Mumbai’s COVID-19 Tally Crosses 3,000; Death Toll Reaches 138
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The COVID-19 case tally has crossed the 3,000 mark in Mumbai as 155 more tested positive on Monday, 20 April. The death toll in the city has reached 138 after seven more deaths.
Meanwhile, according to data released by Health Ministry, the total number of positive cases in India on Monday rose to 17,656, with the number of deaths standing at 559.
The doubling rate for coronavirus, which was 3.4 days before lockdown, is now 7.5 days, a Health Ministry official said in its daily briefing.
- Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said on Monday that the recovery rate stands at 14.75%
- The number of coronavirus cases in Delhi has risen to 2,081, with the death toll standing at 47
Maharashtra recorded 466 coronavirus positive cases on Monday, taking the state’s tally to 4,666 - The curfew, which has been in place in parts of Ahmedabad, Surat and Rajkot in Gujarat to curb the spread of coronavirus, has been extended till 24 April
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US Records 1,997 Deaths in 24 Hours
The United States has records 1,997 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, AFP news agency reported quoting the Johns Hopkins tally on Monday.
Govt Employees Above Dy Secy Rank to Attend Offices in 100% Strength: Delhi Police
“Additional activities proposed with effect from 20 April are not allowed in Delhi until further orders. However, central government employees above the rank of Deputy Secretary will be attending their offices 100 percent and lower staff 30 percent,” the Additional Commissioner of Police, Special Branch said, ANI reported.
WB Pins Testing Delays on 'Defective Kits' From ICMR
The Department of Health and Family Welfare, West Bengal, in a series of tweets on 19 April, alleged defective test kits supplied by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as the reason for testing delays, reported ANI.
India’s Tally at 17,265, Death Toll Rises to 543: Centre
The total number of positive cases in India on Monday, 20 April, stood at 17,265 with the number of deaths standing at at least 543 according to the data released by the ministry of health and family welfare.
These include 14,175 active cases, 2,546 patients cured/discharged and one migrated person.
17 New Cases in Rajasthan; State's Tally at 1,495
"Seventeen new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan so far - one each in Ajmer, Banswara and Nagour, two each in Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur and Kota and eight in Jaipur. Total of positive cases in the state rises to 1,495. Total 24 deaths and 205 recovered in the state,” the Rajasthan Health department said, ANI reported.
The state health department further said, “A 62-year-old man from Nagour, admitted at a hospital, died last night. He was also suffering from hypertension.”
Decision to Open Restuarants, Book Shops Violate Lockdown Rules: MHA to Kerala
Ministry of Home Affairs has objected to Kerala government giving additional relaxation during lockdown, PTI reported quoting officials.
“Kerala's decision to allow opening of restaurants, book shops violation of lockdown measures,” said MHA
Further, MHA added, “Allowing bus travel in towns, pillion rider on two wheelers, two passengers in back seat of car are violation of lockdown,”
Punjab Rules Out Relaxation in Curfew till 3 May
The Punjab government has ruled out any relaxation in the curfew till 3 May barring wheat procurement.
The move came after Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reviewed the current situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak with senior officers from the administration and police department.
On Sunday evening, the chief minister ruled out any relaxation in the curfew, except as needed to ensure the procurement of wheat, till May 3, when he will again review the situation, a press release said.
Manipur CM Says State Now 'Corona Free'
Manipur CM N Biren Singh declared that the state is ‘corona-free.’
“I am glad to share that Manipur is now Corona free. Both patients have fully recovered and have tested negative. There are no fresh cases of the virus in the state,” he tweeted.
62-Year-Old Dies of COVID-19 in Rajasthan
One more person died of coronavirus in Rajasthan while 17 fresh cases were reported on Monday, officials said.
Rajasthan has so far seen 24 deaths due to the virus, with Jaipur accounting for 13 deaths.
"A 62-year-old Nagaur district resident died Sunday night at SMS Hospital here. He was admitted on April 18 and was suffering from hypertension," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
30 Students Brought from Kota Reach Home in UP's Muzaffarnagar
Thirty students, who were brought to Uttar Pradesh from Kota in buses sent by the state government, have reached their homes in Muzaffarnagar, amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
They reached Muzaffarnagar on Sunday evening and were sent into home quarantine, District Magistrate Amit Singh told PTI. The students underwent checkups for COVID-19 after reaching the state, he said.
Gurinder Chadha's Aunt Dies of COVID-19 Complications
Indian-origin British filmmaker Gurinder Chadha's aunt has died due to coronavirus complications. The director said her aunt passed away on Sunday in a hospital in the UK.
"Today we said goodbye to my dearest bhuaji /aunt from #covid19 complications. She was my dad's little sister," Gurinder wrote alongside a family picture.
7 More Test COVID-19 Positive in Odisha, Total Cases Rise to 68
Odisha has reported seven fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of virus cases to 68 in the state, a health and family welfare department official said on Monday.
Of the 951 samples tested on Sunday, seven reported positive, the official said, adding that so far a total of 10,641 samples have been tested in the state. The seven fresh cases were reported from two districts - Bhadrak (five) and Balasore (two).
At Least 20 Test Positive at Afghan Presidential Palace
At least 20 employees at Afghanistan's presidential palace have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a senior government official who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to comment on the subject.
It wasn't clear whether President Ashraf Ghani had been in contact with any of the employees or whether he had been tested himself. The presidential palace has refused to comment. Ghani has reportedly been self-isolating, although he still meets daily with some senior officials.
COVID-19 Situation Serious in Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Indore: MHA
The Centre on Monday said the COVID-19 situation is "especially serious" in Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata and a few other places in West Bengal, and violation of lockdown measures risk the spread of the novel coronavirus.
In a communication to state governments and union territories, the home ministry said there have been several incidents of violence against COVID-19 frontline healthcare professionals, complete violation of social distancing norms and movement of vehicles in urban areas. These should be stopped, it said.
New Zealand's Lockdown Extended
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand's lockdown will last another week.
From next week, workers at some businesses such as construction and manufacturing will be able to resume their jobs, and some schools will reopen, although parents will be encouraged to continue having their children learn from home.
59 Arrested for Attacking Health Officials in Bengaluru
As many as 59 people were arrested on Monday for attacking police and health officials at the minority dominated Padarayanapura in the city when they went to quarantine some people, police said.
"Fifty-nine people have been arrested (in Padarayanapura) and have been taken into custody. The people attacked the officials who had gone to quarantine some poeple who were the primary and secondary contacts of three COVID-19 patients," a police officer said.
Four New Cases of Coronavirus in Kashmir
The number of COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir has climbed to 354 as four more persons tested positive for the virus, officials said on Monday.
“Four new cases – all from Kashmir -- have been detected n the union territory,” the officials said. They said the test results of these cases came late on Sunday night.
Four More Die of COVID-19 in Gujarat, State Toll Rises to 67
Four more patients succumbed to coronavirus in Gujarat, taking the toll in the state to 67, a health department official told PTI on Monday. Out of the four deaths, two each were reported from Ahmedabad and Surat, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi said.
Three of these patients had underlying health conditions like diabetes,hypertension, and kidney disease. The deceased from Ahmedabad included two men, aged 59 and 54, while the victims from Surat were a 70-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman, the official said.
Bihar Cases Rise to 96
Three more persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, taking the number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 96, an official told PTI.
They came in contact with COVID-19 patients, Health Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar tweeted late on Sunday night. The three persons - aged 30, 36 and 52 years - hail from Jamapur in Munger districts of the state, he said.
108 New COVID-19 Cases in Gujarat, State Tally Climbs to 1,851
The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 1,851 after 108 more people tested positive for the disease on Monday.
Among the new patients, 91 were reported from Ahmedabad, taking the total number of such cases in the district to 1,192.
Besides, six new cases were reported from Aravalli district, two each from Kutch, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Rajkot and Surat, and one each from Vadodara and Mehsana, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told PTI.
Kerala Govt Denies Dilution of Lockdown Guidelines
The Kerala government on Monday said there was some "misunderstanding", due to which the Centre had objected to dilution of the lockdown protocol after the state had allowed opening of restaurants and MSME industries in municipal areas among others.
The Union Home Ministry has taken strong objection to Kerala government's decision to allow opening of restaurants, bus travel in cities and opening of MSME industries in municipal areas, saying it amounts to dilution of its lockdown guidelines.
Show 'Self-Discipline', Stay Indoors to Combat COVID-19: Pak PM Imran Advises People
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday urged the people of Pakistan to show "self discipline" and refrain from going outside to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has killed nearly 170 and infected 8,516 people in the country.
Prime Minister Khan's remarks came days after he cautioned that Pakistan may see an increase in the number of coronavirus cases from mid-May and the healthcare system could come under significant pressure.
COVID-19 Patient Who Escaped From Hospital Caught by Police
An NSA detainee, who escaped from a hospital in Jabalpur after testing positive for coronavirus, was caught by police in Madhya Pradesh's Narsingpur district on Monday morning.
The man escaped on Sunday when he and other patients were being shifted to a super-specialty facility in the Jabalpur Medical College and Hospital.
Odisha Policeman Suspended for Entering Jagannath Temple Amid Lockdown
A police inspector in Odisha has been suspended for allegedly entering Shree Jagannath temple in Puri, in violation of the ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, a senior officer told PTI on Monday.
A case has been registered against the inspector for his misconduct, the officer said.
Death Toll in Indore Rises to 52, COVID-19 Cases Reach 897
Three more persons died of coronavirus Indore in the last 24 hours, taking the toll in the Madhya Pradesh district to 52.
The deceased included two men and a woman, in the age group of 42 to 47 years, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia told PTI. Besides, seven more people tested positive for COVID- 19 here, taking the total number of such cases in the district to 897, he said.
Refugee Women Facing Greater Violence Risk During Crisis: UNHCR
Displaced women and girls are facing a heightened risk of gender-based violence during the coronavirus crisis, the UN Refugee Agency said Monday.
The UNHCR said they may be forced into "survival sex" or child marriages.
Karnataka Cases Rise to 395
Five new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infections in the state to 395, the Health department said on Monday.
"Five new positive cases have been reported from last evening to this noon... Till date 395 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 16 deaths and 111 discharges," the department said in its mid-day situation update.
Newborn Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan's Nagaur
A newborn baby has tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan's Nagaur district, an official said Monday.
"The baby born on Saturday is coronavirus positive. Her mother, father and other family members too are COVID-19 patients," Nagaur chief medical and health officer Dr Sukumar Kashyap said.
25-Yr-Old Who Tested Positive, Delivers Healthy Baby in Pune
A 25 year-old woman who tested positive for COVID-19 has given birth to a healthy baby boy at the hospital. The woman was admitted to the hospital on 16 April, ANI reported.
“The baby is not infected with COVID-19 and is kept in a separate ward,” Sasoon hospital officials, Pune said,
No Relaxation in Lockdown Restrictions in Lucknow, Agra, Firozabad in UP
With no let up in COVID-19 cases in some districts of Uttar Pradesh, the administration in Lucknow, Agra and Firozabad have decided against giving any kind of relaxation during the continued lockdown.
Reports from other districts in the state on giving relaxation were awaited. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a video conference with respective district magistrates on Sunday night, had authorised them to take a call on giving relaxation from Monday after assessing the prevailing conditions there.
COVID-19: India Will Stand by Maldives in This Challenging Time, says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih on the health and economic challenges the COVID-19 pandemic poses for the island nation.
"The special bond between India and Maldives strengthens our resolve to fight this common enemy together," the prime minister tweeted. India will stand by its close maritime neighbour and friend in this challenging time, he said.
DBT Approves Funding for Three Companies for Developing COVID-19 Vaccine
The Department of Biotechnology has so far short-listed three companies for funding the development of a vaccine for COVID-19, besides 13 other proposals it received for diagnostics, therapeutics and other interventions to fight coronavirus, a statement said.
COVID-19: 16 High-Risk Contacts of Infected Delhi Pizza Delivery Agent Test Negative
Sixteen "high-risk contacts" of a pizza delivery agent, who was infected with COVID-19 last week, have tested negative for coronavirus in south Delhi, an official told PTI.
The 19-year-old pizza delivery agent had tested positive for the virus on 14 April, prompting authorities to put 72 families he delivered pizza under home quarantine.
Flight Restrictions to be Lifted When COVID-19 is Controlled: Govt
The restrictions on domestic and international flight operations will be lifted when the government is confident that spread of the novel coronavirus has been controlled, and poses no danger to Indians, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday, amidst reports of some airlines doing open bookings.
In a series of tweets, the minister also said a directive was issued on Sunday to airlines, restraining them from doing open bookings since they did not heed to government's advice in the matter.
Covid-19 Kits Supplied by ICMR-NICED Defective, Says WB Govt
The West Bengal government has alleged that the Covid-19 testing kits supplied by the NICED, ICMR's nodal agency in the state, a fortnight ago, are "apparently defective" as they show "inconclusive results" leading to repeated confirmatory tests and delaying diagnosis of the disease.
The ICMR-NICED authorities said it could be possibly because the kits "have not been standardized" and it is considering the matter "very seriously".
75 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in Andhra, Number Rises to 722
Andhra Pradesh reported 75 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours while three deaths took the toll in the state to 20, the Health department said on Monday.
With 75 new cases being reported, the total number rose to 722, the Health department said in a bulletin.
Goa Govt Begins Easing Restrictons on Industries
The Goa government on Monday began easing lockdown restrictions on some industries, and the the state's Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that a majority of units would apply to Goa Industrial Development Corporation for permission to resume operations.
Earlier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had designated GIDC as the nodal agency for permission to industrial units to resume operations in the second phase of lockdown for the coronavirus outbreak.
Sri Lanka Drops Plan to Relax Curfew After Sudden Spike in COVID-19 Cases
The Sri Lankan government on Monday dropped its decision to relax the nationwide curfew and extended it to 27 April following a sudden spike of 41 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.
The island nation has been under a 24-hour curfew since 20 March to combat the deadly viral infection
Telangana Govt Issues Orders to Extend Lockdown till 7 May
With no significant dip in coronavirus positive cases, the Telangana government has issued orders to extend the ongoing lockdown till May 7 with stringent measures.
"Government of Telangana is of the view that strict lockdown measures that have been implemented in the state since 22 March have played an important role in slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
It is, therefore, necessary that stringent measures should continue to be in place to consolidate the containment measures in the state. In view of this, it is decided that lockdown measures as already in force in Telangana shall apply till 7 May in the state," a Government Order issued on Sunday said.
Govt Must Deposit Rs 7500 in Bank Accounts of Poor, Revive MSME Sector: Congress
A key Congress panel headed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday met for the first time and discussed significant issues before the country such as revival of the MSME sector, smooth crop procurement and migrant issues amid the nationwide lockdown.
The Congress will soon prepare a detailed plan for revival of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) together with steps to ensure smooth crop procurement and resolving migrants' issues and will put it before the central government, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.
Spain Daily Virus Death Toll Drops Under 400
A total of 399 people died of COVID-19 in Spain over the past 24 hours, down from 410 a day earlier, the government said on Monday.
The latest figures also showed the number of cases soaring to 200,210 in Spain, which has suffered the third-highest number of virus deaths in the world after the United States and Italy.
57 Fresh cases, 2 More Deaths Reported in Rajasthan
Two more persons died of coronavirus in Rajasthan while 57 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday, officials said.
Twenty-five deaths due to the virus have been reported in the state so far, with Jaipur accounting for 13 of the total deaths.
"A 62-year-old Nagaur district resident died on Sunday night at SMS Hospital here. He was admitted on April 18 and was suffering from hypertension. Another death was reported in Kota," Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
Kanpur Records 17 Fresh COVID-19 Cases
Seventeen cases of coronavirus were detected in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh on Monday, taking the total number of such cases here to 74, a health official said.
Kanpur's Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ashok Shukla said most of the novel COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Coolie Bazar and Anwarganj areas and they were close contacts of Tablighi Jamaat members.
Recovery Rate for COVID-19 in India is 14.75%: Health Ministry
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry in the daily briefing said that so far, 2,546 people have been cured and the recovery rate is 14.75%.
“Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand have not reported any COVID-19 case in last 28 days. The number of districts where no case has been reported in last 14 days has increased to 59. Goa is now COVID-19 free,” he said.
Coronavirus Doubling Rate During Lockdown Slows to 7.5 Days From 3.4 Days
The doubling rate for coronavirus which was 3.4 days before lockdown is now 7.5 days, according to the health ministry, PTI reports.
Make COVID-19 Essentials GST-Free, Says Rahul Gandhi
Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday demanded that “all equipment related to the treatment of this epidemic” should be made GST free.
“It is wrong to collect GST on sanitizers, soaps, masks, gloves etc. from the people who are suffering from poverty.” he tweeted.
Need to Know on What Grounds Centre Formed Lockdown Assessment: Mamata
“Need to know on what grounds central teams formed for lockdown assessment before moving ahead,” WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, as quoted by PTI.
In the last 24 hours, 54 fresh cases of COVID-19 reported in West Bengal, according to an official.
President Kovind Thanks Police for Sensitivity and Professionalism During Lockdown
President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday expressed his gratitude to police forces for ensuring coronavirus lockdown with sensitivity and professionalism, PTI reported.
Karnataka Case Tally at 480, Death Toll at 16
The number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka has risen to 480, including 16 deaths and 112 discharges. 18 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, PTI reported, quoting the state’s health department.
Kerala Total Rises to 408
Six new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kerala on Monday, all from Kannur, of which 5 have foreign travel history. Total cases in the state are at 408, including 114 active cases, according to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Afghan Prez Thanks India for Supplying Essential Drugs, Modi Responds
Afghanistan President Thanks India for Essential Drugs, Modi Replies
Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani thanked India for providing essential drugs for the Afghan people. Replying to his tweet, PM Narendra Modi said, “For long, we have fought jointly against the scourge of terrorism. We will similarly combat COVID-19 together, with solidarity and shared resolve.”
Tamil Nadu Total Crosses 1,500; Death Toll at 17
43 new COVID-19 positive cases and 2 deaths were reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,520. Total 17 deaths have been reported in state till date, ANI reported, quoting officials.
Dharavi Reports 30 New Cases; Total 168
Mumbai’s Dharavi reported 30 new COVID-19 cases on Monday taking the total tally to 168 with 11 deaths so far, PTI reported, quoting the local municipal corporation.
Maharashtra COVID-19 Tally at 4,666 as 466 More Test Positive
466 new COVID-19 cases and 9 deaths were reported in Maharashtra today, taking the total number of cases to 4666 and deaths to 232 in the state. With 65 patients being discharged from hospitals today, the number of cured patients stands at 572, according to the state health department.
78 COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths Reported in Delhi in Last 24 Hrs
As many as 78 COVID-19 cases and two more deaths have been reported in Delhi in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in Delhi now stand at 2,081, including 1,603 active cases, 431 recovered patients and 47 deaths, the health department said.