COVID-19: 2 New Cases in Karnataka; Global Death Toll Over 7,000
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Two new cases of the novel coronavirus have been detected in Karnataka's Kalburgi and Bengaluru, the state Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar, said on Monday, 16 March.
Meanwhile, Italy on Monday, reported 349 more deaths due to coronavirus, taking the total death toll to over 2,000, AFP news agency reported. The global death toll has crossed 7,000.
The first human trial to evaluate a candidate vaccine against coronavirus has begun in Seattle, US health officials said Monday.
The total number of positive cases of coronavirus in India rose to 114 on Monday, including Indian and foreign nationals.
- Health Ministry said that travellers from the European Union, Turkey and the United Kingdom are prohibited in India from 18 March
- PM Modi cancelled his Bangladesh visit and will attend the scheduled event in Dhaka via video-conferencing on 17 March
- Maharashtra reported 7 more cases raising the total number of cases in the state to 39
- Spain has registered nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases to 8,744
- Iran announced 129 new virus fatalities on Monday, taking the total death toll in the country to 853
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Coronavirus LIVE: Portable Handwash Stations to Be Installed in Delhi: Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed divisional managers and municipal commissioners to install portable handwash stations in various parts of Delhi to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the capital, reported ANI.
Coronavirus LIVE: Will Issue More Directions Regarding Precautions to Stop Spread of COVID-19: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court on Monday said it will issue more directions about precautions to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported PTI.
The court observed this when an advocate mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar that the photocopy shops and cash counters in the complex should accept also digital payments.
Coronavirus LIVE: Mahahrashtra Reports 4 More Cases, State Case Total Stands at 37
Four more people have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, taking the total number of cases to 37 in the state, reported ANI, quoting Maharashtra health officials.
Coronavirus LIVE: PM Modi Takes to Twitter, Boosts Morale Over COVID-19 Fears
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter, replying to users who have shared their experience in dealing with government officials and have taken steps to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus cases in India.
Coronavirus LIVE: Mahahrashtra Reports 1 More Case, State Case Total Stands at 38
A person with travel history to Dubai, has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Maharashtra, taking the total number of cases to 38 in the state, reported ANI, quoting MD Singh Yavatmal District Collector.
Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases in India.
Coronavirus LIVE: No Religious, Social, Political Gatherings of Over 50 in Delhi Till 31 March
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said religious, social, cultural and political gatherings comprising more than 50 people will not be allowed in the national capital till 31 March in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The Delhi government has also closed down gyms, nightclubs and spas till March end, he said at a press conference.
"The restriction is applicable to protests too," he said.
There is, however, no restriction on weddings but people are advised to postpone the dates, the chief minister said.
Coronavirus LIVE: Baharain Reports First Death
The Kingdom of Bahrain on Monday reported its first coronavirus death, reported AFP, quoting health ministry officials.
The country has reported 214 cases, with 77 of them recovered from the illness.
Be Smart & Proactive While Combating Coronavirus: Rohit Sharma
Indian cricketer Rohit Sharma took to Twitter on Monday, advising people to stay safe and being proactive and to report to the nearest medical authorities if they have any symptoms.
He also extended thanks to the doctors who are treating patients suffering from coronavirus in India.
Coronavirus LIVE: Finch, Warner Raise Concerns Over Australia's COVID-19 Measures
Australian white-ball captain Aaron Finch and opener David Warner have raised concerns over the effectiveness of the self-isolation policy of the government to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, reported AFP.
The Australian government had announced that anyone arriving in the country from overseas will be forced to self-isolate for 14 days starting Sunday midnight (March 15) in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.
All Asset Classes Are Vulnerable as Things Stand: Marc Faber
Marc Faber, editor and publisher of The Gloom, Boom & Doom Report that investors are too complacent about the impact the coronavirus pandemic might have on global economic activities. Though the markets may see a strong rebound in between this slide, they will be unable to reclaim the highs, reported Business Standard.
“The Indian markets have been expensive and they are not insulated from whatever is happening globally. India has just started to report coronavirus cases and I feel the country is under-reporting the number of people infected with the virus,” he said.
The Indian economy can worsen further. That’s because the global economy is weakening and India is not decoupled,” he added.
Coronavirus LIVE: SC Takes Suo Moto Cognisance of Overcrowding of Prisons
The Supreme Court on Monday took suo moto cognisance of overcrowding and infrastructure of prisons across the country in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.
A bench of Chief Justice SA Bobde and LN Rao issued a notice to the Director General, Prison, and chief secretary of all states and union territories seeking their response by 20 March on steps taken for prevention of COVID-19.
The court also asked all states and union territories to depute an officer on 23 March who could assist the court in the matter.
Premier Hotels Near Delhi Airport to Offer Paid Quarantine Facilities
The Delhi government has ordered three premier hotels in Aerocity near Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to set aside as many as 182 rooms for paid quarantine facilities for those flying in from abroad, reported The Indian Express.
According to the orders, The IBIS will have to set aside 92 rooms, The Lemon Tree Premier 54 and Red Fox 36 rooms. Garg said the authorities are expecting people to start moving to the paid facilities in a short while.
Treatment Cost of Coronavirus Covered By State: Bihar CM
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday announced that the state government will bear the entire expenses of the treatment of the patient who have contract novel coronavirus under Mukhyamantri Chikitsa Sahayata Kosh Yojana, reported ANI.
“If someone dies due to coronavirus, then the next of the kin of the deceased will be given Rs 4 lakh as compensation from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund,” he added.
254 People Traced Who Were in Contact With First COVID-19 Death in India
77 primary contacts and 177 secondary contacts of the 76-year-old patient who died from novel coronavirus symptoms have been traced, said Dr Sudhakar, the Karnataka Medical Education minister.
“The daughter of the deceased patient was tested positive. However, her one month only baby has tested negate,” he added.
AIIMS Doctors Complain About Inadequate Availability of Personal Protective Equipment
Delhi AIIMS Resident Doctors’ Association writes to AIIMS director, complaining about 'inadequate availability of personal protective equipment in AIIMS'. The letter reads, "We urge you to ensure PPE availability round the clock for safety of doctors&nursing staff".
Maharashtra CM Holds Review Meet With Health Min, DMs
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray and Health Minister Rajesh Tope, along with Chief Secretary of the state, are holding a review meeting at CM's official residence. All district magistrates are joining via video-conferencing.
Racing Activities Suspended Till Further Notice
The Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) has suspended racing till further notice in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
As on Monday, the number of positive coronavirus cases in Maharashtra was 37.
"We have taken a decision to suspend all activities at RWITC as a precautionary measure to help combat the spread of Covid-19. We request everyone to stay safe, keep indoors and maintain high spirits during this global health crisis," a statement issued on Monday quoted RWITC chairman Zavaray Poonawala.
Pune Police Arrested One Person for Spreading Fake Message
Pune Police have arrested one person for spreading fake video message about Coronavirus.
National Defence College Closed till 31 March
Delhi's National Defence College has been closed till March 31 amid #coronovirus threat.100 students including 58 Brigadier-rank armed forces’ officers,17 bureaucrats of Joint Secretary-rank and 25 foreign officers from friendly nations undergo training at the institute.
Pak, Bangladesh Cricket Boards Postpone Matches
The Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards on Monday decided to postpone the upcoming One-Day International and Test in Karachi indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic which has derailed sporting calendars globally.
Bangladesh were due to arrive in Karachi on March 29 to play an ODI on April 1 and the second ICC World Test Championship Test from April 9-5.
“The two boards will now work together to identify a future opportunity to complete the ICC World Test Championship commitment," the PCB said in a statement.
The first Test of the series was played in Rawalpindi from February 7-10, which Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs.
Meghalaya Govt Orders Shutdown
The Meghalaya government has ordered shutdown of schools and colleges and cancellation or postponement of major sports events till 31 March to avoid mass gatherings in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior minister said.
The order will be effective from Tuesday, he said.
Health Minister A L Hek made the announcement in a suo-motu statement in the Assembly during the Budget Session on Monday.
"All educational institutions within the state are to remain closed except for holding of examinations," Hek said.
Kolkata Man Admitted to Isolation Ward of City Hospital With Coronavirus-like Symptoms
A 19-year-old man, who returned from Thailand on Monday, was admitted to the isolation ward of a government hospital with novel coronavirus-like symptoms, a senior official of the state health department said.
With this, the total number of patients admitted at the isolation ward of the Beliaghata ID and BG Hospital, rose to 12, he said.
The man exhibited coronavirus-like symptoms during thermal scanning at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on Monday.
AMU Asks Students, Professors to Undergo COVID-19 Test
The Aligarh Muslim University, in a fresh advisory pertaining to COVID-19 outbreak, has directed all teachers and students who have travelled abroad recently to undergo screening and evaluation at the Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Hospital.
AMU spokesman Omar Peerzada said all members of the university community, who have recently returned to India after a foreign visit, and are suffering from symptoms such as headache, sore throat, fever, cough and respiratory difficulty, should immediately report to the chief medical superintendent of JN Medical College.
US Airlines Slash Flights Over Virus Crisis
US airlines have announced drastic reductions in flights after President Donald Trump's administration banned foreign travelers arriving from Europe.
United Airlines said it would announce a cut in capacity of around 50 percent for April and May, as the United States ramps up restrictions to try and contain the spread of the coronavirus.
"We also now expect these deep cuts to extend into the summer travel period," said chief executive Oscar Munoz and company president Scott Kirby in a letter to employees published on the airline's website on Sunday.
Maharashtra Universities Asked to Postpone Exams
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope says the government has asked the universities to postpone the examinations in the state. Elections to municipal corporations and panchayat have been postponed for three months.
Tripura on Shutdown
All schools, colleges, universities, cinema halls, swimming pools and gymnasiums in Tripura will remain closed with effect from 17 March to 31 March. However, the Board Examinations will continue.
'COVID-19 Could Affect India Directly:' RBI Governor Addresses Media
RBI governor Shaktikanta Das addressed the media on the COVID-19 situation and said that efforts have been mounted to handle the situation.
“India is not immune to this pandemic, already more than 100 cases have been reported. Effort are being mounted by the government on war-footing. COVID-19 could impact India directly through trade channels, in which exposure to China is really high,” he said.
“Second round of effects of the pandemic could operate through a slowdown in the domestic economic growth and it would obviously be a result of synchronised slowdown in global growth and as a part of that, the growth momentum in India would also be impacted somewhat, ” he said.
“Sectors such as tourism, airlines, hospitality industry and domestic trade and transporters are suffering a loss of activity. Spillovers are being transported through finance and confidence channels to overseas and domestic equity markets. Forex and Bond markets are also not immune,” he added.
Newark-Delhi Flight Diverted After Passenger Falls Sick Onboard
United Flight 82 Newark to New Delhi diverted to London’s Heathrow airport after a passenger became unwell onboard.
Bahrain Records First Coronavirus Death
A Bahraini woman has died from the novel coronavirus, the health ministry announced on Monday, marking the first death from the disease among Gulf Co-operation Council states.
The 65-year-old woman had pre-existing medical conditions, the ministry said on Twitter.
Nearly 1,000 cases of the virus have been recorded so far across the six nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
25 Doctors Among 75 SCTIMST Employees Placed Under Isolation
At least 25 doctors are among 75 employees of a premier health insitute in Thiruvananthapuram, who have been kept under isolation in the wake of a Spain returned doctor testing positive for coronavirus.
Opposition Parties Object to Goa CM Holding Public Meetings
Opposition parties in Goa on Monday objected to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant addressing public meetings for upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections despite the coronavirus threat.
The election to all the 50 ZP constituencies are scheduled to be held on 22 March.
At least one political party has suggested that the upcoming polls be postponed in view of concerns over novel coronavirus.
Iran announces 129 New Fatalities
Iran announces 129 new virus fatalities, total dead now 853.
Total Cases in India Rise to 114
Number of coronavirus cases in India rises to 114, one new case each in Ladakh, Odisha, J-K and Kerala.
Combination of Two Anti-HIV Drugs Crucial in Treatment: Rajasthan official
A combination of two anti-HIV drugs has proved crucial in the treatment of coronavirus positive cases, a senior official of the Rajasthan government said.
Additional Chief Secretary, Medical and Health, Rohit Kumar Singh said the patients' condition improved after they were administered the anti-HIV drugs.
Three of the four patients in the state have now been declared coronavirus-free.
EU Leaders to Hold Coronavirus Video-conference
European Union leaders will take part in a crisis video conference Tuesday to coordinate actions to fight the spread of the coronavirus.
"Containing the spread of the virus, providing sufficient medical equipment, boosting research and limiting the economic fallout is key," tweeted European Council chief Charles Michel.
The 27 EU member state leaders will hold their extraordinary summit -- called by Michel -- one day after the G7 holds a similar high-level video conference.
West Bengal Civic Polls Deferred
West Bengal civic polls deferred amid coronavirus scare, the State ELection Commission announced.
Closing of Kartarpur Corridor Due to Covid-19 Temporary Measure: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday described the suspension of the pilgrimage to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan as a "temporary measure" in the wake of the coronavirus scare.
"Unfortunately, the Kartarpur corridor has been closed because of Covid-19 but let me assure people of Punjab that it is a temporary measure," Singh said while addressing the media on the completion of his government's three years in office.
Nearly 1,000 New Virus Cases in Spain in 24 hours
Spain has registered nearly 1,000 new COVID-19 infections over the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases to 8,744, the health ministry said on Monday.
Over the same period, the number of deaths rose by nine to 297, the ministry's emergencies coordinator Fernando Simon said.
The figure for new cases was lower than weekend numbers, when 2,000 infections were detected between Saturday and Sunday and the number of deaths rose by around 100. Of the total number, Madrid remains the worst-affected region, with 4,665 cases.
IOC Official Says No Deadline for Decision on Olympics
The leader of the IOC's coordination commission for the Tokyo Olympics said there is no May deadline to cancel the games and he remains confident the event will go ahead despite sports coming to a virtual standstill globally amid the coronavirus outbreak.
John Coates, who will have to go into government-mandated self-isolation when he returns to Australia this week from Olympic business in Europe, told the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper: "It's all proceeding to start on the 24th of July."
Dick Pound, a former IOC vice president, said in an interview with The Associated Press last month that the end of May loomed as a possible deadline for the IOC to make a call on the Tokyo Olympics.
Ajanta-Ellora, Other Sites in Aurangabad Shut
Several historical sites, prime being the world famous Ajanta and Ellora Caves, in Aurangabad in Maharashtra will be shut from Thursday till 7 April as a precautionary move in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said.
The other sites that have been put under lockdown are the Bibi-ka-Maqbara, Aurangabad Caves, Daulatabad (Devgiri) Fort, all of which attract robust tourist footfalls, including foreign nationals.
"All monuments in Aurangabad under the Archeological Survey of India and Maharashtra government will remain closed from 19 March to 7 April. Tourists who have been allowed to visit these sites over the next two days have already been screened by the ASI," Collector Uday Choudhari said.
Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple, Osmanabad's Tuljabhavani Temple Closed
The Siddhivinayak Temple, one of the most visited shrines in Mumbai, will remain closed for devotees till further notice in view of the coronavirus outbreak in Maharashtra, it was announced on Monday.
The Tuljabhavani Temple, another popular shrine in Maharashtra located in Osmanabad district, will remain shut for devotees from March 17 to 31, an official told.
Mamata Orders Bengal Shutdown, Allots Rs 200 Crore to Tackle Crisis
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday announced the state government will create a Rs 200 crore fund to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, and extended the closure of all educational institutions till 15 April.
She also asked cinema theatres to remain shut till 31 March.
"Around 3.24 lakh people have been screened in Bengal and we are keeping a close watch on 5,590 of them. Till now there have been no positive cases in the state," she said after reviewing the situation arising out of the coronavirus pandemic.
As a precautionary measure, the government has decided to extend the closure of all educational institutes till 15 April, the chief minister said.
"We are creating a Rs 200 crore fund to tackle this crisis," Banerjee said.
8 out of 10 Test Negative for Coronavirus in Coimbatore, Two Reports Awaited
No coronavirus cases were reported in the district and eight out of the 10 people screened tested negative, Coimbatore District Collector K Rajamani said on Monday.
Results of samples of a man who returned from Thailand and a woman from Qatar have been send for testing to Chennai and expected soon, Rajamani told reporters here.
All precautionary steps have been taken to check spread of the virus and not only passengers but also employees and members of the public who visited the International Airport were screened, he said.
Besides, medical teams were posted at check posts, bordering Kerala, where a few positive cases were reported, he said.
No 'Bhasmarti' at Mahakaleshwar Temple
Devotees will not be allowed to attend 'Bhasmarti' at Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain till 31 March.
McDonald's, Domino's Pizza Introduce Contact-less Delivery
McDonald's and Domino's Pizza have introduced contactless delivery, with state governments taking measures to avoid gathering of people in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Westlife Development, owner and operator of of McDonald's restaurants in west and southern India, on Monday said it has launched contactless delivery to ensure food reaches customers without being touched by bare hands and delivered safe with adequate social distancing measures.
Similarly, Jubilant FoodWorks Ltd (JFL), the licensee for Domino's Pizza in India said it has introduced zero-contact delivery all 1,325 restaurants of Domino's Pizza in India.
2-Hour Work Day in Bombay HC from 17 March
The Bombay High Court and its benches at Nagpur, Aurangabad and Goa shall function for only two hours in a day from 17 March until further orders in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The HC on Monday issued a circular after a meeting held by acting Chief Justice B P Dharmadhikari and other senior judges.
The functioning of the high court at its principal bench, in Mumbai, and other benches in Nagpur, Aurangabad and Goa shall be from noon to 2 pm from 17 March till further orders, the circular issued by HC Registrar S B Agarwal said.
Maharashtra Raj Bhavan Tour Suspended till 31 March
The Maharashtra Raj Bhavan tour for citizens has been suspended till 31 March 31 due to the novel coronavirus threat, an official said on Monday.
The tour of the sprawling complex, the residence of the state governor, is well patronised and 20 people are let in every day after prior booking, the official informed.
IIT Kanpur Asks First Years to Vacate Hostels
All undergraduate, MBA, and first year MTech,MDes and MS students are required to vacate the IIT Kanpur hostels by 19 March. Only PhD, second year MTech, MDe, MS and fifth year Dual Degree students already on campus are permitted to stay in the hostels after 19 March.
No Confirmed Cases in Assam, Says Health Minister
Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Health Minister told ANI that there are no confirmed cases in the state yet.
“We do not have any confirmed coronavirus cases as of now. We have started screening domestic passengers also at railway stations along with international passengers at airports. Nobody is quarantined or in isolation wards currently,” he said.
Jharkhand Announces Closure of Educational Institutions till 14 April
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday announced closure of all educational institutions in the state till 14 April as a precautionary measure in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Informing the Jharkhand Assembly about this, Soren said the shutdown will be applicable on government as well as private educational institutions, besides coaching centres and hostels, starting 17 March.
Agra Woman Who Fled Hospital Tests Positive for Coronavirus
A 25-year-old woman, whose husband in Bengaluru is hospitalised with coronavirus, has tested positive for COVID-19, three days after she fled from a hospital without informing authorities, officials said on Monday.
According to the officials, this woman and her husband returned from their honeymoon in Europe earlier this month and landed in Mumbai. From there they went to Bengaluru, where her husband, who works for an IT company, tested positive for coronavirus and was hospitalised.
So far, there have been seven positive cases in the Taj city and five of the patients have recovered from the novel virus while two, including this woman, are under treatment, the Health Department officials said.
Avoid Using Cash, Says RBI
Reserve Bank of India said that non-cash digital payment options (like NEFT, IMPS, UPI and BBPS) are available round the clock to facilitate fund transfers, purchase of goods/services, payment of bills, etc.
Public can use these modes of digital payment from the convenience of their homes through online channels like mobile banking, internet banking, cards, etc and avoid using cash which may require going to crowded places for sending money or paying bills.
Those in Home Quarantine in Maharashtra to be Stamped on Left Hand
People undergoing home quarantine for suspected exposure to the novel coronavirus will be stamped on the left hand, the Maharashtra government said on Monday.
In an official release, the state government said the decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and attended by district officials through video-conferencing.
Malls, Gyms, Coaching Centres Closed in Chandigarh till 31 March
The Chandigarh administration on Monday ordered shutting down of all malls, gyms, coaching centres, night clubs, pools and banned all social, cultural, political and religious gatherings till March 31 amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Advisor to the Chandigarh administrator, Manoj Parida said all social, cultural, sports, political, religious, academic and family mass gatherings of 100 or more people are banned till 31 March.
Besides, all cinema halls, gyms, night clubs, pubs, swimming pools, coaching centres, spa centres, video gaming centres and shopping malls except groceries and medicine shops in malls will remain closed till 31 March, Parida said.
"The orders have come into force with immediate effect," he said.
Health Ministry Addresses Media
Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said that the people must maintain safe distance at public places from each other.
“Important measures including closing of schools, swimming pools, malls, allow employees to work from home, less use of public transport, 1 meter distance between people should be maintained till 31 March,” he said.
“Fourth batch of 53 evacuates from Iran have arrived today and are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer. All are reported to be asymptomatic as present and are in quarantine as per protocol,” he added.
Four new cases, one each from Odisha, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Kerala have been confirmed since the last update. There are now a total of 114 confirmed cases in India as of today, including 13 cured and two reported deaths,” he announced.
Travellers From EU, Turkey, UK Banned from India From 18 March
Travellers from the European Union, Turkey and the United Kingdom are prohibited in India from 18 March, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, told the media.
Centre Must Ensure More Testing Centres on War Footing to Fight COVID-19: Yechury
The CPI (M) on Monday appealed to the Centre to ensure that more testing centres are made available on a war footing to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
"The Government of India must assist all states in ensuring that infrastructure is put in place immediately to contain this pandemic. The allocations for health must be substantially increased to ensure that a proper health care system is put in place in the country,” he said.
"It is unfortunate that instead of providing more relief, the Centre has amended its orders. This must be reversed right away and lives saved. Now. The Centre must ensure it provides all support that states and the people of India need to fight coronavirus," he added.
IISc Announces 15-day Lockdown Over COVID-19 Threat
The Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru has suspended all academic, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities for 15 days following the coronavirus threat.
These include classes, examinations, seminars, conferences, visits and laboratory work, according to a notice issued by the institute's Registrar.
Kamakhya Temple Suspends Daily 'Bhog', Offers Sanitisers to Devotees
As a preventive measure against the spread of novel coronavirus in Assam, the Kamakhya Temple - a Tantrik Shaktipeeth - has started providing visitors with hand sanitiser and decided to temporarily stop the daily 'bhog' (food offering) from Tuesday.
The temple of Maa Kamakhya or Kameshwari is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths across the country and it attracts a large number of devotees every day.
Visiting Hours at Uttarakhand Hospitals Suspended
The Uttarakhand government on Monday ordered suspension of visiting hours for friends and relatives of patients at private and government hospitals to prevent crowding as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus.
Secretary in-charge of Medical, Health and Medical Education Department, Pankaj Kumar Pandey wrote to all district magistrates and chief medical officers asking them to suspend the hours earmarked for visitors to meet patients at private and government hospitals in their areas.
Delhi HC Limits its Functioning, Few Benches to Take Up Only Urgent Matters
The Delhi High Court decided on Monday to limit its functioning due to the novel coronavirus pandemic and hold hearing of only few benches till 20 March.
The high court, which had on 13 March issued various directions restricting its functioning, held an urgent meeting on Monday and passed fresh directives.
Chhattisgarh Assembly Adjourned till 25 March
The Chhattisgarh Assembly's budget session was on Monday adjourned till 25 March due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
However, BJP and JCC(J) MLAs opposed the decision and protested on the floor of the House, with one legislator from the saffron party tearing the business schedule list and throwing it at the Chair.
Coronavirus Suspect Flees from Hospital; Caught After 12 hours
Panic prevailed in Mhow in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday after a woman, admitted in a hospital for suspected exposure to the novel coronavirus, fled from the facility and stayed out of surveillance for about 12 hours before being caught by the police, said officials on Monday.
The 26-year-old woman, who had gone for a vacation to Indonesia last month and returned home on February 29, was admitted to government-run Mhow Civil Hospital on Friday last after she showed symptoms similar to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), hospital in-charge H R Verma told PTI.
No Plan to Lock Down Any City: Maharashtra CM on Coronavirus Scare
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday said the state government has no plans to enforce a lockdown of any city in view of the coronavirus situation, but asked people to avoid thronging temples, mosques, churches and other public spaces.
The government has also decided to postpone all ongoing exams in the state, Thackeray told reporters at his official residence Varsha in south Mumbai.
The next 15 to 20 days are important for the state as far as containment of the coronavirus spread is concerned and people should be extra vigilant on this aspect, he said.
Odisha Postpones Panchayat Bypolls
The State Election Commission of Odisha on Monday postponed the March 24 panchayat bypolls after the state reported its first case of novel coronavirus.
The authorities ordered closure of all government and private schools with immediate effect amid the growing coronavirus threat, an official said.
Quarantine for Passengers From UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait Extended
The Health Ministry expanded compulsory quarantine for minimum 14 days for passengers coming from or transiting UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait.
Tamil Nadu Govt Orders Shutdown
Tamil Nadu government orders closure of all educational institutions, liquor bars, theatres and resorts in the state till 31 March as part of preventive measures against coronavirus.
The government also imposed restrictions on weddings, bans public meetings and processions among others.
BCCI Shuts Down Office
BCCI to shut down office from Tuesday in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, employees told to work from home.
Singapore Confirms 17 More Cases of Coronavirus
Singapore has confirmed 17 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections to 243 in the island-nation.
Thirteen patients are in critical condition in the intensive care unit, reported Channel News Asia. Four more patients have been discharged, so there are now a total of 109 who have fully recovered.
Bangladesh Closes Education Institutions, Enforces Travel Bans
Bangladesh on Monday closed all education institutions from 18 March to 31 March, and imposed a ban on the entry of Europeans and travellers from several countries, including India, as part of measures to combat the fast-spreading coronavirus pandemic.
"All educational institutions across the country will remain closed from 18 March to 31 March," said Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury.
Case Booked for Spreading Fake News on Coronavirus in Hyderabad
A case was booked on Monday against an unknown person for allegedly spreading fake news about coronavirus (COVID-19) in the social media, Hyderabad police said.
The case was booked under section 54 (punishment for false warning) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, following a complaint by a police official who stated that one unknown person was spreading fake news about coronavirus in a local whatsapp group, a press release from the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate said.
Goa Private Hospitals to Get Isolation Wards, says Rane
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Monday said isolation wards would be set up in the state's private hospitals to combat the novel coronavirus threat.
The coastal state, a tourist haven, has no Covid-19 patient as yet, and samples of 19 people tested for suspected exposure had returned negative while one report was awaited.
Wall Street Trading Halted After Opening Bell on Deep Losses
Trading on Wall Street was halted immediately after the opening bell Monday, as stocks posted steep losses following emergency moves by the Federal Reserve to try to avert a recession due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Just after the opening bell, the S&P 500 was at 2,490.47, a drop of 8.1 percent and beyond the seven percent loss that automatically triggers a 15-minute trading halt.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 9.7 percent, or around 2,250 points, to 20,935.16, while the tech-rich Nasdaq Composite Index tumbled 6.1 percent to 7,392.73.
Gujarat Government Orders Closure
Gujarat government orders closure of national parks, sanctuaries, conservation reserves in state.
Foreigners Can't Visit Delhi Gurdwaras Without Completing 15-Day Stay in India
The Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee on Monday banned the entry of foreigners who have not completed their 15-day stay in India in all gurdwaras in the city to check the transmission of novel coronavirus.
Manjinder Singh Sirsa, president, DSGMC said the decision comes into effect immediately.
"Only foreigners who have been staying in India for more than 15 days and tested negative for coronavirus will be allowed to visit gurdwaras," he said.
Turkey Suspends Collective Mosque Prayers Over Virus
Turkey on Monday suspended collective mosque prayers, including the important Friday prayer, until further notice to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.
“It is necessary to suspend collective prayers at mosques for a period,’ said Ali Erbas, the head of Turkey's religious affairs authority, Diyanet.
Around 90,000 mosques will however remain open to individuals who wish to pray individually, Erbas told reporters in Ankara.
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas Advance Summer Break
Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) have advanced summer break to 21 March in view of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said on Monday.
JNVs are fully residential and co-educational schools affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and operated by the Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), an autonomous body under the HRD Ministry.
"The exams are getting over, classes were already suspended. The summer break has been advanced in view of the coronavirus. The vacation will now be from 21 March to 25 May," a senior NVS official said.
There are over 600 JNVs in the country.
8 in Home Quarantine in Maharashtra's Bhandara
Eight people were placed in home quarantine in Bhandara in Maharashtra on Monday for suspected exposure to novel coronavirus, officials said.
They are between the age of 25 and 68 and had recently travelled to United Arab Emirates and United States among other nations, an official said. One of the patients in home isolation told PTI that he had returned from abroad nine days ago and was asked to remain indoors for two weeks.
US Returnee Tests Positive for Virus, Cases Touch 8 in Karnataka
A 32-year-old man, who returned from the US via London earlier this month, has tested positive for coronavirus making it the eighth case in Karnataka, the health department said on Monday.
He was on home quarantine, and is now admitted to an isolation facility.
Major Temples Close Across Maharashtra
Shree Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai to remain closed for devotees from Tuesday till further notice.
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir in Pune will also be closed for devotees till further orders.
One More Positive Case Reported in Hyderabad
Telangana Health Ministry confirmed another COVID-19 positive case confirmed in Hyderabad city, taking positive cases to 4 in the state. The new confirmed patient has a travel history to Scotland. The person is now admitted in a hospital in Hyderabad city and undergoing treatment.
Around 560 Quarantined at Armed Forces’ Facilities
Defence Ministry officials said that around 560 evacuees have been quarantined at Armed Forces’ facilities so far. Along with this, 34 crew members of the C-17 transport aircraft which brought them back from Italy and Wuhan have also been quarantined.
Of these, 372 evacuees and 17 aircraft crew members have already been discharged after quarantine. The armed forces have prepared quarantine facilities for around 15,000 citizens across the military bases in the country.
Share Tech-Driven Solutions to Tackle Coronavirus: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday took to Twitter, asking people to share technology-driven solutions for coronavirus.
"Harnessing innovation for a healthier planet. A lot of people have been sharing technology-driven solutions for COVID-19. I would urge them to share them on @mygovindia," he said.
The prime minister said such efforts can help many.
The 'COVID 19 Solution Challenge' is being hosted on the mygov.in website.
Thermal Screening of Passengers in Trains, Railway Stations Begins in Kerala
In the backdrop of the coronavirus spread, authorities have commenced thermal screening of passengers in trains passing through the state and at major railway stations, including this capital city and Ernakulam, official sources said on Monday.
Officials of the Railways and state health department, including doctors, were part of the team engaged in the thermal screening, they said
3 More Test Positive in Kerala: CM Vijayan
Three more people test positive for coronavirus in Kerala on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 24, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Visitors to be Limited in Jharkhand Assembly Premises
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday said that the Assembly has taken a decision to ban visitors, but the House has not decided about adjournment in view of coronavirus outbreak in the country.
If necessary, a decision would be taken (on the adjournment of the budget session, which is scheduled till 28 March, Soren told a press conference. He said precautionary measures would be taken for the members of the House and staff of the assembly.
All ASI-Protected Monuments To Be Shut
All ASI-protected monuments, central museums across India to be shut till 31 Marchin view of coronavirus, Culture Minister Prahlad Singh Patel said.
PM Modi to Attend Bangladesh Event Via Video-Conferencing
PM Narendra Modi shall participate in the 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations of ‘Jatir Pita’ Bangabandhu, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in Bangladesh tomorrow via video conferencing, the Prime Minister's Office said.
Due to COVID-19, the events planned for 17 March in Bangladesh, where PM Modi was supposed to be present, will be without any public gatherings.
India Inc Fears Coronavirus to Pull Down GDP by At Least 50 bps
Corporate India is expecting a 0.5 percent hit on economic growth in FY2020-21 if the coronavirus pandemic lasts longer, pushing up fiscal deficit and creating more bad loans for the bank, says an industry survey.
Care Ratings has conducted a survey on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy among over 150 CEOs, CFOs, investors, analysts and other stakeholders from manufacturing, financial services, infra, realty and services between 5 and 12 March.
COVID-19: Section 144 imposed in J&K's Ganderbal
The administration has imposed Section 144 in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
District Magistrate Shafqat Iqbal imposed the ban on the assembly of four or more people in any public place and it will remain in place till March-end, according to an order.
Poland Bans Domestic Flights, Warns of Virus Spread
Poland on Monday suspended all domestic flights as part of sweeping measures to try and halt the spread of the new coronavirus.
The measure comes after the EU country banned entry for foreigners and suspended international flights from Saturday.
White House Moves to Protect Trump, Staff Against Virus
The White House put in place new measures Monday to protect President Donald Trump and his staff during the coronavirus outbreak, including taking the temperature of anyone who enters the complex, including visitors and members of the press corps.
The steps expanded on screenings the White House began on Saturday for anyone who gets close to Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, who is leading the administration's response to the virus.
No Leave for Govt Officials Until Further Order: Noida Administration
No government officials in Gautam Buddh Nagar will be allowed the leave of absence in coming days in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the district administration ordered on Monday. Any leave of absence will be granted only in exceptional cases, District Magistrate Brajesh Narain Singh said.
Plea in SC Seeks More Testing Labs, Quarantine Centres
A PIL was filed in the Supreme Court on Monday seeking more authorised laboratories for testing coronavirus, increase in quarantine centres, temporary hospital beds in rural areas and thermal screening at public places to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plea, filed by journalist Prashant Tondon and social activist Kunajana Singh, has sought exponential increase in isolation centres and widespread availability of testing labs given the huge population of the country.
Tourism Suspended In Arunachal
Tourism has temporarily been suspended in Arunachal Pradesh, CM Pema Khandu said.
“Arunachal has closed its door to tourists temporarily to prevent the possibility of the spread of COVID-19 in our state. Earlier the state had restricted the entry of foreigners in the state,” he said.
Educational Institutes, Gyms, Pools To Be Closed Till 31 March: Health Ministry Advisory
All educational establishments (schools, universities etc), gyms, museums, cultural and social centres, swimming pools and theatres should remain closed till 31 March, the central Health Ministry said in an advisory. Students have been be advised to stay at home.
As Citizens of the Country, Our Duty to Take Precautions: Indian Army
Amid Coronavirus scare, the Indian Army took to Twitter to share a video by Lt Gen RS Grewal, Director General Medical Services.
South Africa Suspends All Forms of Cricket for Two Months
With the COVID-19 pandemic creating a global upheaval, Cricket South Africa on Monday suspended all forms of cricket in the country for the next two months.
After South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday declared a state of disaster, CSA also decided to suspend all cricket activities in the country to contain the spread of the virus.
"Cricket South Africa (CSA) has taken the decision to immediately terminate all forms of cricket in the country, for the next 60 days, namely: First-class cricket; List A cricket (Momentum Cup); All semi-professional and provincial cricket; as well as All Junior and Amateur cricket," CSA said in a statement.
DGCA Directs Domestic, International Carriers to Follow Travel Restrictions 'Scrupulously'
Aviation regulator DGCA has directed all domestic and international carriers to "scrupulously" follow the fresh travel restrictions announced by the government on Monday, which cover countries from the European Union and the UK, and Turkey.
"Travel of passengers from member countries of the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Turkey and the UK to India is prohibited with effect from March 18. No airline shall board a passenger from these nations with effect from 1200 GMT on March 18. The airline shall enforce it at the initial port of departure," the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said in a circular issued on Monday.
Maharashtra's Covid-19 Count Now 39
The number of Covid-19 patients in Maharashtra rose to 39 on Monday after two people, including a Filipino, tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Yavatmal and Navi Mumbai, said state health department officials.
A 51-year-old woman, one of 40 people who had returned from Dubai, tested positive for the virus in Yavatmal, an official said, adding she was the mother of an IT professional who tested positive for the infection in Pune earlier.
Community Kitchen Banned in Himachal's Shimla till 31 March
Community kitchen has been banned in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla district till 31 March in order to check the spread of coronavirus, a district official said on Monday.
Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap said in order to mitigate the COVID-19 threat in the district, no langar and bhandara will be held till 31 March.
WTA Suspends Women's Tennis Season Until 2 May
The WTA Tour announced on Monday it was suspending the women's tennis season until 2 May because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“At this point in time, the WTA Tour is now suspended until 2 May,\” a WTA spokesperson said.
"Due to the ongoing global coronavirus outbreak, the WTA tournaments in Stuttgart, Istanbul and Prague will not be held as scheduled.
Odisha's COVID-19 Patient Came in Contact with 129 People: Govt
Odisha's first COVID-19 positive man has come in contact with at least 129 people during his journey by train from New Delhi and after his arrival in Bhubaneswar, an official said.
The 33-year-old man, a researcher at Universita degli Studi di Milano in Italy, was admitted to the Capital Hospital last Saturday. His swab test report late on Sunday night showed positive for novel coronavirus, state government spokesperson Subroto Bagchi said.
"The lone COVID-19 patient in Odisha has come in contact with 53 people in the state and 76 others during his train journey from Delhi to Bhubaneswar," The government has already identified 53 people, including the doctor and staff of a private clinic visited by the patient. They have been suggested home quarantine as a precautionary measure, Bagchi said.
Egypt Suspends Flights from Thursday Over Coronavirus
Egypt said on Monday all flights would be suspended until the end of the month to stem the spread of the coronavirus, in a move expected to hit the key tourism industry.
"Flights will be suspended from Thursday until 31 March," Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly told a televised news conference.
He said the move was necessary to lessen social interaction especially among "tourists coming in or out of Egypt".
Indian-Origin Jew Beaten in Coronavirus-Linked Hate Crime in Israel
An Indian-origin Jew was badly beaten by two persons who called him a “Chinese” and yelled 'Corona! Corona" in Israel's Tiberias city, in an apparent racist assault linked to the virus outbreak.
Am-Shalem Singson, 28, from the Bnei Menashe community, hailing from the north-eastern states of Manipur and Mizoram, was admitted to the Poriya hospital with severe chest injuries, Channel 13 reported.
Coronavirus Scare: Mizoram Shuts Educational Institutions, Cinema Halls from Tuesday
The Mizoram government has ordered closure of all educational institutions, cinema halls, gymnasiums and swimming pools with effect from Tuesday till 31 March amid the growing coronavirus threat, an official said.
The government advised people with coronavirus-like symptoms to either be self-quarantined at home or get admitted to hospital, he said.
Random Testing of People With Respiratory Ailments
The Union Health Ministry has started random testing of people, who are suffering from respiratory ailments such as influenza and pneumonia but do not have a history of travel abroad, to ascertain if there has been community transmission of coronavirus infection.
Health Ministry officials have asked people not to panic, saying no community transmission of the virus has been observed and there has only been cases of localised transmission so far.
Malaysia to Ban Citizens from Travel Abroad, Foreign Arrivals
Malaysia will ban its citizens from travelling overseas and foreigners from entering the country in drastic measures announced by the prime minister Monday aimed at curbing the spread of the deadly new coronavirus.
Schools will also be closed under the rules that will be in place for two weeks from Wednesday, Muhyiddin Yassin said.
Large gatherings will be banned while shops and places of worship will be shuttered in the country, which has 566 virus cases -- the highest number in Southeast Asia, according to a Johns Hopkins University tally.
Chhattisgarh's Maa Bamleshwari Temple Fair Cancelled
The nine-day long religious fair held at the famous Maa Bamleshwari Temple in Dongargarh town of Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district has been cancelled in view of the novel coronovirus threat, officials said on Monday.
The fair scheduled to be held during the 'Chaitra Navratri' festival starting from March 25 at the hilltop temple in Dongargarh and other places in Rajnandgaon district have been cancelled, an official here said.
More COVID-19 Cases, Deaths Reported in the Rest of World Than in China: WHO
There have now been more COVID-19 cases and deaths in the rest of the world than in China, the World Health Organization said Monday.
"More cases and deaths have now been reported in the rest of the world than in China," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva, without providing the latest numbers.
According to an AFP tally based on official sources, more than 169,710 cases have been recorded in 142 countries and territories. The death toll stood at 6,640.
The worst affected countries in terms of fatalities are mainland China, with 3,213 deaths, Italy with 1,809 deaths, 853 in Iran and 297 in Spain.
Sikkim Bans Entry of Tourists, Shuts Down Schools, Gyms till 15 April
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday banned the entry of foreign and domestic tourists into the state and shut down public places such as educational institutes till 15 April in view of novel coronavirus outbreak.
He also appealed to the people of Sikkim to avoid travelling outside the state unless it is an emergency.
Madras HC to Impose Restrictions in Wake of COVID-19
The Madras High Court is likely to impose several restrictions on its campus similar to that of the Supreme Court as part of efforts to check coronavirus spread in Tamil Nadu,
Chief Justice AP Sahi, who held meetings with the judges at principal seat as well as the Madurai bench, is likely to convene a full court meeting on Tuesday.
The Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde on Monday held a meeting through video-conference with all the Chief Justices of high courts on the need to take preventive measures on the court premises across the country.
Pakistan's Coronavirus Tally Rises to 136
Pakistan on Monday witnessed a surge of 83 coronavirus cases, mostly in the Sindh province, bordering Iran, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections in the country to 136, an official said.
Most of the new cases were reported in the southern Sindh province where a government spokesman said the infected persons were among those who were shifted from Taftaan on Iran's border to Sindh.
The official said that Sindh was on the top of the list with 103 patients, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 15, Balochistan 10, Gilgit-Baltistan 5, Islamabad 2 and Punjab 1.
Four Key Religious Sites Close in Iran: State Media
Iran closed four key Shiite pilgrimage sites across the Islamic republic on Monday in line with measures to stop the spread of the new coronavirus, state media reported.
State television said that "upon the orders of the anti-coronavirus headquarters and the health minister, the holy shrines of" Imam Reza in Mashhad, Fatima Masumeh in Qom and Shah Abdol-Azim in Tehran were closed until further notice.
Qom's Jamkaran mosque also said in a separate statement it would close its doors, state news agency IRNA reported.
Test Every Suspected Case of COVID-19: WHO
The World Health Organization called Monday for countries to test every suspected case of COVID-19, as the rest of the world registered more cases and deaths in the pandemic than China.
"You cannot fight a fire blindfolded," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva, saying the WHO recommended that countries "Test, test, test. Test every suspected case."
Travel Ban on EU, Turkey, UK Include Indian Citiens Residing There: ANI
Government sources told ANI that travel ban on EU, Turkey and UK includes Indian citizens residing in these countries. The ban will be in place till 31 March.
One More Person Tests Positive in J&K
One more case, with travel history to Saudi Arabia has been confirmed positive in Jammu and Kashmir, Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning said. He had reported high viral load earlier. The total number of positive cases rises to 3 in the union territory.
Italy Death Toll Crosses 2,000
Italy reports 349 new virus deaths, taking total to over 2,000, AFP news agency reported.
US Researchers Give First Shot to First Person for Coronavirus Vaccine Test
US researchers gave the first shot to the first person in a test of an experimental coronavirus vaccine today - leading off a worldwide hunt for protection even as the pandemic surges, The Associated Press reported.
Aviation Ministry to Hold Meeting With Airlines Over Cancellation Charges
The Civil Aviation Ministry will hold a meeting with airlines to consider rationalisation of ticket cancellation charges, according to a parliamentary standing committee report tabled in Rajya Sabha on Monday.
Civil Aviation Secretary PS Kharola informed the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture about the meeting when his attention was drawn to the "high cancellation charges levied by the private airlines" in India.
Section 144 Imposed in Nagpur in View of Coronavirus
Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in Nagpur in view of coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI, quoting a police officer.
Those Undergoing 100% Home Quarantine Should be Marked With Indelible Ink: Maha Health Minister
Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare, said on Monday, 16 March, that “those who have undergone 100 percent home quarantine, should be marked with instruction on their left hand with indelible ink, so that that this person can be identified in the community,” ANI reported.
Canada Closes Border Except for Canadians, Americans: Trudeau
Canada has closed its borders for everyone except Canadians and Americans, AFP reported, quoting Prime Minister Trudeau.
Global Coronavirus Death Toll Crosses 7,000
The global coronavirus death toll has crossed 7,000, according to news agency AFP.
Actor Idris Elba Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Actor Idris Elba on Monday, 16 March, tweeted that he tested positive for COVID-19.
Himachal Stops Entry of Public in Places of Religious Worship Until Further Orders
The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Himachal Pradesh, has said that the entry of public at large in places of religious worship shall be stopped till further orders. Rituals as per established practice will be performed & if possible webcasting of the same may be done by management, ANI reported.
Russia Seals Borders For Foreigners
Russia has sealed off its borders for foreigners amid COVID-19 pandemic, AFP reported.
Coronavirus cases in Pakistan spike to 183
Coronavirus cases in Pakistan spiked to 183, ANI reported on Tuesday, 17 March.
Trump Says Pandemic Could End in US by July
US President Donald Trump has said the coronavirus pandemic that has killed thousands and brought life in countries across the world grinding to a halt could end by July in the United States, AFP reported.
"So it seems to me that if we do a really good job... people are talking about July, August, something like that," Trump told reporters at the White House on Monday when asked how long the outbreak might last.
"So it could be right in that period of time where it, I say, it washes through," he added.
UN Security Council Halts Meetings Due to Coronavirus Epidemic
The UN Security Council's Chinese presidency cancelled Monday the body's two final meetings scheduled this week due to the coronavirus crisis, diplomatic sources told AFP.
After the earlier cancellation of the meeting planned for Tuesday, the Security Council was planning to discuss the situation of Darfur in Sudan on Wednesday, and address multilateralism on Thursday.
It was not possible Monday to confirm the cancellations with the Chinese mission to the United Nations, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council.
Tom Hanks Released From Hospital, Wife Remains in Care
Actor Tom Hanks has been released from Australian hospital where he was in isolation since testing positive for coronavirus, but his wife Rita Wilson remains in care, AFP reports.
2 Persons Test Positive in Karnataka's Kalburgi and Bengaluru
Two persons have been tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Karnataka's Kalburgi and Bengaluru, the state Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Monday, 16 March.
"Both patients are quarantined and treated at isolation facilities," he further said.
US Begins First Human Trial of Coronavirus Vaccine: Statement
The first human trial to evaluate a candidate vaccine against coronavirus disease 2019 has begun in Seattle, US health officials said Monday, 16 March, according to AFP.
"The open-label trial will enroll 45 healthy adult volunteers aged 18 to 55 years over approximately 6 weeks," the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) said in a statement.
"The first participant received the investigational vaccine today," it added.
China Reports Just 1 New Domestic Virus Case, 20 More Imported
China reported on Tuesday, 17 March, just one new domestic coronavirus infection but found 20 more cases imported from abroad, threatening to spoil its progress against the disease, AFP reported.
The single case in Wuhan will boost China's view that it has "basically curbed" the spread of a disease that is believed to have emerged in a live animal market in the central city in December.