COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | India records highest single-day jump as cases cross 950

Delhi: Food delivery network established in the city with assistance from Delhi Police.DCP Licensing AM Ali says,"Due to #coronalockdown, many people were finding it difficult to get essential items.There was a need to help them through our network which is touch with RWAs etc." pic.twitter.com/wMvebAA0n9

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

For every contribution or any other payment made on Paytm using the wallet, UPI and Paytm Bank debit card, the company will contribute an extra up to Rs 10, Paytm said in a statement.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Ambala has reported its 1st positive case of #coronavirus. A 21-year-old man is a resident of Ram Nagar village in Patiala, Punjab, on Ambala-Patiala border. He has recent travel history to Nepal. He was admitted to hospital on Mar26: Chief Medical Officer Ambala

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Four residents of Nanjangud town and one resident of Yaraganahalli in Mysuru city, who was employed at a Pharmaceutical industry in Nanjangud tested positive on Saturday.

#BREAKING Six test positive for #Coronavirus in #AndhraPradesh on Saturday. Most in a day so far, taking total number of cases in State to 19. @NewIndianXpress #CoronaUpdate pic.twitter.com/q4y81D2ime

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) March 28, 2020

In a letter to the PM, Food and Culture Minister Amarjeet Bhagat asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help bring back 500 medical students from the state stranded in the Central Asian country.

"The outbreak of the Coronavirus is first and foremost a public health emergency and the BCCI has a firm resolve that the nation gets all possible help to cope with the testing times," a release by the sport body stated.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The body of a 69-year-old man who died due to novel coronavirus infection was buried here on Saturday in a simple ceremony attended by only five relatives and monitored by officials after it was brought wrapped in leak-proof bag as per the Union Health Ministry guidelines.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Virologist Meenal Dhakale Bhosale of Pune-based Mylab Discovery Solution has developed a cost-effective Indian made COVID-19 testing kit. The kit will soon be available for commercial use.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The state unit of Indian Dental Association has started a helpline facility for the public. The facility is to help people who suffer from dental ailments and are unable to visit hospitals in the wake of the Covid-19 spread. "The helpline will give advise to the public. People who need urgent care will be referred to a centre which is open. The treatment will be as per the advisories issued," said IDA state secretary Deebu Mathew.

As the COVID-19 cases crossed 900-mark, the state of Telangana reported it’s first death after a 74-year-old Khairatabad resident passed away on Saturday.

A 49-year-old priest who had recently visited the UK has tested positive for COVID-19 and is undergoing treatment at the CMC hospital in Vellore. His wife who accompanied him on the trip, however, tested negative. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

This is the plight of Nitish Kumar Gupta, a migrant worker from Jharkhand's Ranchi, who is stranded in Chennai due to the #21daylockdown throughout the nation.#CoronavirusLockdown #COVID2019@PrabhuChawla @gsvasu_TNIE @xpresstn @shibasahu2012 pic.twitter.com/musqTxGnz5

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 28, 2020

The decision comes after the Supreme Court earlier this week directed all states and union territories to constitute high-level committees to consider releasing on parole or interim bail prisoners and undertrials for offences entailing up to 7-year jail term to decongest prisons in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor on Saturday said the state and central governments should let the licensed liquor shops operate in the evening during the 21-day lockdown period. In a Twitter post, the actor said liquor is a major source of revenue for the government and is already being sold illegally everywhere in the country. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Three sanitation workers at the Ariyalur Government Hospital were suspended on Saturday for helping a coromavirus patient shoot a TikTok video. The three have been quarantined as they held the woman’s cellphone. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Azad Samaj Party chief Chandrashekhar Azad on Saturday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pushed crores of people working in the unorganised sector into destitution and demanded that he resign immediately. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The Noida administration passed an order, asking landlords to collect rent from their worker-tenants only after a month, amid scores of migrants undertaking the journey to reach their native places on foot during the 21-day nationwide lockdown.

In a bizarre case in Theni district in Tamil Nadu, a 32-year-old Sri Lanka-returned youth who was home quarantined killed an old woman two street away by biting her on Friday, police said. According to police, the woman who was admitted to a hospital on Friday died on Saturday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The reason: out of the total of 38 positive cases so far in Punjab, 28 are directly linked to one super spreader - 70-year-old Baldev Singh, the only patient to die of COVID-19 in the state. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The COVID 19 crisis is one of the toughest challenges we will face as a race. The Tata Trusts and the Tata group companies have in the past risen to the needs of the nation. At this moment, the need of the hour is greater than any other time. pic.twitter.com/y6jzHxUafM

— Ratan N. Tata (@RNTata2000) March 28, 2020

With a huge trail of migrants walking along Delhi-Noida highway to reach their native districts across Uttar pradesh, Yogi Adityanath government has deployed 1000 buses of UP Surface Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) to ferry the labourers and other migrants to ferry to their destinations. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Of the total 27 cases, 21 have been reported in the Kashmir Valley, while six in Jammu region. (READ FULLREPORT HERE)

#IndiaFightsCorona
MHA directs States/UTs to include 'Provisions for temporary accommodation, food, clothing, medical care etc. for homeless people, inc. migrant labourers, stranded due to #lockdown21 & sheltered in relief camps' under SDRF fund allocations in wake of #Covid_19. pic.twitter.com/0eHdVHnHpH

— Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) March 28, 2020

(Photo| AP)

Police quoted family members as saying that he had been behaving oddly ever since the lockdown began and could not get alcohol, They said the withdrawal symptoms of liquor might have driven him to take the extreme step. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Netizens on Twitter were not amused by Javadekar's tweet for ignoring migrant labourer's plight who have been walking hundreds of kilometres on foot to reach their villages. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

10 fresh cases of coronavirus were detected on Saturday, taking Karnataka's tally to 74.

From trafficking dodgy surgical masks to peddling counterfeit medicines and running internet scams, criminals are finding ways to profit from the coronavirus crisis, European police warn. With billions of people under lockdown in their homes and borders shut, police chiefs say criminals are finding it hard to make money out of "traditional" activities like burglary and drug smuggling. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

In a bid to spread awareness about the severity of the coronavirus pandemic, a local artist in collaboration with a police official here has made a unique 'Corona' helmet to dissuade commuters from coming out on the streets during the nationwide lockdown. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Assam: Stones pelted at police personnel at Bhawlaguri Bodi Bazaar under New Bangai police station area in Bongaigaon amid #CoronavirusLockdown. SP RS Milli says, "When policemen asked shopkeepers to shut the market, some locals attacked them. Four arrested & case registered". pic.twitter.com/nziHDVyXMs

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

I am coming from Ahmedabad in Gujarat & have to go to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. I did not want to leave the city but my employer refused to give money & ration. I have not eaten properly for the past 3 days: A labourer in Jaipur, Rajasthan. #CoronavirusLockdown https://t.co/yZw9BS5GQy

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Lucknow: CM Yogi Adityanath visits SGPGI's trauma centre, designated for persons infected with #Coronavirus, to review the arrangements which have been made there. pic.twitter.com/nDtNYsWJ1q

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2020

The public broadcaster announced that the show will start airing on DD National from 8 pm. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Ludhiana admn told us that wholesalers won't open their shops but supply medicines door to door. Within 3-4 days passes will be issued to all. Then we'll home deliver medicines to customers&wholesalers will supply to retailers: Punjab Chemists' Assn general secretary GS Chawla https://t.co/D0jYLzHycv pic.twitter.com/eZuh3OKQ4W

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with AYUSH professionals via video conference over #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/5gRe6LToMo

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

India now has 873 confirmed cases and the trend analysis is based on nearly 720 patients who have tested positive for novel coronavirus. Of these nearly 100 came from Dubai—from where a large number of migrant Indians come home. It is also a major transit point for Indian or NRI travellers from Europe and US headed to the country. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Till 31st May 2020 the payment security mechanism to be maintained by the Distribution Companies with the Generating Companies for dispatch of power shall be reduced by 50 percent: Govt of India https://t.co/0dUuou0DOA

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Chennai Corporation pastes Corona Virus Home Quarantine sticker in Kamal Hasan’s residence in #Chennai because Gautami, who returned from Dubai recently, has his address on her passport, say corporation officials. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress #Covid19

— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) March 28, 2020

#UPDATE: TN has 2 new +ve cases. 42 Y M, Kumbakonam,return from West Indies at #TMCH Thanjavur.49 Y M, from Katpadi, return from UK at #Vellore Pvt Hosp. Both traveled from abroad transit via Middle East. Pts are in isolation & stable.@MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu #TNHealth #CVB

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 28, 2020

People queue up outside shops to purchase essential items as govt relaxes curfew between 10 am & 6 pm in Chandigarh. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/sk0Swn982M

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Isolation coaches have been prepared by the Indian Railways to fight the #Coronavirus Pandemic. pic.twitter.com/41T9Q71Zdr

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Kerala CM writes to the PM about 'the action of Karnataka Police which has resulted in blocking of Thalassery-Coorg State Highways-30'. The CM, in letter,has requested PM to intervene in the matter to ensure smooth flow of essential commodities to Kerala amid #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/vZ238lf0PE

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Sidharth Rawat is itching to get back to a tennis court. He has been confined to shadow-practising at home. Considering the increasing spread of COVID-19, Rawat knows that it will be a while before he can get back on Tour. But considering that he’s already dipped into his savings account, the World No 438 hopes that the situation clears sooner than later. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

#WATCH Huge gathering at Ghazipur near Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border as people wait to board special buses arranged by UP govt for their native districts in Uttar Pradesh. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/PgVM6eSank

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

For highly-trained athletes used to training two times per day, these times are more frustrating for them than it is for the common man. In a chat with this daily, Athletics Federation of India’s (AFI) high performance director Volker Herrmann speaks on their fitness, mental health and how the pandemic is impacting athletes in the country at the moment. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Jammu and Kashmir: Streets in Srinagar wear a deserted look as the nationwide #21daylockdown remains imposed to avoid the spread of #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/tWgPH3VDEh

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Punjab: People queue up outside shops to purchase essential items as govt relaxes curfew between 10 am & 6 pm in Chandigarh. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/Kxb0GrGALu

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

• Those who returned from foreign countries will have to share the details of their travel to the district collectorate or the local civic body, the directive issued recently said.
• "A resident in Marathwada, who has been to a foreign country and has returned to the region on or after March 1 should come forward and inform the district collector office or municipal corporation about their travel details," a statement issued by the divisional commissioner's office said.
• Marathwada region comprises eight districts- Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Parbhani, Nanded, Hingoli, Osmanabad and Latur. So far only person from Aurangabad has tested positive for coronavirus in this region, officials said.

#WATCH Karnataka: People were seen flouting norms of social distancing at an Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) market in Gadag amid #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/xjB2NTVKKS

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Total number of #Coronavirus positive cases rises to 873 (including foreign nationals; 79 people cured/discharged, 19 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/vsMz3jcIPK

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

A group of locals distributes snacks & water to people walking on foot towards their native places in Uttar Pradesh, at Delhi's Ghazipur near Delhi-UP border in wake of #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/haWwVNrVul

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2020

• Out of the 17 samples that were sent for testing, results for 13 were negative and the remaining reports are awaited, government spokesperson and minister for planning & coordination Neiba Kronu said.
• A total of 2,719 people, including students, who recently came back to the state, reported to the respective district surveillance teams and were subsequently placed under home quarantine for the stipulated period, he said on Friday evening.
• Kronu said all efforts are being made to expedite delivery of essential medical equipment and accessories amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, and that there is enough stock of essential commodities across the state.
• He also said a round-the-clock COVID-19 control room is monitoring the situation in Nagaland.

Amritsar Sabzi Mandi Association members: If the markets open for 5 hours, then there will be less crowd at the market as everyone will not come at the same time to make purchases. It will also help curb the menace of black marketing of vegetables. #CoronavirusLockdown https://t.co/VhDndHRtOi

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Medicines may be issued/indented for 3 months at a time (in chronic diseases) through an authorised representative in the following special circumstances without requirement of the beneficiary himself/herself visiting wellness centre: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/pu0GDzb65n

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

"Strong decisions are required to ensure the safety and health of (fashion) houses, their employees and everyone working in our industry," the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode (FHCM) said in a statement. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has been tracking the spread of COVID-19 since the world media started reporting its devastating impact in China's Wuhan, officials said. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

While five flights may be operated on March 31, two services are planned for April 2. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Tamil Nadu: Sitaram Das Baba,a septuagenarian resident of Rameswaram town,is providing food to the needy coming to his ashram, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. He says "Everything is closed but our services continue. We've also distributed our contact number for home delivery services" pic.twitter.com/Qaekn0S5Te

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

"There is enough stock of masks for people working in hospitals but at the same time it is not possible for the government to distribute the same to the state's forty lakh people. So, I would request everyone to use 'Jal Gamchha' as masks as a precautionary measure," Deb said in a video message. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

One such group of 30 people, who arrived at Tiruchuli around five months back, are stranded in the no man’s land. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Paanchu Mandal: I was going to West Bengal. Police have turned us back, they say we'll be sent on a bus. We're 2 drivers, we would've taken turns to pull the rickshaw & reach WB. It would've taken us 7 days to reach. We are not getting any work here, don't get passengers anymore. https://t.co/LCC1BEOLPD pic.twitter.com/bABasqHk2n

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

West Bengal: Roads being sanitized in Kolkata in wake of #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/OiMznxkJ73

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

Infosys, in a tweet from its official handle, said the social media post by the employee is against its code of conduct and its commitment to responsible social sharing. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

A Dornier aircraft of Indian Navy, carrying 60 samples for #COVID19 testing, took off from INS Hansa (located near Dabolim in Goa) to Pune in Maharashtra yesterday. The samples were carried by a technician from Goa State Health department. pic.twitter.com/bmfYwkORkh

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

"People are spending more and more time on social networks, communication apps, chat rooms and gaming services, and the problems endemic to these platforms -- hate, abuse, toxicity and bullying -- have become accentuated," the Israel-based company L1ght said in its report. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Karnataka: Residents of some villages in Sagara Taluk in Shivamogga put logs of wood to block roads leading to the villages to restrict entry of outsiders in wake of #CoronavirusPandemic. pic.twitter.com/uem4s9NgQV

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

"I want to thank Democrats and Republicans for coming together and putting America first," the president said shortly before signing the historic bill in the Oval Office. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Delhi: People exercise #SocialDistancing while making purchases at vegetable and fruit stores & dairies. Visuals from Mandi House area. pic.twitter.com/STbBN8TaTm

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

• The general officer commanding in chief (GOC-in-C) has been given full financial powers while corps and division commanders have been allowed to spend Rs 50 lakhs and Rs 20 lakhs, respectively, according to a Defence ministry order.  
• The ministry in the order said it is according "emergency powers. . . to Army commanders, corps/area commanders and division commanders for expediting the procurement/repairs to meet the requirement of establishing and running quarantine facilities/isolation facilities and augmenting these facilities with items, materials, equipment, stores, rations, hygiene chemicals, assets and provision of other services as part of measures for efficient handling of COVID-19 of break out of Defence Budget."
• The emergency powers have been delegated to commanders under Schedule 23 of the Army Schedule of Powers (ASP), the order stated.

• Five FIRs were registered under IPC Section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) against those who defied the curbs imposed under CrPC section 144, which bars assembly of four or more persons, during the day, the police said. "Nine people were arrested. Challans were issued to 122 vehicles across 112 checking points in the district, while five vehicles were seized," the police said in a statement.
• Over 80 vehicles with emergency cases were allowed passage, it added. Officials said people can dial 807662361, 6396776904 (Health Department) and 0120-2569901 (Noida administration) round the clock to get their queries related to COVID-19 answered.
• While appealing to the public to stay indoors and take all cautions against coronavirus, the police said people can dial 112 in case of medical supply needs or to go to a hospital, or for any other emergency.

Ghaziabad: Large number of migrant workers had gathered at Kaushambi Bus Station yesterday to take buses to their respective hometowns within the state, amid the nationwide #CoronavirusLockdown (27.03.2020) pic.twitter.com/37DxHUQq5Y

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 28, 2020

• Sitaram Adivasi, BJP MLA from Vijaypur in Madhya Pradesh, isolated himself at home on Friday after having coronavirus-like symptoms, a health official said. "The MLA complained of cough, cold, fever and breathing problem. He was travelling for quite a long time. His samples were collected and will be sent on Saturday morning to Gwalior for testing," said Dr R B Goyal, Sheopur district civil surgeon.
• Adivasi was asked to stay in the district hospital's isolation ward, but he insisted on returning home and assured that he would isolate himself and would not leave house or meet anyone, the doctor said.
• The MLA was in Gurgaon, Sehore and Bhopal in the last few days with other party MLAs as the political crisis leading to the fall of the Congress government unfolded.

• The state government has set up two quarantine centres in Shillong with a capacity of 200 beds and another two at Tura in Garo Hills with another 200 beds. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma inspected the two quarantine centres in Shillong on Friday.
• "The isolation centres are in compliance with the protocols. All necessary preparedness has been put in place," he said. The chief minister will visit the quarantine centres in Tura on Saturday.

Out of these cases, 30 are travel-related and 10 contracted the disease through contact, it said. Out of the total 40 cases, five have been discharged, one had died earlier and one has migrated out of the country. Thirty-one are admitted at various hospitals in Delhi and one at Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon and another at AIIMS Jhajjar, the department said in a statement.

• An official identified the accused as Jai alias Monu Omprakash Gupta (37), Amit Shivpal Pardhi (38) and Divyanshu Ramvilas Mishra (33). "The audio clip created by the accused went viral on several WhatsApp groups here," said Joint Commissioner of Police Ravindra Kadam.
• "Gupta and Pardhi created the audio clip and forwarded it to Mishra on March 23. Mishra sent it to his wife to frighten her so that she stays indoors. However, Mishra's wife passed it on and it soon became viral. A case was registered on March 24 and we zeroed in on the three after checking over 400 mobile phone numbers," a Sadar police station official said.

• So far, samples from across West Bengal were being tested for the COVID-19 at the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) and the Institute of Post- Graduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER), both state- run facilities.  "After getting permission from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct the tests, we have ordered the kits from Mylabs Science. Once we get the kits, we will start conducting the tests," said Shyamasis Bandyopadhyay, the director of medical services at Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals.
• Five other private hospitals from the city had also applied to ICMR for approval for conducting such tests.

• Three persons suspected to be infected with coronavirus have tested negative to the disease, an official said.
• All the 3,269 people had returned to the Himalayan state from various parts of the country, the official added.

• The 32-year-old man from Harchakkian tehsil in Kangra district's Shahpur subdivision has recovered from the disease, said Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RD Dhiman in a statement. His latest report was negative for COVID-19, he added. Three people had tested positive for the virus in Himachal Pradesh and all were residents of Kangra district, officials had said.  
• One of the patients has recovered, whereas another is being treated at Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC) in Tanda. The third patient, a 69-year-old man who recently travelled from the USA, had died on March 23.
• The man who has recovered and a 64-year-old woman from Dohabe village in Shahpur subdivision were tested positive for the virus on March 20.

Kerala: Municipality officials distribute food material among the migrant labourers and other needy people in Kottakkal town of Malappuram district, amid #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/Gx9DVpgowM

— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2020

• According to police, cyber criminals have set up fake social media accounts offering home delivery of medicines and other products. The are also sending fake emails in the name of health authorities and asking people to visit a specific webpage on which email address and its password are required for logging in.
• The cyber criminals are then using this information to steal money, police said. The police asked people to avoid opening the suspicious e-mails and clicking on unverified coronavirus related links on social media. It also advised people to use strong passwords and multi-level authentication for their social media and bank accounts.
• In some cases of fraud, criminals are also calling people on phone and requesting for monetary help to treat people infected with coronavirus, a senior official said. Police should be informed regarding such cases immediately, he said.

The Indian mission here said it is "working closely" with organisations and community support groups to help the stranded Indian nationals who are in need of accommodation and food amid coronavirus crisis.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The number of coronavirus cases within the United States has now crossed the 100,000 mark, the Johns Hopkins University real-time tracker revealed.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

The new coronavirus cases surged by nearly one lakh in a single day to reach almost six lakh COVID-19 positive patients globally on Thursday, with the US on the top of the list with nearly one lakh cases alone.

CLICK HERE FOR FULLREPORT

A letter by the Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba dated March 26 to all Chief Secretaries of the states said that around 15 lakh incoming international passengers, who arrived in the country from January 18, 2020, should be monitored.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The coronavirus pandemic has driven the global economy into a downturn that will require massive funding to help developing nations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Friday.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

All of them went to Delhi to attend a religious programme and returned to Port Blair via Kolkata on March 24, they said.

#coronaupdate: #TN has 3 new +ve cases.73 Y F from Chennai at #RGGH.61 Y M contact of Indonesian Nationals, at #Salem Med Colg,39 Y M from Anna Nagar,Chennai at #KMCH. Patients in isolation & are stable. #TN_Together_AgainstCorona@MoHFW_INDIA @CMOTamilNadu @Vijayabaskarofl

— National Health Mission - Tamil Nadu (@NHM_TN) March 27, 2020

Three new cases of Coronavirus have been reported in Rajasthan, two of which are from Bhilwara. The district has now become the epicenter of COVID-19 as it alone has 21 cases out of 46 in the state.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Delivery services like Swiggy, Zomato and Uber Eats may deliver breakfast from 7 am to 9:30 am, lunch from 12 noon to 2:30 pm and dinner from 7 pm to 9 pm. Identity cards must be obtained for the delivery executives from the police through the concerned organisations.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

"In view of hardships faced by both parents and students in view of the covid-19 epidemic, the NEET exam scheduled on May 3 has been postponed," NTA Director General Vineet Joshi said.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Retail shops particularly in the rural areas have stock to last three to four days, M Shivashankar, President of PTF, told The New Indian Express. The items are not reaching the rural areas from the wholesale dealers in the town due to the lockdown regulations imposed by the government. The retail shops in the town areas have a stock to last a week.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

#BREAKING Two more test positive for #coronavirus in #AndhraPradesh taking total cases to 13. Patient 12 from #Vizag is primary contact of Patient 7 who returned from the UK. Patient 13 from #Guntur is primary contact of Patient 10. @NewIndianXpress #CoronaUpdate #COVID pic.twitter.com/CGTNggfz8G

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) March 27, 2020

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a Rs 2,200 crore package to assist the weaker sections of the society who have been hit hard due to the unprecedented lockdown for three weeks in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

Dear PM @BorisJohnson,

You’re a fighter and you will overcome this challenge as well.

Prayers for your good health and best wishes in ensuring a healthy UK. https://t.co/u8VSRqsZeC

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 27, 2020

Over 2,000 Indian nationals are among the 16,900 foreign tourists stranded in Sri Lanka due to the lockdown imposed by the government after the coronavirus outbreak. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

British health minister Matt Hancock tests positive for coronavirus.

At a time the government is insisting on social distancing vis-à-vis COVID-19 pandemic, large groups of people in many parts of Assam ventured out of their homes on Friday to buy essential items. In doing so, the guidelines on social distancing were hit for a six. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The death toll in Spain soared over 4,800 Friday after 769 people died in 24 hours, in what was a record one-day figure for fatalities in the country, the government said. Spain has the world's second-highest death toll after Italy, and has so far suffered 4,858 deaths, while the number of cases jumped to 64,059.

At a press briefing on coronavirus at 4 pm, Joint Secretary (Health Department) Lav Agarwal said that 75 new cases of coronavirus and four deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours. "We are soon likely to participate in the WHO solidarity trial for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. Earlier we did not do it because our numbers were small and our contribution would have looked minuscule," Raman R Gangakhedkar, Head of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at ICMR, said.

With rail and bus connectivity being cut during the ongoing lockdown, migrant workers working in construction sites have been left in the lurch and are left with no alternative but to hitch rides in trucks to reach their hometowns. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The 24x7 WhatsApp and video call helpline for persons with speech and hearing impairments has been launched by the State Commissionerate in Tamil Nadu.

Corona-related assistance may be received at the number 970079993

(READ REPORT HERE)

Iranian media report nearly 300 people have been killed and more than 1,000 sickened so far by ingesting methanol across the Islamic Republic, where drinking alcohol is banned and where those who do rely on bootleggers. An Iranian doctor helping the country's Health Ministry told The Associated Press on Friday the problem was even greater, giving a death toll of around 480 with 2,850 people sickened. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

First, it was Prince Charles. Now, British PM Boris Johnson has tweeted that he too has tested positive for coronavirus. "I have mild symptoms and am self-isolating," he said in a video released on twitter. It has been clarified that the Queen last saw the 55-year-old British PM on March 11. But among those who might have to self-isolate after coming in contact recently with Johnson are the British Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy's son-in-law.

This was Johnson's tweet:

Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus.

I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus.

Together we will beat this. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/9Te6aFP0Ri

— Boris Johnson #StayHomeSaveLives (@BorisJohnson) March 27, 2020

Twelve persons were confirmed to have contracted coronavirus in western Maharashtra's Sangli district on Friday, taking the number of COVID-19 patients in state to 147.

EDIT : If you want to volunteer with government in helping the deprived contact :
covid19relief@safaindia.org
Whatsapp : 9856423333#TNIEupdatesOnCovid19 #TelanganaFightsCorona

— Donita Jose (@DonitaJose) March 27, 2020

The Central and state governments are fully prepared to fight the coronavirus which has caused havoc all over the world. The ad hoc committee of the Trust has decided to pay Rs. 51 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund," Arun Dongre, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Five COVID-19 patients - two from Pune and three from neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad - have been discharged from the civic-run hospitals following their recovery, officials said on Friday. Two patients admitted to Naidu Hospital in Pune were discharged late Thursday night after their repeat samples tested negative for the infection, Dr Ramchandra Hankare, chief health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) said.

Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan tweeted a video where he talks of Chinese experts discovering that the common housefly, which sits on excreta, can transmit the coronavirus. However, the health ministry disagrees. The video was retweeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The Department of Financial Services requested people not to believe rumours of the closure of customer service bank branches. "Customer service bank branches are operational & will continue to provide services. Sufficient cash across branches & ATMs! Don't trust rumours of branch closures! Customers requested to stagger arrival at Branches etc," Panda said in a tweet.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Dubai Airports issued a statement informing that airlines and embassies are now working to send the stranded passengers, some of them since March 18, to their home countries. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Two siblings, an eight-year-old boy and seven-month baby, have tested positive for Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The siblings are grandchildren of an elderly person from Natipora area of Srinagar, who had returned from Saudi Arabia on March 16. 

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Usually, the city's average waste collection hovers around 5100 MT of which 600 MT of wet waste and 280 MT of dry waste is processed.  Since Section 144 was imposed, most restaurants in the city have closed down due to people staying indoors leading to very few takeaway orders. In addition, malls, commercial complexes and most industries have been asked to shut down as part of the lockdown.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

UP chief minister @myogiadityanath took stock of the preparations at the community kitchen at Jiamau in state capital #Lucknow. pic.twitter.com/GE0NfD1ifU

— Prasar Bharati News Services (@PBNS_India) March 27, 2020

Some COVID-19 heroes are engaged in extensive sanitization of the entire terminal buildings such as check-in area and counters, chairs, baggage belt, immigration counters, custom area, trolley, wash-rooms to maintain the hygiene label within the terminal.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

(Photo| EPS/ Vinay Madapu)

In order to feed the needy, poor, paying guests (PGs) and other as to the nation –wide shut down now langar (community food) is being prepared in many gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana and Delhi is preparing langar to feed the homeless during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Rooms for isolation wards and quarantine facilities for the treatment of COVID-19 positive patients will be set up in 'Serai' (Inn) of the Gurudwaras.

Health department officials suspected that all three cases could be related to the same UK-based carrier who may have already infected five others working for a fire safety firm in Sector 135. The district administration has temporarily sealed their residential society and the sector concerned for a period of 48 hours to carry out sanitization work there.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

"Baahubali" actor Prabhas became the latest Telugu star to donate for the cause of combating against the coronavirus pandemic. The actor on Thursday donated Rs 4 crore for the cause. Of this, Rs 3 crore is being given to the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, while Rs 50 lakh each go to the Chief Minister Relief Funds of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

#COVID19 TN Stats 27.3.20 :
Screened Passengers- 209284
Beds in Isolation Wards- 12955
Ventilators : 3018
Current Admissions- 274
Samples Tested - 1143 (Negative-1067, Positive -35 (1 discharged), Under Process- 41)
#TN_Together_AgainstCorona #Vijayabaskar @MoHFW_INDIA

— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 27, 2020

A startup in Kochi has come up with an app that enables students and teachers to continue with their studies that have gone off-track following early closure of schools during the COVID-19 outbreak. Linways Technologies, associated with the Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), has devised the software which enables learning amid the social distancing norms that are essential to contain the pandemic.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has come forward and decided to donate Rs 50 lakh to join hands with the Indian government in helping fight the battle against the coronavirus outbreak that has seen the world come to a standstill.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Karnataka recorded seven new cases on Friday taking the tally to 62. A 10-month-old male child, from Dakshina Kannada with no travel history has tested positive for COVID-19.

The chief minister informed that a five-member panel of doctors, headed by Dr SK Sareen, had submitted its report, prescribing the standard operating procedure for dealing with the situation involving 100, 500 and up to 1,000 new coronavirus patients per day.

(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

(Photo| EPS)

After public criticism and the media flak, the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Himachal pradesh decided to shut the liquor vends from Friday. The media had highlighted how liquor shops across Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were operational more in numbers than milk vending shops during the lockdown of 21 days. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

IT firm Cognizant on Friday said it will give employees who are at associate level and below in India and the Philippines, an additional payment of 25 per cent of base pay for April, in recognition of their extraordinary continuity-of-service efforts amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The move is expected to benefit over 1,30,000 Cognizant employees in India. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

#NewsAlert | Tumakuru in Karnataka records its first #COVID(READ FULL REPORT HERE)19 death as a 65-year-old man who travelled to Delhi by train died at a district hospital in isolation, reports @XpressBengaluru.

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 27, 2020

Police appealing to the public to wear a mask while coming out of the house and only under emergency circumstances in Vijayawada.
Express video | Prasant Madugula.#CoronavirusLockdown #CoronavirusOutbreak @xpressandhra pic.twitter.com/ZvgEYk6MlB

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 27, 2020

#CoronavirusLockdown : 24 hour control room established for UP residents at the Uttar Pradesh Bhawan in Delhi. People can contact the UP Bhawan Control Room at 011-26110151 to 26110155, and 9313434088

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2020

"Embassy is in regular contact with students in Perpetual Help. Shops & essential stores in area open. Indian restaurants are ready to deliver. 16,000 Indian students in Philippines are advised- can travel to India when temporary ban is lifted. Emergency no. 09477836524," the embassy said in a tweet. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

5 more people have tested positive for coronavirus - 4 from Nagpur & 1 from Gondia: Divisional Commissioner Nagpur (Maharashtra)

Total number of #Coronavirus positive cases in the country rises to 724 (including 66 cured/discharged persons and 17 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/MHlRtSp7oG

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2020

 A 45-year-old male, having a travel history to Delhi, has tested positive for coronavirus. Patient is stable and under isolation: Telangana Health department

The Central govt hereby directs that sale by retail of any preparation containing the drug Hydroxychloroquine shall be in accordance with the conditions for sale of drugs specified in Schedule H1 to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare pic.twitter.com/1YWElo7T4d

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2020

Free dry ration will be distributed among poor in district, starting with municipalities today. All chemist shops to open from today. Supply of milk to be allowed only between 8-11 am&4 Groceries shall open on Mar 27 only,between 10 am-4 pm: DC Reasi (Jammu&Kashmir) #COVID19

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2020

21 SHG members have been engaged to take the commodities to the neighbourhoods so that people procure them in their own locality. The women have been provided with protective gear like masks and gloves. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Second positive case of COVID19 in Andamans. He had traveled with the first positive case. Both in hospital and protocols being followed: Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das to address the media at 10:00 AM today. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/xrD6ktBGRv

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2020

United States has now surpassed China in the number of COVID-19 cases around the world, with at least 82,404 people are known to have been infected with the deadly coronavirus, the Johns Hopkins University real-time COVID-19 tracker said on Thursday.

MORE DETAILS HERE

A 47-year-old man admitted to a hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Indore after being suspected of coronavirus has died, an official said, adding the man has no travel history and his test reports are awaited

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED REPORT

The 60-year-old man from the city who had recently returned from New Delhi in a flight has been admitted to the isolation ward in Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

"It has been decided to cancel the summative assessment II for these classes and declare the students as 'all pass'," Commissioner of School Education Vadrevu China Veerabhadrudu said in a memo to Regional Joint Directors and District Educational Officers.

A group of irate passengers stranded on the Andhra Pradesh-Telangana border due to the coronavirus lockdown allegedly hurled stones at the police near the Vadapalli checkpoint late on Thursday night, causing head injury to a constable, police said.

The 66-year-old from Nayabad in Kolkata, with no history of travelling abroad or outside the state, started experiencing severe breathing problems despite oxygen support, he said."He is in very critical condition...and has been put on ventilator.Our doctors are monitoring him round the clock," the official said.

Assam Health Department and Guwahati Municipal Corporation along with fire and emergency services carried out a disinfection drive at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) today. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/vbyqADInYs

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

All 27 samples taken from Kangra Medical College have tested negative for #COVID19 today: Kangra Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Prajapati #HimachalPradesh

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

35 private laboratories across the country have been given the green signal from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct #COVID19 tests. pic.twitter.com/gkhab68PdL

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Another #COVID19 positive case reported just now; a patient from Rajouri district in Jammu. History of close contact with a (now deceased) positive case: Rohit Kansal, J&K Principal Secretary (Planning) (file pic) pic.twitter.com/sm6QMatQVP

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

#BREAKING One more positive case confirmed in #Vijayawada taking total number of cases in #AndhraPradesh to 11. Patient arrived from #Stockholm to #Delhi on March 18, flew to #Vijayawada same day. @NewIndianXpress #ChineseVirus19 #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/hC868VU3jd

— TNIE Andhra Pradesh (@xpressandhra) March 26, 2020

Four persons, including two COVID-19 positive patients and two suspected coronavirus patients have died in hospitals of Indore and Ujjain over the last 24 hours.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

CHENNAI: After much confusion, e-commerce companies delivering essentials can reasme their operations from Friday as the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Edappadi K Palaniswamy and top police officials clarified that they are allowed to work. However, many of the delivery staff are very hesitant to join work for various reasons.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

The new COVID-19 hospitals are likely to come up by April 15, an official said adding that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed to provide state-of-the-art facilities for treatment of COVID-19 patients.
READ FULL REPORT HERE

If you are in the grip of anxiety pangs in the midst of all this social and economic devastation, here are a few tips that might help you tide over your worries, or at least help you handle your concerns better.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

 Many incidents of highhandedness by the men in khaki in the last three days in Chennai have caused much trauma to the common man stepping out to buy groceries or workers engaged in delivering essential services.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

It has been decided that scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 18:30 hrs (GMT) of April 14, 2020. This will not apply to approved international all-cargo operations & flights: Directorate General of Civil Aviation 

#WATCH West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee seen directing officials and vendors to practice social distancing, in a market in Kolkata. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/dwkDbvcraR

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Residents can contact these zonal officers and regional deputy commissioners if they find difficulty in getting essentials

Zone----Zone name---Official name---Number
RDC--North-- P Akash--9445025800
(zone 1-5)
RDC--Central---P N Sridhar--9445190150
(zone 6 to 10)
RDC--South--- Alby John---9445190100
(zone 11-15)
zone 1---Thiruvatriyur---Paul Thangadurai---9445190001
zone 2---Manali-- D Rajasekar--- 9445190002
zone 3---Madhavaram-- S Devendiran-- 9445190003
zone 4--Tondiarpet--M Kamaraj--- 9445190004
zone 5---Royapuram--R Manoharan--- 9445190005
zone 6---Thiru Vi Ka Nagar---P Narayanan--- 9445190006
zone 7--Ambattur---G Tamilselvan-- 9445190007
zone 8---Anna Nagar---K Sundarajan--- 9445190008
zone 9---Teynampet---J Ravikumar--- 9445190009
zone 10---Kodambakkam-- M Paranthaman-- 9445190010
zone 11---Valasaravakkam-- S sasikala--- 9445190011
zone 12--Alandur---H Murugan--- 9445190012
zone 13---Adyar---N Thirumurugan-- 9445190013
zone 14---Perungudi--S Baskaran-- 9445190014
zone 15---Shollinganallur---T Sugumar---- 9445190015

The total number of cases in Punjab rise to 33, after 2 more people test positive for Coronavirus. Of the two, one person is from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar and is a contact of another positive patient and the second case is from Jalandhar and the patient has a travel history 

 The CM has directed DMs of district bordering other states to make arrangements of food and lodging for labourers and other migrants coming from others states due to 21-day lockdown. He said orders regarding use of legislators local area development fund for purchasing equipments, masks etc amid the coronavirus outbreak has been issued.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

In a move to combat coronavirus outbreak, the state government has decided to convert the stadium into make-shift hospitals to treat patients suffering from the contagious infection. At least 1,000 people at a time can be quarantined at the facility. Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site on Thursday and took stock of the work progress.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

I am glad that the government has announced a Financial Action Plan today that reflects some elements of the 10-point plan that I had put forward yesterday. I offer a cautious welcome.

It is a modest plan. In due course, government will realize that it must do more.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 26, 2020

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday said it has created nine quarantine facilities of 200-300 personnel capacity each at its nodal bases across the country to combat the outbreak of novel coronavirus. "To monitor the prevailing situation and provide immediate response and assistance as required, a 24x7 crisis management cell has been set up at the IAF Headquarters and various Command Headquarters," stated an IAF press release.
 

The 66-year-old from Nayabad in Kolkata had no history of travelling abroad or outside the state, he said. He is undergoing treatment at a private hospital's intensive coronary care unit, especially set up for novel coronavirus patients, the official said. His family members have been placed under home quarantine, he said, adding that police have been posted outside their residence.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

DRDO scientists are working on the development of many products to tackle COVID19. Sanitizers developed by us have been distributed to many people. We have also developed N-99 and 3 layered masks, we have produced more than 20,000 masks and supplied to various agencies, including Delhi Police. Some time back DRDO developed a ventilator along with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT), its technology has been transferred to the industry. An industry in Mysore is producing the secondary version of that ventilator now: DRDO Chairman, Dr G Satheesh Reddy 

In Haryana, preparations for a wedding ceremony were stalled by the police in Fatehabad for violating Coronavirus Lockdown. "We have registered a report on this matter and are verifying facts", says Subhash Chandra, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Fatehabad. 

#CoronavirusLockdown | On #Day2 of #Lockdown21, an NGO in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore is donating food and water to people in need.
Express Photo | U Rakesh Kumar pic.twitter.com/1FJahmONUU

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 26, 2020

Village after village in the region has resorted to the age-old mechanism of putting up barricades to fence themselves from novel coronavirus carriers from outside. In the process, people are staying at home and protecting themselves and others.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The patient worked in the quality assurance section of a noted pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud and is said to have been in contact with many health care professionals. Health officials have traced seven primary contacts of the patient who are currently under house quarantine.  

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Ever since the city has gone into lockdown, helplines catering to various needs of the city -- physical and mental -- have opened up.

Shaira Munjal, a city-based psychologist, has set up a helpline for those who may need mental health care during these times. She accepts calls or WhatsApp messages on the number +91 9884720759.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

In a fresh email communication on Thursday, accessed by The New Indian Express, the Dean Students said Bhadra, Cauvery and Brahmaputra have been identified as men's hostels and Sabarmati for women. "We have made sure the number of residents would be far less than half the capacity of the hostels," the Dean said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

The Govt announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction. India owes a debt to its farmers, daily wage earners, labourers, women & the elderly who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing lockdown.#Corona

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 26, 2020

READ FULL REPORT

It is believed that Kapoor deleted the post after facing severe online backlash in the wake of the announcement. Ever since her diagnosis, the singer received flak, mostly because of the perceived lack of caution she took after returning from the UK. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Taking a stern view of many people still sauntering out on the roads despite a state and nationwide lockdown, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday hinted that he would not hesitate to deploy the Army to control the crowding menace.

A 73-year-old man, who had tested positive for coronavirus and was in coma due to kidney failure in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district, died on Thursday while two more persons tested positive for the COVID-19 infection in the state, an official said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Many Police personnel in #Chennai stopped motorists and requested them with folded hands to stay at home on the first day of #21daylockdown. #CoronavirusLockdown
Express video | @ddmallick https://t.co/QUlFTL1ZJB pic.twitter.com/g3I7rhCAbG

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 26, 2020

Airtel acquired a strategic stake in Juggernaut in 2017. Juggernaut is also organising an innovative online literary festival as part of its efforts to promote reading.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Traders were in a dilemma as vegetable stocks continue to arrive but there are no takers as the regular supply to hotels, hostels, canteens and retail vegetable markets has been hit owing to the COVID-19 lockdown.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

 According to a senior police officer, 12 cases have been registered against people for spreading fake news and rumours and eight people have been arrested in this regard.

READ FULL REPORT

What do Indian citizens think about #Lockdown21 to battle #CoronavirusPandemic?
Here is what Gowtham, a bachelor from Madurai, Tamil Nadu had to say about it on #Day2. #COVID19 @xpresstn
Express Video | K.K.Sundar pic.twitter.com/nGp0qv3pjt

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 26, 2020

• Social distancing can be effective intervention in breaking chain of coronavirus transmission

• COVID-19 does not spread through mosquitoes

• 17 states have started work on earmarking hospitals for dedicated treatment of COVID-19 patients

• Govt is taking steps to ensure that production, supply or distribution of essential goods & services do not get affected during Coronavirus Lockdown. States are working to provide food & shelter to migrant workers

• According to the initial trends, while the numbers of COVID19 cases are increasing, the rate at which they are increasing appears to be relatively stabilizing.   

• There is still no hard evidence to say there has been community transmission of coronavirus in India

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has written to 18 Chief Ministers in connection with the people from West Bengal that are stuck in various parts of the country, amid the lockdown. In the letter, she has appealed to the CMs to provide basic amenities to them. pic.twitter.com/lZMfAP5VuH

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Odisha to set up the largest COVID-19 hospital in the country. Will be a 1000 bed hospital and will be functional in a fortnight. A tripartite agreement was signed between Odisha Govt, corporates and and Medical colleges.  

Government of India allows doorstep delivery of medicines/drugs to people in view of the COVID19 pandemic. Notification to be published soon in the Gazette of India. 

With people facing problems in availability of items of daily needs on the first day of the nationwide lockdown, the Jharkhand government on Thursday decided to provide daily essentials to people on their doorsteps. CM Hemant Soren has shared on his Twitter handle a list of shops and megastores along with their phone numbers that are making home delivery of food items and other essential items. 

A case has been registered against an owner and reporter of an Urdu newspaper for publishing a fake news in his daily that six persons have tested positive for the COVID-19 in Poonch, creating fear and confusion among the local populace.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Minister of Medical Education K Sudhakar said the second patient who succumbed to COVID-19 in Karnataka was turned away from the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases due to the lack of beds. "She was a senior citizen who travelled from Andhra to Gauribidanur and then came to Bengaluru. She had a travel history of going to the Middle East. As the beds were full at RGICD, she was shifted to Bowring at 12 pm in the night and passed away at 1 am in Bowring," Sudhakar said.

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

Indian authorities has allowed a special flight of Lufthansa airlines to fly to Delhi and later evacuate German citizens stuck in the wake of countrywide lockdown. Under special circumstances, a Lufthansa A380 aircraft from Frankfurt landed in Delhi around midnight. The return flight departed from Delhi at 130 am. The number of foreigners evacuated could not be immediately known. 

A 32-year-old man in West Bengal's Howrah who ventured out to buy milk succumbed to his injuries after reportedly being thrashed by police. The deceased identified as Lal Swami, a resident of Howrah, had stepped out to buy milk (an essential) on Wednesday, ABP Ananda reported. His wife reportedly claimed that Swami was lathi-charged when the police were clearing a gathering on the street. 

The Bihar government on Thursday released Rs 100 crore from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to assist Bihari migrants who have returned to the state or are stuck in other states amid the Covid-19 lockdown. Migrants who returned to Bihar from other states will be provided food with the money sanctioned by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

READ FULL STORY HERE

The decision said to be taken by Tamil Nadu Milk Dealers Welfare Association on Thursday, on the second day of statewide lockdown after the police allegedly asked them to restrict the sale of milk owing to the increasing gathering of people at retail shops.  

READ FULL REPORT HERE 

The person subjected to the test has to blow air on the device to gauge the alcohol content in his body. The decision to suspend its use for the time being was taken as part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

A man has been tested positive for COVID19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He flew back from Chennai on March 24. Follow up action is being taken as per protocol: Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

What prompted the sudden rush of people to their villages was the Telangana police giving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to some students staying in Hyderabad to travel to their native places in AP as the private hostels there started to shut down as they could not provide food and other facilities to the inmates.

READ FULL REPORT

For The Organised Sector Under PM Gareeb Kalyan Yojana

*The government of India will pay the EPF contribution - 12 per cent - of both employer and employee for the next three months. This is for those establishments which have over 100 employees, 90 percent of which earn below Rs 15,000 per month.

* EPFO scheme regulations to be amended to allow non-refundable advance of 75 per cent from their contingency fund, or three months wages, whichever is lower. This will benefit 4.8 crore workers registered with EPF.

For testing and screening activities

*State government has been directed to utilise mineral fund for supplementing all types of medical screening activities necessary to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday said that all shops selling essential commodities in Delhi will be allowed to remain open round the clock to prevent crowding and rush by the people. He further added that the police department has been asked to allow e-commerce companies to function in the state. 

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Public Service Announcement

We have received a few queries regarding the tenure of the closure of the Metro services. It is hereby informed that, in light of the lockdown issued by the government, Metro services will remain closed till 14 April 2020.

— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 26, 2020

Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyaan Ann Yojana

*Nearly two thirds of the population, 80 crore poor people, will get 5 kg of rice or wheat per month, in addition to the 5 kg announced by the Centre, for free.

*1 kg of pulse, according to regional preferences, to each household will be given for the next three months. This can be availed of in two installments.

Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyaan Ann Yojana

* Nearly two thirds of the population, 80 crore poor people, will get 5 kg of rice or wheat per month, in addition to the 5 kg announced by the Centre, for free.

*1 kg of pulse, according to regional preferences, to each household will be given for the next three months. This can be availed of in two installments.

Direct Benefit Transfer Announcements

* Cash transfer to cover farmers, MNREGA workers, poor widows and pensioners and divyang * Women under DBT and those under Ujjwala, self help group women, construction workers

* Farmers who currently receive Rs 6,000 annually, will be given the first installment of the next financial year immediately. 8.7 crore farmers will benefit from it.

In the last few days, the total number of passengers enrolled for medical surveillance on Thursday rose to 1456 from 909 on Tuesday and 1228 on Wednesday. In the last 12 hours, 228 new passengers were added in total count for placing them under observation. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Andhra Pradesh: People at vegetable markets in Tirupati follow social distancing, as a preventive measure against Coronavirus. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/MXI3cFwNWG

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

• The Delhi Police on Thursday directed all its personnel to allow persons and vehicles engaged in essential services to remain operational in the national capital while also listing out names of retailers and online delivery services that shall be allowed to function here, officials said. All traffic, picket and beat staff have been briefed to allow the following retailers, operators and online delivery services to operate in Delhi.
• This comes a day after the Delhi Police held a meeting with representatives of e-commerce websites and assured them help in ensuring smooth movement of essential services. Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, 24 Seven, Blue Dart, DTDC, Wow Express, Swiggy, Grofers, BigBasket, MilkBaasket, Dunzo, Big Bazaar, Snapdeal, Licious, Medlife, Pharmeasy, UrbanClap, Ninjacart, Honsa Conumer Pvt. Limited, Healthians Diagnostics, Delhivery Pvt Limited, Nutrimoo Milk Dairy, More Retail Limited, Easyday, Jabong, Myntra, Spencer's, Reliance Fresh, Jubilant Food Works, Foodpanda, Faaso's, Pizza Hut, Uber Eats, Needs Supermart Pvt Limited, 1MG, Dr. Lal Path Labs, Max-Path, Satvacart, Iifco and any other e-commerce retailers and operators have been allowed to function in the national capital, according to police.
• Police have also set up a platform for e-commerce websites where they can share the problems faced by them so that the police can help in solving the issues. Delivery agents of e-commerce websites are also being given movement passes, police said.

Food home delivery services have been allowed, the delivery persons can show their ID cards that will be sufficient. Mohalla clinics will continue to function but with all precautions: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal

Shanti Pal, 16-year-old, at Delhi's Anand Vihar: I sell chhole-bhature in Andrews Ganj area from where I started walking on foot towards my home in Badaun (Uttar Pradesh). I hope to reach there by tomorrow. I have not eaten anything since yesterday. #CoronavirusLockdown pic.twitter.com/6OEGGzVmgd

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

The research, published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, assessed the treatment of 12 patients in Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, China, with severe COVID-19 infection-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who were assisted by mechanical ventilation. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

#WATCH Mumbai's Juhu beach wears a deserted look as nationwide lockdown enters Day 2; Till now, the total number of positive cases in Maharashtra is 124. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/gAdt0PAlxC

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

While researchers are certain that coronavirus spreads through mucus and droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing, it is unclear if the virus is spread through other bodily fluids, such as tears, said the study published in the journal Ophthalmology. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

WATCH: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lt Governor Anil Baijal address the media #coronaviruslockdown https://t.co/DGOYTZtXD0

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Puducherry Congress MLA John Kumar: I distributed vegetables to the poor because prices of essential items have increased after the lockdown. Now, FIR has been registered against me for helping the poor. Why are not cases being registered against officers holding meetings? https://t.co/n9duXk8nU0 pic.twitter.com/fzkeKVepSB

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is likely to announce later in the day a comprehensive economic package to deal with the impact of coronavirus outbreak. The announcement is expected to take place at 1 pm on Thursday, an official said without giving any specific details. Earlier this week, the Finance Minister had said a package is under works and will be announced.
• With the coronavirus lockdown hitting the Indian industry hard and causing job losses, Sitharaman had said an economic package to help tide over the crisis will be announced very soon.
• Sitharaman told reporters an announcement on the package would be made sooner than later. Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week had constituted a task force headed by the Finance Minister to work out package for economy hit by coronavirus.

"The 70-year-old man died at a government hospital in Bhavnagar," state principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi said. Earlier, one patient each from Ahmedabad and Surat had succumbed to the viral infection, she said

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to brief media at 1 PM. On Tuesday, Sitharaman had announced a slew of measures to reduce the stress on coronavirus-hit India Inc and India. (READ MORE)

#WATCH South Delhi Municipal Corporation conducts sanitisation in Lajpat Nagar, in wake of Coronavirus spread; Local Councilor Abhishek Dutt appeals to people to stay indoors . #Delhi pic.twitter.com/dUwCxRZaZY

— ANI (@ANI) March 26, 2020

Pompeo, a known critic of China, said China's delay in sharing information about the virus had created risks to people worldwide. (READ FULL STORY HERE)