COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Kolkata extends flight ban from six cities including Chennai, Delhi till July 31

• A COVID-19 testing camp will be organised at the Jawaharlal Nehru University for three days starting on Saturday by the district administration, the varsity said.
• JNU vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar urged the varsity community to wear a mask, follow social distancing norms and wash hands frequently
• The camp is being organised with the help of the District Magistrate, South District and will be held on July 18, 19 and 20
• The first case of coronavirus was detected in JNU when a pharmacist at the university's health centre had tested positive last month

(Inputs frpm PTI)

291 new #COVID19 cases & 4 deaths reported in Jharkhand today. Total positive cases stand at 5096 now, death toll at 46: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/Swl52n0HBU

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

The priest,who was also suffering from severe diabetes and high BP, would be shifted from Tirupati COVID care facility to Chennai tonight or tomorrow. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

A 40-year-old woman was sexually assaulted at a quarantine centre in Panvel in neighbouring Navi Mumbai by another inmate, a senior police official said on Friday. The incident came to light on Thursday evening after the woman lodged a complaint with Panvel Rural police station, he added.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was admitted at Nanavati Hospital on Friday. Earlier, she was home quarantined after she tested positive for COVID-19. (File Photo)

With the single-day spike of 8,308 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the tally of patients in the state mounted to 2,92,589 on Friday, the health department said. This is the third time that the number of single-day cases has breached the 8,000-mark in the state.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Punjab

• Total Positive cases: 9,442
• Discharged/recovered: 6,373
• Total deaths: 239

Chandigarh

• Total Positive cases: 660
• Discharged/recovered: 480
• Total deaths: 11

Haryana

• Total Positive cases: 24,797
• Discharged/recovered: 18,718
• Total deaths: 327 

Himachal Pradesh

• Total Positive cases: 1,417
• Discharged/recovered: 1,011
• Total deaths: 09

(Inputs from ENS)

Paolo Tommasi, an Italian architect and artist who played a significant role in designing the Matrimandir at Auroville and remained associated with Sri Aurobindo Ashram, succumbed to COVID-19 at JIPMER at the age of 92.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad, who has recovered from COVID-19 infection around two months back, on Friday said that he has decided to donate his plasma, used for treating patients.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The Prime Minister in his addresss lauded India's effort in fighting COVID-19 and said "Our motto is ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas, Sabka Vishwas’ – meaning ‘Together, for everyone’s growth, with everyone’s trust’. This resonates with the core SDG principle of leaving no one behind.."
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Meanwhile #India’s first Indigenous #Covid19 Vaccine #COVAXIN entered phase-1 clinical trials across the country two days back. This is a randomised, double-blind, placebo- controlled clinical trial in 375 volunteers in India @NewIndianXpress #COVID19India

— Sumi Dutta (@SumiSukanya) July 17, 2020

West Bengal

• Total positive cases: 38,011
• Active cases: 14,709
• Death toll: 1,049
• Discharged: 22,253
• Total tests done: 6,76,348
• Note: 1,894 tested positive and 26 died in past 24 hours

(Inputs from ENS)

The restriction on arriving flights to #KolkataAirport from 6 cities viz Delhi, Mumbai,Pune,Chennai, Nagpur & Ahmedabad has been extended upto 31st July.@AAI_Official @MoCA_GoI @HardeepSPuri @arvsingh01 @PIB_India @wbdhfw @HomeBengal @MoHFW_INDIA

— Kolkata Airport (@aaikolairport) July 17, 2020

With the addition of 44 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, Vijayapura became the 10th district in Karnataka with a tally of more than 1,000. As per official records, 719 COVID-19 patients have been discharged, while over 400 are active and 19 have died in the district so far.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

In Maharashtra, total 292589 #COVID19 positive patients, 11452 deaths and 160357 cured and discharge reported. Today, 8308 new cases, 258 deaths and 2217 discharged. @NewIndianXpress @Sunday_Standard

— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) July 17, 2020

Besides, the state government on Friday decided to fill 200 doctors' vacancies in primary health centres (PHCs). All the medical and health staff would continue get 10 per cent extra salary as a COVID incentive. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao took these decisions at a review meeting on COVID-19.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Defining himself as a 'medical activist', Dr Ranjan said that serving patients during the lockdown was more important than getting confined at home in fear.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

453 #COVID19 patients recover in #Odisha

Total cases: 16,110
Recovered: 11,330

Ganjam 220
Sundargarh 41
Nabarangpur 33
Khurdha 28
Balangir 26
Keonjhar 17
Balasore 15
Jagatsinghpur 13
Malkangiri 13
Jajpur 10
Gajapati 10
Angul 9
Kendrapara 6 @XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress

— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 17, 2020

Eighty percent of COVID-19 patients in Chennai have recovered from the infection, with the active cases in the city dropping to a new low of just 18 percent now, while the mortality rate is 1.63 percent.
(READ FULL REPOERT HERE)

With over 20K tests, Delhi registers 1462 new #COVID19 cases past 24 hours.
Active cases more than 17K
26 fatalities
1608 discharged @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard #CoronaVirusUpdate pic.twitter.com/cWIdMsObVk

— Somrita Ghosh (@Somrita_Ghosh) July 17, 2020

Everyone is scared of the COVID-19 pandemic but burglars appear to be an exception. A gang struck at a locked house in a containment zone at K G Temple in Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru when the residents were away in institutional quarantine. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Meanwhile @MoHFW_INDIA to dispatch 3 member team to #Bihar under J S @lavagarwal in view of surging #COVID19 cases in the state. #Bihar saw detection of 1,152 cases yesterday taking total tally to 21, 752 @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/KuxxbAhwFk

— Sumi Dutta (@SumiSukanya) July 17, 2020

3,693 new #COVID19 cases & 115 deaths reported in Karnataka today. 2208 of these cases & 75 deaths are from Bengaluru alone.
1,028 discharged. 25,700 samples tested today. @XpressBengaluru@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/MkvhIyQO1A

— Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) July 17, 2020

#COVID19 Tamil Nadu update (July 17): Today’s 4,538 positive cases in Tamil Nadu includes 4,463 indigenous cases, 75 imported cases. Active cases: 47,782. Out of 79 deaths (23 private, 56 government hospitals) 78 were with comorbidities.@xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/KuuYxNfnoS

— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) July 17, 2020

Andhra Pradesh Government today launched 52 new buses that will be stationed across all the high-risk areas. A total number of 102 buses have been stationed till now in various districts across the state collecting samples from across 95 locations. pic.twitter.com/iMd0Bmh8BE

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

The threat of Community Transmission of #COVID19 looms large over Kerala as the State reports 791 cases on Friday. #Thiruvananthapuram is emerging as the epicentre of the #pandemic @NewIndianXpress @MSKiranPrakash pic.twitter.com/P34At2cL4g

— TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) July 17, 2020

 (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

BREAKING: Community transmission has begun in Poonthura and Pulluvila areas of #Thiruvananthapuram, says CM @vijayanpinarayi @xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— Sovi Vidyadharan (@sovividyadharan) July 17, 2020

Minister for Cooperation Sellur K Raju recovers from Corona infection; discharged from hospital today @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/hCzn4dhnpO

— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) July 17, 2020

#COVIDー19 UP sets up another bench mark in a single day sample testing by conducting 54207 tests during the last 24 hours. In UP, 1379534 samples have been tested so far @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @myogiadityanath @ShishirGoUP

— Namita_TNIE (@Namita_TNIE) July 17, 2020

Passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Jun 2020 were 351.78 lakhs as against 706.60 lakhs during the same period of previous year thereby registering annual growth of -50.22% and monthly growth of -83.50 %, DGCA traffic data. @TheMornStandard @NewIndianXpress

— kumar vikram (@KrVikram_TNIE) July 17, 2020

Passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Jun 2020 were 351.78 lakhs as against 706.60 lakhs during the same period of previous year thereby registering annual growth of -50.22% and monthly growth of -83.50 %, DGCA traffic data. @TheMornStandard @NewIndianXpress

— kumar vikram (@KrVikram_TNIE) July 17, 2020

Medical staff are seen collecting nasal and throat swab samples from the public for testing for the presence of #COVID19 at Bagh Amberpet Primary Health Centre in Hyderabad.

Express Photos | @Vinaymadapu @XpressHyderabad pic.twitter.com/R6jEUJPf55

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 17, 2020

In a major decision to overcome the shortage of doctors amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Telangana government has decided to absorb 1,200 PG medical students in the state in government hospitals. Besides, the state government on Friday decided to fill 200 doctors' vacancies in primary health centres (PHCs). All the medical and health staff would continue get 10 per cent extra salary as a COVID incentive. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

 (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

◾Actual caseload of #COVID19 patients in the country is only 3.42 lakhs

◾Recovered Cases are 6.35 lakh and increasing

◾Less than 1% cases on Ventilators, less than 2% cases in ICUs & less than 3% cases on Oxygen Beds

Details: https://t.co/z9838Pfdsm

— PIB India (@PIB_India) July 17, 2020

Spouse/next of kin of deceased ASHA workers, who succumbs to COVID-19 in line of duty under active deployment, shall continue to receive Rs 5,000 per month till the date they would have attained the age of 60 years had they survived: Odisha Government

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

Human trial with Corona vaccine (COVAXIN) of Bharat Biotech started at PGI Rohtak today. Three subjects were enrolled today. All have tolerated the vaccine very well. There were no adverse efforts: Anil Vij, Haryana Health Minister #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/uqQSpjKd4K

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

To curb the spread of #COVID19, it has been decided to impose lockdown on Saturdays and Sundays in the state. Guidelines for the same to be issued soon: Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat (File pic) pic.twitter.com/zoWdVRdSvT

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

#COVIDUpdates: AP recorded a single day highest spike for the third consecutive day with 2,602 (8-other states, 2-FR) new cases in the last 24 hours. 42 deaths were recorded taking the toll to 534.@NewIndianXpress @Kalyan_TNIE #coronavirus #COVID19 #Andhra pic.twitter.com/WoUpmvhbgg

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) July 17, 2020

Himachal Pradesh detects seven new COVID-19 positive cases today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,384 including 375 active cases, 985 recoveries and nine deaths.

People are still not aware and wandering outside their houses aimlessly. Keeping this in view, government may extend the lockdown by a week to contain the spread of COVID-19: Bengaluru Mayor Goutham Kumar https://t.co/b1DoOpxSTo

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

Puducherry reported 91 new COVID-19 cases and three deaths in the last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 1,832 including 1,014 recoveries and 25 deaths

It's the month of #Aadi! Despite temples being closed due to the #COVID19 pandemic, devotees reached various temples to offer their prayers in Chennai.

Express Photos | @haisat2005 @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/snSocW8Mpw

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 17, 2020

It will be better if we get more time to tackle COVID-19 cases, we wish for the extension of lockdown for one more week. We have given the proposal to government: M Goutham Kumar, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) Mayor.

West Bengal: Streets wear a deserted look in Siliguri as the city observes complete lockdown in view of rising cases of COVID-19.

Complete lockdown in 47 wards of Siliguri Municipal Corporation has been announced for 7 days, starting July 16. pic.twitter.com/5XAUBqGxr6

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

Patients practice yoga at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas Center, which is temporarily converted into a #COVID19 care centre, in New Delhi.
Express video. @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/Sdc24KYRhR

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 17, 2020

718 new #COVID19 cases (479 in quarantine, 239 local contacts), 6 die (4 Covid, 2 non-Covid) in #Odisha

Total cases: 16110
Samples tested yesterday: 7818
Positivity rate: 9.18%

Ganjam 231
Khurda 150
Malkangiri 54
Cuttack 32
Keonjhar 28
Koraput 27@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress

— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 17, 2020

Goa: Streets in Panaji wear a deserted look as the state observes lockdown in view of rising cases of COVID-19.

The state government has announced 'Janata Curfew' between 8 pm and 6 am till August 10 and complete lockdown for three days on Friday, Saturday and Sunday this week. pic.twitter.com/P4HdKBH0Ml

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) writes to all states and UTs to apply to obtain district-wise login credentials for data entry of testing data into ICMR portal.

Haryana Government allows state government employees with physical disabilities of 50% or above and also those who are totally vision impaired to work from home.

Rajasthan Government issues directions to all district & police authorities in the State for 'strict compliance of common prescriptions regarding social distancing and regulation of inter-state movement of persons'. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/JxX83zwgbc

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

892 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Assam on July 16. Total cases stand at 20,646 including 13,554 recovered, 7,039 active cases and 50 deaths: State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Thiruvananthapuram: Social distancing norms were violated as students and their parents gathered outside a Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) examination centre in Pattom. (16.07.2020) pic.twitter.com/fxh38q34xU

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Lucknow:Anuj Sharma&his team at APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University claim they've developed currency note disinfection cum counting machine.He says,"It costed Rs 14-15 thousand to build prototype, can be slightly higher for commercial production as we'll ensure quality." (16.07) pic.twitter.com/6JyX63b7xh

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) July 16, 2020

Bihar: Few authorized persons were allowed to enter Patna Court complex as the entry of other persons including staff members has been restricted in view of lockdown imposed in the State from 16th to 23rd July. (16.07.2020) pic.twitter.com/qtGgsxZZan

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Himachal Pradesh: Services resumed at Kullu Manali Airport in Bhuntar. Airport Director Neeraj Kumar Srivastava said, "A flight carrying 12 passengers from Delhi arrived here and 2 passengers departed for Delhi" (16.07.2020) pic.twitter.com/YkhUSVxdjY

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Bengaluru:Karnataka Medical Education Min K Sudhakar held a meeting through video conference with private/govt establishments involved in testing&treatment of COVID-19 in State, y'day.

Total 51,422 cases including 19,729 recoveries&1032 deaths were reported in State till y'day. pic.twitter.com/ElZT36g4qU

— ANI (@ANI) July 17, 2020

(File Photo | EPS)

Rajasthan Government issues directions to all district & police authorities in the State for 'strict compliance of common prescriptions regarding social distancing and regulation of inter-state movement of persons'. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/JxX83zwgbc

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

• The streets of Goa wore a deserted look after 8 pm on Thursday as the state observed 'Janata Curfew' to curb the spread of coronavirus
• The state government has announced Janata Curfew between 8 pm to 6 am till August 10
• Besides, lockdown will be in force on July 17, 18 and 19
• During the Janata Curfew, movement for all non- essential activities has been prohibited
• Ahead of lockdown, people thronged markets across the state to stock essentials

(Inputs from PTI)

Telangana crosses 40k mark with 1676 cases of COVID
The Test Positivity Rate is now at 18.85%
Death toll 396 with 10 new deaths reported #TelanganaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/wgVC0Ma0hV

— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) July 16, 2020

A Delhi Court Thursday dismissed a plea seeking lodging of an FIR against yoga guru Baba Ramdev and others for allegedly cheating people by falsely claiming that his firm Patanjali has found a cure for COVID-19, noting one case has already been registered.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Metro trains stand parked at a yard after services were closed for commuters in the wake of coronavirus pandemic in New Delhi. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav, EPS)

The national capital added 1,652 new coronavirus patients to its tally on Thursday, authorities said as the daily case load remained in the range of 1,000-2,000 for the sixth consecutive day. With the number of active cases declining steadily, the recovery rate stood at over 82 per cent.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

There are over 20 families engaged in keeping alive the legacy of making traditional Ganesha idols using clay in Mysuru. Usually, during festival time, they get a handful of orders and come together to make idols and earn their livelihoods. But this year, thanks to COVID-19, the demand for big idols has dried up.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

• With 919 new coronavirus cases, Gujarat's tally breached the 45,000-mark on Thursday, while 10 more patients succumbed to the infection, said the state health department
• After the addition of 919 new cases in the last 24 hours - the second highest single-day spike so far, the tally went up to 45,567
• As many as 10 persons with COVID-19 infection died across the state, taking the toll to 2,091, it said

(Inputs from PTI)

42-year-old P Raja who is living alone in Egmore is experiencing just that. Since his wife and daughter left for Madurai just before the lockdown, he has been staying alone. "Volunteers come and drop the materials and leave. I have not even spoken to anyone properly since my phone too is under repair." he said.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

West Bengal

• Total positive cases: 36,117
• Active cases: 13,679
• Death Toll: 1,023
• Discharged: 21,415
• Total tests done: 6,63,108
• Note: 1,690 tested positive and 24 died in past 24 hours

(Inputs from ENS)

In a new development, the State government on Wednesday gave its approval to test the efficacy of the BCG vaccine in reducing Covid mortality among the elderly.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy requests people to cooperate so that tracing and testing can be comprehensive in these four districts @NewIndianXpress @XpressOdisha

— Siba Mohanty (@Siba_TNIE) July 16, 2020

Chennai alone recorded 1,157 cases and 23 deaths. Among Chennai’s neighbouring districts, Chengalpattu recorded 179 cases, Kancheepuram 67 and Tiruvallur 526, the highest single day tally in the district.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

TN Minister Nilofer Kafeel @DrNiloferKafeel tests positive for Covid, her husband and son have already turned positive, sources @xpresstn

— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) July 16, 2020

While much attention will be on the IPL, it is learnt that a decision on the tournament will be taken only next week, after the International Cricket Council’s Board meeting on Monday. The FTP will see a few changes. There are chances that the five-Test series against England in February-March will be reduced to three, in order to accommodate more limited-over fixtures.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Bihar

• Total cases: 21,558
• Deaths: 167
• Recovered cases:14,101
• Active cases: 7,289

Jammu and Kashmir

• New cases: 490
• Total cases:12,156
• Death toll: 222
• Active cases: 5,488
• Recovered cases: 6,446

Uttar Pradesh

• Total cases: 42,395
• New cases: 2,083
• Active cases: 15,720
• Recovered patients: 26,675
• Death toll: 1,046
• Total samples tested in last 24 hours: 48,085

(Inputs from ENS)

People donating plasma to Covid-19 patients in Assam may get preferential treatment in job interviews and government facilities in the future, state’s Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Thursday.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

In Maharashtra, total 2,84,281 #covid 19 positive patients, 11,194 deaths and 1,58,140 recovery. Today, 8641 new cases, 266 deaths and 5527 recovery reported. @NewIndianXpress @Sunday_Standard

— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) July 16, 2020

For COVID-19, the RT-PCR method is standard but time consuming and so this test is done in parallel for quicker results, Corporation Commissioner G Prakash said.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Karnataka records highest ever number of #COVID19 cases & deaths with 4,169 cases & 104 deaths on Thursday. Death toll crosses 1000-mark.
2344 cases in B'luru alone

State's tally- 51,422
Active cases- 30,655
Deaths- 1032-6
Discharges- 19,729@NewIndianXpress@santwana99 pic.twitter.com/HiJuvjzgJd

— Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) July 16, 2020

In a unique initiative, the Bihar Pradesh Marawari (Bihar Regional Marwari Conference) has started an Oxygen Cylinder Bank (OCB) in Patna to provide free oxygen cylinders to home quarantined Covid-19 patients.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The number of #COVID19 cases is increasing in India because of the huge population of our country. But, we have a good recovery rate and the mortality rate is also very low: Randeep Guleria, AIIMS Director pic.twitter.com/1EA5QSbmRs

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Rao had been admitted to the Sir JJ hospital on July 13 after his health deteriorated in jail and following repeated pleas from his family. A routine swab test done on July 14 confirmed he was COVID-19 positive on July 16 evening. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

#COVID19 UP UPDATE
Total cases : 42395
Fresh cases in last 24 hrs: 2083
Active cases : 15720
No of patients recovered: 26675
Deaths: 1046
Total samples tested in last 24 hrs : 48085@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard @myogiadityanath @ShishirGoUP

— Namita_TNIE (@Namita_TNIE) July 16, 2020

#Fitness industry is hit hard by the spread of #COVID19 & #lockdown. With #India looking forward to #unlock3 the stakeholders request @IndianGovtt to reopen the sector.@Murthy_TNIE brings you more details@NewIndianXpress @Kalyan_TNIE #coronavirus #health #immunitybooster pic.twitter.com/UGlwqfwrzZ

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) July 16, 2020

Delhi reduces RT-PCR tests, around 20K tests done.
1652 new #COVID19 cases registered in past 24hours. 1994 recovered. 58 more fatalities. Active cases at 17k +.
Cumulative cases 1.18 lac +@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard #CoronaUpdatesInIndia pic.twitter.com/tiXNF5zLgm

— Somrita Ghosh (@Somrita_Ghosh) July 16, 2020

CM @vijayanpinarayi on state's #Covid19 strategy:
Not going for total lockdown as of now; will consider that option only if needed. Right now, the strategy is cluster management. But it will succeed only with people's cooperation, he says. @xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— Sovi Vidyadharan (@sovividyadharan) July 16, 2020

5,105 Covid patients discharged today taking the total to 1,07,416.

However, death toll continues to be a cause of worry - 69 died today - Total so far 2,236

Active cases till date: 46,714

New cases: 4,549@xpresstn @NewIndianXpress

— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) July 16, 2020

For moderate sickness requiring isolation beds, including supportive care and oxygen, the rates per day are fixed at Rs 10,000 for all private medical colleges or NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) private hospitals with teaching programme, the government said in a statement. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

722 new #COVID19 cases in Kerala

481 through contact
(34 cases without origin)
157 from abroad
62 other states
12 health workers
05 BSF
03 ITBP
02 death

Total cases-10275
Active cases-5372@NewIndianXpress @xpresskerala

— Raam Das (@PRamdas_TNIE) July 16, 2020

Some wrong info is being circulated on social media regarding #COVID19 in Goa. So, today in meeting, we gave right info to Governor. Guv praised our ongoing efforts to control spread of virus&said that social media,electronic media&print media is presenting wrong picture: Goa CM pic.twitter.com/vCVEBLVU4l

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

The Madras High Court on Thursday directed the state government to test all 800 inmates in the Institute of Mental Health, Kilpauk including the staff within one week.  The Court Issued detailed directions in providing exclusive care and treatment to each of the inmates if they test positive, (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Out of the total cases, 6,12,814 have been cured so far, while 3,31,146 are currently active. In the past 24 hours, 20,783 patients were declared cured, taking India's recovery rate to 63.25 per cent. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The Meghalaya government has decided to close all entry points to the state from July 24 to 31 to intensify COVID-19 surveillance, as its caseload rose to 354 on Thursday with 16 more security personnel testing positive for the infection, officials said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

#COVID19 testing capacity to be increased to 10 lakh tests per day over next 3 months, says @drharshvardhan. #India, as of now, is testing nearly 3.25 lakh samples per day to detect fresh #Covid_19 cases @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard #IndiaCovidUpdates

— Sumi Dutta (@SumiSukanya) July 16, 2020

Russia plans to produce 30 million doses of an experimental #COVID19 vaccine domestically this year, with the potential to manufacture a further 170 million abroad: Reuters.

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Customs wing arrests two more persons in Kerala gold smuggling case, Kerala reports another COVID death and more news updates. @Manojexpress brings the details@NewIndianXpress @MSKiranPrakash@xpresskerala pic.twitter.com/hYkTaGKK3g

— TNIE Kerala (@xpresskerala) July 16, 2020

Air bubbles have been created with few Countries like USA and France. More Countries may join, says Aviation minister Hardeep Puri. @NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard

— kumar vikram (@KrVikram_TNIE) July 16, 2020

American carriers will be flying 18 flights to India between July 17 and July 31: Aviation Minister

Medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar said doctors neglecting duty, violating norms will be suspended. Volunteers join hands with police to enforce strict lockdown.@BoskyKhanna and @vinodkumart give the updates
Editing @MeghanaSastry.@santwana99 pic.twitter.com/T4ozdcGA9b

— TNIE Karnataka (@XpressBengaluru) July 16, 2020

#COVIDUpdates: AP recorded as many as 2,593 (9-other states) new cases in the last 24 hours taking the #COVID tally of the state to 38,044. 40 deaths were recorded and the toll stands at 492.@NewIndianXpress @Kalyan_TNIE #coronavirus #COVID__19 #Andhra pic.twitter.com/gpp3DRt9P5

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) July 16, 2020

Andhra Pradesh: 14 priests of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have tested positive for #COVID19. Anil Kumar Singhal, Executive officer of TTD today held a meeting with temple priests, health and vigilance officials. pic.twitter.com/vwSXPpdeUI

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Former minister and Samajwadi party leader Ghoora Ram died of coronavirus early Thursday morning at the King George's Medical University in Lucknow, his family said. According to the SP leader's son Santosh Kumar, he was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after he complained of a cough and difficulty in breathing.

he Department of Biotechnology under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology has announced that ZyCoV-D, the plasmid DNA vaccine candidate designed and developed by Zydus, has entered Phase I/II clinical trials. This makes it the first indigenously developed vaccine candidate for COVID-19 to be administered to humans in India.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Hug with responsibility: Students follow social distancing and share a #COVID19 hug after checking #12thExamResult in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore.
Express photos | @Rajaclicks. @xpresstn @shibasahu2012 pic.twitter.com/Jew0BNUyxK

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 16, 2020

"A passenger who had arrived in Kolkata from Delhi via Guwahati on a SpiceJet flight on July 14 was found to be carrying his test report showing him to be COVID-19 positive. During the thermal screening, his temperature had come out normal," the Kolkata Airport Director informed. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Third suicide at the #COVID ward of Thiruvananthapuram Medical College. A Kollam native who was under observation after coming into contact with a Covid patient via @IS_Gopika_TNIE @xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— anil s anilan (@anilsanilan) July 16, 2020

Students who got promoted to Class 12 were given laptops with all the lessons in-built at Government girls High school in Chennai's Ashok Nagar.
Express video | @ashwinacharya05.@xpresstn @shibasahu2012 pic.twitter.com/rSHyTDiijk

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) July 16, 2020

• Universities were approached to inform the status of the conduct of examination. Response received from 640 universities.
• Out of these, 454 have either conducted the examination or are planning to conduct.
• 177 universities are yet to decide on the conduct of examination. I
• n case of 27 private universities, which were established during 2019-20 to till date, the first batch is yet to become eligible for final examination.

Bihar: Shops closed & streets deserted as lockdown is being observed in Patna today. The state government has imposed a lockdown in the state from today till 31st July due to rise in #COVID19 cases. pic.twitter.com/id80AaEJmT

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

A passenger who had arrived in Kolkata from Delhi via Guwahati on a SpiceJet flight on 14th July was found to be carrying his test report showing him to be COVID-19 positive. During thermal screening, his temperature had come out normal: Kolkata Airport Director.

Despite being such a largely populated nation, we can perhaps claim to have performed better than any other country. Today our fatality rate is 2.57% and recovery rate is 63.25%: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.

40 Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran due to COVID lockdown, returned to Tamil Nadu yesterday. These fisherman from Kanyakumari, Nagapattinam, Thuthukudi, Ramanathapuram ,Nagapattinam, Cudallore, Thirunelveli were handed over to respective district officials. They will be quarantined for 14 days.

Karnataka: Police personnel check IDs of commuters in Bengaluru. Lockdown has been imposed in the city for 7 days with effect from 8 pm on 14th July till 5 am on 22nd July, to curb the spread of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/8bComiOsr1

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

#Odisha reports 494 new #COVID19 cases (322 in quarantine, 172 local contacts), tally crosses 15000 mark.

Samples tested in last 24 hrs: 8096
Total samples: 3,61,920
Total cases: 15,392

Ganjam 246
Khurda 64
Cuttack 38
Balasore 21
Nayagarh 16@XpressOdisha @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/ScAW9MY6hj

— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 16, 2020

Volunteers converting Greenfield stadium complex in Karyavattom into a Covid first-line treatment centre. The 750-bed facility is coming after @vijayanpinarayi spoke about the spike in Covid-19 cases in Thiruvananthapuram. @NewIndianXpress @xpresskerala pic.twitter.com/RJYauvtaY9

— Unnikrishnan (@unitune6) July 16, 2020

143 new #COVID19 positive cases and 4 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan till 10.30 am today. Total number of cases stand at 26580 including 6459 active cases and 534 deaths: State Health Department pic.twitter.com/f3vVhBTY84

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Gurugram: Local shop owners in Sadar Bazaar claim Municipal Corporation issues them hefty fines & seal their shops allegedly for land encroachment. Vice President, Sadar Bazar Association says, "We abide by guidelines still receive hefty fines. We will break this seal & work." pic.twitter.com/Vx1QVviMbm

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Maharashtra: Police check vehicles in Pune amid lockdown that has been imposed here from 13th to 23rd July in the wake of #COVID19 pandemic.

The lockdown is being imposed in two phases here - first phase from 13th to 18th July and the second phase from 18th to 23rd July. pic.twitter.com/5KJ19aMBnx

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Air Traffic Control (ATC) shall not allow the arrival unless the approval is provided to them: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) https://t.co/M8XT32gZAB

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

31 people holding a social gathering at a restaurant in Paschim Vihar were detained by police yesterday for indulging in drinking alcohol, in contravention of the conditions of lockdown. Case registered, further investigation on.

Kerala: A #COVID19 treatment centre with over 1000 beds has been set up at Calicut University in Malappuram. K Gopalakrishnan, District Collector, Malappuram says, "Patients who have tested positive but don't have any symptom will be treated here." (15.07.2020) pic.twitter.com/VWV2DGNwci

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2020

Odisha:Classical dance&music learners are attending online classes to continue their practice.Sangeeta Gosain,CEO,Odissi research centre,Bhubaneswar says,"Many webinars are being done.Some are very good&useful.However,some are below standard,but you can't control." (15.07) #COVID pic.twitter.com/VkyMud271B

— ANI (@ANI) July 15, 2020

Chhattisgarh:Congress MP Phulo Devi Netam was seen cultivating paddy at her village in Kondagaon.She says,"I come from family of farmers. It gives me solace to work here.Many people are saying there's labour shortage due to #COVID.There's no shame in doing our own work." (15.07) pic.twitter.com/zbJPACeAMq

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

29 new COVID-19 positive cases confirmed in the state in last 24 hours, taking the total positive cases' tally to 267 including 159 cured/discharged: Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram.

Bihar: Movement of vehicles continue near Chandani Chowk in Muzaffarpur dist amid the lockdown imposed in the state from 16th to 31st July.

All transport suspended in state except taxis-autos, pvt vehicles for permitted activities,essential service providers& transport of goods pic.twitter.com/wcRbdQWlFC

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Karnataka: Lockdown being observed in the Dakshina Kannada district. A week-long lockdown has been imposed in the district starting from today till July 23 with relaxation hours between 8 am to 11 am. Visuals from Mangaluru. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/Iuo6KrwTKR

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

Entry to the Court complex shall be restricted to very few authorised persons and other persons including staff are not required to come to the office from 16th July to 23rd July in view of the lockdown in Bihar from 16th July: Patna High Court. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/3a96h6Zzit

— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2020

#BigBreaking: Convalescent #PlasmaTherapy begins in #Odisha. After 4 recovered persons including a doctor donate plasma of different blood groups at SCB MCH, Cuttack, one unit of B +ve plasma transfused to a 48-year-old #COVID19 patient at Ashwini Covid Hospital. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/cTh9ycq84Q

— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) July 16, 2020

For the first time, Karnataka witnessed a record hike in COVID-19 with over 3,000 people testing positive in the last 24 hours. With this, the state tally reached 47,253, making it the state with fourth highest caseload in the country. (READ THE HIGHLIGHTS HERE)