A centenarian man from Delhi, who was four years old during the 1918 Spanish Flu, has survived COVID-19 and recovered faster than his son, in his 70s, at a dedicated coronavirus facility here, doctors said. The 106-year-old patient, a resident of Old Delhi, was discharged from the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGSSH) recently after recovering, they said.
COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Triple lockdown announced in Thiruvananthapuram as cases rise
New Delhi on Sunday recorded 2,244 new COVID-19 cases, taking the capital's tally to 99,444. The city has also reported 63 new deaths due to coronavirus.
Published: 04th July 2020 08:40 AM | Last Updated: 06th July 2020 08:47 AM | A+A A-

For representational purpose. (Photo| Pandarinath B)
India recorded it's highest single-day COVID-19 spike with 24,850 people testing positive for the coronavirus infection and 613 succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours.
Inching towards the one-lakh mark, the national capital New Delhi on Sunday recorded 2,244 new COVID-19 cases taking tally to 99,444.
Meanwhile, Kerala government has made facemask and social distancing mandatory for one year, till 2021, unless otherwise notified.
India became the third country in the world to be most affected by the deadly coronavirus pandemic as it's tally neared seven lakh mark on Sunday.
106-year-old Delhi man who was child during Spanish Flu survives COVID-19
Kerala government announces triple lockdown in Thiruvananthapuram as cases rise
After rise in Covid cases through local contact, the Kerala government on Sunday announced triple lockdown in the capital city for next one week, shutting down the city. The triple lockdown will come into effect from Monday 6 am. (READ MORE)
Telangana recorded 1,590 new cases on Sunday
#Telangana recorded 1,590 new cases of Covid-19 today, of which 1,277 are from Greater Hyderabad limits.
— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) July 5, 2020
Also, 7 more deaths & 1,166 discharges
Medchal - 125 cases
Ranga Reddy - 82 cases.
Total cases in the state - 23,902
Active - 10,904
Discharged - 12,703
Deaths - 295 pic.twitter.com/t5fxm6Hyi9
Over 100 people at Cuttack cancer hospital test COVID-positive in 10 days; probe ordered
An investigation was ordered on Sunday after around 100 patients, attendants and healthcare workers at a cancer hospital in Odisha's Cuttack tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 10 days, officials said. The Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Research Centre has been sealed for sanitisation after the cases were reported, they said.
Karnataka government sets up helpline for complaints on hospitals deying COVID-19 treatment
The Karnataka government has set up a toll-free round-the-clock helpline to lodge complaints about hospitals refusing to accept suspected coronavirus cases. Medical education minister K Sudhakar on Sunday warned private hospitals of action if they denied admission to coronavirus patients or declined to carry out swab tests.
Trial of COVAXIN and ZyCov-D marks 'beginning of the end of COVID-19': Government scientist
The Drug Controller General of India's nod to conduct human trials for Indian COVID-19 vaccine candidates COVAXIN and ZyCov-D marks the "beginning of the end" of the coronavirus pandemic, says an article by a scientist with the Ministry of Science and Technology. (READ MORE)
Kerala government makes facemask, social distancing mandatory for one year
Goa records 73 new COVID-19 cases today
Goa reported 73 new COVID-19 cases today, taking number of active cases to 853. Recovery rate among the patients stands at 50 per cent in the state: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant.
Telangana update
10,100 bedded covid care facility in Bengaluru and 3331 beds reserved in pvt hospitals of which 78% is empty. 1925 cases reported today with 69% of them without contact or travel history@ranjanikanth_ @MeghanaSastry bring you updates
— TNIE Karnataka (@XpressBengaluru) July 5, 2020
Editing @MeghanaSastry @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/83iWfssipk
West Bengal update
For the third straight day, fresh cases reported go beyond 200 in Kerala. The day also saw biggest spike in local transmission which is a cause of concern.
— TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) July 5, 2020
Princy (@Princy_TNIE) brings the details.
CC: @MSKiranPrakash @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/urzbNnnY9Y
Karnataka records a new single-day spike with 1,925 COVID-19 cases and 38 deaths
For representational purpose. (Photo | PTI)
COVID cases in India climb to the 3rd highest in the world
#BigBreaking#COVID19 cases in #India climb to the 3rd highest in the world overtaking #Russia.
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 5, 2020
USA - 29,36,904
Brazil - 15,78,376
India - 6,85,110
Russia - 6,81,251@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress
Delhi Health Department orders compulsory rapid antigen detection testing for patients
Delhi Health Department issues an order, instructing all health care facilities to carry out compulsory rapid antigen detection testing of patients with ILI symptoms, patients admitted with SARI and others who visit their facilities.
Private hospitals refuse to admit patient suffering from respiratory problem in Hassan
Private hospitals failed to treat a patient suffering from respiratory problems who was suspected to have COVID-19 in Hassan. Four private hospitals allegedly failed to admit the 30-year-old woman late on Saturday night citing lack of duty doctors at night.
Maharashtra reports over 6,500 new COVID-19 cases
Maharashtra reported 6,555 new COVID-19 cases and 151 deaths today, taking total number of cases to 2,06,619 and death toll to 8,822. Number of active cases stands at 86,040: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/3qrpHE8UfY
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
IN PICS | Staying at temporary COVID-19 relief camp, the homeless get a makeover
Chop, Chop. A new look is here! Social activists give homeless people a much-needed haircut on the 100th day of their stay at a temporary relief camp in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express Photos | @KARTHIKALAGU86 @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/Q8YiIkse7t
Two pose as 'COVID officers', dupe man of Rs 54,000 in Mumbai
Abdul Sheikh was on his way to Chembur railway station on June 30 when Sohan Waghmare (23) and an accomplice accosted him and introduced themselves as COVID officers.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
WATCH | India's first COVID-19 vaccine candidate 'COVAXIN' set for phase I, II human trials
Coronavirus-infected doctor accuses private hospital in Hyderabad of fleecing, detaining her
A middle-aged woman doctor, who had tested COVID-19 positive, has alleged that she was detained by a private hospital management here over non-payment of the medical bill.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Total 99,444 COVID-19 cases: Delhi inches towards touching one lakh mark
#COVID19 cases in Delhi close towards touching one lakh cases by tomm.
— Somrita Ghosh (@Somrita_Ghosh) July 5, 2020
3083 patients recovered, more than fresh cases which is 2244.
Active cases more than 25K
More than 23K tests done on Saturday @NewIndianXpress #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/2sU4hO50y6
400 traffic signals to be operated in Chennai from Monday as lockdown relaxed
Meanwhile, the Chennai City Police Commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal advised people to step out only if necessary even if the stringent lockdown is withdrawn. Speaking to the media, he said that experts have stated that lesser public movement can help break the chain.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
When it comes to COVID-19 testing, Telangana continues to be at the bottom
#Telangana continues to be in the bottom when it comes to number of Covid-19 tests per million.
— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) July 5, 2020
Second worst, after Bihar.
Assam, which has same population as TS, was performing less number of tests in April, it now stands fourth from top.
Data shared on Twitter by @amitabhk87 pic.twitter.com/RQvOlLvEGT
Bihar Deputy CM, Assembly Speaker test negative for COVID-19
Both leaders had given their samples for testing on Saturday upon learning that Bihar Legislative Council's Acting Chairman Awadhesh Narain Singh, with whom they had interacted at a function last week, has tested positive.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
4,150 COVID-19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu; 1,713 in Chennai alone
#COVID19 Tamil Nadu update (July 5 – Sunday)
— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) July 5, 2020
Today’s positive cases 4,150 (Total 1,11,151)
Chennai 1,713 (Total 68,254)
Discharged 2,186 (Total 62,778)
Death 60 (Total 1,510)@xpresstn @NewIndianXpress
With 1202 fresh cases, Assam records highest single-day spike of coronavirus
In the biggest single-day spike, Assam on Saturday recorded 1,202 COVID-19 cases which took the state’s tally to 11,001, including 13 deaths. The state’s Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the situation in Guwahati was “serious” as the virus was in the community.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Number of hotspots going up, fear of community transmission looms large with a big spike in local transmission on Sunday.
— TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) July 5, 2020
CC: @NewIndianXpress @MSKiranPrakash
Check out today's #COVID stats of Kerala pic.twitter.com/J0XBoiXipK
106-year-old Delhi man who was child during Spanish Flu survives COVID-19
Doctors at the Delhi COVID-19 facility were amazed to see the recovery of this centenarian patient from the novel coronavirus, even though he was highly vulnerable to the infection.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Kerala government makes facemask, social distancing mandatory for one year
The state government has made facemask and social distancing mandatory for one year unless otherwise notified. These are among the additional regulations of Kerala Epidemic Diseases Ordinance, 2020 notified by the government.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
225 new COVID-19 positive cases recorded in Kerala
#Kerala #COVID19updates #July5
— Dileep V Kumar (@dileepvk_TNIE) July 5, 2020
Yet another single-day spike as 225 positive cases reported on #Sun. Of the cases, 117 came from abroad, 57 from other states & 38 due to contact.
126 recovered ones on the day. @xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress
COVID-19 impact: Parents, teachers scramble for ways to teach as e-learning remains a dream in rural India
The lockdown induced by COVID-19 in March prompted schools and colleges to move to the virtual world for teaching and learning activities. But weak internet penetration has turned e-education into a distant dream for many children in the rural areas. As per official statistics, there are over 35 crore students in the country. But it is not clear how many of them have access to digital devices and the internet.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
'Permission to start business will be given': Maharashtra CM ensures restaurateurs
Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray had a meeting with the hotel and restaurant owners association today. Thackeray ensured that hotels and restaurants will be given permission to start their business. @NewIndianXpress @Sunday_Standard
— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) July 5, 2020
ASHAs pillars of COVID-19 response in Rajasthan, reached out to 39 crore people: Health ministry
In Rajasthan, the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with the harvest season and families of most ASHAs expected their support in harvesting activities, the ministry said.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
In last 24 hours, 36 more BSF personnel test COVID-19 positive
- Thirty-six more Border Security Force (BSF) personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours
- According to the BSF, 33 personnel have recovered from the deadly virus in last 24 hours
- There are 526 active cases and 817 personnel have recovered till date, said the BSF
(Inputs from ANI)
All you need to know about Andhra Pradesh's highest single-day COVID-19 spike
So far, 8,422 patients have been discharged from COVID-19 hospitals in the state including 6,828 from the state, 1,404 from those who returned from other states and 190 among the foreign returnees.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
IN PICS | Visakhapatnam puts safety of residents first
Residents of Dayal Nagar in Visakhapatnam have raised barricades as neighbouring areas are #COVID19 containment zones. Visitors are allowed only after screening. @xpressandhra
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express Photos | @Gsn_tnie pic.twitter.com/TUe7EikmSC
Recovery rate in 21 states, UTs higher than national average of 60.77 per cent: Health Ministry
- Twenty-one states and UTs, including Delhi, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, have a COVID-19 recovery rate higher than the national average of 60.77 per cent, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday as India’s case count mounted to 6.73 lakh and the death toll rose to 19,268.
- Presently, there are 2,44,814 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country, the ministry’s data updated at 8 am showed.
(Inputs from ANI)
Slowly rising: Union Minister says steady rise in number of domestic flyers
Domestic operations began with about 30K flyers on 25th May.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) July 5, 2020
Yesterday we crossed the 75K mark which indicates a slow & steady rise in number of domestic flyers.
On 4th July till 2359 hrs:
Total movements 1,560
Footfalls at airports 1,53,547
Total number of flyers 76,104 pic.twitter.com/7Vhisoo9ux
Global update: Another dog tests positive for coronavirus in US
Health officials have advised people to avoid contact with their pets including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, sharing food when they are ill.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Two terrorists killed in Kulgam encounter test positive, say police
The two terrorists, who were killed in an encounter at Arreh village in Kulgam yesterday, have been tested positive for #COVID19. Their samples were collected while carrying out the medico-legal formalities: Jammu and Kashmir Police
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
26 inmates in Punjab's Ludhiana Central Jail test COVID-19 positive
Twenty-six inmates of Ludhiana Central Jail have been tested positive for COVID-19#Pb @Newindianxpress, @SundayStandard, @TheMornStandard
— Harpreet Singh Bajwa (@Harpreet_TNIE) July 5, 2020
WATCH | Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh visit newly-created 1,000-bed COVID-19 hospital in New Delhi
Home Minister #AmitShah and Defense Minister #RajnathSingh paying a visit to the Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel #COVID Hospital in Delhi, equipped with 1,000 beds.@TheMornStandard
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express Video | @parveennegi1 pic.twitter.com/Pf5wV9q2JB
Puducherry reports 43 new COVID-19 cases
Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr S Mohan Kumar said that 33 new cases are in Puducherry and 10 in Yanam region. While 15 are male and 28 female. Among them 29 patients are in the age group 18 to 60 years, 11 are below 18 years and three above the age of 60.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
1984 Anti-Sikh Riots convict Mahender Yadav dies of COVID-19 in Delhi jail
Mahender Yadav, 1984 anti-Sikh riots convict & former MLA passed away at a hospital yesterday, he had tested positive for COVID-19. Yadav was earlier lodged in Mandoli jail and serving a sentence of 10 years: Sandeep Goel, Delhi Director General
Vande Bharat Mission: Air India to operate 36 flights between India and US
#FlyAI : Kind attention please, an important update regarding flights between India and USA under Vande Bharat Mission. pic.twitter.com/O56TqBldvb
— Air India (@airindiain) July 5, 2020
COVID-19 effect: Kerala government may cut short school syllabus this year
A Shahjahan, Secretary, General Education, told The New Indian Express that the Curriculum Committee meeting will take an appropriate decision.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Reminder to fight COVID-19: Mask-up, sanitize, maintain social distance
1️⃣ Stay home when you are sick. If you have fever, cough & breathing difficulty, seek medical care early
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 4, 2020
2️⃣ Clean your 👐 regularly
3️⃣ Wear a 😷 where distancing is not possible
4️⃣ Keep at least 1m distance from others
We all can help stopping COVID-19 from spreading. pic.twitter.com/ugADUgWhJk
COVID-19: Two Indian firms up Remdesivir production
Cipla and Hetero, the two Indian pharma majors, under licence from Gilead Sciences, have started manufacturing Remdisivir after DCGI approved it in June for COVID-19 patients.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
IN PICS | Scenes from Chennai during intense COVID-19 lockdown
All the petrol bunks in Chennai are shut down as city is under intense lockdown. Scenes from Velachery.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express photos | @ashwinacharya05.@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/bipKUARirf
Himachal Pradesh set to welcome tourists back despite coronavirus scare
After three months of closure due to coronavirus pandemic, Himachal Pradesh will soon be open for tourists and they should follow all the state's safety guidelines including wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing, said Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
IN PICS | Tamil Nadu police keep a strict check during complete lockdown
Tamil Nadu police blocking commuters entering from Puducherry border during the complete #lockdown imposed on Sunday. @xpresstn
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express Photos | @pattabiphotos pic.twitter.com/RTqxtyDXTg
US holiday weekend adds to COVID-19 worries as case count crosses 2.8 million mark
Officials and health authorities warned people to take precautions or simply stay home on Independence Day, as confirmed cases are climbing in 40 states.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
998 new cases: Andhra Pradesh records highest single-day spike
#COVIDUpdates: AP recorded single day highest spike with 998 (36-other states, 1-FR) cases in the last 24 hours. 14 deaths were recorded taking the toll to 232. The state tested 10,17,140 samples till date.@NewIndianXpress #coronavirus#COVID #AndhraPradesh pic.twitter.com/qcTsX0sBNu
— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) July 5, 2020
No flight for Australia till July 14 due to COVID-19 imposed restrictions
- All flights under the Vande Bharat Mission scheduled for various destinations in Australia between July 4 to July 14 have been postponed because of restrictions imposed due to COVID-19
- 'Due to the recent COVID-19 related restrictions imposed on international flights in Australia, the following flights in the next phase of Vande Bharat Mission from Australia are being rescheduled,' Air India said in a statement
- All rescheduled flights will now operate from July 15 onwards, according to the national carrier
(Inputs from ANI)
Goa councillor Pascoal DSouza dies of coronavirus infection
Pascoal DSouza, who did not belong to any political party, tested positive for coronavirus last month following which he was admitted to Margao-based ESI Hospital, a specially designated facility for COVID-19 patients.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
IN PICS | Union Home & Defence Minister inspecting COVID-19 beds in New Delhi
Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visit Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel #COVID19 Hospital in Delhi near Palam Airport.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express photos | @parveennegi1. @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/xP6g6iXCQE
Tamil Nadu government on sample testings in Chennai
Update: Chennai has tested 3.7 lakh #Covid19 samples so far: Health Sectetary. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress
— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) July 5, 2020
With intense lockdown coming to an end in Chennai, here's what will be allowed from July 6https://t.co/U1E6LpPJBY
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) July 4, 2020
Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh visit newly-created 1,000-bed COVID-19 hospital
- Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited a newly-created temporary hospital with 1,000 beds, including 250 in the ICU, which will treat COVID-19 patients, here on Sunday, officials said.
- The facility has been constructed in just 11 days near the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport on a piece of land belonging to the Ministry of Defence.
- "Visiting the 1000 Bed Sardar Patel COVID Hospital with 250 ICU Beds built in record time by DRDO & Tata Sons along with Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh ji," Shah said in a tweet.
- The armed forces personnel will man the hospital, a home ministry official said.
Delhi CM visits the COVID care facility in national capital
For now, there is no scarcity of hospital beds, we have over 15,000 beds out of which 5300 are occupied. There is a paucity of ICU beds. If there is any spike in COVID cases, these ICU beds are very critical for us: Delhi CM at DRDO-built Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel COVID19 Hospital pic.twitter.com/FmuUU5l4Er
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
As India reports over 20,000 cases for the third consecutive day, it is set to overtake Russia's tally. The total number of cases stands at 6,73,165, including 19,268 fatalities.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
LIVE: https://t.co/l2LPW8vJiu pic.twitter.com/lVWl4ExSOP
Six fresh fatalities in Rajasthan
- Rajasthan reported six COVID-19 deaths and 224 cases of coronavirus infection on Sunday, according to an official report.
- The fatalities were reported from Jodhpur (4), Kota (1) and Udaipur (1), taking the death toll to 453.
- The total number of coronavirus cases in the state has increased to 1,9756. Of the total 224 fresh cases, maximum of 48 cases were reported from Pratapgarh.
- Ajmer reported 7 cases, Alwar 23, Baran 4, Bharatpur 8, Bhilwara 3, Bikaner 12, Churu 1, Dausa 7, Dungarpur 1, Jaipur 31, Jalore 18, Jhalawar 3, Kota 5, Pali 33, Rajsamand 6, Tonk 3, Udaipur 4 and Jhunjhunu 7.
Two prisoners flee Covid centre in Thiruvananthapuram
The escaped prisoners have been identified as Aneesh, 27, of Neyyattinkara and Muhammed Shan, 18, of Chithara in Kollam. Shan was accused of theft, while Aneesh was a detainee under KAPA Act (Kerala Police Act). (READ FULL STORY HERE)
WATCH | Tamil Nadu news bulletin
WATCH | A brief news bulletin from the Tamil Nadu bureau of The New Indian Express.
— TNIE Tamil Nadu (@xpresstn) July 5, 2020
Open thread for detailed stories.@NewIndianXpress @kv_navya pic.twitter.com/Tcp7VD6wdz
News from Chennai
Chennai Corporation to put vehicles including 108 ambulances, one for each ward, in the hotspot zones to ferry patients to #Covid screening centres and hospitals. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/ows7NzcjgI
— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) July 5, 2020
Horrific news from Odisha
38 more tested positive at Acharya Harihar PG Institute of Cancer in #Cuttack. The video below reportedly happened after that https://t.co/vyjkZFYa8x via @NewIndianXpress @XpressOdisha https://t.co/IFlue2xpKW
— Siba Mohanty (@Siba_TNIE) July 5, 2020
Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visit DRDO-built Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel COVID19 Hospital in Delhi Cantonment. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy also present pic.twitter.com/lYLoqltSMw
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Non new cases in Himachal
Himachal Pradesh reports no new COVOD-19 positive case today till now. Total number of positive cases stand at 1046 cases including 326 active cases and nine deaths.
Record single-day spike of 24,850 COVID-19 cases, 613 deaths in India as tally nears seven lakh
India is currently the fourth worst-hit nation by the pandemic after the US, Brazil and Russia and is at the eighth position in terms of the death toll. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
AIADMK MLA Amman K Arjunan test positive for COVID-19 in Kovai
It is to be recalled the MLA's daughter (32), son-in-law (39) and his granddaughter (11) who recently attended a family event in Madurai tested positive on June 30. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Two ministers of Yogi Adityanath Cabinet test COVID-19 positive in 24 hours
Uttar Pradesh Minister for Rural Development Rajendra Pratap Singh, popularly known as Moti Singh, his wife, son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren have all tested positive for the virus. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Effects of complete lockdown, destitute are left to face severe hardship. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/t9FUynsJxo
— M S Thanaraj (@MSThanaraj) July 5, 2020
WATCH | Chennai's busy Mount Road wears deserted look
It may almost be impossible to recognise this empty road. As Chennai witnesses intense lockdown, the ever busy Mount road near Omandurar Multispeciality Hospital looks deserted.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express video | @ddmallick.@xpresstn #ChennaiLockDown pic.twitter.com/gmQXI8juzP
Update from Maharashtra police
Full Sunday lockdown in Chennai
Complete lockdown being observed in #Chennai, amid rising COVID19 cases. Relaxations in lockdown will come into effect from tomorrow- vegetable&grocery shops will be allowed to open from 6 am to 6 pm, textile, hardware shops from 10 am to 6 pm&restaurants from 6 am to 9 pm pic.twitter.com/9QyMDPvEmd
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
WATCH | Kanteerava indoor stadium is now COVID care centre
As #COVID19 cases surge in Bengaluru, Karnataka government has converted Kanteerava indoor stadium as covid treatment centre.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 5, 2020
Express video | @Bidar_yuva.@XpressBengaluru pic.twitter.com/P600tvwgxT
Latest Rajasthan numbers
Rajasthan reports 224 fresh #COVID19 positive cases and 6 deaths today. Total number of cases rise to 19756 including 3640 active cases and 453 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/sRczs5wmGq
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Another death in Kerala, Toll reaches to 26
One more Covid death in Kerala. A person who died in Manjeri medical college, Malappuram, Saturday, is tested positive for Covid. Mohammed, 82, arrived from Riyadh on June 29 and was suffering from cancer. Covid death in Kerala rises to 26. @NewIndianXpress @MSKiranPrakash
— TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) July 5, 2020
469 new cases in Odisha
469 new #COVID19 cases detected & 2 die in #Odisha
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 5, 2020
317 from quarantine centres
152 local cases
Total cases - 9070
Death - 36
Ganjam 116
Cuttack 94
Sundergarh 66
Khurda 27
Jajpur 25
Keonjhar 25
Nayagarh 24
Bhadrak 16
Sambalpur 13
Gajapati 12@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/CoDHbDCxwk
Delhi L-G Anil Baijal inaugurates 10,000-bed Sardar Patel COVID care centre
The centre is 1,700 feet long, 700 feet wide -- roughly the size of 20 football fields -- and has 200 enclosures with 50 beds each. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
As India begins to 'unlock', Migrant workers flocking back to Mumbai for work
According to the Maharashtra government, 26-27 lakh migrants had returned home by trains during the lockdown period. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
India tally nears seven lakh
Another AIADMK MLA tests positive
#AIADMK #Coimbatore South #MLA Amman K Arjunan tested positive for #COVID19, admitted in hospital. His family members tested positive last week. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress
— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) July 5, 2020
Full one-day lockdown in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Complete lockdown has been imposed by Karnataka govt on every Sunday in the state, in view of #COVID19 till August 2.
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Essential activities allowed during night curfew will be permitted during Sunday lockdown too. Marriages already fixed on Sundays also permitted. pic.twitter.com/Z5tMMjLfyK
Delhi may go past COVID-19 peak in August: Experts as average daily cases come down
Besides, the experts have warned that if social distancing and hygiene norms prescribed by authorities are not adhered to by people, then there could be a surge again. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Lockdown scenes from Karnataka's Hubli
Karnataka: Complete lockdown being observed in Hubli today.
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
The state government has imposed a complete lockdown on Sundays from today & followed by next 4 Sundays till August 2, in view of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/IHSgg8ea7l
More than two lakh samples tested in last 24 hours
Delhi L-G visits COVID care centre
Delhi: LG Anil Baijal visits the 10,000 bedded Sardar Patel COVID Care Centre and Hospital at Radha Soami Beas in Chattarpur. pic.twitter.com/skC6d0ch7X
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Hyderabad residents must head to different hospitals based on coronavirus symptoms
Also, with the expected spurt in seasonal diseases, including swine flu, the Health Department has come out with an established medical intervention protocol for people suffering from breathlessness, cold, fever and other influenza-like illnesses. Based on one’s medical condition and Covid-19 status, they must go to the designated public hospitals in the city. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Three CRPF jawans have donated plasma, more to do so
139 CRPF jawans had tested positive for #COVID19 here. Till now, three jawans have donated plasma and more are willing to do so: Deependra Rajput, Commandant 31st Battalion, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). #Delhi pic.twitter.com/scFzrhcWgM
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
'Sunday Lockdowns' are back in Karnataka
Karnataka: Complete lockdown being observed in Kalaburagi today, due to rise in COVID19 cases. The state government has announced a complete lockdown in the state on all Sundays till August 2. pic.twitter.com/cBsPB2nxJH
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Update from Delhi
DRDO-built Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel #COVID19 Hospital in Delhi Cantonment, the temporary hospital structure has been erected in 11 days and will have 1,000 beds including 250 ICU beds: DRDO officials pic.twitter.com/QV0vPaJxY6
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Kejriwal expresses satisfaction over improvement in Delhi's COVID-19 situation
Less and less people in #Delhi are now requiring hospitalisation, more and more people are getting cured at home. Whereas there were around 2300 new patients daily last week, no of patients in hospital has gone down from 6200 to 5300. Today, 9900 corona beds are free: Delhi CM pic.twitter.com/TPVsqpGePg
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
News from Delhi
First batch of COVID-19 patients is expected to be admitted at Sardar Patel Covid Care Centre, Radha Soami Beas, Chhatarpur tomorrow. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and ITBP DG SS Deswal to visit the centre to check final preparedness in the morning.
Now, Rajasthan cancels college exams
- State government has decided not to conduct exams for Graduation and Postgraduation course in all colleges, universities and technical education institutes this year, in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
- Students will be promoted to the next class without examinations. The process to determine the marks of the students, for promotion to the next class, will be decided after examining the guidelines which will be issued by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD).
Lockdown relaxation rules in Cuttack
- Orissa High Court and its offices to remain closed till July 8 in view of Cuttack Municipal Corporation declaring shutdown in entire jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation area till July 8.Benches notified for July 6 will function on July 9 and take up cases listed in cause list of July 6.
- It is ordered to shutdown the entire jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation till 8th July midnight. All non-essential activities strictly prohibited. All non-essential shops will remain closed.
- Online delivery of all essential items allowed Essential shops i.e. grocery, vegetable and milk shops to open from 5 am to 6 pm by maintaining social distancing and wearing of masks.
- Essential medical shops to open at regular hours. Emergency services i.e. electricity and water supply to function as usual.
31 inmates and three jail staff test COVID-19 positive in Maharashtra in last 24 hours
News from Guwahati
In view of detection of #COVID19 positive patient at Raj Bhavan Campus in Guwahati, area with following boundary description is declared a containment zone&Circle Officer, Guwahati Revenue Circle is directed to seal it immediately: Kamrup Metropolitan Dist Dy Commissioner. #Assam pic.twitter.com/RgsfKlkF2P
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Assam government announces lockdown relaxations
Assam govt announced relaxations in guidelines in Kamrup Metropolitan dist for week b/w 5-12 July. Grocery shops allowed to operate b/w 11 am-4 pm on Monday & Wednesday, only 20% shops allowed to open on any day. E-commerce distribution activities allowed b/w 11 am-4 pm on Friday pic.twitter.com/lJVqaBBLpL
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
News from Delhi
Delhi Plasma Bank started at Institute of Liver&Biliary Sciences. Those who were COVID positive&have completed 14 days of recovery can donate plasma for treatment of COVID patients. A donor says "Can't be waiting until cure releases,must see how to help with what we already have" pic.twitter.com/Nu9n6UQ869
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Govt asked us to make eco-friendly idols but hasn't been able to give time to make build them or permission to make mandap to build idols. They asked us to build it at home but our houses aren't big. There's shortage of raw material due to transportation issues: Sagar, idol maker https://t.co/vVU78bC4oU pic.twitter.com/YUKtxVq6oE
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Himachal CM gives good news on tourism resumption in state
I think it can resume in a week...Tourists want to come to Himachal, they're contacting us. I request all tourists who want to come to Himachal Pradesh, they should follow SOPs&our guidelines, maintain social distancing & use masks: Himachal Pradesh CM on tourism in state (05.07) pic.twitter.com/nEPbKScfK2
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Puri: Bahuda Rath Yatra conlcuded yesterday, marking the end of the 13-day long Rath Yartra. Only those servitors who had tested negative for COVID-19 were allowed to pull the chariots. #Odisha pic.twitter.com/nFg8d9GESa
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
CRPF steps forward to donate plasma
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who have recovered from COVID19 are donating plasma for treatment of COVID19 patients. They say, "We are proud to have donated plasma to save lives of other patients. This is another way to serve the country." pic.twitter.com/3SpEFf4ZWw
— ANI (@ANI) July 5, 2020
Karnataka issues guidelines for home isolation of COVID-19 positive people
Only those who are asymptomatic or mild symptomatic and aged less than 60 years shall be permitted to be in "home isolation", according to a new set of COVID-19 related guidelines issued by the Karnataka government on Saturday. (READ MORE)
NIMHANS releases guidelines for maintaining mental health in COVID times
For mental health issues in children and adolescents, the guidelines advise parents to keenly observe for any emotional or behavioral changes in their adolescent kids. (READ MORE)
COVID-19: No written exam for final year semester in Visva Bharati University
Somnath Sau expressed satisfaction that finally Visva Bharati authorities have decided to go for alternative ways of evaluation in the present situation. (READ MORE)
Karnataka CM Yediyurappa re-allocates COVID-19 related work to Ministers
Yediyurappa re-allocated COVID-19 related responsibilities to his cabinet colleagues for better management of the pandemic in Karnataka. (READ MORE)
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, 14 CMO staffers test negative for COVID-19
According to the sources, one of the 15 staffers in the Chief Minister's Office who had undergone the test was found positive for the infection. (READ MORE)
Bihar COVID-19 death toll reaches 88, infection tally climbs to 11,456
The COVID-19 death toll in Bihar reached 88 with four more fatalities, while 349 new infections pushed the case tally to 11,456, state health department said on Saturday. A health department release said one COVID-19 death each was reported from Patna, Bhagalpur, Kishanganj and Samastipur districts.
Thane COVID-19 count crosses 40000-mark, Kalyan surge continues
The number of COVID-19 cases in Thane district touched 40,542 as 1,948 people, including 555 from Kalyan, tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, while 45 deaths, including that of a police naik, during the day took the toll to 1,221, an official said.
Senior NCP Minister Chhagan Bhujbal bats for lifting lockdown
Time has come to lift lockdown to revive the economy, Maharashtra Food and Civil Supplies Minister Chhagan Bhujbal said on Saturday. The lockdown can continue in areas where the coronavirus situation is "out of control", he said.
3 more COVID-19 fatalities in Jharkhand, toll rises to 18; 36 new cases detected
Nashik COVID-19 count now 5,187, death toll touches 270
Nashik reported 323 COVID-19 cases on Saturday, taking the infection count to 5,187, while the samples of eight people who died recently tested positive during the day, increasing the toll from the infection to 270, an official said. Of the eight deaths, five are from Nashik city, he added. The number of people discharged so far stood at 2,819, including 72 on Saturday, the official said.
Haryana CM Lal Khattar dons PPE kit, visits COVID ward in Sonipat hospital & praises health workers
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Saturday visited a ward of COVID-19 patients in a Sonipat hospital wearing a PPE kit and praised doctors, nurses and other healthcare staff for fighting the pandemic.
Flight from UAE carrying 173 stranded Indians lands at Chandigarh airport
A chartered flight carrying 173 stranded Indians from the UAE landed at the Chandigarh International Airport on Saturday. The Spicejet flight "SEJ 9549" reached here in the evening and had passengers mostly from Punjab, airport officials said.
Cabinet Secretary holds meet with officials of 15 states, UTs on Unlock 2, COVID-19 situation
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Saturday held a meeting with top officials of 15 States and Union Territories on the COVID-19 situation and the way forward for graded reopening of activities in the 'Unlock 2' phase, officials said.
Five deaths in Noida, CMO among 83 new coronavirus patients
Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddh Nagar on Saturday recorded five more deaths due to COVID-19, while 83 more people,including the chief medical officer, were found positive for the infection in the district, official data showed.
Father of groom arrested, FIR against others for violating COVID-19 protocols at marriage function in Odisha
The father of a groom and his brother were arrested on Saturday in Odisha's Ganjam district, a COVID-19 hotspot, for violating safety protocols during the marriage function, police said. The district administration has also imposed a penalty of Rs 50,000 and registered FIR against other family members of the groom and bride in this connection, they said.
Let pregnant women, those above 50 work from home: Maharashtra Minister Yashomati Thakur
Maharashtra Women and Child Welfare Minister Yashomati Thakur on Saturday urged Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to allow women staffers who are pregnant or above the age of 50 with aliments like diabetes, blood pressure etc to work from home.
172 new coronavirus cases in Ahmedabad district, nine deaths
Ahmedabad reported 172 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking case tally in the district to 21,715, the Gujarat health department said. With the death of nine patients on Saturday, the death toll due to the pandemic in the district rose to 1,475, it said.
Five more COVID-19 deaths in Haryana; 545 fresh cases reported
Haryana reported five more COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, taking their number to 260 as 545 fresh cases pushed the tally in the state to 16,548. Three fatalities were reported in Gurgaon and two in Faridabad, a state Health department bulletin said.
Quarantine must for those entering Himachal from red zones
The Himachal Pradesh government on Saturday said people coming from red zones will be kept in institutional quarantine. The decision comes two days after the state government allowed entry of tourists.
Karnataka doctors suggest use of pulse oximeter, chest X-ray for early COVID-19 detection in clusters
In the wake of suspicion about community transmission of COVID-19 in some pockets of Dakshina Kannada district, experts feel that the authorities should go for pulse oximeter and chest x-rays for early detection of infection among potential critical cases. (READ MORE)
Mumbai COVID-19 Update
In Mumbai #COVID__19 update
— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) July 4, 2020
Today, 1180 positive patients, 68 deaths and 1071 recovery reported. @NewIndianXpress @Sunday_Standard pic.twitter.com/vTW6wDK7HU
Karnataka reported 1839 new coronavirus cases
K'taka continues to see a surge in Covid19 cases. State reported 1839 new cases and total tally is 21549. 42 new deaths, of which 24 are from Bengaluru alone. Bengaluru reported 1172 new cases. @BoskyKhanna and @vinodkumart5 being updates
— TNIE Karnataka (@XpressBengaluru) July 4, 2020
Editing @MeghanaSastry @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/rXlQQZ7tgT
Health Department staff are seen conducting a door-to-door survey
Health Department staff are seen conducting a door-to-door survey to identify Influenza-like Illness SARI symptoms among the people residing near a containment zone in Coimbatore.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 4, 2020
Express Photo | U Rakesh Kumar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/wagCyhgklj
With record spike of 7,074, Maharashtra COVID-19 tally crosses 2 lakh
Maharashtra's coronavirus case count on Saturday rose to 2,00,064 with a record single-day spike of 7,074. With 295 deaths, the death toll due to the pandemic in the state rose to 8,671, said the health department.
172 new coronavirus cases in Ahmedabad district, nine deaths
Ahmedabad reported 172 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, taking case tally in the district to 21,715, the Gujarat health department said. With the death of nine patients on Saturday, the death toll due to the pandemic in the district rose to 1,475, it said.
3 CISF personnel among 68 new COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh
The number of COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh increased to 3,133 after 68 people, including three CISF personnel, tested positive on Saturday, said an official. As many as 112 patients were discharged during the day, he added.
Five more COVID-19 deaths in Haryana; 545 fresh cases reported
Haryana reported five more COVID-19 deaths on Saturday, taking their number to 260 as 545 fresh cases pushed the tally in the state to 16,548. Three fatalities were reported in Gurgaon and two in Faridabad, a state Health department bulletin said.
227, including 40 CRPF personnel, test positive for COVID-19 in J-K; 8 more die
As many as 227 people, including 40 CRPF personnel, tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, taking the union territory's case count to 8,246, while eight more fatalities pushed its toll to 127, officials said.
Five deaths, 1,850 new COVID-19 cases in Telangana
Telangana continued to witness a spike in COVID-19 cases on Saturday, with as many as 1,850 new cases and five deaths being reported, taking the infection count in the state to 22,312 and toll to 288.
Mumbai 2-km radius rule: Cops allow travel 'closer to home'
Mumbai Police on Saturday tweaked its 2-kilometre radius diktat imposed to curb needless travel during the coronavirus-induced lockdown and allowed people to move around in the nearby neighbourhood. (READ MORE)
Bus ticket printing businesses in Bengal hit hard amid lockdown
The temporary suspension of private bus services amid the lockdown had not just hit hard the vehicle operators and their employees, but also all ancillary businesses, including the presses that print tickets for collection of fares.
Hisar MP Brijendra Singh tests positive for COVID-19
BJP MP from Hisar Brijendra Singh tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday and requested people who had met him recently in his Lok Sabha constituency to get themselves tested and follow all safety precautions.
79 fresh COVID-19 cases in border guarding forces of BSF, ITBP
Seventy-nine personnel of two border guarding forces-- the BSF and the ITBP -- tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Saturday, officials said. The about 2.5-lakh personnel strong Border Security Force (BSF) has reported 45 fresh COVID-19 cases and 39 recoveries, officials said quoting the latest data.
In a first, over 700 new coronavirus cases found in Gujarat
Gujarat reported its highest single-day spike of 712 coronavirus caseson Saturday which took the number of cases in the state to 35,398, the health department said. Death toll due to the virus rose to 1,927 with 21 new fatalities, it added. For the first time, one-day rise in number of patients crossed 700 in the state.
COVID-19 death toll in West Bengal jumps to 736 with record 19 fatalities in one day
West Bengal registered twin records of the highest single-day surge in COVID-19 fatalities and cases on Saturday, as 19 people succumbed to the disease and 743 more tested positive for the virus, the state health department said.
Maharashtra's Amravati COVID-19 count now 680, death toll 27
The number of COVID-19 cases in Amravati in Maharashtra touched 680 as 30 people tested positive on Saturday, while the death toll increased by two to reach 27, an official said. A total of 18 persons were discharged during the day, taking the total number of such cases to 447, giving the district a recovery rate of 65.73 per cent, he added.
23 more test positive for COVID-19 in Nagaland, total tally rises to 562
At least 23 more people have tested positive COVID-19 in Nagaland, raising the total tally to 562, state health minister S Pangnyu Phom said on Saturday. Of the 23 new cases, 21 are from Peren district and two from a quarantine centre in Kohima, he said.
Pune Mayor Muralidhar Mohol contracts coronavirus
Pune Mayor Muralidhar Mohol said on Saturday that he has tested positive for coronavirus. He underwent a test after suffering from mild fever and found that he has caught the virus, Mohol tweeted. His condition was stable and he was undergoing treatment, he assured. The BJP leader has been frequetly visiting coronavirus hotspots and hospitals in the city.
Bihar Legislative Council's acting chairman tests positive for COVID-19
Acting Chairman of the Bihar Legislative Council Awadhesh Narayan Singh tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday. His wife, two sons and daughter-in-law have also tested positive for the virus, said Singh's personal assistant Rahul Kumar who was also found to be infected.
45 more test positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand; total rises to 3,093
Forty-five more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand on Saturday, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 3,093. Of the new cases, 17 were reported in Udham Singh Nagar, eight in Dehradun, six in Bageshwar, five in Uttarkashi, four in Nainital, two in Almora and one case each was reported from Pauri, Tehri and Haridwar, a Health department bulletin said.
Madhya Pradesh records one-day highest increase of 307 coronavirus cases
Madhya Pradesh on Saturday recorded its biggest single-day spike of 307 coronavirus patients with Morena emerging as a hotspot, which took the case count in the state to 14,604, health officials said. With five more people succumbing to the viral infection, the death toll went up to 598, they said.
Punjab reports 5 deaths, 172 new cases as COVID-19 count surpasses 6000
Punjab on Saturday reported five more fatalities due to COVID-19, taking the death toll to 162 while 172 fresh cases pushed the tally to 6,109 in the state, according to a medical bulletin. Two deaths were reported in Moga and one each in Mohali, Hoshiarpur and Amritsar, the bulletin said.
Assam Raj Bhavan campus declared containment zone after 2 COVID-19 cases
The Raj Bhavan campus and its surrounding areas in Guwahati were sealed and declared a containment zone on Saturday after two persons of the Governor's Office tested COVID-19 positive, an official said.
Five more test positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh; tally rises to 459
Five more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh on Saturday, taking the tally in the Union Territory to 459. A 64-year-old woman, who lives in Daria, tested positive for the disease. Samples of her seven family members will be taken for testing, a medical bulletin said.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray stresses coordination, testing to defeat virus in Mumbai
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday told the officials in Mumbai that coordination was necessary to tackle the coronavirus pandemic as well as monsoon-related illnesses in the city. He held a review meeting with officials of the BMC, an official release said.
Personnel Ministry issues SOP for reopening of training institutes across country
The Personnel Ministry has issued a standard operating procedure for reopening of central and state training institutes from July 15, outlining necessary steps to be taken by them to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Manipur official allays fears of COVID-19 community transmission
As reports of 27 policemen testing positive for COVID-19 triggered panic in parts of Manipur's Jiribam, a senior official allayed fears of community transmission and said all of them had come in contact with a colleague who was recently diagnosed with the disease.
Karnataka today reported 1839 new coronavirus cases and 42 deaths
Big spike in Covid-19 cases. #Karnataka today reported 1839 new cases & 42 deaths. In #Bengaluru, 1172 new cases reported today taking numbers in City to 8345. Total positive cases in Karnataka: 21549 & 335 deaths. @NewIndianXpress @XpressBengaluru @santwana99 @AshwiniMS_TNIE
— Ramu Patil (@ramupatil_TNIE) July 4, 2020
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar sends swab sample for COVID-19 test
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Saturday sent his swab sample for COVID-19 test after he shared the dais with Legislative Council Acting Chairman Awdesh Narayan Singh, who has been found infected with the contagious virus, at an official event, officials said. (READ MORE)
Uttarakhand to provide people with satellite phones to keep eye on border areas
To keep an eye on the ground amidst ongoing tussle with China and Nepal on the demarcation of the border, the Uttarakhand government is distributing satellite phones to selected people in the Himalayan state. (READ MORE)
'Meant to cut unnecessary red tape': ICMR defends fast-tracking of Covaxin trials in July 2 order
The Indian Council of Medical Research, on Saturday, defended its order to fast track Covaxin, an indigenous Covid-19 vaccine candidate, as being in line with "globally accepted norms". The clarification came after its leaked order to 12 hospitals to expedite clinical trials by August 15 sparked widespread criticism. (READ MORE)
After drawing flak for low testing numbers, Tiruchy finally ramps it up to 1000 per day
After drawing flak for low testing numbers, authorities in Tiruchy have finally ramped it up to more than 1000 per day since Friday. The move comes after recommendations by experts to increase testing in Tiruchy as cases increased. (READ MORE)
Testing lab in Aurangabad varsity gets ICMR approval
The Indian Council of Medical Research has given sanction for coronavirus testing in a lab set up in Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Vice Chancellor Dr Pramod Yeole said on Saturday. The lab has been set up in the Paul Herbert Centre for DNA Barcoding and Biodiversity Studies in the university and is funded by AURIC as part of its CSR activity.
Active COVID-19 cases have come down in Uttarakhand but caution needed at all levels: CM Trivendra Singh Rawat
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat on Saturday expressed satisfaction at the drop in the number of active COVID-19 cases in the state but underlined the need for constant vigil and caution in the fight against the pandemic.
Over 6,000 COVID-19 patients in home isolation in Telangana; government to ramp up testing, facilities: Official
More than 6,000 COVID-19 patients are presently being treated in home isolation in Telangana and the state government is ramping up testing and thefacilities to deal with the pandemic, a senior Health official said on Saturday.
Two BSF jawans in Mizoram test positive for COVID-19
Two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans posted in Mizoram's Lunglei district have tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday, taking the northeast states tally to 164, an official said. The two jawans aged 50 and 53 have returned from Kerala recently, the official said.
As average daily cases come down, experts say Delhi may go past peak in August
With a drop in average fresh cases reported daily in Delhi over the past one week, experts have claimed that the city may go past the COVID-19 peak in early August. However, they have warned that if social distancing and hygiene norms prescribed by authorities are not adhered to by people, then there could be a surge again.
Rajasthan conducting over 41,000 COVID tests per day: Health Minister Raghu Sharma
Rajasthan has ramped up capacity to test over 41,000 samples per day for the novel coronavirus, Health Minister Raghu Sharma said on Saturday. He said the state will soon test 50,000 samples per day. The minister informed that the state's recovery rate has also reached 80 per cent.
Seeking to dispel concerns, ICMR says following all globally accepted norms to fast-track vaccine; wants to 'cut red tape'
As experts cautioned against rushing the process for developing a COVID-19 vaccine after the ICMR stated it plans to launch one by August 15, the apex health research body on Saturday stressed that it is acting in accordance with the globally accepted norms to fast-track vaccine development for diseases of pandemic potential.
2,505 fresh COVID cases in Delhi take tally to over 97,000; death toll crosses 3,000-mark
Delhi recorded 2,505 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally in the city to over 97,000, while the death toll from the disease mounted to 3,004, authorities said. Fifty-five fatalities have been recorded in the last 24 hours, the Delhi health department said in a bulletin.
Women leading fight against COVID-19 in Northeast: Union Minister Jitendra Singh
Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday said the women in the northeast are taking the lead in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic and helping the region emerge as a model for COVID-19 management.
UP CM Yogi asks officials to prepare special work plan for Ghaziabad, GB Nagar to check COVID spread
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday directed the state's health and medical education departments to prepare a special work plan for Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ghaziabad districts in view of the growing number of coronavirus cases.
Only two new coronavirus cases in Dharavi, tally 2,311
Only two new coronavirus patients were detected in Dharavi area of Mumbai on Saturday, taking its case tally to 2,311, a senior BMC official said. The area, known as Asia's largest slum cluster, has recorded such a small rise in COVID-19 cases for the first time since the first week of April.
Here's what will be allowed from July 6 in Chennai
- Only takeaways are allowed in hotels between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- Delivering food items from hotels through telephone orders will also be allowed till 9 p.m.
- Employees delivering food items should have their identity cards.
- Only takeaways are allowed in tea shops between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Except for malls, all showrooms and large format shops (viz. jewellery and textiles shops) can function between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. with the guidelines already issued.
Indigo flight carrying 177 Indians from Dubai returns
An Indigo flight carrying 177 Indians from Dubai, United Arab Emirates landed at Chandigarh International Airport earlier today. pic.twitter.com/tzdpeAv1Sa
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
ASHAs played important role in Meghalaya COVID-19 containment zones
About 6,700 ASHA workers have played an important role in timely testing and treatment of COVID-19 patients in containment areas of Meghalaya, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. (READ MORE)
4,280 fresh cases in Tamil Nadu, Chennai lockdown to be relaxed
Tamil Nadu on Saturday recorded 4280 new coronavirus cases. While the state government announced a relaxation of lockdown for Chennai, the intensified lockdown in Madurai has been extended till July 12.
- Today’s positive cases in Tamil Nadu -4,280
- Total positive cases in Tamil Nadu- 1,07,001
- Today’s positive cases in Chennai 1,842
- Total positive cases in Chennai- 66538
- Total discharged so far- 60,592
- Fresh deaths- 65
- Total deaths in Tamil Nadu- 1,450
- Total deaths in Chennai - 1,033
A little rainbow of hope in Madurai
(Photo| EPS/ K K Sundar)
COVID-19 patient kept in ambulance for one day for want of bed in Navi Mumbai
When he was finally admitted, the family did not have the money to buy an injection that cost Rs 32,000. The man, who performed in a music band, died on June 25. (READ MORE)
Chennai lockdown to be relaxed from July 6
Relaxations in Chennai lockdown to come in effect from 6th July. Vegetable & grocery shops allowed to open from 6 am to 6 pm, textile & hardware shops from 10 am to 6 pm, and restaurants from 6 am to 9 pm: Edappadi K Palaniswami, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister.
Kerala records 240 new cases
Kerala on Saturday recorded 240 positive cases. Of the positive cases 152 came from abroad, 52 from other states and 17 due to contact
Indian dozes off at Dubai airport, misses repatriation flight
Shajahan, who had paid 1,100 dirham (USD 300) for the ticket, said that he did not sleep on the previous night as he kept on waiting for the confirmation of his ticket for the jumbo jet flying 427 stranded Indians to Kerala, it said. (READ MORE)
WATCH| As cases rise, migrants leave Bengaluru
As #COVID19 cases are rising in Bengaluru, migrants are leaving the city and returning to their home town where an uncertain future is waiting for them. @XpressBengaluru @santwana99
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 4, 2020
Express Video | @shrirambn pic.twitter.com/LcCRWZNJD2
237 Maharashtra Police personnel test COVID-19 positive, 64 succumb
As many as 237 personnel of Maharashtra Police tested COVID-19 positive in the last 72 hours, taking the active cases in the force to 1,040, informed the Maharashtra Police. Out of the total COVID-19 cases in the force, 64 personnel have succumbed to the infection so far.
Can a person catch Covid-19 twice? ICMR moots studying
An expert panel under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has proposed using the recovered Covid-19 patients as volunteers as part of an epidemiological exercise. (READ MORE)
Five more succumb to COVID-19 in Odisha taking death toll to 34
While three persons, aged 50, 35 and 27, who died while undergoing treatment in COVID hospitals, were from Ganjam, two others, aged 51 and 64, belonged to Bhubaneswar
Pune man dons gold mask worth almost Rs 3 lakh in public
Now that wearing masks in public places has become the new normal, a resident of Pimpri-Chinchwad of Pune district, Shankar Kurade has got himself a mask made of gold worth Rs 2.89 lakhs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.(READ MORE)
Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple shut for visitors
All roads leading to Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Simhachalam have been barricaded in view of #COVID19 #lockdown & #GiriPradakshina scheduled for today has been suspended. @xpressandhra
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 4, 2020
Express Photos | G Satyanarayana pic.twitter.com/yg9otI6JSa
Complete lockdown extended in Madurai till July 12
The Tamil Nadu government on Saturday extended the complete lockdown for one more week - from July 6 to 12 in Madurai corporation limits and parts of Madurai East, Madurai West and Thirupparankundram panchayat union areas.
Kerala capital on high alert as fears of community transmission grow
With more COVID-19 cases with unknown sources of infection rising in the Kerala capital Thiruvananthapuram, the city police and district administration have stepped up their vigil to prevent community transmission. A high-level meeting of the city police is in progress to take necessary action to impose stringent restrictions across the city. (READ MORE)
Flights to Kolkata from high-risk cities banned
All flights to Kolkata from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Chennai and Ahmedabad banned from 6-19 July. While Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus cases, Tamil Nadu stands as the second most affected state followed by Delhi and Gujarat.
Tamil filmmaker opens grocery store to make his ends meet
After being in the Tamil film industry for over 10 years, Anand had been hoping to return to the film industry until he realised that the movie theatres in the country will remain shut until the next year. (READ MORE)
Odisha govt shuts down Cuttack till 8th July midnight
The silver city of #Odisha shutdown till 8th July midnight. @NewIndianXpress @XpressOdisha pic.twitter.com/NTixKE17qs
— Tanmay Das (@tanmay__das) July 4, 2020
Chennai Corporation conducts awareness program
How do we battle #COVID? Greater #ChennaiCorporation conducting awareness program in collaboration with an NGO for children at Puliyanthoppu.#COVID19 @xpresstn
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 4, 2020
Express Video | @ashwinacharya05 pic.twitter.com/r92JeTsY9p
Lady Gaga flaunts 'Chromatica' themed mask
Gaga shared a selfie with her 'Chromatica' themed mask on Instagram and wrote: "Be yourself, but wear a mask! I believe in being kind to yourself, the community, and the planet."
WHO team to visit China next week
Amid global concerns that China delayed giving information regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak, a team of WHO (World Health Organisation) will visit the country next week to investigate the origins of the virus and its spread to human beings. (READ MORE)
Andhra Pradesh records 765 new cases
#COVIDUpdates: Of 24,962 samples tested in last 24 hrs till Saturday 9 am, 765 (AP-727, other states-32, FR-6) tested positive; 9 deaths reported in #AndhraPradesh.@NewIndianXpress #APFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/dwqkRwcujX
— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) July 4, 2020
NCP corporator passes away due to COVID-19
48-year-old Datta Sane, a former opposition leader of the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, tested positive for the coronavirus on June 24 and was admitted to the Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital.
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani visits Surat to assess measures
Concerned over the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in Surat, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel arrived in the city on Saturday to take stock of preparedness to tackle the pandemic. (READ MORE)
No new case in Himachal
One death and no new positive COVID-19 case reported in Himachal Pradesh today so far. Total number of cases in the state stands at 1033 including 332 active cases, 677 recoveries, and nine deaths.
Telangana's Gandhi Hospital to get fresh reinforcements
Director of Medical Education, K Ramesh Reddy notes that 625 staff to be recruited in Gandhi Hospital afresh, process ongoing. TIMS recruitment nears completion, operations to begin next week.
After Jama Masjid, now Fatehpuri Mosque also reopens in Delhi
Fatehpuri mosque is allowed to reopen now. But, we should keep in mind that #COVID19 is still there. We have to take all precautions including wearing masks and using sanitisers frequently: Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, Shahi Imam of the Fatehpuri mosque #Delhi pic.twitter.com/LaahYzUepY
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Delhi's Jama Masjid reopens
Delhi: Jama Masjid reopens for the public from today. Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of the mosque said that it will remain open from 9 am to 10 pm while following social distancing norms. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/hEtvux9GB5
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
. @chennaicorp for the first time has shared the daily testing data in form of bulletin. 10,142 tests done on July 3. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/GaRYZqiKur
— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) July 4, 2020
Wearing masks does help fight #COVID19. But don't you have to cover your mouth and nose to be protected?
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 4, 2020
Place: Vijayawada@xpressandhra
Express photos | Prasant Madugula pic.twitter.com/H95yzaq9cG
In highest single-day spike, nearly 23,000 test positive for COVID-19; toll nears 19,000
With a steady rise, the number of recoveries stands at 3,94,226 and one patient has migrated. There are 2,35,433 active cases of coronavirus presently in the country, the updated data at 8 am showed. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
495 new cases in Odisha
495 new #COVID19 cases found & 5 more die in #Odisha
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 4, 2020
Total cases - 8601
Death - 34
355 from quarantine centres
140 local cases
Ganjam 216
Khurda 50
Sundargarh 36
Mayurbhanj 28
Angul 24
Puri 18
Balasore 13
Cuttack 13
Bhadrak 12
Jagatsinghpur 12@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/eQga7iasD4
Five more die in Odisha
5 more die in #COVID19 in #Odisha
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 4, 2020
3 in Ganjam
2 in Bhubaneswar
Men, aged 51 & 64 from Bhubaneswar were suffering from pleural TB & diabetes respectively.
Men, aged 50, 35 & 27 from Ganjam.
The 50-yr-old was suffering from diabetes & hypertension@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/MuEA887DFQ
Understanding & keeping in mind the times that we are in, we have further extended deadlines. Now, filing of ITR for FY 2019-20 is extended to 30th Nov, 2020: Income Tax Department pic.twitter.com/Pg3hjkHPu9
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Latest Rajasthan tally
204 new #COVID19 positive cases and 3 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan till 10:30 am today. The total number of cases stands at 19,256 including 3,461 active cases and 443 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/iwuOOd2GkJ
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
More information on the latest COVID-19 recovery rate in India
India tally nears 6.5 lakh
23 new cases in Nagaland
Union Health Minister on availability of ventilators in India
So far, 11,300 'Make In India' ventilators have been dispatched; 6154 delivered to hospitals. Ministry of Health is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders across India; 72,293 delivered: Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/3wduVMLiKH
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
ICMR on sample testings in last 24 hours
The total number of samples tested up to July 3 is 95,40,132 of which 2,42,383 samples were tested yesterday: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
Telangana: Arvi Healthcare, a start-up based in Hyderabad, has developed a contactless, facial-recognition based thermal-screening kiosk. CEO says,"In #COVID19 situation,this kiosk will be helpful in schools, workplaces&other places, as it is integrated with attendance solutions" pic.twitter.com/25DBUP46fJ
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2020
No new positive case in Mizoram in last 24 hours
Disturbing news from Bengaluru
Six Ranchi cops test positive
63 test positive in Jharkhand
63 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Jharkhand on Friday, taking the total number of cases in the State to 2,697: State Health Department.
GAive every home isolated patient a pulse oxymeter: Kejriwal government to Delhi local authorities
Districts are directed to ensure that every #COVID19 patient who is home isolated has a pulse oxymeter: #Delhi Government in its revised guidelines for home isolation of very mild/pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic COVID-19 cases pic.twitter.com/aj7lpYc0kT
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2020
Latest J&K lockdown guidelines
- Movement of individuals for non-essential activities remains prohibited in the entire J&K between 10 pm to 5 am, with effect from 4th July till further orders.
- District Magistrates shall issue specific prohibitory orders in this regard under Sec 144 CrPC.
- All restaurants, including in hotels, can operate for home delivery, take away and dining-in with upto 50% capacity and hotels & hospitality services can operate at 100% capacity, subject to SOP of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, dated 4th June 2020.
- All shopping malls can open subject to SOP of Ministry of Health, dated 4th June 2020, except in Red districts where they'll operate with 50% of shops open on alternate days to be regulated by Dy Commissioners concerned.
- Shops in malls can open from 9 am to 7 pm .
- All passengers/returnees coming to J&K, to compulsorily undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR test following which they will be under 14 day administrative quarantine till result is negative, in which they're released for home quarantine or positive, in which they are sent to COVID hospital.
- No inter-province or inter-state/UT movement allowed, except after obtaining permission or in permitted public transport.
- Intra-distrcit movement allowed, with max 2 passengers besides driver in four wheelers and with no pillion rider in two wheelers, with passes in Red districts.
ICMR's latest instruction to states/UTs
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has written to all states/UTs saying that all private laboratories in their state who intend to initiate TrueNat/CBNAAT based testing for #COVID19 should be encouraged to immediately apply for NABL accreditation to ensure quality testing. pic.twitter.com/zm3Xlva3Av
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2020
Lockdown in J&K from July 4
Government of Jammu & Kashmir issues classification of districts in the UT as Red, Orange and Green for the purpose of implenenting the lockdown with effect from 4th July 2020. pic.twitter.com/9jAqzX8UU1
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2020
365 new cases in Assam
365 new COVID-19 positive cases detected on Friday in the state, out of these 134 were reported from Guwahati city. Total cases 9799, recovered 6327, active cases 3455, deaths 14: Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
No inter-state buses in Madhya Pradesh
Inter-state movement of buses to remain prohibited till next order. Inter-district movement of buses within the state to function normally: Home Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
Tamil film director opens grocery shop to make ends meet
Chennai: Tamil film director Anand, who directed films like 'Mouna Mazhai' & 'Oru Mazhai Naangu Saaral' has opened a grocery shop as film industry remains shut amid #COVID19. He says, "I think this situation will persist this year. I'm happy, it's been 20 days since shop opened." pic.twitter.com/EHl16QUitr
— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2020
Mask worth Rs 2.89 lakhs
Maharashtra: Shankar Kurade, a resident of Pimpri-Chinchwad of Pune district, has got himself a mask made of gold worth Rs 2.89 Lakhs. Says, "It's a thin mask with minute holes so that there's no difficulty in breathing. I'm not sure whether this mask will be effective." #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/JrbfI7iwS4
— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2020
Pune Zilla Parishad gears up for online education for the students in the district. Here is the full statement
- In present situation, it's not possible to start schools due to COVID-19 outbreak. However, it's important to continue education for students. Providing them online education is better option and in order to do that related materials made available with teachers.
- We appeal to all if you've any used Android Mobile Phone/Smart TV/Old Tablet/Laptop or Computer which is in working condition, donate it to schools so that it can be given to poor children and they can be brought to mainstream by providing online education.
Three new cases in Andaman
Three new confirmed COVID-19 cases- two contacts of earlier positives and one traveller. Total cases stand at 119, of which 65 are active cases and 54 have recovered: Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration.
PPE, masks, gloves: Rising environment problem due to slowly piling COVID-19 waste
PPEs are vital in battling the COVID-19 crisis, but need to be disposed daily, especially by healthcare workers. This waste is slowly piling up an environmental crisis. Delhi is still lagging in the systematic collection and disposal of this waste, which further poses a risk to the health of sanitation workers. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | As new lockdown looms over Hyderabad, migrants head for Andhra Pradesh
With another lockdown looming over Hyderabad, hundreds of people were heading to their native places in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. Fearing that they may be stuck in the city if the lockdown was re-imposed, workers and businessmen were returning to be with their near and dear ones. (CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE)