- A 46-year-old resident of Dharavi area of Mumbai who had contracted coronavirus died on Wednesday evening, prompting the civic authorities to seal the building where he lived. Densely-populated Dharavi is famous as one of the largest slums in Asia.
- The man, who lived in a building constructed under the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) scheme, had no foreign travel history, said a health official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
- After he died at nearby government-run Sion Hospital, some 300 tenements in the building and around 30 shops were cordoned off by police.
- Residents of the building have been quarantined at home. The deceased had a garment shop at AKG Nagar in Dharavi, the official said.
COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Three deaths from Telangana take India toll to 59, confirmed cases cross 2000
The Health Ministry officials on Wednesday said cases have increased largely due to Tablighi Jamaat congregation, which took place in mid-March, and therefore does not show a national trend.
Published: 31st March 2020 12:23 AM | Last Updated: 02nd April 2020 07:44 AM | A+A A-

Government employees rush to catch a state transport bus at Chatrapati Shivaji Terminal during the nationwide lockdown imposed in wake of the coronavirus pandemic in Mumbai Wednesday April 1 2020. (Photo | PTI)
The massive spike in India's coronavirus tally continued on Wednesday, as the number of positive cases crossed 2000, while the death toll stood at 56. So far, 176 people have recovered from the pandemic and released from hospitals across the country.
The Health Ministry attributed the big spike in the numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases largely to the Tablighi Jamaat, an orthodox Muslim society set up nearly 100 years ago by Deobandi Islamic scholar Maulana Muhammad Ilyas Khandhalawi as a religious reform movement and to spread the faith.
In a sweeping nationwide hunt, authorities across states have identified more than 6,000 people who attended the Nizamuddin Tablighi Jamaat congregation, the biggest COVID-19 hotspot in India, as more than 450 fresh cases of infection emerged on Wednesday to take the tally over 1,900 with at least 59 deaths.
More than 5,000 of those identified to have attended the congregation have been quarantined, including in hospitals across states, while efforts are on to trace another 2,000 including in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
The list includes foreigners as well, while some of those identified by the state authorities are yet to return from Delhi to their respective native places.
More information on the Dharavi death
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Corona cases to reach 1mn in next few days, toll to hit 50,000
In the next few days, the world will see confirmed COVID-19 cases reach one million and death tally climb to 50,000, the chief of World Health Organization (WHO) noted on Wednesday.
Wall Street tumbles amid deepening coronavirus fears
Wall Street's major averages tumbled on Wednesday amid deepening concerns over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the US. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 973.65 points, or 4.44 per cent, to close at 20,943.51. The S&P 500 fell 114.09 points, or 4.41 per cent, to 2,470.50. The Nasdaq Composite Index shed 339.52 points, or 4.41 per cent, to 7,360.58, Xinhua reported.
Global economy could shrink by 1% in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic
The global economy could shrink by up to 1 per cent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and may contract even further if restrictions on economic activities are extended without adequate fiscal responses, according to analysis released on Wednesday by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs.
World's youngest victim? COVID-19 claims life of six-week-old in US
A six-week-old infant is believed to be the youngest patient to die from the coronavirus, Connecticut's governor said Wednesday. Governor Ned Lamont tweeted that the newborn was "brought unresponsive to a hospital late last week and could not be revived."
Latest updates from Northeast
Latest Telangana stats
PIB sets up COVID-19 fact check unit
The PIB will also release a daily bulletin at 8 pm everyday to inform regarding Centre's decisions and developments and progress on the deadly COVID 19. The first bulletin was released today at 6. 30 pm, the PIB said in statement. The PIB's bulletin is in line with the Supreme Court directive on Tuesday that to check fake news, a daily bulletin system with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic be made active within 24 hours by the government through all media avenues, including social media and forums, to clear people''s doubts.
Odisha registers its fifth case
#Odisha records 5th #COVID19 positive case. With co-morbid conditions the 60-year-old patient admitted to @AIIMSBhubaneswr. 290 samples tested today.
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) April 1, 2020
RMRC: 226, AIIMS-53 & SCB MCH - 11.
Cumulative: 900 samples, Positive - 5.#coronavirus, @NewIndianXpress
WATCH | Coronavirus: Tamil Nadu confirms 110 new cases, global count crosses 8.7 lakhs
Update from Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh: 24 people, who have returned to Sagar and had participated in Tablighi Jamaat at Markaz in Delhi, have been placed under isolation at TB Hospital there. Their samples are being sent for test. pic.twitter.com/MS1qjKhLKI
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
560 foreigners flown to Paris, Frankfurt from Goa
The Goa airport of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) tweeted on Wednesday evening that the ninth relief flight (from the state) took off for Paris with 246 passengers and two infants. It was a Qatar Airways flight, it said. It was the third relief flight from the airport on Wednesday, it added. "In all, 1,831 adults and 14 infants were sent home till date," it added. On Wednesday morning, the eighth relief flight from Goa airport took off for Frankfurt via Mumbai with 314 passengers in a chartered Air India flight, it added.
Stats from Rajasthan
- Wednesday's positive cases: 27 (26 in state and 1 evacuee from Iran) Total positive in state: 102 (including 2 Italian) Evacuees from Iran total Positive: 18
- Overall cumulative positive: 120 12 new positive reported. Four are from Tonk, all these are from Tabligi jamat, one from Alwar district admitted at Burn unit of SMS hospital.
- Seven positive reported are from Churu, all these are from Tabligi Jamat.
Good news from Kerala
MHA takes another peventive step against fake news
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has asked Chief Secretaries of all states and union territories to create a mechanism at state -level where people can verify facts and unverified news promptly, similar, to the web portal being created by Govt of India. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/MduBP5JaUR
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
UP Police lodges FIRs against over 100 foreigners for allegedly violating visa rules
Cops said over 100 foreigners, who are at present under quarantine, have been booked under the Foreigners Act as they were indulging in religious activities. They said 236 foreigners were identified in the state and were put under quarantine. Out of them, police have so far booked over 100 foreigners for violation of visa rules as they were travelling on a tourist visa and indulging in Tablighi Jamaat activities, they said.
Manipur government's statement on coronavirus situation in state
It is learnt that some audio recordings etc are circulating through social media creating confusion about #COVID19. It is clarified that till date there is no new/second confirmed COVID19 cases in the state & there is no advice from the govt to hoard essential items: Manipur Govt https://t.co/atWpF0Q6fT
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
More updates from Mumbai
Sai Hospital,a private hospital in Mumbai's Chembur,has been sealed by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) after a person admitted there was found to be coronavirus positive. The person has been shifted to Kasturba Hospital. Close contacts of the person placed under quarantine.
Identified case from Mumbai's Dharavi slum dies
The 56 year old man who was detected #COVIDー19 positive from Asia's largest slum Dharavi dies at Sion hospital. @NewIndianXpress https://t.co/NQHZUCP8SP
— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) April 1, 2020
Tamil Nadu: State Health Minister C Vijayabaskar inspected Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai today. 200 isolation wards, including 100 wards with ventilators, have been opened at the hospital. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/vKvIr4iOEI
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
ITDC to provide 2,000 meals every day to health workers of RML, AIIMS
The India Tourism Development Corporation will provide up to 2,000 cooked and packed meals every day to health workers of government hospitals, AIIMS and RML, amid the lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, the PSU said in an official statement on Wednesday. Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel said the India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) delivered the first batch of 500 meals to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital here on Wednesday. The food is being cooked in the kitchen of ITDC's flagship hotel 'The Ashok'. "These are testing times which all of us are going through. ITDC in a humble move will provide up to 2,000 meals per day to the healthcare professionals and other needy people as part of its CSR activity," Patel said. "Everything we do today combats the massive challenge that we are facing as a nation and as a world," he added.
Odisha businessman and wife providing food and water to the needy
Odisha: A local businessman in Bhubanewar, Amaya Das, his wife and their team has been providing food and water to the needy, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. He says "Everything is closed, where will they go? We will continue doing this for the entire duration of the lockdown." pic.twitter.com/N1sG3fxEBT
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
300 released after completing quarantine period in Kathua
With this, over 600 people have been released from various quarantine centres across Jammu and Kashmir. "We have released 300 people rom quarantine centres (after completing the term). They have been sent to home districts in private vehicles,"District Magistrate, Kathua O P Bhagat told reporters. Kathua, which is the entry point into Jammu and Kashmir, houses one of the biggest quarantine centres. A total of 236 people were discharged from various quarantine facilities in Srinagar after they completed their quarantine period, the officials said.
Second patient in Odisha recovers
Second #COVID19 positive case of #Odisha who was undergoing treatment at @AIIMSBhubaneswr recovers. He tests negative for novel #coronavirus. The 19-year-old youth had returned from UK. @NewIndianXpress
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) April 1, 2020
Among corona victims, ex-gratia benefits for pvt doctors, paramedics too: Khattar
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Wednesday said doctors, nurses, paramedics and other staffers working in state's private hospitals engaged in anti-corona fight too will be given the enhanced ex-gratia payments fixed for their counterparts in government hospitals. The chief minister also announced an extension of due date for payment of crop loans by farmers from April 15 to June 30. Khattar made these announcements in a televised address, aimed at updating people on the Covid-19 situation in the state and steps being taken to combat it.
Engine of IAF plane carrying essential supplies catches fire, pilots land it safely back in Agra
"One of the engines of the Avro aircraft caught fire at around 250 feet of height soon after the take off from Agra air base on Tuesday. The pilots landed the plane back safely. The aircraft had essential supplies as its cargo," they said. It is a twin engine aircraft that can fly at a maximum speed of 452 km per hour and has the capacity to carry 48 soldiers and six tonnes of cargo. As India is under a 21-day lockdown till April 14 to curb the spread of coronavirus, and all domestic and international commercial passenger flights have been suspended for this time period. During this period, many IAF aircraft have been transporting essential supplies such as medicines, test kits and food items across the country.
Eight more tested positive in Assam
BMC identifies 145 'containment zones' to curb COVID-19 spread
The civic body identified these containment zones, where either one or more COVID-19 cases were found or suspected patients lived, the official said. These containment zones include slums, isolated buildings, nursing homes and housing colonies, he said. "Some areas, including Worli Koliwada, Prabhadevi and Bimbisar Nagar in the western suburb of Goregaon, fell under the red zone and were sealed completely with the help of the police," he added. All the entry and exit points of these red zones are barricaded and no one is allowed to go in and out of these areas, the official said, adding that disinfectants were also sprayed to sanitise these places.
Modi discusses Maharashtra situation with Uddhav
PM Narendra Modi and Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray had a telephonic conversation earlier today on the prevailing COVID19 situation in Maharashtra. They also discussed tomorrow's video conferencing scheduled at 11am between PM and all Chief Ministers: Maharashtra CMO Sources pic.twitter.com/B6HLtakCky
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
Latest update from Haryana
40 people have been placed under quarantine. Further action will be taken after their report comes: Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij https://t.co/9qVYvpmCHR
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
WATCH | Lockdown Tales: This Chennai woman is selflessly distributing food packets to the poor
352 Indian migrant labourers,working in Nepal's Birgunj,have been kept at a hostel of Thakur Ram College there. MHA has suspended all passenger movements through all immigration land check posts at India-Nepal border till further orders. Nepal has nationwide lockdown till April 7 pic.twitter.com/1tajXYGTzy
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
#CoronaLockdown woes | A young labourer who was employed in Coimbatore found himself out of job due to #21daysLockdown. He is currently on foot to his native, Ariyalur.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 1, 2020
Express photo by @ashokkumar_TNIE.@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/LWJfcCepwE
JEE-Advanced for admission to 23 IITs postponed
- The exam was scheduled to be held on May 17. "JEE (Main) examination scheduled in April has been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreak. JEE (Advanced), which was scheduled to be held on May 17, thus stands postponed and will be rescheduled after JEE (Main)," said a senior official of IIT Delhi, the organising institute for JEE-Advanced, 2020.
- Through JEE (Advanced), the 23 Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) all over the country offer admissions to the undergraduate courses leading to a Bachelor's, Integrated Master's or Bachelor's-Master's Dual Degree in Engineering, Science or Architecture.
- While JEE-Mains is conducted for admission to engineering colleges across the country, it is considered as a qualifying exam for JEE-Advanced. The HRD Ministry's National Testing Agency (NTA) had on Tuesday said that JEE-Mains is likely to be held in the last week of May.
WATCH | Person related to Markaz Nizamuddin attempt to commit suicide
#WATCH A person related to Markaz Nizamuddin, admitted at Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi attempted to commit suicide today. He was saved by the hospital authorities. pic.twitter.com/qHSGIYaTJn
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
One more dead in Maharashtra
Coronavirus reaches Mumbai's Dharavi slum
One coronavirus positive case has been found in Shahu Nagar of Dharavi in Mumbai. A team of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is at the spot. Police is planning to seal the concerned building where the person has been found. More details awaited.
Tamil Nadu reports 110 new positive cases from 15 districts
All 110 r ppl attended Tablighi Jamaat conference at Delhi. Dey r frm 15 districts in TN. Aftr appeal frm d Govt dey themselves came forward to test. 668 more samples r taken fr testing. @xpresstn @ranjim
— Sinduja (@Sinduj11) April 1, 2020
Volunteers in Vijayawada distributing pension door to door and taking a picture instead of biometrics in view of #COVID19Pandemic.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 1, 2020
Express photos | Prasant Madugula.@xpressandhra pic.twitter.com/MmBjFKovVy
Highlights of Delhi CM's presser
- We handed over a list of 11084 phone numbers to police yesterday & 14345 phone numbers today of people who have been asked to remain in home quarantine. The police will track if they are following the instructions on home quarantine or not
- 120 positive cases reported till this morning. Total 766 people are admitted to the hospitals of Delhi due to Corona. Out of them 112 are positive, rest are possibly infected and are being tested. Out of the 112 positive cases, only one is on ventilator, two are on oxygen supply and 109 people are stable.
- 536 people, out of all those who were brought out of Markaz, have been admitted to hospitals. 1810 people have been put in isolation/quarantine. So, a total of 2346 have been brought out of Markaz.
- About 10 lakh poor people do not have ration card in Delhi. I request them to apply for the ration card on Delhi govt's e-district website. They will not get the card but we will give them ration till COVID19 issue persists.
- Passes will be given to two employees/owner of every private company so that they can go to their respective offices to calculate & transfer the employees' salaries. The passes will be valid for two days
123 Tablighi Jamaat members from Kerala visited Delhi in early March, all home quarantined
The most number of people hailed from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts. About 36 people from these districts had gone to Nizamuddin, which is now considered the hot spot of COVID, to attend the functions there, including the mushawara (meeting).
2361 persons evacuated from Nizamuddin Markaz
निज़ामुद्दीन के आलमी मरकज़ में 36 घंटे का सघन अभियान चलाकर सुबह चार बजे पूरी बिल्डिंग को ख़ाली करा लिया गया है. इस इमारत में कुल 2361 लोग निकले. इसमें से 617 को hospitals में और बाक़ी को quarantine में भर्ती कराया गया है. 1/2
— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 1, 2020
WATCH | Lockdown halts work and lives of 500 migrant labourers in Chennai
BHEL Ranipet’s innovative disinfectant sprayer becomes a hit in fight against COVID-19
The emerging threat of COVID-19 has led the Boilers Auxilliaries Plant of Bharat Heavy Electrical Limited (BHEL-BAP) in Ranipet to innovate a customized prototype disinfectant sprayer which has caught the attention of authorities fighting the virus.
300 French tourists in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry being flown back home
The French nationals approached the consulate here for help after being stranded following which consulate officials contacted the government of France, through its embassy in Delhi.
ICMR has conducted around 48,000 tests till date
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has conducted 47,951 tests till date. There are 126 labs in ICMR network, number of private labs that have been approved are 51.
- The States are arranging food and shelter for the migrant workers; 21,486 relief camps have been set up where 6,75,133 persons have been given shelter: MHA
- Supreme Court has said that misinformation needs to be checked. For that, we've created email id technicalquery.covid19@gov.in through which a joint secretary-rank officer of Health Ministry&specialized doctors of AIIMS will provide technical support
10-year-old girl tests positive for COVID-19 in Punjab, number of cases reach 44
Three new cases of COVID-19 have been reported from Punjab on Wednesday taking the total number of cases in the state to 44. Meanwhile, paramilitary forces have been deployed at a few places in Jalandhar as people were not observing the curfew imposed in the state till April 14.
Highligths of health ministry briefing
- Till now, there are 1637 COVID19 cases, including 386 new positive cases since yesterday. There've been 38 deaths. 132 people have recovered. The number of positive cases have gone up since yesterday. One of main reasons for it is the travel by members of Tablighi Jamat.
- 1800 people related to Tablighi Jamaat have been sent to 9 hospitals and quarantine centers. The recent rise in cases does not represent a national trend.
- Railways is preparing to set up 3.2 lakh isolation&quarantine beds by modifying 20000 coaches. Modification of 5000 coaches has begun. Lifeline flights have been started to transport essential commodities like testing kits, medicines and masks.
WATCH | Five trains, thousands of passengers under scanner over travelling with Tablighi Jamaat participants
Two resident doctors in Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19
Twto resident doctors of Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi have tested positive for COVID19 - a male doctor posted in COVID-19 unit and another resident doctor, a third year female PG student from Biochemistry department. According to the officials, she has a past travel history to aboard.
Delhi CM announces ex gratia of Rs 1 crore for death of medical workers
If anyone loses their life while serving COVID-19 patients, whether sanitation workers, doctors or nurses, their family will be provided Rs 1 crore as respect to their service. Whether they are from private or government sector doesn't matter: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal
Uttar Pradesh records 2nd COVID-19 death in Meerut
The second casualty in Uttar Pradesh has come to light from Meerut, where a 72-year-old patient who had tested positive for the virus on March 29, succumbed to complications on Wednesday afternoon. The person was the father-in-law of the 50-year-old man who had tested positive for the virus on March 27. He has played the primary source of infection for 16 persons of his family after returning from Amarawati in Maharashtra on last Friday.
Six from Puducherry attended the Delhi mosque event
Six people from Puducherry and three from Karaikal have been identified as attendees at Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi's Nizamuddin. Their samples have been taken and sent for tests. The Puducherry CM has appealed to all the others who attended the event to come forward and identify themselves.
22 from Kerala's Mallapuram district attended Nizamuddin event
22 people from Kerala's Mallapuram district had attended the (Tablighi Jamaat) meeting at Delhi's Nizamuddin. They have been placed under home quarantined on their return, says Superintendent of Police Abdul Kareem
26 from Uttarakhand participated in Tablighi Jamaat event
26 people of Uttarakhand participated in Tablighi Jamaat event at Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz. They are still in Delhi. 173 out of 713 people who participated in regular jamaats at the mosque in last 28 days have been quarantined: Ashok Kumar,Director General of Police (Law & Order)
210 people stranded in Majnu-ka-Tilla Gurudwara shifted to schools
Around 210 people who were stranded at Majnu-ka-Tilla Gurudwara since 28th March due to coronavirus lockdown, are being shifted to schools: Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) North, Delhi.
WATCH | Novel punishment for motorists defying lockdown in Chennai
Villivakkam police take a novel way of punishing motorists who defied #lockdown by making them wear #COVID19 masks and reciting slogans on Padi flyover in Chennai.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 1, 2020
Express Video | P Jawahar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/ShNkqpA9YL
Wipro, Azim Premji Foundation pledge Rs 1125 crore for tackling COVID-19 crisis
Wipro Ltd, Wipro Enterprises Ltd and Azim Premji Foundation have together committed Rs 1125 Crore towards tackling the unprecedented health and humanitarian crisis arising from #COVID19 pandemic outbreak. pic.twitter.com/AMJUkMCGKu
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
UP reports first COVID-19 death after reports of 25-yr-old deceased man confirms coronavirus
Uttar Pradesh reported its first coronavirus-related death on Wednesday after test reports of a 25-year-old man, who died two days ago, confirmed he was COVID-19 positive. The man was admitted to the BRD Medical College here on Sunday and he was suffering from kidney and liver problems, the institute's principal Ganesh Kumar said.
South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) official sanitizes Markaz Nizamuddin area as a measure to prevent the spread of #COVID19 in Delhi. #CoronavirusOutbreakindia
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) April 1, 2020
Express photo | @parveennegi1 pic.twitter.com/SbNtqdtlse
65-year-old COVID-19 patient dies in Indore
The total number of coronavirus cases now stands at 85 in Madhya Pradesh with 19 new cases reported in Indore. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Two COVID-19 patients die in Bengal, death count 6
Two persons infected with coronavirus have died in West Bengal, taking the total number of COVID-19 deaths in the state to six, a health department official said on Wednesday.
- A 57-year-old man, who was admitted to a private hospital in Golabari area of Howrah district two days ago, died on Tuesday night
- Another 57-year-old man died in a hospital in Belghoria in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday morning,
Prominent Indian-origin virologist Gita Ramjee dies from coronavirus in South Africa
World-renowned virologist Gita Ramjee has become the first Indian-origin South African to have died after contracting the novel coronavirus that has killed five people in the country. Ramjee, a stellar vaccine scientist and an HIV prevention research leader, had returned from London a week ago but reportedly showed no symptoms of COVID-19. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Tablighi Jamaat's footprint
Seven foreigners, part of Tablighi Jamaat, quarantined in Odisha
#UPDATE : At least seven foreigners - all from African nations - are found to have travelled to Odisha as part of #TablighiJamaat . They are in quarantine and blood samples have been collected for testing @NewIndianXpress @XpressOdisha
— Siba Mohanty (@Siba_TNIE) April 1, 2020
'Enforced safety measures even before government': Isha Yoga says no positive case in Coimbatore centre
Isha Yoga Center says: There are no Corona positive cases at Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore; Even before WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic & much before central & state governments announced lockdowns and imposed travel bans, the yoga centre enforced safety measures....1 @xpresstn
— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) April 1, 2020
Andhra cases jump to 87 as 43 new positive cases detected
43 new positive #COVID19 cases detected in Andhra Pradesh since 9 PM on 31st March till 9 AM today. With this, the total number of positive cases in the state has increased to 87: Nodal Officer, Andhra Pradesh pic.twitter.com/KhlhNBamrC
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
Andhra Pradesh to defer salaries of government employees
The Andhra Pradesh government has issued an order on Wednesday deferring the salaries of government employees, including the Chief Minister, Cabinet Ministers and IAS officers. The order shall come into force for the month of March 2020, payable in the month of April 2020 and will continue to be in force till further orders.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Nizamuddin event attendees, contacts being traced
- We got info that 62 Indonesian & Malaysian nationals who took part in prayers in Delhi (Markaz) had visited Karnataka as well. We have detected 12 such people & quarantined them. The home department will investigate the case further: B Sriramulu, Karnataka Health Minister
- 34 people traced in Ahmednagar, including 29 foreigners who had attended the Markaz in Nizamuddin, Delhi. Out of these 29 foreigners, results of 14 have come & 2 have tested positive for #COVID19. 3 people who came in contact with them also tested positive: Ahmednagar Collector
Doctor working at a Delhi government hospital tests positive for coronavirus
8 new cases reported in Gujarat
8 new #COVID19 positive cases have been detected in Ahmedabad taking the total number of positive cases in Gujarat to 82. As of now, only three patients are on ventilator support: Gujarat Health Department
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
Global death toll crosses 42,000; over 8.5 lakh cases reported worldwide
The worldwide number of officially confirmed fatalities from the novel coronavirus has risen to 42,151, according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. More than 858,785 declared cases have been registered in 186 countries and territories since the pandemic broke out in China in December. Of these cases, at least 178,119 are now considered recovered.(READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Andhra begins door to door distribution of welfare pension
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Government has started door to door distribution of welfare pensions from today, amid #CoronaLockdown. The state government says it has paid pensions to 31 lakhs pensioners till now, out of 59 lakhs pensioners in the state. pic.twitter.com/3ZSuOcJQbt
— ANI (@ANI) April 1, 2020
Benchmark indices kick off FY20 on a weaker note amid rising COVID-19 cases
The benchmark S&P BSE Sensex opened 537.44 points lower, or 1.82 per cent, at 28,931.05 levels, while the Nifty50 index slipped 152.60 points, or 1.77 per cent, to 8,445.15 levels.
Puducherry reports new cases, persons attended Nizamuddin congregation
Two who attended Nizamuddin congregation, test positive for COVID-19 in Puducherry. @xpresstn
— Debjani Dutta (@Debjani_TNIE) April 1, 2020
Maharashtra death toll rises to 12, 18 new positive cases confirmed
Two more death due to #COVIDー19 in Maharashtra, the 50 year male from Palghar and another 75 year old male from Mumbai. The total 12 #COVIDー19 positive death in Maharashtra and 320 #COVID positive cases reported. @NewIndianXpress @rajeshtope11 @CMOMaharashtra
— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) April 1, 2020
Death toll from COVID-19 passes 40,000 worldwide
The death toll from COVID-19 has passed 40,000 worldwide, according to the tally from Johns Hopkins University's Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE).
Chinese organisations donate masks, ventilators to India: Envoy Weidong
The second batch of donations that includes Coronavirus protective equipment and ventilators from Chinese charity organizations have arrived in Delhi, said Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong on Tuesday.
Guru Nanak College in Chennai opens its doors for the migrant workers
Guru Nanak College in Chennai has opened it's doors to migrant workers who are stuck in the city, and cater to their basic needs at their Velacherry campus. #COVID19
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 31, 2020
Express Photo| Debadatta Mallick@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/B1Rw9yyAUw
WATCH | Telangana Secretariat being sanitised
Telangana state secretariat being sanitised after it came to notice that a section officer attended meeting of #TablighiJamaat in New Delhi. He has been shifted to Gandhi hospital.#Covid19India@XpressHyderabad pic.twitter.com/WPTdPkPHrU
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 31, 2020
Here are some of the important world updates
France reports record 499 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, brings death toll to 3,523. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Obama suggests Trump team 'denied warnings' of coronavirus pandemic. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
CNN reporter Chris Cuomo, brother of New York governor, has coronavirus. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
US coronavirus death toll exceeds official China tally, confirmed cases cross 1,75,000. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
China lockdown may have blocked 700,000 coronavirus cases: Researchers. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
United Kingdom extends work visas for Indian, foreign doctors amid coronavirus outbreak. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
In fresh guidelines, Health Ministry recommends anti-malarial drug for COVID-19
In its revised guidelines on the 'Clinical Management of COVID-19' issued on Tuesday, the ministry said the drug is presently not recommended for children aged less than 12 and pregnant and lactating women. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Will pay some employees in two parts: SpiceJet after announcing salary cuts
According to a senior official in SpiceJet, there were some employees who had got just a few thousand rupees in their bank accounts from the company as salary till now. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Novalead Pharma says 42 existing drugs can help in treating coronavirus patients
The conclusions of the startup, which is backed by Tata Capital Healthcare Fund, are based on a study of 2,100 approved drugs and 30 potential viral and human targets. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
People from Pune who attended Nizamuddin gathering identified
Some of them were from neighbouring Pimpri-Chinchwad, a police official said. "So far none of them has any coronavirus symptoms," said the senior police official on the condition of anonymity.
Rajasthan defers salary of CM, ministers & bureaucrats
- In a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, it was informed that most of the industrial units and business activities in the state are closed due to the lockdown. Also, functioning in several departments related to revenue collection has also been affected. Revenue collection has reduced by Rs 17,000 crore in March.
- The state cabinet has decided to defer 75 per cent of the gross salary of March of the chief minister, deputy CM, ministers, assembly Speaker, leader of Opposition all MLAs, an official statement said.
- Sixty per cent salary for the March for officers of the All India Services, 50 per cent salary for officers and employees of state service and subordinate service and 30 per cent of the gross salary of other employees has also been deferred, it stated.
Latest coronavirus stats from Himachal
30 army officers and men have been put under quarantine
Four new positive cases in Andhra
Another person dies in Maharashtra
Bengal death tally reaches four
The man, whose identity hasn't been revealed yet, died at the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. West Bengal has reported 28 coronavirus cases so far, including the four deaths.
Odisha reports fourth positive case
#Odisha reports 4th #COVID19 case. The 29-year-old patient, a native of Bhadrak district, had recently returned from #Dubai. His family members have been kept under quarantine. #coronavirus@NewIndianXpress
— Hemant Kumar Rout #StayHomeStaySafe (@TheHemantRout) March 31, 2020
Markaz row: Delhi police writes to Kejriwal government
What Chinese envoy in India has to say about coronavirus outbreak
Chinese state-owned companies also provide assistance to their Indian partners. The Chinese people will stand firmly with the Indian people on the fight against #COVID19 and we'll get through hard times together: Sun Weidong, Chinese Envoy to India https://t.co/rWeGItjBiU
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Delhi Police issues another statement on Markaz row
No basic utilities in Nagpur shelter home: Migrant labourers
Maharashtra:Migrant workers staying in a shelter home in Nagpur allege that it lacks basic utilities.A worker says,"We don't have electricity&toilet facilities.We've to eat our meals near garbage. We were assured that we'll be fine but situation here is such that we can fall ill" pic.twitter.com/CI5608r49G
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
ICMR approves 23 laboratories in the Maharashtra for COVID-19 diagnosis
Dombivali East placed under lockdown, entry-exit banned
The Dombivali East region in Thane district was placed under lockdown and entry and exit of people banned in view of some residents testing positive for the novel coronavirus there in the past few days, including two on Tuesday, officials said. The lockdown order was issued by Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation commissioner Vijay Suryavanshi, and local police have been told to enforce it along with civic teams, they said. There are 14 COVID-19 patients in KDMC limits, including four who tested positive on Tuesday, a release from the civic body said. Of the four new patients, one is from Nilje, two from Dombivali East and one from its western part, it said.
One more tested positive in Chhattisgarh
One more person has tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh; the person has travel history to United Kingdom. Two persons who had earlier tested positive have now recovered and have been discharged. There are 7 active cases of COVID-19 in the state: State government
Delhi tally crosses 100
ISKCON providing food to needy in Delhi
Delhi:International Society for Krishna Consciousness(ISKCON),Dwarka is providing food to needy amid #CoronaLockdown.Pradyumna Priya Das of ISKCON says,"We're catering to 2 lakhs people daily,we've developed additional capacity to feed 5-6 lakhs people.Nobody will die of hunger". pic.twitter.com/1BEElUklje
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Gujarat residents attended Nizamuddin event, probe ordered
- From Surat alone, as many as 76 people had attended the gathering at Markaz Nizamuddin, the headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat, earlier this month, officials said. Now, authorities are trying to locate them as they may have got infected with the deadly virus, said officials of the Surat Municipal Corporation. While a probe has been ordered to identify all the attendees, primary investigations so far had revealed that some persons from Bhavnagar, too, had visited the congregation, said Gujarat DGP Shivanand Jha.
- "We are aware that some persons from Gujarat had visited the gathering.Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has also taken cognizance of the issue. DCP Dipan Bhadran of the Ahmedabad crime branch, along with the ATS, has been handed over the probe to identify the people," the DGP told reporters in Gandhinagar.
- "Primary investigations revealed that people from Bhavnagar attended the event. More details will emerge during the probe. We will share the information with the health department to initiate home quarantine for such people," Jha said.
WATCH | Delhi Police release video of its warning to senior members of Markaz
#WATCH Delhi Police release a video of its warning to senior members of Markaz, Nizamuddin to vacate Markaz & follow lockdown guidelines, on 23rd March 2020. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/2evZR6OcmB
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Asked officials to find if anyone from Haryana attended Nizamuddin congregation: Vij
Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Tuesday said he had directed officials to find out whether any resident of the state attended Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin West from March 13-15. "I have asked the state home secretary (Vijai Vardhan) to find out if anyone from the state attended the congregation," Vij told PTI over phone. He said the officials will gather information from the districts and further action will be taken if someone in the state is found to have attended the congregation.
LISTEN | Let’s not make any mistake, coronavirus is very serious: Renowned cardiologist Rahul Potluri
22 people who attended Nizamuddin congregation quarantined in Rajasthan
- The move comes after over 24 people, who took part in the congregation at Nizamuddin West earlier this month, tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Acting swiftly on the information that the participants of the congregation had come to the districts, officials have sent them to a quarantine facility and taken their samples for testing.
- Nine people from Haryana were staying at a madrasa in Churu, while as many from Rajasthan were at their homes in Sardarshahar town, Churu District Collector Sandesh Nayak told PTI.
- They have come back between March 18 and 22, and sent to quarantine facilities in Sardarshehar and Rajaldesar. Others who came in their contact have been home quarantined, Nayak said.
- Four people in Tonk district have been isolated after they returned in the past two days after attending the congregation.
- Samples have been taken for examination, District Collector Kishor Kumar Sharma said. Fourteen more people from Tonk had also attended the congregation, but had returned on March 3. All are being identified, the official added.
25 camps in Nashik to take care of migrant workers
These include Sukhdev Ashram in Vilholi as well as a facility of the Social Welfare department in Nasardi, he said. "These camps house almost 2,500 people and dining facilities and other amenities are being provided. Eighteen of the camps are in Nashik Municipal Corporation areas, in which over 1300 people are staying," Collector Suraj Mandhare said. Some 61 truckloads of foodgrains will be brought from the FCI godown in Manmad to be distributed under PDS in the district in April, the official said.
Madhya Pradesh CM asks those who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi's Nizamuddin to declare their identities
82 people have been identified who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi's Nizamuddin area. I request others to come out and declare themselves: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan #COVID19 https://t.co/BowPuTbS39
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Himachal Police warns public against spreading coronavirus-related rumours on April Fool's Day
It said FIR will be lodged against anyone found indulging in such pranks on April 1. In a message posted on social media, Shimla Superintendent of Police Omapati Jamwal said, "Tomorrow is April 1. Don't spread any rumour regarding COVID-19 or lockdown in the name of April Fool. FIR will be lodged. " Similar warnings were issued by police in several other districts of the hill state.
Indian Oil's goodwil measure for its employees
Indian Oil procures medical insurance for 3.23 lakhs pump attendants, delivery boys, drivers of LPG and POL at a cost of Rs. 22.68 crores for one year; sum assured of Rs 1 lakh per family of 4, for medical treatment including #COVID19 related issues: Indian Oil Corp Ltd pic.twitter.com/DSnAaiMxzJ
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Mumbai: BMC asks private doctors to keep clinics open
The BMC directive, under the Epidemic Diseases Act, comes amid complaints that several private clinics, pathology labs and medical shops etc are closed, possibly due to the fear of infection. A BMC release said doctors should send patients having COVID-19 symptoms like cough, cold and fever to the dedicated civic body hospitals. It also asked these doctors to not allow patients having cough and cold to enter their clinics. The release said the civic body would start 'fever clinics' in all wards and citizens can visit for cough, cold and fever.
Another Mohalla Clinic doctor tests positive; people asked to quarantine
The doctor belonged to the clinic in Janata Mazdoor Colony in Babarpur area, according to a notice issued by Shahdara district authorities. The doctor serving at the clinic in Babarpur area has got infected with COVID-19 and all the patients and other people who visited the facility between March 12-20 are supposed to quarantine themselves for two weeks, the notice said. If anyone shows any symptoms of coronavirus infection, they are to report to authorities, it said.
Two booked in Maharashtra for housing 10 foreign nationals at mosque
The police, who were on patrolling duty on Monday, found 10 foreign nationals inside Bhaldar mosque also known as Markaz Masjid in Nevasa, an official said. The foreigners, who hail from Ghana, Dakar, Djibouti and Benin, were staying in the masjid since before the lockdown was imposed, he said. The men were shifted to a nearby hospital and their swab samples were taken for testing, he added.
Sanitisers worth Rs 22. 13 lakh seized, one arrested in Mumbai
- The raid, by Unit VII of Crime Branch and personnel from the state Food and Drug Administration, was carried out on Synergy Hygienic Corporation, an official said.
- "We seized 1632 numbers of 500ml bottles and 360 numbers of 5-litre cans of O-Shine sanitisers and raw materials, all worth Rs 22. 13 lakh. The firm's owner, Dilip Chanria, has been arrested. He had no licence to manufacture the product but was doing so to make profits due to the high demand following the coronavirus outbreak," he said.
- A case has been registered under the IPC and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, he added.
US tourist tests positive for COVID-19 after her return from Rishikesh
Th woman posted her health update on a social media post recently, causing concern among officials here as she had come in contact with quite a few people during her stay in a resort in Rishikesh, Narendra Nagar SDM Yukta Mishra said. People who had come in contact with the woman have been identified, she said, adding action is being taken as per treatment protocol of COVID-19. Muni ki Reti police station in-charge Ram Kishore Saklani said the woman had stayed in a resort in Sarai area.
Goa's coronavirus testing lab develops snag on day one
- The coronavirus testing lab set up at Goa Medical College and Hospital failed to take off on Tuesday after it developed a snag, said Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He said 55 samples had to be, therefore, sent to NIV, Pune for testing.
- "I will not be able to tell you what exactly went wrong but we could not get tests started. The fault will be rectified and testing is likely to begin from tomorrow," the CM said.
Doctors, health dept staff no longer require curfew passes: Punjab government
- Besides, banks and ATMs have been allowed to operate the whole week, subject to maintenance of COVID-19 protocols, as per the revised guidelines issued by the state home department in the wake of the curfew being extended till April 14. According to the new instructions, the district magistrates have been formally asked to extend curfew beyond March 31, up to April 14.
- Post offices and courier services have been allowed to operate while banks and cash dispensing machines can remain open the whole week as against two-days a week earlier, subject to maintenance of social distance norms, said an official release. Employees of the health and medical education departments have been now permitted to work on the basis of their identity cards issued by their concerted departments.
- Similarly, all the doctors of the private hospitals/nursing homes/diagnostic laboratories would be allowed to work without curfew passes on the basis of their photo ID Cards issued by the Punjab Medical/Dental Council or Indian Medical Association, it said.
- Other employees of private nursing homes would be granted bulk curfew passes on the request of the administrator of the concerned hospital.
- Patients would now be allowed to visit all hospitals, including private hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic laboratories, on the basis of patient cards/prescription slips issued by the hospital and nursing homes. New patients would be allowed movement against e-pass.
- However, patients in a serious condition will be permitted to go to hospitals without any pass or cards, the release said.
Over 3,700 detained for violation of lockdown in Delhi
According to the data shared by the police, 239 cases were registered under section 188 (for disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code till 5 pm. A total of 3,763 people have been detained under section 65 (persons bound to comply with reasonable directions of police officers) and 546 vehicles have been impounded under section 66 of the Delhi Police Act, they stated. A total of 1,254 movement passes have been issued on Tuesday, police said.
Stats from Telangana
77 out of 83 foreign nationals rounded up in Uttar Pradesh attended Nizamuddin congregation
The state had launched tracing 157 members of Tablighi Jamat who had been a part of Nizamuddin congregation on March 18. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Here is what Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Meghalaya saying about the possible cases within their territory from Markaz
- 107 people who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi have entered Madhya Pradesh. I have ordered to identify them immediately. Police have identified some who are being taken to quarantine centres. Search for others is on: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan.
- Today, 15 people who attended the 2020 Markaz (in Nizamuddin, Delhi) & their relatives have been diagnosed coronavirus positive in Telangana. At present, 77 active positive cases are being treated in various hospitals of state: Telangana Public Health & Family Welfare Department.
- Seven members of Shillong Markaz who attended Tablighi Jamaat meet in Delhi's Nizamuddin have not returned to Meghalaya. Out of these, five are currently in Delhi and two are in Lucknow (UP). Presence of these members in Delhi and UP has been conveyed to respective police officials: Meghalaya Police
Nizamuddin congregation: Delhi Police registers FIR against Maulana Saad, others
The case has been filed under the epidemic act 1897 read with Section 269, 270, 271 and 120-B Indian Penal Code (IPC) for violation of government directions given to the management of Markaz of Basti Nizamuddin regarding restriction of social/political/religious gathering and for taking safety measures, including social distancing for prevention and treatment of COVID-19 viral infection, said Delhi Police. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Six more tested positive in Bihar
MHA statement on Markaz row
Usually, all foreigners visiting India as a part of Tabligh team come on tourist visas. MHA had already issued guidelines that they should not indulge in missionary work on a tourist visa. Police will examine & take further action in case of violation of visa conditions: MHA https://t.co/yCNAmCVE4q
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Seven cases reported in Kerala
#CoronaUpdate| 7 new cases reported in Kerala today of which 2 are from Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod and 1 each from Kollam, Thrissur and Kannur#CoronaOutbreak #CovidIndia #CovidKerala
— Shailaja Teacher (@shailajateacher) March 31, 2020
Tamil Nadu cases reach 124
Tamil Nadu CM announces concessions for tenants, farmers, MSME units
Palaniswami also announced that a new scheme - COVID Relief and Development Scheme - to benefit around 2,000 MSME units who have availed loans from the Tamil Nadu Industrial Investment Corporation (TIIC) will be implemented. The scheme will be executed with a fund of Rs 200 crore.
Assam registers its first coronavirus positive case
First COVID-19 positive case in Assam. The patient is a 52-year-old from Barak Valley.
72 persons test positive in Maharashtra
72 more persons have tested positive for COVID19 in Maharashtra, taking the total number of cases in the state to 302.: State Health Department
10 deaf and mute people stuck in Gurgaon lockdown, make video call to sign language experts for help
Working for various private firms in Gurgaon, the ten got stuck since the day of 'janata curfew' on March 22 entailing lockdown in the district from the same night. Gurgaon was one of the first seven districts in Haryana, where the state government had ordered shutdown, before imposition of the 21-day lockdown on March 25.
MHA on Nizamuddin mosque gathering
- So far, about 2,137 such persons have been identified in different states. They are being medically examined and quarantined. This process is still on and more such people would be identified and located.
- Details of these 824 foreigners were shared on March 21 with police of states for getting them medically screened & quarantining them. On March 28, states were advised to collect names of Indian Tabligh Jamaat workers to get them medically screened & quarantine them
- As of March 21, there were about 1,746 persons staying in Hazrat, Nizamuddin Markaz. Of these, 216 were foreigners & 1530 were Indians. Additionally, about 824 foreigners had been, as on March 21, doing Tableegh activities in various parts of the country.a
- So far, 2137 such people identified, being medically examined, quarantined. More such people would be identified and located
- On March 28, all state police asked to locate Indian Tabligh Jamaat workers from local coordinators, medically screened, quarantine them
- Foreign nationals include those from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Kyrgyzstan. All such foreign nationals normally report their arrival at Tabligh Markaz at Banglewali Mosque in Hazrat Nizamuddin in New Delhi
West Bengal reports another COVID-19 positive case
A 57-year-old man has tested positive for COVID-19 in Kolkata, West Bengal. The patient is from North 24 Parganas and has no travel history.
Elderly Kerala couple surviving COVID-19 is 'rarest of rare cases', say experts
Thomas and his wife Mariyamma, hailing from Ranni locality in Pathanamthitta municipality in Central Travancore region, tested positive and remained critical for days, before recovering completely from the infection.
Policemen beat people on the street in Old Delhi for violating #CoronaLockdown.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 31, 2020
Express photos by @anilpjournalist.#COVID19 pic.twitter.com/r76Bpr5iNE
Arvind Kejriwal's press conference
- Corona's local transmission is under control in Delhi. As per the reports we are not in the stage of community transmission.
- We have analysed 97 cases including 24 cases from Markaz, 41 foreign travellers, 22 close relatives of foreign travellers. The situation is under control, there is no community transmission.
- "Temples are empty, Mecca is empty, Vatican city is empty. With folded hands I request to all religious leaders and people, do not organize any gathering and cooperate with the Government.
- Delhi Govt wrote to Lieutenant Governor for registration of FIR in this case, I have full hope he will give orders soon. If any negligence is found on part of any officers then action will be taken against them also
- If there is any lapse on part of any officer, he will not be spared. It is wrong to organise large gatherings of people in wake of coronavirus outbreak Won't hesitate to take strict action in such cases where lives of people are put in danger. I appeal to all religious leaders not to do this irrespective of their religion
Jharkhand gets its first COVID-19 positive case
A Malaysian national has tested positive for Coronavirus in Jharkhand. She was sent to isolation at Khel Gaon from Hindpidi area, Ranchi: Health Secretary Jharkhand, Nitin Madan Kulkarni. This is the first COVID-19 positive case in Jharkhand.
Here are the supermarkets which will home deliver groceries in Chennai
The Corporation has compiled a list of grocery shops that will home deliver vegetables and groceries to avoid people going to the streets. So, far a list of grocery shops with home delivery option is available for zones in the Southern and Central region and for some in the Northern region of the city corporation. The Corporation has been shutting down supermarkets and grocery stores that allow crowding and don’t follow the norms of social distancing.
Ivanka Trump thanks PM Modi for his Yoga tutorial videos
Highlights of Ministry of Health press briefing
- ICMR is working with Dept of Bio Technology and CSIR on agenda of developing vaccine for COVID-19
- Issue of home-made masks being technically examined and suitable guidelines will be issued soon
- Not everyone needs to wear masks; following social distancing is more important to prevent COVID-19 spread
- We should refrain from touching our nose, eyes and face to prevent COVID-19 spread
Probably simplicity has come from his father Dr Rajkumar. Actor @PuneethRajkumar who came to donate Rs 50 lakh bent to seek blessings of @CMofKarnataka @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/aVrXqKy1Bw
— Ashwini M Sripad (@AshwiniMS_TNIE) March 31, 2020
Health Ministry addresses press over COVID-19 status
- Till now we have tested 42,788 samples, including 4,346 samples that were tested yesterday. It represents 36% of our capacity. 123 labs have been made functional, 49 private labs have been given permission. Yesterday 399 patients were tested in private labs: ICMR
- With over 1,200 cases of COVID-19, number of hotspots in country has increased
- Using cluster containment strategies and doing rigorous contact tracing in COVID-19 hotspots in country
- We all need to understand this is not time to find faults but to take action: Health Ministry official on COVID-19 cases in Nizamuddin
- Cases of medical professionals getting infected with COVID-19 are not due to any negligence
Plea on free testing for coronavirus filed in SC
A petition has been filed before Supreme Court today seeking a direction to the Govt of India for ensuring to provide free of cost testing facility of COVID19 to all the citizens at testing labs, whether private or government.
Highlights of Health Ministry press briefing
- Delhi government has issued an order under Epidemic Disease Act to District Magistrates, Municipal Corporations & Police, to look into the matters where landowners are forcing doctors and nurses to vacate their property.
- MEA has identified suppliers in Korea, Turkey, Vietnam to improve logistics in India during COVID-19.
- Government is working to ensure availability of protective gear for medical personnel
20000 rail coaches to be converted into isolation coaches
Indian Railways would be prepared to modify 20000 coaches into quarantine/isolation coaches to augment the quarantine facilities being created in the country. Five Zonal Railways have already prepared prototypes for the quarantine/isolation coaches. These modified 20000 coaches can accommodate up to 3.2 lakh possible beds for isolation needs: Ministry of Railways
Tracking COVID-19 'super spreader': From J&K to Tablighi event in Delhi and back via UP
The businessman, who travelled to Delhi to attend a Tablighi Jamaat congregation, died on March 26 in a Srinagar hospital, 19 days after he set off for the national capital.
Confusion prevails among borrowers over three-month moratorium as many get EMI reminders
As part of measures to alleviate hardships faced by people, the Reserve Bank, on March 27, announced a slew of steps, including a three-month moratorium on loan repayments. Many borrowers, credit cardholders and mutual fund investors have received SMSes from their lenders reminding them that they need to maintain sufficient balance on the due date.
Now banks, branches ordered to cater to 200 customers for personal transactions daily
As monthly salaries are being credited in bank accounts, Indian Banks' Association (IBA) has instructed banks to introduce token systems to cater to at least 200 customers every day. This means those who visit the banks early and get a token can perform a personal transaction. It will be one first-come-first-serve basis.
Bail plea applicants in Bhima Koregaon case rejected
Special NIA court in Mumbai has rejected bail pleas of Varavara Rao and Shoma Sen, both accused in Bhima Koregaon conspiracy case. They had filed pleas for interim bail in wake of COVID19 pandemic.
Maha Home Minister urges citizens to not spread rumours on April Fool's Day
Tomorrow is 1st April, the April Fool's Day. In the current situation, I appeal to everyone to not spread rumours & misinformation. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in rumour-mongering: Anil Deshmukh, Maharashtra Home Minister
WATCH | Animal lovers feed Kochi strays
Punjab death toll reaches 4
A 65-year-old COVID19 positive patient from Mohali who was admitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh has passed away. Total number of deaths in Punjab rise to 4: Girish Dayalan, Deputy Commissioner, Mohali
Mohall Clinic doc tested positive in Delhi
A Doctor of Mohalla Clinic in Babarpur has tested positive for Coronavirus. A notice has been put up in the area asking patients who had visited the clinic between 12th to 20th March, should self-quarantine at home for the next 15 days.
NTA extends/revises submission dates
National Testing Agency has extended/revised the dates of submission of online application forms for various examinations. pic.twitter.com/Rlly3iiLh3
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Free wheat is of no use when flour mills are shut due to lockdown: PDS beneficiaries
Vodafone Idea extends prepaid validity for low-income feature phone subscribers
Vodafone Idea on Tuesday announced extension of validity on prepaid plans availed by low income customers using feature phones till April 17, and Rs 10 talktime credit to help such users stay connected during the lockdown to contain coronavirus pandemic.
60 per cent pay cut for Maharashtra CM, MLAs, MLCs
In an official statement, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced a 60 per cent cut in the March salaries of the chief minister, all other ministers, MLAs, MLCs and representatives of local governing bodies.
WATCH | Over 1000 evacuated from Nizamuddin in Delhi, several being tested for COVID19
'Not violated any law': Markaz Nizamuddin clarifies after congregation attendees test COVID-19 positive
Markaz Nizamuddin, the place where a religious congregation left several people affected with coronavirus, on Tuesday said it has not violated any provision of the law and offered its premises for setting up a quarantine facility. Markaz Nizamuddin, which is the international headquarters of Tabilghi Jamaat for close to 100 years, will cooperate with the authorities, it said in a statement.
Kanika Kapoor tests COVID-19 positive for fifth time
Kapoor has been in hospital for over a fortnight. On March 20, she herself announced on Instagram that she had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Brief of plea in Supreme Court on migrants
- The Supreme Court ordered the Centre to ensure migrants in shelters have enough food and supplies
- This came after Centre told SC that no migrants can be spotted on roads after 11.00 am
- CJI stated that panic will destroy more lives than the virus
- The Court will take up the matter of migrants exodus for hearing again on April 7
Centre extends validity of driving license, vehicle permits
The Centre on Monday extended the validity of documents like driving licenses, permits and registration that expired since February 1 till June 30, in a move to ensure hassle-free transportation of cargo amid the lockdown over the novel coronavirus pandemic. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
For representational purposes. (Photo | Prasant Madugula)
Next 30 days are very vital, says Trump as US death toll crosses 3,000
US President Donald Trump's remarks came a day after he extended the 'social distancing' guidelines until April 30, expecting the peak death rate from COVID-19 to hit the country in two weeks. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Afternoon updates on COVID-19 across Indian states
- Tamil Nadu: Seven more test positive for coronavirus; state tally rises to 74
- Andhra Pradesh: 17 new coronavirus cases today; total tally rises to 40
- Karnataka: 98 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed, including 3 deaths and 6 discharges
- Kerala: Second death due to cornavirus was reported from the state today
- Gujarat: Three new COVID-19 cases reported; tally reaches 73 in state
- Maharashtra: Cases climbs to 230 after five more people test positive
- Madhya Pradesh: 17 new COVID-19 cases in Indore; tally in state jumps to 66
- Rajasthan: Total COVID-19 cases reach 83 after seven evacuees from Iran test positive
- New Delhi: 24 people who attended Nizamuddin West religious congregation test positive
WATCH | Lockdown Woes: Visually impaired walk for five kilometers for food
Singer Lata Mangeshkar donates Rs 25 lakh to CM relief fund, Maharashtra
Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar donates Rs 25 Lakh to Chief Ministers Relief Fund, Maharashtra for the fight against #COVID19 (file pic) pic.twitter.com/Ok2fQGDp1x
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
20,000 houses marked 'home quarantine' in Delhi
Over 20,000 houses have been marked as ''home quarantine'' by the Delhi government in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal said on Tuesday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways extends validity of documents till June 2020
IMPORTANT@MORTHIndia extends validity of documents like Driving Licences, Vehicle Registration, Fitness and Permits, that expired since February 1, till June 30, 2020#CoronaLockdown
— PIB India #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) March 31, 2020
Details: https://t.co/HyQjVHWc5B pic.twitter.com/7yHtGIvvB8
Airtel extends validity of pre-paid connections
Telecom operator Bharti Airtel announced an extension in the validity period of more than 8 crore pre-paid connections until April 17. The company has also credited talk time of Rs 10 in these accounts. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
For representational purpose. (Photo | EPS)
24 people test COVID-19 positive in Delhi; all of them had attended Nizamuddin religious congregation
On Monday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ordered an FIR against a Maulana who was leading the congregation at Markaj (Centre) in West Nizamuddin in South Delhi. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
17 new COVID-19 cases in Indore; Madhya Pradesh tally jumps to 66
- Seventeen more people tested positive for coronavirus in Indore on Tuesday, taking the total number of such cases in Madhya Pradesh to 66, a health official said.
- So far, Indore has reported 44 COVID-19 cases, Jabalpur-8, Bhopal-5, Ujjain-5, and Shivpuri and Gwalior-2 each.
- Five coronavirus patients have so far died in the state, the official said.
(Input from ANI)
Three new COVID-19 cases in Gujarat; tally reaches 73 in state
Till now, Ahmedabad has reported 25 cases, followed by Rajkot at 10, Vadodara, Surat and Gandhinagar nine each, Bhavnagar- six, Gir Somnath-two, and Kutch, Mehsana and Porbandar- one each. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Andhra Pradesh reports 17 new coronavirus cases today; tally rises to 40 in state
Prakasam district recorded the highest number of eight cases, followed by five in Guntur, two in Anantapuramu and one each in Krishna and East Godavari, the bulletin said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
JUST IN: Seven new COVID-19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu; total rises to 74
#TN has 7 new #COVID19 +ve cases. 43 Y M,travel History to Tvm at #RGGH. 28 Y M coworker of earlier +ve Pt at Tiruvannamalai MC, 3 Male Pts, at #Vilupuram MC with Travel Hist to Delhi, 2 Male Pts at # Madurai Rajaji,Trav.Hist to Delhi.All Pts in isolation & stable. @MoHFW_INDIA
— National Health Mission - Tamil Nadu (@NHM_TN) March 31, 2020
Government identifies 16 coronavirus hotspots in the country
- Dilshad Garden, Delhi
- Nizamuddin, Delhi
- Pathanamthitta, Kerala
- Kasaragod, Kerala
- Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Meerut, Uttar Pradesh
- Bhilwara, Rajasthan
- Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Pune, Maharashtra
- Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Indore, Madhya Pradesh
- Nawanshahr, Punjab
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Erode, Tamil Nadu
'Say no to panic buying' amid 21-day lockdown
#IndiaFightsCorona
— Ministry of Health #StayHome #StaySafe (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 31, 2020
Prepare, but sensibly. Panic buying IS NOT wise.
Let us take preventive measures to fight against #COVID19.
Share this information and help us to help you.
Be wise, be safe. #CoronaOutbreak #SwasthaBharat #HealthForAll pic.twitter.com/KufmPPSbbB
Another COVID-19 patient dies in West Bengal; death count three in state
'The person died on Monday night before test results came. Her test results confirmed that she was infected with the coronavirus,' the official said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Bihar man beaten to death for informing Covid- 19 medical help center about arrival of two people from Maha
According to sources, Bablu Kumar, 22, was thrashed brutally because he passed the information of the two youths' arrival from Maharashtra amid lockdown in the village. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Maharashtra reports 5 new COVID-19 cases
5 fresh Coronavirus cases (1-Mumbai, 2-Pune and 2- Buldhana) in Maharashtra; Total number of positive cases in the state rises to 225: Maharashtra Health Department
4 new cases reported in Rajasthan, state tally 76
4 new Coronavirus cases reported- a 44-yr-old man from Jhunjhunu with travel history to Dubai, a 17-yr-old girl from Ajmer & a 65-yr-old man from Dungarpur, both are contacts of an earlier positive case & a 60 yr-old man from Jaipur; Total no.of cases is 76: Rajasthan Health Dept
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Kerala reports 2nd coronavirus death, India toll rises to 43
A second COVID 19 death in Kerala has been reported on Tuesday. Abdul Azeez, a 68-year-old man from Pothencode who tested positive for COVID 19 on Sunday, died while on ventilator support in Medical College Hospital died late in the night on Monday. (READ FULL REPORT)
JUST IN: Coronavirus death toll in US crosses 3,000 mark
The US has recorded 3,008 deaths, according to the tally, while its 163,429 cases are by far the highest national number ahead of Italy, Spain and China pic.twitter.com/eGRX2Eg6bN
— AFP news agency (@AFP) March 31, 2020
COVID-19 cases in Mumbai slums a major challenge
There is now a real fear that slums of Mumbai could turn out to be a big challenge in Maharashtra’s war against COVID-19, with an estimated 54 per cent of the total population of Greater Mumbai residing in them and 89 of the 203 positive cases in the ‘Maximum City’ being reported from such clusters. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
14 days shift then two-week quarantine for Delhi medics treating coronavirus patients
The Delhi government is also working on creating three dedicated hospitals for tackling such cases. Lok Nayak Hospital and Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital are already in the process of being transformed into dedicated COVID-19 facilities. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)
Nizammudin area cordoned off after several people tested COVID-19 positive
Delhi: People continue to board buses in the Nizammudin area, to be taken to different hospitals for a checkup. A religious gathering was held in Markaz, that violated lockdown conditions and several #COVID19 positive cases have been found among those who attended the gathering. pic.twitter.com/qQAw8LD7eF
— ANI (@ANI) March 31, 2020
Woman dies due to COVID-19 in Indore, death toll in MP rises to 4
A woman lost her life in Indore on Monday night due to coronavirus infection taking the total number of deaths due to the virus to four in the state.
Israeli PM Netanyahu family test negative for coronavirus
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tested negative for the novel coronavirus on Monday after an adviser and her husband diagnosed with the infection a day earlier. However, he will remain in quarantine.
COVID-19 cases in Italy exceed 100,000; over 11,000 deaths
The coronavirus pandemic claimed 11,591 lives in locked-down Italy up to Monday, as the cumulative number of cases reached 101,739, according to the latest data by the Civil Protection Department managing the national emergency response.
Coronavirus death toll exceeds 3000 in France
Over 400 people have died from the coronavirus in France's hospitals over the past 24 hours, with the death toll exceeding 3,000, Jerome Salomon, the head of the national public health service, said on Monday.
UP Police asks its personnel to conduct COVID-19 tests of those who attended religious gathering in Nizamuddin
Uttar Pradesh Police Headquarters issue an order to SENIOR Police officials of 18 districts to immediately conduct #COVID19 tests of people who attended a religious gathering in Nizamuddin, New Delhi & hospitalise those who test positive for the virus pic.twitter.com/gveW1aCEni
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) March 30, 2020
More good news from Kerala
To help fight COVID-19, Indian Navy innovates Oxygen cylinder to support multiple patients
Personnel from the Naval Dockyard at Vishakhapatnam have succeeded in innovating a device with which one Oxygen cylinder can be used for multiple patients. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
DRDO developing ventilator prototype
- The defence organization's chief Satheesh Reddy also added the model is being improved to include changes suggested by medical researchers and doctors and the new version should be ready by next week.
- "We are attempting to take the output of one ventilator. The mechanism makes it usable for multiple patients. We have developed the first model. We have seen it is working. There are some medical researchers, doctors who have advised us to incorporate features. We are working on it," he said.
- Reddy said this is a "last-minute resort" if the number of coronavirus patients increases and there is shortage of ventilators.
- "By next week it should be ready with the suggestions made by the doctors and medical researchers," he said.
ICMR amplifying coronavirus test sites; more labs being opened across country: PSA
- Principal Scientific Adviser to the government K VijayRaghavan on Monday said the ICMR is amplifying coronavirus test sites and more laboratories are being opened across the country. He said the Indian industry is also working on vaccines, re-purposing, critical-care treatment and partnering with academia and start-ups.
- "Many of you have pointed out the need for more diagnostic tests. The @ICMRDELHI is amplifying test sites and you will see many more being done. More laboratories are being opened for testing across states," he said in a series of tweets. He also said efforts to increase test capacity by the 'pooling' of samples are being evaluated.
- This is not simple and needs the development and testing of optimisation algorithms so that one positive in a large pool is not missed, he added. "There are new tests being rolled-out, globally, for the presence, or traces of the virus having visited a person.
- These can be useful as a first-pass, even if they are cruder than the 'gold-standard' RT-PCR. Indian labs are developing these kinds of tests too," he said.
One dead, several critical in Assam after drinking raw spirit as substitute for liquor
The incident occurred in Tarajan area on Sunday night when a group of people, mostly daily wagers, drank raw spirits mixed with cold drinks, a police officer said. One person died on Monday and the condition of others is critical, he added.
Army extends its helping hand to homeless in Chennai's Triplicane
Military Police distributing food and drinking water to homeless people in Chennai's Triplicane during nationwide #lockdown to battle #Covid_19.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 30, 2020
Express Photo | Debadatta Mallick@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/2kFGNwDzjB
24 booked for defying lockdown in Lucknow
Health staff wearing mask while traveling in Tiruchy
Health staff wearing mask while traveling in the special bus organised for them, in Tamil Nadu's Trichy amidst #lockdown.
— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) March 30, 2020
Express Photo | M K Ashok Kumar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/JUoNl6VJiQ
Pune-based technology develops ion generator that can curb virus load in infected areas
- The DST has released Rs 1 crore to the start-up 'Jclean Weather Technologies' to manufacture and scale up the product, and 1,000 of them will soon be ready for installation in various hospitals in Maharashtra, it said. The technology has been developed under the NIDHI PRAYAS programme initiated by the Department of Science and Technology, it said.
- "The negative ion generator titled Scitech Airon, which helps to control the virus, bacteria, and fungal infections in a closed environment, could clean up the air and disinfect areas which are exposed to the infection through COVID-19 positive cases and suspects," DST said in a statement.
- One hour of operation of ion generator machine reduces viral load within a room by 99. 7 per cent depending on room size.
- It could ensure the wellbeing of the staff, doctors, and nurses who are working round the clock in the quarantine facilities by enhancing their disease resistance power and ability to fight the virus, it added.
22 Malaysian nationals sent to quarantine centre in Jharkhand
Ranchi: 22 Malaysian nationals were sent to quarantine centre in Khelgaon from a mosque in Hindpiri area,today. Anish Gupta, SSP says, "They have been kept in isolation & their #COVID19 tests will be done. Probe being done as per Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines." #Jharkhand pic.twitter.com/rDFJowvOBs
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2020
Oil prices slide on shattered demand, just over USD 20 per barrel as stocks rise
US and European stock markets moved higher despite the prospect of much of the world remaining in confinement for weeks to come. (READ FULL STORY HERE)
Andhra uses 'COVID alerting tracking system' to fight the pandemic in state
Authorities have a database of mobile numbers of these 25,000 people. Taking base location as the location of a person's residence, the tool is equipped to alert district authorities if the person travels beyond a 100m radius from base location,violating norms of home quarantine. https://t.co/viTiQfPe9t
— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2020
Instacart, Amazon workers plan to stop operations over lack of safety
The labor actions point to growing concerns about health risks for key workers delivering food and supplies to Americans largely sheltering at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (READ FULL STORY HERE)