On Wednesday, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Gujarat reported fresh cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases past 600. (Photo | EPS)
LIVE
COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Death toll reaches 15 as Saudi-returnee Gujarat woman succumbs; 2 new cases in Rajasthan, Andhra
The 85-year-old woman was admitted to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on 22 March after showing symptoms, Gujarat health department said.
TNIE online desk
As India went into a complete lockdown for 21 days due to coronavirus outbreak from Tuesday midnight, the MHA issued a statement postponing the proposed National Population Register (NPR) exercise until further notice.
On Wednesday, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Gujarat reported fresh cases, taking the total number of confirmed cases past 600.
Minutes after PM's nationwide address, citizens across countries made a beeline to buy groceries and provisions.
In some parts, police had to resort to lathi-charge to stop people from violating the lockdown protocol.
US will work alongside India to combat COVID-19 outbreak, says Alice Wells
Senior US diplomat Alice Wells on Thursday echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to keep fighting spirits high against the coronavirus pandemic, saying that United States will work alongside India to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
Two fresh COVID-19 positive cases in Andhra Pradesh
The Director of Health and Family Welfare has informed that two new COVID-19 positive cases are detected in the state.
Now, there are 10 positive cases in the state. A 22-year-old man traveled from the US to Delhi on March 20. He was screened at Delhi on March 21 and reached Vijayawada on March 22.
Eight Thai nationals who were in touch with TN coronavirus victim quarantined
Accompanied by two Madurai natives, they have visited several mosques in Madurai over the past two weeks. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Second man recovers in TN
Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar on Wednesday said a 20-year-old male who had reported positive for COVID-19 upon his arrival from New Delhi was recovering well and would be discharged in a couple of days. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Railway mulls offering its coaches, cabins as isolation wards
It was discussed how railways' production units could be used to manufacture essential commodities for fighting the contagion like ventilators, beds, trolleys along with the proposal of using these coaches which are equipped with toilets as isolation wards, sources said. READ FULL STORY HERE
Zero tolerance against black market: Jharkhand CM
In a tweet, CM Hemant Soren asked all district Deputy Commissioners and other officials across the state to curb sale of commodities in black market as such problems from some districts were still coming in through the 24x7 state-level control room, introduced at Suchana Bhavan here.
Enough stock of food items to sustain lockdown: Assam
Addressing a press conference here, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Phani Bhusan Choudhury said the state will sail through the lockdown period with its food stock without considering the FCI's stock under National Food Security Act.
WATCH | No mercy for lockdown violators
Gujarat woman passes away
Two more test positive for COVID-19 in Chhattisgarh
Of the two, one was detected in Raipur district, and the other in Rajnandgaon district.
AIIMS to start teleconsultation facility for chronic patients
"AIIMS is going to start a teleconsultation facility. Our follow-up patients can consult doctors through telephone. Several patients had appointments that are now cancelled. Chronic patients can consult doctors through this facility," Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS Delhi said.
Centre asks retired doctors and healthcare workers to sign up
Curiously though, the government has been maintaining its stand that there is no community transmission of COVID-19 even though the number of new cases is now increasing by up to 100 every day. READ FULL REPORT HERE
871 held in Kolkata for defying lockdown order
Earlier in the day, a woman allegedly tried to assault a policeman and bite him in Salt Lake area when her car was stopped for defying the lockdown.
WATCH | Karnataka, Kerala report fresh cases as India tally crosses 600
Cases in Gujarat rise to 39
On Wednesday, one new case was reported each from Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot and Vadodara, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told reporters here. Of these fresh infections, one patient has a history of travelling to Dubai in recent times, while the others are cases of local transmission of the viral disease, she said.
According to health department and district administration sources, all those people who were present at the March 20 press conferences or had met the journalist are being traced and will be asked to self-quarantine at their homes. READ FULL REPORT HERE
'Corona Watch' mobile app to track movement history of COVID-19 cases
The Karnataka government on Wednesday launched the 'Corona Watch' mobile application that can be downloaded from its official website, www.karnataka.gov.in. "In the application you can see the spots visited by positive patients upto 14 days prior to testing positive. Also it shows the nearest first respondent hospitals and helpline numbers," said a press statement issued. The identified list of first responder hospitals have been announced in the department website (https://karunadu.karnataka.gov.in/hfw ) for the benefit of public.
Karnataka sees 10 new COVID-19 cases taking tally to 51
The Eurpoean continent continues to battle the pandemic with Spain surpassing China in COVID-19 related deaths.
As of Wednesday, more than 435,000 people across the globe have been infected by the coronavirus and more than 19,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. However, overall, more than 111,000 people have recovered from the deadly virus.
In yet another jolt to Europe, Prince Charles, the heir to the British throne, tested positive for coronavirus. The 71-year-old is showing mild symptoms of COVID-19 and is self-isolating at a royal estate in Scotland, his Clarence House office said. It says his wife Camilla, 72, has tested negative. The Queen of England is, however, remains at her home in Windsor.
The White House and Congress agree on a USD 2 trillion emergency bill to rush aid to businesses, workers and a health care system slammed by the coronavirus pandemic.
In New Zealand, the government declared an emergency before an unprecedented lockdown began.
Defying scientists and health experts, Brazil's Bolsonaro lashed out Tuesday at what he called "scorched-earth" quarantine policies to contain the coronavirus pandemic, saying they risked wrecking the economy.
WATCH | How India is shopping for essentials during the coronavirus during coronavirus lockdown
Parle to donate 3 crore packs of glucose biscuits through government agencies
The company said its manufacturing units are functioning with 50 per cent of workforce keeping with government advisories to curb escalation of the coronavirus outbreak, but it is working to ensure that sufficient quantity of its products are available in the market.
Centre may announce Rs 1.5 lakh crore stimulus package to fight coronavirus: Report
India may announce an economic stimulus package of about Rs 1.5 lakh crore ($19.6 billion) to fight coronavirus in the country, according to a report. Centre has not yet finalised the package. The matter is under discussion among PMO, finance ministry and RBI, the report added.
Hydroxychloroquine can be given only in specific cases, clarifies Health Ministry
Hydroxychloroquine can only be given to 2 particular cases for use as prophylaxis - healthcare workers, dealing with suspected/confirmed cases, and the first contacts of confirmed cases. No one else should use this: Lav Agarwal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry
10 new cases reported in Karnataka
51 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in Karnataka till now, including 10 new cases in the last 24 hours. Out of these cases, 3 people have been cured/discharged, while one has died due to the virus: Government of Karnataka.
Delhi reports five fresh cases
In the last 24 hours, there have been 5 new COVID19 cases in Delhi. One of them has foreign travel history. Now, the total number of cases rises to 35 in Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
E-commerce services resume but Amazon, Flipkart to deliver only essential goods
After a temporary disruption in delivery services, e-commerce firms resumed their operations with the various state police authorities assuring security measures for their ground staff as well as reopening of their warehouses.
Karnataka to give passes to 15 categories of staff, here's the full list
Two types of passes will be issued - one for persons and other for vehicles. The passes will be issued from the office of the jurisdictional DCP law and order and made available 24/7 on the submission of a standardized application form, said a memo signed by Bhaskar Rao, Commissioner of Police.
Printing, circulation of newspapers to resume in Maharashtra from April 1
The newspaper services were halted after Mahrashtra government announced lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Industry Minister Subhash Desai with newspaper publishers and distributors.
Addressing people of his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi via video, he said the Mahabharata war was won in 18 days but this war against coronavirus will take 21 days. He was referring to the 21-day nation-wide lockdown announced by him on Tuesday.
Bodo council offers free rations to 5.5 lakh poor families in Assam
The Bodoland Territorial Council chief on Wednesday said, “We had a meeting where we decided to offer 21 days’ ration which will include 25 kg rice, two litres of mustard oil, 500 grams of dal (pulse) and a certain amount of salt to each poor family for the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modiji. The daily wagers are suffering. We thought we should help them.”
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik announces four months' advance salary for health personnel
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday announced four months' advance salary for doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. The doctors, nurses and all health personnel across the state will receive their salaries for the months of April, May, June and July in the month of April, Patnaik said in a video message.
WATCH | Namaste over handshake, doctors say: Precautions you must take against coronavirus
India may see up to 13 lakh cases of coronavirus by mid-May, scientists warn
The report, compiled by COV-IND-19 Study Group, an interdisciplinary team of researchers, said while India seems to have done well in controlling the number of confirmed cases compared to other countries like the US and Italy in the early phase of the pandemic, the country is critically missing a key component in this assessment -- the number of truly affected cases.
Please bear with us, can't process welfare funds: IAF to its men
With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Air Force (IAF)has told its personnel and their dependents that they cannot process various welfare schemes owing to lockdown and appealed to bear with them, a senior IAF officer said on Wednesday.
Cops forced to step in as visitors flock to Koyambedu veggie market despite COVID-19 lockdown
Though Market Management Committee (MMC) officials made announcements and asked the shops to close, it was of no avail. As a result, the cops were called in to erect barriers across the roads leading to the market and stopping two-wheelers and four-wheelers except those pertaining to the wholesale market.
How Indians are breaking COVID-19 chain amid lockdown
Following the nationwide lockdown in the wake of threat posed by the spread of COVID-19, people across the country have begun practising social distancing among themselves, as a measure to curb the spread of the virus.
Ashwin uses 'mankad' moment to remind people about COVID-19 restrictions
Ordnance factories offer 285 beds in isolation wards across country
These beds are spread across the country with forty earmarked in hospitals at the Vehicle Factory Jabalpur, thirty each at the Metal and Steel Factory Ishapore, Gun and Shell Factory Cossipore, Ammunition Factory Khadki, Ordnance Factory Kanpur, Ordnance Factory Khamaria and Ordnance Factory Ambajhari, 25 at Ordnance Factory Ambernath and 20 each at the Heavy Vehicle Factory Avadi and Ordnance Factory Medak.
In view of COVID19 outbreak, the first phase of Census 2021 and the updation of National Population Register (NPR) postponed until further orders: Ministry of Home Affairs
Experts have predicted that the Covid-19 lockdown may cost India a whooping USD 120 billion (approximately Rs 9 lakh crore) or 4 per cent of the GDP. "We estimate that the cumulative shutdown cost around USD120 billion or 4 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP)," British brokerage Barclays said in a note, revising down its FY21 growth forecast by 1.7 percentage points to 3.5 per cent.
WATCH | Cops across country catch hold of curfew violators
Kerala cops crack down on lockdown violators, threaten to cancel vehicle registration
In the initial hours of Tuesday, the first day of the lockdown, the cops here chose to play it soft, requesting commuters venturing out in private vehicles without any valid reason to return home.
Microsoft will get out of coronavirus crisis 'pretty strong': Nadella
In an interview to CNBC, Nadella said the big question would be whether the demand holds up in the US and Europe and other developed markets badly hit by the pandemic.
A journalist from Bhopal has tested positive for COVID-19. Following this, all the journalists in the city have been asked to stay in quarantine. The infected scribe had reportedly attended the recently held press conference by former MP chief minister by Kamal Nath.
Mobile subscribers urged to use internet responsibly to free up infra for critical services
The plea from the Cellular Operators' Association of India comes at a time when data usage has surged nearly 30 per cent over the last few days in the wake of lockdowns, work-from-home and social distancing measures adopted to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Coronavirus-hit Diamond Princess leaves Yokohama sans destination
The ship, which originally carried some 3,700 passengers and crew members, dominated international headlines as Japan's clumsy handling of its quarantine made it at one point the biggest cluster of coronavirus carriers outside China.
Railways in Bihar losing Rs 9 crore per day after cancellation of trains over COVID-19
According to official sources, a total of 274 mail and express trains and 389 passengers trains under the jurisdiction of the ECR have been cancelled with effect from March 22 to 23 respectively in a move to prevent the spread of Covid-19 infection due to close proximity amongst passengers.
Maharashtra reported five new coronavirus cases since Tuesday evening, taking the number of cases in the state to 112, the highest in the country so far.
Tamil Nadu reports 5 fresh cases
WATCH | Groceries, pharmacies, banks functional; Here's the full list of what stays open during India lockdown
Chennai corporation bans Zomato, Swiggy, allows e-groceries to home deliver
Home delivery of cooked food by online food delivery applications like Zomato and Swiggy, has been banned, according to an official statement by the Greater Chennai Corporation on Wednesday. However, the corporation has allowed e-commerce companies to home deliver essentials including grocery and vegetables, in the city.
Quarantine everyone who returns to state, ex-Arunachal CM Tuki tells CM Khandu
Former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki has suggested that the state government ensure that every individual who returns to the state is quarantined. “It is important that we take great care to screen the students returning from various metro cities of India. My suggestion to the government is that we quarantine all those who come from outside the state until we get full assurance that they are free of coronavirus,” Tuki wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
Online travel firm MakeMyTrip's top executives Deep kalra and Rajesh Magow have decided to draw 'zero salary' from April 2020, while the rest of its leadership team will take a reduction of around 50 per cent in their compensation amid the COVID-19 outbreak. (READ MORE)
E-commerce companies are now allowed to home deliver essentials like food, groceries among other items in Chennai
Ever since the lockdown began on Tuesday evening, numerous people, especially senior citizens, were in a fix as home delivery services shut in the city. They had to depend on neighbors or friends for food and grocery. This news comes as a blessing for more such people in the city.
"The companies must strictly follow protocols of contactless delivery. Employees must wear safety gear like masks, gloves and caps, right from the production to delivery," said corporation commissioner, G Prakash.
He added that companies that break these protocols at any point of inspection will be barred from delivering further. Also, cooked food distribution by an agency or a volunteer has been completely banned.
The civic body officials said anyone found guilty will be health with, by provisions of law.
Vaishno Devi shut in J&K
Maharashtra CM on coronavirus situation in state
"It is a war-like situation so I have compared this Coronavirus with war, when we are not aware of the enemy then the enemy will attack us, so we have to be aware as we cannot see this enemy. We have sufficient stock of essential commodities like vegetables, rice & other items of daily use, so there is no need to worry. All shops selling essential goods are open too. We will celebrate GudiPadwa once we tackle this crisis," said Uddhav Thackarey.
Hold ears and do sit-ups if you break rules
Northeast registers its second coronavirus case
A pastor with travel history to the Netherlands tests positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram.
Four new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state on Wednesday. Two of the four positive persons are members of the medical staff in Bhilwara. Total number of cases in the state rise to 36.
Punjab police distribute food to the needy
GoAir workers face pay cut due to aviation shutdown
All GoAir employees to have pay cut in March as we are left with no choice due to travel restrictions over coronavirus: CEO Vinay Dube
A 75-year-old COVID-19 patient from Gouribidanur, who returned from Mecca, died at Bowring Hospital at 1 pm. Suffered from diabetes, heartburn, Hip Fracture. Test results awaited to confirm cause of death.
BigBasket, Grofers and other delivery services suspend operations amidst lockdown
Delivery executives are being stopped and questioned by the police or in some cases they are even beaten up by the police, said the online grocery platforms. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
WATCH | Delhi government's presser on coronavirus situation in national capital
Lockdown visuals from Delhi, Chennai and Kozhikode by TNIE photojournalists
Four under home quarantine booked by Chennai police for disobedience
As the strict crackdown of people under home quarantine began, the Chennai city police have booked four persons within 24 hours for not staying inside their houses inspite of several warnings. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Empty streets at Assam as lockdown kicks in
Social distancing followed at Union Cabinet meeting
US Senate, White House agree on a USD 2 trillion coronavirus rescue plan
Top White House aide Eric Ueland announced the agreement in a Capitol hallway shortly after midnight. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Visuals from Kerala
Six Amazon warehouse workers test positive for coronavirus
Workers at facilities in New York City, Jacksonville, Florida, Sheperdsville, Kentucky, Katy, Texas, Brownstown, Michigan and Oklahoma City were infected with the coronavirus, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Delhi L-G holds meeting with Kejriwal, Sisodia
Inspired by India, The New York Times calls for similar national lockdown in US
President Donald Trump indicated that he is unlikely to follow the suggestion of his medical advisors on a complete shutdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak as he said such a move would have tremendous repercussions on the country's economy. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Latest samples of 2 coronavirus patients hospitalised in Noida negative, one more test to go
Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh has so far recorded 11 positive cases of coronavirus, of which one person has already been discharged after treatment, district health officials said.
"Two men were hospitalised at Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida when they tested positive for coronavirus. They underwent another test after 14 days and the result of that is negative. Now one more test will be done on them in 48 hours and if they again test negative for it then they will be discharged," Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava told PTI.
By Tuesday evening, 362 samples were sent for coronavirus test from Gautam Buddh Nagar, of which 11 have resulted positive and 259 negative. Results for 93 samples were awaited, according to health department data.
As many as 148 people were kept isolated at quarantine facilities -- 99 at hospitals including GIMS and 49 at the Gautam Buddh University -- it stated, adding that 1,717 individuals were under surveillance for COVID-19.
UP government flags off vehicles carrying essential supplies
WHO calls India's lockdown 'comprehensive and robust', UN expresses solidarity
Globally, the death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 18,915 with more than 422,900 cases reported in over 165 countries and territories, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Test reports of 49 people awaited in Chhattisgarh
Only one COVID-19 case has been reported in the state so far. The 24-year-old woman, who tested positive for the deadly virus on March 18, is recovering well while undergoing treatment at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Raipur, an official said. The government has strengthened the surveillance and control measures against the virus, he said.
Social distancing in Maharashtra
Not giving two hoots about lockdown in Hyderabad, people flood roads
Social distancing was completely disregarded by the people at grocery, milk and butcher shops as well as at supermarkets which remained open as they have been exempted from being shut. Only a handful of supermarkets followed the concept of social distancing by limiting the number of people who could enter the shops. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Social distancing in Tamil Nadu's Vellore
Liquor outlets shut in Kerala
Kerala State Beverages Corporation not to open its liquor outlets from today in the wake of total lockdown declared across the country. State cabinet, which meets today, will decide for how long the outlets should remain shut.
Gujarat practices social distancing
Scenes from J&K
Three more confirmed cases in Gujarat
Three new coronavirus cases in Gujarat, total reaches 38: Health department.
Be humane towards your staff: MHA to private security agencies
Patient death in Delhi was not due to coronavirus
The second death which was reported in Delhi on Tuesday is COVID-19 negative: Union Health Ministry.
States asked to keep food processing units open
Stock markets open in green
Equity market indices Sensex and Nifty opened higher on Wednesday's trading session, in tandem with their global peers. BSE index Sensex gained 244.85 points to trade at 26,918.88 and Nifty up 80.85 points to 7,881.90 level, in early trade. (READ MORE)
Government tells states to keep an eye on rumour mongers
MHA has asked states and Union Territories to keep an eye on rumour mongers, including those related to shortage of food and other essential services and commodities. Asked also to take all measures to allay apprehensions & maintain peace & tranquility.
Noida residents practive social distancing
Five test positive in Indore
Five people test positive for #COVID19 in Indore. Of the five, four are residents of Indore and one of Ujjain: Health Officer Dr. Praveen Jadia.
277 Indians from Iran reach Jodhpur
277 people evacuated from coronavirus-hit Iran land at Jodhpur airport in Rajasthan: Defence spokesperson
Karnataka Police practices social distancing
Nissan suspends production in India
In response to the continuing COVID-19 outbreak, Nissan has announced a temporary suspension of production in Africa, Middle East and India region, the company said in a statement. This action follows the advice and guidance of respective national governments, and is being taken to safeguard the well-being of staff, customers and communities, it added.
The company has halted production at the Alliance plant in Chennai (Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd) from March 23 until further notice, Nissan said. A skeleton staff will continue to carry out essential maintenance and the situation will be monitored closely, it said.
NSE, BSE to carry out normal operations on Wednesday
An NSE spokesperson said operations would be normal at the exchange on Wednesday. "BSE day to operations @BSEIndia will continue," the bourse's MD and CEO Ashishkumar Chauhan said in a tweet. All capital and debt market services notified by markets regulator Sebi would be exempted from the lockdown, as per the government notification.
Liquor majors Diageo, Radico to make hand sanitisers now
"We will support the government and the hospitality sector during this pandemic by manufacturing 3 lakh litres of bulk hand sanitisers from our 15 units across the country," Anand Kripalu, managing director and chief executive officer of Diageo India, said. As part of the initiative, the company will also donate 5 lakh litres of ENA (Extra Neutral Alcohol), which is a key ingredient in making sanitisers, to the sanitiser industry, he said in a statement. This amount of ENA can produce more than 2 million units (250 ml each) of hand sanitisers, he added. Diageo is the country's largest liquor maker.
The country's second largest liquor maker Allied Blenders & Distillers, which produces the globally largest selling whiskey Officer's Choice, said it has not decided on manufacturing hand sanitisers since there is a tedious licensing process. "We have not taken a final call on this. A liquor company cannot make something that needs a drug licence under the existing licence. Having said so, it does not mean we will not do our bit to help the nation," Deepak Roy, vice-chairman of ABD, told PTI over phone on Tuesday.
Smaller player Radico Khaitan said it would start producing sanitisers from its Rampur distillery and has already applied for necessary permissions. It has also chalked out distribution plans. "Being a leading spirit manufacturer, we have decided to extend our support to the country in this worrisome time of the coronavirus outbreak," Radico Khaitan Chief Operating Officer Amar Sinha said in a statement.
Sangli authorities releases contact numbers for home delivery of essential items
Nestle suspends operations, in talks with authorities over food products
In view of the lockdown in many of the States/ Union Territories across the country, the operations in some of the locations (manufacturing, distribution centres/ warehouses, offices, suppliers) are scaled down or suspended," said Nestle in a regulatory filing. However, the company which manufactures popular instant noodles Maggi besides other products as Nescafe coffee, Cereal infant cereal and KitKat chocolate said that "impact on the operations of the Company cannot be assessed at this point."
"As the Company is in the manufacture and sale of food and beverage products, the Company is in discussion with the authorities to continue operations in the factories/ distribution centres where the operations have been suspended," said Nestle.
Banks brace for payment defaults, missed targets
Bankers are also expecting the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to come out with a forbearance package so that accounts are not classified as NPAs for the next few years. "There should be some forbearance on account of cash flow mismatch. There will be many defaults in the MSME, retail and related sectors," a senior United Bank of India official told PTI.
"We are expecting the RBI to come out with such a package so that accounts are not categorised as NPAs for at least the next two years," he said. Prior to the virus outbreak, the state-run lender, which is set to be merged with Punjab National Bank (PNB), was in profits.
"We wanted to close the financial year with a business figure of Rs 2. 18 lakh crore. But because of this development, there will be a shortfall," the official said.
More updates on the latest Bihar case
The person is 29 years old and had returned to Patna from Gujarat's Bhavnagar. His travel history would be thoroughly checked by the administration: Ajay Sinha, Nodal Officer, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital.
Latest scenes from Delhi
Mother Dairy says milk demand up 5-10%, facing no major supply disruptions
However, Parag Milk, a major player in Maharashtra, said it is facing challenges in distribution of milk from the last two days, because of restrictions in movement of its employees and distributors from local authorities.
"We are relentlessly working towards ensuring and meeting the demand for milk across the region with no major supply disruptions. As milk is an essential commodity, we are closely working with all our stakeholders and taking all efforts to ensure seamless flow in the value chain to serve consumers at these challenging times. For today, we have seen a surge in demand of our milk in the range of 5-10 per cent," Mother Dairy spokesperson told PTI.
Devendra Shah, Chairman, Parag Milk Foods, said: "We have seen an increase in orders across all categories due to higher stocking by consumers for food items and this is likely to continue for some time.
"The increase in demand is mostly from modern trade and e-commerce platforms while orders from general trade are tepid, he said.
Not only milk, the demand for other dairy products like paneer, curd, ghee has also gone high as people are buying these items in large quantities than they they normally do, in anticipation of supply disruptions in view of lockdowns.
Good initiative by Bengaluru Police
Another tested positive in Bihar
Another person test positive for Coronavirus in Patna's Nalanda Medical College and Hospital; total number of cases rise to 4 in the state.
GMC Jammu declared dedicated COVID-19 hospital, retired doctors to be hired for underserved areas
The decision was taken by the Administrative Council, headed by Lt Governor G C Murmu, at a meeting convened to review the steps being taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the Union Territory, an official spokesman said. He said the meeting decided to declare the GMC Jammu as a dedicated COVID-19 hospital for Jammu province and asked the Administrative Secretary Health Department and the Principal of the GMC to ensure that the hospital is readied for the purpose by Wednesday evening.
The Council also noted that there were a number of underserved areas facing acute shortage of doctors. In order to mitigate the problem, it approved the hiring of retired doctors against available vacancies for one year for emergency services in underserved areas, the spokesman said.
He said the meeting directed the Health Department to review the availability of all equipment including ventilators and procure additional equipment as required on a war footing.
Barricading at the Delhi-UP border
No immediate curfew relaxation in Chandigarh
The UT administration had earlier decided to relax the curfew clamped in Chandigarh to check the spread of coronavirus. But after the prime minister's appeal to the nation to remain indoors, the administration decided against it.
"The prime minister has ordered a nationwide 21-day lockdown in entire country. Keeping this in view, the Chandigarh administration which was earlier planning to give four-hour relaxation Sector-wise that decision has been postponed now," Manoj Parida, adviser to the UT Administrator, said on Tuesday night.
Parida reviewed the availability of essential items and it was assured that milk supply and newspapers will be provided to each house every morning throughout the curfew period. It was also decided that in the sector markets the ration store, fruit & vegetable shop and medical store will be used as points for organizing door-to-door delivery. In periphery areas of the city, packed ration, fruits, vegetables, etc. will be provided door to door at fixed prices using mobile vans.
"We want that people should stay indoors. Vegetables, medicines, ration, we have sufficient stocks, so there is no need to worry," Parida said.
As regarding the senior citizens staying without assistance, provision for home delivery of medicines has also been assured, he said. Moreover, chemist shops in the city have already been allowed to open throughout the curfew duration, he said.
Flight carrying 277 Indian passengers lands at Delhi airport
Views from Kolkata Airport
Two will be discharged in Maharashtra after fully recovering from the virus
Two people who were found positive two weeks back, have now tested negative (twice) for COVID-19, both to be discharged from hospital today. These were the first two cases of Maharashtra.
Fourth session of the 15th Rajasthan Assembly was adjourned sine die on Tuesday
After adjourning the assembly on March 13 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Speaker C P Joshi had summoned the House on March 26 for carrying out proceedings of the Budget Session. "The speaker adjourned the House sine die today," Assembly Secretary Pramil Kumar Mathur said in a statement. The Rajya Sabha polls for three seats in Rajasthan were also scheduled on March 26, which too have been deferred amid the nationwide lockdown.
Flipkart suspends its services
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide exceed 372,000, over 16,000 died: WHO
The number of people infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide has exceeded 372,000, over 16,000 have died, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in its daily coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation report.
Tamil Nadu records its first death due to coronavirus
Curfew imposed in Himachal Pradesh
"Himachal Pradesh Government has decided to impose curfew in the whole state from 5 pm today till further orders, in wake of the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state, as well as the country," the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur had announced a complete lockdown in the state to stop the spread of the fatal virus.
Positive cases in the Gujarat rises to 35
India gets first indigenous COVID-19 testing kit
As part of efforts to tackle the spread of coronavirus, a Pune-based company has developed the country's first indigenous COVID-19 testing kit. It has been approved by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Punjab announces new curfew guidelines
MP funds can now be used to combat coronavirus
Kerala cabinet to meet on Wednesday
The sate government will take a call on additional measures to be taken in the state, in view of the 21 day lockdown declared by the Union Government. The state cabinet meet on Wednesday morning will discuss the matter in detail, said the Chief Minister's Office. A decision will be taken on revising the timing of shops and other establishments which will remain open during the lockdown. The state government had on Monday announced lockdown till March 31.
Punjab sanctions Rs 3 cr for providing food packets during lockdown
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said that the government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore for providing food packets to over 38,000 people during the lockdown period in the state to combat the COVID-19 crisis.
Over 1.9 lakh people under surveillance in the country
“The states should devote adequate resources for creating dedicated COVID-19 hospitals, equipping the medical institutes with personal protection equipment, ventilators, and other essential equipment, etc while also ensuring that essential services and supplies remain open,” Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba wrote to the states of the country.
Huge rush at shops post PM's lockdown announcement
Three more test positive in TN
CM Vijayan rules out community transmission in Kerala
The number of positive cases in the state swells to 109 (of these four were discharged). Of the 14 new cases reported on Tuesday, a healthcare worker also contracted COVID-19. READ FULL REPORT HERE
CM Vijayan rules out community transmission in Kerala
The number of positive cases in the state swells to 109 (of these four were discharged). Of the 14 new cases reported on Tuesday, a healthcare worker also contracted COVID-19. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Madhya Pradesh tally becomes nine as two more test positive
Two men, one with no recent international travel history, tested positive for the coronavirus in Gwalior and Shivpuri districts on Tuesday, officials said. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Chinese man detained from Nagpur hotel, shifted to hospital quarantine
"We got information about him when we were checking a hotel. He was shifted to Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH) in Nagpur as per the government guidelines," said inspector Vilas Kale of Umred police station. READ FULL REPORT HERE
WATCH | 52 persons detained for violating lockdown in Kerala
Six more test positive in Punjab
All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Six more test positive in Punjab
All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Six more test positive in Punjab
All six patients had come in contact with with the 70-year-old Nawanshahr resident who had tested positive for the infection and died of cardiac arrest last week. With this, the total number of cases in Punjab have jumped to 29. READ FULL REPORT HERE
TN to paste stickers on doors of foreign returnees
Tamil Nadu came under a lockdown on Tuesday evening with public spaces going empty even as local authorities began pasting 'home quarantined' stickers on the doors of houses of foreign returnees in the State. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Andhra reports eight positive case
Uttar Pradesh tally becomes 37
Giving the district-wise breakup, the official said so far Noida has reported 11 cases, Lucknow and Agra eight cases each, Ghaziabad three and Lakhimpur-Kheri, Moradabad, Varanasi, Kanpur, Pilibhit, Jaunpurand and Shamli one case each. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for offences and penalties during 21-day lockdown
PM urges people to stay away from rumours
I request all of you to not believe in any rumours or superstitions: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
PM urges state governments to increase focus on health care
I have requested the state governments to prioritise and focus on health services and health care: PM
Centre approves Rs 15,000 crore for battling coronavirus
For the treatment of Corona-infected patients and to strengthen the health sector, the central government has approved Rs 15,000 crore, PM Narendra Modi said.
With these funds, testing facilities, personal protective equipment, isolation and ICU beds, ventilators and other important facilities will be manufactured.
Sania Mirza steps forward to raise funds for daily wage workers
Indian tennis star Sania Mirza has stepped forward to raise money to provide food and other basic necessities for the daily wage workers during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has so far claimed more than 16,000 lives across the world.
Stay at home, Stay at home, do just one thing, stay at home: PM Modi
Saving the life of each and every Indian is the first priority for me: PM Modi
From 12 midnight today, the entire country will go under complete lockdown, announces PM Narendra Modi
PM Modi begins his address to the nation
PM Narendra Modi thanks the countrymen for their participation in Sunday's 'Janata Curfew'
PM Modi addresses nation
Pondicherry government announces Corona relief of Rs 2000 to all ration cards
Announcing this evening, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said that the administration has taken this decision in response to the plea made by elected representatives. The amount has been allocated and would be deposited in the bank accounts of 3.44 lakhs ration cardholders, said the Chief minister. It will have a financial burden of Rs 68 crores to the government.
PM interacts with print media heads over COVID-19
Prime Minister said, "Media has played a praiseworthy role in disseminating information to every nook and cranny of this nation. The network of media is pan-India and spread across cities and villages. This makes the media all the more significant in fighting this challenge and spreading correct information about it at micro level."
Parents want schools to remain closed, curtail summer vacation to reduce academic loss
With the number of coronavirus cases rising in the country, several parents want schools to not reopen soon and have suggested that academic loss if any can be reduced by curtailing the summer vacation. Several schools, which are already offering classes through digital modes of learning, say a decision in this regard will be taken only after March 31 once a review of the situation is done and also if the lockdown is curtailed.
Have grain stock to last for 6 months: Maharashtra minister Chhagan Bhujbal
"Shops and outlets selling food grains, vegetables, meat, fish and medical shops have been excluded from the lockdown," the minister said, appealing people to cooperate with the government. "Mathadi workers (head loaders who work in wholesale vegetable and grain markets) and farmers are also humans and their safety is also important. Don't crowd the markets. Cooperate with the police," the minister said.
Total number of confirmed cases rise to 41 in Karnataka
Out of 41 cases detected and confirmed in Karnataka so far 6 cases are transit passengers of Kerala who have landed in airports and being treated in Karnataka. The details of their itinerary after arriving in Karnataka will be provided. Batkal patients resident of Uttara Kannada is hospitalized in Dakshina Kannada and considered against Dakshina Kannada.
Assam youth booked for not reporting arrival from abroad
An FIR was lodged against a youth in Assam on Tuesday for not reporting his arrival from abroad to the police or health officials. The Hailakandi district administration filed the FIR under Section 188 of the IPC, official sources said. Departmental action for immediate suspension was also being drawn against the youth’s father who is a government employee for concealing information.
Chennai: Two lakh rush to native places in buses as social distancing goes for a toss
More than 2 lakh people left Chennai in buses from Koyambedu and Tambaram to various places in the state from Monday evening to 2 pm on Tuesday. After the announcement of the lockdown, people thronged to the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) to catch a bus to their native places.
Tokyo Olympics postponed to 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic: IOC
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics have been postponed to no later than the summer of 2021 because of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, the International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday. The Games were scheduled for July 24-August 9, but after telephone discussions between IOC president Thomas Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a historic joint decision was taken for the first postponement of an Olympics in peacetime.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to give one month salary to PM relief fund
Cabinet secretary asks states to immediately earmark hospitals to deal with COVID-19 cases
abinet secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday asked state governments to immediately identify and earmark hospitals to deal with the coronavirus outbreak. In a letter to chief secretaries of all the states, Gauba also said it is absolutely essential that surveillance and contact tracing of all positive cases is taken up and no suspected or high risk person is left out.
Another death in Mumbai where India's first hospital for coronavirus patients opens
Another coronavirus death has been reported in Maharashtra, which has already seen a total of 107 positive cases, on Tuesday. The victim, a 65-year-old man, had returned from the UAE on March 15. He went to Ahmedabad and came back to Mumbai on March 20. He died on March 23 in Kasturba hospital. He was suffering from high-blood pressure and was a diabetic too.
Shinzo Abe says IOC agrees '100%' that Olympics should be postponed
IOC President Thomas Bach has agreed “100%” to a proposal of postponing the Tokyo Olympics for about one year until 2021 because of the coronavirus outbreak, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said Tuesday.
We have decided to give Rs 5000 each to all construction workers as their livelihood has been affected. We are also increasing the number of night shelters in the city: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi CM urges landlords to go easy on their tenants
2000 stranded migrant workers crammed in Chennai halls
Uncertainty still looms over Tamil Nadu as about 2000 stranded migrant workers have been crammed in Chennai's community halls after the train services have been cancelled. The city corporation has been moving these workers, mostly from West Bengal, from the railway stations to the halls.
Mathematical modeling done by ICMR suggests that entry screening of travellers with symptoms suggestive of COVID19 can delay the introduction of the virus into the community by three days to three weeks.
118 govt laboratories included in ICMR network of #COVID19 testing. The network has capacity to test 12000 samples a day. 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today.
The empiric use of Hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID19 and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases
Following two fresh cases, entire UP placed under lockdown till March 27
With the tally rising, CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday announced a total lockdown in Uttar Pradesh till Friday March 27. 17 of the 75 districts were under lockdown since Sunday evening.
Housing brokerage firm Anarock on Tuesday said housing sales will be impacted and completion of ongoing real estate projects will be delayed due to the lockdown across the country in view of spread of coronavirus disease. The consultant said that more than 15.62 lakh units (launched between 2013 till 2019) are under construction in the top 7 cities -- Delhi-NCR, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune.
WATCH | Andhra Pradesh police pick up lathis to deal with curfew violators
Reliance sets up India's 1st COVID-19 dedicated hospital, to continue paying all its contract workers
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) on Monday said that it has set up India's first COVID-19 dedicated hospital in Mumbai that includes a negative pressure room that helps in preventing cross-contamination and helps control infection. "Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has set up a dedicated 100 bedded COVID-19 centre at Seven Hills Hospital, Mumbai for patients who test positive for COVID-19," RIL said in an official statement.
CM Yogi releases first instalment of Rs 1,000 each for 20 lakh daily wagers
Keeping in view the rising number of coronavirus cases in Uttar Pradesh and its debilitating effect on the unorganized sector, CM Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday launched the ‘Shramik Bharan-Poshan Yojana’ and transferred the first instalment of Rs 1,000 in the accounts of more than 20 lakh daily wage labourers through Direct Beneficiary Transaction.
6 million masks missing, Germany shipment lost in Kenya as battle to curb coronavirus toughens
A German army shipment of six million face masks needed to protect against the novel coronavirus has vanished in Kenya, the defence ministry in Berlin confirmed Tuesday.
"We are trying to find out what happened" to the massive order of protective equipment meeting the FFP2 standard for protection against particles and aerosols, a spokeswoman said.
Pune based lab develops India's indigenous Covid19 kits
Major announcements from FM presser
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Tuesday, announced a slew of measures to reduce the stress on coronavirus-hit India Inc and India.The Covid-19 death toll in India currently stands at 10 with nearly 500 confirmed cases of the infection. The total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 528, including 475 active cases.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday announced one-month special pay for them. Announcing this in the Assembly, Palaniswami said the doctors, nurses and other professional staff are working with dedication day and night without fearing for their lives. Palaniswami said the medical staff working in the isolation wards where Coronavirus infected patients are being treated will be paid a month's salary as special pay in recognition of their dedication.
Patna witnesses Nikah over video conference
Fell asleep and missed flight, UAE-based Indian stranded at Dubai airport amid coronavirus outbreak
Dozing off at the airport in Dubai left Arun Singh, a Pune resident, stranded at its Terminal 3 as he missed his flight back home and now he cannot even go to his UAE resident as the country refused entry to residency visa holders as a precaution to limit the spread of the coronavirus, according to a media report.
Railways to release full salary to contractual workers during suspension of service
In an order issued on Tuesday, the railways has said that due to prevailing coronavirus situation in India and the stoppage of trains, several contractual staff engaged in on-board housekeeping service, sanitation, pantry car and commercial activities have been stranded and have to compulsorily stay at other places, while others have to be in readiness to attend the duties at a short notice.
21 out of 29 cases in Punjab got infected from 70-year-old who succumbed to coronavirus
Punjab on Tuesday reported six more coronavirus positive people taking the state total to 29. Of these 21 people got the infectious virus from the 70-year-old person who died of COVID-19 on March 18.
A granthi in the village gurudwara, the septuagenarian had come back to India after a two-week-long trip to Germany and Italy. Before his death, he had performed path and distributed prasad to the devotees in the village.
Hollywood to Bollywood: Demand for new releases expected to go up post coronavirus
With the coronavirus epidemic hitting the entertainment sector hard, the demand of new films is expected to grow so that the industry can return on the same path after the lockdown phase. According to a study by Kotak Institutional Equities Research, CY2019 was the second consecutive year of good box office performance. Bollywood churned out 17 over Rs1 billion grossers, nearly doubling the count over CY2017-19.
112 cases filed against individuals for violating prohibitory orders in Mumbai
Mumbai Police register 112 cases under section 188 of IPC against individuals, pan stalls, hotels, hawkers & illegal transport for violating prohibitory orders
PM Modi to hold video conferencing with healthcare providers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a video conference with healthcare providers association of various states on ways to deal with the novel coronavirus outbreak. Sources in the government said the video conference would take place on Tuesday at 5 p.m.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday said no new cases of coronavirus have come up in Delhi in last 24 hours while five patients have been cured of the deadly virus. He said despite this the biggest challenge is to not let the situation go out of control in the city.
Debit card withdrawals, irrespective of the bank, made free for next three months
Debit card withdrawals from ATMs won't be charged for the next three months. These withdrawals can be made from any ATMs: FM
Two more tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir
Andhra Pradesh SSC exams postponed as state locks down to contain coronavirus
The Andhra Pradesh State government on Tuesday announced postponement of the State Secondary Certificate (SSC) examinations for two weeks in view of lockdown imposed in the State to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Education minister Adimulapu Suresh announced this on Tuesday. The examinations were earlier scheduled to be conducted from March 31 to April 17.
95-year-old Italian grandma oldest to recover: Report
A 95-year-old woman has became the oldest in Italy to recover from COVID-19, according to a report. Alma Clara Corsini of Modena province was diagnosed with the virus and admitted to the hospital in Pavullo on March 5. Doctors treated her at the facility until she recovered last week without “antiviral therapy,” the report added.
N95 masks worth Rs 15 crore seized in Mumbai
FM extends deadline to file I-T returns
The last date for the income tax return for the financial year 18-19 is extended to 30th June 2020. For delayed payments interest rate has been reduced from 12% to 9%: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
Andhra Pradesh to provide ration for April in advance
April ration of rice and one kg of red gram dal will be given free of cost to all rice card holders. April ration supplies shall be distributed in advance at fair price shops from March 29. All rice card holding families will get 1-time support of Rs 1000. All govt and private establishments shall make payments of wages and salaries fully to workers or employees including those working under contract and outsourcing basis during lockdown period. Any violation will invite penal action under the Epidemics Diseases Act 1897: Andhra Pradesh government
Goa to under complete lockdown till March 31
There will be complete lockdown in Goa from midnight today till March 31. All shops in the state to remain shut. The government will make arrangements for the distribution of essential commodities. Goa dairy will supply milk&collector will take the decision regarding grocery distribution: CM Pramod Sawant
Tamil Nadu reports three more cases
Break rules, do squats: Maharashtra police shames curfew violators
Rajinikanth donates Rs 50 lakhs to film workers who are facing shutdown
The actor has donated Rs 50 lakhs to Film Employees Federation of South India Union workers who are facing shutdown due to Coronavirus outbreak.
PM interacts with the print media
Latest coronavirus situation in Gujarat
11,108 people are under quarantine for 14 days, out of which 224 are in government facilities & 10,850 are home quarantined, while 34 are in private hospitals across Gujarat. As many as 21 FIRs have been lodged against those showing reluctance in being quarantined: Gujarat Government
WATCH | India's first dedicated coronavirus hospital in Mumbai
Good news from Ladakh
Two patients who tested positive for COVID-19 in Ladakh have been completely cured. Total positive cases in the region is 11 now.
Sensex jumps 900 points as FM says economic package underway
Civil Aviation Minister expresses concern after reported incidents of harassments on airline crew
Hero Cycles earmarks Rs 100 crore contingency fund
Hero Cycles on Tuesday said it is setting aside Rs 100 crore as a contingency fund to address and mitigate the impact of coronavirus pandemic on partners and the community at large. (READ MORE)For representational purpose. (Photo | Ashwin Prasath, EPS )
Assam CM gets screened before entering the state Assembly
Finance Minister to address media at 2 pm
"Even as we are readying an economic package to help us through the Corona lockdown (on priority,to be announced soon) I'll address the media at 2 pm today,specifically on statutory & regulatory compliance matters,via video conference," said Nirmala Sitharaman.
Centre gets more tough with the lockdown
Centre has asked states to impose curfew wherever necessary as people continue to venture out despite coronavirus lockdown order: Officials
Locals around Shaheen Bagh laud Delhi Police after the latter clears the anti-CAA protest site
Harsh Vardhan's latest statement on coronavirus situation in India
"National Centre for Disease Control has been keeping an eye on all potential Coronavirus patients. Today, more than 1,87,000 people in the country are being monitored by the way of community surveillance," the Union Health Minister said.
One more succumbs in Mumbai
A 65-year-old Coronavirus patient from UAE passed away in Mumbai yesterday. He was admitted in Kasturba Hospital.
Uttarakhand police takes unique route to publicly shame lockdown violators
Doctors and staff of Bengal hospital sent into home quarantine
Doctors and staff of AMRI Hospital at Eastern Railways, those were looking after the 57-year-old COVID-19 patient who died of the disease Monday, have been home quarantined.
Punjab government issues operational timings for the sale of essential food products
Milk, medicine and vegetable shops to opened for public would between 4 pm to 6 pm today. From tomorrow onwards until further orders, the milk, medicine and vegetable shops to remain open from 6-9 am: Gagneet Singh Aujla APRO Mohali, Punjab
'Ugadi Asthanam' in Tirumala to have less devotees
Tamil Nadu politicians pay tribute to coronavirus warriors
Tamil Nadu Assembly members at the assembly today clapped for a minute expressing gratitude towards health department, police and all other departments working amid coronavirus pandemic.
Police crackdown on curfew violators in Bengal
More information on the fresh cases in Bengal
According to health department officials, both the men from Kolkata. One of then have a travel history of returning from Egypt and the other from UK. One person admitted to Beleghata ID Hospital five days ago and the other was admitted four days ago.
After 'Janata Curfew' in his last week's speech, what PM Modi will announce tonight?
"Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19," Modi tweeted. He had addressed the nation on efforts to combat the virus on March 19.
Nearly 500 coronavirus cases have been reported in India so far, according to Health Ministry data on Tuesday.
As cases of the viral infection surged, authorities have put almost the entire country under lockdown, banning gathering of people and suspending road, rail and air traffic till March 31.
Punjab, Chandigarh wake up to curfew
The Punjab government clamped a curfew on Monday after finding that people were ignoring the state-wide lockdown ordered by it. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh ordered the imposition of a "full curfew with no relaxations". Later, the UT Chandigarh Administration also announced a curfew from Monday midnight. Police personnel were deployed in large numbers to implement the restrictions.
However, the respective district administrations allowed government employees tasked with emergency and essential services to attend their duties on production of official ID cards.
Hospitals and chemists shops will remain open in Mohali, as per the order issued by the district administration. Meanwhile, as per initial reports, a few people came out of their houses at some places in Punjab to buy daily use items like milk but were sent back by police personnel. Roads bordering Chandigarh and Haryana were completely sealed, an official said.
Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Varinder Kumar Sharma appealed to people to stay indoors. He said the district administration was trying to develop a system to provide daily uses items at doorsteps.
Punjab and UT Chandigarh have reported 23 and seven positive coronavirus cases respectively.
Aviation stocks tumble as government suspends all domestic operations from March 25
Aviation stocks dropped up to 10 per cent on Tuesday after the announcement of suspension of all domestic operations of Indian airlines from March 25 amid Covid-19 pandemic. (READ MORE)
Rajya Sabha Polls postponed
Election Commission defers Rajya Sabha election scheduled for March 26 in view of coronavirus outbreak: Official sources
Sonia Gandhi's letter to PM seeking emergency welfare programs
Now Odisha joins the lockdown list
Odisha Government has decided to lockdown the entire state (all 30 districts) from today midnight till March 29: Subroto Bagchi, Spokesperson, Odisha Government.
PM to address the nation again
Will address the nation at 8 PM today, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19: PM Modi
Delhi-Ghaziabad border sealed
Indian Army's latest statement
"The armed forces have evacuated 1186 (these include medical staff and air crew) from foreign countries. At present, there are 796 people in quarantine under military supervision. Only two positive cases have come till now&they are being managed at civil hospitals along with two more persons with some symptoms.All others released after full protocol observed.More evacuees are expected soon,armed forces are geared up to absorb them in our care," said Indian Army spokesperson Col Aman Anand.
Union Health Minister holds meeting with officials
Gujarat government's latest statement on the coronavirus situation in state
We are surveying 27,000 people in the state who have recent travel history: Gujarat Principal Secretary (Health) Jayanti Ravi
Work from home for Air India employees
For other employees, 'Work from home' be resorted to in an organised manner. Departmental Heads/General Managers may draw up a roster of employees who are required to render essential emergency services within each dept till 31.03 to reduce attendance in office to the basic required numbers to meet the operational requirements.
Fresh cases in Bengal
Two more people test positive for coronavirus in West Bengal; number of afflicted goes up to eight: Officials
Netflix to reduce traffic on telecom networks by 25% to mitigate congestion
Video streaming major Netflix on Tuesday said it will reduce traffic on telecommunications networks by 25 per cent while maintaining the quality of service for users in India, as part of its efforts to help mitigate network congestion amid the coronavirus pandemic.Companies like Amazon Prime Video are also temporarily lowering bit rates - a measure of how much data is being transferred - to ease pressure on telecom network infrastructure. (READ MORE)For representational purpose. (File photo)
Rs 1000 to all ration card holders, free commodities will be provided: Tamil Nadu
Rs 1000 to all ration card holders, free rice, sugar, and other essential commodities. To avoid long queues, commodities will be issued on a token basis: Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami
Rupee gains marginally on the back of equity markets
The Indian rupee witnessed marginal recovery in early trade and appreciated by 18 paise to 76.02 against the US dollar on Tuesday tracking positive opening in domestic equities. (READ MORE)For representational purpose. (Photo | Reuters)
Northeast registers its first case
A 23-year-old woman in Manipur tests positive for Coronavirus. She has recent travel history to the UK.
Shutdown in Dehradun
Maharashtra tally crosses 100
Total number of positive Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra rises to 101 including 3 new cases in Pune and 1 in Satara: State Health Department.
Latest situation from Maharashtra
Bengal coronavirus patient's kin in Chattisgarh under home quarantine
Soon after getting information about the deceased's travel history, at least 15 of his relatives staying in Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh were identified on Monday and advised to stay in home isolation, an official said. The deceased visited Bilaspur last month and had met all these relatives. Their samples are being taken for testing and they are under observation, the official said. The 57-year-old COVID-19 patient, who was a resident of Dumdum in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, died at a private hospital there on Monday.
WATCH | Delhi Police uses drone near Jamia to monitor the area
Markets erase early gains; Sensex up 113 points, Nifty below 7,000
Ensure 'operational continuity' of print and electronic media: Centre to states, UTs
In a letter to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories on March 23, the ministry said robust and essential information dissemination networks like TV channels, news agencies "are of utmost importance to ensure timely and authentic information dissemination".
Update from Chennai Airport
No country for doctors?
Doctors of MGM Hospital in Telangana's Warangal were forced out onto the streets by their landlords. The latter called the doctors ‘dirty’ and do not want them as tenants fearing the spread of Coronavirus in the locality. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Kashmiri students protest at Bengaluru Airport
Transgender community in Karnataka fears corona, stays home
The trans community has taken it upon itself to create awareness among its members though social media and community WhatsApp groups. “We share health department advisories on our WhatsApp groups to avoid close contact,” said Madhumitha, a social worker. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Vadodara under complete lockdown
23 Indian seamen stranded in Barcelona, seek help from government
The crew comprises of natives of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra among others. The two-minute-plus video shows all of them wearing masks. The commentary rendered by one of the crew members states that the video was shot inside the hotel. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Visuals from Karnataka amid shutdown
I-T body warns of 'Himalayan blunder' if March 31 deadline not extended
The taxman has to finish a number of tax assessments, time barring cases and payments under the recently-launched 'Vivad Se Vishwas scheme' of tax disputes settlement with the ending of the 2019-20 financial year on March 31 but the three associations of the department have expressed their inability in completing these tasks owing to "complete lockdown" in many states and the government directive to practise social distancing in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Shops remain open amid lockdown in Bengal
Prepare for complete lockdown, ensure only mission-critical staff comes to work: Nasscom to IT cos
Nasscom, in an advisory to member companies, cautioned that "essential services notification cannot be interpreted to be used for projects that had to be completed in the near term and contracts carrying penalties, etc." (READ FULL STORY HERE)
WATCH | People gather at UP market despite lockdown order
India Yamaha Motor shuts shop
The company said it has taken preventive counter- measure of suspending its manufacturing operations at its facilities in Chennai, Surajpur (Uttar Pradesh) and Faridabad (Haryana) till March 31, 2020. The decision was taken following the COVID-19 pandemic and also the safety, health and hygiene of its employees, customers and business partners.
"The operations at the Surajpur and Faridabad plants have been suspended with immediate effect while Chennai plant will be suspended from March 24," the company said. The employees at the headquarters and area offices have been provided with the option of work from home till March 31, it said.
Despite curfew, people come out for morning walk in Maharashtra
More updates from Kolkata
Police arrested 255 people in Kolkata on Monday evening for violating the restrictions imposed in the metropolis in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said. The arrests were made after 5 pm when the lockdown came into effect, they said, adding that those held will be prosecuted under sections dealing with disobedience to order duly promulgated by a public servant. Naka checkings are underway at every important junction of the city, officials said.
The lockdown, which will continue till March 27, was clamped to prevent further spread of the virus.
The last rites of an elderly man, who became the first casualty of COVID-19 in Bengal, was considerably delayed as wary locals put up a road blockade in the city's Nimtala area to stop government officials from cremating him, saying it could lead to virus transmission. According to police sources, senior officers took over two hours to convince the residents that necessary measures have been taken to avoid contamination. The final rites of the 57-year-old man were initiated around 11. 45 am on Monday, they said.
"We had to tell them that all protocols have been followed in wrapping up the body of the deceased, as per government guidelines. There was no reason to be scared," a senior officer of the Kolkata Police Central Division said.
Nearly 500 evacuees from Iran asymptomatic: Army
The staff at the Army wellness facilities in Jaisalmer is working over time to ensure that the centres remain clean, an official said.
In addition to sanitisation of the entire premises, daily motivational lectures are conducted by the Army medical authorities to make people understand the importance of the mandatory quarantine to combat the spread of COVID-19, the spokesperson said.
He said the people are enjoying their time by playing games, watching television, praying and utilising the available resources in the wellness facilities.
Kerala wears deserted look
Kolkata doctor couple, who returned from US, forced to isolation unit for venturing out
The two doctors, residents of a housing complex off EM Bypass near Ruby Hospital, were going out freely though they were advised to be on home-isolation for 14 days, officials said.
The couple, who runs a nursing home in the city, and their daughter were taken to the isolation facility at the second campus of the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital by a team of the health department in a special ambulance, a senior official of the department said, adding that the Kolkata Police assisted the medical staff in shifting them.
Punjab residents respond to the lockdown
Delhi's Jama Masjid to remain closed for public till March 31
During this period, the daily chorus in the mosque will remain unaffected but people will not be allowed to offer prayers. Around 2,000 people offer prayers at the mosque everyday, while the number swells to 10,000 on Fridays, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, the imam of the mosque, said.
Visuals from UP's Prayagraj
Four COVID-19 patients in Maharashtra's Sangli had travelled to Saudi Arabia
Pune Divisional Commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar said the four hail from Islampur in Sangli district and belong to one family. The four people, two of them women, had recently travelled to Saudi Arabia, he said. They are among the eight new Covid-19 cases reported in Maharashtra on Monday.
More security deployment in Delhi's Jafrabad
Section 144 CrPC in Dimapur from Tuesday to make Nagaland people stay indoors during lockdown
The order, issued by Dimapur police commissioner Rothihu Tetseo on Monday, will come into force from 6 am on March 24, the official said. Dimapur, a commercial hub of the state, witnessed "unprecedented" movement of vehicles during the lockdown which began from Sunday midninght, he said. Police seized a number of taxis for plying on roads, the official said. "The prohibitory orders under Section 144 CrPC have been issued because of indiscipline noticed among people in Dimapur," state Chief Secretary Temjen Toy told PTI.
The prohibitory orders ban assembly of more than five persons, the police commissioner said. Any person found violating this order will be liable for punishment, he said. Residents were seen queuing up outside grocery stores, ATMs and medical shops without following the advised norms of social distancing.
Several vehicles have also lined up next to petrol pumps, the official said. People resorted to panic-buying of essential items after the imposition of the lockdown in the state as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, he said.
WATCH | Lockdowns, deaths and no public transport: India ramps up corona fight
17 departments shutdown in Meghalaya, curfew imposed in two districts
Over 16,000 people, who returned from other states, have been screened for COVID-19 at Byrnihat in Ri-Bhoi district bordering Assam till date, they said. Private vehicles will be allowed to ply in the state capital on odd and even numbers alternately, beginning with odd numbers on March 24, a government order said.
District authorities in Ri-Bhoi have declared night curfew from 10 pm on March 23 to 6 am on March 24, while curfew has been imposed in the entire East Jaintia Hills from Monday midnight till March 31 as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the officials said. Both districts are bordering Assam as a result maximum movement of people and vehicles take place via this route to other states, including Mizoram and Tripura.
Ri-Bhoi District Magistrate R M Kurbah informed that the curfew was imposed in the district to prevent people from entering the state or a group of people roaming in the district without valid reasons at night. East Jaintia Hills district SP P Vivekanand Singh said curfew has been imposed in the entire district from Monday midnight till March 31 as a precautionary measure in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Markets, commercial and financial establishments, all forms of public transport have been shut down till March 31. Three temporary markets for vegetables and meat have been set up in the outskirts of state capital in view of the current COVID-19 crisis, East Khasi Hills district officials said.
The state government has also activated the district emergency operation centres in East Khasi Hills district, District Magistrate Matsiewdor W Nongbri said.
The state government has also announced relief for the distressed construction workers and contractual employees affected by the shutdown.
The state government has also announced Rs 1,000 relief per week for the distressed construction workers, Principal Secretary of the Labour Department, D P Wahlang said.
The department has decided and approved to pay an amount of Rs 1,000 only per worker per week for the wages foregone on account of the shutdown on commercial operations and business establishments in the state of Meghalaya, Wahlang said in a statement.
The order will be applicable for the week from March 23 to March 29 and will be reviewed again the next day, he said. At least 30,000 persons registered with the government will benefit from this initiative of the state government, another government official said. The state government has also warned private and public establishments not to terminate or force their employees to go on leave without wages, Wahlang said.
Transport department commissioner and secretary M R Synrem has issued restraint order on movements of private vehicles in the state except those on essential duties and government duties.
On Sunday, the Meghalaya government restricted entry of people from other states in view of the coronavirus threat.
WATCH | Shaheen Bagh protest site cleared after more than 100 days
ICMR recommends two RT-PCR kits for coronavirus testing
The Indian Council of Medical Research (IMCR) said it has recommended two RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction) test kits for use in ICMR-approved government and private laboratories. These test kits have been found to have 100 per cent concordance among true positive and true negative samples.
The ICMR has established a fast-track mechanism for validation of non-US FDA EUA/CE IVD approved kits at ICMR NIV Pune.
ICMR NIV Pune has completed evaluation of 09 non-US FDA EUA/CE IVD kits. Only test kits with 100 per cent concordance among true positive and true negative samples have been recommended for commercial use in India, the statement said.
In addition to the above, US FDA EUA/CE IVD approved kits can be used directly after due approval from DCGI and intimation to ICMR.
Visuals from Gujarat amid lockdown
Mumbai civic body to sanitise its offices, hospitals
The BMC has directed to the fire brigade to sanitise its headquarters, ward offices and civic-run hospitals, using sodium hypocloric solution. According to fire brigade officials, they are going to use 'quick response vehicles', for sanitising the establishments. Currently, Maharashtra has 97 COVID-19 cases, a majority of them from Mumbai.
Delhi Police clears Shaheen Bagh protest site
Coronavirus: WHO expects India to take aggressive action
Lauding India for its role in eliminating two 'silent killers' -- small pox and polio, the World Health Organization (WHO) has backed the country to take aggressive action against the global pandemic coronavirus or COVID-19 that has claimed over 16,000 lives across the world so far.
Coronavirus vaccines Expected by 2021-2022 - WH Official
Coronavirus vaccines are expected to be available by 2021-2022 season when the novel disease can reemerge, the White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Deborah Birx told reporters.
"We know we will have vaccines most likely by the 2021-22 season and we are going to hopefully have therapeutics in the fall of the next season," Birx said at a daily White House briefing on Monday.
Inspiring to see Indians applauding workers combating corona: US Diplomat on Janata curfew
Senior US diplomat Alice Wells on Monday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated 'Janata curfew' meant to express gratitude towards people who are providing essential and emergency services even risking their own safety in the face of coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Will favourably consider applications to extend Non-Immigrant Visas amid coronavirus: USCIS
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many Indian-Americans with visiting family members and visitors can get some relief to extend all legal Non-Immigrant Visas, including tourist or business visas (B1/B2 visas), that allows a short term entry into the United States.
Home quarantine may reduce coronavirus transmission risk by 62 pc: ICMR
As the country grapples with the rising menace of coronavirus, a study done by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has revealed that home quarantine and maintaining social distancing of symptomatic can flatten the curve of the disease outbreak. The study was done by using a simple mathematical model of infectious disease transmission.
It took 67 days from the first reported case to reach the first 100,000 cases of Covid-19, but it took only 11 days for the second 100,000 cases, and just four days for the third 100,000 cases, WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said.
Karnataka announces lockdown till March 31
The government earlier announced stricter measures in nine districts, including Bengaluru, where lockdown was declared on Sunday till March 31 to contain the spread of virus. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Defensive measures alone can't defeat COVID-19: WHO
"To win, we need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics – testing every suspected case, isolating and caring for every confirmed case, and tracing and quarantining every close contact," said WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom.
Seven cases in Madhya Pradesh as one more test positive
A middle-aged man who worked at the jewellery shop of an existing Coronavirus positive patient was tested positive for the virus in Jabalpur on Monday. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Olympic postponement inevitable: IOC official
The IOC had said on Sunday the body would wait four more weeks before announcing its decision on the fate of the July 24-August 9 Games, amid mounting calls for them to be rescheduled. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Delhi airport screened over 2 lakh passengers so far
In a statement issued on Monday night, the Delhi health department said, as many as 2,09,567 passengers arriving from COVID-19-affected countries have been screened at Delhi airport and placed under surveillance. READ FULL REPORT HERE
WATCH | As cases surge to 95, Kerala CM locks down state
Coronavirus recession could be worse than 2009: IMF
The world economy is facing "severe" economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic that could be even more costly than in 2009 and will require an unprecedented response, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said. READ FULL REPORT HERE
India stops incoming passengers on 107 immigration check points
"The undersigned is directed to convey the orders of central government to stop all incoming passenger traffic on all 107 Immigration Check Posts which includes all airport ICPs, all seaport ICPs, all land port ICPs, all rail port ICPs and all river port ICPs in view of the spread of COVID-19," the notification said.
Yamuna Expressway closed
Uber suspends cab services in several cities
The list include the National Capital Region in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot in Gujarat, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Ludhiana in Punjab as well as Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur in Rajasthan.
WATCH | Chennai Corporation to paste 'Do Not Enter' stickers in houses under quarantine
Tamil Nadu reports three fresh cases
Suspected COVID-19 patient dies in Himachal
A 69-year old Tibetan passed away at Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College at Tanda in Kangra district following respiratory ailments. His samples were sent to Pune for further testing after the preliminary test showed he was coronavirus postive. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Airborne spread of COVID-19 not reported so far: WHO
Airborne spread of COVID-19 has not been reported so far and it is transmitted mostly through respiratory droplets and close contact, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh said.
Kerala to keep beverage outlets open, bars shut
"Beverage outlets will remain open, We have had some bad experiences when the government stopped the sale of liquor. It will create many social issues," CM Pinarayi Vijayan said. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Tibetan refugee who died at Himachal Pradesh tested positive
Army shuts CSD canteens
Keeping the arising situation in mind, it has been decided that only bare essential sections and offices will function at Head Quarters in Delhi on a daily basis. Work from home has already been implemented. READ FULL REPORT HERE
TN patient lied about movements to health officials
Details he had given didn't match with what the officials learnt from the spot. It was found out that he had stayed at Hotel Aryas in the town for five days, against his earlier statement. READ FULL REPORT HERE
Andhra reports 7th case as UK-returnee tests positive
Amid coronavirus anxiety, sale of condoms and contraceptives goes up
With this increased intimacy, many pharmacies, as well as e-commerce sites, are reporting rising sales of condoms and contraceptive pills while some experts are already looking at a 'coronavirus boom' in December 2020 and an entire generation of quaranteens in 2033.
Reliance to raise face mask production capacity, pay contract employees wages even if no work
In a statement, the company said a hospital run by its CSR arm has readied India's first 100-bedded facility at one of its hospitals in Mumbai for patients who test positive for COVID-19.
The Central government on Monday issued a slew of directions on quarantining for asymptomatic and symptomatic people in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India crosses 450, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Seven people have succumbed to the virus till now.
Spaniard tests positive in Uttarakhand, two foreigners nabbed after running away
A man from Spain tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday taking the total count of positive patients in Uttarakhand to four. The man had travelled to Rishikesh last month and stayed in the religious town. He was kept under observation along with many other foreigners to confirm if they are infected.
WATCH | Centre asks states to strictly enforce lockdown as confirmed cases cross 450
Curfew in Maharashtra from Monday midnight, says CM Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said curfew will be imposed in the entire state from Monday midnight as the fight against coronavirus has reached a "turning point". The next few days would be crucial, he said, adding that crowds will not be tolerated in public places and action would be taken against those violating the government's guidelines.
The hunt for ventilators and other medical supplies consumed the U.S. and Europe on Monday, as new coronavirus infections soared and political paralysis stalled efforts for a quick aid package from Congress.
Deaths from the coronavirus pandemic have topped 15,000 across the globe and more than one billion people have been asked to stay home in more than 50 countries as governments battle the coronavirus pandemic.
The coronavirus death toll in Spain surged to 2,182 after 462 people died within 24 hours, the health ministry said on Monday. The death rate showed a 27-per cent increase.
Bangladesh overnight turned the country's lone liquor producing unit into a sanitiser production plant as demands for hand sanitiser and liquid soap spiked amid the global coronavirus outbreak.
The Nepal government has closed its borders with India and China for a week starting Monday, in a bid to prevent a possible outbreak of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan nation.
A 26-year-old Pakistani doctor has become the country's first medic to die after contracting the novel coronavirus while treating the COVID-19 patients in Gilgit region.
Ex-Karnataka Congress MLA M L Ustad's daughter attends party meeting while in quarantine
Karnataka govt suspends passenger transport services
All public and private passenger transport services including Ola, Uber, taxi & autorickshaws shall be stopped from tomorrow in Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Kalaburagi, Chikkaballapur, Mysuru, Madikeri, Dharwad, Mangaluru and Belagavi where restrictions are in place: Karnataka Government
Man cleared of COVID-19 by Bengaluru hospital tests positive in Mysuru
The route map of the patient which is available with the TNIE revealed that he boarded a direct flight on March 21 at 9.50 pm from Dubai and reached KIAL on March 22 at 2.55 am. He then took an Airbus to Akash medical hospital, was checked and sent back to the airport.
The man then booked a taxi from the airport to Mysuru, took a tea break at Kengeri at 6.30 am on March 22 and reached a room on Meena Bazar road at Mandi Mohalla area in the city at 8.30 am.
Woman back from Saudi Arabia tests positive in Pilibhit, UP tally up to 29
With a fresh case surfacing in Pilibhit district of the Terai, the tally of coronavirus infections went up to 29 in Uttar Pradesh on Monday. The woman, 45, who tested positive hailed from Harraipur village under Amariya block of Pilibhit district. She had returned to India from Saudi Arabia after performing Umra along with 37 others on March 20.
For young Nagas in Ahmedabad, racial virus more horrific than COVID-19
Nine youth from Nagaland were herded out of their office by the police after a complaint that they were infected with the virus. All of them were released more than 24 hours later but not before top police officers, including an IPS officer from Nagaland, intervened.
Haryana and Himachal Pradesh put under complete lockdown till March 31
After the curfew in Punjab, both Haryana and Himachal Pradesh have been put under complete lockdown from Tuesday till March 31.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur announced this in the state assembly on Monday. This is being done as a precautionary measure and there was no cause for panic, he said.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said all districts of the state will go under lockdown from Tuesday morning.
Anti-CAA women protesters suspend dharna at Clock Tower in Lucknow
The women protestors who had been staging a round-the-clock sit-in at the historic clock tower against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register for Citizens (NRC) have vacated the venue and suspended their dharna on Monday after a lockdown was announced in Lucknow in view of the coronavirus scare. The 66-day-old protest was suspended early on Monday morning and the protesters went back to their houses.
Faced with mass layoffs, restaurant body writes to Nirmala Sitharaman seeking bailout
Given the enormity of the problem, the National Restaurants Association of India has shot off a letter to the Finance Ministry seeking an immediate financial bailout package. “While we all hope for a quick normalisation of the situation, we would like to state that the food service industry, which was already battling through tough times for the past couple of years, is now facing a challenge of mere survival,” NRAI president Anurag Katriar stated in the letter.
Faced with mass layoffs, restaurant body writes to Nirmala Sitharaman seeking bailout
Given the enormity of the problem, the National Restaurants Association of India has shot off a letter to the Finance Ministry seeking an immediate financial bailout package. “While we all hope for a quick normalisation of the situation, we would like to state that the food service industry, which was already battling through tough times for the past couple of years, is now facing a challenge of mere survival,” NRAI president Anurag Katriar stated in the letter.
Bank in Pondicherry maintains social distance and 'transparency'
The staff at the State Bank of India have fixed a transparent plastic sheet between themselves and the customers
Global death toll crosses 15,000, more than 1 billion people worldwide told to stay home
Deaths from the coronavirus pandemic have topped 15,000 across the globe, according to an AFP tally on Monday from official figures. A total of 15,189 deaths have been recorded, the majority in Europe with 9,197 fatalities. More than one billion people have been asked to stay home in more than 50 countries and territories around the world as governments battle the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe.
Delhi CM Kejriwal appeals to people to observe lockdown; says if it's not followed, government will resort to strict measures
India is at threshold of a major medical calamity within a month: Top microbiologist
At the current speed at which COVID-19 is spreading in the country, India is at the threshold of a major medical calamity within a month, and the country must implement a 'Janata Curfew' for at least two weeks, warns a leading microbiologist. "We feel if asocial distancing' is not implemented seriously, by end-April hospitals may be full of patients and the situation could be totally unmanageable," a concerned A.M. Deshmukh, President of Microbiologists Society, India (MSI), said.
US orders first shutdown of fraud website trying to sell vaccine over
The US Department of Justice announced on Sunday that it had shut down a website claiming to sell a coronavirus vaccine, in its first act of federal enforcement against fraud in connection with the pandemic.
Ex-Karnataka Congress MLA M L Ustad's daughter attends party meeting while in quarantine
Former Karnataka MLA M L Ustad's daughter Ruksana Ustad, who is in quarantine, is alleged to have attended a meeting that included KPCC president D K Shivakumar two days ago. Ustad, who is a media panel member of the party, was seen sitting with others during the committee meeting. However, she left the meeting after some people raised an objection of her presence. She was then sent away from the meeting. Apparently, the BP of a party leader, who sat next to her, shot up following which he was hospitalised.
Domestic flights cease operation from midnight on March 24
Operations of domestic scheduled commercial airlines shall cease with effect from midnight on March 24. The restrictions shall not apply to cargo flights.
Recommendation of Hydroxychloroquine only for healthcare workers
West Bengal reports its first coronavirus death
A person possibly infected with Coronavirus has lost his life due to cardiac arrest today. He and his family had returned from Italy: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee
TN allocates additional Rs 500 cr for prevention of spread of COVID-19
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami on Monday said an additional sum of Rs.500 crore will be allocated for preventive measures against the spread of Coronavirus in the state.
Palaniswami said a sum of Rs.60 crore was earlier allocated for preventing the spread of the virus in the state and now an additional sum of Rs.500 crore has been sanctioned for the purpose.
Highlights of Health Ministry presser
12 private-lab chains have registered after being allowed for COVID-19 testing; they have 15,000 collection centres: ICMR
Complete lockdown in 19 states, UTs; some parts of 6 states, UTs have been kept under lockdown: Union Health Ministry joint secretary
415 confirmed cases reported so far, 23 patients discharged, 7 deaths reported - some of them also had co-morbid conditions
DGCA asks airlines to maintain social distancing rules
Aviation regulator DGCA on Monday came out with a slew of measures for airlines and airports on social distancing, which include ensuring adequate space between passengers and check-in counters and leaving one seat vacant between two passengers, among others.
Axis Bank sets aside Rs 100 crore to fight pandemic
The country's third-largest private sector lender Axis Bank on Monday said it has set aside a Rs 100-crore fund to help curb the spread of coronavirus. The money will be used to support customers, employees, vendors, government agencies and the community at large, the bank said in a statement.
Maid contracts virus from employer family in Mumbai
A total of 89 COVID-19 cases have been detected in Maharashtra including 32 in Mumbai. A 40-year-old maid is the latest COVID-19 case in the state. She was working with a family, one of whose members had tested positive. Health minister Rajesh Tope said they are identifying the people who came in contact with the maid.
It's safe to receive newspaper and other such materials even from areas which have reported cases of COVID-19. "The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low”, according to WHO.
America’s Centre for Disease Control too has clarified that coronavirus had “a very low risk” of spreading on newspapers and packages due to the “poor survivability of these coronaviruses on surfaces”.
Elon Musk donates 50,000 N95 masks to US hospital
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has donated 50,000 N95 surgical masks and various protective items to a hospital in the US. Musk has made a promise that he would donate 250,000 masks with the N95 protection level, which belong to his companies, to hospitals.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health Hospital received a truckload of various protective items, including masks and gowns from Tesla, according to tesmanian.com.
Lucknow Police hunt for singer Kanika Kapoor's missing friend
The Lucknow police are now frantically searching for a Mumbai based entrepreneur, Ojas Desai, who was present with singer Kanika Kapoor at Hotel Taj and left the city on March 16. While the police have tracked over 260 people who interacted with the singer but Ojas Desai has remained untraceable.
Six Indians stranded at Dubai airport due to travel restrictions
Six Indians have been camping at the Dubai airport for the past five days after they were not allowed to board their connecting flight back home due to travel restrictions placed by India to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.
BCCI not sweating over IPL 2020 just yet even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise
Even as parts of India are witnessing a complete lockdown in the wake of growing coronavirus cases, the BCCI isn't sweating over the future of the IPL just yet. The world's most popular T20 league is suspended till April 15 and with the situation getting worse by the day, there is a strong chance of the tournament being scrapped altogether this year as there isn't any window available to host it later in the year.
Sensex crashes 4,000 points, Nifty below 7,600; Axis Bank top loser
‘Masked’ wedding at Vijayakanth’s house for this Chennai couple
On Sunday as most people stayed indoors and put their plans on the back burner, some of them decided to go ahead with theirs, albeit indoors. The janata curfew fell on a ‘muhurtham day’ and many weddings were planned.
The National Task Force for COVID-19 constituted by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommends the use of hydroxychloroquine for treatment of COVID19 for high-risk cases.
Trial in Kerala actor abduction case postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the actor abduction trial in the state has been postponed to April 7. The Additional Special Sessions Court on Monday decided to postpone the trial procedure after consulting with the prosecutor and counsels of the accused. The court decided to issue a 'stop memo' to all the witnesses to be examined as part of the trial from March 25 to April 7.
Tamil Nadu lockdown: Which services will be affected
READ FULL REPORT HERE
TN to be locked down from Tuesday 6 PM
Section 144 to be imposed in Tamil Nadu from Tuesday 6 PM
District borders will be sealed and only vehicles carrying essential commodities will be allowed
Delhi lockdown gets real as borders get sealed
PM Modi thanks SAARC leaders for their contribution to COVID-19 emergency fund
Legal action against those who skip self-quarantine
We will take legal action against those who return from foreign countries and roam freely skipping self-quarantine; their passports will be seized: Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabaskar
Chennai to start pasting stickers in houses of the people who are advised to stay in home quarantine
Markets in a free fall
S&P BSE Sensex down 3400.10 points at 26,477.91 while NSE gave up 992.60 points at 7,756.85 levels. BSE's biggest losers
PM starts interaction session with the media houses
Update from AIIMS
All OPD services in All India Institute of Medical Sciences and all centres to remain closed till further orders.
Chaos in Bihar due to cancellation of trains
Will grant special parole to convicts to decongest prisons, Delhi government tells HC
The Delhi government told a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad that it was going to amend its prison rules to provide the options of special parole and furlough. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
DGCA instructs airlines to practice social distancing
Two persons from Arunachal test negative for coronavirus
The samples were sent for tests to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital and the Regional Medical Research Centre at Dibrugarh in Assam, a senior health official informed the media. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Extremely proud of Air India: PM hails national carrier for courage, call of duty to fight coronavirus
The airline in a press release on Sunday said it was alarming that in many localities Air India crew members were facing ostracisation because they travelled abroad to evacuate Indians. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Notice in Lok Sabha over racist attack on Manipuri woman in Delhi
Congress leader B Manickam Tagore gives Adjournment Motion Notice in Lok Sabha over the incident where a man allegedly spat on a Manipur woman and called her 'Corona' in Delhi yesterday.
Complete shutdown in Himachal from Monday
There will be complete lockdown in the state with effect from today till further orders, in wake of coronavirus: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur.
TVS Motor shuts down plants for two days
Two-wheeler major TVS Motor Company on Monday said it is suspending production at all its plants for two days in order to safeguard its employees from the coronavirus pandemic. (READ MORE)
Lockdown scenes across the country
DMK, allies announce boycott of Tamil Nadu Assembly session
Leader of Opposition and DMK president M K Stalin in a letter to Speaker P Dhanapal said the session was being held contravening the government's campaign of social distancing to combat the spread of coronavirus. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Three reasons why markets can not be shut despite bears running riot
Global markets have been on a roller coaster ride ever since the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. The uncertainty is enforcing automatic circuit breakers often, however, countries are standing by to keep financial markets open. Here are three reasons why markets can not be shut. (CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE)For representational purpose. (Photo | PTI)
Gold as an investment option retains lustre despite volatility
The coronavirus impact on markets across the globe has also affected gold, which is usually considered a safe haven, with extreme price volatility confusing investors. Gold’s sudden fall this week, after hitting an all time high on March 9, is however not being seen by analysts as a vote against the metal, but rather a sell-off by investors seeking liquidity as they scrambled to square positions after a month of bloodbath across stock and commodity exchanges. (READ MORE)For representational purpose (Photo | Nagaraja Gadekal)
Deserted bus terminal, railway stations in Odisha
WATCH | Traffic police trying to stop people to enter the Delhi-Ghaziabad border
Demo of Supreme Court's video conferencing method
Punjab to provide free food, shelter and medicines to those in need
Punjab CM directs provision of free food, shelter and medicines to those in need. He further sanctioned Rs 20 crores from CM Relief Fund for this purpose. Dy Commissioners/Sub-Divisional Magistrates have been asked to extend all help: Additional Director, Public Relations.
Supreme Court gets battle ready
Supreme Court says lawyers chambers inside the Court premises to be closed down due to COVID-19. SC also says that there will be no more in-person hearings till further orders. The Court will conduct videoconferencing to hear urgent matters.
More notices in Rajya Sabha asking for Parliament adjournment
CPI MP Binoy Viswam has given notice under rule 168 of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha to "adjourn the Parliament sine die, due to rapidly increasing spread of COVID-19."
Breath Analyzer Test of Air Traffic controllers cancelled
Delhi High Court suspends the current Breath Analyzer Test of Air Traffic controllers till 27th March, in view of COVID-19.
Goa wears a deserted look as lockdown kicks in
No restrictions imposed on domestic or foreign cargo operations
Currently, there are no restrictions imposed on domestic or foreign air operators for carrying out cargo operations at any airport in India: Directorate General of Civil Aviation: DGCA.
Government asks states to strictly enforce lockdowns after PM Modi's tweet
The Centre has asked state governments to strictly enforce lockdown and take legal action against violators, according to an official statement on Monday. The Centre and state governments on Sunday decided to completely lock down 80 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported till March 31.
In view of the need to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19, it was agreed that there was an urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport. Delhi will be locked down from 6 am on March 23 and continue till midnight on March 31. Some other states have also enforced lockdown.
Delhi's borders will remain sealed during the lockdown, but essential services related to health, food, water and power supply will continue, and 25 per cent of the DTC buses will run to transport people associated with essential services. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier on Monday appealed to state governments to ensure that rules and regulations of the coronavirus lockdown are enforced as he noted that many people are not taking the measure seriously.
"Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request state governments to ensure rules and laws are followed," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Area around anti-CAA portest site sanitised in Lucknow
RJD gives zero hour notice to Rajya Sabha
Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Manoj Jha has given a Zero Hour Notice in Rajya Sabha on "Mitigation of livelihood and housing crisis for informal workers in tackling COVID-19."
Karnataka Assembly session to continue
Have not entered the community spread phase: Uddhav government
"I want to make it very clear that we have not entered the community spread phase; There are total 89 positive Coronavirus cases in the state including 14 new cases in Mumbai and 1 in Pune. We are issuing orders to disburse the crowds at various checkpoints of Mumbai including Mukund and others. Police can take action under section 144," Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said.
Sensex extends fall as trading resumes after halt
Sensex extended fall as trading resumes after 45 minutes halt, plunged 3,167.69 points to 26,748.27; Nifty down 923.95 points at 7,821. 50.
Total number of positive Coronavirus cases in the country is 415 and 7 deaths: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
The number of positive cases of Coronavirus has increased by 19 in last 24 hours.
Investor wealth plummets over Rs 10 lakh crore in first hour of trade
Investor wealth plummeted by over Rs 10 lakh crore in the first hour of trade on Monday as the equity markets went into a tailspin and sank 10 per cent amid rising cases of coronavirus. (READ MORE)For representational purpose. (Photo | PIT)
Here is how Bihar reacting to the lockdown
Supreme Court advocates urge CJI to shut down the court
Supreme Court Advocate-on-Record Association (SCAORA) passes a resolution that its members won't be appearing in the Court till April 4 due to Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown orders by various states. SCAORA have urged the Chief Justice of India to shut the Court.
Latest coronavirus numbers in Gujarat
Total number of positive Coronavirus cases in the state is 29, one death reported so far: Gujarat government
Rupee falls below 76 level against US dollar amid coronavirus scare
The Indian rupee slipped further by 95 paise to 76.15 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday amid a sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country and heavy selling in domestic equities. (READ MORE)
More details on the eighth coronavirus death in India
Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild moves Delhi High Court
Air Traffic Controllers’ Guild (India) has moved Delhi High Court seeking direction to Directorate General of Civil Aviation & Airports Authority of India (AAI) to temporarily suspend the Breath Analyzer Test to prevent the further spread of coronavirus.
Karnataka government on coronavirus situation in state
:There are 27 positive Coronavirus cases in Karnataka. One hospital in every district is dedicated to COVID-19 treatment. We have placed an order for 1000 ventilators," Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramalu
Scenes from Kerala
CPI(M) MP gives Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha
CP(I)M MP KK Ragesh has given Suspension of Business Notice in Rajya Sabha over "2000 people gathering at the Parliament including PM and MPs amid the spread of COVID19."
Tamil Nadu to act tough against those breaking self-quarantine rules
Top losers in BSE
Act boldly, act now to check spread of coronavirus: Chidambaram
"Learn the lessons from Italy. Piecemeal measures will lag behind the spread of the disease. Act boldly, act now. For nearly a week, I have pleaded for a lockdown throughout the country for 2-4 weeks. My plea was met with silence and, in some cases, by derisive trolls," he said.
The former finance minister said there will be massive economic pain. "But it is possible to handle the economic consequences than the loss of numerous live," he said in a tweet.
Many people still not taking lockdown seriously, request states to enforce rules: PM Modi
"Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request state governments to ensure rules and laws are followed," he said in a tweet in Hindi.
Here is the complete list of areas across India entering into shutdown from today
Trading has been halted on Monday, for the second time in two weeks, for 45 minutes after Sensex plunged 10 per cent to hit the lower circuit. (READ MORE)
Lockdown visuals from Chennai Central
One more coronavirus-related death in India
A 68-year-old Philippines citizen, initially tested positive for COVID-19 but subsequently became negative, passed away yesterday. He was shifted from Kasturba hospital to a private hospital. He had developed acute renal failure and respiratory distress: Public Health Department.
Markets crash on Monday
Sensex opens at 27,383.22, down by 2532.74 points.
What the Union Health Ministry is saying on the latest coronavirus situation in India
States should take measures to ensure that the poor don't face problems in 75 districts under lockdown.Biggest challenge in front of us is how to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, said an official.
Maharashtra registers more spike in coronavirus cases
Isolation can play havoc with mind, say psychologists
The average human living in the 21st century is just not wired for a life in isolation. Be it an urban or a rural setting, daily life today is filled with hectic activities, travel and meeting others. Keeping to oneself and social distancing, therefore, have become difficult propositions. The condition steeply worsens for those restricted to home quarantine and isolation wards. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Lockdown visuals from Gurugram
All IAS Officers of Punjab Cadre to contribute one day salary to Chief Minister Relief Fund
"To help those whose livelihood is affected as a result of lockdown to curb the spread of Coronavirus, all IAS Officers of Punjab Cadre shall contribute one day salary to Chief Minister Relief Fund," the government statement said.
Rajya Sabha Chairman calls for all-party meeting
Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu has called a meeting of various party leaders, later today for stock-taking of the situation and duration of the House session.
Scenes from Bengal
Section 144 imposed in parts of Maharashtra, Anti-CAA 'Mumbai Bagh' protest put on hold
As per the orders, the restrictions have been imposed in Mumbai, Pune and Thane cities from Monday 5 am to March 31. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Coronavirus casts its shadow over Tokyo Olympics 2020
Australian Olympic officials say it is clear that the Tokyo Games could not go ahead as scheduled and told its athletes to instead prepare for the event in 2021. Canada earlier became the first country to pull out of the games: AFP
Latest scenes from Bihar
Uber, Ola to suspend services in Delhi from March 23-31
The Delhi government on Sunday said the city will be in lockdown from March 23 to 31, under which no public transport, including private buses, taxis and autorickshaws will be allowed. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Anti-CAA protest in Mumbai called off
Hyundai Motor India to suspend production at its Chennai plant from Monday
In a statement late on Sunday night, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) said, "We will await further notifications from the state (Tamil Nadu) government to resume operations at the plant. " Asserting that the safety, health and hygiene of the company's employees, customers, business partners and the communities are of utmost priority in every situation, HMIL said under the Hyundai Cares Program, various initiatives have been taken such as roadside assistance to customers in case of any emergency.
Customers who are not able to avail vehicle warranty or extended warranty or free service due to health emergency or dealership shutdown in affected cities, HMIL will offer extended support of two months, the release stated.
Moreover, some 1,000 doorstep advantage bikes and emergency road service cars will provide any assistance to customers as part of the safety initiatives, the company said.
Shiv Sena MPs not to attend Parliament session from Monday
Sanjay Raut, who is party's chief whip in Parliament, made the announcement from his Twitter handle @rautsanjay61 saying, "Keeping the Covid-19 situation in mind, all ShivSena MPs won't be attending Parliament from today. The decision has been taken by our Party Chief and honourable CM Uddhav Thackeray for helping the government to fight this Pandemic. @CMOMaharashtra @narendramodi."
The NCP has already announced that its Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members would be mostly staying back in their respective constituencies to assist the administration in its fight with Covid-19 outbreak.
SC cancels benches, only one court to hear urgent cases through video-conferencing
In a circular issued late Sunday evening, the top court cancelled the scheduled hearing in courts 2, 8 and 14 and said that from Wednesday only one bench of two judges will take up for hearing in only urgent matters through video conference. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Scenes from Uttar Pradesh as state also follows the lockdown way
Air India says neighbours ostracising, calling police on crew who went abroad
"It is alarming to note that in many localities, vigilante Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) and neighbours have started ostracising the crew, obstructing them from performing their duty or even calling in the police, simply because the crew travelled abroad in the course of their duty," the airline said in a press release.
Uttar Pradesh announces lockdown in 16 districts till March 25
Ernakulam medical college hospital declared exclusive COVID-19 treatment centre
Ernakulam District Collector S Suhas said the patients consulting doctors at the Medical College Hospital in Kalamassery should seek treatment at other government facilities in the district. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
All international flight services in Delhi's T3 suspended till March 29
The operations at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), which handles all international flights, will remain suspended till March 29 as a precaution against the coronavirus pandemic.(Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)
IAS Sriram, prime accused in journalist Basheer’s death, back in service as COVID-19 special officer
Though the government did not elaborate on the duties being assigned to Sriram, a senior health official said he would be coordinating activities against the pandemic. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Delhi in lockdown mode; passenger trains cancelled till March 31
OPINION | Coronavirus: VIP culture must end, now!
Most politicians in India, barring honourable exceptions, believe they are above the law. Since they are surrounded by security personnel from the central reserve forces, the NSG or other agencies due to a real or imaginary threat to their lives, they probably believe the men in uniform will also shield them from the coronavirus. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Coronavirus outbreak: Europe edging towards total lockdown
EDITORIAL | Wake-up call for public healthcare
Till date, the shortcomings in public healthcare were not a news of great interest to the privileged, for only the poor were affected. The acute shortage of infrastructure and lack of hygiene in government hospitals are rarely discussed beyond newspaper columns. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Fretting about isolation? Here are some tips for you
Telangana in lockdown till March 31; all essential serivces available
Banks/ATMs and related activities.
Print and electronic media IT and ITeS, including telecom, postal and internet
Services Supply chain and transport of essential commodities
E-Commerce (delivery) of essential goods including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment
Sale of food items, groceries, milk, bread, fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, fish and their transportation
Take-away/ home delivery at restaurants,
Hospitals, optical stores, diagnostic centres, pharmaceuticals manufacturing and their transportation
Petrol pumps, LPG gas, oil agencies, their godowns and their related transport operations.
Private establishments that support the provisioning of essential services or the efforts for containment of COVID-19
Airports and related services
Three new COVID-19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu; total jumps to nine in state
A 43-year-old man who arrived from Dubai tested positive and is undergoing treatment at Government Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital.
Telangana: Lockdown in state as COVID-19 positive cases rise to 27
Telangana recorded six more positive Covid-19 cases on Sunday, taking total number of positive cases in the state till now to 27, confirmed Department of Public Health and Family Welfare. All the six new cases recorded on Sunday are people with history of foreign travel.