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COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Human trial of vaccine begins in UK as global cases cross 2.6 million

Health Ministry has recorded 1229 new cases and 34 deaths in the last 24 hours. The tally includes 16689 active cases and 4325 number of recoveries.
For representational purposes (Photo | PTI)
For representational purposes (Photo | PTI)
Online Desk

Human trials of an eagerly-awaited vaccine, developed by Oxford University, against the coronavirus began in the UK on Thursday, with scientists giving it an 80 per cent chance of success.

With the total number of coronavirus cases in India rising to 21,700 and death toll rising to 686, the health ministry informed that the growth of the virus is more or less linear and not exponential.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, CK Mishra, Chairman of the Empowered Group-2 and Environment Secretary, informed that the government has been able to cut COVID-19 transmission and minimise its spread because of the 30 days of nationwide lockdown.

Mishra, who is leading the group on availability of hospitals and allied services, said that the government has been able to use the lockdown to prepare for the future, further adding that there are 1,94,026 isolation beds and 24,644 ICU beds in 3773 facilities and 12371 ventilators.

The health ministry in its routine presser also highlighted that the recovery rate from the virus in India has gone up over 19 per cent and that 12 districts have not seen any new cases in the last 28 days.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra deputy CM Ajit Pawar urged Railway Minister Piyush Goyal to help arrange special long-distance trains from Mumbai and Pune after May 3 to send stranded migrants to their native states.

COVID-19 killed by sunlight, warmer temperatures, humidity: White House

Sunlight kills COVID-19 while warmer temperatures and humid weather significantly damage the virus, measured in terms of the virus' half-life or the time it takes to cut its potency in half, according to the latest breakthrough research from the US Department of Homeland Security's most advanced biocontainment lab, released at the White House here on Thursday.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

We are very close to a vaccine: Donald Trump

US President Donald Trump while addressing the daily White House coronavirus briefing said "we are very close to a vaccine", after noting vaccine trials taking place in the US, Germany, the United Kingdom and China.

Asymptomatic RAF jawan tests positive for COVID-19, 130 quarantined

They said the infected jawan is a head constable-rank official and works as a driver for the 100th battalion of the Rapid Action Force, the blue dungaree donning anti-riot unit of the paramilitary force.(READ MORE)

26 million have sought US jobless aid since coronavirus hit

Roughly 26 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the five weeks since the coronavirus outbreak began forcing millions of employers to close their doors. About one in six American workers have now lost their jobs since mid-March, by far the worst string of layoffs on record. (READ MORE)

Srikalahasti under complete lockdown

Human trials for COVID-19 begin in UK, scientists give 80 per cent success rate

Human trials of an eagerly-awaited vaccine, developed by the prestigious Oxford University, against the novel coronavirus began in the UK on Thursday, with scientists giving it an 80 per cent chance of success. The UK government has pledged 20 million pounds to support the "ChAdOx1 nCoV-19" coronavirus vaccine trial programme, with UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock saying the government would "throw everything at" finding a vaccine against the deadly virus. (READ MORE HERE)

Helpless migrant workers are still marching!

(Photo| EPS/ Ashok Kumar)

Maharashtra COVID-19 doubling rate falls to 9 days, hotspot number now down to 5

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that the doubling rate of positive cases in Maharashtra has now fallen to nine days. "Our doubling rate has now reached 7.01 today. This means that the present figures will double after 7 days. But we will not allow that to happen and will bring it further down," Tope said in his online media address. (READ MORE HERE)

Seven new COVID-19 cases detected in Jharkhand, state tally touches 56

Out of the total 56 cases tested positive so far, 35 are from Ranchi, 10 from Bokaro, 3 from Hazaribagh, 2 each from Dhanbad, and Simdega. One each from Giridih, Deohgar, Garhwa, and Koderma has also been tested positive of coronavirus. Jharkhand so far has registered three deaths of coronavirus patients - two from Ranchi and one from Bokaro.

Madhya Pradesh to entertain COVID-19 patients with songs, music, films

coronavirus patients admitted across Madhya Pradesh will be entertained through a mélange of songs, music, films and other modes to build a positive spirit among them to fight out the deadly virus during their hospital stay with aplomb. (READ MORE HERE)

WATCH | Over 14000 coronavirus patients in India do not have any symptoms, suggests ICMR

778 new cases in Maharashtra

Fresh 778 cases in Maharashtra take state tally to 6427. So far, the state has witnessed 283 deaths and 840 people have been discharged.

Tripura now corona free, declares CM

Rajasthan to give free food grains to 60 lakh people uncovered by NFSA

In Rajasthan, the Gehlot government will provide 10 kilos of wheat per person to 60 lakh needy people who are not covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). For this purpose, the Rajasthan government will purchase wheat at the rate of Rs 21 per Kg from the Food Corporation of India (FCI). (READ MORE)

WATCH | Total cases in India rise to 21,700; death toll now 686

COVID-19 crisis: Wearing face masks now compulsory in Bihar with immediate effect

The Bihar government on Thursday made it compulsory to wear masks or any face coverings while venturing outside amid the rising coronavirus cases. Those found violating the order will be booked under the Epidemic Disease Act-1897 and the Bihar Epidemic Disease-COVID 19, Regulations 2020. (READ MORE HERE)

Uttarakhand govt to not ease lockdown for the month of Ramzan

Uttarakhand state government will not ease lockdown for the upcoming Ramzan month. The move comes as a precautionary measure to prevent any religious gatherings in the holy month. (READ MORE)

Three Odisha districts to be completely shut for 60 hours

Over 146 crew members stuck on cruise ship disembark in Mumbai

As many as 146 Indian crew members, who were stuck on board a cruise ship due to the coronavirus pandemic, disembarked in Mumbai on Thursday, over a month after it set sail from Thailand, officials said. The crew members of the cruise ship- Marila Discovery- got down at the international cruise terminal in the city, the officials said.

FULL REPORT HERE

Woman cop in Vaniyambadi tests positive, triggering fears of community spread

The inspector was part of a contingent of frontline COVID-19 warriors in the district. “The Vaniyambadi police inspector was part of a group of personnel tested for the virus as they are in the frontline in the fight against the pandemic. The results were received on Thursday and she tested positive,” said KST Suresh, Deputy Director of Health Services.

FULL REPORT HERE

Delay in reporting influenza like illnesses could lead to more COVID-19 deaths, warns govt

Dr Randeep Guleria, director of AIIMS, Delhi, which is leading the clinical management of the infection across the country said many individuals are reporting the condition only when they develop severe form of breathlessness. So far, nearly 700 people have died due to novel coronavirus in the country and the percentage of people who are dying of the infection stands at more than 3.

FULL REPORT HERE

SpiceJet's air ambulance to fly boxer Dingko Singh for cancer treatment to Delhi

The 41-year-old boxing champion was scheduled to undergo radiation therapy a fortnight back but could not come to Delhi because of the lockdown. A SpiceJet team has contacted Singh and arrangements have been made for his travel to Delhi.

Domestic violence cases across Punjab swell since coronavirus lockdown

Punjab DGP Dinkar Gupta said the average number of calls received on DIAL 112 per day went up to 133 - a whopping 34 per cent for domestic violence cases, between March 20 and April 20. The daily average calls during the previous three months was 99.33. To take stock of the situation and discuss measures to tackle CAW cases, Gupta on Thursday held a video conference with all DSPs of CAW cell and Women Help Desk Officials.

FULL REPORT HERE

Amma Canteens in Chennai to provide free food until end of lockdown on May 3

There are a total of 407 Amma Canteens in the city and the cost of running these eateries is Rs 17 lakh per day. Officials clarified that they have enough donations to feed the public till May 3.

Karnataka tally stands at 445

Here's what AIIMS had to say at today's presser

At various centres, we've started using convalescent plasma that is the blood of COVID19 patients who have recovered. A large number of patients who have become alright have come forward & volunteered to donate their blood: Delhi AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria 

Here's what AIIMS had to say at today's presser

At various centres, we've started using convalescent plasma that is the blood of COVID19 patients who have recovered. A large number of patients who have become alright have come forward & volunteered to donate their blood: Delhi AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria 

India tally rises to 21700

1229 new COVID19 cases and 34 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases rises to 21700, including 16689 active cases, 4325 cured and 686 deaths: Union Health Ministry 

Health Ministry briefing

  • We have been able to cut transmission, minimise spread and increase doubling rate. We have utilized this time to prepare ourselves for future. Growth has been more or less linear, not exponential.

  • On March 23 we've done 14,915 tests across the country&on April 22 we have done more than 5 lakh tests. If a rough calculation is done it is about 33 times in 30 days.This is not enough&we need to ramp testing in this country.

  • In last 30 days of lockdown, we have been able to cut transmission, minimise spread, consistently ramp up our testing & utilize this time to prepare ourselves for future

    • Health Ministry on COVID-19 crisis

  • In last 24 hours 1409 positive cases have been reported, which takes our total confirmed cases to 21,393.

  • As on today, we have 12 districts that did not have a fresh case in the last 28 days or more. There are now 78 districts (23 States/UT) that has not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 Days.

    • Home Ministry on coronavirus crisis

  • Home Ministry has clarified to states that in-house care-givers of senior citizens, prepaid mobile recharge utilities and food processing units in urban areas are exempt from lockdown restrictions.

  • Ministry has also exempted some additional agricultural and forestry items, shops of educational books for students and shops of electric fans from lockdown restrictions.

  • Considering that Indian seafarers are stranded and/or are not able to join duty & that seafarers from other countries may take place of Indian seafarers, MHA has issued SOPs on sign-on/sign-off for Indian seafarers at Indian ports and their movement.

  • More than 1.5 crore labour days of work have been registered in Apr 2020, till Apr 22, 2020. States are facilitating commercial activity as per MHA guidelines, in areas which are not hot spots or containment zones.

    • Bengaluru man who became US citizen to leave on special flight thanks to passport office

    RS Mani had come to India from San Francisco to visit his ailing mother and could not get back after all flights were cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown. Mani, a software professional, gave up his Indian passport and a "surrender certificate' was issued within a single day, paving the way for him to return to the US.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Bengaluru man infects 9 people with COVID-19, Karnataka's tally rises to 443

    Sixteen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka on Thursday, bringing the state's tally to 443. Nine of them are from Bengaluru district -- all contacts of a 54-year-old male patient with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness symptoms. The nine who got the infection from him are three 30-year-old males, a 22-year-old male, a 40-year-old male, a 25-year-old male, a 37-year-old male. a 43-year-old male and a 24-year-old male from Bengaluru urban.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Haryana govt offers to insure journalists covering pandemic

    Haryana government has decided to provide insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during Coronavirus pandemic: CM Manohar Lal Khattar 

    WATCH | Kerala family used free time to dig a well at home in 17 days

    IndiGo rolls back April pay cuts for employees

    IndiGo CEO Ronojoy Dutta had announced on March 19 that the airline was instituting pay cuts for senior employees and he would himself take the highest cut of 25 per cent amid the COVID-19 pandemic that has hit the aviation industry hard.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Rajasthan sees 49 new cases of COVID-19

    49 new cases of COVID19 found in Rajasthan today, taking total number of cases to 1937. Out of the total cases, 27 patients have died, 407 recovered & 134 patients have been discharged from hospitals: Rajasthan Health Department 

    Sprinklr row: Chennithala slams Pinarayi for sending bureaucrat to convince CPI leader

    Chennithala alleged at a press meet on Thursday that the CM's actions are leading to officials being demoralised, adding that a bureaucrat meeting a party leader at the party office is unheard of. He also claimed that Pinarayi has not commented on the allegations he had raised since April 10, adding that the CM is still haunted by the SNC Lavalin row.  

    Puducherry CM Narayanasamy, MLAs tested for COVID-19 at legislative assembly

    A team comprising four doctors and two assistants wearing safety kits came to the legislative assembly, took throat swabs of the representatives and sent it to the Jipmer hospital for RT-PCR testing

    FULL REPORT HERE 

    80 new cases in AP

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Doctor on COVID-19 duty in TN medical college booked for travelling to her Kerala home

    The Thiruvananthapuram rural police have registered a case against a doctor from Kanjiramkulam, who was on COVID-19 duty in Asharipallam Medical College Hospital in Nagercoil, for travelling back home after crossing the state border. Kanjiramkulam police reached her house on Thursday morning and put her under home quarantine.  

    Eastern Railway hospital doctor tests positive for COVID-19

  • The doctor, who was on leave since April 14 as she was feeling unwell, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, ER spokesperson Nikhil Chakraborty said. She has been admitted to a private hospital in the city, he said.

  • At least 10 staff members of the B R Singh Hospital, the main hospital of the Eastern Railway, have been asked to go on home quarantine by authorities of the medical establishment as they had come in contact with the doctor at their workplace, the spokesperson said.

  • Four members of the doctor's family have also been asked to remain under home quarantine by the state health department, he said, adding that they will be tested for COVID-19.

  • No coronavirus patient has so far been treated at the B R Singh Hospital, he added.

    • Madhya Pradesh coronavirus numbers as of Thursday

  • Total Positive Cases: 1626.

  • Active: 1349.

  • Deaths: 81.

  • Negative: 196.

    • UK nationals stranded in India leave for their country

    70 areas in Maharashtra's Palghar notified as 'containment zones'

    The containment zones fall under the Vasai-Virar municipal limits, and Dahanu and Palghar talukas, district Collector Kailas Shinde said in an order on Wednesday evening. Only essential services will be operational in the containment zones, he said. Those violating the order will be booked under legal provisions, he added. According to official figures, the district has so far reported 134 coronavirus cases and four deaths.

    Puducherry CM, Speaker, lawmakers go through COVID-19 check

    Delhi Airport becomes major hub for distribution of COVID-19 related medical essentials

    Ministry of Civil Aviation has designated Delhi International Airport as major hub for import and distribution of COVID-19 related medical essentials. A 3800 sq mt dedicated distribution facility has been made operational at the airport: GMR

    Northeast coronavirus numbers

  • Northeast positive cases 54.

  • Assam 35.

  • Meghalaya 12.

  • Manipur 2.

  • Mizoram 1.

  • Nagaland 1.

  • Arunachal 1.

  • Tripura 2.

  • Latest case in Assam Deaths 2 (one each in Assam and Meghalaya).

  • Recovered 22 (19 in Assam, two in Manipur and one in Tripura).

    • Delhi Health Minister responds to a COVID-19 patient's allegations

    Karnataka latest coronavirus stats

    443 positive cases identified till Thursday. While 141 patients got discharged, the state registered 17 deaths so far.

    What Manmohan Singh has to say on the coronavirus pandemic

    "Success of lockdown to be judged finally on our ability to tackle COVID-19. Cooperation between Centre and states key to success of our fight against COVID-19," the former Prime Minister said during a Congress meet in New Delhi.

    Sonia Gandhi on unemployment

    "MSMEs employ close to 11 cr people and account for one-third of GDP; special package be announced for their survival. 12 crore jobs lost in first phase of lockdown; unemployment likely to increase further as economic activity remains at standstill," said the Congress chief.

    Here is what Sonia Gandhi said on the coronavirus lockdown in Congress meeting

  • Coronavirus has increased disturbingly both in spread and speed since past three weeks: Sonia Gandhi at Congress Working Committee meet.

  • Sections of our society, especially farmers, labourers, migrant workers, face acute hardship due to lockdown.

  • Trade, commerce, industry have come to virtual halt and crores of livelihoods have been destroyed.

    • 47 fresh coronavirus cases in Rajasthan; tally rises to 1,953

  • Forty-seven more people were confirmed positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 1,935, officials said.

  • The fresh cases include 20 from Jodhpur, 12 from Jaipur, 10 from Nagaur, two each from Kota and Hanumangarh and one from Ajmer, they said.

  • Of the total 1,935 coronavirus cases, 344 patients have recovered and 133 have been discharged, according to the latest data issued by the government.

  • The state has reported 27 deaths due to COVID-19 so far.

    • News from Andhra Pradesh

    Andhra Pradesh CM, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy spoke to Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani regarding the stranded fishermen from Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Minister instructed the officials to get back the stranded fishermen to the state through sea route: Andhra Pradesh government.

    RAF deployed at the Gautam Budh Nagar near Delhi

    COVID-19 effect: Fitch Ratings sees India growth slipping to 0.8 per cent in FY21

    In its Global Economic Outlook, Fitch Ratings said India's gross domestic product (GDP) growth will slip to 0.8 per cent for the year April 2020 to March 2021 (FY21) as compared to an estimated 4.9 per cent growth in the previous fiscal. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Good news from Jharkhand

    Four more patients in the state recovered from COVID-19. Total number of cured patients here jumps to 8: Health department, Jharkhand.

    Tamil Nadu doctors asked to look out for white patches in patients' lungs

    The recommendation was given by the 19-member State Level Technical Committee, after auditing the 15 COVID-19 deaths in Tamil Nadu. Further, all positive patients with comorbid conditions are being kept in dedicated ICU wards, the panel added. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Punjab farmers continue to suffer amid lockdown

    Latest scenes from Vijayawada

    Update from Bengal

    Novel coronavirus spreads through mobile phones and a decision has been taken, as per WHO guidelines, to control the spread of infection. All doctors, medical staff, and patients must deposit their mobile phones outside and collect it while leaving the hospital: WB Chief Secretarty

    ICMR on COVID-19 tests in country

    A total of 500542 samples from 485172 individuals have been tested as on 23 April 2020, 9 am. 21797 samples have been confirmed positive: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

    Latest visuals from Delhi

    Latest coronavirus numbers in India

    India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rise to 21393 (including 16454 active cases, 4257 cured/discharged/migrated and 681 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    57 medics quarantined in Delhi after coming in contact with 'COVID-19' patient

    The female patient, a resident of Jahangirpuri came to the medical emergency ward on April 16 late evening. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    President approves Ordinance providing stricter punishments for attacks against health workers

    President Ram Nath Kovind has approved to promulgate The Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 which provides stricter punishments for attacks against health workers.

    Long way to go in coronavirus crisis: WHO amid global toll crossing 180,000

    The pandemic has sparked not only a health emergency, but a global economic rout, with businesses struggling to survive, millions left jobless, and millions more facing starvation. US President Donald Trump -- with an eye on widespread unemployment and his re-election prospects in November -- signed an executive order suspending the issuance of green cards for 60 days. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    COVID-19 worry in Delhi: 3.2 lakh living in ‘red’ zone, but only 5,600 tested

    According to a health report of Delhi government, the total population under various containment zones in the capital is approximately 3.23 lakh but the number of people tested till April 22 was only 5,619 or nearly 1.7 per cent. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    No panic, only planning: Here is how Kerala's Kasargod successfully fought COVID-19

    Even when the COVID graph was rising in Kasaragod -- 0 to 155 in 25 days -- the district administration was always ahead of the curve. It never pressed the panic button though half of the infected patients in Kerala were from Kasaragod. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Visuals from Delhi-Ghaziabad border

    73 cops quarantined after five Moradabad violence accused test positive for COVID-19

  • As many as 73 police personnel who came in contact with those arrested in connection with the Nawabpura stone-pelting incident here last week were quarantined on Wednesday after five of the accused tested positive for coronavirus, a police official said.

  • The five accused are among the 17 who were arrested after a mob attacked a team of health workers in Nawabpura area here on April 15 to prevent it from taking a coronavirus-infected man to an isolation facility.

  • Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Pathak said samples of all 73 police personnel, who have been quarantined at different centres here, have been sent for testing.

  • "We have enough staff at Nagphani police station to tackle the situation," he said.

    • All elected representatives in Kerala to take pay cut

    Kerala CM announced that all elected representatives in the state -Ministers, MLAs, members of different Boards under government and members of Local Self Government bodies would take a 30% cut in their monthly salary and honorarium for one year: Information and Public Relations Departmentt, Kerala

    Good News from Maharashtra

    Drastic drop in pllution levels in North India

    US continues to register over 1000 daily deaths

    United States records 1,738 new coronavirus deaths in 24 hours: AFP news agency quoting Johns Hopkins

    Social distancing norms flouted in Delhi

    News from Mumbai

    In view of COVID-19, Municipal corporation of Greater Mumbai has authorised all Deans & Medical Superintendents of various hospitals to extend contract period of all their employees whose contracts are expiring in near future: Brihanmumbai Mahanagar Palika.

    Drone video of locked down Kanpur

    Irish PM lauds role of Indian-origin doctors, nurses in COVID-19 fight in Ireland

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday discussed the coronavirus pandemic with his Irish counterpart Leo Varadkar, during which the latter praised the role of Indian-origin doctors and nurses in fighting the virus in Ireland.

    During the discussion, the two leaders agreed that India and Ireland can leverage their strengths in the pharmaceutical and medical fields to contribute to combating COVID-19.

    Karnataka passes Ordinance to punish those attacking COVID-19 frontline warriors

    The Karnataka government on Wednesday promulgated 'The Karnataka Epidemic Diseases Ordinance 2020' that provides the state with a power to seal borders, restrict essential services and punish those attacking public servants and damaging public property.

    First Lady Savita Kovind stitched face masks at Shakti Haat

    (Photo| ANI)

    Two pet cats in New York test positive for COVID-19

    The cats, which had mild respiratory illnesses and are expected to recover, are thought to have contracted the virus from people in their households or neighborhoods, the US. (READ MORE HERE)

    COVID-19 crisis: Another man in quarantine kills self in Jharkhand

    Khan, along with several others, was put in quarantine three days back after his return from Chandwa. Police said that prima facie it appears to be a case of suicide while investigations are on to get into details of the case. (READ MORE)

    WATCH | India needs economic reforms to attract businesses from China after COVID: KTR

    Puri, pasta and hunger for Olympic gold: Mary Kom's lockdown mantra

    For MC Mary Kom the mother, this lockdown is a blessing in disguise. She is juggling making puris and pasta, and training at home. But the one thing that gives her immense pleasure is the time she’s spending with her three sons. For the first time she is able to devote so much time to the family, something considered a novelty for elite athletes who spend time in national camps and training abroad.

    The 37-year-old six-time world champion and Olympic medallist is gearing up for a golden punch at next year’s Olympics. In a freewheeling interview with The New Indian Express, she talks about India’s current crop of boxers and more. (READ MORE HERE)

    Azadpur Mandi traders want market shut for few days after man dies of COVID-19

    Fear gripped in after reports of a vegetable seller dying of COVID-19 on Tuesday.Many of the vegetable dealers have complained of irregular temperature screening and no proper sanitization. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Sanitize to keep coronavirus away!

    Jharkhand: COVID-19 count reaches 49 as four more tested positive

    Out of the total 49 cases tested positive so far, 28 are from Ranchi, 10 from Bokaro, 3 from Hazaribagh, 2 each from Dhanbad and Simdega. One each from Giridih, Deohgar, Garhwa and Koderma has also been tested positive of coronavirus. (READ MORE HERE)

     90 'Corona Warriors' catch the infection in Rajasthan

    In Rajasthan, over 90 employees of essential services (including doctors, nurses, ANMs, policemen, home guards and their families) have now been hit by COVID-19. Sadly,  some of them are also putting the lives of others in danger due to sheer carelessness. (READ MORE HERE)

    Mysuru man quarantined for picking up coins from road

    Getting few coins from the road is often seen as a good omen. However, with the COVID-19 scare, picking up a few coins from the road has turned a nightmarish experience for a humble tea seller in Mysuru as not only he was questioned for the act, but also put under quarantined along with his family. (READ MORE)

    'Service was his life': Villagers treated by Dr Simon remember a 'great man'

    They say that you can understand the nature of a person in a single meeting, especially if they are kind-hearted.  That's what everyone who was part of Dr Simon Hercules' medical camp in 2018 after cyclone Gaja remembers about him.   Dr Simon Hercules left an indelible mark on people he interacted with, even if it was for a day.  (READ MORE HERE)

    Newborn in Tripura named ‘Lockdown’

    The baby was born at government-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in state capital Agartala on April 13. He and his mother Manju Devi (38) are stated to be fine. (READ MORE)

    Test all cases of pneumonia to bring down COVID-19 deaths: Virologist

    “All COVID-19 related deaths are through pneumonia. That’s why if you test all pneumonia cases, you will understand how widespread COVID-19 is in Tamil Nadu,” he said. (READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE)

    309 fresh cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra today

    Expats need to carry COVID-19 negative certificate to return: Kerala govt

    Expatriates from Kerala settled in various countries, especially the Gulf, should carry mandatorily a COVID-19 negative certificate if they want to return home once the Centre gives it's nod for bringing them back, the state government has said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Mob pelted stones at us, damaged ambulance: Friend of Chennai doctor whose burial was stopped

    Bill Gates praises PM Modi on battling COVID-19

    Bill Gates writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi: We commend your leadership and the proactive measures you and your government have taken to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 infection rate in India, such as adopting a national lockdown. (ANI)

    Number of positve cases in Dharavi rises to 189

    Nine persons test positive for coronavirus in Dharavi in Mumbai, taking tally of infection cases in the area to 189 including 12 deaths: BMC 

    Cabinet okays Rs 15,000 crore for 'India COVID-19 emergency response, health system preparedness package'

    The Cabinet on Wednesday okayed Rs 15,000 crore for 'India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package' to mount an urgent response for containing the spread of the virus in India through development of dedicated treatment facilities and setting up laboratories among others. The fund will be utilized in three phases.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Sachin Tendulkar won't celebrate 47th birthday as mark of respect to COVID-19 warriors 

    The legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who will turn 47 on Friday, has decided not to celebrate his birthday this year as a mark of respect to the frontline workers leading India's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Will allow the homeward journey of people stranded in Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath

    "If the governments of other states wish to recall their citizens stranded in Uttar Pradesh because of the lockdown, our government will give permission and cooperate," the CM said during a review meeting on coronavirus with senior officials. He also said the students brought from Rajasthan's Kota should be told to stay quarantined in their homes through the CM helpline 1076. 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    In this Chhattisgarh district, 'Bank Sakhis' take ATM service to doorsteps

     Across 430 gram panchayats of the district, the women-driven model remains in place to ensure doorstep cash withdrawal through the Bank Sakhis. A villager visits a Bank Sakhi at a pre-decided spot with Aadhar card number. The Sakhi verifies his/her biometric authentication with the thumb impression taken on a device and the money is delivered. A slip confirming cash withdrawal is issued by the machine citing the completion of the transaction, Saransh Mittar, Ambikapur collector said while explaining the withdrawal procedure.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Tamil Nadu sees 33 new cases

    With 33 more people testing positive for COVID19, number of cases has risen to 1,629 in Tamil Nadu. 662 patients, including 27 on Wednesday, have recovered while 18 others lost their lives due to the infection: State Health Department 

    WATCH | Tennis seems really irrelevant in these circumstances, says Sania Mirza

    Nine new cases in Karnataka

    Three weeks after mob attack, women doctors bring home 48 patients cured of COVID-19 in Indore

    According to Indore deputy collector Vishal Singh Chouhan, the warm welcome to the returning inhabitants of the area and the saplings gifted to them was a confidence building measure. Thirteen men had been arrested over the attack on two female doctors and health workers by a mob of local residents on April 1 and the National Security Act was invoked against four of them.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Partial relaxation of lockdown in Karnataka from April 23: Here's what's allowed

    From Thursday, food processing industries outside the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities, manufacturing units of essential goods and packaging material, coal production, mines and mineral production and transportation are allowed. 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Indian-origin doctor issues 'soul searching' open letter to UK PM Boris Johnson

    Professor Minesh Khashu, a neonatal consultant from Dorset in south-west England, stressed that medical workers being hero-worshipped during the crisis need basic amenities more than all the praise, as he goes on to highlight some missed opportunities in the handling of the crisis and questions why countries like Germany were able to get a grip on testing for the deadly virus while the UK lags far behind.

    Total number of cases in India rises to 20471

    India's total number of Coronavirus positive cases rises to 20471 (including 15859 active cases, 3959 cured/discharged/migrated and 652 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

    Three types of ICMR supplied COVID-19 test kits & their present status in Bengal

    Three types of ICMR supplied COVID-19 test kits & their present status in Bengal

    Punjab hotspot SBS Nagar now coronavirus-free, 18 patients cured

    A 16-year-old was discharged Wednesday from a hospital in SBS Nagar district, where no infected person now remains under treatment. SBS Nagar was the first Punjab district to report a COVID-19 death. But the other 18 infected people have now been cured in what was initially regarded as a coronavirus hotspot.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    IRDAI permits insurers to collect health insurance premiums in instalments

    IRDAI has allowed insurers to collect health insurance premiums in instalments for products they deem appropriate, in view of the prevailing conditions due to COVID-19 outbreak, which has adversely affected economic activities. "In view of prevailing conditions owing to COVID-19 outbreak, considering the need for easing the payment of health insurance premiums, all the insurers are allowed to collect health insurance premiums in instalments as they may deem appropriate for any specific product(s)," Irdai said in a circular.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Four more journalists test positive for COVID-19 in Chennai

    Three of them work from the same Tamil TV news channel while the fourth is from another channel, a senior health department official confirmed to The New Indian Express. This comes a day after 26 staff members of a TV news channel tested positive for the virus. Many journalists in the city volunteered for the testing in the last two days after a Tamil newspaper reporter and a TV channel journalist tested positive on Sunday.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Gurugram administration permits Maruti Suzuki to operate Manesar plant on a single shift basis

    The Haryana government on Wednesday granted permission to Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) to restart its Manesar-based manufacturing facility, but the company said it will resume operations only when it can maintain continuous production and sell it, "which is not possible at this point of time". The Gurugram district administration allowed the auto major to run the facility on a single shift basis, while fixing the total number of employees at plant at 4,696. 

    Bhopal youth refuses to cremate father fearing coronavirus infection

    As the fear of coronavirus spread has gripped the nation, a youth in Bhopal has refused to cremate his father who died from COVID-19 infection. The cremation was done by Tehsildar Gulab Singh. Tehsildar said that though he conducted the funeral to respect the sentiments of the family.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Pointers from Prakash Javadekar's presser

  • Amendment to be made to Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Ordinance will be implemented. Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable. Investigation will be done within 30 days. Accused can be sentenced from 3 months to 5 years and penalised from Rs 50,000 upto Rs 2 lakh.

  • In case of grievous injuries, the accused can be sentenced from 6 months to 7 years. They can be penalised from Rs 1 Lakhs to Rs 5 Lakhs.

  • If damage is done to the vehicles or clinics of healthcare workers, then a compensation amounting to twice the market value of the damaged property will be taken from the accused.

  • Health briefings will now be reduced to four days a week, press releases and Cabinet briefing on alternate days.

  • No decision has been taken yet on the resumption of flight operations. An announcement will be made on time as to when it will resume.

    • WATCH | India's death rate just 0.41%, but estimated cases above one lakh

    Centre brings ordinance to end violence against health workers

    Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harrasamemnt, against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it'll be implemented after President's sanction. Central Government has brought an ordinance to end violence against health workers, carries imprisonment from 6 months to 7 years if anyone found guilty: Union Minister P Javadekar 

    Police station in UP's Chandauli turns marriage venue amid coronavirus lockdown

    For Anil and Jyoti, the nationwide coronavirus lockdown will be permanently etched in their minds and also find a place in their photo albums as the couple entered into wedlock in police station premises in UP's Chandauli district. Anil, a resident of Mahuji village in Chandauli district, and Jyoti, a resident of Ghazipur district, tied the knot in the presence of cops at the Shiva temple located inside the complex of Dheena police station in Chandauli on April 20.

    FULL REPORT HERE

    WATCH | Okay with fifties, waiting for big one: Cheteshwar Pujara on lockdown, fitness and more

    UP govt exempts businesses from paying interest on dues for three months

    Announcing the decision, UP Industrial Development Minister Satish Mahana said the industrial and commercial units were under distress during the lockdown as all their activities had come to a halt. The minister expressed hope that with the relaxation, the industrial establishments would get some respite and would be able to resume their operation in consonance with the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) decided by the Union government and the norms fixed by the state government.  

    ONGC asks government to waive cess, royalty as falling oil prices not enough to cover operating cost

    State-owned ONGC has asked the government to waive payment of oil cess and royalty as plummeting international oil prices have meant that the rate it now gets does not even cover the operating cost, sources said. While the slump in international oil prices to more than two-decade low is good news for fuel consumers, it is spelling economic havoc on oil and gas producers.

    Five-year-old Belagavi girl gets medicines via train from Pune

    A five-year-old girl in Belagavi who desperately required critical medicines from Pune got the same thanks to the office of Minister of State (MoS) Railways, Suresh C Angadi. According to an official release, the girl was taking treatment from a doctor in Pune and her relatives there were not given permission by the government to drive down to Pune with them. So, on April 11, the family approached Angadi's office, who is an MP from Belgavi. The Minister directed railway officials in Pune to facilitate. 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Authorities launch drive to trace contacts of trader who died of COVID-19 in Delhi's Azadpur Mandi

    North Delhi District Magistrate Deepak Shinde said surveillance teams have started tracing contacts of the man from Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale vegetable and fruit market, and his family. The district magistrate said COVID-19 tests will be conducted on all high-risk contacts by the district administration. 

    Academicians suggest PM Modi to recruit science graduates, use biology labs in fight against COVID-19

    Eminent academicians from across the country have suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recruit unemployed science graduates in the fight against COVID-19 and use biology laboratories to test the samples of persons suspected to be infected with the disease. A letter to this regard was sent to the prime minister on April 20. It was signed by more than 600 scientists, professors and research scholars from institutes across the country under the platform 'India March for Science'. 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Over 154 crore students hit by schools, colleges closure due to COVID-19; girls to be worst hit: UNSECO

    Stefania Giannini, UNESCO's Assistant Director-General for Education, told PTI in an interview that shutting down of schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic comes with a warning of "potential for increased drop-out rates which will disproportionately affect adolescent girls, further entrench gender gaps in education and lead to increased risk of sexual exploitation, early pregnancy and early and forced marriage". 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    OYO sends employees in India on leave with limited benefits, cuts fixed pay by 25% for all

    OYO on Wednesday asked some of its staff in India to go on leave with limited benefits from May 4 for four months, and also asked all employees in the country to accept a cut in their fixed salaries by 25 per cent due to the impact of the COVID-19 on the hospitality industry. 

    FULL REPORT HERE

    Health Ministry briefing stands cancelled for today

    The daily 4 PM Health Ministry briefing stands cancelled because there is a cabinet meeting and the subsequent briefing this evening which will carry the health ministry related information. Additional information will be given in press releases today: Government Sources

    WATCH | Cops perform 'aarti' for lockdown violators in Kanpur

    IMA withdraws protest after meeting with Amit Shah

    WATCH| Central govt team visits Dharavi

    Aviation ministry employee tests positive for coronavirus, colleagues who came in contact asked to isolate

    "An employee of the ministry who had attended office on 15 April, 2020, has tested positive for COVID-19 on 21st April. All necessary protocols are being stringently followed on the premises," the ministry said on Twitter. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    CRPF jawan tests positive for COVID-19; admitted to Delhi hospital

    The jawan, working as a nursing assistant, has been admitted to an isolation ward in a Delhi hospital. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Five more die of COVID-19 in Gujarat; state toll rises to 95

    The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 2,272 after 94 more people tested positive for it in the state on Wednesday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Central team visits Dharavi in Mumbai

    I&B Ministry issues advisory to print and electronic media,

    Kerala govt announces pay cut for 5 months for employees

    Maharashtra reports 553 new cases in 24 hours

    Home Minister Amit Shah interacts with IMA, assures security for doctors

     (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Mumbai coronavirus cases update

    WATCH | Punishment for lockdown violators in Madhya Pradesh

    Pune reports 55th coronavirus death

    A 53-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away last night. Death toll in Pune district rises to 55: Health Officials, Pune

    Cop deployed at Maharashtra CM's residence tests positive for coronavirus

    If rise of transmission expected, Centre must consider operating special trains to send migrants home: Maharashtra CMO

    China mal duplicate hai: Use of imported rapid antibody test kits put on hold for two days

    The Centre on Tuesday asked states not to use the new rapid antibody or serological test for Covid-19 for two days amid complaints from states that these kits, procured from China, are giving false results. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    We will guard against restrictive measure that could lead to excessive food price volatility: G20

    Delhi's borders with Ghaziabad, Noida shut

    3 new coronavirus cases reported in Odisha, state tally 82

    3 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported in Odisha. The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 82 (including 30 cured/discharged and 1 death): State health department

    Confirmed cases in India now 19,984, death toll 640

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