LIVE

COVID-19 HIGHLIGHTS | India now among 10 worst-hit countries

India is the tenth most affected nation by the pandemic after US, Russia, UK, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Germany, Turkey and France, as per the JHU data.
For representational purpose. (Photo | EPS)
For representational purpose. (Photo | EPS)
Online Desk

Domestic passenger flights resumed in India after a gap of two months and the country will see around 600 services on Monday, officials said.

The Delhi airport saw its first departure at 4.45 am to Pune while Mumbai airport's first departure was at 6.45 am to Patna, the officials said.

Meanwhile, India continued to witness a rise in its COVID-19 tally on Monday as it recorded the highest ever spike of 6977 cases and 154 deaths in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases in the country now at 1,38,845 including 77103 active cases, 57720 cured/discharged and 4021 deaths, as per the latest Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

Delhi HC exempts lawyers from wearing coats, gowns, sherwani during pandemic

The Delhi High Court on Monday exempted lawyers from wearing coats, gowns, sherwani and jackets while attending virtual hearings before it and district courts during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the lawyers should be dressed in a sober and dignified manner, an administrative order issued by the court said. (READ MORE)

More than 15 lakh people returned to Bihar in 1,029 special trains

A total of 15,36,000 migrant labourers, students and others have returned to Bihar by 1,029 special trains so far. The highest number of migrant labourers have returned from Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi followed by other states in Sharamik Special trains. (READ MORE)

Sadananda Gowda writes to External Affairs Minister

Rajasthan allows sale of 'paan, gutkha & tobacco' for take away

Rajasthan Government has allowed the sale of 'paan, gutkha & tobacco' for take away. Prohibits consumption, spitting in public.

Fearing COVID-19, pregnant woman refused treatment by doctors in Andhra

A nine-months pregnant woman who was lodged at a quarantine centre after she arrived from Goa was refused treatment at two government hospitals here after she went into labour, as doctors feared they would contract the coronavirus from her even though she didn't test positive for it. (READ MORE)

Odisha government allows city bus services from Monday

India now among 10 worst-hit countries

The country registered 154 deaths and a record jump of 6,977 cases in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 1,38,845 and death toll to 4,021 on Monday with some experts attributing the spike in cases to the lockdown relaxations, including partial resumption of rail services and road transport along with the return of the migrant workers, while others say the rise in cases is due to enhanced testing capacity in the country. (READ MORE)

Prices of N-95 masks down by up to 47 per cent

Leading manufacturers and importers of N-95 masks have reduced prices by up to 47 per after regulator NPPA stepped in to ensure the availability of this respiratory protection device at affordable rates in the country, the government said on Monday. (READ MORE)

12 new positive cases reported in Assam

Rajasthan updates

Number of positive cases: 7300 Active cases in state: 3077 Today's death toll: 4 Total number of death in state: 167 Number of recovered cases: 4056

Maharashtra government issues SOP for air travellers, makes 14-day home isolation mandatory

The Maharashtra government issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for domestic air travel on Monday making 14-day home isolation mandatory for flyers landing in the state. However, if passengers want to go back within a week, they will be allowed to after showing details of their journey. These passengers will be exempt from home isolation. (READ MORE)

Salons and barber shops reopened in Shimla

Study reconfirms coronavirus has higher transmission rate among close contacts: ICMR

The novel cornonavirus has a higher rate of transmission among close contacts and thus, public health measures such as physical distancing, personal hygiene and infection control are necessary to prevent its spread, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reconfirmed. (READ MORE)

WATCH | India takes to the skies again after 2 months as flights resume

'Will tell future generations about it': Junior docs proud to be on COVID-19 frontline

COVID-19 has shaken even the most advanced nations and tested the mettle of healthcare systems across the world as they grapple with such an unprecedented crisis. It has also left us grateful for the sacrifices of doctors, nurses and others fighting the deadly outbreak. (READ MORE)For representational purpose (Photo | U Rakesh Kumar/EPS)

Took lessons from swine flu outbreak, devised 'intelligent testing strategy' against COVID-19: ICMR

The government devised an "intelligent testing strategy" and scaled up its preparedness to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, taking lessons from the 2009 swine flu outbreak that had "exposed glaring gaps" in the country's diagnosis infrastructure, the ICMR said on Monday. (READ MORE)

State government has failed miserably: Former Maharashtra CM Rane

State government has failed miserably. We can see Corona cases increasing everyday, the situation of hospitals is worst. So I demanded from the Governor that all Municipal corporation and state-run hospitals to be overtaken by Army: Former Maharashtra CM & BJP leader Narayan Rane

India sees highest 1-day spike with 6,977 corona cases, enters 10 worst-hit nations list

The Indian Council of Medical Research, the nodal agency for the outbreak, meanwhile, underlined that the country now has 610 total labs - 432 public, 178 private - and is currently testing more than 1.1 lakh samples for presence of infection every day. 
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority issues advisory to ensure availability on masks

COVID lockdown, fungal disease pulp prospects of mango farmers in Dharmapuri

What is a summer spent without relishing the king of fruits? (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Number of COVID-19 cases in CRPF increases to 363

Youth help stranded new mother reach home in Tamil Nadu

They could not enter their State as the road was dug, reportedly, to prevent alcoholics from entering Karnataka via Ballur and also to prevent the spread of COVID-19. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

District wise break-up of coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu

Ghaziabad to reseal Delhi border from May 26 amid spike in corona cases

In the wake of rising number in coronavirus cases, the Ghaziabad district administration has decided to re-seal its border with Delhi on the lines of lockdown 2.0 from Monday midnight. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Aarogya Setu futile without robust public health measures: ICMR study

There is little scientific evidence that these apps alone, without a robust public health response linkages, are beneficial, said Dr Oommen John, a public health researcher and co-author of the study. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Congress questions PM Modi as India becomes 10th worst affected country due to COVID-19

Kerala cops hatch novel plan to fight crime amid COVID-19 pandemic

State police chief Loknath Behera said they are using geofencing technology to fight criminal elements as their acts could create panic and fear among people during the pandemic. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

'Will send videos to Yogi': Sanjay Raut rejects claims of UP CM over ill-treatment of migrants

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut on Monday rejected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's claim of "ill-treatment" of migrant workers in Maharashtra and said they in fact praised his counterpart Uddhav Thackeray while leaving the western state amid lockdown.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Tamil Nadu records 805 new coronavirus cases

First flight departs Bengaluru in two months but slew of cancellations mars D-Day

Flights to Vijayawada, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mangaluru and Agartala were among those cancelled. Incoming flights on the same routes as well as Kochi also stood cancelled. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

COVID-19 impact: Will airports ever be the same again?

Hyderabad airport ensured all safety measures were at place for passengers coming and going out of the city. Domestic flights resumed routes after almost two months due to the onoging coronavirus crisis. (Photo | Vinay Madapu, EPS)

Coronavirus curfew extended till June 30 in Himachal's Hamirpur, Solan

The curfew was imposed to enforce the nationwide lockdown. Hamirpur district has over one-fourth of the total virus cases in Himachal Pradesh. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Karnataka: State reports 2 more deaths, 93 new cases

Interstate couple marry midway on Assam-Bengal border

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a young man from West Bengal was not allowed to enter Assam to get married. This made the bride’s family to take her to the inter-state border and get the marriage solemnized in an open area adjacent to the police check post.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

IN PICS | On duty, this man makes sure the environment is COVID-19 free

Gym trainers sweat it out to stay afloat as lockdown hits them in the pocket

The lockdown has taken a toll on all gym instructors. With no job and other means of income, most of them are now pushed against the wall. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Kerala reports 49 new coronavirus cases

WATCH | Maharashtra ex-CM Ashok Chavan tests positive for COVID-19

Retailers' body writes to PM Modi, seeks immediate relief for sector

The association, which has around 15,000 developer members, has sought one-time debt restructuring, lower interest rate on home loans and tax sops to boost liquidity and demand in the sector. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

WATCH | Lockdown woes: Tamil Nadu migrants share their plight

Air India gets nod to operate till June 6 with occupied middle seats to fly stranded Indians

The Centre and Air India had moved the apex court challenging the interim order of the High Court by which it had asked the national carrier to operate its non-scheduled flights by keeping the middle seats vacant.
(READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Coronavirus curfew extended in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district till June 30

Corporation workers spray disinfectant as a precaution against the coronavirus. (Photo | V Karthikalagu, EPS)

JNU 'strongly advises' students stranded in hostels to return to their native places

n a circular, Dean of Students Professor Sudheer Pratap Singh said the university had issued circulars in March informing students about the closure of the institute and advised them to return home. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

Global update: Japan lifts state of emergency imposed to tackle coronavirus

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe lifted a coronavirus state of emergency in Tokyo and four other remaining areas on Monday, ending the restrictions nationwide as businesses begin to reopen. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

JUST IN | AIIMS Delhi sanitisation supervisor dies of coronavirus

  • A 58-year-old sanitation supervisor at AIIMS Delhi died today

  • He had tested positive for COVID0-19 according to hospital sources

    • After two-month gap, first domestic flight touches down in Bhubaneswar from Delhi

    A Bhubaneswar resident arriving from New Delhi said though social distancing was maintained inside the airports, it was not satisfactory on board the flight. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Hyderabad: After almost two months, airport reopens

    Air India gets nod to operate till June 6 with occupied middle seats to fly stranded Indians

    The Centre and Air India had moved the apex court challenging the interim order of the High Court by which it had asked the national carrier to operate its non-scheduled flights by keeping the middle seats vacant.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Coronavirus lockdown day 62: Somewhere in Chennai

    (Photo | P Jawahar, EPS)

    14-day quarantine for passengers coming from abroad: UP government

  • The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday said that the passengers coming from foreign countries will need to give a consent letter that they will stay for 14-days in quarantine.

  • "Passengers coming from foreign countries will need to give a letter of consent to the effect that they will stay for seven days at paid quarantine facilities and seven days in home isolation. In some exceptional situations, passengers will be allowed for home quarantine," the Uttar Pradesh Home Department said.

  • Domestic flight operations resumed today across the country except in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal after two months of suspension due to coronavirus-induced lockdown.

    • Lockdown impact: Tourism companies staring at complete shutdown, seek government aid

    The survey report further revealed that 38.6 per cent travel companies are going for job cuts and another 37.6 per cent of the companies are considering the option with uncertainty looming large.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    The skies are busy again, says Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

    600 migrant workers in despair after finding their huts torched on returning to Bengaluru

    Children of these migrant workers, some of whom are appearing for the SSLC examination, tried to salvage their books from the rubble but nothing remains barring their hall tickets, which they had taken with them when they had left for their villages with their parents.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Barber shops, salons open and then shut again in Lucknow

    The Salons and barber shops have been strictly asked not to undertake any other service except hair cutting. Massage, spa and other activities are not allowed. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PICS | Eid in the time of coronavirus

    Migrants walk through 'hell' to reach 'heaven' in Bihar but stare at uncertain future

    The corona-fuelled lockdown having shattered their dreams, they are now walking, cycling and hitchhiking hundreds of miles under an unforgiving sun blazing down at over 40 degrees to reach their homes in an impoverished Bihar, where an uncertain future awaits them.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    JUST IN | J&K Lieutenant Governor advisor's son, wife test positive for Coronavirus

    Pinarayi woos foreign investors, says Kerala is safest place in the world

    After demonstrating an effective containment strategy, Kerala plans to turn the COVID-19 crisis to its advantage. On the fourth anniversary of his government's formation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan revealed a slew of measures to woo global investors to the state which he termed the 'safest place in the world'. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Latest coronavirus news updates from Tamil Nadu

    87 COVID-19 patients in Nainital came by same special train

  • Eighty-seven of the total 117 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nainital over the last two days are passengers of the same 'Shramik Special' train that reached Haridwar from Mumbai last week, the state health department said on Monday.

  • Fifty-five passengers of the train tested positive for the disease on Saturday and 32 on Sunday, it said.

  • They came by the special train from Mumbai to Haridwar on May 20 and left in buses for Haldwani in Nainital district, he said, adding that some passengers also went to other districts.

  • Nainital district alone accounts for 117 of the total 317 COVID-19 cases reported from Uttarakhand till Sunday night.

    • Liquor shops in Odisha flout government order

    WATCH | TTD has started selling laddu prasadam for Rs 25 each

    Latest Karnataka tally

  • 69 cases registered on Monday.

  • 2158 cases totally recorded in the state.

  • 43 deaths occured so far (One death today in Bengaluru Rural).

  • 680 discharged totally.

    • Flight from Doha arrives at Gaya Airport

    UP government's directive on quarantine for passengers returning from foreign countries

    Passengers coming from foreign countries will need to give a letter of consent to the effect that they will stay for seven days at paid quarantine facilities and seven days in home isolation. In some exceptional situations, passengers will be allowed for home quarantine: UP Home Department.

    Flights'status from Biju Patnaik International Airport

    As of now, out of 10 flights which were scheduled for today, five flights have been cancelled, one flight has already landed (Vistara's flight from Delhi) and other four flights will land in the evening today: Director, Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar.

    Social distancing in Lucknow Masjid

    Expert Speak | Can tenants/lessees skip paying rent citing COVID-19 pandemic?

    As the world battles one of the deadliest pandemics ever in the history of mankind, the global economy has been left severely crippled. In these troubled times, the 'payment of rent' appears to be 'the challenge' for commercial/business entities and for the common man. Here, we break down in simple terms the position of law, remedies or defenses in this matter in the light of the judgment passed in the Ramanand Case by the Delhi High Court. (READ FULL OPINION HERE)

    Two more test positive in Nagaland

    Two persons in Dimapur and one in Kohima tested positive for COVID-19. We need to handle it with utmost care and responsibility. Necessary action of contact tracing and containment measures are being taken and situation closely monitored: Neiphiu Rio, Chief Minister of Nagaland.

    Images from Kalaburagi Airport

    Important update on CBSE exams

    CBSE to hold the remaining exams for 10th and 12th classes at over 15000 centres across India. Earlier, the Board was slated to hold the exams at only 3000 centres: Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank'.

    Ready to deal with any situation: Kejriwal

  • Even after lockdown relaxations, situation still under control in Delhi. 13,418 COVID-19 cases reported so far, out of these 6,540 have recovered.

  • Government, private hospitals in Delhi have 4,500 beds for COVID-19 patients and out of these, 2,000 are occupied.

  • We are ready to deal with situation if there is spike in cases of novel coronavirus.

  • 3,314 COVID-19 patients are getting treatment at their house, 2,000 admitted at hospitals. Around 3,500 COVID-19 cases were reported since fourth-phase of lockdown began.

    • Another Shramik train leaves from Karnataka

    News from Raipur Airport

    Latest Assam COVID-19 tally

    Two more test positive in Manipur

    Two more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Manipur today; taking the total number of positive cases to 34, of which 30 are active cases.

    Himachal makes Arogya Setu app mandatory for state government employees

  • Total number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state rises to 209 including 142 active cases, 59 recovered cases and 4 deaths: Himachal Pradesh Health Department.

  • The state government has also amended Himachal Pradesh Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) (Amendment) Regulations to mandate all Class-I & Class-ll officers of state government to attend office on all working days.

  • "Pooling of official vehicles shall be done to the extent possible," the order reads.

  • In all offices, the attendance and timings of Class-III, Class-IV (contractual/ regular), daily paid and outsourced employees shall be staggered by the Controlling Officers.

  • Roster of employees shall be prepared by the Controlling Officers in such a manner that 50% of the employees attend the office every day and the remaining work from their residence, so far as is practicable.

  • The use of Arogya Setu mobile application shall be mandatory for all employees.

  • The head of office shall ensure 100 per cent coverage of this application amongst the employees.

    • Jharkhand tally nears 400

    Total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Jharkhand rises to 378, of which 148 patients have recovered. There are 226 active cases in the state now: Jharkhand Health Department.

    Mecca Masjid closed in Hyderabad

    More Maharashtra cops under virus grip

    In the last 24 hours, 51 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19. The total number of positive cases in Maharashtra Police is now 1809, including 1113 active cases, 678 recovered cases and 18 deaths: Maharashtra Police.

    Western Railway runs nearly 900 Shramik Trains so far

    On Mumbai Central Division, Western Railway, we touched a milestone yesterday of originating 500 Shramik trains, since 1 May, with a total of 508 trains. At Surat station, we've consistently originated 30 trains per day. Surat logged 300 originating mark yesterday: Ministry of Railway.

    Manipur cases reach 34

    Two more cases of COVID-19 were reported in Manipur last night, taking the total number of cases to 34 out of which 30 cases are active: Manipur Government.

    Latest Jharkhand numbers

    Total number of positive cases of COVID-19 in Jharkhand rises to 378, of which 148 patients have recovered. There are 226 active cases in the state now: Jharkhand Health Department.

    Lockdown 4.0: Migrants heading back home from Pune hopeful of returning to work

    A number of migrant workers, who have left from Maharashtra's Pune city for their native places after being rendered jobless due to the lockdown, are hopeful that the situation will normalise and they would be able to come back to work. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    India resumes domestic air travel after two months, several flights cancelled

    Aviation industry sources said, around 82 flights -- departures and arrivals -- have been cancelled till now at the Delhi airport. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Auto driver who fell from jackfruit tree tests COVID-19 positive in Kerala

    A 42-year-old autorickshaw driver of Kodom-Bellur panchayat tested positive for COVID-19 when he was admitted with spinal injuries to Kannur Medical College Hospital in Pariyaram. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Railways have operated 557 Shramik trains so far from Maharashtra: Shivaji Sutar, Chief Public Relations Officer, Central Railway

  • On Maharashtra Government's request, Railways has run 557 Shramik Special trains carrying over 7.70 lakh people so far.

  • Railways' nodal officer and nodal officer of Maharashtra Government are in constant touch for planning the trains.

  • As of now, we have the demand of 46 trains from Maharashtra Government out of which 5 trains couldn't be run as they were to go to cyclone Amphan affected West Bengal and Odisha.

  • Rest 41 trains have been notified today.

    • Domestic passenger service resumes in Lucknow

  • Domestic flight operations started from the Chaudhary Charan Singh airport here on Monday morning, as passenger air travel resumed within the country after a gap of two months, owing to the COVID-19-induced lockdown.

  • As many as 10 flights will take off for cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru from the airport and a similar number will be landing here during the day, airport director AK Sharma said.

  • Necessary precautions, as per guidelines, including sanitization of luggage, thermal screening, use of masks, social distancing are being strictly followed, Sharma said.

  • Similar precautions are also being taken by airport and airline staff, the director added.

    • Delhi Airport Taxi Union briefs media

    We are continuously sanitizing taxis after every ride. We have installed partitions between driver and passenger seats for safety against COVID-19. Drivers have to wear masks and gloves and carry sanitizers: Krishna Kumar, President, Taxi Union at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.

    First flight lands at Jammu airport from Delhi as domestic air travel resumes

  • The Air India flight with 40 passengers on board arrived Jammu at 8.40 am. "A total of five flight arrivals and an equal number of flight departures are scheduled for the day," an airport official said.

  • He said elaborate arrangements are in place to follow the guidelines and standard operating procedures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic.

  • It was announced last Thursday that one-third of pre-lockdown domestic flights will operate from Monday. International scheduled commercial passenger flights remain suspended.

  • The Jammu and Kashmir administration has appointed Jammu Municipal Corporation commissioner Avny Lavasa and Jammu Development Authority vice chairman Babila Rakwal to assist Deputy Commissioner Sushma Chauhan to make arrangements for handling air passengers arriving here.

  • Last week, the administration had said all the inbound passengers at the Jammu airport would undergo a compulsory COVID-19 test and administrative quarantine till their report is received.

    • Liquor shops open in Puducherry

    What Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma has to say on migrants coming back in northeast

  • When 60,000 people come into the state of Assam, then 300 more cases of COVID-19 is expected.

  • The number of COVID-19 cases has climbed to 427 out of which 363 cases are active.

  • The number of flights will increase as Kolkata airport starts its operations from May 28 and trains will also start plying so next week will be challenging.

    • Now flights cancelled from Hyderabad

    Resident commissioners of different northeastern states will receive the people of their states at Guwahati airport

    Resident commissioners of different northeastern states will receive the people of their states, at Guwahati airport. They can take them to their respective bhawans or directly to the states: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

    Update from Assam

    Air India shall be allowed to operate non-scheduled foreign flights with middle seats booking: SC

  • "Air India shall be allowed to operate non-scheduled foreign flights with middle seats booking for next 10 days", says CJI Sharad Arvind Bobde in Supreme Court while hearing urgent petition filed by Centre and Air India against Bombay High Court order to keep middle seats vacant in international flights.

  • Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Air India are free to alter any norms it may consider appropriate during the pendency of the matter.

    • Rush at Delhi Airport as students, migrants take flights back home after weeks of lockdown

    Those who took first flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport included paramilitary personnel, army men, students, and migrants, who failed to book a ticket on the special trains being run by the railways. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    Latest visuals from Delhi Airport

    Eid marred in Bengal

    Update from Delhi

    The total number of containment zones in Delhi is now 90 with 3 new zones added to the list; 41 zones de-contained.

    Update from Bengaluru Airport

    Till 9 am today, there have been five arrivals and 17 departures and nine flights cancelled, at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International airport.

    Mosques closed in Tamil Nadu's Rameswaram

    Mosque closed in Tripura

    Around 80 arrival/departure flights from Delhi cancelled

    Bangalore Airport CEO's statement

    Today morning onwards, processes have been working very well. All processes have been made contactless. We are screening all passengers. All the surfaces are being sanitized every 20-30 minutes: Hari Marar, Managing Director & CEO, Bangalore International Airport Ltd

    Five-year old travels alone from Delhi to Bengaluru

    TNIE reports from Bengaluru airport

    Latest Odisha tally

    Masjid in Chennai closed

    Latest Rajasthan numbers

    Vistara on the new 'normal in the domestic aviation sector

    Latest Chandigarh tally

    Nine new positive cases reported today, taking the total number of positive cases in the union territory to 265: Government of UT of Chandigarh.

    First domestic flight from Delhi lands in Chennai

    Passengers of Vistara's Delhi-Bhubaneswar flight deboard at Biju Patnaik International Airport

    Another COVID-19 fatality in Himachal

    One COVID-19 positive patient, a 73-year-old female with multiple organ disorder, passed away in Himachal Pradesh last night: Dr Janak Raj, Medical Superintendent, Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla. Total deaths in state due to Coronavirus rise to four.

    With strict rules, aviation sector limps back to normalcy as domestic flights resume

    All scheduled commercial passenger flights have been suspended since March 25 when the government imposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the coronavirus pandemic. (READ FULL STORY HERE)

    After Bengaluru, now Air India cancels its Mumbai-Delhi flight

    Latest visuals outside the Ahmedabad Airport

    India's COVID-19 tally continues to increase

    Highest ever spike of 6977 COVID-19 cases and 154 deaths in India in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases in the country now at 1,38,845 including 77103 active cases, 57720 cured/discharged and 4021 deaths: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

    People in Moradabad offer Eid Namaz amid lockdown 4.0

    Dargah closed in Mumbai

    WATCH | Deserted Jama Masjid in Delhi as Eid celebrations marred in the national capital

    Air India flight from Bengaluru cancelled

    Visuals from Raipur Airport

    Thermal screening at the Bengaluru Airport

    Social Distancing comes from first while celebrating Eid

    Babrbershops open in Coimbatore

    Work comes first for these flight attendants

    Passengers arrive at Lucknow Airport

    56 more positive cases in Indore

    56 more COVID-19 cases reported in Indore yesterday. Total number of cases in the district is now at 3064, including 116 deaths: District Health Department.

    Marriage goals amid lockdown 4.0

    Scenes outside Mumbai Airport

    Latest visuals of Raipur Airport

    Long queue outside Delhi airport's Terminal-3

    WATCH | Passengers in Chennai Airport undergo thermal screening before boarding flight

    Visuals from Delhi Airport

    WATCH | People stand in a long queue to board the flights taking off from Chennai Airport

    Delhi: Passengers gear up outside the Indira Gandhi International Airport as domestic flights operations restart today

    Now Chennai alone has over 10,000 COVID-19 cases; accounts to 80% of state death toll

    As Chennai crossed the grim milestone of 10,000 Covid-19 cases on Sunday, the city corporation, in tie up with NGOs, has appointed 2,500 volunteers for relief works. Of the 765 cases reported in Tamil Nadu on Sunday, 587 are from Chennai, taking the capital district's total number of cases to 10,576. (READ MORE)

    4 COVID-19 vaccine candidates may enter clinical trial phase in 3-5 months: Harsh Vardhan

    Four out of the 14 COVID-19 vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

    Finished taking hydroxychloroquine as coronavirus therapy, I'm fine: Trump

    President Donald Trump says he's doing fine after taking a two-week course of an unproven malaria drug for COVID-19, declaring, "I'm still here." Trump was addressing his disclosure last week that he was taking hydroxychloroquine and a zinc supplement.

    Triplecane Mosque to not host Ramzan prayers

    Taxis can resume services from tomorrow: Cyberabad Traffic Police

    As domestic flights starting tomorrow, taxis/cabs to and fro RGIA (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad) are allowed round the clock: Cyberabad Traffic Police

    Goa's revised SOP for all domestic passengers

    COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan cross 7000-mark, death toll 163

    The novel coronavirustoll in Rajasthan rose to 163 with three more fatalities and number of cases has gone up to 7,028 after 286 more people tested positive, an official said. There are 3,017 active cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and 3,848 patients have recovered so far.

    Pune count touches 5,694, death toll now 272

    Pune district's COVID-19 tally reached 5,694 on Sunday after 258 people tested positive for novel coronavirus, while the death toll touched 272 as eight people succumbed to the infection, an official said.

    Domestic airlines allowed to fly to and from Tamil Nadu airports; e-pass required to enter state

    The confusion over whether flights will resume or not from the State's airports on Monday was put to an end with the government releasing official standard operating procedure late on Sunday night by permitting 25 incoming flights to Chennai airport while not putting any cap on departure of flights. (READ MORE)

    Maharashtra's Ashok Chavan tests positive

    Maharashtra cabinet minister and former chief minister Ashok Chavan has tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai.

    Kerala government issues guidelines for air travellers

    As the Centre has announced the resumption of domestic flights from May 25, the Kerala government has issued guidelines for air travellers to the state, including 14-day home quarantine from the date of arrival. The standard operating procedure (SOP) issued on Saturday said symptomatic persons will be sent to either COVID Care Centre or Hospital. (READ MORE)

    TN urges Aviation Secy to restrict incoming domestic flights to Chennai

    TN CS K Shanmugam urges Union Civil Aviation Secy to restrict incoming domestic flights to Chennai to 25 per day; due to the increasing number of cases, flights from Gujarat and Maharashtra may be kept at the barest minimum possible.

    It has been a long day of hard negotiations with various state governments: Hardeep Singh Puri

    Maharashtra Government has not given info about tomorrow's planned 125 trains

    It has been 1.5 hours but Maharashtra Government has not given info about tomorrow's planned 125 trains to General Manager, Central Railway.Planning takes time&we don't want train to stand empty at stations, so it's impossible to plan without full details: Railway Minister Piyush Goyal

    Operating procedures for air passengers

    There will be limited flights from Mumbai starting Monday

    Starting tomorrow, there will be limited flights from Mumbai & as per approved 1/3 schedule from other airports in the state. Limited operations to West Bengal will commence on 28th May: Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri

    Tihar Jail official test positive

    A staff of Tihar Jail has tested positive for COVID-19 today: Tihar Jail Official

    West Bengal update

    Total positive case till date: 3,667

    Positive at present: 2,056

    Death: 200

    Comorbidity death: 72

    Discharged: 1,349

    Total tests: 1,38,824

    Tested positive in past 24 hours: 147

    MP: Shramik special train carries around 1620 passengers

    Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam airports are allowed to operate domestic flights from May 26: Official

    For representational purpose.

    Assam conducts 59,553 COVID-19 tests so far, surpassing Kerala

    Assam has surpassed Kerala in the number of COVID-19 tests conducted so far. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma told journalists that the state had conducted 59,553 tests till Sunday afternoon.

    WATCH | Maharashtra to home deliver alcohol

    15 doctors from Stanley medical college test coronavirus positive

    In order to increase the bed capacity for COVID-19 patients, all 117 nursing homes/private hospitals having bed strength of 50 beds or more are directed/earmark at least 20 per cent of their total bed strength for COVID-19 patients: Delhi Government

    9 CRPF personnel test positive for coronavius

    Maharashtra's death toll stands at 1635

    3041 new COVID-19 cases and 58 deaths reported today, taking the total number of cases to 50231, of which 33988 are active cases. Death toll stands at 1635: Maharashtra Health Department

    Coronavirus lockdown day 61

    (Photo | Pandarinath B, EPS)

    EXPRESS INTERVIEWS | Have lacked motivation to train, says squash player Joshna Chinappa

    With the PSA on hold at least the end of July, the World No 11 says she has lost her sense of time during this highly unstructured routine.
    (READ FULL INTERVIEW HERE)

    Maharashtra allows 25 flights to and from Mumbai everyday

    Maharashtra govt has agreed to allow 25 take offs and 25 landings everyday for domestic flights from Mumbai. This number will be increased gradually. State govt will issue details and guidelines in this regard soon: Maharashtra Minister Nawab Malik. (Inputs from ANI)

    Kerala records 53 new COVID-19 cases, five persons recover

    Eighteen of the new patients are those who returned from foreign countries - eleven from UAE, three each from Saudi Arabia and Oman, and one from Kuwait. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Karanataka COVID-19 tally now at 2089

    Wuhan lab had three live bat coronaviruses, none matched COVID-19: Report

    Scientists think COVID-19 -- which first emerged in Wuhan and has killed some 340,000 people worldwide -- originated in bats and could have been transmitted to people via another mammal. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Instructions for those traveling to and fro Kerala

    Air India flight brings back 133 Indians from Muscat to Bihar under Vande Bharat Mission

    An Air India flight flew back 133 passengers from Muscat under the Vande Bharat Mission drive to bring back Indians stranded in other countries. The AI974 flight landed in Gaya from where 117 passengers were placed on paid quarantine in hotels.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Tamil Nadu coronavirus tally crosses 16,000 mark

    COVID-19 patient, on the run from Chennai hospital, keeps cops on their toes

    An official source informed The New Indian Express that during the time of the admission, the patient gave a fake address without a phone number. "He just mentioned his area as Ayanavaram with a door number which was fake. He apparently told the hospital staff that neither he nor his family members use a cellphone." (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    COVID-19 patient, on the run from Chennai hospital, keeps cops on their toes

    An official source informed The New Indian Express that during the time of the admission, the patient gave a fake address without a phone number. "He just mentioned his area as Ayanavaram with a door number which was fake. He apparently told the hospital staff that neither he nor his family members use a cellphone."
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PICS | Madurai airport ready for business

    Tamil Nadu government allows 17 industrial estates in Chennai to resume work

    According to a government statement, a total of 17 big industrial estates including Ambattur and Guindy that are present in Chennai will be resuming operations from tomorrow. Industrial estates have been ordered to strictly comply with the safety guidelines issued by the state government on Sunday. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PICS | Put on those masks and now buy your fruits

    Centre to conduct serosurvey in 10 hotspot cities to track community transmission of coronavirus

    As gathered by The New Indian Express, the survey which will use the antibody testing kits developed by the National Institute of Virology and will begin this week, is in addition to surveillance exercise that will test nearly 24,000 blood serum samples from 69 districts across 21 states. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Kerala records over 50 new coronavirus cases

    WATCH | 15 doctors test positive in Chennai's Stanley hospital

    1,300 from Northeast spend a harrowing time on train from Haryana

    The last meal was puri and dry vegetables they had on Saturday at around 7 pm. Twenty hours later, they had not had any food and water. Even the toilets were dry. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PIC | Keep your pet friends close

    (Photo | PTI)

    JUST IN | Low-cost carrier Air Asia India starts bookings for 21 destinations ahead of resumption of domestic flight operations from May 24.

    IN PICS | People get groomed in TN as salons reopen

    Somewhere in Triunelveli, salons open

    After Tamil Nadu government announced the opening of salons and parlour, a barber resumed his work in Tirunelveli. (Photo | V. Karthikalagu, EPS)

    Uttar Pradesh: COVID-19 cases in state now 2,493

    Number of active cases of COVID-19 has reached 2,493 in Uttar Pradesh. 3433 people have recovered from the disease while 155 deaths have been reported till date: Uttar Pradesh Principal Health Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad
    (Inputs from ANI)

    COVID-19 tales from Tiruchy: The sigh of relief when your street is no more a containment zone...

    “Only few people were allowed outside at a time to buy essentials. But, with groceries and rations running out all the time, it was challenging to make ends meet every day. Also with no source of income, many families here couldn’t afford much,” says Umar Farook, an auto driver residing in the area.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    COVID-19 tales from Tiruchy: The sigh of relief when your street is no more a containment zone...

    “Only few people were allowed outside at a time to buy essentials. But, with groceries and rations running out all the time, it was challenging to make ends meet every day. Also with no source of income, many families here couldn’t afford much,” says Umar Farook, an auto driver residing in the area.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Long wait for home

    Senior AIIMS doctor Jitendra Nath Pande dies of coronavirus

    According to doctors of AIIMS, the former head of the Department of Medicine and his wife had tested COVID positive a few days ago. Dr Pande, 79, had isolated himself at his house in Delhi as he had mild symptoms of the viral infection. He died on Friday night. His wife is admitted to the new private ward of AIIMS.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Three employees at Hyundai's Chennai plant test positive for COVID-19, reports PTI

    IN PIC | A friendly reminder

    Odisha allows all types of vehicles to ply with restrictions, relaxes quarantine periods for returnees

    However, government officials, professionals, businessmen or any other person travelling to Odisha on work and intending to exit within 72 hours will be exempted from mandatory quarantine. Besides, government officials, professionals, businessmen or any other person who have travelled from Odisha on work and are returning to the state within 72 hours will be exempted from quarantine requirement.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Centre issues new guidelines for domestic, international air travel

    Reforms do not mean complete abolition of labour laws, says Niti Aayog VC Rajiv Kumar

    In recent weeks, various state governments, including Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, have either made amendments or proposed changes to existing labour laws as part of larger efforts to help businesses that have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Coronavirus lockdown day 61

    A young man unloading the bathai fruit after days of no sale due to coronaviru slcokdown in Trirupati. (Photo | Madhav K, EPS)

    Coronavirus positive woman, who had to abort child, recovers in Karnataka

    Soon after she tested positive in Hubballi, her husband and in-laws were quarantined in Bagalkot and her maternal parents were quarantined in Gadag. She was alone in KIMS hospital. The doctors used to update her health condition to her husband and parents over the phone. Medical staff at KIMS used to bring food for her. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Missing out on sports due to COVID-19? All your updates right here

    17 persons, who returned to Andhra from foreign countries, test positive for COVID-19

    According to the media bulletin released on Sunday, a staggering 11,357 samples were tested between Saturday 9 am to Sunday 9 am of which 66 tested positive. Eleven more persons who have travel history to Koyambedu Market in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu also tested positive. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Jharkhand: 3 more COVID-19 cases in state; tally reaches 353

    Three more COVID-19 cases have been reported from Jharkhand, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 353 on Sunday, informed the state Health Department. The three new cases are from Jamshedpur city, it added. So far, a total of three people have lost their lives to the infection in the state. (Inputs from ANI)

    Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray briefs media as cases in state cross 47,000

  • 'The fight against COVID19 is going to be tougher now but there is no need to panic'

  • 'Maharashtra is prepared with extra health facilities to provide'

  • 'Need to be extra cautious during monsoon as more problems will emerge'

  • 'Wrong to impose lockdown suddenly; we can't end it all at once'

  • 'Requested Union Civil Aviation Minister to give more time to prepare for domestic air travel'

    • WATCH | 'Cover-On technique' can reduce spread of infection from corpses: Prof Dr. Dinesh Rao | Part 2

    14 day mandatory quarantine for international arrivals: Centre

    VOICES | Migrant workers face unimaginable situations to get home

    The defining image of the coronavirus crisis has been the trudging of thousands of migrants to their home, mainly in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Karnataka reports 97 new COVID-19 cases taking tally to 2056

    Bombay HC seeks reply from Air India on plea by pilot over safety measures in flights

    The Bombay High Court has sought a response from the Air India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a petition of an AI pilot, claiming the airline was not following safety measures for COVID-19 while bringing back Indians stranded abroad.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    Coronavirus cases in New Delhi cross 13,000 mark

    With 508 new cases, the total number of COVID19 positive cases in Delhi is now 13,418 (till midnight of 23rd May), total death toll 261,' said Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain. The number of containment zones in Delhi now stands at 87 with the addition of house numbers 600-800 Hari Nagar, Rani Bagh, and two houses at street number 8, Shastri Park. Till now, 41 zones have been de-contained. (Inputs from ANI)

    TB, cholera deaths may cancel out lives saved during lockdown: Health expert

    Professor, Indian Institute of Public Health, Hyderabad, Public Health Foundation of India, V Ramana Dhara said one has to consider the invisible loss of life from the increase in poverty-related diseases like TB, malnutrition and cholera, which can be neglected while the "lockdowns are ongoing".
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Autopsy would bring clarity in Covid-19 and help in making vaccine: Prof Dr. Dinesh Rao

    Study on cluster emphasizes on early COVID-19 detection, physical distancing

    Of the nine who developed symptoms, six were mild, one was severe and two were critically ill who later died, said the report prepared by epidemiologists with the ICMR and clinicians in Gurugram and Jaipur who treated these patients.
    (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    IN PICS | Migrants bicycle their way home

    District administration seals down two areas in Karnataka's Hassan city

    Northern extension and Indiranagar areas of Hassan city have been declared as continement zones following two positive corona cases reported on Sunday. The police also has sealed down two areas following the direction of DC. Couples from Northern Extension area with travel history to Mumbai and a police constable attached to district armed reserve force with travel history to Bengaluru tested positive. Hassan citizens are anxious after a woman who tested positive after she returned from Mumbai. District authority has sealed down two areas for 28 days

    Odisha makes 14-day quarantine for returnees

    Odisha makes 14-day quarantine for returnees

    87 police personnel test positive in last 24 hours in Maharashtra

    66 new cases reported in Andhra, active cases in state 764

    Karnataka cops enforce total lockdown on Sunday to avoid COVID-19

    'Vande Bharat' mission: Flight carrying 93 Indians stranded in UK arrives in Indore

    As part of the Centre's 'Vande Bharat' mission, the flight from London reached here via Mumbai at 8.04 am, Indore's Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International Airport Director Aryama Sanyal said. (READ FULL REPORT)

    11 passengers who arrived in Goa from Maharashtra via Rajdhani express test positive

    67 new cases in Odisha, state tally rises to 1336

    ICMR to study if COVID-19 deaths across India exceed data

    The surveillance exercise will continue through the pandemic period and will study the weekly death data compiled by Health and Demographic Surveillance System and death statistics of the Registrar General of India. It will capture and compare the mortality data this year with that of the corresponding period last year. (READ FULL REPORT HERE)

    WATCH | Here's a small recap of news from Tamil Nadu

    Parks open in Bhubaneswar

    WATCH | After few days traffic, Bengaluru-Mysuru highway looks deserted

    TN govt allows 17 industrial estates in non containment areas of Chennai to function

    6767 cases in 24 hours, India's totol cases cross 1.3 lakhs

    Rs 3 lakh crore relief, did they say? MSMEs are still struggling to find the money and how!

    Ten days after the Centre's Rs 3 lakh crore revival package, MSMEs continue to live in a finance-friendless world. (READ MORE)

    India's coronavirus tally nears 1.3 lakh; Nearly 94,000 new cases, 2,600-plus deaths since May 1

    More than one lakh people have tested positive for the deadly virus infection and over 3,000 have lost their lives in the past one month itself. (READ MORE)

    Kerala will be able to survive any crisis after COVID-19: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

    Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala would be able to survive any other crisis after COVID-19 as it was in the forefront of developing innovative ways to fight the pandemic. (READ MORE)

    Ahmedabad civil hospital conditions pathetic, painful: Gujarat High Court

    The facility has seen 377 COVID-19 deaths till Friday, which is a sizable portion of the 638 deaths reported in all hospitals during this period. (READ MORE)

    Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel for mandatory quarantine for air passengers

    With domestic air services set to resume from May 25, Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday called for a mandatory 14-day institutional quarantine for passengers upon arrival. (READ MORE)

    GoAir says awaiting 'clarity' on readiness of states, airports for flight operations

    GoAir, in a statement, said that it is however ready and prepared to resume safe operations after the two-month lockdown. (READ MORE)

    Bengal to urge Centre to postpone domestic flight services to state: CM Mamata Banerjee

    Mamata Banerjee on Saturday said West Bengal will urge the Centre to postpone resuming domestic flight services at Kolkata and Bagdogra airports by a few days as the state will be busy with managing the damage caused by Cyclone Amphan. (READ MORE)

    Kerala should be informed about special trains beforehand: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

    Pinarayi Vijayan said Kerala was not informed when a special train from Mumbai left for the state capital on May 22. (READ MORE)

    COVID-19: Madhya Pradesh reports 201 new cases, nine deaths on Saturday

    The number of cases in Indore rose to 2,933 with 83 new cases on Saturday, and the death toll now stands at 111, as per a health bulletin. (READ MORE)

    Eminent pulmonologist Dr JN Pande dies of coronavirus in Delhi

    Dr Jitendra Nath Pande, an eminent pulmonologist and former head of the Department of Medicine at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi, who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, died at his residence on Saturday. (READ MORE)

    Mumbai COVID-19 case doubling rate now 14 days: Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray

    The number of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai is doubling over a period of 14 days, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday as he interacted with doctors of BMC-run hospitals. (READ MORE)

    Chandigarh International Airport to resume flight operations from May 25

    The Chandigarh International Airport is all set to commence flight operations from May 25 after the Centre announced resumption of domestic commercial passenger flights from Monday. (READ MORE)

    23rd May Updates

    For May 23rd UPDATES CLICK HERE

    Coronavirus
    Coronavirus Outbreak
    COVID 19
    Coronavirus pandemic
    COVID 19 pandemic
    India lockdown
    Coronavirus Updates 
    Coronavirus Latest Updates 

    Related Stories

    No stories found.

    X
    The New Indian Express
    www.newindianexpress.com