department teams will visit every household and examine “each person”.
If symptoms of COVID-19 are found, their samples will be taken for testing, Vij said here on Thursday.
55 Fresh COVID-19 Cases Reported in Rajasthan
Fifty-five fresh cases of the novel coronavirus, including three from Jaipur, were reported on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 1,131 in the state, according to an official.
Bharatpur district saw a sudden spurt in COVID-19 cases, with 23 persons testing positive there, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Rohit Kumar Singh.
Apart from Bharatpur, 11 cases each were reported from Jodhpur and Tonk, two each from Jhunjhunu and Kota and one each from Ajmer, Nagaur and Bikaner districts, he said.
New York State Shutdown Extended till 15 May
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Thursday extended the state's shutdown till 15 May even as the state, the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in the US, continued to see a drop in hospitalisations and ICU admissions and recorded the lowest deaths in 10 days.
The New York Pause, which had required schools and nonessential businesses to stay closed through April 29, has now been extended till 15 May.