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

The cluster containment strategy aims to contain COVID-19 within a defined geographic area by early detection of cases, breaking the chain of transmission and thus preventing its spread.
Health workers wearing protective gear stand near an ambulance carrying the dead body of a victim who died from the COVID-19 before the last rites at Nigam Bodh Gath in New Delhi on Saturday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav/EPS)
Health workers wearing protective gear stand near an ambulance carrying the dead body of a victim who died from the COVID-19 before the last rites at Nigam Bodh Gath in New Delhi on Saturday. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav/EPS)
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Coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu rose to 10858 on Saturday after 477 persons, mostly secondary contacts, tested positive. In the same day, a record 939 persons who had recovered from COVID-19 infection were discharged.

In a significant development after trading barbs of words, Congress leader met the migrant workers walking towards home from Delhi and arranged vehicle for them. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state government will bear the entire cost of migrant workers returning to the state on special trains.

Recording over 85,000 cases, India overtook China’s coronavirus cases tally that stands at 84,031 according to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Tracker. India now ranks 11th in the world in terms of coronavirus cases with 85,784 with 2,753 deaths.

Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 2,752 and the number of cases climbed to 85,940 on Saturday, registering an increase of 103 deaths.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the fourth tranche of Centre's Rs 20 lakh crore fiscal stimulus, which focussed on airspace and civil aviation sector.

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

Mathematical modeling studies suggest containment of COVID-19 might be possible but success of containment operations "cannot be guaranteed" since there is efficient human to human transmission, the Union health ministry said on Saturday. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

Two from Guwahati test COVID-19 positive

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

Special train from Delhi reaches Assam

Snapshot of migrant tragedy: Citizen Rampukar back in Bihar, waiting to meet his family

"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)

Indian pilgrims from Ladakh depart from Iran

700 'super spreaders' found coronavirus positive in a week in Ahmedabad

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)

Assam tally nears 100

Indore tally nears 2500

Rajasthan latest coronavirus numbers

Today's total 213 cases have been reported till 9 pm. Out of which 131 from Jaipur. Cumulative positive: 4960. Active cases in state: 1890. Today's total death: 1. Total death in state: 126. Total recovered: 2944.

Madhya Pradesh coronavirus latest tally

  • 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 positive cases in Bihar

    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.

    Security forces resort to lathi-charge, rubber pallets to disperse crowd in Ranchi's containment zone

    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)

    Teen rickshaw-puller heads to native village with homeless nonagenarian he met in Delhi

    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)

    COVID-19 'preventive medicine' recipe from Tik Tok lands Andhra family of four in hospital

    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)

    Allahabad-bound man dies on Shramik train in Madhya Pradesh

    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)

    Kolkata Airport gears up as first repatriation flight from Bangladesh to arrive on Monday

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

    51 people escape mandatory screening on Assam-Bengal border, detained 80 km away by police

    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)

    Madhya Pradesh CM writes to seven states seeking prior information on migrants movement

    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)

    Two Delhi Police officers test COVID-19 positive

  • 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.

    • In Pune virus hotspot, man dies waiting for ambulance

  • 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.

    • COVID-19: CAPF companies replace Maharashtra cops in Mumbai, other cities in lockdown duty

    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)

    News from Karnataka

    Latest coronavirus tally from Uttar Pradesh

  • Total cases: 4258.

  • Active cases : 1713.

  • Fresh cases: 203.

  • Recovered : 2441.

  • Deaths : 104.

  • Districts in grip: 75.

    • COVID-19: Punjab extends lockdown till May 31, but curfew restrictions to go

    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)

    Odisha government to increase VAT on fuel

    Chhattisgarh CM hits out at Piyush Goyal on 'Shramik Special' trains

    INTERVIEW | We offered to fly migrants and the offer still stands, says SpiceJet CMD Ajay Singh

    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)

    Five test positive on Saturday, Goa COVID-19 count reaches 13

  • 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 cases in Madhya Pradesh

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

    Latest Raajasthan tally

    Uttarakhand coronavirus tally

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

    Update on 'Shramik Special' trains

    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

    J&K coronavirus tally

  • 108 new cases today.

  • 1 death also.

  • Total cases rise to 1121.

  • Total deaths 12.

  • Total recoveries 542.

  • Active cases 567.

    • Northeast coronavirus numbers

  • Total cases 273.

  • Active cases 201.

  • Deaths 3.

    • Bengal Coronavirus numbers

  • 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.

    • 65 new positive cases in Odisha

    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.

    Howrah Bridge illuminates to pay tribute to COVID Warriors

    11 deaths in Pune

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

    Lockdown 3.0: Centre launches online dashboard for monitoring movement of migrant workers

    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)

    No repeat of Dharavi, identify cases in urban slums: Centre asks states to start surveillance for COVID-19

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

    Uddhav government turns blind eye to migrants leaving sans permission as exodus from Maharashtra continues

    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)

    Latest Maharashtra tally

    Positive cases in Manipur reach seven

    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.

    WATCH | COVID-19 resurgence? China reports 21 new cases, Wuhan steps up mass testing for infections

    Flight carrying Indians from Dubai lands at Kochi

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

    Bihar coronavirus tally nears 1200

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

    348 new positive cases reported in Gujarat

    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.

    Break-up of key COVID-19 stats in Haryana

    PM announces ex-gratia for the families of Auraiya accident victims

    Another Delhi Colony comes out of the dreaded 'Contamination Zone' tag

    Haven't told Manipuri health workers working in other states to come back: CM

    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

    Update from Hyderabad

    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).

    Migrant labourers on meeting Rahul Gandhi

    Those who have no urgency and have a job outside, should remain there: Manipur government

    Latest Punjab coronavirus tally

    Disturbing news from Haryana

    Update from Uttar Pradesh

    Latest Jharkhand tally

    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.

    Maharashtra Home Minister meets family of cop who succumbed to COVID-19

    Union Minister hits out at Rahul Gandhi

    Madhya Pradesh government won't hold remaining tenth standard exams

    Hyderabad Airport gears up for post-lockdown operations

    Railway Minister on Piyush Goyal on running Shramil Special trains

    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.

    Mumbai continues to see coronavirus spike

    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 due to upcoming storm

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

    Odisha government urges Centre to suspend Shramik Special trains due to upcoming storm

    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 train

    Rahul Gandhi interacts with migrant labourers who were walking near Sukhdev Vihar flyover

    WATCH | COVID-19 resurgence? China reports 21 new cases

    Coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu now at 10585

     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 records 11 new cases

    Muzaffarnagar entry points seals to prevent migrants from entering

    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

    West Bengal tally at 2576

    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.

    Former Foreign Secretary calls for impartial inquiry into origins of COVID-19 pandemic

    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)

    UK begins trial to see if dogs can 'sniff out' COVID-19

    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 to now announce date of class 10, 12 board exams on May 18

    Bengal CPM thanks CM Mamata for expediting process of migrants' return

    FM Sitharaman announces fourth tranche of economic package

    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)

    15 inmates, staffer test positive for COVID-19 at Delhi's Rohini jail

    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, travelling from Maharashtra, killed after truck overturns in Madhya Pradesh

    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.

    Fish lovers in Bihar rejoice! Govt launches app for home delivery

    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)

    Tipplers rejoice as TASMAC outlets reopen in Tamil Nadu

    Lockdown 4.0: UP govt ‘extra cautious’ over easing curbs due to heavy migrant influx

    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)

    Mamata writes to railways, says we will bear the entire cost of 'Shramik Special Trains' to Bengal

    WATCH| Trump unveils 'Operation Warp Speed', predicts COVID-19 vaccine by 2020 end

    Seven BSF men among 11 test COVID-19 positive in Tripura after gap of 48 hours

    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)

    The nightmare that the migrant's long march has become

    Edappadi appeals to migrant workers to not walk back home

    "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)

    Railways operated 1,034 Shramik trains since May 1, claims Piyush Goyal

    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)

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    'IN-US friendship': PM Modi thanks Trump for donating ventilators

    Pregnant nurses stranded abroad approach Delhi HC seeking to go home

    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 fresh cases in Karnataka, mostly secondary contacts

    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

    Police lathi-charge migrants who tried to cross inter-distrct borders in Andhra Pradesh

    Delhi COVID-19 cases now at 9333

    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.

    Drug trial: AIIMS Bhopal claims positive results

    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.

    3 more CISF personnel test positive

    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.

    Tamil Nadu round-up

    WATCH | Chennai migrant labourers accuse police of phycsical assault

    Fake pass racket busted in Gujarat

    Bombay High Court asks BMC for details on maternity homes

    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 sees 91 fresh cases

    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.

    Truck with migrants overturn in Telangana

    Around the globe

  • 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

    • Around the globe

    Andhra Pradesh update

    Special train from Mumbai reaches Delhi

    Northeast update

  • Total cases: 271

  • Active cases: 199

  • Deaths: 3

    • Gram Panchayat elections to be postponed in Karnataka

    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.

    One more policeman succumbs in Maharashtra

    Indore tally at 2,378

    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.

    Odisha tally reaches 737

    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.

    TASMAC scenes

    Three people test positive in Goa

    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.

    Madhya Pradesh declares nine districts COVID-19 free

    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.

    Odisha update

    Death toll reaches 2,752: Health Ministry

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

    WATCH | Migrant workers wait to go home

    Lockdown hits maternal health services

    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)

    Kolkata returnee tests COVID-19 positive in Manipur

    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.

    148 discharged in Andhra

    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 | Trump sends ventilators to India

    HC asks Andhra govt to provide facilities for migrant workers

    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)

    Andhra shuts doors on migrants from TN

    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)

    Special train from Bengaluru reaches Delhi

    3 patients cured of coronavirus in Chandigarh

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

    Regulate fees of pvt hospitals treating COVID-19 patients: Gujarat HC

    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".

    Quarantine not mandatory for people moving within Rajasthan

    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).

    Kargil declared COVID-19 free

    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.

    Himachal reports fourth death

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

    Businessman shells Rs 50,000 daily on migrants

    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 surpasses China’s tally

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

    With recovery rate of over 57 per cent, Rajasthan keeps up the fight to tackle COVID-19

    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)

    Working with India on COVID-19 vaccine development, says US President Trump

    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)

    FIRs against landlords in Delhi

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

    185 Manipuri nurses quit private hospital jobs in Kolkata, health worker kills self in Jalpaiguri

    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)

    COVID-19: Graveyard has dug dozen pits in advance to manage overcrowding in Bhopal

    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)

    Coronavirus has forced courts to rethink on how to function: CJI Bobde

    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)

    Policeman dies of COVID-19 in Mumbai; 10th cop to die in Maharashtra

  • 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.

    • Update from Assam

    COVID-19 positive siblings booked for threatening to spread virus in Madhya Pradesh

    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)

    Latest Telangana numbers

    News from Karnataka

    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.

    Second mishap within 36 hours kills three migrant workers in Madhya Pradesh, over 15 injured

    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 meets MHA officials ahead of issuing lockdown 4.0 guidelines, states bat for relaxations

    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)

    Good news from Telangana

    Latest images from Kerala

    Special train from Delhi reaches Bhubaneshwar

    Allow Delhi metro services for government staff, essential sectors: Kejriwal to Centre

    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)

    Government's latest advisory on health care workers

    Latest Uttar Pradesh coronavirus tally

  • Total cases: 4057.

  • Active cases : 1797.

  • Fresh cases: 159.

  • Recovered : 2165.

  • Deaths : 95.

  • Districts in grip: 75.

    • Kolkata Metro mulls 'drastic' cut in passengers count, mandatory thermal screening, use of masks

    "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)

    SC postpones summer vacation by five-weeks, decides to function till June 19

    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)

    COVID-19 impact: India's exports plunge to record low of 60.28 per cent in April

    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)

    Kejriwal writes to PM Modi

    Four more areas in Delhi removed from the containment zones list

    Lockdown miracle: 'Guardian angel' clears Rs 10 lakh loans of four strangers in Mizoram

    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)

    Union Home Secretary asks states stop migrants from travelling via roads, railway tracks

    Coronavirus stats from J&K, Chhatisgarh, Rajasthan, Bengal and Madhya Pradesh

  • 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.

    • Punjab and Haryana coronavirus tally

  • 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 booked for conducting a meeting at a convention hall

    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: MEA Spokesperson

    Update from Mizoram

    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.

    Mumbai civic body wants to covert Wankhede Stadium as quarantine facility

    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.

    AAI asks air passengers to mandatorily download Aarogya Setu app, carry hand sanitiser

    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)

    Migrant mother pulling a suitcase with her child sleeping half hung: NHRC issues notices to Punjab, Uttar Pradesh governments and Agra District Magistrate

    Chennai now has 50% of Tamil Nadu's total coronavirus cases

    Maharashtra tally continues to grow

    News from Odisha

    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 gears up for post-lockdown operations

    Protests in Punjab against lockdown

    Kargil becomes COVID-19 free

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

    Jewellery shops reopen in Karnataka's Hubli

    Uttarakhand tally nears 100

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

    Drivers and conductors wear PPE while operating buses in Bengal

    COVID-19 spike contnues in Mumbai

    340 new positive cases in Gujarat

    Latest Jharkhand COVID-19 tally

    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 cases in Bengal

    Tamil Nadu becomes second worst-affected state in India

    Key COVID-19 statistics from Tamil Nadu

    Coronavirus cases in Dharavi crosses 1100

    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 

    Tumakuru Univ holds online viva voce to help Ph.D scholars complete degrees within deadline

    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

    Kerala lays down specific plans to tackle South West Monsoon amid COVID-19 lockdown

     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

    51% corona patients cured in UP, state's recovery rate highest among most-infected provinces

    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

    Greater relaxations in lockdown 4.0; States, UTs to be empowered to take decisions on curbs

    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.

    Sixth special train from Vellore leaves for Jharkhand with 1464 migrant workers, patients

    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

    Reluctant to visit TN red zones, teachers seek HSC, SSLC valuation centre in Puducherry

    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

    WATCH | Robots now at the service of COVID-19 patients at Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai

    Centre doesn't have any mechanism to send migrant workers home: Jharkhand CM Soren

    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." 

    Hall tickets for class X exam after May 18, says Tamil Nadu minister K A Sengottaiyan

     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.

    Assam migrants will be skill-trained, employed in state firms: Sonowal

    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

    2000 migrant workers returning home by foot stuck at TN-AP border as Jagan govt bars way

    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

    Lockdown cleans up Narmada river as water quality improves in MP

    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

    Family of five from Karnataka including pregnant woman stuck in Abu Dhabi, send SOS

    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

    Stranded in Andamans, 16 scuba divers from Kerala awaiting repatriation

    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

    PM Modi, Bill Gates interact via video call; discuss ways to combat COVID-19, vaccine future

    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

    Delhi govt to release Tablighi Jamaat members with no COVID-19 symptoms from quarantine: HC told

    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

    Delhi Metro may resume services

    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 

    SC during summer vacation

    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. 

    1st flight from US post lockdown lands in Bengaluru, man with COVID-19 symptoms rushed to hospital

    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.

    Udupi no longer green zone as five who arrived from Dubai test positive for COVID-19

    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.

    COVID-19 cases in Puducherry rise to 12 as three more including minor girl test positive

    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

    Karnataka govt announces cash incentives for COVID-19 warriors holding door-to-door surveys

    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.

    Village fair conducted amidst lockdown in Karnataka, Panchayat Development Officer suspended

    SC asks Centre to apprise it about accommodation to quarantine doctors near hospitals

    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) 

    WATCH | Migrant workers at the Delhi-UP border

    Centre rejects Kerala's request for 7-day quarantine for expats

    45 new cases in Karnataka as cases cross 1000-mark in the state

    SC stays Madras HC order directing closure of TASMAC liquor shops

    Uttarakhand using 'ghost' villages in Pauri district as COVID-19 quarantine centres

    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)

    Union Group of Ministers meeting to discuss COVID-19 underway

    Yellow taxis of Kolkata to ply from Monday with 30 per cent fare hike amid COVID-19 lockdown

    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)

    Colleges in TN will reopen only after COVID-19 cases subside: State Higher Education Minister

    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 attire to have face shield, gown and mask after flights resume

    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 bn social protection package for India

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

    20 people who returned to Mangaluru in repatriation flight from Dubai test positive for COVID-19

    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)

    Special train from Delhi reached Thiruvananthapuram early on Friday

    48 new cases in Odisha, total cases 672

    Flight from San Fransico in US reaches Bengaluru airport with 109 flyers on board

    3967 new cases, 100 deaths in last 24 hours; India's confirmed cases cross 80,000

    Auto drivers in Maharashtra head towards their native states due to lack of work

    WATCH | Train from Delhi arrives at Chennai

    Migrant workers from Bihar leave Tamil Nadu in special train

    Special flight to Dubai lands at Bhubaneswar

    SC judge, his family go into self-quarantine after cook tests COVID-19 positive

  • A Supreme Court judge on Thursday self-quarantined himself along with his family after their cook tested COVID-19 positive, sources said. According to the sources, the cook who was on leave since May 7 and tested positive on Thursday.

  • Sources said that the cook might have got infected with the coronavirus during the leave period but as a precautionary measure, the judge and his family quarantined themselves.

    • News from Kochi Airport

    194 new positive cases in Pune

    Six deaths and 194 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Pune district today. Total positive cases stand at 3426 in the district and death toll is at 181: Dr Bhagawan Pawar, District Health Officer.

    Latest Jharkhand coronavirus tally

    Six more cases of COVID-19 reported in Hazaribagh. All of them had returned from various states. eight cases have been reported from Hazaribagh today: Dr Krishna Kumar, Civil Surgeon Hazaribagh, Jharkhand. Total positive cases in Jharkhand stand at 203.

    Railways' statement on the fiasco in Bengaluru's KSR Station

  • Delhi-KSR Bengaluru train that arrived in Bengaluru this morning had 543 passengers, as confirmed from BBMP. Out of 543 persons, 20 were on transit to other states and left by road to Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

  • A section of passengers ranging about 140, were reluctant for institutionalised quarantine and were protesting against the same. After persuasion and discussion by senior officers of state government, police and railways ,majority of them have proceeded to said quarantine.

  • 19 of them preferred to go back to Delhi which was facilitated by Railways at very short notice, by attaching extra coach in today's train to Delhi.

    • Madhya Pradesh latest coronavirus tally

  • Total Positive: 4426.

  • Active: 2018.

  • Deaths: 237.

  • Negative/Discharged: 2171.

  • 253 new cases, five more deaths and 167 patients discharged.

    • PM interacts with Bill Gates. Here is what he said

  • Prime Minister Modi today interacted with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Co-chair, Bill Gates via video conference. The dignitaries discussed global response to COVID-19 and importance of global coordination on scientific innovation & R&D to combat pandemic.

  • PM 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.

  • PM appreciated health related work being done by Gates Foundation not only in India but also in many other parts of world, including for coordinating global response to COVID-19.

    • Chhattisgarh positive cases reach four

    One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Balod today. Presently, there are four active cases in the state: AIIMS Raipur.

    Here is what Piyush Goyal thinks about the return of migrants in Bengal

  • There is a need for 105 'Shramik Special' trains a day to take stranded migrants hailing from West Bengal back home but it is "sad" that the state is accepting 105 trains over 30 days, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday.

  • His remarks were in response to a tweet by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that she has arranged for 105 additional special trains to bring back migrants stranded across the country due to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

  • "I feel sad that while there is a need for 105 trains/day to bring back migrants to West Bengal, the state is accepting only 105 trains over 30 days. I once again hope for the sake of Bengali brothers and sisters in different parts of the country, that West Bengal will accept them back with open arms," Goyal tweeted.

  • Many migrants want to return to West Bengal and if the state "does not accept them, then we may find more cases of migrants and even children walking for hundreds of kilometres and resorting to other dangerous means", he said.

  • West Bengal should speed up setting up of adequate arrangements to receive their migrants, Goyal tweeted.

    • Latest Uttar Pradesh Coronavirus stats

  • Total cases: 3902.

  • Active cases : 1742.

  • Fresh cases: 147.

  • Recovered : 2072.

  • Deaths : 92.

  • Districts in grip: 75.

    • Please allow us to to run 105 trains every day for migrant workers wanting to return Bengal: Goyal to Mamata

    I once again appeal to West Bengal Government, instead of allowing 105 trains in 30 days, please give permission for 105 trains every day. We will send back all the migrant labourers of West Bengal who want to go back home: Union Railways Minister Piyush Goyal.

    Passengers relieved as first special train from Delhi reaches Mumbai amid lockdown

    Some passengers, however, also complained that after alighting from the train, they were forced to stand in a queue for a couple of hours for thermal screening and sanitisation of their baggage. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Blamegame continues between Centre and Mamata government over the migrants' travel issues

    Silver lining for CAPFs as COVID-19 recoveries more than new cases

    As many as 36 personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) recovered from the infection in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday. They, however, added that 25 more personnel have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of active cases in the central paramilitary forces to 824. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    COVID-19 lockdown effect: Circus industry readies for final curtain call

    With wild animals being banned in 1998, demonetisation in 2016 and the steady inroad of movies and TV shows through satellite television and online platforms, the death knells have been coming for a while. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    News from Punjab

    The schools which are imparting online education will be allowed to charge only tuition fee for lockdown period and admission fees, uniform or any other charges in any form will not be charged from the students in Punjab: State Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla.

    COVID-19 relief package: Agriculture credit support fails to impress farmers' unions

    Under the scheme, the national agri-financing agency NABARD will extend an additional Rs 30,000 crore of refinance support for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Rural Cooperative Banks, which are the main source of credit for small and marginal farmers. "This will be on top of the Rs 90,000 crore to be provided by NABARD through the normal refinance route this year," Sitharaman said in the presentation. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    The sound of silence: An Indian muses on life in a New York ravaged by COVID-19

    It seems like ages since my family and I confined ourselves to our small Manhattan apartment. On March 8th, we received an email from our elder child’s school informing us of a school closure, as one of the teachers had tested positive for COVID-19. The school was shut two weeks before the rest of the city shut down or paused as they called it, giving us the time to gather our thoughts and basic essentials before the panic set in. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    News from Haryana

    Haryana government will ply buses to felicitate return of the people who are stranded in Delhi, from May 18: Haryana Transport Minister Moolchand Sharma

    Centre's latest guideline on migrants' transportation

    Latest Rajasthan coronavirus tally

    Commerce and Industry Ministry's statement on G20 summit

  • India has called upon the G-20 nations to ensure access to essential medicines, treatments and vaccines at affordable prices: Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

  • In interventions during second G20 Virtual Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting, held through video-conferencing, Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal asked G20 members to focus on immediate and concrete actions that can ease distress being faced by people.

    • Notheast and Uttar Pradesh coronavirus tallies

  • In Northeast, Total positive cases stands at 257, active cases at 185, while three deaths have been registered so far. One case in Manipur. The person had travelled home from Mumbai.

  • In Bengal, Total positive cases till date: 2377. Positive at present: 1394. Death: 151. Comorbidity death: 72. Discharged: 767. 87 new infections were recorded in past 24 hours.

    • Two more test positive in Jharkhand

    Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Jharkhand, taking the total number of cases to 192: Jharkhand Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni.

    Another distressing news of migrants' plight amid the lockdown

    11 more contract infection, COVID cases 1935 in Punjab now

  • Eleven more persons contracted coronavirus infection on Thursday in Punjab, taking the total COVID-19 tally to 1935 in the state. Seven cases were reported in Jalandhar, followed by three in Ludhiana and one in Patiala, as per the state's medical bulletin.

  • Twenty-three coronavirus patients - eight from Patiala, three each from Pathankot and Mansa and nine from Jalandhar - were discharged from hospitals, taking the count of cured patients to 223 in the state, as per the bulletin.

  • Amritsar continued to top the COVID-19 tally in the state with 297 coronavirus cases, followed by 205 in Jalandhar, 158 in Tarn Taran, 151 in Ludhiana, 122 in Gurdaspur, 103 in SBS Nagar, 102 in Mohali, 100 in Patiala, 92 in Hoshiarpur, 88 in Sangrur, 65 in Muktsar, 59 in Moga, 58 in Rupnagar, 55 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 46 in Faridkot, 44 in Ferozepur, 41 in Fazilka, 40 in Bathinda, 32 in Mansa, 29 in Pathankot, 27 in Kapurthala and 21 in Barnala, the bulletin revealed.

  • Of the total cases, 32 have died, as per the bulletin. One patient is critical and is on ventilator support, the bulletin said.

  • A total of 47,408 samples have been taken so far in the state, of which, 42,425 samples were negative and reports of 3,048 samples are still awaited.

  • There are 1,680 active cases in the state, as per the bulletin.

    • Delhi Medical Association writes to Modi government over non-payment of salaries of medical staff

  • The Association is deeply concerned on the issue of non-payment of the salaries of doctors of North Delhi Municipal Corporation who have been working tirelessly in this highly stressful times of COVID-19 pandemic for last three months.

  • We have sent a representation to the PM, Home Minister, Health Minister and Delhi CM and request them to look into the matter.

    • Big news from Pune

    Mumbai COVID-19 Update

    Latest Maharashtra coronavirus tally

    38 in Howrah slum tested positive for COVID-19: Official

  • A slum in West Bengal's Howrah district has accounted for at least 38 COVID-19 cases so far, a district official said on Thursday. According to sources, the slum, one of the largest in the district, houses more than 3,000 people. "Around 150 people from the slum work for the Howrah municipal corporation. That is a matter of concern," he said.

  • The first case of infection from the area was reported on May 3, the official said.

  • "So far samples of nearly 130 people have been collected for examination from the slum, of which 38 tested positive. The slum has been sealed. More tests are being done in the vicinity," the official added.

    • New positive case emerges in Manipur

    A man, who returned from Mumbai yesterday, has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Imphal: Manipur Government.

    Uttrakhand coronavirus numbers

    No community spread in Goa: CM

    After a span of more than a month, Goa reported eight new cases of COVID-19, all of whom arrived in the state from outside. There's no community transmission in the state through these 8 positive cases: Goa CM Chief Minister Pramod Sawant

    Delhi L-G holds meeting with Kejriwal

    Haryana coronavirus numbers

    Latest coronavirus tally from J&K

    Passengers can carry hand sanitizers in cabin luggage

    Two Mumbai cops succumb due to coronavirus

    Important news from J&K

    Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu's plea against Madras HC order on liquor sales in state

    Supreme Court will tomorrow hear the appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu Government challenging the Madras High Court's May 8 order directing to close all state run (TASMAC) liquor shops and only online sale of liquor in the state during this COVID-19 lockdown.

    324 new positive cases in Gujarat

    324 fresh cases of COVID-19 reported in Gujarat in last 24 hours, taking total number of cases to 9592 including 3753 cured/discharged & 586 deaths. Recovery rate of COVID-19 patients stands at 38.43 per cent in Gujarat: State Health Department.

    PM Modi had a telephonic conversation with his Danish counterpart

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen. The leaders compared notes on the steps taken in the two countries to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Prime Minister Narenrdra Modi appreciated Denmark’s success in lifting the lockdown restrictions without causing an increase in infections. It was agreed that Indian and Danish experts would remain in touch to learn from each other’s experience.

    • 87 new positive cases in Bengal today

    News from Uttarakhand

    Uttarakhand State Health Secretary has ordered Dist authorities of Udham Singh Nagar, Pauri, Nainital, Haridwar and Dehradun to make arrangements for random sampling of returning migrants at border check posts in the districts.

    Update from Jharkhand on migrants' return

    So far, 44 'Shramik Special' trains have brought back 50,028 migrant workers to Jharkhand & 56 more such trains will be plying to bring back people of the state. 30,000 people have returned to Jharkhand by buses: State Transport Secretary K Ravi Kumar

    WATCH | Migrant workers travel in a truck from Hyderabad to UP

    COVID-19: Lockdown rules no bar as police throw big party for officer's promotion in Karnataka

    A grand felicitation organized for two police personnel promoted recently received flak from the public in general as it allegedly involved raising funds to arrange the same from different sources at Pattanayakanahalli in Sira taluk. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Operation Samudra Setu's phase two: INS Jalashwa returns to Maldives to repatriate Indians

    During the first phase of the operation between May 8 and May 12, INS Jalashwa and INS Magar repatriated 698 and 202 Indians, respectively, amid the coronavirus-induced lockdown. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    WATCH | Coronavirus may never go away: WHO expert Mike Ryan

    167 passengers go missing from train bringing migrants to Haridwar

    As per the list received from the Surat administration, 1,340 people were travelling by a special train that left Surat on May 12 but when it reached Haridwar station, only 1,173 passengers got down from the train.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Robots to the rescue in fight against COVID-19

    Coronavirus updates from Northeast

  • Northeast total cases: 256

  • Active cases: 184

  • Deaths: 3

    • Delhi University final year exam for UG, PG from July 1; open book mode if COVID-19 situation doesn't improve

    Under the 'Open-Book' mode of examination, the student will be able to refer books, notes and other study materials to answer the questions. Students will sit in their homes and will download question papers for their respective course from the portal.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    District wise distribution of COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu

    Crowd welcomes Jain monk in MP, 150 booked for flouting lockdown norms

    A large crowd had gathered in Banda town of Sagar district (200 km from Bhopal) to welcome Digambar Jain monk Pramansagar Maharaj on Tuesday, despite social distancing norms and prohibitory orders being in place in the district, which has so far reported 16 positive cases of the deadly novel coronavirus.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    District wise distribution of COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu

    WATCH | Tell us if we have to kill ourselves: UP migrant workers who made trains their lockdown home

    Andhra Pradesh: The schedule for SSC exams are as follows

    Vande Bharat's Phase II: Air India to open bookings on select repatriation flights from India on Thursday

    On Wednesday, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said 30,000 Indians will return from 31 countries on 149 flights between May 16 and May 22, the duration for the second phase of the Vande Bharat Mission.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    With 447 new cases, Tamil Nadu nears 10,000 mark

    1001 infected, eight dead: Maharashtra police's COVID-19 battle within the battle

    Maharashtra home minister Anil Deshmukh revealed this in a tweet. The Minister also shared the fact that 211 police officers have been cured and discharged. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    800 'Shramik Special' trains run so far, 10 lakh migrants ferried home: Railways

    These 800 trains were terminated in various states like Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Kerala reports 26 fresh coronavirus cases; total active cases now 64

    Woman doctor in Delhi beats COVID-19; gets abuses, threats from neighbour

    The physician was earlier living with her grandmother but after she contracted the disease, the doctors advised her for self-isolation. However, when she came to her flat in Vasant Kunj for home-quarantine, one of her neighbours threatened and denied her entry into the society building. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Rashtrapati Bhawan says shorter guest list at ceremonies, banquets due to COVID-19 situation

    In dry Bihar, liquor bottles found from vehicle owned by Congress MLA

    Superintendent of Police, Buxar, Upendranath Verma said information was received late Wednesday night that an SUV spotted in Simri police station area was carrying liquor. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    CBSE school students who failed in 9th and 11th standard this year to get one more chance

    Union HRD Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal shared this information along with the CBSE notification on Twitter.(Photo | EPS)

    Major ruckus at KSR railway station as passengers from Delhi refuse to be quarantined at hotels

    The chief grouse of around 200-odd passengers is that they were not intimated about the mandatory 14-day quarantine at places proposed by the state when they booked their tickets. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | This Madurai flower seller back in business after days of lockdown

    After a long time, garlands are seem hanging at the flower shops for sale at Arapalayam in Madurai. (Photo | KK sunadr, EPS)

    New Delhi: Akashvani Bhavan sanitized after employee who last came to office on April 27 tests positive

    Akashvani Bhavan, the headquarters of the All India Radio here, was sanitized on Thursday as a precautionary measure after an employee who last attended office on April 27 tested positive for COVID-19, sources said. The employee felt uneasy on May 11, reported to the hospital on May 12 and was confirmed coronavirus positive on May 13, a senior AIR official said on condition of anonymity. The entire building has been sanitised as a precaution and a confidence building measure, the official said, adding that work is continuing normally.
    (Inputs from PTI)

    FM Sitharaman announces 2nd tranche of measures related to Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package

    On Wednesday Sitharaman announced the first tranche of measures related to 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'. The finance minister gave details of 15 new measures to revive businesses. (READ FULL REPORT HERE) Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman wearing a face mask. (File Photo | Parveen Negi, EPS)

    21 coronavirus positive patients in BSF test negative

    Congress leaders who met COVID-positive man at Walayar protest told to go on home quarantine

    MPs V K Sreekantan, Remya Haridas and T N Prathapan along with MLAs Shafi Parambil and Anil Akkara had offered food and drinking water to the Malappuram native.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Used gloves and masks thrown carelessly outside Chennai's KMC hospital

    BSF personnel tests positive for COVID-19 in Tripura; total cases in state rise to 156

    The latest patient is also from the BSF's 86th battalion, which along with the 138th battalion, accounted for most of the cases reported in the state this month. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Delhi market associations favour opening shops on odd-even basis: Arvind Kejriwal

    In first COVID-19 case in Delhi prison, Rohini jail inmate tests positive

    The prisoner who was asymptomatic tested positive on Wednesday and was later admitted to Lok Nayak Hospital, a senior jail official said, adding that five to six officials who came in contact with the inmate have been sent to home quarantine.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    President Kovind has decided to forego 30% of his salary for a year in fight against COVID-19

    President Ram Nath Kovind speaks to Governors and L-Gs through video conferencing. (File Photo | PIB)

    Rajasthan records another COVID-19 death, toll climbs to 122; cases tally at 4,394

    The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan includes two Italian citizens and 61 people brought from Iran to Army health centres in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer and 43 BSF jawans brought from Delhi.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    COVID-19: Let's talk about mental health

    HC dismisses plea alleging authorities failure to provide PPE kits to health workers

    A bench of Justices Manmohan and Sanjeev Narula, which conducted the hearing through video conferencing, observed that the Centre and Delhi government are doing satisfactory work and the Supreme Court has already dealt with the issue.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Social distancing ?

    Karnataka's COVID-19 count reaches 981, death toll 35

    Twenty-two new COVID-19 cases were reported in Karnataka between 5 pm on May 13 and 12 pm on Thursday, taking the state's tally to 981. According to the State Health Department, this includes 390 active cases. The number of patients who have been cured and discharged after receiving treatment stands at 456 while 35 deaths have been reported due to the infection so far in the state.
    (Inputs from ANI)

    Global COVID-19 updates: Japan lifts coronavirus state of emergency in most regions

    Japan's prime minister on Thursday lifted for most of the country a state of emergency imposed to tackle the coronavirus, but kept it in place for Tokyo and Osaka. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    3 more COVID-19 cases in Uttarakhand; tally reaches 75

    Three more COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Dehradun district on Thursday, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in Uttarakhand to 75, said the state Health Department. Out of the 75 cases, 24 patients are active coronavirus cases while 50 patients have recovered from the infection. As of Thursday, one fatality has been reported due to COVID-19. (Inputs from ANI) (Photo | EPS)

    Pinarayi govt planning to sell liquor through 955 private bars, alleges Chennithala

    Chennithala maintained that the plan to start 955 private loose bar outlets is to help the ruling party amass wealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    A day after Coimbatore declares being COVID-19 free, huge crowd gathers at local shops

    Cats can transmit COVID-19 to other cats, find researchers

    The new research follows a study published in Science by scientists at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences that also showed cats (and ferrets) could become infected with and potentially transmit the virus.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Since 1 May 2020, Indian Railways has carried 10 lakh shramiks in 800 trains to their home state: Indian Railways

    (Photo | Vinay Madapu, EPS)

    Manipur Naga village builds quarantine cottages for returnees

    The hut cluster falls under green, orange, and red zones. Each zone is demarcated with plastic ropes. People arriving from red zones will stay in the huts categorised as red zone and so on. Volunteers deployed there ensure the inmates maintain the social distancing norms.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Sigh of relief as crew member of ship anchored at Vizag port tests corona negative

    According to Visakhapatnam Port Trust (VPT) officials, the ship carrying 50,153 metric tonnes of cargo arrived at 8 am and was berthed at East Quay – 7 at 2 pm on Wednesday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PICS | Sanitisation work in progress in Rail Bhawan after staff tests positive

    Need national policy on migrants in COVID-19 lockdown: Maharashtra minister Ashok Chavan

    The corona crisis has also been a learning experience.... there has to be a sound policy. The medical infrastructure, number of doctors and hospitals, should be enhanced. The state government has allocated more funds to strengthen the medical infrastructure. 
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Rajasthan records another COVID-19 death, toll climbs to 122; cases tally at 4,394

    The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan includes two Italian citizens and 61 people brought from Iran to Army health centres in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer and 43 BSF jawans brought from Delhi.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    With 479 new cases, Delhi records highest single day spike

    Received more than 5 lakh suggestions from public on what to relax and what not to relax: Delhi CM Kejriwal

    WATCH | This is the 'rice' given to migrant workers in Mangaluru's Jokatte

     (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Omni bus fare in Tamil Nadu to be doubled post lockdown

    Karnataka reports 22 new cases, state tally rises to 981

    Delhi Police SHO tests positive for coronavirus

    A Delhi Police officer who is the SHO of a police station in southeast Delhi tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, police said. Five others have been sent for quarantine and further contact tracing is being done, they said.

    Migrant workers on the long march from Belagavi Madhya Pradesh

    36 fresh cases in Andhra, total cases 2100

    300 passengers ready to disembark Delhi-Chennai special train at Vijayawada

    COVID-19: Railways now keeping record of destination address of passengers for contact tracing

    The railways has started keeping records of destination address of all passengers booking their tickets on the IRCTC website to help facilitate contact tracing in case COVID-19 infections are detected among them later, officials said Thursday. The provision to include the destination address has been made on the IRCTC website from May 13. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Total of 1001 police personnel among infected in the state: Maharashtra Police

    Passengers disallowed train travel due to COVID-19 symptoms to get full refund: Railways

    Passengers who are disallowed from travelling on trains because of symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus will receive full refund for their tickets, the railways has said. According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, all passengers shall be compulsorily screened and only asymptomatic passengers shall be allowed to enter/board trains. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Delhi: Group of Ministers meeting on COVID-19- to be held tomorrow

    Group of Ministers (GoM) meeting on COVID-19 to be held tomorrow at Nirman Bhawan in Delhi

    Finance Minister to address press conference at 4 PM, likely to give more details of financial package

    Indian Railways cancels all train tickets booked till June 30, fare to be refunded

     (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    73 new cases in Odisha, total cases in state 611

    3722 new cases, 134 deaths in last 24 hours, India's total cases 78,003

    A day after PM Modi's grand announcement, is Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan already a spent force?

    Over Rs 12-13 lakh crore worth has already been announced as on Wednesday, leaving as little as Rs 7 lakh crore in unannounced relief. Hopes of whether this will ride to the rescue of sectors standing in line for handouts doesn't really cut the mustard. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    SC relaxes dress code till medical exigencies exist or until further orders

    Truck carrying miigrant labourer belonging to UP collides with bus in Madhya Pradesh, 8 dead

    Major Updates on Wednesday

  • Public transport to resume in Haryana from Friday on 'experimental basis': Khattar

  • Railways to start waiting lists for special trains from May 22; likely to run more trains

  • Over 50 per cent of households in rural India cutting down on food items after lockdown: Study

  • Gujarat tally nears 10,000, shops in Ahmedabad's containment zones to open on Friday

  • Rajasthan government relaxes lockdown curbs

  • Bihar Government to provide employment to migrant labourers according to their respective skills

  • 509 new case in Tamil Nadu, 380 cases in Chennai alone

  • COVID-19 cases doubling time has slowed down to 12.6 days: Health ministry

  • Karnataka likely to open gyms, hotels post May 17

  • UP bans transfers of govt employees during pandemic; ministers for lockdown till May 31

  • Elderly woman found dead in Shramik Special at UP's Banda, no decision yet on testing COVID

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