COVID-19: 2 More Test Positive in Kerala; Total Cases Climb to 61
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Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Tuesday, said reports of the parents of the 3-year-old child, who tested positive for coronavirus on Monday, have also come out as positive. If confirmed by the Union Health Ministry, the total number of cases in India will rise to 61.
Three more people have been tested positive for Coronavirus in Pune on Tuesday. The total cases of coronavirus has now risen to five in Maharashtra, reports PTI, quoting state government officials.
An aircraft carrying the first batch of Indian pilgrims from Iran landed at the Hindon air force station in Ghaziabad in the morning on Tuesday, 10 March.
On Monday, two confirmed cases were reported from Pune in Maharashtra. Karnataka, Punjab, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi, and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have reported new cases as well.
- Qatar has temporarily barred travellers from 14 countries, including India from Monday, 9 March
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday, confirmed eight new cases of coronavirus in the state. The total cases of coronavirus has risen to fourteen in Karnataka.
- The Karnataka government has ordered holidays for children in lower and upper kindergarten classes in Bengaluru
- The World Health Organization said on Monday that the threat of coronavirus pandemic is now “very real”.
- The total number of coronavirus cases worldwide has crossed 1,10,000 and the death toll has crossed 3800
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Samples of 42 Suspected Coronavirus Patients Test Negative in Gujarat
The samples of all 42 people in Gujarat who were suspected to have been exposed to the novel coronavirus have tested negative, the state government said on Saturday, as per PTI.
A government official said 29 of these samples were tested at the BJ Medical College’s laboratory here, while 11 were sent to Pune and two to Mumbai.
As per an official release, 2,068 people with travel history to China were placed under surveillance, and 1,146 of them have completed their 28-day observation period and are in fine health.
As many as 18,018 passengers of 162 flights have been screened at the Ahmedabad airport as also 1,989 crew members on 49 ships in ports in the state, it informed.
70 People Trapped as Hotel Used for Coronavirus Quarantining Collapses in China
Around 70 people were trapped after a hotel building housing quarantined coronavirus suspects collapsed in China's Quanzhou city on Saturday, according to the official media, a PTI report said.
Thirty-three people were rescued after the 80-room hotel collapsed in Fujian Province at around 7.30 pm local time. Around 70 people were trapped under the rubble, state-run Xinhua News agency reported.
3 More Cases of Coronavirus Reported in India
Two people in Ladakh with travel history from Iran and one person in Tamil Nadu with travel history from Oman, have been tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in India unto 34.
Italy to Quarantine Areas in North Including Milan, Venice
Millions of people were placed under forced quarantine in northern Italy early on Sunday, 8 March, as the government approved drastic measures in an attempt to halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus that is sweeping the globe.
Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said on Twitter he had signed off on plans to strictly limit movement into and out of large areas of the north, including Milan and Venice.
"#Coronavirus, the new decree is finally approved," Conte wrote.
Attendee at Political Summit Featuring Trump Tests Positive for Coronavirus
A person who attended a gathering of top US political conservatives including President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence has tested positive for the new coronavirus, reported AFP, quoting officials.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) is one of the country's largest annual gatherings of political conservatives, attracting thousands, and in addition to Trump and Pence, several Cabinet members and top White House officials.
"The exposure occurred previous to the conference. A New Jersey hospital tested the person, and CDC confirmed the positive result," the event's organizer American Conservative Union tweeted.
Officials Confirm First Coronavirus Case in US Capital
A man in his 50s tested positive for coronavirus — the first presumptively confirmed case in the nation's capital — and another person who travelled through the city has also tested positive in Maryland, reported AP, quoting officials.
District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser said Saturday the man in the initial case started exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 in late February.
“He was admitted to a Washington hospital on Thursday and appeared to have no history of international travel and no close contacts to any other confirmed cases across the US,” Bowser said.
Virginia recorded its first case Saturday when a US Marine stationed at Fort Belvoir was found to have the virus.
China Reports 27 New Fatalities From Coronavirus
China on Sunday reported 27 new deaths from coronavirus, the lowest number of fatalities in more than a month, taking the death toll to 3,097, reported PTI.
“All the 27 deaths occurred in the virus-hit central Hubei province,” China's National Health Commission (NHC) said.
Five More People From Kerala Test Positive for Coronavirus
Five more people from Kerala have tested positive for coronavirus, Health minister, K K Shailaja said on Sunday.
“All the five hail from Pathnamthitta district. While three of them had returned from Italy on 29 February, two others were their relatives,” the minister said.
“All the five have been isolated in Pathnamathitta General Hospital and are under observation. Their tests were confirmed on Saturday night,” the minister added.
Person Tests Positive for Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu
A person has tested positive for the coronavirus in Tamil Nadu, reported ANI quoting Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Beela Rajesh.
“The person is under surveillance here at a hospital. We are tracing contact history. Further, we are screening every person coming from outside,” she said.
Arunachal Pradesh Bans Entry of Foreigners
The Arunachal Pradesh government has decided to temporarily suspend issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) to foreigners to check the spread of coronavirus, reported PTI, quoting officials said on Sunday.
We Are Fully Prepared to Deal With Coronavirus: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister held a press conference on Sunday, 8 March to address the coronavirus outbreak in the capital. urging people to not panic and to inform the government if anyone from their neighborhood returned from a foreign country.
“168 isolation beds set up at 25 hospitals for coronavirus patients,” he said.
Kejriwal also appeal to employers to give paid leave to those quarantined so that “their livelihood is not affected.”
The Delhi government has also ordered all DTC, cluster buses, metro, hospitals to be disinfected everyday.
Dubai Travellers Reassured on Screening Procedures for COVID-19
Dubai has taken adequate measures to screen passengers for the deadly coronavirus symptoms at all travel points for travellers entering the country from high-risk areas in order to avoid any delay or inconvenience at the ports of entry, reported PTI quoting a senior official.
"All concerned authorities are working round the clock in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention and Dubai Health Authority's (DHA) medical team to implement precautionary measures against COVID-19," Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police and Head of Dubai's Crisis and Disaster Management Team, Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al-Marri, said.
Iran Death Toll Rises to 194
Iran on Sunday reported 49 new death due to the novel coronavirus, raising the total national death toll to 194, reported AFP.
Iran has the highest death toll from the virus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
ITBP Disinfects Bus in Which 14 Italians and 1 Indian Travelled
The bus in which Italian passengers travelled in Rajasthan and Agra is being disinfected by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) at Chhawla camp in Delhi. 14 Italians and 1 Indian (driver) were later found positive for the novel coronavirus, reported ANI.
Special Caller Tune Launched To Spread Awareness for COVID-19
In order to spread awareness, a special COVID-19 mobile phone caller tune has been launched by all telecom operators with basic infection prevention messages played when a caller dials-out, reported ANI, quoting the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Bangladesh Confirms First Three Coronavirus Cases
Bangladesh on Sunday confirmed its first three cases of coronavirus in the country on Sunday, according to a local media report, reported PTI.
The affected-- two men and a woman-- were found positive for the coronavirus infection on Saturday, the Dhaka Tribune reported.
"Among them, two of the victims had recently returned from Italy while the other is a relative of one of the returnees," said Meerjady Sabrina Flora, the Director of Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research.
Kerala Govt Warns of Stern Action Against Those Not Reporting About Overseas Travel
Taking a serious view of three fresh coronavirus patients not disclosing their Italy visit, the Kerala government on Sunday warned of strict action, including prosecution, against those hiding such travel to affected countries and symptoms of the infection, reported PTI.
The Health department said failure to inform authorities about travel history and symptoms would be considered a crime, while the state police separately said it was "illegal and punishable" if anyone hid such information.
Guwahati Bookfair Put on Hold Indefinitely in Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak
The 33rd Guwahati Bookfair, scheduled to be held later this month, has been put on hold indefinitely in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, organisers said on Sunday, reported PTI.
“The bookfair was to take place between 14 and 25 March and preparations were almost complete,” said Publication Board Assam Pramod Kalita.
"All the programmes and schedules prepared for the 33rd Guwahati Bookfair have been put on hold. We have already intimated the participant publishers about the decision," Kalita said.
Saudi Cordons off Shiite-Majority Region Over Coronavirus
Saudi authorities Sunday, 8 March cordoned off the eastern region of Qatif, a centre of the kingdom's Shiite minority, in a bid to contain the fast-spreading coronavirus as the total number of cases rose to 11.
The lockdown on Qatif, home to around 500,000 people, is the first action of its kind across the Gulf region that has confirmed more than 230 coronavirus cases - most of them people returning from religious pilgrimages to Shiite-majority Iran.
"Given that all 11 recorded positive cases of the new coronavirus are from Qatif... it has been decided... to temporarily suspend entry and exit from Qatif," the interior ministry said in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency.
400 Quarantined in Assam for Coming in Contact With US Tourist Who Tested Positive for COVID-19
At least 400 people in Assam have been quarantined after they came in contact with an American tourist who tested positive for the new coronavirus in Bhutan after travelling through the state recently, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Sunday, 8 March.
In a series of tweets, Sarma said tests for five persons have been done so far and results have come negative.
"State Health Dept has traced more than 400 contacts in different places including MV Mahabahu (cruise ship) and resorts where he stayed. Teams of doctors and microbiologists have been keeping a close watch on these people who have been quarantined," he tweeted.
Coronavirus: Death Toll Rises by 133 to 366 in Italy
Italy coronavirus death toll has shot up by 133 to 366 AFP stated quoting an official.
Coronavirus: 3 Quarantined in Indore, 19 Test Negative
Three people who returned from coronavirus-affected regions in the past nine day were on Sunday quarantined for suspected exposure in Indore in Madhya Pradesh, a senior health official said on Sunday.
Indore District Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Praveen Jadia said the three, including a 34-year-old woman, had returned from the United States and Malaysia, reported PTI.
The samples of 19 people kept in isolation wards for suspected exposure to the virus returned negative, while reports of two others are awaited, Additional Director, Health, Dr Vina Sinha said.
Ladakh Man Who Travelled to Italy Dies of Coronavirus-Like Symptoms
A 76-year-old man, Mohamad Ali who recently returned from a trip to Iran has died in Ladakh after showing symptoms associated with the coronavirus. The former policeman, was admitted to a hospital on Saturday night. After his death, authorities took precautions, including cordoning off his village.
Dr Motip Dorjay, a health official in Leh, told ANI, “He had a urinary tract infection due to which he died. He had some past history also. So to be more cautious, we have sent his samples to Delhi. We are in touch with Delhi team and the report should be out in two days.”
France Bans Gatherings of More Than 1,000 Over Virus Fears: Minister
France has banned all gatherings of more than 1,000 people in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Health Minister Olivier Veran said, as the French death toll reached 19, reported AFP.
Portugal's President Self-Isolates Amid Virus Outbreak
The office of Portugal's 71-year-old president has said that he has cancelled all public activities and will stay at home amid the coronavirus outbreak, reported AP.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa recently received a group of students from a school which has since been closed following the detection of a student with COVID-19.
His office said that the president had no symptoms.
Iowa Governor Announces First 3 COVID-19 Cases in US State
Three cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Iowa, US Governor Kim Reynolds said.
All three individuals with COVID-19 recently took a cruise in Egypt before returning home to Johnson County in Iowa. All three of the individuals are recovering at home in isolation, reported AP.
Holidays for Kindergarten Classes Ordered in Bengaluru
In view of the coronavirus outbreak, the Karnataka government has ordered holidays for children in lower and upper kindergarten classes in Bengaluru.
The decision was taken on the advice of Karnataka Health Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey.
The Minister for Primary and Secondary School Education S Suresh Kumar tweeted late Sunday night:
In his letter to the Principal Secretary in the Health and Family Welfare Department SR Umashankar, Pandey asked him to close pre-KG, LKG and UKG classes in the city with immediate effect, till further orders, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus.
China Reports 22 New Deaths, Lowest New Cases on Record
China reported 22 new deaths on Monday from the coronavirus epidemic, and the lowest number of fresh cases since it started reporting the data in January, reported AFP.
There were 40 new cases nationwide, the National Health Commission said, with most in Hubei, the central province at the epicentre of the outbreak.
The 22 new deaths – which were all in Hubei except one – bring the country's toll to 3,119.
More than 80,700 people have been infected in total in mainland China.
3-Year-Old Tests Positive for Coronavirus in Kerala
A three-year-old in Kerala’s Kochi has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in India to 40. The child had recently returned from Italy with parents.
The child, who arrived in Kochi on 7 March, has been kept in an isolation ward at the Ernakulam Medical College.
Three-Day Holiday For All Educational Insitutions in Kerala's Pathanamthitta
After five people from the Pathanamthitta district in Kerala tested positive for coronavirus, the district collector has declared three days holiday for all educational institutions in the district.
However, Class 10 exams will be held as per schedule.
63-Year-Old Woman Tests Positive for Coronavirus in J&K
A 63-year-old woman tested positive for coronavirus, making her the first confirmed case in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday, 9 March, according to PTI.
The woman, who had a travel history to Iran, was among two patients who were declared “high viral load cases” by the administration over the weekend.
They are undergoing treatment at the isolation ward of the Government Medical College (GMC) hospital and are in a stable condition, the officials said.
"The test report of the woman patient is positive, while the report of the other patient is still awaited," a Health Department official said.
Qatar Temporarily Suspends Travel Entry for Certain Countries, Including India
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, the Qatar government on Monday, 9 March, said it has “temporarily suspended entry for all those intending to travel from certain countries, as of 9 March 2020.”
"This decision comes as a preventive measure due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide," it said in a statement.
"The decision includes the following countries: Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand,'" it further said.
US Virus Cases Pass 500 as California Readies for Cruise Ship Arrival
The number of US coronavirus cases soared past 500 on Sunday, including two further deaths, as California braced for the arrival of infected cruise ship passengers and saw a major tennis event canceled, AFP reported.
Some 30 US states have been hit by the novel coronavirus, with Oregon the latest to declare an emergency, and 60 million people in California and New York are under crisis measures.
Two more deaths linked to a virus-hit care home near Seattle were reported Sunday, bringing the nationwide toll to at least 21.
Columbia University, NY Schools Suspend Classes as Coronavirus Cases Cross 100 in State
Schools and colleges in the New York state have announced that they are suspending classes, as the number of coronavirus cases jumped to more than 100 and a state of emergency has been declared over the novel Coronavirus outbreak, PTI reported.
The number of coronavirus cases in the New York state jumped on Sunday to 106, forcing the closure of classes at the Columbia University and other schools across the state.
As the Coronavirus cases continue to multiply across the US, institutions were forced to take unprecedented steps to contain the spread of the virus that has infected more than 100,000 people across the world and claimed over 3,000 lives.
Another Coronavirus Patient Identified in Pakistan; Total Cases Rise to 7
A 50-year-old man has been tested positive for coronavirus in Pakistan, taking the total number of the COVID-19 infections in the country to seven, PTI reported.
The new case was found in Karachi on Sunday.
“This is the seventh case in Pakistan though one has already recovered and discharged, while another one is ready to be discharged,” Zafar Mirza, the special assistant to the prime minister on National Health Services, said on his official Twitter handle on Sunday.
Number of Cases in India Rises to 42: Union Health Ministry
Total number of confirmed cases of coronavirus rose to 42 on Monday, 9 March, ANI reported quoting Union Health Ministry Special Secretary (Health) Sanjeeva Kumar.
Passenger Who Arrived From Dubai in Mangaluru Put Under Observation
A person who arrived at the international airport in Mangaluru from Dubai was admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital after he was found to have high fever and some symptoms of coronavirus infection, PTI reported.
District health officer Sikandar Pasha said the patient will be kept under observation for the next 24 hours.
The passenger, who arrived on Sunday, will be discharged if routine tests for COVID-19 were found to be negative.
Disney Partially Reopens Shanghai Resort After Virus Shutdown
Shanghai Disney Resort partially reopened on Monday more than a month after shutting down due to the coronavirus outbreak in late January, AFP reported.
While the Disneyland amusement park itself remains closed, the shopping and entertainment Disneytown zone, plus a park and hotel in the same complex, will resume partial operation as the "first step of a phased reopening", the resort said in a statement.
Number of Cases in India Rises to 43
In India, 43 cases for coronavirus have been confirmed as on Monday, 9 March, out of which 40 are active cases of COVID-19 in the country, ANI reported quoting Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
EAM Jaishankar Meets Family of Students Stranded in Iran
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Kashmir on Monday, 9 March, and met the relatives of those people, including students, who are stranded in Iran amid the coronavirus outbreak, PTI reported quoting officials.
Jaishankar met the relatives of those stranded, which include students and pilgrims from the Union Territory, at Kashmir International Convention Complex situated on the banks of Dal Lake, the officials said.
Jaishankar briefed the families on the steps being taken by the Centre to bring back those stranded and assured the families that the people would be airlifted as soon as possible.
Airport Passenger Traffic in Asia-Pacific Region to Take 24% Hit in First Quarter of 2020
The Airports Council International (ACI) on Monday, 9 March, said the passenger traffic volume in the Asia-Pacific region is expected to take a 24 percent plunge for the first quarter of 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“ACI Asia-Pacific warns the prolonged duration of the COVID-19 outbreak will significantly set back the region’s airports from previously forecasted growth prospects,” it said, urging regulators and governments to implement well-defined adjustments and relief measures tailored to suit local level contexts.
Prolonged duration of coronavirus outbreak could result in revenue loss of $ 3 billion for airports in Asia-Pacific region, it added.
Man With Coronavirus-Like Symptoms Admitted to Nashik Hospital
A 68-year-old man with symptoms of coronavirus infection has been admitted to Nashik district civil hospital in Maharashtra, doctors said on Monday, according to PTI.
The person, who hails from Vashi in neighbouring Navi Mumbai township, went to New Zealand on 29 December last year and returned to Mumbai on 29 February.
He was initially taken to a private hospital and later admitted to the civil hospital around on Sunday after he complained of breathlessness.
Germany Reports Over 1000 Cases of Coronavirus
Germany reports over 1000 cases of coronavirus, according to news agency AFP.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Takes Stock of Coronavirus Outbreak
Taking stock of the coronavirus outbreak, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday, said, "We have discussed with the Delhi Government about isolation wards, quarantine facilities, availability of doctors, contact tracing and other precautions, if the cases increase."
Coronavirus Set to Cause First Annual Decline in Oil Use Since 2009: IEA
The world is set for its first annual decline in oil consumption in more than a decade due to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, the International Energy Agency or IEA said on Monday, according to AFP.
In its latest report, which did not take into account an oil price war that has broken out after Saudi Arabia and Russia failed to agree to continue production cuts, the International Energy Agency chopped its forecast for oil demand by 1.1 million barrels per day (mbd) in its base case scenario.
Centre, Delhi Govt Working in Close Coordination to Deal With COVID-19: CM Kejriwal
The Centre, and the Delhi Government are working in close coordination to deal with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said after a review meeting with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan.
COVID-19: Moody’s Cuts India Growth Forecast to 5.3%
Credit rating agency Moody's Investors Service on Monday, 9 March, cut its growth forecast for India to 5.3 percent for 2020 from 5.4 percent estimated earlier, as it expects the coronavirus outbreak to dampen domestic demand globally, PTI reported.
In its update on Global Macro Outlook for March, Moody's said the virus outbreak has spread rapidly outside China to a number of major economies. "It now seems certain that even if the virus is steadily contained, the outbreak will dampen global economic activity well into Q2 of this year," it said.
Moody's baseline forecasts assume that the number of cases would keep increasing globally and there would be travel restrictions through the April-June period.
Apart from supply chain disruptions, it also expects consumption and investment to be affected and prices of oil and other commodities to remain around current lows until the end of June.
Iran Reports 43 New Deaths, Toll Climbs to 237
Iran on Monday, 9 March, announced 43 new deaths due to the coronavirus outbreak, taking the death toll in the middle-eastern country to 237.
"In the past 24 hours, 595 new cases infected with coronavirus were identified in the country and the overall number of those infected rose to 7,167," Alireza Vahabzadeh, an adviser to the health minister, said in a tweet.
Hong Kong: 6 Returning From India Tour Test Positive
Six of 20 Hong Kong residents who returned from a group tour to India have contracted the novel coronavirus, SCMP reported on Monday, 9 March.
Total Number of Coronavirus Cases Worldwide Crosses 1,10,000: AFP
The total number of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases worldwide has crossed 1,10,000, according to the news agency AFP.
IAF Aircraft to Leave for Coronavirus-Hit Iran Tonight to Bring Back Indians
An Indian Air Force transport aircraft will be sent to Iran on Monday, 9 March, night to bring back Indians stranded in the coronavirus-hit nation, official sources told PTI.
The C-17 Globemaster military aircraft is expected to depart from the Hindon airbase around 8 pm, they said.
About 2,000 Indians are living in Iran, a country that has witnessed increasing numbers of coronavirus cases in the last few days. Three days ago, a Mahan airline plane had brought swab samples of 300 Indians from Iran to India.
Surveillance Measures Stepped Up, Not a Single COVID-19 Case in Karnataka: Minister
The Karnataka government on Monday, 9 March, said it has strengthened surveillance and containment measures against the possible spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state and there was no dearth of funds for it, PTI reported.
Medical education minister K Sudhakar said not even a single case of coronavirus infection has been reported in the state and soon more testing labs will be set up zone-wise.
Coronavirus: Bengaluru Resident Tests Positive in Karnataka’s 1st Case
A Bengaluru resident has tested positive for Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Karnataka’s first case, State Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said. The man, who is in his 40s, returned from Austin, Texas, The News Minute reports.
This takes the total number of cases in India to 44, of which 41 are active cases of COVID-19, ANI reported.
All DTC, Cluster Buses and Delhi Metro Trains to Be Disinfected Daily
The Delhi government on Monday launched a drive to disinfect all DTC and cluster buses, and Metro trains on a regular basis in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, PTI reported.
According to the government, it has also started displaying the advisories in ISBTs, bus depots, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses to inform the commuters about the symptoms, mode of transmission of coronavirus and Do's and Don'ts for the disease.
A 24x7 control room has also been set up at DGHS headquarters to deal with every query. Delhi has so far reported four cases of coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Delhi HC Asks Lawyers, Litigants to Avoid Overcrowding Court Premises
With India fighting hard to prevent spread of Coronavirus, the Delhi High Court has asked lawyers and litigants to avoid "unnecessary overcrowding" of the court premises, PTI reported.
A circular issued recently by high court registrar (general administration) Ramesh Chand said as per an advisory by the Delhi government, people should avoid going to crowded places and requested the advocates and general public to adhere to the guidelines.
"As per the recent advisory issued by the Delhi government, Coronavirus is a contagious virus which causes respiratory infection and can be transferred from human to human through air by coughing, sneezing, personal contact such as touching or shaking hand, touching an object or surface with the virus on it and then touching mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands," the circular said.
Coronavirus: Mizoram to Seal International Borders, Ban Entry of Foreigners
Mizoram's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh will be sealed and the entry of foreigners banned to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in the state, a top official said on Monday, PTI reported.
Mizoram shares a 510-km border with Myanmar and a 318-km border with Bangladesh.
State chief secretary Lalnunmawia Chuaungo said in a meeting convened by Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Monday, it was decided that the borders with the two countries will be sealed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, entry from Myanmar will be allowed at Zokhawthar for senior officials and in case of any emergencies where a medical team will be deployed round the clock to screen the people coming in.
IAF Plane Leaves for Iran to Bring Back Indians
An Indian Air Force transport aircraft has departed for Iran on Monday, 9 March, night to bring back Indians stranded in the coronavirus-hit nation.
Germany Reports First Two Coronavirus Deaths: Officials
Two people have died of the novel coronavirus in the western German city of Essen and virus hotspot Heinsberg, officials told AFP on Monday, the country's first casualties of the outbreak.
Dublin to Cancel St Patrick's Day Parade Over Coronavirus
The Irish government will cancel this year's St Patrick's Day Parade because of the coronavirus outbreak, state broadcaster RTE and other media said on Monday.
The annual parade celebrating the country's patron saint regularly attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the Irish capital and was to have been held on March 17.
Last year an estimated 500,000 people attended the event.
But the government moved to cancel the festivities because of fears over the spread of COVID-19. Ireland currently has 21 confirmed cases.
PM Modi's Visit to Bangladesh Deferred as Bangabandhu Birth Centenary Events Put Off
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Bangladesh next week to attend the birth centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been put off after the commemorative programmes were deferred due to detection of coronavirus cases in that country, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Monday, PRI reported.
The MEA said it has received formal notification from Bangladesh that a decision has been taken by them to defer the public events being organised to celebrate the birth centenary of the Father of Bangladesh.
The deferment is on account of the detection of cases of coronavirus in Bangladesh, and the larger global public health situation in this regard.
All 27 EU States Report COVID-19 Cases After Cyprus Confirms Two Positive
Cyprus on Monday reported two confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, meaning that all 27 European Union member states are now affected, reported AFP.
Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou was to hold a 16:00 GMT press conference "on the two confirmed cases of coronavirus" on the Mediterranean island, the press office of the government of the Republic of Cyprus said in a statement.
Threat of Coronavirus Pandemic 'Very Real': WHO
Threat of coronavirus pandemic is now "very real," the World Health Organization said on Monday. But it would be the first pandemic in history that could be controlled, WHO added.
White House Not Restricting Activities Due to Virus: Spokeswoman
US President Donald Trump's spokeswoman on Monday denied reports that White House staff are being forced to restrict activities as a precaution against the coronavirus, AFP reported.
Stephanie Grisham said it was "business as usual" in the White House, despite fears that the COVID-19 epidemic around the world could threaten Trump and other senior officials.
"Reports that the White House has issued formal guidelines to staff instructing them to limit in-person interactions and meetings are completely false," Grisham said in a statement.
"I want to remind the media once again to be responsible with all reporting," she said.
Coronavirus Crisis Could Cost World up to USD 2 Trillion: UN
UN economists warned on Monday that the raging outbreak of the deadly new coronavirus could cost the global economy between USD 1.0 and USD 2.0 trillion this year and called on governments to ramp up spending to mitigate its impact, AFP reported.
A report from the UN Conference on Trade, Investment and Development (UNCTAD) concluded that the COVID-19 epidemic will push some countries into recession and will significantly slow growth in the world economy as a whole.
In fact, the outbreak, which has already infected more than 110,000 and killed more than 3,800 people worldwide, is expected to push global economic growth well below 2.5 percent, "often taken as the recessionary threshold for the world economy," UNCTAD said.
41 in J-K's Budgam Who Returned From China, Iran to Be Quarantined
Over 40 residents of Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district who have returned from coronavirus-hit Iran and China will be kept in nine isolation wards, an official said on Monday, PTI reported.
District Development Commissioner (DDC), Budgam, Tariq Hussain Ganai, said 41 residents of Budgam, in central Kashmir, who arrived from Iran and China will be quarantined at 76-bed facilities established at nine isolation wards in the district.
The DDC said this while chairing a meeting to review preparedness for coronavirus threat. Ganai said while 31 residents have returned from Iran, 10 have come from China.
Coronavirus: New York Launches Its Own Hand Sanitizer
New York, under a state of emergency following a coronavirus outbreak, on Monday launched its own brand of hand sanitizer, made by jail inmates.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said 100,000 gallons of "NYS Clean" would be produced a week by prisoners, who already manufacture soap, to meet shortages.
"This is a superior product," said Cuomo, as the gel was unveiled from behind a curtain at a press conference.
"It has a very nice floral bouquet," he added, after rubbing some on his hands.
The product, which has an alcohol content of 75 per cent, will be provided for free to government agencies, schools, the public transportation system and prisons, Cuomo said.
Another Coronavirus Patient Identified in Pakistan; Total Cases Rise to 8
A 55-year-old man tested positive for the deadly coronavirus in Pakistan on Monday, taking the total number of the COVID-19 infections in the country to eight.
The new case was reported in Karachi, capital of Sindh province, where so far five cases have been detected, reported PTI.
Iran's Khamenei Cancels Persian New Year Speech Amid Coronavirus: Office
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has cancelled an annual speech marking the start of the Persian new year, his office announced on Monday, as the country's death toll from novel coronavirus mounts.
"The ceremony of the speech of the supreme leader which takes place every year at the sacred mausoleum of Imam Reza... will not take place this year" and Khamenei will not travel to the city of Mashhad, the statement said, reported AFP.
Govt Taking Multi-Pronged Measures to Keep Coronavirus at Bay in Puducherry
With foreigners accounting for 70 percent of tourists to Puducherry, a former French colony, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said his government has intensified their screening at all entry points of the UT amid a global outbreak of coronavirus affliction.
The chief minister said his government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy to ensure that Puducherry yields no space to coronavirus, spreading across the country as well now, reported PTI.
Effigy Based on Coronavirus Burned in Mumbai on Holi Eve
An effigy based on the theme of Coronavirus that was put up inMumbai’s Worli was burned as a part of Holika Dahan, a ritual that takes on the eve of Holi, reported ANI.
Canada Reports First Death Due to Coronavirus
Canada reported its first death from coronavirus on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as a resident of the Lynn Valley Care Center in British Columbia, reported ANI.
First Passengers Leave Virus-Hit Cruise Ship at California Port
The first passengers were taken ashore from a coronavirus-hit cruise ship after it docked on Monday at California's port of Oakland, in what officials called an "unprecedented and difficult" operation involving thousands on board.
The Grand Princess arrived shortly after noon (1900 GMT) in the San Francisco Bay after days stranded at sea with more than 3,500 passengers and crew, reported AFP.
Two US Lawmakers Exposed to Virus Before Meeting Trump
Two US lawmakers with recent close contacts with President Donald Trump have announced that they had decided to self-quarantine after being exposed to the new coronavirus at a late-February conservative conference.
Republican Representative Doug Collins, who met and shook hands with Trump last Friday at the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control, said on Monday he was just informed he had been in contact with a person who tested positive for the new coronavirus at a conservative summit last month, reported AFP
Israel PM Announces Two-Week Quarantine for All Arrivals
Israel will impose a two-week quarantine on all travellers entering the country, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said today, toughening already significant travel restrictions.
"After a day of difficult discussions, we have taken a decision: all those coming to Israel from abroad will be placed in isolation for 14 days," Netanyahu said in a video broadcast on his Twitter account.
US Vice President Says Doesn't Know If Trump Tested for Coronavirus
US Vice President Mike Pence has said he was unaware if Donald Trump had been tested for the novel coronavirus after it emerged that several lawmakers were exposed to the virus before meeting the president, reported AFP.
Global Coronavirus Toll Tops 4,000
The global death toll from the new coronavirus passed 4,000 on Tuesday, 10 March according to AFP figures, as China reported 17 new deaths.
The toll reached 4,011 in the outbreak that has spread to over 100 countries with more than 110,000 cases of infection.
First Batch of 58 Indian Pilgrims Being Brought Back From Iran: Jaishankar
Amid coronavirus fears the first batch of 58 Indian pilgrims is being brought back from Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted.
“First batch of 58 Indian pilgrims being brought back from Iran. IAF C-17 taken off from Tehran and expected to land soon in Hindon,” he said.
Xi Jinping Pays First Visit to Wuhan Since Virus Outbreak
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited coronavirus-hit Wuhan for the first time since virus outbreak, reported news ganecy PTI.
Aircraft Carrying Pilgrims From Iran Lands at Hindon Airbase
Fifty-eight Indians were brought back home from coronavirus-hit Iran in a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Tuesday.
The aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster, was sent to Tehran from Hindon airbase near Ghaziabad on Monday evening.
IAF spokesperson Group Captain Anupam Banerjee said the aircraft evacuated 25 men, 31 women and two children. It brought swab samples of 529 Indians to carry out laboratory tests and check whether they carry coronavirus infection.
First Coronavirus Death Recorded in Canada
Canada has recorded its first death from the new coronavirus, health officials in the westernmost province of British Columbia have announced, reported PTI.
The victim, a man living at an elderly care facility, "was infected with COVID-19 (and) passed away last night," the province's health officer Bonnie Henry told reporters.
Officials have not released the victim's age.
Henry said he had been a resident of the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver. Two other residents and two caregivers had also tested positive for the disease.
The facility is designed to house around 200 elderly people.
Religious Places Step up Precautions Amid Coronavirus Scare
From avoiding handshakes to modifying traditional religious practices, churches in Goa are taking various measures in view of coronavirus scare while priests at various temples have started wearing masks, reports PTI.
Apart from restricting flow of Holy Water at stoups, many churches have stopped offering communion to followers in their mouth as has been the custom.
Communion is the service of Christian worship at which bread and wine are consecrated and shared.
Parish priests have emptied out holy water stoups installed at the entrance of churches to avoid them being acting as breeding grounds for any kind of virus.
While holding masses, priests are informing people about various precautions to be taken to keep novel coronavirus at bay. The sermons now also include preaching on food intakes to boost immunity.
Man Flees Isolation Ward in Kerala, Brought Back
A man under observation for suspected coronavirus infection at the isolation ward of the district hospital here fled, but was tracked and brought back within hours, reports PTI.
The man was among those who had interacted with the three-member family who returned from Italy and have tested positive for the virus.
Pathnamthitta district collector P B Nooh said one person, who was under observation at the general hospital here had escaped but was later tracked and brought back.
"If even a single person under observation goes out, it is a threat. This is a public hazard".
Karnataka Confirms Three More Positive Cases of Coronavirus
As many as three new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infected people to four, Health Minister B Sriramulu said on Tuesday.
"So far four people have been confirmed for COVID-19. The patients as well as their family members have been quarantined," he said in a tweet on Tuesday
“Of the 4 persons so far in Karnataka COVID-19 The infection has been confirmed, keeping them and their family members isolated and monitoring their health. I urge citizens to take precautions and cooperate in preventing the spread of infection”
Coronavirus Cases Rise to 16 in Pakistan
Pakistan witnessed a sudden increase in coronavirus cases as the number of patients rose to 16, reported PTI, quoting officials said on Tuesday.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza confirmed that nine new cases were identified in Karachi, capital of Sindh province.
"I can confirm 9 new cases of COVID19 in Karachi… This makes a total of 16 cases in Pakistan," he tweeted.
He said that "all these cases are contacts of an already confirmed case" and authorities were testing more people who were in contact with the infected people.
Kerala Reports Six More Cases of Coronavirus
Six more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Kerala, and the total number of infected people now stood at 12, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday.
“The affected include three who had come from Italy and eight who came in contact with them,” Vijayan told reporters after a special cabinet meeting.
“A three-year-old child, who returned along with his parents from the European nation, had tested positive in Kochi on Monday. The samples of his parents have also been sent for testing and the results are awaited,” he added.
Totally, 1,116 people are under surveillance in the state and 149 in various hospitals, he said.
8 Samples Tested Negative; No New Cases of Coronavirus: TN Health Minister
Samples of eight people for suspected coronavirus have tested negative, Tamil Nadu Health Minister C Vijayabhaskar said on Tuesday, reported PTI.
The samples belong to those who travelled with the affected man, currently undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital and his family members.
The wife of state's first coronavirus patient has already tested negative, while the affected patient, a 45 year old man was "out of danger". PTI VIJ
As 2 Test Positive for Coronavirus, Kin Admitted in Pune Hospital
A day after two patients tested positive for novel coronavirus in Pune, district authorities on Tuesday said their family members have been admitted in Naidu Hospital and their samples sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology, reported PTI.
Divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar said the two COVID-19 patients were part of a group of 40 people which landed at Mumbai airport on 1 March from Dubai and had taken an Ola cab to Pune.
"The Ola cab driver has been admitted in Naidu hospital. His samples have been sent to NIV for testing. The list of 40 people who were with the the two patients has been received and respective district authorities have been told to carry out their medical examination," he said.
Anti-HIV Drugs Given to Coronavirus-Affected Elderly Italian Couple in Jaipur
Amid rising coronavirus cases in India, for the first time a combination of two drugs, which is widely used for controlling HIV infection, was administered on an elderly Italian couple undergoing treatment at a Jaipur hospital for COVID-19, reported PTI.
SMS Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr D S Meena said the Italian man and his wife had developed severe respiratory problems following which a decision was taken to put them on the combination of lopinavir and ritonavir.
According to officials, consent of the patients was taken before the drugs were administered.
French Culture Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus
The French culture minister, Franck Riester, has tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday, reports The Guardian.
The minister has stated that he is self-quarantining. Five MPs from the Assemblée National, the lower house of the bicameral French Parliament, and two other parliamentary members of staff are also among politicians who have been infected.
K'taka Govt Planning Additional Health Insurance Cover to Docs, Paramedics Treating COVID-19 Patients
The Karnataka government is mulling providing additional health insurance coverage to doctors and paramedics treating the COVID-19 cases and working in the laboratories besides existing schemes, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Tuesday.
“We are also thinking of providing, in addition to whatever schemes we have, extra health insurance to health officials who are working in labs and also in the hospitals who are treating COVID-19 cases,” he said.
The minister said the matter was under discussion and they would come out with an announcement.
Kerala Closing All Cinema Theatres Over Coronavirus Fears
Due to the coronavirus epidemic in Kerala, cinema theatres will remain closed from 11 March till 31 March in the state. The decision was taken at a meeting of various Malayalam cinema organizations in Kochi.
Pope Tells Priests to Go out and Meet the Virus Sick
Pope Francis urged Catholic priests on Tuesday to "have the courage" to go out and help those sickened by the novel coronavirus, hours after Italy was placed on a nationwide lockdown, reported AFP.
"Let us pray to the Lord also for our priests, that they may have the courage to go out and visit the sick... and to accompany the medical staff and volunteers in the work they do," the pontiff said during a mass in Vatican City.
Lebanon Records First Novel Coronavirus Death: Health Ministry
A Lebanese man died on Tuesday from the novel coronavirus, a health ministry source said, marking the country's first recorded death from an epidemic that has infected 41 people nationwide, reported AFP.
The 56-year-old was receiving treatment in a state-run Beirut hospital, the ministry source told AFP, adding that he had recently returned from Egypt, where the virus has also spread.
Iran Reports 54 New Deaths, Highest One-Day Death Toll
Iran on Tuesday, 10 March, announced 54 new deaths due to the coronavirus outbreak, taking the death toll in the middle-eastern country to 291, reports AFP.
Manipur Shuts Border With Myanmar Over Coronavirus Threat
Manipur has shut its border with Myanmar indefinitely amid the novel coronavirus scare, reported PTI, quoting officials on Tuesday.
Neighbouring Mizoram had on Monday also sealed its borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and banned the entry of foreigners to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
An official order, issued by Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash on Monday, said the Indo-Myanmar border in the Manipur sector would remain shut until further orders.
"In view of possible threat of transmission of Coronavirus/COVID-19, Government of Manipur hereby prohibits movement of people across the international border and accordingly orders closure of Gate No 1, No 2, Moreh and other crossing points along Manipur sector of Indo-Myanmar border until further orders," it said.
Nepal Airlines Suspends Flights To and From Doha
The Nepal Airlines Corporation on Tuesday, announced that it has suspended its regular flights to and from Doha in Qatar, reported ANI.
Three More Tests Positive in Pune
Three more people have been tested positive for Coronavirus in Pune. The total cases of coronavirus has now risen to five, reports PTI, quoting state government officials.
England Reports Six Death Due to Coronavirus
England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Chriss Whitty, on Tuesday, confirmed the six death of a patient due to the coronavirus outbreak. According to the CMO, the patient had underlying conditions.
Four Held for Posting Fake News on Coronavirus
Four people have been arrested in the state in connection with fake social media campaigns on coronavirus, reported PTI, quoting the police on Tuesday.
Two people were arrested in Thrissur district and others in Alappuzha and Wayanad districts, a police press release said.
Kerala Reports 2 More Cases
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Tuesday, said blood reports of the parents of the 3-year-old child, who tested positive on 9 March, have also come out a positive.
The latest two cases raise total state cases to 14.
India Suspends Visas Granted to Nationals of France, Germany and Spain
According to a government notification all regular Visas (including e-Visas) granted to nationals of France, Germany and Spain on or before 11 March 2020 where these foreigners have not yet entered India, stand suspended, ANI reported.
Visas granted to all foreign nationals who have travel history to these countries on or after 1 February and who have not yet entered India also stand suspended.
Visas of all foreigners already in India remain valid.
Coronavirus Death Toll in the US Climbs to 25
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 25 people diagnosed with coronavirus in the United States have died, up from 19, Reuters reported.
India Temporarily Closes Door on Nationals of France, Germany & Spain
Amid the rising cases of coronavirus affliction globally, India on Tuesday barred entry of the nationals of three more countries — France, Germany and Spain — suspending the regular as well as e-Visas granted to them till date, reported PTI.
'Indians Stranded at Italy Airports Without Certificate' Kerala CM Writes to PM Modi
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, “we are receiving information that many Indians are stranded in airports in Italy as they are not able to board flights to India without the certificates of having tested negative for COVID 19.”
Italy Prison Riots Over Virus Leave 11 Dead
Italy reported four more deaths on Tuesday from prison riots linked to the new coronavirus that have now officially claimed 11 lives over three days.
The justice ministry has blamed all the deaths on drug overdoses that occurred after prisoners broke into medical storage rooms, reported AFP.
UK Health Min Tests Positive, Self-Isolating at Home
UK Health minister and Conservative MP Nadine Dorries said she has tested positive for coronavirus, reported BBC.
She said in a statement that as soon as she was informed she took all the advised precautions and had been self-isolating at home.
Turkey Announces First Coronavirus Case
Turkey announced today its first coronavirus case, a man who had recently travelled to Europe and is in good health.
"The test of a patient suspected of carrying the coronavirus returned positive," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in a television broadcast, reports AFP.
Coachella Postponed Amid Coronavirus Scare
Coachella music festival postponed until October over coronavirus fears, reported AFP.
UK Health Min Tests Positive, Self-Isolates at Home
British Health minister and Conservative MP Nadine Dorries on Wednesday, 11 March, said she has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently self-isolating herself at home, reported BBC.
Panama Records Central America's First Coronavirus Death
Panama's health minister on Tuesday confirmed eight cases of the new coronavirus in the country, including one death, the first virus-linked death in Central Americam reports AFP.
"Of the eight patients we are reporting, one person is in intensive care, another unfortunately died," Minister Rosario Turner said during a press conference in Panama City.
According to the ministry, a 64-year-old man who was already suffering from diabetes complications associated with bacterial pneumonia died of the COVID-19 virus on Sunday.
The other seven people who tested positive ranged in age from 29 to 59 and had each recently traveled abroad.