Coronavirus: 34 Cases in India; PM Modi Reviews Situation
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Three more people were tested positive for coronavirus in India on Saturday, 7 March, reported news agency ANI. Of the three cases, two are from Ladakh with travel history from Iran and one in Tamil Nadu with travel history from Oman.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation on the novel coronavirus and action taken by the ministries.
- The Karnataka government has advised city-based companies to allow employees to work from home if they have flu-like symptoms
- The Indian Army is establishing quarantine facilities for 1500 personnel which will be activated at locations
- The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars, according to a UN report
- Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be closed for public from 7 March to avoid large public gatherings in view of coronavirus outbreak
- The 14 Italians, who tested positive for COVID-19, have been shifted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram from an ITBP quarantine centre
15 in Hospital Quarantine in Maharashtra
As many as 245 people were admitted to isolation wards in hospitals in Maharashtra since January for possible exposure to the coronavirus and 229 of them tested negative for the infection, the state health department said.
At present, 15 persons have been kept under observation at hospitals – 12 in Mumbai and three in Pune. The laboratory reports of 16 persons were expected to be received by Saturday night, it said.
So far no confirmed case of coronavirus has come to light in Maharashtra.
Rajasthan CM Gehlot to Not Attend Holi Program
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot will not be holding and participating in Holi programmes.
Primary Schools in 4 Districts of J&K to Remain Closed Till 31 March
Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced that all primary schools in fourdistricts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Srinagar and Budgam will remain closed till 31 March.
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.
Emirates Allows Passengers to Change Travel Dates Without Penalties
Emirates is providing more flexible choice to its passengers to change their travel dates of tickets issued between 7 March to 31 March in the wake of the novel coronavirus scare.
Under the newly introduced waiver policy, the airline has said, “customers can change their booking to any date for travel with an 11 month date range in the same booking class without change penalties.”
Indigo Waives Cancellation, Rescheduling Charges on Bookings Till 31 March
Budget carrier IndiGo has announced waiving of cancellation and rescheduling charges on flight bookings till 31 March due to the situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak.
The cancellation fee has been waived off on existing and new domestic and international bookings made between 12 March and 31 March, IndiGo said in a statement.
Also, there will be no fee charged for date change for flights booked between 12 March to 31 March, it said.
The waiver, however, comes with a rider.
No Positive Case in State Till Now: Karnataka Government
The Karnataka government has said that there is no positive case of coronavirus in the state till now.
Nine people have been admitted to selected isolation hospitals, 400 samples of symptomatic persons have been sent for testing and 326 samples are reported as negative, the state govt said adding that the results of 74 others are awaited.
PM Modi Reviews Coronavirus Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the situation on novel coronavirus and action taken by the ministries on Saturday, 7 March. The meeting was attended by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar among others.
Karnataka Govt to to Suspend Biometric Attendance Temporarily
As a precautionary measure to control the spread of coronavirus in Karnataka, the state government has planned to suspend biometric attendance for the time-being at its offices, also in corporate and IT companies, Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakarsaid on Saturday.
He said the government has taken all precautionary measures to control the spread of the virus in the state.
Iran Reports 21 New Coronavirus Deaths, Raising Total to 145
Iran reported 21 new deaths from the novel coronavirus and 1,076 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the overall tolls to 145 dead and 5,823 infected.
“More than 16,000 people are currently hospitalised as suspect cases,” health ministry spokesman Kianoush Jahanpour said in a televised news conference as he announced the tolls.
He added that 1,669 of confirmed cases have recovered from the illness.
52 Labs Made Functional Across India for Coronavirus Testing
In the wake of 31 confirmed cases of coronavirus in India so far, the Union health ministry has made functional 52 laboratories for testing samples while 57 labs have been designated for helping in sample collection for COVID-19 to enhance capacity for diagnosis and detection of the disease.
Two From Punjab’s Hoshiarpur With Travel History to Italy Test Positive in Preliminary Report
Two of the three persons who came from Italy to Hoshiarpur have tested positive for coronavirus in the preliminary report by AIIMS Delhi, according to a government statement.
The two have been admitted in GMCH Amritsar and their final reports are awaited from NIV, Pune, where the samples had been sent, said a government spokesperson.
Coronavirus Panic is Dumb: Elon Musk
Amid the worldwide coronavirus scare, CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk took to Twitter to call it ‘dumb’.
Barring Italian Couple, All Suspected Coronavirus Cases Show Negative Test Results in Rajasthan
Barring those of an Italian couple, all the samples collected from suspected coronavirus cases in Rajasthan have tested negative, an official said.
"The total number of samples tested so far is 282. Of those, 280 have tested negative and two positive (of the Italian couple)," Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh said on Friday.
He said no sample was pending as of now.
The couple is admitted to the SMS hospital here.
PM Modi on Coronavirus
“I request people to not believe in hearsay and rumours on what to do and what not to do on coronavirus. Whatever doubts you have, please consult your doctor,” PM Modi said, while interacting with beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadi Pariyojana on Saturday.
All Primary Schools in Jammu, Samba Districts Closed Till 31 March
J&K administration on Saturday announced the closure of all primary schools in Jammu, Samba districts till 31 March, an official said, PTI reported.
Two Suspected of Cororavirus in Jammu
The test reports of the two suspected patients from Jammu have been received and there is a high probability of them testing positive as they are ‘high viral load’ cases, reported ANI.
Both have been kept in isolation and are stable. The two had left the hospital against medical advice and had to be brought back, ANI reports.
Indie Music Festival in Chennai Cancelled Over Coronavirus Fears
Madras Medai has been cancelled as of now owing to growing concerns around Coronavirus under the guidance of the Union Health Ministry to avoid large gatherings.
The two-day festival was scheduled to be a celebration of indie music and artists. The festival was being organised by lead member of the Casteless Collective Tenma and The organized by Madras Records and the Neelam Cultural Centre — set up by director Pa. Ranjith.
'We feel it is important to prioritise the health and safety of our attendees, guests, partners and everyone who is making this happen.' -read the statement.
Union Health Minister to Meet PM Today
Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi today over the issue of coronavirus outbreak in India.
Overall Risk to the American Public From Coronavirus Remains Low: Trump
US President Donald Trump has said the overall risk to the American public from coronavirus remains low.
“I think at this point, … the overall risk to the American public does remain low,” Trump told reporters on Friday after he visited Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) headquarters in Atlanta.
According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus tracker at least 299 cases of coronavirus have been detected in the US and 14 people have died due to it.
Referring to the cases and deaths reported in other countries like China, Trump asserted that coronavirus is under control in the US.
“Now, you look at throughout the world, I mean, other countries have--South Korea, Italy, and in particular China, have many. Now, I also hear the numbers are getting much better in those places, and I've heard the numbers are getting much better in China. But I hear the numbers are getting much better in Italy,” he said.
Govt Warns of Stringent Action Against Hoarding of Masks, Hand Sanitisers
The Centre on Friday warned of stringent action against hoarding and black-marketing of face masks and hand sanitisers amid rising demand due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Union Minister for Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals D V Sadananda Gowda said although the government does not have the latest update on supply-demand of these products, the real assessment of availability will be made.
"While the industry players are saying there is no shortage of face masks and hand sanitisers in the country, but our department will assess the availability and accordingly take further action," Gowda told reporters.
Twenty-One on Cruise Ship off US Test Positive for Coronavirus
Twenty-one people on board a cruise ship stranded off the coast of San Francisco have tested positive for the new coronavirus, Vice President Mike Pence said.
"Among those positive for coronavirus were 19 crew members and two passengers," said Pence on Friday, who has been tasked by President Donald Trump to coordinate the US government's response to the outbreak.
Pence said the ship will be brought to a non-commercial dock this weekend and all 3,533 passengers and crew will be tested.
The Grand Princess has been stranded off the coast of San Francisco since Wednesday -- when it was supposed to dock -- after it emerged that two people who had been on the ship during its previous voyage had contracted the virus. One of them later died.
China Reports 28 Virus Deaths, Rise in New Cases Outside Epicentre
China on Saturday reported 28 new deaths from the coronavirus outbreak, bringing the nationwide toll to 3,070.
There were 99 fresh cases of infection, according to the National Health Commission, with a rise in new cases outside the virus epicentre of Hubei province for a third consecutive day.
There were 25 new cases reported outside the central province, which remains under lockdown in a bid to control the spread of the virus.
Death Toll Rises in China
China on Saturday reported 28 new deaths from the coronavirus outbreak, bringing the nationwide toll to 3,070.
Twenty-One on Cruise Ship Off US Test Positive for Coronavirus
Twenty-one people on board a cruise ship stranded off the coast of San Francisco have tested positive for the new coronavirus, Vice President Mike Pence said.
“Among those positive for coronavirus were 19 crew members and two passengers,” said Pence on Friday, who has been tasked by President Donald Trump to coordinate the US government's response to the outbreak.
University of Washington Suspends In-Person Classes Over Virus Concerns
The University of Washington on Friday announced that it was moving all classes online as the western US state faces the country's deadliest outbreak of the new coronavirus.
In an email to students, university president Ana Mari Cauce said the precautionary social distancing decision, taken in consultation with public health officials, aimed to "ensure the successful conclusion of the quarter for UW students."
Italy Reports 49 More Coronavirus Deaths, Toll at 197
Italy on Friday reported 49 more deaths from the new coronavirus, the highest single-day toll to date, bringing the total number of fatalities over the past two weeks to 197.
The total is the second-highest in the world after China. Italy also saw its number of COVID-19 infections grow by 778 to 4,636, the fourth highest after China, South Korea and Iran.
Facebook Shuts London, Singapore Offices After Coronavirus Case
Facebook said Friday it was shutting its London office and part of its Singapore base for "deep cleaning" after an employee in the Asian city state was diagnosed with coronavirus.
A staff member working at the US technology giant's Marina One office in Singapore was on Friday diagnosed with COVID-19, a spokesman told AFP.
Infrared Thermometers at DLF’s Buildings in Gurugram Cyber City
Realty major DLF has installed infrared thermometers to screen visitors coming into its building premises in Cyber City in Gurugram, whilst deferring events that require large public gatherings as a preventive measure against the spread of coronavirus, officials said on Friday.
UK Invests More into Coronavirus Vaccine as Cases Rise to 163
The UK government on Friday announced a new 46-million pound funding for urgent work to find a coronavirus vaccine and develop a rapid test for the disease as the number of cases in the country rose to 163.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited Mologic lab in Bedfordshire, which is using UK aid funding to develop rapid diagnostic test devices for the novel coronavirus to allow medical professionals, and potentially even individuals at home, to identify the disease quickly without relying on specialist facilities.
11 People Who Came in Contact with Coronavirus Patient Home Quarantined in Delhi
Eleven people, including seven family members of a man who tested positive for coronavirus after his visit to Thailand, have been quarantined at their residence, health officials said on Friday.
The 25-year-old man, who also travelled to Malaysia, has tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the national capital to three.
Italian National Kept Under Observation in Assam
An Italian national who arrived here on Friday was put under observation amid the coronavirus scare, reported PTI, quoting officials.
Though the foreigner had no apparent symptom, samples were collected as a pre-emptive measure and sent to Guwahati for test,” said Krishna Kemprai, Joint Director of Health, Sonitpur.
“The Italian national has been kept under observation at the hotel where he checked in,” she added..
Punjab Govt Notifies Coronavirus as 'Epidemic Disease'
The Punjab government notified COVID19 as an "epidemic disease" on Friday, setting out the procedures a person suspected to be infected with the virus is required to follow, including a home quarantine for 14 days, reported PTI.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said no positive case of the new coronavirus has been reported in Punjab so far but the blood samples of nine persons found symptomatic to the disease as on Friday have been sent to AIIMS-Delhi.
Japan Issues Demarche to India on Cancellation of E-Visas to Its Citizens
Japan has lodged a strong protest with India over its decision to cancel all e-visas to Japanese nationals in view of coronavirus cases, reported PTI.
In its demarche, Japan took strong note of India's decision to club Japanese nationals along with people from other countries ignoring strong bilateral ties between the two nations.
Sources in the government said India's decision to cancel e-visas of people from several countries was taken with the sole purpose of containing potential risks of the virus spreading in India.
They said India is unlikely to review its decision soon.
29,607 People Under Observation: Union Health Minister
A total of 29,607 people are under observation of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network for novel coronavirus as on March 5, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan informed the Lok Sabha on Friday, reported PTI.
He also said 654 people were brought from Wuhan in China on February 1 and 2, and kept in quarantine at Army Camp in Haryana's Manesar and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Camp at Chhawla in Delhi for 14 days.
NDMC Setting up Special Wards for Coronavirus Cases at Four Hospitals
In view of the coronavirus outbreak, the North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is preparing to set up separate wards for the deadly disease at four hospitals run by it, reported PTI.
“Preparations are going on for setting up separate wards at the Kasturba, Rajan Babu, Maharishi Valmiki and Smt Giridhar Lal hospitals of the North Delhi civic body,” said a NDMC statement.
Egypt Detects 12 New Coronavirus Cases on Nile Cruise Boat
Egypt detected 12 new cases Friday of the novel coronavirus among workers aboard a Nile cruise boat heading from Aswan to Luxor, a health ministry statement said.
"Twelve new cases tested positive for the coronavirus among Egyptian staff on the cruise boat without showing any symptoms," the joint statement with the World Health Organization said.
Authorities were alerted after it was found that a Taiwanese tourist of "American origin" who travelled on the ship had caused the virus to spread, they said.
WHO had alerted Egyptian officials that tests revealed that the tourist, a woman, was the "main case that infected other cases", the statement added.
DGCA Issues Health Guidelines for Airlines, Airport Staff
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Friday, issued new health employee guidenlines of the acoronavirus outbreak int eh country.
If any employee of airlines, ground staff provider or Airport Authority of India is detected with symptoms of fever, cough, cold, running nose, congested eyes, they shall be removed from duty&undergo detailed examination, reported ANI.
Slovakia Confirms First Coronavirus Case
Slovakia reported its first case of the novel coronavirus on Friday, after a man whose son visited Venice in COVID-19 hotspot Italy, tested positive, rpeorted PTI.
"Today, a 52-year-old patient was confirmed to be infected," Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini told journalist Friday.
He said the man, who has not been named, is currently hospitalised in Bratislava.
"The patient did not travel anywhere recently but his son returned from Venice a couple of weeks ago," Pellegrini added.
Sonia Writes to Cong-Ruled State, Asks CMs to Ensure Effective Response to Coronavirus Outbreak
Congress president Sonia Gandhi wrote to the chief ministers of all party-ruled states on Friday, instructing them to put in place effective response to deal with the spread of novel coronavirus and urging them to lend all possible support to public healthcare responders, reported PTI.
"It is critical for the State Government to put in place effective response and preparedness measures. The capacity of public healthcare facilities must be augmented to respond to any potential outbreak," Gandhi said.
Southwest Delhi DM Orders Govt, Pvt Hospitals to Reserve 10% Beds for COVID-19 Patients
All government and private hospitals in southwest Delhi have been directed to reserve 10 percent beds for coronavirus patients, according to an official order issued by Southwest Delhi District Magistrate Rahul Singhon Friday, reported PTI.
"As you are aware that there is an emergency situation of COVID-19 in Delhi. Therefore, all government and private hospitals need to create the facility of isolation beds for COVID-19 patients, that is 10 per cent of the total bed capacity of all government and private hospitals under SWD," the order stated.
Family Members of Patient Who Travelled To Thailand Quarantined
Seven family members of a patient, who tested positive for coronavirus after visiting Thailand, have been quarantined at their residence in west Delhi, reported PTI, quoting officials.
The patient, a resident of Uttam Nagar, has a travel history from Thailand and Malaysia.
Attari-Wagah Border Ceremony to Be Conducted Without Public Presence Due to Coronavirus
The daily retreat ceremony at the Attarri-Wagah Border will be conducted without any public presence in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the country, reported PTI, quoting Border Security Forces officials.
The daily military practice between India and Pakistan has been jointly followed since 1959.
Virus Lockdowns and Quarantines Must Respect Rights: UN
Governments using lockdowns and quarantines to fight the deadly new coronavirus must ensure people's rights are respected and avoid unintended consequences for their livelihoods, the UN rights chief said on Friday, reported AFP.
"Lockdowns, quarantines and other such measures to contain and combat the spread of COVID-19 should always be carried out in strict accordance with human rights standards and in a way that is necessary and proportionate to the evaluated risk," Michelle Bachelet's office said in a statement.
Iran Death Toll Rises to 124
Iran on Friday reported 17 new death due to the novel coronavirus, rasing the total national death toll to 124, reported AFP.
Iran has the highest death toll from the virus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Avoid Large Gatherings on Campus: UGC to Universities
The University Grants Commission (UGC) on Friday directed universities to avoid any large gathering in view of the coronavirus outbreak and advised that students and staff members with travel history to the virus-affected countries be quarantined at home for 14 days, reported PTI.
"Avoid large gatherings on campus. Any student or staff with travel history to any COVID-19 affected country or in contact with such persons in last 28 days should be monitored and home quarantined for 14 days," UGC Secretary Rajnish Jain has said in a communication to Vice Chancellors of all universities.
Gujrat Govt Cancels Women's Day Events Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Even as no positive case of coronavirus has been found in Gujarat so far, the state government has decided to postpone all the Women's Day events, earlier scheduled to be held in the state on 8 March, as a precautionary measure, an official said on Friday, reported PTI.
“The postponement of programmes is aimed at ensuring compliance with the Centre's guidelines to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” the official said.
Delhi Govt Suspends Morning Assembly in Schools
The Delhi government has directed schools in the national capital to suspend morning assembly as a precautionary measure for coronavirus, officials said on Friday.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) has also advised schools to withhold biometric attendance for staff till further orders.
Netherlands Reports First Death From Coronavirus
The Netherlands has recorded its first death in the novel coronavirus outbreak, reported AFP, quoting Dutch health officials on Friday.
"An 86-year-old man with COVID-19 who was admitted to the Ikazia hospital in Rotterdam has died. This is the first patient in the Netherlands to die of the coronavirus," the National Institute for Public Health said in a statement, adding the source of his contamination was unknown.
Vatican Reports First Coronavirus Case
The Vatican, home to the Pope and the Roman Catholic Church, reported its first case of coronavirus on Friday, reported AFP.
Adviser to Iran's Foreign Minister Dies of Coronavirus
An adviser to Iran's foreign minister who took part in the 1979 US embassy hostage crisis has died from coronavirus, the official IRNA news agency reported.
Hossein Sheikholeslam, "a veteran and revolutionary diplomat" died late Thursday, IRNA said.the Islamic republic.
Before his death, Sheikholeslam was advisor to Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.
A former ambassador to Syria, he also served as deputy foreign minister from 1981 to 1997.
RBI Ready to Intervene in Whatever Way Required to Respond to Coronavirus Challenges: Governor
Reserve Bank governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday assured that the central bank will take every measure needed to secure the economy against the challenges arising from the coronavirus epidemic, PTI reported.
The deadly virus that originated from China has spread to nearly 80 countries and has taken the lives of more than 3,300 people.
“We will be able to respond to the challenges emerging out of the coronavirus epidemic,” Das said at an industry event here.
While noting that there are enough resources to fight the crisis, given the robust forex reserves, he also called for the IMF to launch a non-stigmatised currency swap lines to ease the liquidity pressures globally.
Wuhan Residents Decry 'Fake' Work as Chinese Official Tours City
Videos showing residents at the centre of China's coronavirus epidemic haranguing a top Chinese official have highlighted persistent anger at how authorities have handled the crisis, AFP reported.
The clips, which have been circulating online since Thursday, show occupants of an apartment block in the city of Wuhan yelling "it's all fake" from windows during an official neighbourhood inspection by Vice Premier Sun Chunlan.
According to Chinese media, the complaints were an outcry against the community's property management, who were allegedly only pretending to have volunteers deliver vegetables and meat to inhabitants of the towers in the lockdowned city.
Avoid Mass Gatherings, Take Action to Guide Organizers: Health Ministry to States
“It is advised that mass gatherings may be avoided or possibly be postponed till the disease spread is contained. In the case of any such gatherings, States may take necessary action to guide organizers on precautions to be taken,” the health ministry said in a notification.
Another Case Confirmed in Delhi, India Count Climbs to 31
One more coronavirus (COVID-19) case has been confirmed in Delhi on Friday, 6 March, taking the total number of positive cases in the country to 31, according to the health ministry.
The patient, a resident of Uttam Nagar, has a travel history from Thailand and Malaysia.
'Potential Drug Target Against Coronavirus Infection Identified': Researchers
Researchers have identified a protein present in the human body which they claim is important for the entry of the novel coronavirus into lung cells, an advance that may lead to a novel drug target for preventing the deadly disease, reports PTI.
The researchers, including those from Deutsches Primatenzentrum in Germany, said the new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has spread worldwide, causing respiratory disease called COVID-19 in people 3 – leading to over 3,000 deaths, and infecting more than 90,000 individuals.
According to the study, published in the journal Cell, the virus has been spreading since December 2019, and is closely related to the SARS coronavirus that caused the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome pandemic in 2002-2003.
"Our results show that SARS-CoV-2 requires the protease TMPRSS2, which is present in the human body, to enter cells," said Stefan Pohlmann, study co-author from the German Primate Center.
"This protease is a potential target for therapeutic intervention," Pohlmann said.
Bhutan Confirms First Coronavirus Case
The isolated Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has reported its first case of the coronavirus after a US tourist tested positive, the prime minister said on Friday.
But the government immediately shut borders to foreign visitors for two weeks in an effort to limit the impact of a disease that has wreaked havoc in more developed countries around the world.
The 76-year-old man arrived in Bhutan from India on March 2, and was admitted to hospital on March 5 with a fever, where he tested positive for COVID-19, the office of Prime Minister Lotay Tshering said in a Facebook post.
US Announces USD 8.3 bn in Coronavirus Funding as Cases Surge
US lawmakers passed an emergency USD 8.3 billion spending bill to combat the coronavirus on Thursday as the number of cases surged in the country's northwest and deaths reached 12, AFP reported.
The Senate gave sweeping bipartisan support to the funding one day after the House passed the bill, so that it could be quickly sent to the White House for President Donald Trump's signature.
"The American people are looking for leadership, they want assurance their government is up to the task of protecting their health and safety," said Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy.
The amount is significantly above the USD 2.5 billion President Donald Trump had initially requested, but he later said he was happy to accept more.
China Reports 30 More Deaths
China has reports 30 more coronavirus deaths with fresh infections rising for a second straight day and 16 new cases imported from overseas. In total 3,042 people have died from the disease in China, AFP reports.
Cruise Ship is Held off California Coast for Virus Testing
Officials ordered a cruise ship with 3,500 people aboard to stay back from the California coast on Thursday until passengers and crew can be tested, after a traveler from its previous voyage died of the disease and at least two others became infected.
A Coast Guard helicopter lowered test kits onto the 951-foot (290-meter) Grand Princess by rope as the vessel lay at anchor off Northern California, and authorities said the results would be available on Friday. Princess Cruise Lines said fewer than 100 people aboard had been identified for testing.
UN’s First Employee With Coronavirus Among Senegal Infections
A British United Nations employee is one of the four people who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Senegal, the organisation said Thursday, confirming it was the UN's first case worldwide.
Senegal announced two new cases on Wednesday, one of which was a 33-year-old English woman who returned from a trip to London to the capital Dakar on 24 February.
11 Coronavirus Deaths in US, Working Hard to Keep Numbers Low: Trump
The US has seen 11 deaths and reported 129 coronavirus infection cases, President Donald Trump said on Thursday, asserting that his administration is working "very hard" to keep the numbers "as low as possible".
"With approximately 100,000 coronavirus cases worldwide, and 3,280 deaths, the United States, because of quick action on closing our borders, has, as of now, only 129 cases (40 Americans brought in) and 11 deaths," Trump said in a tweet.
Change in Temperature Won't Impact Coronavirus Spread: ICMR Chief
Amid a slight decline in temperature after rains lashed Delhi-NCR on Thursday, Indian Council of Medical Research director general Balram Bhargava said the change in weather will not have any impact on the spread of novel coronavirus.
Refuting claims that the virus spreads in low temperature, Bhargava told PTI that no such finding has been proven till now.
Arrangements Being Made to Facilitate Return of Stranded Indians from Iran: MEA
Arrangements are being made to facilitate the return of stranded Indians from Iran in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak through normal civil aviation channels, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.
MEA Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said as of now there are no Indians infected with the virus in Iran.
Army, Air Force Issue Advisory Against Coronavirus
The Indian Army and Indian Air Force has issued extensive directions for dealing with the threat of Coronavirus. All troops will be screened during morning roll call/parade and those with cough or cold to be checked further.
Restrictions have been imposed on organisation of mass gatherings, welfare activities and non-essential function till situation improves. Personnel have also been asked to not visit crowded places such as movie theatres and shopping malls in view of the situation.
Union Health Minister Inspects Preparedness at Delhi Airport
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan inspected the management and preparedness for Coronavirus at Terminal 3, Indira Gandhi International Airport.
“We had started screening at seven airports from 17 January, it then extended to 21 airports and now thermal screening of all passengers coming on all international flights is being done. Several flights come at a time, screening of over 6 lakh people has been done,” he said.
“This has spread in around 78 countries but in a large country like India we are smoothly working towards ensuring that Coronavirus does not affect people on a mass level. I will also go to Chennai Airport for inspection, in a day or two,” he added.
'Long List' of Countries Not Doing Enough Against Virus: WHO
The World Health Organization warned Thursday that a number of countries were not taking all the the steps needed to fight against the spread of the deadly new coronavirus, reported AFP.
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva he was concerned that a "long list" of countries were not showing "the level of political commitment" needed to "match the level of the threat we all face."
Special Flights to Start Between Iran and India to Evacuate Citizens: Iran Embassy Official
Special flights will start between Iran and India for the stranded passengers starting tomorrow, reported ANI, quoting Iran Embassy officials.
“Over 2000 Indians are stranded in Iran. We can send them back to India only after proper approval of Indian authority,” he said.
“Iran will send an empty flight to India (Delhi) tomorrow to take back the Iranian nationals from India to Tehran and one more flight will come to India day after tomorrow to carry Indian equipment to Iran for stranded Indian nationals,” he added.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said an Indian medical team was reaching Iran to set up its first clinic at Qom by the evening to start screening for coronavirus.
British National Quarantined in Goa Hospital
A British national was quarantined for suspected coronavirus infection in Goa on Thursday, a senior official said, reported PTI.
“It took the number of suspected coronavirus patients in the isolation ward of the government-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to three,” said hospital's dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar.
Test Reports of 68 People Who Were in Contact With Jaipur Italian Couple Negative; 8 Awaited
The test reports of 68 people who had come in contact with the Italian couple, who tested positive for the new coronavirus earlier this week in Jaipur, have come out negative, a senior health department official said on Thursday, reported PTI.
“Test results of eight more people are awaited,” the official said.
As many as 229 people were found to have come in contact with the Italian tourists who visited Jaipur, Bikaner, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jhunjhunu and Jaipur. Of them, samples were collected from 76 people.
"Sixty-eight have tested negative and test reports of eight samples are yet to come," said Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh.
He said 247 samples have been collected in the state so far and 239 samples have been tested. Barring the Italian couple, the test reports of all others (except 8 which are under process) are negative, he added.
Nine Italian Tourists, Indian Guide Allowed to Go to Delhi
Nine Italian tourists and their Indian guide, who were quarantined at facility near in Madhya Pradesh for suspected exposure to the coronavirus, were allowed to go to New Delhi after their samples were taken for examination, a senior official said on Thursday, reported PTI.
The tourists requested that they wanted to return to their country "at their own risk", he said.
They were sent to Delhi in a bus late Wednesday night, the official said.
The Italian tourists and their Indian guide arrived at Khajuraho, a heritage site located near Chhatarpur, on Tuesday evening by road.
3 Test Negative in Maha, Reports of 13 Awaited: Maha Health Ministry
Three of the total 16 persons currently kept in isolation wards in parts of Maharashtra have tested negative for novel coronavirus, while test reports of thirteen others are awaited, the state health department said on Thursday, reported PTI.
“Of the 16 persons, 12 are in Mumbai, three in Nashik and one at Nanded. They were quarantined as they had fever, cold and cough,” it said.
“Three of them have tested negative for the infection, but they continue to be kept in the isolation wards, while test reports of 13 others are expected soon,” the department said.
Health Ministry Asks States to Form Rapid Response Teams to Stop Community Transmission
The Union Health Ministry asked states on Thursday to set up rapid response teams at district, block and village levels stating that cases of community transmission of the disease have been observed, reported PTI.
“This is a cluster containment approach. Rapid response teams, which would include health officials, will promptly check and sensitise every household within 3 km-radius of the house of an infected person and also those who have come in contact with the affected, to prevent community spread of the virus,” a health ministry official explained.
"These health officials will urge those having symptoms of cough, fever and breathing difficulty to get themselves tested and stay home quarantined, besides sensitising them to stay alert and look for symptoms and report if any," the official added.
Mughal Gardens to Be Closed From 7 March in View of Coronavirus Outbreak
Mughal Gardens at Rashtrapati Bhavan will be closed for public from 7 March to avoid large public gatherings in view of coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI.
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, posted on Twitter saying that Rashtrapati Bhavan will not hold the traditional Holi gathering as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Maha Govt Launches Coronavirus Helpline Number
The Maharashtra government on Thursday launched a dedicated helpline number 020-26127394-for any queries over the coronavirus outbreak in the state, reported ANI.
In a press conference on Thursday, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that people need to be cautious during next 10 to 15 days and urged people to avoid crowded spaces.
175 Tested, 820 Isolation Beds Ready: UP Health Minister
Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh on Thursday said 175 people have been tested so far for coronavirus in the state with 157 of them showing no sign of the infection, reported PTI.
"The situation is under control. As many as 820 isolation beds have been prepared at various hospitals. Seven medical colleges have been alerted,” he added.
“Of the remaining 18 tested, six are from Agra and one from Ghaziabad,” he said, referring to the seven cases which have tested positive.
“The reports of the remaining 11 are yet to be received from National Institute of Virology in Pune,” he added
South Africa Reports First Positive Case of Coronavirus
The National Institute of Communcable Disesaes in South Africa on Thursday released a statement, which said that a suspected case of coronavirus has tested positive.
"The patient is 38-year-old male who travelled to Italy with his wife. They were part of a group of 10 people and they arrived back in South Africa on 1 March," the statement said.
14-Bed Isolation Ward Set up at Hindurao Hospital: North Delhi Mayor
An isolation ward containing 14 beds has been set up at NDMC-run Bara Hindurao Hospital for coronavirus patients, North Delhi Mayor Avtar Singh said on Thursday, reported PTI.
"A 14-bed isolation ward has been set up at Bara Hindurao hospital. A total of 3,000 N 95 masks have been distributed in the hospital. At zonal levels, deputy health officers have been deputed as nodal officers," the mayor said.
Sikkim Suspends Issuing ILP to Foreign Tourists
The Sikkim government on Thursday decided to suspend issuing Inner Line Permit (ILP) to foreign nationals following coronavirus scare as a precautionary measure, reported PTI, quoting a senior official.
"In view of rapid spread of coronavirus, no ILP may be issued to foreign nationals, including those from Bhutan, with effect from today," a Home Department notification issued by Joint Secretary Parina Gurung said.
“In addition, no permits will be issued by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department for travel to Nathula with immediate effect,” she added.
Though over four lakh people visiting the state have been screened, nobody has tested positive for the virus so far.
Indian Archery Team Pulls out of Asia Cup Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
The Archery Association of India (AAI) on Thursday withdrew its team from the upcoming Asia Cup world ranking tournament in Bangkok owing to the coronavirus threat there, PTI reported.
This would have been India's first international competition since their return from a five-month suspension.
"After reviewing the current alarming situation on account of coronavirus and taking into consideration the travel advisories issued by SAI and IOC, Archery Association of India is worried about the health of our team and cannot take any risk under the circumstances," AAI assistant secretary Gunjan Abrol wrote to World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen.
US, Israel Cancel Juniper Cobra Military Exercise Over Coronavirus Outbreak
The United States and Israel have scrapped the remainder of their joint military exercise Juniper Cobra 20 over the coronavirus outbreak, the US European Command based in Germany said on Thursday, reported AFP,
"The decision is in alignment with recent Israeli Ministry of Health guidelines on COVID-19, and a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of all participants," said USEUCOM in a statement.
Two in Telangana Test Negative for Coronavirus
Telangana Health Minister E Rajender on Thursday said two samples from the State tested negative for coronavirus, reported PTI.
The samples were sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune for further confirmation.
One of the two persons was working in a software company as the virus scare hit the IT corridor at Cyberabad with a complex being "closed" for sanitisation.
General Insurers Say Existing Health Policies Cover Coronavirus
The General Insurance Council, the apex industry lobby of the 44-member strong non-life insurers, on Thursday said almost all health insurance policies cover epidemics, including coronavirus, reported PTI.
The statement comes after the regulator Irdai on Wednesday asked insurers to cover coronavirus cases in their existing policies and also to ensure that they expeditiously attend to the coronavirus claims.
"Almost all the existing health policies cover almost all epidemics, which includes the coronavirus too. What the regulator (Irdai) said was not to frame a new policy but asking the industry to treat coronavirus cases expeditiously," said A V Girija Kumar, Chairman of the General Insurance Council.
Ghaziabad Man With Travel History to Iran Tests Positive for Coronavirus
One more case of novel coronavirus was reported in Ghaziabad in the national capital region, taking the total number in the country to 30 so far, reported PTI quoting official sources as saying on Thursday.
“The patient is a middle-aged man with a recent travel history to Iran,” officials added.
Delhi Govt Orders Closure of All Primary Schools Till March 31: Dy CM Sisodia
To prevent the possibility of spread of coronavirus, the Delhi government has ordered immediate closure of primary schools in the national capital till 31 March, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said on Thursday.
“All Delhi government, aided, private and schools run by civic bodies will remain shut,” said Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio.
India-EU Summit Postponed Due To Coronavirus Outbreak
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Brussels for the India-EU Summit, which was supposed to be held on 13 March, has been rescheduled in view of the coronavirus outbreak, said Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson for Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday during a press conference.
“The meetings will be rescheduled to a mutually convenient date, which is yet to be decided,” he added.
Foreigners With Travel History to Italy, S Korea Have to Submit 'Negative' Certificate for Entering India: MHA
India has imposed additional visa restrictions on people travelling from or having visited Italy and South Korea, making it mandatory for them to submit certificate of having tested negative for COVID-19 from laboratories authorised by the health authorities of their countries, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday, reported PTI.
"This will come into effect from 00:00 hours of 10 March and is a temporary measure till cases of novel coronavirus subside", the ministry said in a travel advisory.
5 With Travel History to Coronavirus-Hit Countries Kept in Isolation in Srinagar
Health authorities in Kashmir have kept five persons with a recent history of travelling to coronavirus-affected countries in the isolation ward of the SKIMS hospital here after they showed symptoms of the disease, officials said on Thursday, PTI reported.
"We have kept the five persons in the isolation ward at the SKIMS hospital in Soura," they said.
The officials added that samples of the suspects were collected and sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology in Pune.
First Coronavirus Death in Switzerland
A 74-year-old woman suffering from the new coronavirus has died in Switzerland, marking the country's first death in the outbreak, police said on Thursday, repored AFP.
The woman, who was hospitalised in the western city of Lausanne with the virus on Tuesday, had died overnight to Thursday, regional police in the canton of Vaud said in a statement.
To date, Switzerland has registered 58 confirmed cases of COVID-19 since the disease first surfaced in the country on February 25.
Rahul Takes Dig at Centre, Equates Coronavirus Epidemic to Sinking Titanic
“The Health Minister saying that the Indian government has the coronavirus crisis under control, is like the Capt of the Titanic telling passengers not to panic as his ship was unsinkable,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Thursday.
“It's time the Govt made public an action plan backed by solid resources to tackle this crisis,” he added.
Japan Says State Visit by China's Xi Postponed Over Coronavirus
Japan on Thursday, 5 March, said that a scheduled state visit by China's Xi Jinping has been postponed over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
Five People Who Came in Contact With Paytm Employee Quarantined
Five people who came in contact with a coronavirus patient who works in Gurugram and lives in west Delhi have been tested and quarantined till their results come in, Delhi government health officials said on Thursday.
The Paytm employee, who tested positive for the contagious disease with flu like symptoms on Wednesday, came in touch with 91 people in Gurugram, an official said, citing his counterpart in the suburban town.
Delhi government health officials are also coordinating with their counterparts in Noida to ascertain the number of people he came in contact with, PTI reported.
'Total 28,529 People Under Surveillance': Harsh Vardhan on Coronavrius Scare in LS
Union Minister Harsh Vardhan in his Lok Sabha address on Thursday said, “As of 4 March, 28,529 persons were brought under community surveillance and are being regularly monitored through out the country.”
He also talked about several evacuation operations by the government and the Indian air force. “In a coordinated operation with the civil aviation, Air India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Air India flights were operated between Delhi and Wuhan on 31 January-1 February. It brought back a total of 650 passengers, including 647 Indians and two embassy officials on the ground of Wuhan. All of them tested negative and were discharged later,” he stated.
He added that India had initiated required preparedness and action since 17 January, much before the WHO advisory.
UK Airline Flybe Collapses as Virus Hits Flights Worldwide
One of Britain's biggest airlines, Flybe, collapsed on Thursday with all its flights grounded, the company said, as the coronavirus epidemic takes a heavy toll on airlines around the world.
A statement on Flybe's website said the company had entered administration and could not arrange alternative flights for its passengers.
"All flights have been grounded and the UK business has ceased trading with immediate effect," said the airline, which avoided going bust in January only after being granted a tax holiday by the UK government.
No COVID-19 Case in Sikkim, 4.06 Lakh Passengers Screened
The Sikkim government has said that over 4.06 lakh passengers arriving in the state have been screened so far for coronavirus infection, but no positive case has been detected, reports PTI.
A total of 69,734 vehicles have been stopped for checking at Utteray, Ramman, Rangpo, Reshi and Melli checkposts and 4,06,993 passengers screened for symptoms of coronavirus, but no positive case has been found in Sikkim till date, a statement issued by the state health department said.
Though no passenger has been detected with symptoms of coronavirus or referred as suspects or quarantined, four have been kept under observation as a precautionary measure, the statement said on Wednesday.
Sale of Meat, Fish Banned in Open Areas to Prevent Coronavirus Spread: Lucknow District Magistrate
“The sale of meat, semi-cooked meat and fish has been banned in open areas in the district to ensure that Coronavirus does not transmit through meat. Hotels and restaurants have been asked to ensure cleanliness and hygiene,” Lucknow District Magistrate Abhishek Prakash told ANI.
India Initiated Action Much Before WHO Advice: Health Minister in RS
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan in his statement in the Rajya Sabha said that India initiated required preparedness and action since 17 January, much before advice of the WHO.
"As on 4 March, a total of 29 positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in India. Of these 29 cases, 3 in Kerala have recovered and discharged already," he said in Rajya Sabha.
"There are calls for concerted efforts from all wings of the government... I am reviewing the situation daily," he added.
Haven't Touched My Face in Weeks: Trump on Measures Against Coronavirus
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, 4 March, complained that anti-coronavirus measures are leaving him out of touch – with his own face.
Trump spoke at a White House meeting with airline executives and administration officials on sanitary measures taken to try and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Executives explained their enhanced cleaning operations on passenger planes. Then Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, reminded "the common sense of washing your hands, not touching your face." To which Trump, a self-acknowledged germophobe, joked: "I haven't touched my face in weeks, in weeks! I miss it!"
Thousands Held on Cruise Ship off California Over Coronavirus Fears
Thousands were stranded on a cruise ship off the California coast on Wednesday, 4 March, over fears of the new coronavirus after passengers and crew members on board developed symptoms, AFP reported.
Officials delayed the return of the Grand Princess to San Francisco on Wednesday night from Hawaii in order to carry out testing on board for those potentially infected.
A 71-year-old man who had been aboard the same vessel during its previous voyage to Mexico died after contracting the COVID-19 illness, becoming the first fatal case in California, the operator Princess Cruises and California Governor Gavin Newsom said.
"We're holding that ship, which (has) thousands of passengers as well, off the coast, and we'll be conducting those tests," he added. Eleven passengers and 10 crew members were potentially infected with the virus, Newsom said.
Allow Employees With Flu-Like Symptoms to Work From Home: Karnataka Govt Advises Companies
The Karnataka government has advised city-based companies to allow their employees to work from home if they have flu-like symptoms.
"Those employees having flu like symptoms may be allowed to work from home with advice of standard hand hygiene and cough etiquette," the Health Department said in its advisory.
The advisory asked people to avoid non-essential travel to COVID-19 affected countries and refrain from travel to China, Iran, Republic of Korea, Italy and Japan.
"Employees other than those restricted countries arriving directly or indirectly from China, South Korea, Japan, Iran, Italy, Hong Kong, Maccau, Veitnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nepal, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE and Qatar must undergo medical screening at airport entry," the advisory read.
Coronavirus: 14 Italians Who Tested Positive Shifted to Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital
The fourteen Italians, who tested positive for coronavirus, have been shifted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram from an ITBP quarantine centre, reports PTI.
The hospital issued a statement on Thursday, 5 March, morning, saying these patients are housed on a completely separate floor, which has been quarantined and has no contact with the rest of the hospital.
There is a dedicated medical team wearing protective gear looking after these patients. All items used on the floor are isolated to that floor. The isolated floor will completely contain the disease even with these asymptomatic persons.
Trade Impact of Coronavirus for India Estimated at USD 348 Million: UN Report
The trade impact of the coronavirus epidemic for India is estimated to be about 348 million dollars and the country figures among the top 15 economies most affected as slowdown of manufacturing in China disrupts world trade, according to a UN report.
Estimates published by United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) on Wednesday, 4 March, said that the slowdown of manufacturing in China due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is disrupting world trade and could result in a 50 billion dollar decrease in exports across global value chains.
The most affected sectors include precision instruments, machinery, automotive and communication equipment.
Among the most affected economies are the European Union (USD 15.6 billion), the United States (USD 5.8 billion), Japan (USD 5.2 billion), South Korea (USD 3.8 billion), Taiwan Province of China (USD 2.6 billion) and Vietnam ( USD 2.3 billion).
Amit Shah’s Pro-Caa Rally in Hyderabad Cancelled Amid Coronavirus Scare
In the wake of coronavirus scare in the state, a pro-CAA rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah which was scheduled to be held on 15 March in Hyderabad, has been postponed. The new date of the meeting would be announced later, reports The News Minute.
"This decision was taken to reduce mass physical contact of people during the public rally,in the current context of serious precautions being undertaken by the Central Government to arrest the spread of coronavirus," Telangana state BJP spokesperson Krishna Saagar Rao told TNM.
Amit Shah and other BJP leaders were scheduled to address the rally at LB Stadium in Hyderabad.
US Coronavirus Death Toll Rises to 11
The US state of California has reported its first coronavirus death, taking the overall death toll in the US to 11 with 154 confirmed cases, authorities said, according to IANS.
The patient, an elderly adult with underlying health conditions living in Placer County, died in isolation at a hospital.
Chinese Man Who Locked Himself in Greater Noida Flat Tests Negative for Coronavirus
A Chinese man who locked himself in his flat in Greater Noida on Wednesday, 4 march, has tested negative for coronavirus (COVID-19) Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava told ANI.
Obama on Coronavirus: Skip the Masks, Stay Calm
Former US president Barack Obama called Wednesday for people to take "common sense precautions" over the coronavirus outbreak, advising them to follow hand-washing guidelines but not to wear masks.
"Save the masks for health care workers. Let's stay calm, listen to the experts, and follow the science," tweeted Obama, who has kept a low public profile since leaving office in 2017.
He said people should keep track of updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and stay home if they are sick.
The World Health Organization has said masks, goggles and other protective equipment used by health workers were in short supply due to "rising demand, hoarding and misuse."
Haryana Govt Postpones Gurugram Marathon 2020 Amid Coronavirus Scare
The Haryana government has postponed the Gurugram Marathon 2020 amid scare of coronavirus, reports IANS.
All International Passengers to be Screened at Bengaluru Airport
All international passengers arriving at the Bengaluru airport will be screened for coronavirus, from now on, Karnataka Medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Wednesday.
"Till now we were screening international passengers coming from Covid-19 affected nations, but from today onwards all passengers will be screened," he told the legislative Council on Wednesday.
Hungary Reports First Two Novel Coronavirus Cases
Hungary reported its first confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday - two Iranians studying in the EU member state.
"Two patients have been taken into medical care due to coronavirus infections," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said in a Facebook video message.
"Two foreigners, students studying in Hungary, Iranians, they are currently symptom-free it seems, but confirmed as infected," he said.
Goa Government Sets Up More Isolation Wards
The Goa government has set up ten- bed isolation ward each at three facilities to deal with suspected cases of the novel coronavirus, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Wednesday.
Rane said besides an existing ward at state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital near here, ten-bed isolation ward each has been set up at Community Health Centre, Chicalim (South Goa), Primary Health Centre, Sankhalim (North Goa) and TB Hospital in Margao (South Goa).
NDMC Forms Rapid Response Teams
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has formed two rapid response teams for screening of residents who had visited coronavirus-affected countries after 15 January and has already screened 56 houses.
"Two rapid response teams consisting of doctor, paramedical staff and public health specialist have been formed for awareness generation and screening of persons who visited coronavirus-affected countries after 15 January belonging to NDMC area," a senior official of NDMC''s Health Department said.
Italy Death Toll Crosses 100
Italy on Wednesday reported that the number of deaths from the novel Coronavirus in the country has crossed 100, with more than 2,500 people infected – the highest in Europe, reported AFP.
Full Medical Check-Up at All Land Ports: MHA
Union Home Ministry on Wednesday announced that full medical check-up and scans are being carried out at all land ports in the country, including Atari, Kartarpur and Agartala, to detect cases of Coronavirus among incoming passengers.
The ministry said all land ports under its control have fully equipped medical teams present to screen all incoming passengers from neighbouring countries, PTI reported.
"Medical check-up ongoing at Kartarpur and Atari. Full check-up and scanning is being undertaken at all land ports and a status report is being submitted on a daily basis," a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
Pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan cross over through Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab. Both Dera Baba Nanak and Atari are located in Punjab along the Indo-Pak border.
Maha Govt Says 'No Need to Use Mask for General Public'
Amid the coronavirus scare, the Maharashtra government issued a statement on Wednesday saying that except the medical staff treating the infection or those who have come in contact with patients, others need not use face masks, reported PTI.
"General population can use folded cotton handkerchiefs for self-protection which can be reused by keeping in bleach solution or hot water for half hour followed by the thorough washing," the statement said.
“For those with other existing health conditions the use of a mask may create unintended complications,” the statement further read.
9 Italian Tourists, Indian Guide Quarantined in Chhatarpur
Nine Italian tourists and their Indian guide were quarantined near Chhatarpur on Wednesday for suspected exposure to the novel Coronavirus, officials said, reported PTI.
“The Italian tourists and their Indian guide arrived in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday evening by road after travelling by a train to Jhansi from Agra,” officials said.
Two of them are suffering from cough and cold. They have been quarantined as a precaution. A team of doctors has been taking samples of the Italian tourists and their guide," said Sheelendra Singh, District Collector.
“They were taken to a quarantine facility set up at Naugaon town near here,” Singh added.
Lufthansa to Ground 150 Planes Over Coronavirus
German airline giant Lufthansa said on Wednesday it would ground 150 of its more than 750 planes worldwide, days after announcing a slimmed-down timetable over the effects of the novel coronavirus, reported AFP.
"25 long-haul aircraft and 125 short- and medium-haul aircraft" will no longer fly, a spokesman for the group also including carriers Eurowings, Austrian and Swiss told AFP.
On Monday, Lufthansa said it would slash its flight plan by 25 percent, especially on short- and medium-haul routes including to virus-hit areas of Italy but also within Germany.
CBSE Allows Students to Carry Masks, Sanitisers for Boards Exams
Students appearing for class 10 and 12 board examinations will be allowed to carry masks and hand sanitisers to the exam centre in view of Coronavirus outbreak, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Wednesday.
"Face masks and sanitisers may be carried by students in the examination centre," CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi said.
IMF Members Pledge All Available Resources Against Coronavirus Outbreak
The 189 members of the International Monetary Fund on Wednesday pledged all available resources to help countries combat the impact of the new Coronavirus epidemic.
Following an unusual conference call of the IMF's governing body, the members said they were united in addressing the challenges posed by Coronavirus.
"We have called upon the IMF to use all its available financing instruments to help member countries in need," the statement said.
"We are determined to provide the necessary support to mitigate the impact, especially on the most vulnerable people and countries."
All Residents from Telangana Patient's Apartment Building Asymptomatic
Karnanataka Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, in a press conference on Wednesday, reported that five people have been isolated at Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD).
Of them, one person is the roommate of the Telangana resident who tested positive. This roommate is asymptomatic but was kept under observation as a precautionary measure since he was in close proximity to the Telangana patient. Since he is asymptomatic, as per protocol, no test has been conducted on him.
A Health Department official said the residents of the apartment where the Telangana patient was living have been screened. The building has 92 flats, out of which 11 were locked. On Tuesday, 61 residents were screened and 189 were screened on Wednesday. None of the residents have shown any symptoms.
JNU Suspends Bio-Metric Attendance Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Jawaharlal Nehru University on Wednesday suspended the use of biometric attendance on campus in view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country.
"However, all staff/officials shall continue to mark the manual attendance in their respective attendance registers,” the statement said .
Adityanath to Stay Away From 'Holi Milan'
In the wake of the Coronavirus scare, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said he will stay away from 'Holi milan' and appealed to people to refrain from attending social functions.
In a tweet, the chief minister said, “I too will stay away from a holy event like Holi Milan in the larger public interest. Stay safe, stay healthy."
Italy Temporarily Shuts All Schools and Universities Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Italy’s government announced on Wednesday that it will temporarily close the nation’s schools and universities, as authorities struggle to contain the spread of Coronavirus, reported CNBC.
The closure will come into effect on Thursday and will last until mid-March.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Will Not Hold Traditional Holi Gathering Due to Coronavirus Outbreak
President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday, posted on Twitter saying that Rashtrapati Bhavan will not hold the traditional Holi gathering as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
Shops Run out of Hand Sanitizers, Face Masks in Several Parts of Delhi-NCR
Amid the coronavirus outbreak, chemist shops in the national capital report a stock crunch of hand sanitizers and face masks as people resorted to panic buying, reports PTI.
Many chemist shops in several localities have run out of stock and manufacturers have not replenished the stock as demand took a sudden spike in the past couple of days.
Some chemist shops who have stocks available for masks have also jacked up prices, selling items that were available earlier for Rs 150 at Rs 300.
Kiran Bedi to Not Hold Open House, Meetings in View of Coronavirus
In view of the Coronavirus outbreak in the country, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi will not hold open house sessions, meetings of the visitors and public appointments in her office for two weeks.
"To comply with the public health safety guidelines, the office of the Lieutenant Governor has suspended for two weeks all programmes to meet the people, visitors and hold open house sessions for two weeks," the release said.
Those intending to submit petitions to Bedi can drop them in a special box at the main entrance of Raj Nivas, it added.
373 People Who Travelled Abroad Since 15 Jan Under Surveillance
As many as 373 people who travelled abroad since 15 January have been kept under surveillance as possible carriers of Coronavirus in Gautam Buddh Nagar, officials said on Wednesday, reported PTI.
"Till Tuesday evening, 373 people who have travelled abroad after 15 January have been put on surveillance. Of them, 55 people have been tested for the virus. 49 of them, including the six from yesterday, have tested negative. Results of remaining six are awaited," Chief Medical Officer Anurag Bhargava told PTI.
"74 people at present are under surveillance, while five were cross-referred, meaning they were not from Gautam Buddh Nagar," the CMO added.
3 Delhi-NCR Schools Closed, 2 Announce Advance Spring Break Over Coronavirus Outbreak
Three schools in the national capital and adjoining areas have announced holidays for students and staff as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus, while two schools announced spring break in advance. Other schools have sent out advisories to parents, reported PTI.
A school in Delhi has announced it will be closed from Thursday while its two branches in Gurugram have announced a spring break from Saturday onwards.
Iran Cancels Friday Prayers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Iranian state television reports that Friday prayers have been canceled across all provincial capitals amid the coronavirus outbreak, reports Associated Press.
The report comes as Tehran and other areas cancelled Friday prayers last week due to the outbreak.
India Post Reports Delay in Mail Delivery to China
India Post, the national postal service, has reported that all mail to China is currently stuck in Mumbai since Singapore Airlines is not accepting any mail for further transport.
Positive Case Reported in EU Office in Brussels
A person has tested positive for Coronavirus in European Union (EU) office in Brussels on Wednesday, reported AFP, quoting officials.
According to Euractiv, the male official worked at the European Defence Agency and had recently returned from Italy. (AFP) ZH
Iran Death Toll Rises to 92
Iran on Wednesday reported 15 new death due to the novel coronavirus, rasing the totla national death toll to 92.
Iran has the highest death toll from the virus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Japanese Pharma Company Developing Drug for High-Risk Patients
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co, a pharmaceutical company in Japan, said it is developing a drug for high-risk patients infected with the Coronavirus, reported The Guardian.
“By transferring the antibodies to a new patient, it may help that person’s immune system respond to the infection and increase their chance of recovery,” Takeda said in a statement.
Govt Intends Setting Up Coronavirus Testing Lab for Indians in Iran: Union Health Minister
India intends to set up a laboratory in Iran for Indians there to be tested for possible exposure to novel Coronavirus before being brought back, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Iranian government has not yet given permission for the same. An estimated 1,200 Indians – mostly students and pilgrims – are currently in Iran.
"If the Iranian government lends its support, a testing facility could be set up there as well, so that Indians there can be tested before they can be brought back," Vardhan said.
One scientist from National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has been sent to Iran while three from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) will depart at 4 pm on Wednesday to check the feasibility of setting up a laboratory at the place for conducting the Coronavirus test
BJP Leader Asks Delhi Police to Suspend Breath Analyser Tests' Usage
In light of the Coronavirus outbreak, Delhi BJP Spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga has called for suspending the use of breath analyser tests to test for drivers' alcohol consumption by the police, reported PTI.
In a letter to Delhi Police Commissioner, Bagga said, "In the light of ongoing ncovid2019 (corona) infections, to protect further spread of the disease, I request you to please suspend the breath analyser tests for drunk drivers."
He claimed 'breath' is one of the main reasons for the spread of the virus, adding the test can be resumed after the situation is normalised.
Poland Reports First Coronavirus Case
Poland, on Wednesday, announced its first case of Coronavirus, adding that nearly 70 people are being tested for the infection, reported AFP.
“The man, who had visited Germany, is "not part of a risk group" and his life is not in danger,” Health Minister Lukasz Szumowski said at a news conference.
He said the man is not elderly, whose lives are at greater risk.
He was hospitalised in the western city of Zielona Gora with high fever and other symptoms of the infection that has, thus far, killed more than 3,000 people and infected around 92,000 globally.
Szumowski said the patient had had "relatively little contact" with other people.
17 Indians Infected With Coronavirus Overseas: MEA
Seventeen Indians have been infected with coronavirus overseas, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Responding to a question in Lok Sabha, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said 16 cases were reported from Japan on the cruise ship and one from the UAE.
He added the government evacuated 766 persons – 723 Indian nationals and 43 foreigners from China.
“119 Indians have been brought back to India from the cruise ship in Japan,” Muraleedharan said.
Iraq Confirms First Coronavirus Death: Health Official
Iraq, on Wednesday, said a 70-year-old Muslim cleric has died from the novel Coronavirus, marking the first death from the outbreak in the country. 31 people have been infected in Iraq, reported PTI.
The preacher had been quarantined in the northeastern city of Sulaimaniyah before his death, a spokesman for northern Kurdish autonomous region's health authority said.
According to local sources, he had recently met with Iraqis returning from neighbouring Iran, which has recorded the deadliest outbreak outside China – the epidemic's epicentre.
At Least 215 People Came in Touch With COVID-19 Affected Italian Group: Raj Health Minister
Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma informed the House on Wednesday that at least 215 people came in contact with the COVID-19 affected group of Italian tourists that had visited various places in the state.
Replying to an adjournment motion in the state Assembly, Sharma said swab samples of 93 people have been taken.
A total of 51 suspected patients have been tested negative whereas reports of 41 others are still pending, he said.
Fifty-three people in Jhunjhunu, 14 each in Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, 44 in Bikaner, six in Udaipur and 76 people in Jaipur came in contact with the group.
Amit Shah Won't Play Holi This Year, Says India Well Prepared to Contain Coronavirus
Home Minister Amit Shah said today the country was well prepared to contain the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus and that he would not participate in 'Holi Milan' function in the wake of the reports of outbreak of the virus in different places.
Shah also appealed to everyone to take all important measures to check the spread of coronavirus, reported PTI.
Task Force Constituted, No Need to Panic: CM Kejriwal on Coronavirus
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a press conference on Wednesday, 4 March, said that a state-level task force has been constituted to control the situation arising due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
The CM said that the government is concerned about the situation but there is no need to panic. He added that he won’t be celebrating Holi in the wake of violence in northeast Delhi.
Kejriwal added that coronavirus testing labs will be set up at Lady Hardinge Hospital and also in LNJP Hospital if necessary.
Asked about the shortage of masks and reports of people claiming they were being sold at rates much higher than the actual cost, he said that the government has no shortage of masks, but he will look into the private sector and take action if necessary.
25 Suspected Cases Admitted at Safdarjung Hospital, 4 at RML: Govt
Health Ministry officials stated, “At least 25 people suspected of Coronavirus are admitted at Safdarjung hospital. Four suspected cases of Coronavirus are kept in isolation at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia hospital,” reported ANI.
Total 28 Confirmed Cases of Coronavirus in India, Says Health Minister
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday, 4 March, while addressing media stated, “So far India has reported 28 positive coronavirus cases, this includes 16 Italians.”
“From now on, all flights and passengers will be part of universal screening, not just the 12 countries which we had listed earlier,” he added.
Vardhan on reports of an increase in the price of N95 masks stated, “If people are taking advantage and misusing this time, then they should be labeled as ‘black sheep’ and a mechanism to punish them should be implemented.”
6 Members of Delhi Patient's Family Test Positive
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated, "on conducting contact tracing of the person tested positive in Delhi, we came to know that the infected 6 members of his extended family who are in Agra. All 6 members tested positive for coronavirus."
PM Not to Participate in 'Holi Milan' Events on Expert Advice to Avoid Mass Gatherings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that he has decided not to participate in any 'Holi milan' programme as experts have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of coronavirus.
"Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence this year, I have decided not to participate in any 'Holi milan' programme," the PM tweeted.
This year, Holi is on 10 March.
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