COVID-19: Total Cases Rises to 84 in India, Padma Awards Postponed
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Ministry of Home Affairs has decided to treat COVID-19 as a “notified disaster”, reported ANI, after total number of positive coronavirus cases in India rose to 84 on Saturday, 14 March. The Ministry has announced Rs 4 lakh compensation for the families of those killed due to the virus.
Earlier on Saturday, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) cancelled its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) that was scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, its general secretary Bhaiyaaji Joshi said.
Meanwhile, global software major Infosys vacated one of the buildings in the Bengaluru’s southern suburb after a team member had been in contact with an individual suspected of having COVID-19.
A 68-year-old woman who had tested positive for coronavirus infection died in Delhi on Friday, PTI reported, quoting Health Ministry and Delhi government officials. This is India’s second coronavirus-related death.
- Indian officials said 4000 people who had come in contact with the 84 positive cases are under surveillance
- US President Donald Trump has declared national emergency to combat the coronavirus outbreak
- According to AFP, the global death toll has crossed 5,000
- Delhi, West Bengal, Punjab, Bihar, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh are among the states to have shut down schools and educational institutes till 31 March
- The WHO said that Europe is now the ‘epicentre’ of COVID-19 pandemic
- The Supreme Court on Friday said it will only hear urgent matters in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak
Padma Award Ceremony Postponed
Padma Award ceremony, scheduled to be held on 3 April at Rashtrapati Bhavan, has been postponed, the Indian government said on Saturday, 14 March. Next date and time to be announced in due course.
Rwanda's 1st Coronavirus Patient Is Indian
An Indian national in Rwanda has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus, becoming the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in the east African country, health officials said on Saturday, 14 March.
The country's health ministry, in a statement, said that the Indian citizen arrived in Kigali from Mumbai on 8 March.
"The patient had no symptoms upon arrival in Rwanda and reported himself to a health facility on 13 March, where he was immediately tested," the ministry said on Twitter.
He is currently under treatment in stable condition, isolated from other patients, the statement said, adding that the tracing of all contacts has been conducted for further management.
This is the second case in east Africa, after Kenya recorded the first case of COVID-19 on Friday.
BCCI Suspends All Remaining Domestic Games
BCCI suspends all remaining domestic games including Irani Cup in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.
Number of Cases Rise to 84 in India
The number of coronavirus positive cases in the country has risen to 84, the Health Ministry said on Saturday, 14 March.
"The number of coronavirus positive cases in India has risen to 84. Seven persons, who tested positive, including five from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Rajasthan and Delhi have been discharged after treatment," a senior health ministry official said.
The officials maintained that more than 4000 people who had come in contact with the 84 positive cases are under surveillance.
"A Mahan Air flight bringing back Indian passengers from Iran will land in Mumbai on Saturday midnight. A special Air India flight is being sent to Milan in Italy on Saturday to bring back Indian students," the official added.
Govt to Treat COVID-19 as a Notified Disaster: MHA
The government has decided to treat COVID-19 as a notified disaster for the purpose of providing assistance under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), reported ANI.
Rs 4 lakh will be paid as ex-gratia to the family of those killed due to coronavirus, including those involved in relief operations or associated in response activities.
All Schools, Colleges to Remain Shut Till 31 March in West Bengal
West Bengal government announced that all schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutes will remain closed from 16-31 March. Board exams will be held as per schedule.
Fresh Coronavirus Case Reported in Telangana
Another case of coronavirus was confirmed in Telangana on Saturday, taking the total number of those infected to two, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said in Hyderabad.
The patient with travel history to Italy has been admitted to the state-run Gandhi hospital in the city for quarantine purpose, Rao told the assembly
All Educational Institutions, Cinema Halls in HP to be Closed Till 31 March: CM Thakur
All educational institutions and cinema halls have been closed in Himachal Pradesh till 31 March as a precautionary measure to check community transmission of novel coronavirus, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said in the state Assembly on Saturday.
Nearly 12 Lakh International Passengers Screened for Coronavirus: Civil Aviation Minister
Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Saturday that nearly 12 lakh passengers coming from abroad have been screened for coronavirus so far at various airports across the country.
Five Labs Set Up for Testing of COVID-19 in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that five laboratories have been set up for testing of COVID-19 in the state with the help of the central government, including two in Lucknow and one each in Aligarh, Varanasi and Gorakhpur.
335 Passengers With Travel History to Affected Countries Untraceable: Punjab Govt
The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Punjab government said on Saturday that 335 passengers with history of travel to COVID-19-affected countries are untraceable.
A total of 6,011 passengers have been traced as of Friday, it added.
Infosys Vacates Building in Bengaluru Due to COVID-19 Scare
Global software major Infosys vacated one of the buildings in the Bengaluru’s southern suburb after a team member was suspected for coronavirus, an official was quoted by IANS as saying.
"To ensure preparedness, we are evacuating only the IIPM building as a precautionary measure on receiving information that a team member from the building may have been in proximity to COVID-19 suspect," said IT major's Bengaluru development centre head Gururaj Deshpande in an e-mail to all Infoscions.
The IT behemoth has a sprawling campus in the Electronic City with over a dozen buildings housing its development centres and corporate house since the 1990s.
"Please note that this is only to ensure the safety of our employees and we will sanitise the place for our safety," said Deshpande in the e-mail, accessed by IANS.
RSS Postpones Meeting Scheduled to be Held in Bengaluru
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh on Saturday cancelled its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) that was scheduled to be held in Bengaluru in view of the seriousness of the coronavirus outbreak, its general secretary Bhaiyaaji Joshi said.
Visa Appointments Being Cancelled: US Embassy and Consulates in India
In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the US Embassy and the consulates in India have announced that the US Mission India posts are cancelling immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments from 16 March onwards.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in the US has issued an advisory for Indian students.
NZ Calls off Memorial Making Anniversary of Christchurch Attack
New Zealand has called off memorial marking one-year anniversary of Christchurch attack amid coronavirus concerns, reported Reuters.
IIT-D Suspends Academic Activities, Asks Students to Leave Hostel
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi stated, “As a part of preventive measures against spread of COVID-19, the Institute has suspended all the academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
"Students pursuing B. Tech, Dual Degree, M. Sc., DIIT, M. Tech., M. Des., and MBA degrees, as well as the first-year Ph.D. students, have been asked to leave the hostel by 15 March 2020 midnight and it is expected that they go straight to their home.,” they added, reported ANI.
Trump Says 'Likely' to Be Tested for Coronavirus Soon
US President Donald Trump said that he would "likely" be tested soon for the novel coronavirus, although he stressed he is "displaying no symptoms."
Trump was pressed repeatedly during a White House news conference on whether he should be tested after coming into contact with a Brazilian official now known to have COVID-19, reports AFP.
Romanian PM Nominee in Virus Isolation
Romania's interim prime minister was on Friday asked to form a new government from coronavirus self-isolation.
President Klaus Iohannis chose Ludovic Orban, head of the National Liberal Party (PNL), to form a new government after Finance Minister Florin Citu declined the nomination at the last minute on Thursday.
Orban, 56, put himself in self-isolation after a PNL senator tested positive with the new coronavirus which has so far infected 80 people in Romania, reported AFP.
US President Trump Declares National Emergency over Coronavirus
US President Donald Trump declares national emergency to help handle the growing outbreak of coronavirus.
Schools, Colleges, Movie Halls to Be Closed in Rajasthan Till 30 March
Schools, colleges, cinema halls, coaching centres, gymnasiums etc. will be closed in Rajasthan till 30 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said today.
However, the ongoing school and college examinations will continue, and the functioning of medical and nursing colleges will also remain unaffected, they added, PTI reported.
Spain to Declare State of Alert Over Virus
Spain's government is to declare a state of alert over the rapid spread of the deadly coronavirus, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said today after infections soared over 4,200 with 120 dead.
"There will be a cabinet meeting tomorrow to declare a state of alert across the country for a period of 15 days," Sanchez said, reported AFP.
Denmark Closes Borders to Foreigners: Official
Denmark will close its borders to foreigners from Saturday midday, (1100 GMT) in a bid to slow the advance of coronavirus, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said today, reported AFP.
BWF Suspends World Tour, Tournaments Until 12 April
Badminton World Federation (BWF) stated, “BWF has taken the necessary step to suspend all HSBC BWF World Tour and other BWF-sanctioned tournaments from 16 March until 12 April, in wake of coronavirus, reports ANI.
This also includes the India Open tournament.
773 People Who Came in Contact With Coronavirus Patient in Delhi Traced: Police
Over 770 people, who came in contact with a 46-year-old man who has tested positive for coronavirus, have been traced, officials said.
“The man is a resident of Delhi's Janakpuri and works in Noida. As many as 773 people from outside Delhi, who came in contact with him, have been traced,” the officials said, reported PTI.
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles Trips Hit by Virus Outbreak
Queen Elizabeth II and heir to the throne Prince Charles both postponed upcoming engagements in Britain and abroad today because of the coronavirus outbreak, the royal household said, reported AFP.
The 93-year-old monarch had been due to visit Cheshire in northwest England, and Camden, in north London, from next week, while her son, 71, was set to tour Bosnia, Cyprus and Jordan.
SC to Hear Only Hear Urgent Matters Since 16 March
Six benches of the Supreme Court will sit on 16 March to hear urgent cases. In view of coronavirus the functioning of the Courts from 16 March shall be restricted to urgent matters, reports ANI.
Confirmed Coronavirus Cases in India Rise to 82
Ministry of Health, Government of India said, “The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 82,” reports ANI.
Two Foreigners Run Away From Kerala Hospital, Refuse to Take COVID-19 Test
Two foreigners, a man and a woman in their twenties, ran away from the Alappuzha Medical College after doctors suggested that they need to be tested for COVID-19, The News Minute reported.
The duo had arrived in Kerala on March 9t via Doha, and visited the hospital as one of them was running a fever.
Alappuzha Collector told TNM that perhaps fearing quarantine and isolation, the duo ran away from the hospital without giving their samples.
Italy Hits One-Day Record With 250 New Deaths
Italy hits one-day record with 250 new coronavirus deaths, AFP reported, quoting an official.
68-Year-Old Delhi Woman Who Tested Positive Passes Away
A 68-year-old woman who tested positive for coronavirus infection has passed away in Delhi, PTI reported on Friday, 13 March, quoting Health Ministry and Delhi government officials. This is India’s second coronavirus-related death.
Europe Now 'Epicentre' of COVID-19 Pandemic: WHO
Europe is now the 'epicentre' of COVID-19 pandemic, said WHO on Friday.
No Confirmed Coronavirus Case in MP so Far, Govt Assures
No confirmed case of the coronavirus has been found in Madhya Pradesh so far, an official said on Friday, of the 25 persons whose swab samples have been tested so far, none tested positive for the infection, Health Department's Additional Director Dr Veena Sinha said. Reports of two samples were awaited, she added.
Haryana Bans Public Rallies, Sporting Events to Contain Coronavirus Spread: Report
A day after Haryana declared coronavirus an epidemic, state Health Minister Anil Vij on Friday ordered a ban on public rallies, big religious gatherings and sporting events that attract crowds to contain the spread of the infection. The decision was taken after reviewing the situation in the state, he said, reported news agency PTI.
The state Health Minister said 100 health camps will be held across the state to generate awareness about COVID-19 and free medicines, including ayurvedic and homeopathic, will be distributed among people.
People Will Be Allowed Through 19 of 37 Land Immigration Checkposts: Home Ministry
The government on Friday announced that people will be allowed to travel through 19 of the 37 land immigration checkposts from midnight on Saturday, 14 March, and services of Indo-Bangladesh cross-border passenger trains and buses will continue to remain suspended till 15 April.
Only four Indo-Nepal border check-posts will remain operational, and for citizens of Bhutan and Nepal visa-free entry to the country will continue, Home Ministry Additional Secretary Anil Malik said, while listing out the measures taken by India to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Brazil President Bolsonaro Says He Tested Negative for Coronavirus
Amid rumours and reports that he has tested positive for coronavirus, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro took to Twitter on Friday evening to state that he had tested negative for the same. In another tweet, the president also lashed out at the media, saying that they had been spreading fake news.
Second Batch of 44 Indian Pilgrims Have Arrived From Iran: MEA Jaishankar
The second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims arrived from Iran on Friday, 13 March, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said. An Iran Air flight carrying Indian pilgrims stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran landed at the airport in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, an official said. They were later taken to a Navy's quarantine facility in Ghatkopar, a suburb in northeast Mumbai, a Navy official said.
Pakistan Says Will Close Border With Iran, Afghanistan Over Coronavirus: Reports
Pakistan's interior ministry said Friday it will close the country's border with Iran and Afghanistan in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The closure of the porous frontier will begin 16 March “for an initial period of two weeks in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, in the best interest of all three brotherly countries", the ministry said, using the scientific name for the highly communicable disease, reported AFP.
BJP Leader Urges Hemant Soren-Led to Shut Schools, Colleges in Jharkhand: Report
BJP leader Babulal Marandi on Friday, 13 March urged the Hemant Soren-led government to shut all educational institutions in the state in light of the coronavirus outbreak in the country. Referring to Bihar, which announced a similar shutdown, Marandi said schools, colleges and other institutions where people gather in large numbers should be closed as a preventive measure. He said the government should take precautions to prevent any outbreak as Jharkhand is a poor state, reported news agency PTI.
Fresh Positive Case Detected in PD Hinduja Hospital in Mumbai
PD Hinduja Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, in an official statement said that inspite of following all precautionary measures as per government guidelines, one of the admitted patients in the hospital has tested positive for COVID-19 on 12 March.
As per guidelines, the patient was shifted to Kasturba Hospital. The hospital is taking all necessary steps to ensure safety of its medical, non-medical staff and patients.
Trump to Hold Presser on Coronavirus
US President Trump announces news conference on coronavirus at 3:00 pm local time (12:30 am - India time).
Associated Press reported that Trump is preparing to invoke emergency powers as the USA struggles to contain the coronavirus outbreak, quoting two people familiar with the planning who spoke on condition of anonymity.
J&K Reports 1 More Positive Case
Jammu & Kashmir NHM Director Bhupinder Kumar on Friday said that a fresh positive case of coronavirus has emerged from Jammu. The patient is a close contact of the first confirmed case in Jammu and Kashmir, he said, according to ANI.
Delhi HC Restricts Functioning From 16 March Over Coronavirus Fears
The Delhi High Court has decided to restrict its functioning to urgent matters from 16 March in view of coronavirus. The court has also decided to restrict entry of interns, and said that personal presence of litigants is not required unless it is indispensable.
TN Education Department Announces Holidays Till 31 March for Pre-Primary Students
The Tamil Nadu Education Department has announced holidays till 31 March for pre-primary students in all districts of the State, as a preventive measure against COVID-19, ANI reported on Friday.
Three, Including Foreigner, Test Positive for Coronavirus in Kerala: CM
Three more people, including an Italian national, tested positive for coronavirus in Kerala on Friday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
With the three fresh cases, the number of affected people in the state has touched 19, he told reporters in Thiruvananthapuram.
"An Italian tourist, who was staying at a resort in nearby Varkala, has tested positive and is kept in isolation there itself," Vijayan said, according to PTI.
Ukraine Reports First Death From Novel Coronavirus
Ukraine on Friday reported its first death from the coronavirus as authorities said the country was closing its borders to foreigners in a bid to keep the pandemic at bay.
"A woman who was diagnosed with the coronavirus yesterday... has died," Ukraine's deputy health minister Viktor Lyashko told reporters. The ex-Soviet country, which has a population of 42 million, has so far reported three confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to AFP.
CZA Directs All Zoos to Screen Visitors for Coronavirus
The Central Zoo Authority on Friday directed all zoos in the country to screen visitors for coronavirus and maintain sanitation measures at entry and exit gates, according to PTI.
In a health advisory for zoos, the CZA has also asked the staff to use masks, especially while dealing with the public, and to wash their hands regularly.
Social distancing must be maintained at ticket windows and entry gates, it said, according to PTI.
Masks, Santitisers Declared Essential Commodities Temporarily
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs and Public distribution said on Friday that in view of coronavirus, masks (2-ply and 3-ply surgical masks, N95 masks) and sanitizers have been declared Essential Commodities temporarily, according to ANI.
IIT Delhi Asks Students to Vacate Hostels by 15 March Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi has directed students to leave hostels by Sunday in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
"In view of the current COVID-19 epidemic, as a preventive measure decided by the competent authority, the students are required to leave the hostels positively by midnight of March 15, 2020,” Dean of Student Affairs Rajesh Khanna said in an official communication, according to PTI.
Punjab Shuts All Schools Till 31 March
Punjab Education Minister Vijay Inder Singla on Friday announced the closing of all schools in the state till 31 March as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
He, however, said exams will continue to be conducted according to schedule.
"Holidays have been declared in all government and private schools in the state till 31 March as a precautionary measure," Singla said in a statement in Chandigarh, according to PTI.
Seven From Ludhiana Who Returned From Coronavirus-Hit Countries Not Traceable
The health authorities on Friday sought the help of district administration and police to locate seven people, who recently returned from coronavirus-affected countries, after their addresses were found to be incorrect, officials said in Ludhiana, according to PTI.
PM's Gujarat Visit Postponed Due Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
PM Modi's two-day visit to Gujarat from 21 March has been put off due to the coronavirus outbreak, it was announced on Friday.
Making the announcement about PM's visit being deferred, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said new dates will be finalised later, according to PTI.
Security Forces in Virus-Hit Iran to Clear Streets Within 24 Hours
Iran's security forces have been ordered to clear the streets nationwide within 24 hours in a bid to stop the novel coronavirus from spreading, the armed forces chief said on Friday, according to AFP.
A newly formed commission will be charged with overseeing the "emptying of shops, streets and roads" as part of a nationwide decision to be implemented within the next 24 hours, Major General Mohammad Bagheri said in televised remarks.
Romanian PM Self-Quarantines After Possible Virus Contact
Romania's Prime Minister Ludovic Orban said on Friday that he would self-quarantine after attending the same meeting as a senator from his party who tested positive for the novel coronavirus, AFP reported.
"I will put myself in isolation (...) while continuing to exercise my duties," Orban told journalists.
All Cinema Halls, Gyms, Swimming Pools in Mumbai to be Closed Till 30 March
The Maharashtra government has ordered closure of cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur cities from Friday midnight.
Making the announcement in the state Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said the government was invoking the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 from midnight.
Wherever possible, companies should allow employees to work from home in view of coronavirus threat, he said.
Thackeray announced that schools in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad areas will remain shut till further orders. However, the SSC exams in those schools will continue as per schedule, he said.
He also informed the House that so far, 17 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state — three each in Mumbai and Nagpur, 10 in Pune and one in Thane.
SC to Hear Urgent Matters Only Amid COVID-19 Outbreak
The Supreme Court will only hear urgent matters in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak.
“...the functioning of the Courts from Monday (16th March) shall be restricted to urgent matters with such number of benches as may be found appropriate,” the notification reads.
“... no persons except lawyers who are going to act in the matter either for argument or for making oral submissions or to assist along with one litigant only, shall be permitted in the court room,” the notification adds.
Approximately 6,500 Coronavirus Tests Done so Far: Officials
Speaking at the briefing, officials said that approximately 6,500 coronavirus tests have been done so far in India.
6 Reported Cases in Delhi
There are six reported cases in Delhi at the moment, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Aggarwal said on Friday.
States Can Take Action if Masks Sold at Exorbitant Prices
“If masks are sold at exorbitant prices then States can take action as per law. If need be we will take drastic action on abnormal increase in price of masks,” the Health Ministry said on Friday.
Maharashtra Govt Invokes Epidemic Diseases Act
The Maharashtra government has invoked the Epidemic Diseases Act in the wake of the coronavirus scare, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced in the Assembly.
Ten Cases of Recovery in India
At the briefing, officials said that in addition to the three positive cases in Kerala who had recovered and been discharged, seven more patients were now testing negative in the second round of testing and would be discharged in some time.
Not a Health Emergency: Health Ministry
Speaking about the invocation of the Epidemic Act by the Centre, Aggarwal said that it is important to understand that it is not a health emergency, adding that are trying to support initiative taken by the state in terms of managing the situation.
Air India to Fly Plane to Milan on Saturday to Bring Back Stranded Indians
Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation said that Air India will be sending a plane to Milan on Saturday afternoon to bring back Indians stranded there. The flight is scheduled to take off on Saturday afternoon and will be landing on Sunday morning at Delhi Airport.
Exercise to be Held on Saturday to Bring Back Indians Stranded in Iran
An exercise will be undertaken on Saturday to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Iran, officials said on Friday at the briefing held by multiple ministries.
Indo-Bangladesh Passenger Buses/Trains to Remain Suspended Till 15 April
Anil Malik of Ministry of Home Affairs said that Indo-Bangladesh passenger buses/trains would remain suspended till 15 April. Malik added that along the Indo-Nepal border, four check posts will remain operational and that for Bhutan and Nepal nationals, visa-free entry would continue.
890 Evacuees Brought From COVID-19 Countries
"Till date, 890 evacuees from COVID-19 affected countries have been discharged after 14 days isolation and having tested negative as per protocol," the Health Ministry said on Friday.
Coronavirus Deaths Cross 5,000 Worldwide: AFP
The death toll from the coronavirus pandemic has risen to 5,043, according to an AFP tally based on official sources at 1630 IST on Friday.
A total of 3,176 people have died in mainland China, followed by 1,016 in Italy, and 514 in Iran — the three countries with the highest number of deaths.
Since COVID-19 was first detected in December, more than 134,300 people have been infected in 121 countries and territories.
MP Announces Suspension of Classes in Govt, Private Schools
The Madhya Pradesh government on Friday announced that classes in government and private schools in the state will remain suspended until further orders over coronavirus fears, ANI reported.
However, examinations of Class 5, Class 8, Class 10 and Class 12 (of all boards) will take place as per schedule, ANI reported.
Several US States Close Schools to Halt Coronavirus
At least six US states have ordered schools to close in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus which has infected more than 1,660 people across the country.
Schools in Ohio, Michigan, Oregon, Maryland, Kentucky and New Mexico were told to shut from Monday for at least two weeks, affecting millions of students and likely to cause problems for many low income families who rely on free or subsidized school meals, AFP reported.
"This is a necessary step to protect our kids, our families, and our overall public health," Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement Thursday night announcing the closure of the state's schools until 6 April.
Air India Cancels Flights to Italy, France, Germany, 4 Other Countries Till 30 April
Air India has decided to cancel flights to Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Israel, South Korea and Sri Lanka till 30 April, an airline official said on Friday, according to PTI.
The move comes a day after the national carrier announced suspension of services to Kuwait till 30 April.
Earlier, the airline curtailed services on most European routes, including Italy and France, according to PTI.
Schools, Colleges, Cinema Halls, Public Parks Shut Till 31 March in Bihar
The Bihar government on Friday, announced that all schools, colleges, and coaching institutes will remain closed till 31 March in view of the coronavirus pandemic, according to ANI.
Students of government schools will get the money for mid-day meal in their bank accounts till their schools are closed, the report further said.
All cinema halls and public parks will also remain closed till 31 March. In addition to this, all government programmes related to Bihar Diwas, which was to be observed on 22 March, have been cancelled.
Delhi L-G Issues Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations
The Delhi Lieutenant-Governor has issued the 'Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020', aimed at containing spread of coronavirus, ANI reported on Friday.
It mentions the following: “Action will be taken against any suspect/confirmed case if they refuse to take measures for prevention/treatment.”
85 Fresh Coronavirus Deaths in Iran
Iran reports 85 new coronavirus deaths, taking the total in the country to 514, AFP reported on Friday.
Three New Positive Cases in Maharashtra
The Divisional Commissioner of Nagpur on Friday said that two people had tested positive for coronavirus in Nagpur, taking the total positive cases to three in the city.
Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner of Pune, Deepak Mhaisekar, said that one more person had been found positive for COVID-19 in Pune on Friday. He added that the person has a travel history to the US.
This takes the total number of positive cases in Pune to 10.
Karnataka Announces Lock-Down of Malls, Cinema Halls, Pubs and Night Clubs
A day after the country's first coronavirus death was reported from Kalaburagi in Karnataka, the state government on Friday swung into action, announcing lock-down of malls, cinema halls, pubs and night clubs for a week.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also issued instructions to stop all kinds of exhibitions, summer camps, conferences, marriage events and birthday parties state-wide for a week.
"We will close all universities for a week in the entire state", he told reporters.
He also added that leaves of all government doctors and health officials have been cancelled, according to ANI.
Yediyurappa said the measures were taken in public interest and sought their cooperation.
Schools, Colleges Not Holding Exams to Be Closed in UP: CM Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, 13 March, announced that all schools, college and universities which are not holding examinations have been asked to close till 22 March to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Man at Manesar Quarantine Facility Tests Positive for COVID-19
At the Indian Army’s Manesar quarantine facility, one male individual who had returned from Italy on 11 March has tested positive for COVID-19. He was employed in a restaurant in Italy and has resided there for 14 years, reported ANI, quoting Indian Army sources.
All Schools, Universities in Haryana to Be Closed Till 31 March
The Director General of Higher Education of Haryana on Friday announced all universities and colleges situated in the state will be closed till 31 March, as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported ANI.
Anil Vij, Home Minster of Haryana on Thursday announced coronavirus as a state epidemic.
BCCI Suspends IPL 2020 Till 15 April
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated in a press releases, that it has decided to postpone the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League and while it was originally set to start from 29 March, it will now be held from 15 April.
DGCA Requests International Airlines to Wave Off Cancellation Charge
Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation( DGCA) on Fridaym asked international airlines to consider waiving ticket cancellation charges, amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI.
PM Modi Proposes SAARC Nations Joint Plan to Curb COVID-19 Outbreak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, proposed that the leadership of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations comes together to strategies a plan to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Indian Embassy in US Sets Up Helpline to Address Queries on Travel Restrictions
The Indian Embassy in the US has set up a 24-hour helpline to address questions on the recent travel restrictions implemented by New Delhi in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
"To respond to queries and provide clarifications with regard to the travel advisory on travel to India issued by the government of India, a 24x7 helpline has been set up by the Indian Embassy in Washington DC," the embassy said in a statement.
Second Batch of Indian Pilgrims From Iran Arrive Today
A second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims have arrived from Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar tweeted. He added that efforts to bring back the rest of the pilgrims will continue.
Priyanka Gandhi Tweets COVID-19 Precaution Methods
Senior Congress Leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Friday, tweeted a video recommending steps to prevent further spread of novel coronavirus.
“Today, our country, including all the countries of the world, is in the grip of epidemic like coronavirus. As a responsible citizen, we can prevent the disease from spreading by taking a few small precautions. Let's together defeat this epidemic,” she said.
South Korea Reports More Recoveries Than COVID-19 Cases for the First Time
The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) recorded 110 new novel coronavirus cases on Friday compared to 114 a day earlier, taking the national tally to 7,979. In contrast, 177 patients were released from hospitals, where they had been isolated for treatment, reported Reuters.
JNU Suspends All Lectures, Examinations Until 31 March
Jawaharlal Nehru University on Friday announced that all lectures, class presentations and examinations at the University are suspended till 31 March, reported ANI.
“Conducting any event, such as seminars, conferences and workshops, in the campus during this period should be postponed,” a University notice read.
Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, vice-chancellor, requested all JNU residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines issued by the Health Ministry.
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tests Positive for COVID-19
Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Friday, issued a statement confirming he has tested positive for COVID-19.
'No IPL Matches in Delhi': Dy CM Sisodia
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday, 13 March, announced all seminars, conferences and sporting events, including Indian Premier League (IPL) matches are prohibited to control the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The order was passed under the Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19, Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.
Odisha Chief Minister Declares COVID-19 'State Disaster'
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a 'state disaster'. He also announced a fund of Rs 200 crore for mitigation of the situation in the state, reported local news media OTV.
All educational institutions, cinema halls and swimming pools in the state will also remain closed till 31 March in the wake of the outbreak.
Delhi Govt Suspends Operations of All Swimming Pools Till 31 March
The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Delhi government on Friday suspended the operations of all public swimming pools in Delhi till 31st March amid spread of the novel coronavirus, reported ANI.
J&K Nodal Officer COVID-19 Control Efforts Suspended
The Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, reported the suspension of Dr Shafkat Khan, a Nodal Officer for Coronavirus Control Efforts, with immediate effect for dereliction of duties, reported ANI.
Private Firm Employee in Noida Tests Positive for COVID-19
Noida Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargav, on Friday, reported that one employee of a private firm in Noida has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The patient is a resident of Delhi and has a travel history to France and China, reported ANI.
UN Chief Urges All Govts to Immediately 'Scale up' COVID-19 Fight
UN Chief Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged world governments to urgently scale up their response to the novel coronavirus if they are to stand a chance of stemming its spread.
"Today's declaration of a pandemic is a call to action – for everyone, everywhere," the secretary general said in a statement.
"We can still change the course of this pandemic – but that means addressing inaction," he said. "I call on every government to step up and scale up their efforts – now."
"The best science tells us, if countries detect, test, treat, isolate, trace and mobilize their people in the response, we can go a long way to mitigating transmission," Guterres added.
CRPF Postpones Raising Day, Passing Out Parade Events Over COVID-19 Fears
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) announced on Friday, that all programs in connection with CRPF Raising Day and Passing Out Parade of the 51st batch of Directly Appointed Gazetted Officers (DAGO) have been postponed.
PGTI Postpones All Tournaments Post 16 March Due to COVID-19 Pandemic
All tournaments of the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) from 16 March have been postponed indefinitely due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.
The deadly disease has killed over 4,000 and infected more than 1,00,000 globally.
"... keeping in mind the safety and good health of all PGTI professionals and the entire PGTI team, I regret to inform that all PGTI tournaments post 16 March 2020 are being postponed till such time the situation allows and the government declares it safe," PGTI CEO, Uttam Singh Mundy said in a statement.
Everest Shut Down After Nepal Suspends Permits Over COVID-19
Nepal on Friday suspended permits to climb Everest due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, closing off the world's biggest mountain a day after China halted access from its side, reported AFP.
Nepal has suspended climbing on all mountains in the country and stopped issuing tourist visas, Yogesh Bhattarai, Minister for Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation told AFP.
"The government has decided to suspend all spring expeditions and scrap permits for the time being. The decision can be reviewed after analysing the global scenario over the coming month," Bhattarai said.
All Wuhan Evacuees at ITBP Camp Test Negative
After completing requisite quarantine period, all 112 Wuhan evacuees tested negative for the novel coronavirus at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Quarantine Facility in Chhawla, Delhi on Friday, reported ANI.
All 112 at the facility including 36 foreign nationals will start leaving the facility from today.
Philippines Diplomat Is First Coronavirus Case at UN HQ
A Philippine diplomat in New York has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the first recorded case at United Nations headquarters in the city, reported AFP, quoting diplomatic sources.
The diplomat, who had last visited the UN on Monday, showed symptoms of flu the following day and saw a doctor.
"She got the call today that she tested positive for COVID-19," said a letter from the Philippines mission on Thursday.
"As of today, the Philippine mission is in lockdown, and all personnel are instructed to self-quarantine," said the letter obtained by AFP.
Australian Pacer Kane Richardson Quarantined After Reporting COVID-19 Symptoms
Australian pacer Kane Richardson has been withdrawn from the Australia’s ODI squad on Friday, after he reported a sore throat on the eve of the first ODI. He was tested for COVlD-19 and the results are said to be pending, reported Cricket.com.au.
"Our medical staff are treating this as a typical throat infection but we are following Australian Government protocols that require us to keep Kane away from other members of the squad and perform the appropriate tests given he has returned from international travel in the last 14 days," a Cricket Australia spokesperson said.
Cricket Australia Suspends Women Team's South Africa Tour
Cricket Australia, the national governing body for the game in Australia, announced on Friday, that the South Africa tour of the women's team has been suspended until further notice.
The three-match One-Day men's international series against New Zealand will proceed as scheduled, however fans will not be admitted into the venue.
Google India Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
Google’s Bangalore office on Friday, confirmed that one of its employees was diagnosed with the novel coronavirus and was present in the company office for a few hours before developing symptoms.
“The employee has been on quarantine since then, and we have asked colleagues who were in close contact with the employee to quarantine themselves and monitor their health,” the company statement read.
Google has asked its employees in the Bangalore office to work from home and take all precautionary measure.
Disneyland in California to Close Over Virus
Disneyland in California will close its doors beginning Saturday due to the novel coronavirus, the resort said, joining a slew of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events scrapped across the US.
Disney will also shut Florida and Paris theme parks and cruise line, reports AFP.
India Part of US-Led Initiative to Share Info on Integrating Science Into Coronavirus Response
India is part of a US-led global initiative to share information on integrating science into coronavirus response, according to a White House statement.
Besides the US and India, the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea are part of the initiative.
The second conference call by the science ministers and chief advisors of these countries was held on Wednesday and it was convened by the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr Kelvin Droegemeier, reported PTI.
Arsenal FC Manager Mikel Arteta Tests Positive
Arsenal Football Club’s manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus, reports AFP.
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