COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | 7 foreigners test positive in Telangana, total cases rise to 169

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation on Thursday 8 p.m. and will talk about issues relating to the pandemic diseases and the efforts to combat it, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) announced on Wednesday. ( READ FULL STORY HERE)

Devender Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police (South West): A suspected #COVID19 patient committed suicide by jumping from the Safdarjung Hospital. The deceased has been identified as Tanveer Singh, he was admitted to hospital today at 9 pm after returning from Sydney, Australia. https://t.co/KYy3MvkYVv pic.twitter.com/TnQDiitboC

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

• Ongoing CBSE class 10th &12 exams to be rescheduled after March 31
• All ongoing examinations including University exams to be rescheduled after March 31
• JEE mains examination to be rescheduled & new date will be announced on March 31 after re-assessment of the situation since the examination may require travel by examinees to different towns & the dates may clash with rescheduled CBSE, other board exams

3 people have tested positive for Coronavirus in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu today.

• Passengers coming/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman & Kuwait after March 18 (port of departure) to be quarantined upon arrival for 14 days.
• Those who have visited China, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France & Germany on/after Feb 15 to be quarantined.
• Indians coming from South Korea are required to produce negative #COVID19 certificate to come to the country.

Maharashtra Government: It has been decided that offices will continue on a day-to-day basis, accounting for 50% of the workforce. Besides, it has been suggested to try to operate 50% passenger capacity of the public transport system including rail, buses & metro. pic.twitter.com/WIaezJeCOG

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Section 144 (prohibiting assembly of more than 4 people in an area) has been imposed across the state, to avoid gathering of people in view of Coronavirus Pandemic.

Public Health Department, Maharashtra: A 50-year-old person has tested positive for #Coronavirus in Ratnagiri today; the person has a travel history to Dubai. Total number of positive cases reaches 45 in Maharashtra.

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Maharashtra: One more person has tested positive for #Coronavirus in Pimpri-Chinchwad; the person has a travel history to Philippines. Total number of positive cases reaches 19 in Pune and 44 in Maharashtra.

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

The cop, who hails from Amburi in Thiruvananthapuram, was kept in the isolation ward after it came to the Health Department's notice that he had been to Ranni very recently. Ranni was badly affected as a slew of COVID-19 cases were reported from there. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Banerjee also instructed police to take stern action against those who spread fake news on the coronavirus outbreak. "We don't support if somebody tries to hide his/her symptoms and doesn't take precautionary measures. If people show any symptom of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease), they should immediately go for tests and medical examination," the chief minister said.

No fresh Covid-19 case reported in Kerala on Wednesday. 25 k people are under surveillance in the state as on Wednesday. @NewIndianXpress @xpresskerala

— Dhinesh Kallungal (@Dinesh_TNIE) March 18, 2020

Sixteen trains have been cancelled due to the fear of coronavirus pandemic, according to a release from the Southern Railways. 

CLICK HERE TO READ DETAILS OF CANCELLED AND RESCHEDULED TRAINS

While all the major religious congregations being cancelled due to the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country, the Varanasi district administration has also decided to ban the entry of devotees in famous Ganga Arti. The Aarti has also been downgraded where instead of seven, only one person would perform it.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Close to 195 Indians from Iran were brought to Jaisalmer by a special plane on Wednesday evening. The passengers were screened at the Airport and shifted to the Army Wellness Facility at Jaisalmer Military Station. With the arrival of this batch of evacuees, the total number of quarantined people housed at the Army Wellness Facility in Jaisalmer Military Station has increased to 484. Army authorities have confirmed that all the quarantined persons are stable. 

As the number of coronavirus patients in India is surging, those developing serious complications are being given a combination of anti-HIV and anti-malaria medicines along with Tamiflu — an antiviral drug used in the treatment, However, most patients are being treated with antipyretics.

 The number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases reached nine in the national capital after a resident of L Block, Dilshad Garden tested positive on Wednesday. "A woman (38) who has returned from Saudi Arabia has been tested positive. Her two daughters (25) (26) who have shown symptoms have been put in isolation at the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital while the patient has also been shifted to the same hospital. Her son has been asked to self-quarantine at his home as he is asymptomatic for now," Pankaj Bhatnagar, SDM Seemapuri said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

#Coronaupdate: #RGGH, Chennai reports the 2nd positive case for #Covid19. The Pt hails from Delhi, is in isolation & stable is under the observation of the expert team treating #Covid19. #TNHealth @MoHFW_INDIA #Vijayabaskar

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 18, 2020

 All Indian airlines will report significant losses in the first quarter of this year and may initially ground around 150 planes as the shock from the coronavirus pandemic will be "far deeper and much longer", according to a report.

Aviation advisory firm CAPA India on Wednesday said even before COVID-19 (coronavirus) appeared on the scene, most Indian carriers already had very strained balance sheets and almost no liquidity.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

A Delhi government employee association on Wednesday met Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and demanded the closure of all government offices for a week in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Umesh Batra, general secretary of the Delhi government Welfare Association, said around 2.5 lakh people are employed with the Delhi government and most of them are engaged in public dealings.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

The planet is challenging the human race, asking us if we can be responsible towards the society, it’s asking us if we can be honest and confine ourselves for another persons sake. some very difficult questions to answer. Stay safe and answer the questions #coronavirusindia

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) March 18, 2020

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Passengers using the handwashing kiosk set up as part of #Kerala government's 'Break The Chain' campaign at Ernakulam Junction Railway Station.
Express photo by @sanesh_TNIE#BreakTheChain #coronavirusindia #CoronavirusOutbreak pic.twitter.com/n4wbLjTQFk

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 18, 2020

In an audio clip, Baskar claimed the coronavirus outbreak is reportedly a depopulation measure across the globe as per directions given by ‘Illuminati’. Commenting on the state government’s order to close down educational institutions malls and theatres, Baskar claimed the people isolated would be eliminated later on.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

A few senior West Bengal government officials, including Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay, were asked to stay at home after they came in contact with an officer whose son tested positive for coronavirus, sources said on Wednesday.

The officials came in contact on Monday with the woman officer of the home department whose son tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the UK.

READ FULL REPORT

#COVID19 #coronaupdateswithTNIE #karnataka reports another positive case. Takes total to 14: medical Edn Minister @mla_sudhakar. @XpressBengaluru @santwana99 @DHFWKA @NewIndianXpress

— Chetana Belagere (@chetanabelagere) March 18, 2020

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has asked manufacturers and importers of surgical and protective masks, gloves and hand sanitisers to furnish information regarding these items by the end of the day, failing which it will have to take coercive action.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Quick aggressive action is the answer to tackling the #Coronavirus . India is going to pay an extremely heavy price for our governments inability to act decisively.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 18, 2020

The cricketing world has come to a standstill due to the coronavirus outbreak which means that the members of the Indian cricket team have got a break from their unrelenting schedule. The second and third match of the ODI series against South Africa were called off due to the outbreak of the viral pandemic and away from the cricket field, the players have been posting messages and updates on social media.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

 According to police officials, 40-year-old Narayan Chatterjee, a local party worker of Jorasakho area in North Kolkata, had on Monday organised a cow-worship programme at a cowshed and distributed cow urine.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Former Union minister and BJP MP Suresh Prabhu has self quarantined himself at his residence for the next 14 days, as a precautionary measure following his return from Saudi Arabia to attend a meeting on March 10.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

UPDATE: We now advise against all non-essential travel overseas.

Acting 🇬🇧 High Commissioner to 🇮🇳@JanThompsonFCO talks about the implications of #Coronavirus for British Nationals currently in, or planning to travel to India.

Follow @FCOtravel

👉https://t.co/F4EhI9YcSx pic.twitter.com/ET0SFdx9db

— UK in India🇬🇧🇮🇳 (@UKinIndia) March 17, 2020

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Wednesday announced the closure of seven major daily markets in the city after 6 pm to prevent unnecessary gathering. The order will come into effect from Thursday. As per BMC’s order the daily markets of Unit I, Unit II, Saheed Nagar, Old Town, Damana along with Ruchika market and Indradhanu market will now function for 12 hours, from 6am to 6pm, every day till March-end.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

I have registered my sister’s details in the Government portal for persons coming from abroad. I appeal all of you to also register details about your family members and friends coming from abroad. This will help protect #Odisha from #CoronaVirus#Register4Covid19SafeOdisha

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 18, 2020

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights on Wednesday wrote to the District Magistrate of South East Delhi to submit a report regarding the assembly of people in Shaheen Bagh protest site amidst the coronavirus outbreak.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Swiss firm Roche Diagnostics India received the license for conducting coronavirus tests after approval from drug regulator DCGI, making it the first private firm to get such permission after the government decided to allow accredited private labs to test for COVID-19. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Two persons, including a medical student, with symptoms of cold, fever and sore throat in Vellore city, have been admitted at the isolation ward in Government Vellore Medical College Hospital (GVMCH), sources said.

The medical student, pursuing the third year at the Govt Vellore Medical College, has been staying at the college hostel, the sources stated, adding that she was admitted at the isolation ward in the GVMCH on Wednesday following cold, fever and sore throat.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Dozens of women assembled on Wednesday morning in Patna's Kankar bagh with the Hindu priests and started putting organic disinfectants in the alter of fire called "Havan". This was initiated by the women associated with the Middle Income Welfare Association in Kankarbagh.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

#Telangana has recorded it's sixth positive case of #Coronavirus in the state. Person has travel history from UK. #coronavirusindia #covidindia #Hyderabad

— Oishani Mojumder (@Oishani_TNIE) March 18, 2020

CBSE issues guidelines for the rest of the board examinations, says each center superintendent should ensure that candidates are seated at a distance of one meter from each other and masks are provided to candidates who cough/sneeze.  

#COVID19 #JammuAndKashmir
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been closed from today.
Operations of All Inter State Buses - Incoming and Outgoing from J&K, banned from today.@ANI @PIB_India @DDNewslive @airnewsalerts @kansalrohit69

— DIPR-J&K (@diprjk) March 18, 2020

The South African cricket team has been asked to self-quarantine for the next 14 days after returning midway from an ODI tour of India due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket South Africa's chief medical officer, Dr Shuaib Manjra, was quoted as saying that the players have been told to isolate themselves and will be tested for the deadly virus in case any symptoms show up.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

 A petition was filed on Wednesday before a court here accusing Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan of failing to put a check on "black marketing" of face masks and hand sanitizers, the demand for which has spiked in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Social activist Tamanna Hashmi filed the petition before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Mukesh Kumar where it has been posted for hearing on March 30.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

#Chennai Corporation strongly reiterates that only big places like malls, theatres would be closed and not small scale shops selling fruits, vegetable, meat and fish. No common man’s life will be affected, civic body has said. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress #covidindia #COVID19

— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) March 18, 2020

For India’s homeless and urban poor who live in thousands of slums across major cities and towns, maintaining good hygiene can be nearly impossible.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, a campaign by Mitanin (rural health workers) in the rural areas across Ambikapur district in north Chhattisgarh, where women were educated on washing hands has gained global praise. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, much impressed with the steps taken on ‘SafeHands’ by the village community promoting hygiene practice in rural Ambikapur, had tweeted about it.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Ministry of External Affairs in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha: 276 Indians are infected with #coronavirus abroad including 255 in Iran, 12 in UAE, 5 in Italy, and 1 each in Hong Kong, Kuwait, Rwanda, and Sri Lanka. pic.twitter.com/Hk1GjJoXyT

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Gujarat: Sanitization of Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses is being undertaken as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/YJQfjcwtsF

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Gujarat: Sanitization of Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation buses is being undertaken as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/YJQfjcwtsF

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Two more COVID-19 cases have been registered in Bengaluru today, taking the total infected cases to 13. 56-year-old male, resident of Bengaluru returned from USA on 6th March. Another, 25-year-old female, who has returned from Spain.

A person, with a travel history to Indonesia, has tested positive for coronavirus. This is the fourth positive case of Coronavirus in Gautam Buddh Nagar: Chief Medical Officer, Gautam Buddh Nagar

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has been closed from today. Operations of all inter state buses, both incoming and outgoing from J&K, are banned from today: Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Indian Army has postponed all Services Selection Board batches commencing from 20th March onwards till further orders in view of COVID-19 outbreak.

Health Minister KK Shailaja has instructed all health department employees including doctors on leave to join back immediately in the wake of COVID-19 scare. "In view of the special situation in the state, all those who do not have a clear reason should immediately return to work. The state as a whole is waging a vigorous defense against COVID 19. All health workers should work together at this time," she said.The primary health centers (PHCs) have also been instructed to operate until 6 pm. More doctors will be hired on a temporary basis.

Two more people on Wednesday were tested positive for coronavirus in Ladakh, taking the cases of the deadly virus in the Union Territory to eight. Both the COVID-19 positive patients are the relatives of people who were previously tested positive for the disease. (READ MORE)

A security official checks the temperature of Vice president @MVenkaiahNaidu as a precaution against the #coronavirus at the #ParliamentHouse in New Delhi on Wednesday. @NewIndianXpress #coronavirusindia #budgetsession2020 pic.twitter.com/hXBuYvrvcE

— Shekhar Yadav (@Shekharyadav02) March 18, 2020

Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday said a Norway national in the state has tested positive for novel coronavirus but shortly afterwards retracted the remarks. Rane said the earlier information was based on a 'hoax call' to the concerned nodal officer. (READ MORE)

The novel coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for days or in the air for several hours, according to a US-government funded study published Tuesday. Scientists found that the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease had similar levels of viability outside the body to its predecessor that caused SARS. (ALSO READ)

#TNIE copy given along with breakfast for people in the isolation ward at Government Medical College Kalamassery #covidindia #Kerala #COVID2019 @xpresskerala pic.twitter.com/YV4qz1SBqv

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 18, 2020

Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers: All manufacturers/importers are directed to furnish info for surgical & protective masks, gloves and sanitisers in the attached Form I, Form II & Form III to National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority at an early date, not later then 17th March pic.twitter.com/uAuFOyEV6a

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Senior Congress leader #PChidambaram wears a face mask as a preventive measure against the #COVID19 at Parliament.#Coronavirus
Express photos by @Shekharyadav02. pic.twitter.com/eRxep1QPl6

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 18, 2020

Indian Army has quarantined all the soldiers and colleagues of the Ladakh Scouts jawan who has tested positive for #COVID-19 in Ladakh. The jawan was attached to the Ladakh Scouts Regimental Centre in Leh: Army sources

Delhi High Court says that it will consider the petition seeking court's direction to issue a direction for practice, stipulating that video conferencing be allowed for advocates and also allow courts to function in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

A junior doctor in Lucknow has tested positive for coronavirus. The doctor was treating coronavirus patients. The doctor is stable and there is nothing to worry about: Incharge of the KGMU isolation ward Dr Sudhir Singh

#WATCH BJP Pres: BJP has issued a circular among its state units, over #Coronavirus, to spread awareness in small groups&tell people of the dos & donts. When PM held discussions with SAARC leaders,he had mentioned that we should be alert, maintain hygiene but steer clear of panic pic.twitter.com/wGMQXpYTce

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Punjab: Sanitization measures being taken at Ludhiana Railway Station as precautionary step to contain the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/tFMS6DOswE

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

PM Narendra Modi, yesterday in the Parliamentary party meeting, had desired that because of corona we should avoid any type of agitation, dharna, demonstration. Keeping that in view, BJP has decided that for next one month party won't participate in any agitation, demonstration. If it has to give any memorandum, 4-5 party office bearers will give the memorandum to the concerned officers or the political leader but avoid any type of conglomeration of people. All state units have been told about it, and a circular has been issued on this issue: BJP president JP Nadda

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Wednesday called an emergency cabinet meeting to discuss the coronavirus outbreak and indicated the lockdown in the state will continue. (READ MORE)

The FIR was registered against Vivek Kumar on Tuesday after a district administration team found him selling sub-standard masks and also black marketing them, in Babrala locality of Gunnaur area, Superintendent of Police Yamuna Prasad said. (READ MORE)

Amid rising concern over coronavirus situation, Amitabh Bachchan took to Twitter to share a picture of his hand with a 'Home Quarantined' stamp on it. Late Tuesday night, the actor tweeted a picture of his hand with a 'Home Quarantined' stamp on it. (READ MORE)

Police on Tuesday arrested three men from Gudiyattam for spreading fake news about the novel coronavirus through WhatsApp. The Gudiyattam town police arrested M Vijayan (19) of Nellorepet, M Sugumar (19) of Gandhi nagar, T Sivakumar (22) of Sethukarai, following a complaint lodged by a doctor from the Government Hospital in Gudiyattam. (READ MORE)

Tackling the scarcity of hand sanitisers, the Government Rajaji Hospital prepares an in-house hand sanitiser, taking help of the College of Pharmacy located at Madurai Medical College. (READ MORE)

The Telangana police department is at the forefront of spreading awareness on COVID-19 through social media campaigns, sending out advisories on precautions and effects of spreading fake news. However, when it comes to protecting their own field staff, who are constantly interacting with the public, the police department has been lackadaisical. (READ MORE)

Even as vegetable and poultry sales are plummeting due to the COVID-19 scare, liquor sale, despite the price hike, has remained constant in Telangana during the last 16 days. There has, in fact, been a marginal increase in liquor sales. (READ MORE)

The civic body will monitor the movements of the 1,000 people under home quarantine who had arrived in the city from China, Iran, Italy, Korea, France, Germany, Spain and other countries. This comes in the wake of reports of people escaping quarantine in Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and other states. (READ MORE)

While the Telangana state government states that it has recorded the fifth positive case of Coronavirus, the Union Ministry has claimed that there are six positive cases in Telangana, including two foreign nationals. (READ MORE)

Coronavirus fear has fuelled a mad rush for blood tests in Koraput district. People suffering from common cold are rushing to district headquarters hospital and Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital and demanding blood tests. (READ MORE)

The control room will remain operational till March 31. People suffering from fever, cough and difficulty in breathing can call the toll free number for any information on the virus. A vehicle has been provided to the control room to bring suspected cases to the hospital. Isolation wards have already been opened in the DHH. (READ MORE)

In what may come as music to those driving under intoxication, Odisha Police has decided to suspend breath analyser test temporarily to check coronavirus outbreak in Odisha. (READ MORE)

Praveen Kumar Singh and his family had planned a vacation to Mumbai after the examinations. A resident of the city, Singh has cancelled the group ticket after virus scare. Hundreds like Singh, who had planned their trips to Maharashtra cities like Pune, Mumbai and Nashik, and South India States where COVID-19 positive cases are on the rise, have started cancelling their tickets leading to a major drop in the number of passengers in long-distance trains. (READ MORE)

As per the order issued by the Housing and Urban Development department, the Rs 5 meal at these centres will be served from 10 am to 4 pm. People have been asked to maintain 1.5 metre distance from one another while standing in the queue. (READ MORE)

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that an expert committee would be constituted to assist the state government in preventing the spread of Covid-19. The government is in talks with doctors and scientists to join the initiative, Pinarayi told reporters after chairing a high-level meeting here on Tuesday. (READ MORE)

The all-out battle against Covid-19 will be further strengthened as the state health department will make use of the e-service ration card management system for its prevention and control activities. The details that will be made available through the system will be used by the department for preparing disease mapping. (READ MORE)

In a first in the country, two robots in Kerala will take up the fight against the deadly coronavirus epidemic. If all goes well, the machines can soon be found analysing people’s body temperatures and advising those with high temperature to consult the Health department. The robots from the Saya Bot series, developed by Kochi-based startup firm Asimov Robotics, are currently deployed at the entrance of the integrated startup complex in Kalamassery. (READ MORE)

75-year-old C Thaygarajan is perhaps more aware of the latest updates on Covid-19 than an average man on the street. An inmate of the government-run Care Home for the elderly at Pulayanarkotta in the capital, the septuagenarian reads newspapers and watches the news on the TV regularly to keep himself abreast of Covid-19. (READ MORE)

Keralites studying in universities across the country are a worried lot after they have been asked to vacate the campuses in 48 hours as part of Covid-19 vigil by the central government. (READ MORE)

Stung by the suffering of foreigners in the state in the backdrop of Coronavirus outbreak, Kerala has decided to take immediate steps to repatriate stranded foreign tourists. It is estimated around 5,600 foreign tourists are stuck in the state and they are facing a trust deficit with the local populace. (READ MORE)

Parol Zbignle’s first visit to India 35 years ago had an awkward start. The Polish national almost passed out seeing the huge crowd in New Delhi who had assembled to witness the Republic Day parade. A resident of Lublin, which is a part of Eastern Poland, Parol had never witnessed such a big crowd and that shock lingered for sometime till he found refuge on the silent beaches of Kovalam, away from the hurry burry of Thiruvananthapuram. (ALSO READ)

On a day that screening facilities were set up at major government offices and courts, Chief Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka asked the Advocate-General to draw the attention of the state government to the shortage of thermal sensors, surgical gloves, sanitizers and face masks in the market. (ALSO READ)

As many as 386 people reportedly came to Guntur from foreign countries on or before February 10, according to officials. Further, grama/ward volunteers were engaged in locating more persons who came to their native in the district from abroad. (READ MORE)

Panic gripped the Kurnool district police department as the constable, whose son is a research scholar in Germany, and had been put under observation at the Government General Hospital (GGH) with coronavirus symptoms, visited the district police headquarters. (ALSO READ)

In the wake of COVID-19 threat, the State government has initiated several measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is monitoring the situation, and based on his directions, the Chief Secretary has been holding meetings with heads of various departments. (ALSO READ)

IICT has taken up the task to develop active pharma ingredients (APIs) for the drug. When they are developed, it would be handed-over to Cipla, who would then manufacture the drugs. (ALSO READ)

States bordering Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday raised various issues with the Union Home Ministry concerning the coronavirus outbreak, including shortage of screening apparatus and lack of medical professionals to assist them. (READ MORE)

In view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, IIT Bombay has announced a virtual shutdown of its campus at Powai here till March 31. In the Tuesday night decision, the IIT-B decided to ask students to vacate hostels by March 20 evening. (READ MORE)

The Rajasthan government on Tuesday banned all gatherings at public places exceeding 50 people till March 31 to fight the coronavirus outbreak, said an official statement. (READ MORE)

Srikalahasti temple authorities in Chittoor have appealed to devotees to restrict their tours in view of coronavirus. Children below 12 years and senior citizens are advised to avoid visit. All paid services are cancelled. 'Laghu darsanam'(brief darsan) is allowed.

Punjab: Sanitization measures being taken at Ludhiana Railway Station as precautionary step to contain the spread of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/tFMS6DOswE

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

Government of Andhra Pradesh constitutes the following Inter-Departmental Coordination Committee with the Secretaries of Line Departments for concerted measurements to containment and surveillance of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/S60l0IGaAe

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

• As is true for the world at large, India's near-term macroeconomic outlook also vulnerable to disruption of trade with China and 2nd-round effects arising from an expected slowdown in global growth

• However, the latest available data on trade&indicators of domestic output don't suggest any adverse impact on the economy. Additionally, a positive impact on India's economy may arise from a decline in global oil prices triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19

• In order to address the possibility of trade-induced adverse impact on economy, the government's constantly engaging with Expert Promotion Councils&trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors where supply chains are sourcing imports from China

• These agencies put in touch with Indian Missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with existing suppliers. Indian Missions abroad have been asked to explore alternate sources of supply of raw material for supporting India's domestic production

• With regards to domestic availability of fertilisers, the impact of COVID19 seems to be negligible at juncture&situation of forthcoming fertiliser imports at various ports being observed closely

Delhi: Temperature of people are being checked with the help of thermometer gun at Parliament Gate as precautionary measure to contain the spread of #Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/RT4cmHdLCd

— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2020

One more person has tested positive for coronavirus in Pune. The person has travel history to France and Netherlands. Total number of positive cases reaches 18 in Pune and 42 in Maharashtra: Naval Kishore Ram, District Magistrate of Pune, Maharashtra

In touch with shipping company & US authorities regarding welfare of Indian crew on Grand Princess, they're required to undergo mandatory quarantine. We're extending necessary assistance&will facilitate their return on completion of quarantine: TS Sandhu, India's Ambassador to US

External Affairs Minister (EAM), Dr. S. Jaishankar met immigration, health, security, and airport officials of Delhi Airport tonight. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/R7P457QFzJ

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Hotels in Pune to remain closed till 20 March. G Shetty, President of Pune Restaurants & Hoteliers Association says, "Police requested us to halt operations, it's also our moral duty. There are 850 hotels in the city, in which around 25,000 people work".

66 premises, including coaching centers, schools, gyms, & bars sealed for violating state government order of closure till 31st March. Bonthu Rammohan, Mayor of Greater Hyderabad says, "18 special teams have been constituted for daily inspections".

Maharashtra: Central Railway has vinyl wrapped a 12 coach Mumbai local train with messages regarding #COVID19, in order to raise awareness among commuters. pic.twitter.com/mZ7WFsngFv

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Odisha: Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure imposed in Gajapati, Jagatsinghpur, Kandhamal, Bhadrak, and Mayurbhanj districts in view of COVID-19.

As a precautionary measure to curb the spread of coronavirus, the Army has postponed all training courses for its personnel which were scheduled to begin from March 23 onwards, officials said on Tuesday.

Almost 100 people have so far died from the coronavirus in the United States, Johns Hopkins University's real-time tracking map revealed.

The US death toll has reached 97 and there are a total of 5,894 cases recorded, according to the updated data on Tuesday.

Automobile major Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand will gradually suspend production at its European plants from Thursday for two weeks due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

According to the auto major, the move will impact plants operated by Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand for two weeks.

Iranian researchers have discovered a drug combination to heal the lesions in the lungs of COVID-19 patients, IRNA news agency quoted an Iranian health official as saying.

Mostafa Qanei, head of the scientific committee to combat COVID-19, said the "complex" is the combination of three medicines which could reduce the period of hospitalisation of the patients, Xinhua reported.

"Appreciate the difficult situation of Indian students and other passengers waiting in transit at Kuala Lumpur airport. We have now approved Air Asia flights for you to Delhi and Vizag," Jaishankar tweeted. "These are tough times and you should understand the precautions. Please contact the airline," he said.

A group of 40 European students have been quarantined on the campus of the International Sahaja Public School in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, officials said on Tuesday.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India issues guidelines for notifying #COVID19 affected persons by private institutions. pic.twitter.com/pMcozHWwJY

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

An Indian Army jawan from Ladakh, whose father had travelled to Iran for pilgrimage, has become the first positive case of Covid-19 in the 1.3 million-strong force. Senior Army sources confirmed that the Indian Army Lance Naik from Ladakh Scouts tested positive for Covid-19 on Monday. (ALSO READ)

#corona 2,635 passengers are under home quarantine & 24 under hospital isolation in TN, according to media bulletin issued by d #TNHealth dept. @ranjim @NewIndianXpress

— Sinduja (@Sinduj11) March 17, 2020

Bevco, Kerala's liquor distribution outlet, issues Covid-19 guidelines: Customers should maintain minimum one meter distance from each other in the queue. 3 extra security men to ensure this.

— Rajesh Abraham (@pendown) March 17, 2020

All tourist spots in Meghalaya, including parks and recreational areas, to remain closed till March 31.

Shahid Choudhary, District Magistrate/Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir: Entry of all foreign tourists in Kashmir has been banned as a precautionary measure. #CoronavirusPandemic (file pic) pic.twitter.com/c2vRslD1I0

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

First positive case of #COVID19 confirmed in West Bengal. The 18-year-old man has travel history to United Kingdom. He is kept in isolation. pic.twitter.com/qLW0GbvsWn

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

(READ FULL STORY HERE)

The authorities and people of Mangaluru were left anxious after the news spread that the person who had travelled from Mangaluru Airport to Kasargod had tested positive. Soon, the Dakshina Kannada district authorities got in touch with their counterparts in Kasargod to find out his route map and people the patient had come across in the airport and other places before he reached Kasargod. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh has clamped CrPC Section 144(3) in the whole of the district to restrict the gathering of people at worship places.

South Central Railway: Due to poor patronization as a result of #COVID19, following 17 trains have been cancelled. pic.twitter.com/XqmJyL0a4I

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs: Government of India deputes 30 officers of Joint Secretary and above level, to assist state Governments in effective management of #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/C5V1WsPw84

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Western Railway: 35 trips of 10 trains have been cancelled due to low occupancy in view of COVID19. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/xU49LA9iet

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Pimpri Chinchwad- 10
Pune- 7
Mumbai- 7
Nagpur- 4
Yawatmal- 3
Navi Mumbai- 3
Kalyan- 3
Raigad- 1
Thane- 1
Ahmednagar- 1
Aurangabad- 1 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

 MEA says news of 250 Indians testing positive in Iran is unconfirmed.

There is an uncertainty on the April 4 elections to autonomous Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in view of the outbreak of coronavirus.

As of now, there is no official word on whether the polls will be postponed. The state’s election commission said if any decision were to be taken on the deferment of the polls, it would be taken by the authority of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

While the world economy has taken some beating after the outbreak of coronavirus or COVID-19, Minister of State for Finance Anurag Singh Thakur on Tuesday pointed out that the latest data "do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy" after the outbreak of COVID-19.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

One more tested positive for #COVID19 in Karnataka taking the tally to 11 including one casualty. 67-yr-old resident of Bengaluru had returned from Dubai via Goa on March 9. She had been under home quarantine since@NewIndianXpress @XpressBengaluru @santwana99

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

Aviation regulator DGCA on Tuesday asked airlines to disinfect and deep-clean each plane at least once in 24 hours and place hand sanitizers in lavatories and galleys of each aircraft in view of coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.

Moreover, the regulator said in its circular that all planes should have one or more universal precaution kit.

"Such kit should be used to protect crew members who are assisting potentially infectious cases of suspected Covid-19 and in cleaning up and correctly discarding any potentially infectious contents," the DGCA added. 

 Amidst the rising case of coronavirus infection in Uttar Pradesh, the state government on Tuesday has decided to transfer a fixed amount directly into the account of daily wagers through RTGS to help the proletarian sustain during the tough times.

The decision to this effect was taken at the cabinet meeting presided by CM Yogi Adtiyanath as the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state has now risen to 14. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

In a bid to discourage gathering of large crowds in view of the coronavirus, six divisions of the Western railway zone -- Mumbai, Vadodra, Ahmedabad, Ratlam, Rajkot, Bhavnagar -- that covers around 250 railway stations have hiked the platform ticket charges from Rs 10 to Rs 50.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Budget carrier GoAir on Tuesday announced suspending international operations and offering leave without pay programme for its staff on a rotational basis, amid a sharp decline in air travel due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, the airline said the sharp decline in air travel that it was experiencing was "unprecedented".

READ FULL REPORT HERE

In a significant decision to help contain the spread of coronavirus, the Central Railway on Tuesday announced cancellations of 23 long-distance trains including the Mumbai-Delhi Rajdhani Express and most trains on the Pune sector, for varying periods, an official said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev's visit to India scheduled for later this month has been cancelled in view of the coronavirus outbreak, Russian diplomatic sources said.

The Russian deputy prime minister was expected to visit New Delhi with a large delegation around the end of this month to take forward discussions on India's participation in developing the resource-rich Far East and Arctic regions.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

There are 72 functional Indian Council of Medical Research laboratories conducting tests for coronavirus and private NABL-accredited labs will soon be operationalised across the country, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava on Tuesday said.

He also appealed to all private laboratories to offer COVID-19 diagnosis free of cost.

READ FULL STORY HERE 

Kendriya Vidyalayas in the national capital will be announcing annual examination results through email and WhatsApp this year in view of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said on Tuesday.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

 The Telangana government has directed to postpone all elective surgeries from March 18 till March 25, in teaching and speciality hospitals under the control of the Director of Medical Education, to prevent spread of Coronavirus through medical and health workers who are at high-risk of contracting the virus.

The GO stated, "In view of the preparedness for COVID-19, the following decision was taken in the review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary and Special Chief Secretary, Health, Medical & Family Welfare, Govermment of Telangana on 16-03-2020."

However, all regular Out Patients Services, Emergency Surgeries and Emergency Services will continue as usual, as reported by TNIE correspondent in Hyderabad. 

Deepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune informs ANI that one person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Pimpri-Chinchwad today; he has travel history to USA. With this, total number of COVID-19 cases rises to 40 in Maharashtra.  

As number of #coronavirusindia cases reaches 133, @ICMRDELHI DG Dr Balram Bhargava says "premature of @WHO DG @DrTedros to say " test, test test" because India is not in community transmission stage yet @NewIndianXpress

— Sumi Dutta (@SumiSukanya) March 17, 2020

 A veteran British general practitioner, who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, said that she beat the deadly disease by "dosing" herself with paracetamol, chicken soup and lemonade, the media reported on Tuesday.

Clare Gerada, 60, former head of the London-based Royal College of General Practitioners, was bedridden for days after returning from a New York conference with the virus, reports The Sun newspaper.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

• Malaysia announces a drastic two-week lockdown in the country to slow the spread of the new coronavirus following a sharp spike in the number of cases.

• Egypt has placed over 300 families under quarantine in a Delta village to stem the spread of the new coronavirus after two deaths were recorded this month originating from the area.

• Pakistan reported its first casualty due to the novel coronavirus on Tuesday, as the number of positive cases of the COVID-19 infections rose to 193 in the country.

• Germany will begin repatriating citizens stranded abroad as borders shut and airlines scrap flights because of the coronavirus pandemic

Here's what goes into the menu at Ernakulam medical college for #COVID19 patients:
Dosa, boiled egg, tea, oranges for Indian patients and toasted bread, omelette without onion, soup and fruit juice for foreigners.#Coronavirus #covidindia pic.twitter.com/diaeGAd7nV

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

#Karnataka#CoronavirusOutbreak

ISKCON Radha Krishna temple remains closed to public with effect from the early morning of 18th March 2020, till further notice.@NewIndianXpress @santwana99

— TNIE Karnataka (@XpressBengaluru) March 17, 2020

The office of the Cricket Association of Bengal will remain closed from 17th March to 21st March as a precautionary measure against Coronavirus. Managers/functional heads can take a decision to get employees to report to office as per work exigency/priorities. 

IT'S OFFICIAL: COVID-19 - Ernakulam collector orders taking over hostels of educational institutions, hotels, other hostels, vacant rooms of private hospitals under the Disaster Management Act. @NewIndianXpress @xpresskerala

— Rajesh Abraham (@pendown) March 17, 2020

The main Tibetan temple in Dharamshala (Dalai Lama temple) has been closed for public in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Tsuglhakhang temple, which is situated in Dharamshala's Mecleodganj area, is popular among tourists and Buddhists across the world. 

Cracking the whip on misinformation being spread about novel coronavirus infection, the Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has issued a notice to a Mumbai-based doctor who had termed the virus as a "Chinese fad" which will not survive in the Indian summer. The MMC has sought an explanation from Dr Anil Patil from Dadar in central Mumbai whether he has any study to substantiate his claims.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The Union Health Ministry has recommended the use of anti-HIV drug combinations Lopinavir and Ritonavir on a case-to-case basis depending upon the severity of the condition of a patient having coronavirus infection.

READ FULL STORY HERE 

With the number of positive COVID-19 cases climbing in India, public monuments including Qutub Minar and Red Fort in the national capital are being shut till the end of this month as a precautionary measure.

READ FULL STORY HERE

 Pune Restaurant and Hoteliers Association has decided that all restaurants and bars will be voluntarily closed for next three days till 20 March to avoid spread of Coronavirus.

A milk trader was arrested on Tuesday for selling cow dung and urine in a makeshift roadside shop in Hooghly district's Dankuni, about 20 km from the West Bengal capital. Mabud Ali was arrested by the Hooghly district police for "cheating and hurting religious sentiments".

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

#BREAKING | A 68-year-old woman who came from Abu Dhabi has tested positive for #Coronavirus in Puducherry's Mahe region, reports @Debjani_TNIE.@xpresstn #covidindia

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

READ FULL REPORT HERE

 Amazon said Monday that it needs to hire 1,00,000 people across the US to keep up with surging orders as the coronavirus spreads and keeps more people at home, shopping online. The online retailer said it will also temporarily raise pay by $2 an hour through the end of April for hourly employees.

READ FULL STORY HERE

As #TamilNadu government shuts down #anganwadi centres in the state amid #CoronavirusOutbreak, workers reach out directly to children to provide them with raw food materials. They also advised parents to feed them properly during the holidays.
Express photos by U Rakesh Kumar pic.twitter.com/Gf5n0uJ9dE

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

• Staff and visitors at the Ministry of Home Affairs are being given hand sanitisers to clean their hands before entering the Ministry, as a precautionary measure.
• The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has issued a circular restricting functioning in both of its Jammu and Srinagar wings to urgent matters only, till March 31.
• UP CM has directed educational institutions, including schools, to remain closed till Apr 2, says Minister Shrikant Sharma

• CIC issues order

  restricting hearings to urgent matters only through audio and video conference till March 31. Personal appearance of parties or their representatives dispensed.  

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation's premium buses being sanitised, by the state govt, after their arrival to the bus depot and before their departure for the next journey, as a precautionary measure against coronavirus outbreak. 

Kalaburagi City Corporation in Karnataka has ordered that street vendors, film theaters, bakeries and restaurants in the district to remain closed for next one week as a precautionary measure against coronavirus.

It must be recalled that India's first coronavirus death was recorded in Kalaburagi on March 10, 2020.

US auto major Ford has asked 10,000 employees in India, except those in business-critical roles, to work from home, a step which has also been taken up by Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo. A Ford India spokesperson said, in recent days, the company has concluded that the issue of coronavirus has taken on a different dimension.

READ FULL STORY HERE

The grand Sri Seetha Rama Kalyanam, the celestial wedding of Lord Rama and Sita, will be performed sans the devotees on April 2 at Bhadrachalam temple in Telangana, announced transport Minister Puvvada Ajay Kumar in Khammam on Tuesday.

The Minister said that all precautionary measures to combat Coronavirus were in place at Bhadrachalam temple, further adding that the celestial wedding would be conducted in the temple premises this year.

Despite there being a discussion on how to conduct the celestial wedding at the recent State Cabinet meeting discussed, no decision was arrived at The annual Ugadi festival, reading the almanac, at Pragathi Bhavan, the official residence of the Chief Minister, will also be scaled down and held on March 25. 

Maharashtra government may suspend public transport services like local train, metro and buses to prevent the virus from spreading, hinted health minister Rajesh Tope after Tuesday's cabinet meeting. 

Uttarakhand govt has declared Coronavirus as an epidemic. Medical stores advised not to sell medicines to person suffering from cold and cough without medical prescription. Masks and hand sanitizers should be sold at MRP only. 

Expanding compulsory quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days for passengers coming from/transiting through UAE, Qatar, Oman & Kuwait. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 18th March at the port of first departure. This will be in force till 31st March: Health Ministry 

Tiger reserves, sanctuaries, national parks and zoos in Uttarakhand to remain closed till 31st March 2020, in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. 

While Shani Shingnapur temple of Ahmednagar district closed till further notice, devotees gathered in huge numbers at Shirdi Saibaba Temple to participate in the last 'aarti' as the temple will shut from 3pm today, in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.  

Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu visited the Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru to check the preparedness for coronavirus.  

Indian Army organises awareness lectures at village Keri, Darhal, Kulali Galuthi & Bisali in Rajouri & Poonch districts on #COVID19. Measures to prevent infection spread through a demonstration given for easy understanding of populace by Medical Officer. pic.twitter.com/m7Mo9P0Ngq

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Staff and visitors at DCP Central Office, Central District are being given masks and hand sanitisers. Their temperature is being checked with the help of thermometer gun as a precautionary measure against Coronavirus. Speaking to ANI, DCP Central Sanjay Bhatia said, "Temperature of all staff and visitors is being checked with temperature gun, they are also being given hand sanitiser and masks. All field officers, beat staff, patrolling staff are being asked to use mask, and they indeed are using them." 

In Delhi, Rajghat has been closed till 31st March due to Coronavirus. Total 8 positive cases have been reported in the capital.  

Chennai's iconic #SathyamCinemas shuts down following Tamil Nadu government's order.#Coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak
Express video by Ashwin Prasath.@xpresstn#Coronavirusindia LIVE READ: https://t.co/dAZEtrKBmo pic.twitter.com/jcmo1n2c09

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

Red Fort has been temporarily closed due to coronavirus. Total 8 positive cases have been reported in the capital.

Blood samples are being tested at viral research and diagnostic lab in Tirunelveli.
Express video by V Karthikalagu. #Coronavirus #CoronavirusOutbreak @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/ZSmng7vLum

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

As a 64-year-old patient died of #CoronavirusOutbreak in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital, death toll due to #Corona in India touched three, while total positive cases in the country crossed 125.
Read more 👇https://t.co/OR0LrDcgmf

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

Statistics of foreigners arriving in India are not maintained community-wise. However 25,782 persons belonging to minority communities in Bangladesh, Afghanistan & Pakistan granted Long Term Visa from 1 Jan 2015 to Dec 2019: MoS Home Nityanand Rai in Parliament

Minister of Public Health & Family Welfare, Maharashtra on the death of 63-year-old male patient in Mumbai today: He was admitted at Kasturba Hospital on 5th March & he had hid some details from us, including that he had come from Dubai. But we grew suspicious on 13th March. We sent his samples for test which turned out to be positive. He died at 7 AM today.

Volvo Car India on Tuesday announced work from home as a safety measure for its employees with immediate effect, considering the number of Coronavirus cases have risen to over 100 in the past few days across the country. (READ MORE)

People from the corporate sector had come to this important meeting and they have ensured all cooperation. They are ready for our decision of 'Work from home': Rajesh Tope, Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare Maharashtra

Death of 63-year-old male patient admitted at Kasturba Hospital is confirmed. He had high blood pressure, pneumonia & inflammation of heart muscles and increased heart rate leading to death. He tested positive for COVID19: Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai

Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA) writes to the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to provide health insurance cover for doctors and for adequate provisions of masks and other personal protective equipment in the view of COVID-19 pandemic.

Delhi: Qutub Minar has been closed till 31st March due to #Coronavirus. There are total 8 positive cases in the national capital. pic.twitter.com/gnk5wtDD3Y

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

We've heard about some research being done on Chloroquine in US right now. Approvals are given after detailed scientific scrutiny, not by Ministry but by scientists working at ICMR. We're trying best to deliver the best possible treatment to the patients: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

Three persons in Kasaragod who travelled with COVID-infected person shifted to isolation wards; father quarantined at home.

The doctors, paramedical staff, pilots, airlines' staff and especially those Indians who braved this critical situation & brought back Indians from other parts of the world, despite social distancing being the best way to safeguard oneself, doctors across the country have been working honestly while taking all risks - I think there are not enough words to appreciate them. I thank all the doctors and paramedics of the country, on behalf of all of you: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, in Rajya Sabha

Three more people test positive for COVID-19 in Union Territory of Ladakh. 2 cases from Leh, 1 from Kargil district; Total positive cases in Ladakh is now 6: Ladakh Commissioner Secretary Rigzin Sampheal

Maharashtra: All shops in Pune have been shut down for three days on the call of Federation Of Association Of Pune due to #Coronavirus. Total 39 positive cases have been reported in the state. pic.twitter.com/89AWtQB2of

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

#WATCH Congress MP Rahul Gandhi: It is like a tsunami is coming. India should be preparing itself not just for #Coronavirus but for the economic devastation that is coming. I am saying it again & again. Our people are going to go through unimaginable pain in the next 6 months. pic.twitter.com/Pk6cMDVhNr

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Due to Covid-19, Sports Authority of India has decided that academic training in National Centre of Excellence & STCs shall be suspended till further order: Office of MoS Youth Affairs & Sports, Kiren Rijiju

Initial talks are on for involving private labs to conduct COVID-19 tests : Indian Council of Medical Research officials

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope holds an urgent meeting on coronavirus. He is meeting leaders from the corporate and health sector.

Union Minister V Muraleedharan is in self quarantine after he attended a meeting in a medical institute in Trivandrum on March 14. A doctor there who returned from Spain, tested positive for COVID 19 on March 15.

CJI SA Bobde and three other judges visited the Supreme Court corridors and inspected the area and take a stock of the situation inside the premise, in view of coronavirus. He also interacted with the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Mukul Rohatgi.

Ashish Kumar, Dehradun District Magistrate: Uttarakhand Congress vice-president Suryakant Dhasmana will remain in quarantine for 14 days at his house. The step has been taken after he met a suspected #Coronavirus patient in the isolation ward of Doon Hospital on Monday. pic.twitter.com/z3ihQ2VQcq

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

PM Narendra Modi in BJP Parliamentary party meeting today said that the Parliament will run till 3rd April. He asked the MPs to visit their constituencies to make people aware about Coronavirus.

Officials of the Food and Drug Administration along with Mumbai police conducted a raid on a shop last night and arrested one person for advertising one of its products as an effective measure to cure coronavirus.

As a precautionary measure against the spread of Coronavirus, for the next two weeks no visitor or family members will be allowed to meet prisoners in the prisons across Tamil Nadu. Monitoring rooms have been set up inside the prisons to screen all new prisoners to the jail.

Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India on #Coronavirus: The commitment from Indian govt, the Prime Minister's Office has been enormous, very impressive. It is one of the reasons why India is still doing quite well. I am very impressed that everyone has been mobilised. pic.twitter.com/RtNSMTsiag

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

Government of India prohibits travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia to India till 31st March, with immediate effect.

Two persons test positive for Coronavirus; one in Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France. Both are admitted in designated isolation hospital: Gautam Budh Nagar CMO Anurag Bhargav

A doctor who had treated a Coronovirus-infected man who died in Kalaburagi last week has tested positive for COVID-19, officials said here on Tuesday. The 63-year-old doctor has been placed under quarantine at his home along with his family members and is being shifted to an isolation ward, Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner Sharat B said. (READ MORE)

A 63-year-old man, who was tested positive for coronavirus, died in Mumbai's Kasthurbha Gandhi hospital on Tuesday morning taking the number of deaths due to COVID-19 in India to three. This was the first coronavirus death reported in Maharashtra. (READ MORE)

In an unprecedented move, the Maharashtra government on Monday decided to 'stamp' all those people who have been sent to 100 per cent 'home quarantine' in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Accordingly, the left hand of all persons shunted to 100 per cent home quarantine will be stamped to identify them easily if they mingle with the general public. (READ MORE)

In the midst of corona chaos, a family in Sambalpur set up an exclusive kiosk at a wedding reception to sensitise guests about precautionary measures for coronavirus on Sunday. After the state government issued advisory to prevent possible outbreak of the disease on Friday, the Sambalpur administration geared up to take measures to sensitise people. (READ MORE)

The preventive measures to check the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID19) were enforced in Sri Jagannath Temple here on Monday. As decided in the Chhatisha Nijog meeting of the temple held on Sunday, Pujapanda servitors wore masks and performed rituals of Lord Jagannath and his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra. (ALSO READ)

With the first case of confirmed coronavirus case detected in Odisha, the Government on Monday made it mandatory for those coming to the State from abroad to register themselves. While an incentive of Rs 15,000 will be given for registration and home isolation, those not complying with the directive will be punished under the provisions of IPC and CrPC, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Registrations can be done by the passenger, relatives or friends. (READ MORE)

Indian Council of Medical Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has laid guidelines for testing strategy in India. It also states that there is currently no community transmission of #COVID2019. pic.twitter.com/eAvJCnZwUd

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

The key Indian equity indices traded in the red on Tuesday morning, with the BSE Sensex losing over 400 points to trade below the 31,000 mark.The Nifty50 on the National Exchange was trading below 9,100. At 9.26 a.m., the Sensex was trading at 30,907.12, lower by 482.95, or 1.54 per cent from the previous close of 31,390.07 points.It had opened at 31,611.57 and has so far touched an intra-day high of 31,831.63 and a low of 30,745.19.

Madhya Pradesh: Bhasma aarti at Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain held today morning as the temple remains closed for devotees in the view of Coronavirus. pic.twitter.com/j8kaC8FVNu

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020

2.46 lakh travelers have been screened at the Mumbai Airport as of 16th March. 14 people have been tested positive, out of which 6 are from Mumbai & 8 from outside: Daksha Shah, Deputy Director of BMC's health department

All non-essential service providing offices to function at only 50% staff capacity. Failure to obey the order shall be penalized under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code: Praveen Pardeshi, BMC Commissioner

Quarantine facilities have been set up in Jaisalmer, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gorakhpur, Chennai, Surat, Jhansi, Jodhpur and other places with the help of Navy & Air Force: Director General Medical Services (Army) Lieutenant General RS Grewal

Punjab: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) provides hand sanitizers to devotees visiting Golden Temple (Sri Harimandir Sahib), in Amritsar, amid #COVID19 pandemic. (16.03.20) pic.twitter.com/YxmnTzftAP

— ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2020

In an attempt to prevent local transmission of Coronavirus in the State, the Telangana State Health department has decided to quarantine all passengers including Indians arriving at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, from China, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea, France, Germany and Spain either through direct flights or via hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or having a travel history to these seven countries, after March 15. (READ MORE)

The Education Department served notices to 12 schools in the city for remaining open despite government orders to all educational institutions in the state to remain shut as part of preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19. (READ MORE)

In an incident that exposed the kind of panic people are going through in the present situation, an aged couple was locked up inside their apartment at Mundupalam in Thrissur on Monday as the residents there were afraid of the spread of coronavirus. (READ MORE)

With the district on high alert after the first positive case of coronavirus was confirmed in a UK tourist who stayed at a Munnar resort, an Italian national who arrived at Wagamon on Saturday was forced to sleep in the cemetery of a church located on the Wagamon-Pullikkanam route as he failed to get a room in any of the resorts or hotels. (READ MORE)

Two tourists, Selin from France and Moura from Italy, literally broke down as they met the police in Payyannur on Sunday. The young foreigners who arrived in Kerala to enjoy the lush greenery and fiery ritualistic dances of  God’s Own Country were shocked by the attitude of the people who shooed them away shouting ‘keep away corona.’

Keeping in mind the huge number of Keralites based abroad, the state is chalking out an extensive Plan C which will see, in addition to the existing facilities, vacant buildings and unused facilities in all districts being converted into mass isolation wards to tackle the COVID-19 menace. (READ MORE)

The medical community in the state has come under the shadow of coronavirus infection. For the first time since COVID-19 threat, some medical personnel at Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Government Medical College Hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam have been sent to isolation wards, triggering concern among health workers. (READ MORE)

Life has not been the same for Dr Roy Kurian (name changed) since COVID-19 struck Kerala. While the rest of the world beat a hasty retreat to the safety of their homes, this 40-year-old medic and others of his ilk have kitted up to bravely combat the virus. Having been chosen for the onerous task of treating patients who have tested positive for the virus, Dr Kurian exudes quiet pride and complete confidence as he goes about his daily work. (READ MORE)

Assuming that around 65 lakh people in Kerala can contract coronavirus given the pandemic nature of the virus, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin Branch, has warned that Kerala would need at least 2.35 lakh ICU beds to fight the fast-spreading virus. In a letter sent to Chief Justice of Kerala High Court, IMA has requested his immediate intervention to stop public gatherings and enforce social distancing to prevent the virus outbreak. (READ MORE)

Chennai will have its second Coronavirus testing facility at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital. Speaking to mediapersons on Monday after a review meeting, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said the new facility will become operational in a couple of days. He added that two more testing centres — at Tiruvarur and Tirunelveli medical colleges — have become operational. (READ MORE)

Ignored, helpless and starving, the 783 Indian fishermen, including 450 from Tamil Nadu, are sharing limited supplies in the hopes that they will be rescued from Iran soon. With the Indian embassy allegedly turning a blind eye, the fishermen can only request to be rescued from Kish and Chiruyeh Islands. Joseph Johnson, a fisherman who hails from Kanniyakumari district told Express from Chiruyeh Island that the Indian embassy in Tehran had directed the fishermen to contact Consulate of India in Bandar Abbas. (READ MORE)

The impact novel Coronavirus has had on the textile sector has been devastating, say industrialists. Explaining the impact of COVID-19, Tiruppur Exporters’ Association (TEA) President Raja M Shanmugham on Monday said that garment exporters are yet to receive Rs 1,200 crore from European countries due to the spread of the virus. (READ MORE)

• Tourist resorts must be closed and no advance bookings must be made before March 31.

• All Anganwadi centres will be closed

• Theatres, malls, clubs, TASMAC bars, amusement parks, swimming pools, museums, zoos, and gymnasiums among other places will be closed.

• People must refrain from large gatherings in places of religious worship, markets, wedding halls, social gatherings, cultural events and beaches.

• All railway passengers must be strictly thermal screened during arrival to the State

• Passengers crossing Toll Plazas must strictly be thermal screened

• Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will be closed for visitors

• Coordinators must ensure delivery of dry ration worth 15 days of meal to all houses

• Parents must ensure their children don’t venture out during holidays

• People showing symptoms of cough, cold and sneezing must get immediate health check up

• For any emergency, contact 24/7 helpline at 104, 044-29510400, 044-29510500, 9444340496 and 8754448477.

The iconic Taj Mahal will be closed for visitors from Tuesday as part of measures to try and combat the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism ministry said on Monday. Most schools and entertainment facilities, including cinemas, have already been closed across the country. (READ MORE)

Forget avarice, your hard-earned money is sufficient to make you ill. If that is not enough, the money you handle has the potential of spreading diseases quicker than you can spend it. This was the gist of a study published in the Future Microbiology, which reported that public health risk associated with the simultaneous handling of food and currency may spread viral infections. (READ MORE)

Karnataka Health Department: 2 new confirmed cases of COVID-19; Total 10 positive cases in the State pic.twitter.com/PQbPmFp7ys

— ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020