COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | Success of containment operations 'cannot be guaranteed': Health Ministry

Two persons from Guwahati test COVID-19 positive. Total positive cases rise to 94 in the state: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Assam: A special train carrying passengers from New Delhi Railway Station reached Guwahati Railway Station yesterday. The train is enroute to Dibrugarh. All passengers were screened on their arrival at the railway station, as per guidelines by the govt. pic.twitter.com/kv0fxeEh7L

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

"We labourers have no life, we are just a cog in the wheel, spinning continuously until we run out of life," said the man, his name unknown but his face by now familiar to many thousands of people across the nation. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

A group of 310 Indian pilgrims, hailing from Ladakh, departed Tehran for New Delhi by Mahan Air tonight (16th May). Thereafter, they'll go home to Leh by special flights: Embassy of India in Iran #VandeBharatMission pic.twitter.com/E54hPHeZd8

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

At least 700 "super spreaders" were found coronavirus positive in Ahmedabad in a massive screening of vegetable sellers and shopkeepers conducted in a week after officials had ordered closure of shops, except those selling milk and medicines, between May 7 and 14, a senior bureaucrat said on Saturday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

One person from Sonitpur district has tested #COVID19 positive. Total positive cases rise to 92 in Assam: Himanta Biswa Sarma, State Minister pic.twitter.com/Yep3mT1yMH

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

92 persons have tested positive for #COVID19 in Indore district today; taking the total number of positive cases to 2470. Death toll increased to 100 after one death was reported today: Praveen Jadia, Indore Chief Medical Health Officer #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/imavhPp0sE

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

• Total Positive cases: 4790.
• Active: 2232.
• Deaths: 243.
• Negative/Discharged: 2315.
• 195 new cases, four more deaths and 32 patients were discharged on Saturday.

33 more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 1178: Sanjay Kumar, State Principal Health Secretary.

Notably, CRPF has been deployed at Hindpiri, largest containment zone in Jharkhand, to implement the lockdown strictly. People reportedly were pelting stones on CRPF personnel from the dark after switching off the lights in their houses. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Sitting on the pavement near the Jangpura Metro Station, Jagdeesh Yadav stares blankly into space, occasionally sipping water from a plastic bottle. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The four-member family fell ill after they consumed the juice made of toxic seeds of Datura (Ummetta plant in local parlance) and their condition is stable now. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Identified as Javed Ahmad Siddiqui, the middle aged man was returning to native Allahabad with wife, daughter and two nephews on the Bandra-Varanasi Shramik Special train. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The flight under 'Vande Bharat' mission will arrive at Kolkata International Airport here from Dhaka on May 18. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Every individual who enters Assam is subjected to mandatory medical screening vis-à-vis COVID-19 at the inter-state check post. However, these people managed to escape the glare of the cops and health officials deployed there by hiding in the vehicle. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

In the letter written to CMs of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Telangana, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Chouhan has mentioned that the practical difficulty in movement of labourers is that Madhya Pradesh doesn’t get timely information on how many labourers from other states are coming to the MP border and at what time. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

• An assistant commissioner of police and a station house officer have tested positive for coronavirus in southeast Delhi, officials said on Saturday.
• Seventeen policemen who were in contact with the ACP and the SHO have been quarantined, a senior police officer said, adding that further contact tracing is underway.
• Nearly 180 Delhi Police personnel have tested positive for coronavirus so far, of them 78 have recovered.

• The kin and neighbours of a 54- year-old man have alleged that he died waiting for an ambulance in Nana Peth area, one of the coronavirus hotspots in Pune.
• The incident took place in the early hours of Friday, they added. Pune Municipal Corporation commissioner Shekhar Gaikwad on Saturday said he had issued notice to the 108 ambulance service as well as the zonal and ward officers of the area over the incident.
• "At around 12:30am on Friday, my father collapsed in the washroom. As he is obese, we made him sit on a chair and called the 108 ambulance service several times but nobody turned up. He was conscious till 1:30am. We rushed him to Sassoon Hospital in a tempo but he was declared dead on admission at around 3:30am," his son said.
• "We were told he died of a heart attack. If the ambulance had arrived in time, my father could have been saved," he added.

Earlier on Saturday, the Union Home Ministry ordered the withdrawal of 10 CAPF companies from Jammu and Kashmir and sent nine such units to Maharashtra, which has been the worst affected state by the pandemic. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The Deputy Commissioner stated that the order will not apply to essential services. It restricts religious programs, mass gatherings and people who roam around in the district. https://t.co/K1sfVY3otj

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

• Total cases: 4258.
• Active cases : 1713.
• Fresh cases: 203.
• Recovered : 2441.
• Deaths : 104.
• Districts in grip: 75.

CM Amarinder Singh further indicated the resumption of limited public transport services and the 'maximum possible relaxation' in the non-containment zones from May 18. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Govt decides to increase VAT rate on petrol from 26 % to 32 % and on diesel from 26 % to 28 % to make up for the loss of revenue because of nationwide lockdown. The price of petrol & diesel will go up by Rs 3.11 and Rs 1.03 per litre #Odisha @NewIndianXpress

— Bijay Chaki (@bijay_TNIE) May 16, 2020

Consent has to be sought from both states-one sending the train & one receiving it. UP,J&K,Karnataka haven't given us their consent yet. Whose govt is in all these states? It's neither the time to do politics nor give challenge. It's time to fight Corona together: Chhattisgarh CM https://t.co/qzCvh70OTa

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

As soon as the problem of migrant labourers walking back home arose, SpiceJet and other airlines had offered to the government to fly them instead - but received no response, according to Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of SpiceJet. (READ FULL STORIES HERE)

• The number of COVID-19 cases in Goa reached 13 after five people tested positive for novel coronavirus on Saturday, a health official said.
• The five included a man who was part of a group of 1,000 workers brought to the state by the Goa State Industries Association to resume economic activities here after easing of lockdown restrictions, he added.
• "They were quarantined in a hotel in north Goa. All the workers were tested and the report of one returned positive. He has been hospitalised," the official said.

195 new positive cases reported in Madhya Pradesh today, taking the state tally to 4790. Death toll stands at 243: State Health Department.

213 new #COVID19 cases & 1 death reported in state today, taking total number of cases to 4960. There are 1890 active cases now. Death toll stands at 126: Rajasthan Health Department pic.twitter.com/dazGWPzs7J

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

Total number of positive COVID-19 cases reaches 91 in Uttarakhand: State Health Department.

Western Railway has operated 463 'Shramik Special Trains' from 2nd May till 16th May which have carried approximately 6,40,000 passengers to their desired destinations: Western Railway

• 108 new cases today.
• 1 death also.
• Total cases rise to 1121.
• Total deaths 12.
• Total recoveries 542.
• Active cases 567.

• Total cases 273.
• Active cases 201.
• Deaths 3.

• Total positive case till date: 2576.
• Positive at present: 1452.
• Death: 160.
• Comorbidity death: 72.
• Discharged: 892.
• Total tests: 77,288.
• Note: 115 new infections in past 24 hours.

In last 24 hours, 65 new COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in the state. The total number of positive cases stands at 737, of which 538 are active cases and 196 persons have already recovered/discharged. Death toll is at three: Information & Public Relations Department, Odisha Government.

West Bengal: Rabindra Setu, also known as Howrah Bridge, illuminated today by Kolkata Port Trust on the occasion of International Day of Light, to pay tribute to #COVID19 frontline workers for their contribution in the fight against the pandemic. pic.twitter.com/7Ble5KvVVp

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

11 deaths reported in Pune today. Death toll in the district now reaches to 197: Health Officials, Pune.

In a communication to all states and union territories, Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said the central government has already allowed the movement of migrant workers by buses and Shramik Special trains to enable them to travel to their native places. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The development comes as the total coronavirus cases in the country reached 85,940 with 2,752 deaths. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

As per Maharashtra government records, more than 10 lakh migrants were stranded in various parts of the state. However, the number of migrant workers leaving Mumbai has been unofficially pegged as high as 25-30 lakh. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

1606 new #COVID19 cases & 67 deaths reported today, taking total number of cases to 30706, of which 22479 are active cases. Death toll stands at 1135. Total 524 people recovered & discharged today, total 7088 patients have been discharged till date: Maharashtra Health Department pic.twitter.com/bbFyjUHB8t

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

A 22-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19 in Manipur after returning from Chennai, taking the total number of cases to seven including five active cases: Manipur Health Department.

An Air India Express repatriation flight, carrying 181 passengers from Dubai, has landed at Cochin International Airport.

Number of COVID-19 cases reaches 1145 in Bihar: State Principal Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar.

In last 24 hours, 348 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Gujarat. The state tally rises to 10,989 including 4308 cured/discharged cases and 625 deaths till date: Gujarat Health Department.

A total of 887 positive cases have been found in the state till date, including 514 recovered/discharged and 13 deaths: Health Department, Government of Haryana #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/3f32HvQdo5

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to the unfortunate accident in #Auraiya, Uttar Pradesh has been approved from the PM's National Relief Fund. Rs 50,000 each for the injured has also been approved pic.twitter.com/ScBth85n7P

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

Delhi: One more area - H. No. 34/156 to H. No. 34/189 (Resettlement Colony) Block 34, Trilok Puri has been de-contained. No new addition in containment zones as on today. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/ixa9Nd0rI8

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

There is no such advisory from state govt. We're not asking anybody to come back - be it nurses or doctors. We feel proud that they are working in Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, Maharashtra - serving the patients. State govt has already said we'll compensate & reward them: Manipur CM

25 persons from a residential apartment tested positive for COVID-19 in Madannapet area of Hyderabad’s old city. All shifted to hospital for treatment&their contacts being identified: Ashok Samrat, Zonal Commissionerate, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

Rahul Gandhi came and met us half an hour back. He booked the vehicle for us and said he will drop us to our homes. He gave us food, water and mask: Devendra, a migrant labourer https://t.co/qPyYQ3JswH pic.twitter.com/kX7OTDmuP4

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

There's no such circular. It's only on request of people who want to come back that we issued permits to different people&vehicles. State govt isn't appealing to anybody to come back. Those who've no urgency&have a job outside,should remain there: J Suresh Babu,Manipur Chief Secy https://t.co/PZNJTv2QpN pic.twitter.com/SqAllqIZuN

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

A total number of 1946 people have tested positive for #COVID19 till date, including 1257 patients cured and 32 deaths: Department of Information & Public Relations, Government of Punjab pic.twitter.com/zgp1XXly3r

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

A man has been arrested on a complaint lodged by his wife for allegedly threatening to kill her in Patel Nagar area of Hisar, Haryana. The woman wanted the man to get tested for #COVID19 after his return from Bathinda: Hisar Civil Lines SHO Jaswant Singh pic.twitter.com/GgZPvKMeVi

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

All district magistrates have been instructed to arrange buses for migrant workers, who are found walking on foot, to send them to their homes: Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) PV Ramasastry pic.twitter.com/I6NKe6MebF

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 16, 2020

Two persons from Garhwa and Ranchi have been tested positive for COVID-19 today: DK Singh, Director Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences. With this, number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 217 in Jharkhand.

Mumbai: Maharashtra Home minister Anil Deshmukh visited Shahu Nagar Police Station in Dharavi today and met the Police personnel there. He also paid tribute to API Amol Kulkarni, who was posted at this police station and died due to #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/Q4vSiZsv61

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

#WATCH Union Min RK Singh reacts on Rahul Gandhi meeting migrant labourers in Delhi. Says "Did he remember migrant labourers only after 50 days? Our govt,at centre&in states, has been arranging food,trains for them...He met them just for photo-op.There should be some sensitivity" pic.twitter.com/9iqgRuIRez

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

Private schools are allowed to charge only tuition fee from students for the period between March 19 & the date when #lockdown ends: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan https://t.co/stQdKJHZkp

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

Passengers would be advised to wear masks and maintain social distancing at all times in all areas of the airport. Staggered seating arrangement with different markers have been positioned on alternate chairs to maintain gap, among other features that have been introduced. https://t.co/3HHsdJDcXQ pic.twitter.com/JOn2D3TWlF

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

To provide relief to migrant labourers, Railways is ready to run 'Shramik Special' trains from any district in the country. District Collectors should prepare lists of stranded labourers and destination & apply to Railways through State nodal officer. Along with this, the District Collectors should give a list and destination to the state nodal officer of Railways.

884 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Mumbai today, taking the total number of cases to 18396. 238 patients recovered and discharged today, while 4806 patients have discharged till date. Death toll stands at 696: Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai.

Odisha government urges Centre to suspend Shramik Special trains passing through its coastal areas for 3-4 days due to impending cyclone: Official

Students from Bihar waiting to board the train to go back to their homes from Puducherry by Shramik special train.
Express Photo | G Pattabi Raman. @xpresstn #COVID19 #lockdown pic.twitter.com/bfQfcDz6RH

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

Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi interacted with migrant labourers who were walking near Sukhdev Vihar flyover to return to their home states. Party volunteers later arranged vehicles to take them to their homes. A labourer, Monu says "Coming from Haryana,have to go to Jhansi" pic.twitter.com/SMbnejiZpK

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

 With 477 fresh positives, total nuimber of COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu stands at 10585. A record 939 persons have recovered and discharged in 24 hours. 

Kerala-137 days of #Covid_19india

New cases-11

Thrissur-4
Kozhikode-3
Palakkad-2
Malappuram-2

Negative-4

Active cases-87
Total recovered-497

Total Quarantine-56981
Home Quarantine-56362
Hospital Quarantine-619
Hospitalised today-182@NewIndianXpress @xpresskerala

— Raam Das (@PRamdas_TNIE) May 16, 2020

All entry points to Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar district have been sealed and extra police deployment made to prevent incoming migrant workers from travelling on foot following a series of accidents that have led to many deaths: Official

COVID-19 cases in West Bengal rise to 2576 as 115 test positive in 24 hours. The death toll climbed to 160 with 7 more fatalities.

She said this year India and China, two great ancient civilisations, are commemorating 70 years of their diplomatic relationship but it has been marred by 'news from the Himalayan borders'. The former diplomat said, "Our relationship is based on balance. The issues that will determine our future should be based on peace, not conflict. We must serve the cause of our people and build our trade and investment relationships.” (READ MORE)

The trials will establish whether these dogs could be used as a potential new non-invasive, early warning measure to detect coronavirus in the future. (READ MORE)

#CBSE is taking into consideration some additional technical aspects before finalizing the datesheets of the board exams of classses 10th and 12th, due to which, the datesheets will now be released by Monday i.e. 18-05-2020. Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.

— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) May 16, 2020

We convey our thanks to the CM,WB and request her to expedite the process. @MamataOfficial
We congratulate CITU and numerous other movements for the victory of their relentless struggle on this issue. NO to any complacency."The best of saying is doing."https://t.co/TM864ITVDV pic.twitter.com/k1aGeauVtL

— Surjya Kanta Mishra (@mishra_surjya) May 16, 2020

Today's announcement to be focussed on structural reforms in the sectors that are going to be the new horizon for growth, more investment can be drawn, more production can be clearly marked, and certainly more employment opportunities can be generated in these sectors: FM (READ MORE HERE)

The Delhi Prison Department had tested 19 inmates from the barrack of the prisoner whose reports came back positive for the infection on Wednesday, they said. (READ MORE)

Six migrant workers, including four women and two men, died after the truck they were travelling in overturned near Banda town in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, police said on Saturday. According to the police, 16 others were injured in the incident and are undergoing treatment.

Residents of Bihar can now get to savour fresh fish without stepping out of their homes amid the lockdown. The fishery directorate of the Bihar government has developed and launched an app through which orders can be placed for the fish of one's choice which will be delivered at doorsteps across the state. (READ MORE)

Umbrellas - check, helmets - check, masks - check, patience - check! People are seen waiting in queues for long hours outside a #TASMAC outlet in Coimbatore to buy #liquor.

Express Photos | U Rakesh Kumar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/24O9AYMOIl

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

Though the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to stick to the Central government guidelines in connection with lockdown 4.0 beyond May 17, CM Yogi Adityanath believes that a huge influx of migrants is a big challenge and too much relaxation in curbs could be risky. (READ MORE)

According to Tripura's health officials, of the 159 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel of two battalions (86th and 138th) and family members who tested positive so far, 40 including two kids have recovered and been discharged from the hospital. (READ MORE)

Around 30 #MigrantLabourers injured, some of them grievously, after a lorry overturned in Neelaipet of #Nirmal district in #Telangana. The lorry was carrying the labourers back to their native state #UttarPradesh. pic.twitter.com/gekZEQg1YJ

— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) May 16, 2020

"The Tamil Nadu government is bearing all travel expenses including the railway fare of the migrant workers who are willing to go their native states. As such, I appeal to them not to leave for their home states on their own either by walk or vehicles," he said in a statement here. (READ MORE)

According to railways, till Friday Uttar Pradesh operated over 474 Shramik Special trains while 52 more are in pipeline. Similarly, Bihar operated 248 Shramik Special trains and 21 are in pipeline. (READ MORE)

Thank you @POTUS @realDonaldTrump.

This pandemic is being fought collectively by all of us. In such times, it’s always important for nations to work together and do as much as possible to make our world healthier and free from COVID-19.

More power to 🇮🇳 - 🇺🇸 friendship! https://t.co/GRrgWFhYzR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 16, 2020

A group of 56 pregnant nurses stranded abroad approached Delhi High Court on Saturday seeking directions to the ministries and authorities concerned for facilitation of their return claiming they are in serious distress and need medical and psycho-socio support. (READ MORE)

23 new cases of COVID-19 reported in Karnataka till Saturday afternoon. Many new patients are secondary contacts.

State's tally at 1079.

Deaths- 36(+1)

Recoveries- 494

Active cases- 548

438 more COVID-19 positive cases and six deaths were reported in Delhi in last 24 hours. Total number of cases in the national capital is now at 9333, including 5278 active cases, the health department confirmed.

The trials of the drug Mycobacterium W (Mw) were conducted on COVID-19 patients at AIIMS Bhopal for the last few days, the official said. The trials were being run for the last few days and the results were good, as out of four patients enrolled for the trial, three had fully recovered and discharged, he said.

Among the new cases, one was reported from Mumbai Airport, one from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and one from the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSEL), Kolkata.

TN tally of #COVID19 cases crosses the 10,000 mark, #TASMAC stores open across the state, govt brings back six-day work week for its staff and other major updates from Tamil Nadu, @SushmithaRam reports.@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/6e8rXegfzt

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

Migrant workers from Bihar stranded on NH16 on the outskirts of Chennai, alleging that police beaten them at Nallur tollgate yesterday night, while they were walking back home towards Andhra Pradesh#MigrantLivesMatter #MigrantsOnTheRoad @NewIndianXpress @xpresstn pic.twitter.com/EFx5WZWIJm

— Debadatta Mallick (@ddmallick) May 16, 2020

Based on credible information, we started to look out for people who are issuing fake passes. Following this, we have arrested 17 persons and recovered fake passes from their possession. They used to charge Rs 300 for a pass: J H Sarvaiya ACP, Rajkot #Gujarat #COVIDLockdown pic.twitter.com/uEhylNHMIR

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

The court directed the civic body to file an affidavit furnishing details of maternity homes and clinics here that were attending to pregnant women amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The matter was posted for further hearing on May 22.

Rajasthan reported 91 fresh cases of coronavirus on Saturday, taking the infection tally in the state to 4,838, officials said. Out of the 91 fresh cases, 48 are from the district jail of Jaipur, they said.

A lorry carrying #migrants from Medchal #Hyderabad to #UttarPradesh overturned on NH44 at Nirmal of Telangana, leaving them injured.@rajareddy_TNIE pic.twitter.com/paU1r9X9X9

— TNIE Telangana (@XpressHyderabad) May 16, 2020

• China fears resurgence of COVID-19 cases as 21 new infections were reported today, Wuhan plans to ramp up testing
   
• Pakistan will resume its domestic flight services today despite recording a continued surge in cases with its tally nearing 39,000
   
• Five regions in New York (Central New York, the North Country, Finger Lakes, Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley Regions) can begin 'phased reopening' from May 16, according to Governor Andrew Cuomo, however remaining regions will observe shutdown till May 28
   
• South Korean officials far confirmed 162 new coronavirus cases linked to club goers in the densely populated capital, Soeul, taking the total tally to 11,037
   
• UNSC reform process, negotiations postponed 'until further notice' due to COVID-19 outbreak, UNGA exploring its options

31 of the 48 #COVIDー19 patients came from #Koyambedu @NewIndianXpress #Chennai https://t.co/VBYAD6nlfX

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

A special train,carrying passengers from Mumbai arrived at New Delhi railway station today. All passengers were screened after they reached the railway station, as per guidelines by the government. pic.twitter.com/6e95ROBDOL

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

• Total cases: 271
• Active cases: 199
• Deaths: 3

The Panchayat elections in Karnataka will be postponed for six months due to COVID-19. However, administrative councils will be formed at every Gram Panchayat as the terms of most are ending by June-July, according to the Panchayat Raj Minister in the state.

Mumbai Police regrets to inform about the unfortunate demise of ASID Madhukar Mane, 57. Being in the high-risk age-group, Shri Mane was on leave for the past 15 days.

May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family.

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) May 15, 2020

With 79 more people testing coronavirus positive in the last 24 hours, the number of patients in Indore district of Madhya Pradesh has grown to 2,378, a health official said on Saturday. The virus claimed one more life in the district during this period, which took the death toll to 99, the official said.

Sixty-five people tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 737, officials said on Saturday. Jajpur reported 31 fresh cases, Ganjam 13 and Cuttack six.

Wearing mask and buying #liqour with a smile!
Scene: #TASMAC outlet in Tirunelveli.

Express Photos | V.Karthikalagu@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/cIz4chxMhq

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

Three out of seven Vasco residents, who returned from Kolkata, have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the case count in Goa to 11, a state minister said on Saturday. At least three out of seven men, who had travelled to Gangapur in Kolkata to deliver barges and arrived in Goa on Friday, have contracted the infection, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said.

The MP government has declared that nine districts in the state, which had earlier reported COVID-19 cases, were now coronavirus-free. Additional chief secretary (Health) Mohammed Suleman said that the nine districts- Barwani, Agar-Malwa, Shajapur, Sheopur, Alirajpur, Harda, Shahdol, Tikamgarh and Betul- were now free from the infection.

65 new #COVID19 cases in #Odisha

31 in Jajpur, 13 in Ganjam, 6 in Cuttack, 4 each in Kendrapara & Puri, 3 in Khurda, 2 each in Mayurbhanj & Nayagarh

Jajpur crosses 100 mark

Ganjam - 277
Jajpur - 121
Balasore - 102

State total - 737
Active - 568#coronavirus@NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/xeYfHPhTfW

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

The number of active cases stood at 53,035, while 30,152 people have recovered and one patient has migrated.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

The never-ending wait to go home! Thousands of migrant workers are waiting on the footpath in Hebbal road, Bengaluru.

Express Video | @Bidar_yuva @XpressBengaluru pic.twitter.com/jvKycQOAl8

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

A look at the Health Management Information System, maintained by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare suggests that in March 2020 - when the nationwide lockdown was enforced — institutional deliveries dropped by 43 per cent compared to March 2019. The number of childbirths registered in hospitals  - public and private - across India stood at 17,17,500 in March last year while this year the number dropped to 9,71,782.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

A 21-year-old woman who recently returned to Manipur from Kolkata has tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of cases in the state to four, authorities of a hospital where she is being treated said on Saturday. With this development, the number of active cases in the state has risen to two and both the patients are being treated at the JNIMS, they said.

While the number of discharged increased to 1,252 with the addition of 60, no casualties were reported in the last 24 hours. Later in the day, another 88 patients were discharged, taking the total number of recoveries to 1,340. 

#WATCH "We are sending a lot of ventilators to India, I spoke to Prime Minister Modi. We are sending quite a few ventilators to India. We have a tremendous supply of ventilators" says US President Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/pnvx3C1D3r

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the State government to open shelters and provide facilities to migrant workers. It directed the government to submit an action taken report on its directive on May 22.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

Unkind destiny was awaiting the travellers in the attire of Andhra Pradesh police who, despite the pleas from the tired workers, packed them into buses and sent them all the way back to Tamil Nadu border.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

The 2nd special passenger train from Bengaluru, Karnataka to Delhi arrived at New Delhi railway station today morning. Anil Thakur a passenger says, "I faced no problems during the journey. I thank the government for running special trains for us". pic.twitter.com/AzAzCWurMq

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2020

The Union territory reported no fresh COVID-19 case for the second consecutive day and the number of cases stands at 191.

The bench warned private hospitals against charging high amount for treatment of COVID-19 patients. The HC noted that some private hospitals authorised by the government to treat coronavirus patients in Ahmedabad are charging fees "running in lakhs of rupees and an ordinary man will never be able to afford to avail adequate treatment from a private hospital".

The Rajasthan government said on Friday quarantine is not mandatory for people moving from one district to another in the state, excluding those in COVID-19 hotspots and curfew areas. CM Ashok Gehlot held a high-level review meeting on Friday and said quarantine is for only those people who have symptoms of cold, cough or influenza-like-illness (ILI).

With the discharge of two patients including a two-year-old boy, Kargil district has been declared free of the novel coronavirus, officials said. Besides these two cured COVID-19 patients, six other suspected cases who tested negative were also discharged, they said.

The number of cases climbed to 77 in the state after two persons tested positive for the infection, officials said.

Chandrasekhar of Vizianagaram started arranging trucks to take migrants to the borders of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha. He spends between Rs 50,000 and Rs 60,000 on this every day. Over the last four days, he transported about 1,500 workers.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

India now ranks 11th in the world in terms of coronavirus cases with 85,784 with 2,753 deaths.
(READ FULL STORY HERE)

The recovery rate in Rajasthan is particularly impressive in comparison with all large states of the Hindi belt in north India - Madhya Pradesh with a recovery rate of 49%, Gujrat at 39%, Delhi at 36%, Punjab at 12% and Uttar Pradesh at 53%. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Addressing media, Trump said he is hopeful a COVID-19 vaccine would be available by the end of the year, and announced he was appointing a former pharmaceutical executive to spearhead the effort. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

10 FIRs have been registered against landlords for forcefully demanding rent from tenants amid lockdown: Delhi Police.

This will add to the prevailing shortage of nurses in the facilities here amid the ongoing the COVID-19 pandemic, said a senior official of a private hospital from which nine nurses have quit. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Out of the 900 positive cases of the deadly virus and 35 deaths have happened due to the killer infection so far in Bhopal out of which 225 cases and nine deaths pertain to residents of the densely populated Jahangirabad area. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

The CJI, who was speaking during an online demo of the Supreme Court e-filing module, said the system is the first step in the entire process of e-courts and has brought Registry to the chambers of the advocates. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

• A 57-year-old police official died of COVID-19 in Mumbai on Friday, an official release said.
• The official, attached to the Motor Transport Department, had been sent on leave for the last 15 days in view of the raging pandemic as he was considered to be in the high-risk age group.
• So far, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed lives of 10 police personnel in Maharashtra -- seven in Mumbai and one each in Nashik, Pune and Solapur.
• Over 150 police personnel tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra since Thursday evening, taking the number of coronavirus cases in the police force to 1,153, officials had said earlier in the day.
• It included 127 officers and 1,026 constables. 174 police personnel have recovered from infection.

3 persons tested #COVID19 positive in Kamrup Metro. One person is from Sarusajai Quarantine camp, 1 indoor patient of GMCH, & one has migrated to West Bengal. Total positive cases stand at 89: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (15.5) pic.twitter.com/tnYToG4Ogs

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Importantly, after their parents tested positive for the COVID-19, the brother-sister duo too tested positive for the deadly infection on Wednesday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

40 new #COVID19 positive cases have been reported in Telangana today; taking the total number of positive cases to 1454. Total active cases stand at 461: Telangana Health Department pic.twitter.com/RzRN36FARl

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner has written to Divisional Railway Manager, Solapur Division requesting to arrange for a COVID-19 Special train on May 17 for movement of stranded migrant labourers belonging to Bihar state.

The accident happened at around 5 pm on Friday, around half a km from the spot, where a truck boarded by over 60 migrant workers had collided head on with a bus in the wee hours on Thursday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Shah, who was in his North Block office for nearly five hours on Friday, held meetings with top officials of the ministry, including Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao has declared that except in four zones in Hyderabad, there are no #Coronavirus active cases in the State: Chief Minister's Office (file pic) pic.twitter.com/TwzocS3qJs

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Passengers who arrived at the Thampanoor Central Railway Station to board the train to New Delhi were screened and were seen wearing masks and strictly complying with all the #COVID19 guidelines. @xpresskerala pic.twitter.com/jtirjr5EII

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

With @OURVMC commissioner's quick response to @xpressandhra request, migrants from Odisha, who walked from Guntur, were shifted to a relief camp within 20 minutes in Vijayawada.@NewIndianXpress#MigrantsOnTheRoad#lockdown#Covid_19india pic.twitter.com/jplY8ToCTp

— Ritika_TNIE (@Ritika63965871) May 15, 2020

Odisha: Special train carrying 670 passengers from Delhi reached Bhubaneswar railway station, today. Quarantine stamps with indelible ink were marked on the hands of the passengers. pic.twitter.com/hL0nHdwb8X

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

In a letter to the prime minister, he also suggested that barbershops, cinema halls, salons and religious places should remain closed. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued an advisory for managing health care workers working in COVID and Non-COVID areas of the hospitals. pic.twitter.com/OO364fK7HE

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

• Total cases: 4057.
• Active cases : 1797.
• Fresh cases: 159.
• Recovered : 2165.
• Deaths : 95.
• Districts in grip: 75.

"We plan to drastically reduce the number of passengers to avoid crowding and discourage non-essential travel," Kolkata metro railway spokesperson Indrani Banerjee told PTI. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

As per the October 14 notification, the summer vacation would have started from May 18 and concluded on July 5 (both days inclusive) in the apex court. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Imports too plunged by 58.65 per cent to USD 17.12 billion in April, leaving a trade deficit of USD 6.76 billion as against USD 15.33 billion in April 2019, according to the data by the commerce and industry ministry. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

There should not be any relaxation in containment zones but economic activities should be resumed in other parts. This may lead to increase in #COVID19 cases, we have all arrangements in place to deal with it: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in his letter to PM Modi over the lockdown pic.twitter.com/mgVt6Fn7cR

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Delhi: Four more areas (serial number 22,23,24&25) have been removed from containment zones; the total number of containment zones in the national capital now stands at 77. No new addition to the list today. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/VjcLztMhML

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

The man offered help on the strict condition that his identity must not be revealed. He did not seek any publicity for his act of benevolence. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

MHA writes a letter to all states, telling them that they need to stop migrants from walking on roads and railway tracks. MHA's communication comes hours after the Supreme Court said that it is upto states to decide on migrants on roads. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/vBzTqWYeH8

— Sana Shakil (@sanashakil_TNIE) May 15, 2020

• J&K:
• New cases 30.
• Total cases rise to 1013.
• Deaths so far 11.
• Total recoveries 513.
• Chhattisgarh:
• Total positive: 65.
• Cured/discharged: 55.
• Fresh cases today: 6.
• Active Cases: 10.
• No Deaths.
• Rajasthan:
• Total positive 4688.
• Recovered 2677.
• Deaths 125.
• Bengal:
• Total positive case till date: 2361.
• Positive at present: 1407.
• Death: 153.
• Comorbidity death: 72.
• Discharged: 829.
• Total tests: 69,543.
• Note: 84 new infections in past 24 hours.
• Madhya Pradesh:
• Total Positive cases: 4595.
• Active: 2073.
• Deaths: 239.
• Recovered/Discharged: 2283.
• 169 new cases, two more deaths and 112 patients discharged over last 24 hours.

• Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in Haryana stands at 854, including 377 active cases, 464 recovered/discharged patients and 13 deaths: Health Department, Government of Haryana.
• The total number of COVID-19 cases reaches 1932 in Punjab, with 13 more people testing positive today. Number of active cases and fatalities due to the infection stands at 1595 & 32, respectively: Punjab Health Department.

Former Karnataka Minister Dr Sharan Prakash Patil and 22 others have been charged under section 188 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) for violating section 144 of CrPC by conducting a meeting at a convention hall in Sulpeth town on 13th May.

Welcome willingness of West Bengal Government to accept returnees from abroad, who are from the state. Request early confirmation of modalities to be followed upon arrival of passengers at Kolkata Airport: Anurag Srivastava, Spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs pic.twitter.com/pVeNYA0Yq6

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Churches in Mizoram accept State Government's request to use church halls as quarantine facilities. Some churches even to provide food for the whole institutional quarantine period from their own funds: Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Mizoram.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has written to Mumbai Cricket Association to temporarily hand over the possession of Wankhede Stadium to BMC, for use by emergency staff of BMC and to quarantine COVID-19 positive but asymptomatic patients.

The government run-AAI, which manages more than 100 airports across the country, said air travellers must maintain a distance of four feet from co-passengers, wear a mask and other protective gear, wash or sanitise their hands frequently and carry a 350 ml bottle of sanitiser all the time. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of a migrant mother pulling a suitcase with her child sleeping half hung thereon on Agra Highway. Notices issued to Chief Secretaries of Punjab & Uttar Pradesh and Agra District Magistrate: NHRC pic.twitter.com/1KgM1UrL0r

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Of the 10,108 cases, Chennai alone has 5946; the active Corona cases till date is 7435 while the number of death is 71 @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress

— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) May 15, 2020

Maharashtra has got highest 29,100 #COVIDー19 positive patients while 1068 deaths. Today, more 1576 positive patients,.49 deaths and 505 discharge reported across the state @NewIndianXpress

— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) May 15, 2020

Odisha Government has promoted all students studying in state government school from Class 1-9 and class 11 to next class. Similarly Class-Xl students studying in the schools affiliated to Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) promoted to Class Xll.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is taking steps to ensure social distancing among the passengers when the metro services resume. The date of opening of the metro has still not been finalized. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/4YYkNllQn7

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Punjab: Shopkeepers in Ludhiana today staged a protest demanding the opening of shops amid #COVID19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/WrDRBqlfYA

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Kargil is COVID-19 free: Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Union Territory of Ladakh.

Karnataka: Jewellery shops in Hubli open today amid #COVID lockdown. An owner says, "Prices have soared up. We are finding it difficult to purchase gold as exporters are not exporting amid lockdown. Already we have fewer customers, they too refuse to buy after we tell them price" pic.twitter.com/yFA9yyP18K

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Total number of positive COVID-19 cases reaches 82 in Uttarakhand, of which 30 are active cases: State Health Department.

West Bengal: Drivers and conductors wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) while operating buses in the state. State Transport buses are plying with a capacity of 20 passengers amid #COVID19 lockdown. pic.twitter.com/YRqcH1sAWZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Mumbai #COVIDー19 update
Today's report
Total positive patients -- 933, deaths 34 and 334 cured and discharged.
The cumulative positive cases -- 17,512 , deaths 655 and total discharge 4568. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/4AGk784jNh

— Sudhir Suryawanshi (@ss_suryawanshi) May 15, 2020

In last 24 hours, 340 new positive cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Gujarat. Total number of positive cases rise to 9,932 including 4,035 cured/discharged and 606 deaths: Gujarat Health Department pic.twitter.com/l2AvNxqRkZ

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Six new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Jharkhand today. Total number of positive cases rise to 211 in the state: Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni.

84 new #COVID19 positive cases confirmed in West Bengal today. The total number of cases in the state is now at 2461, including 153 deaths. 72 deaths also occurred due to comorbidity: West Bengal Health Department pic.twitter.com/vSckhuriu4

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

#Liquor sales till stocks last! Micro Breweries in Bengaluru are allowed to sell up to 5 litres per person. Scenes from the city where people are seen queueing up to stock up for the weekend.

Express Photos | @MeghanaSastry @XpressBengaluru pic.twitter.com/GDZ0RCHuh7

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

434 more #COVID19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu today. In this, 6 people returned from Maldives, 40 from Maharashtra, 2 from Gujarat and 1 from Karnataka. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress

— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) May 15, 2020

District wise number of Corona positive persons in Tamil Nadu till today and other statistics @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/SkosDPPnhr

— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) May 15, 2020

84 new COVID19 positive cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi taking the total number of cases in the area to 1145. No new death recorded today; death toll stands at 53 in Dharavi: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation 

#BREAKING: Following Supreme Court order, #TASMAC to be opened from tomorrow (May 16). To function from 10 am to 5 pm. Daily 500 tokens to be issued. TASMAC outlets in containment zones, shopping complexes and malls will not be opened.

— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) May 15, 2020

As many as 36 scholars including fifteen in arts, eleven in commerce and ten in science streams completed their viva during an interactive session with the experts' panel. Meanwhile, May 17 has been set as the deadline to submit the soft copies of their thesis.

FULL REPORT HERE 

 SDMA has identified and begun the process of taking over buildings other than the 27,000 for COVID-19 patients, as those affected by an emergency cannot be housed along with them, a point stressed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. SDMA has identified four types of buildings in case an evacuation is required due to floods.

FULL REPORT HERE

#COVID19Updates: #Salem becomes #COVID19 infection free district. Last two patients discharged on Friday. @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress

— S Mannar Mannan (@mannar_mannan) May 15, 2020

INS Jalashwa departs Male part of #OperationSamudraSetu Phase 2.
Embarkation initially was effected by inclement weather.
Finally, INS Jalashwa has left #Madives for Kochi with 588 (incl 6 expectant mothers) citizens onboard.@indiannavy@NewIndianXpress @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/eAj8E9tKtn

— Mayank (@scribesoldier) May 15, 2020

Lucknow has the highest recovery rate in the state with 211 of 271 patients having gone home after recovery. Currently, only 59 active cases exist in Lucknow. The mortality rate is comparatively lower in the state capital with just one death so far. On the contrary, in Kanpur, 170 of 312 positive cases have been discharged after recovery while the district has registered a total of six deaths.

FULL REPORT HERE 

There will be lots of relaxations and flexibility in the lockdown 4.0 with complete reopening of the green zones, very limited curb in orange zones and strict restrictions only in the containment areas of red zones, said an official privy to the deliberations in the central government. However, the final guidelines will be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs only after going through the suggestions of state governments.
 

#IndiaFightsCOVID19
Non AC special trains are being arranged to bring back students stranded in Delhi. The fare will have to be borne by the students. Details of more such trains from Delhi will be announced shortly, says CM @vijayanpinarayi.@xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— Sovi Vidyadharan (@sovividyadharan) May 15, 2020

Hundreds of #MigrantLabourers are out on the roads after sent out from Central Railway station since their seat reservation for trains to reach their native places were not confirmed in Chennai.

Express Video | P Jawahar@xpresstn pic.twitter.com/eg8Uwllwzj

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

The passengers included stranded labourers working in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupathur, Ranipet and Villupuram, besides patients visiting CMC Hospital, said a senior official. The stranded labourers from the neighbouring districts were brought to Katpadi junction through special buses and were subjected to tests.

FULL REPORT HERE 

Stating that the Directorate of Government Exams of the Tamil Nadu government is planning to conduct HSC paper valuation from May 27, the Puducherry Government Teachers Association Coordination Committee (PGTACC) has shot off a memorandum to the TN Education Minister urging the government to establish a HSC and SSLC valuation centre in Puducherry as was done earlier except in the last two years.

FULL STORY HERE 

The geniuses at Niti Aayog have done it again.

I’d like to remind you of their graph predicting the Govt's national lockdown strategy would ensure no fresh Covid cases from tomorrow, May the 16th. pic.twitter.com/zFDJtI9IXP

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 15, 2020

Slamming the Centre for not having any mechanism to help the migrant labourers who are forced to walk to their homes, Soren said, "Lakhs of migrant workers are walking on foot but the Central government doesn't have any mechanism to send them to their homes. The Central government is just playing politics over the issue." 

 The school education department is now busy preparing the halls for the 10th standard board examination for which the hall tickets would be issued to the candidates after May 18, Tamil Nadu Education Minister K A Sengottaiyan said on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Nambiyur village near Gobichettipalayam where he distributed food and vegetables to families hit by the COVID-19 lockdown, the Minister said social distance would be maintained in the examination halls and the candidates should wear masks.

The number of people from the state stranded outside is estimated to be 6.5 lakh, including patients. Sonowal said the actual number of the migrant workers could be assessed only after the arrival of all these people. “We are helping people as much as we can. We haven’t discriminated against anyone. This is for the first time that we are facing such a challenge. We will overcome,” the CM said. 

FULL REPORT HERE

After pressure from Andhra Pradesh officials not to let labourers enter their state, the Tamil Nadu police have set up a checkpost a few kilometres from the border to halt the movement of workers.

FULL REPORT HERE 

Karnataka sees new single day high in number of reported #COVID19 cases.

69 cases till Friday evening.

State's tally of cases - 1056

Another death takes toll to 36(+1)

Recoveries - 480

Active cases - 539 (11 in ICUs)@XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/CtPvxZczY1

— Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) May 15, 2020

A study of river water samples collected from five ghats of Hoshangabad district - Collectorate, Circuit House, Post Office, Sethani, and Kori ghats - has established a sea change in the Narmada water quality, which is good for humans and survival of aquatic plants and animal species.

FULL REPORT HERE 

Mechanical engineer Mohan Raj, his pregnant wife and two-year-old son from Sampige in Turuvekere taluk hoped that their ordeal would end soon as relief flights from Dubai have begun operating to various destinations in India. They had applied to the Indian embassy to board a flight home but received no response at all. Mohan Raj's aged in-laws who had gone there to take care of their pregnant daughter also got stranded.

FULL REPORT HERE 

#COVID19 #Kerala

New cases- 16

Wayanad - 5
Malappuram - 4
Alappuzha - 2
Kozhikode -2
Kollam - 1
Palakkad - 1
Kasarogod -1

Active cases- 80

Total Quarantine- 48825
Home Quarantine-48287
Hospital Quarantine- 538@xpresskerala @NewIndianXpress

— Sovi Vidyadharan (@sovividyadharan) May 15, 2020

This is the ordeal faced by 16 Malayalis, including a woman, who work in Havelock Island in the Andamans as scuba diving instructors. Faced by insurmountable difficulties, they are now pleading to the authorities to facilitate their return to Kerala.

FULL REPORT HERE

The Prime Minister underlined the conscious approach that India has adopted in its fight against the health crisis - an approach based on ensuring public engagement through appropriate messaging, a PMO release said. He explained how this people-centric bottom-up approach has helped win acceptability for physical distancing, respect for frontline workers, wearing of masks, maintaining proper hygiene, and respecting lockdown provisions.

FULL REPORT HERE 

The submission was made at the outset of the hearing on a petition seeking release of nearly 3300 Tablighi Jamaat members, who have been put under various quarantine centers for nearly 40 days and not released despite negative reports of COVID-19. A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, was told by the counsel for the petitioner that they wish to withdraw the petition as the Delhi government has already directed for release of Tablighi Jamaat members who do not show any symptoms of COVID-19.

FULL REPORT HERE

The decision to resume Metro rail services in Delhi NCR will be taken by the Government after which the detailed protocol to be followed by passengers for travelling in the Metro will be shared with the media and public: Anuj Dayal, Executive Director, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

READ HERE 

Active cases of #Covid_19 in @BSF_India see a drop for the second consecutive day.However,11 more personnel have tested +ve for the disease.Since yesterday,13 troopers have recovered from the disease, bringing down the total number of infections to 290 from 292. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/GApDOgVNrr

— Sana Shakil (@sanashakil_TNIE) May 15, 2020

Supreme Court decides that five benches, ordinarily comprising 3 judges, will take up all kinds of pending and fresh matters, including urgent ones, through video conferencing starting from May 18 till June 19 - continuing its work during summer vacation. 

Migrant workers who had registered with Seva Sindhu app queue up outside Ashok Nagar police station in Bengaluru, to register for the trains leaving to their hometown.#lockdown #COVID19

Express Video | @MeghanaSastry @XpressBengaluru pic.twitter.com/UqrU7nJIGD

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

TN govt brings back six day work week from May 18; also govt offices can function with 50 per cent staff @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/ISNeFU4xqZ

— T Muruganandham (@muruga_TNIE) May 15, 2020

A CISF personnel has recovered from #Covid_19 but 14 others, including 8 personnel deployed at Mumbai airport, have tested positive for the infection. Total number of infections in @CISFHQrs is now 119. @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/56CU2aBtOP

— Sana Shakil (@sanashakil_TNIE) May 15, 2020

A total of 109 passengers, including three children, from San Francisco landed at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru at 9.22 am on Friday after a 21-hour journey including a stopover in New Delhi. A flurry of activity and some tension was witnessed as soon as passenger checks got underway inside the arrival zone of the airport as one flyer showed COVID-19 symptoms when temperature readings were taken for all.

When will we get to go home? Migrant workers at the Delhi-UP border on Friday. #lockdown #COVID

Express video | @anilpjournalist @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/YHyP6WyNcP

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

The Udupi district administration, which was preparing for the new normal by relaxing the lockdown restrictions as it was labelled a green zone on April 27, woke up to a rude shock on Friday with five of the 49 in institutional quarantine after returning from Dubai on May 12 testing positive.

A train has been converted into a quarantine centre in Tirupati.
Express photo | Madhav K.@xpressandhra pic.twitter.com/FviSDqsXRV

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

Chennai has 683 #COVID19 containment zones. Here’s the full list: @xpresstn @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/mj7GIJyovb

— Omjasvin M D (@omjasvinMD) May 15, 2020

All the three are close contacts of the factory worker from Arumparthapuram who tested positive a couple of days back. They comprise his wife, daughter and a friend working in the same factory. Incidentally, the friend is the son of the COVID-19 patient from Panruti who has been admitted to JIPMER, said Director of Health and Family Welfare Dr S Mohan Kumar.

FULL REPORT HERE

In order to recognise and appreciate ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers -- who have been working 24/7 to conduct door-to-door fever surveys across the state -- the Karnataka government announced Rs 3000 incentive to each of them.

All the 90 covid19 positive pts from Mysore District Hospital have been discharged without single mortality@XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress @DHFWKA

— Ranjani (@ranjanikanth_) May 15, 2020

All the 90 covid19 positive pts from Mysore District Hospital have been discharged without single mortality@XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress @DHFWKA

— Ranjani (@ranjanikanth_) May 15, 2020

Karnataka: People gathered in large numbers y'day in Kolagondanahalli village of Ramanagara for a village fair.They had taken permission for gathering from Panchayat Development Officer NC Kalmatt.He has been suspended by Ramanagara Dy Commissioner following a report by Tehsildar pic.twitter.com/lOGspyW1KR

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to apprise it about steps taken for quarantining doctors and medical staff engaged in fight against coronavirus in accommodations near the hospitals itself. (READ FULL REPORT HERE) 

When will we get to go home? Migrant workers at the Delhi-UP border on Friday. #lockdown #COVID

Express video | @anilpjournalist @TheMornStandard pic.twitter.com/YHyP6WyNcP

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

The Centre has rejected Kerala's request for 7-day quarantine of expats and made it clear in the High Court that 14-day quarantine period is mandatory @xpresskerala @PRamdas_TNIE @NewIndianXpress @COVID19centre #Covid_19india

— Ganesh Neelakantan (@minutepoint) May 15, 2020

Number of #COVID19 cases cross 1000 in Karmataka. 45 new. Cases of #COVID19 reported till Friday afternoon.
State's tally of cases at 1032
Deaths - 35(+1)
Active cases - 520@XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress @santwana99 pic.twitter.com/XbYwMtzpC2

— Anusha Ravi Sood (@anusharavi10) May 15, 2020

Supreme Court stays Madras HC order directing for all government run TASMAC liquor shops to be closed @NewIndianXpress

— kanusarda (@sardakanu_TNIE) May 15, 2020

Abandoned houses in Pauri district's 'ghost' villages, called so as they have become empty after their residents left them, are proving useful for the administration which is converting them into quarantine centres for migrants returning in droves to Uttarakhand. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Delhi: Union Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on #COVID19, underway at the Health Ministry. Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat also present. pic.twitter.com/LiCJ7QuKcT

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

The BTA secretary said that as per the government's guidelines, a maximum two passengers would be allowed to board the metered taxis and that both would have to sit in the back seat. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Universities and colleges will be reopened only after COVID-19 cases subsides, as many colleges were converted into isolation centres. Semesters exams will be conducted only after reopening: Higher Education Minister KP Anbalagan at Dharmapuri.

Cabin crew members of Indian airlines will have personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, gowns and masks as part of their attire on commercial passenger flights when they resume operations, industry sources said. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

World Bank announces USD 1 billion social protection package for India linked to Govt of India programmes.

Before boarding the flight on Wednesday, the 168 passengers were subjected to rapid test in which all had turned negative. Rapid test which is anti-body based test is not reliable. They tested positive in the RTPCR test which was done after their arrival in city. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

The New Delhi - Rajadhani Superfast special reached Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station by 5:15 am; Nearly 350 passengers who came home in the train were screened.

Express Photos.@xpresskerala pic.twitter.com/UViUiHsCuY

— The New Indian Express (@NewIndianXpress) May 15, 2020

#Odisha reports 48 new #COVID19 positive cases, total cases in the state 672. @NewIndianXpress @XpressOdisha #CoronavirusOutbreak #OdishaFightsCoronavirus pic.twitter.com/ZpmMdrb5ba

— Tanmay Das (@tanmay__das) May 15, 2020

1st psgr flight frm US to touch base at Bangaluru since #lockdown reached @ 9.22am with 109 flyers on brd. @airindiain frm San Francisco had a stopover at Delhi where some psgs alighted b4 reaching KIA. Sch time, 9am @airindiain @sandeeprrao1991 @XpressBengaluru @NewIndianXpress

— Lalitha (@Lolita_TNIE) May 15, 2020