COVID-19: Total 13,835 Cases, 452 Deaths, Says Health Ministry
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According to the Health Ministry on Friday, 17 April,, India’s total number of coronavirus cases have risen to 13,835, including 11,616 active cases, 1,766 recoveries and 452 deaths.
A COVID-19 patient died of multiple ailments at AIIMS, Patna, and a 75-year-old patient died in Srinagar hospital in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, 17 April.
Earlier on Friday, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das announced that the central bank has reduced the reverse repo rate by 25 basis points to 3.75 percent. He said that the RBI will ensure adequate liquidity in the system to ease the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- China’s Wuhan has abruptly raised its death toll by 50 percent to a total of 3,869, admitting that many cases were “mistakenly reported” or missed entirely
- The Home Ministry on Friday gave exemptions to a few more areas from the purview of the lockdown, including construction in rural areas
- US coronavirus deaths have reached 32,917. The toll marks an increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, the highest daily toll so far
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US Coronavirus Tally Crosses 32,000
US coronavirus deaths have reached 32,917, a Johns Hopkins University tally shows. The toll marks a huge increase of 4,491 deaths in the past 24 hours, the highest daily toll so far. The figure likely includes "probable" deaths related to COVID-19, which were not previously included
RBI Governor to Address Media at 10 am
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das is set to address the media at 10:00 am on Friday, 17 April.
Trump Announces Gradual Reopening of US Economy
President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the gradual reopening of a US economy battered by the brutal side effects of an unprecedented effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
5 More Cases in Andhra Pradesh
5 more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Srikalahasti Temple town of Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. With this, total positive cases in Srikalahasti increased to 10. Of the 5 new cases; one woman is a contact of a positive case, ANI reported.
Wuhan Abruptly Raises Death Toll by 1,290; Admits to 'Missing' Cases
China's Wuhan on Friday 17 April, abruptly raised its death toll by 50 percent to a total of 3,869, admitting that many cases were "mistakenly reported" or missed entirely, AFP reported.
The adjustment, detailed in a social media posting by the city government, adds 1,290 deaths to the tally in Wuhan, where the global pandemic emerged and which has suffered the vast majority of China's fatalities from COVID-19.
'Monitoring Situation Developing Out of COVID-19 Outbreak Closely': RBI Guv
Addressing the media, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank is monitoring the situation developing out of the COVID-19 outbreak closely.
"Since 27 March, the macroeconomic and financial landscape has deteriorated precipitously in some areas, but light still shines through bravely in some others," Das said.
According to him, the contraction in exports in March at 34.6 percent is much more severe than the global financial crisis of 2008-09. Automobile production and sales declined sharply in March, as also the electricity demand, he said.
However, he did go on to point out that the IMF projection of 1.9 percent GDP growth for India is the highest among G20 countries, adding that "India is expected to post sharp turnaround in 2021-22."
Reverse Repo Rate Reduced by 25 Basis Pts to 3.75%: RBI Guv
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the central bank will ensure adequate liquidity in the system to ease the financial stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The central bank reduced the reverse repo rate – the rate at which banks park their fund with the central bank – by 25 basis points to 3.75 percent.
This will encourage banks to lend to the productive sectors of the economy.
With regard to other measures, Das said RBI will begin with giving an additional Rs 50,000 crore through targeted long-term repo operation (TLTRO) to be undertaken in tranches.
Besides, he announced a re-financing window of Rs 50,000 crore for financial institutions like NABARD, National Housing Bank and SIDBI.
Fresh Exemptions For Lockdown Period, Construction Allowed in Rural Areas
The Home Ministry on Friday gave exemptions to a few more areas from the purview of the lockdown, including activities regarding minor, non-timber forest produce; those regarding bamboo, coconut, arecanut, cocoa and spices plantations; NBFCs and cooperative credit societies; and, activities regarding construction in rural areas.
'No Case Reported in Last 15 Days From 3 Locations': Delhi Minister
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said on Friday that a total of 1,640 COVID-19 cases have been reported in the national capital, of which 62 were reported on Thursday.
"Thirty eight people have died till date, 34 are in ICU and six are on ventilator," he was quoted by ANI as saying.
Speaking about 'Operation Shield' that is being conducted in areas from where cases are being reported, he said, "No case has been reported in the last 15 days from three locations in the national capital, including Dilshad Garden. Sixty have been containment zones identified till now."
Death Toll in Gujarat Rises to 38
Two more people succumbed to COVID-19 in Gujarat on Friday, taking the death toll to 38 in the state, a health official was quoted by PTI as saying.
Ninety-two new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state, taking the total tally to 1,021.
Group of Ministers Meet Over COVID-19; CDS Rawat Also Present
A Group of Ministers (GOM) meeting over COVID-19 is underway in Delhi. The meeting is being attended by Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat, among others.
38 More COVID-19 Cases in Andhra Pradesh
Thirty-eight more COVID-19 cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state has risen to 572, including 35 patients who have been discharged and 14 deaths, the state Health Department was quoted by ANI as saying.
Number of Coronavirus Cases in Karnataka Rises to 353
Thirty-eight more COVID-19 cases have been reported in Karnataka from 5 pm on Thursday till 12 pm on Friday. The total number of cases in the state stands at 353, including 82 patients who have been discharged and 13 deaths, the Karnataka government was quoted by ANI as saying.
288 Fresh Cases Take Maharashtra's COVID-19 Tally to 3,204
As many as 288 fresh COVID-19 cases and seven more deaths have been reported in Maharashtra, taking the total case tally to 3,204 and death toll to 194, the state Health Department said.
'Private Schools Can Only Charge Tuition Fee During Lockdown': Delhi Dy CM
No private school will be allowed to increase fees during the coronavirus lockdown and only the tuition fee can be charged till the time schools reopen, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Friday.
"We have got several complaints about schools hiking fees and also levying charges like transport fee, which is not even being utilised during the lockdown. No private school will be allowed to hike fees without seeking permission from the government. Schools also cannot charge beyond the tuition fee," Sisodia was quoted by PTI as saying at a press conference.
Sisodia, who is also the education minister of Delhi, clarified that charges such as transport fee, annual fee or any other miscellaneous head cannot be levied during the lockdown.
"No school can charge three months' tuition fee (at a time), the fee has to be collected monthly. Schools are mandated to pay salaries to their staff, including the contractual ones. If they are short of funds, they can reach out to their parent organisation for funds.”
"No student's access to online classes should be restricted, irrespective of fee payment," he added.
‘Disappointed With Announcements Made By RBI’: Congress
The Congress on Friday said it was disappointed with the announcements made by the RBI amid the coronavirus lockdown, with its leader Ajay Maken saying that the government should take more measures to help those affected by the virus.
The party also presented a 10-point demand charter to the Arvind Kejriwal government in Delhi to help those in distress due to COVID-19, reported PTI.
It also sough regulations in place to check the spread of the virus by delivery persons in Delhi.
"Migrants are the backbone of any city. They should be incentivised to make them feel safe in Delhi and other towns," Maken added.
'RBI's Announcements Will Greatly Enhance Liquidity and Improve Credit Supply': PM Modi
COVID-19 Patient Dies of Multiple Ailments at AIIMS, Patna
A COVID-19 patient died of multiple ailments at AIIMS, Patna on Friday, taking the coronavirus toll in Bihar to two, an official was quoted by PTI as saying.
14-Day Quarantine in a Month for Docs, Nurses in Odisha's COVID-19 Hospitals: Official
Doctors, nurses and all healthcare providers in Odisha's COVID-19 hospitals are placed under quarantine for 14 days after tending to patients for about the same period in a particular month, and another set of medical professionals takes over for that duration, a senior official here said.
Arrangements for safety have been made for health workers in the facilities earmarked for coronavirus patients, and those dealing with suspected or confirmed cases provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Development Commissioner SC Mohapatra said on Thursday, PTI reported.
75-Yr-Old COVID-19 Patient From Baramulla Dies in Srinagar Hospital
“A 75-year-old COVID-19 patient from Armpora Sopore in Baramulla has died at JVC Hospital in Srinagar, taking the death toll due to the disease to five in Jammu and Kashmir,” said the Medical Superintendent of JVC Hospital, reported ANI.
Containment Ops to Be Scaled Down If No Secondary COVID-19 Case for 4 Weeks: Govt
Containment operations will be scaled down if no secondary positive case of COVID-19 is reported from a quarantine zone for at least four weeks after the last confirmed test has been isolated and all his contacts have been followed up for 28 days, the Union Health Ministry said, PTI reported.
Doubling Rate Gone Down in 19 States, UTs: Health Ministry
“Before the lockdown, doubling rate of COVID-19 cases was about three days, but according to data in the past 7 days, the doubling rate of cases now stands at 6.2 days. Doubling rate in 19 States, Union Territories are even lower than average doubling rate,” said Lav Aggrawal, Health Ministry.
“The doubling rate is lower than the national level in 19 states and UTs- Kerala, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Ladakh, Puducherry, Delhi, Bihar, Odisha, TN, Andhra Pradesh , UP, Punjab, Assam, Tripura etc,” he said.
He further said, “We have been witnessing average growth factor at 1.2 since 1 April which stood at 2.1 (average) between 13-15 March. Hence, there is 40 percent decline in average growth factor even as we increased COVID-19 testings.”
He also stated the focus i now on speeding up vaccine development. The centre is working on recombinant BCG, convalescent plasma therapy, monoclonal antibodies to fight COVID-19, he added.
ICMR To Begin Study on Mutation Next Week
“This virus has been in India for 3 months, the mutation doesn’t happen too quickly. Whatever vaccine comes out now, it will work in the future as well (if the virus mutates),” said Dr. Gangakhedkar, ICMR.
He continued, “ICMR will begin a study next week. Till we don’t have definitive results from this, we won’t recommend it even for health workers.”
Maharashtra Govt Issues Advisory on Deferring Rent Collection for Next 3 Months
“Maharashtra State Housing Department issues instructions to landlords to postpone rent collection by at least three months. During this period, no tenant should be evicted from the rented house due to non-payment of rent,” the Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office said.
West Bengal's Tally Rises to 162, Death Toll at 10
“Total active COVID-19 cases in the State are 162, death toll at 10,” said West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha, ANI reported.
44 News Cases in K'taka; State's Tally at 359
"Forty-four new COVID-19 cases reported in the state from 5 pm yesterday to 5 pm today, the total number of positive cases in the state is 359 including 13 deaths and 88 discharges,” the Karnataka Health Department said.
646 COVID-19 Cases in 49 UP Districts: State Principal Health Secy
“Eight hundred and forty six cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 49 districts of Uttar Pradesh including 74 cured/discharged. 2,962 tests were conducted yesterday. 993 people are in isolation wards and 10,714 in quarantine facilities in the state,” UP’s Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad said.
COVID-19: Total 13,835 Cases, 452 Deaths, Says Health Ministry
According to the Health Ministry on Friday, 17 April,, India’s total number of coronavirus cases have risen to 13,835, including 11,616 active cases, 1,766 recoveries and 452 deaths.
Kerala Reports 1 COVID-19 Case; 10 More Recover
“Only one COVID-19 positive case reported in Kerala today,10 more people have recovered. As of now, there are 138 active cases and 255 cured cases,” said Kerala Health Minister's Office.
44 Yr-Old Man Who Tested COVID-19 Positive Passes Away in Pune
“A 44-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away in Pune today. He suffered from comorbid conditions. Total death toll in Pune is now 49,” said Pune Health Officials, Maharashtra, ANI reported.
Detained Migrant With COVID-19 Forced to Call in to Court
A detained immigrant who said he tested positive for COVID-19 was required to call in for a court hearing even after a guard said he was too weak to talk, his attorney said Thursday, PTI reported.
When the judge asked Salomon Diego Alonzo to say his name, the guard responded that Alonzo “does not have the lung capacity,” said his lawyer, Veronica Semino, who was listening by phone.
Lockdown Breach: Ten Held for Gathering in Mosque to Offer Friday Prayer
Ten persons were arrested in Kaiserganj area in Bahraich for gathering in mosque to offer Friday namaz in breach of the lockdown provisions, the police said, PTI reported. Bahraich Additional Superintendent of Police Ravindra Singh said in Bairimaheshpur village some persons gathered to offer Friday prayers despite lockdown.
33 of 92 COVID-19 Patients in Noida Recover
Thirty-three of the 92 coronavirus patients in Gautam Buddh Nagar are cured and discharged from hospital, a number which has brought some cheer to the district which is among the worst affected in Uttar Pradesh, PTI reported.
This 35 percent recovery rate is better than the 13 percent recorded at the national level.
15 New COVID-19 Cases in Mumbai's Dharavi
"Fifteen new COVID-19 cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi,” said Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation in Maharashtra, reported ANI.
AP Chief Minister Tests Negative
“Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy got tested for COVID-19 today. His test result came negative. The CM was tested with a rapid test kit after the State received 1 lakh rapid test kits from South Korea,” said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, ANI reported.
56 Test Positive in TN; State's Tally at 1,323
In Tamil Nadu, 56 persons test positive today. Total number of patients so far — 1,323 Meanwhile, 283 have been discharged.
77 Cases, 5 Deaths in Mumbai Reported Today
“Seventy-seven new COVID-19 positive cases, five deaths reported in Mumbai today, the total number of positive cases in Mumbai is 2,120 including 121 deaths,” said Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai, ANI reported.
Examine Issue of School Fee Payment, Salary of Teachers Sensitively: CBSE to States
In the wake of the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, the CBSE on Friday advised states and union territories to examine the issues of school fees payment and salaries to teachers “sensitively and holistically” keeping in mind the interest of all stakeholders, PTI reported.
60 Cases, One Death in Odisha
“The number of COVID-19 positive cases in the State stands at 60 including 40 active cases, 19 cured/discharged and one death,” stated the Odisha Health Department, ANI reported.
Head Constable at Bara Hindu Rao Station Tests Positive: Delhi Police
“The head constable at Bara Hindu Rao police station has tested positive for COVID-19; two other police personnel quarantined,” says Delhi Police, reported ANI.
78 Fresh COVID-19 Cases Reported in Gujarat Today
“Seventy-eight new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Gujarat today. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the state rises to 1,099 (including 86 discharged/recovered patients and 41 deaths),” the Gujarat Health Department said, ANI reported.
Take Action Against Anyone Hampering Last Rites of COVID-19 Patients: HC to Authorities
The Meghalaya High Court has directed authorities to take legal action against anyone obstructing the cremation or burial of COVID-19 victims in the state.
The direction came after a 69-year-old doctor, the first coronavirus fatality in Meghalaya, was buried a day after his death on Wednesday due to protests and denial of permission by a town body and a crematorium.
Woman Collapses, Dies Waiting in Queue to Get COVID-19 Relief From Bank in Telangana
A 47-year-old woman died on Friday while waiting in a queue to withdraw Rs 1,500 COVID-19 lockdown relief provided by the Telangana government, from a bank at a village in Kamareddy district, police said.
The woman, who has a history of stroke, was sitting under a tree near the rural bank when she collapsed and died, they said, PTI reported.
PPE Kits From China Didn't Fulfill Criteria: Health Min Sources
“About 63,000 Personal protective equipment (PPE) kits which arrived from China recently did not fulfill the criteria,” ANI reported quoting Health Ministry sources.
PM Modi Discuss COVID-19 Situation With Eqypt Pres; Assures Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today spoke on phone with President of Egypt Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The two leaders discussed the evolving global situation in the wake of COVID-19. PM assured Egyptian President that India would provide all possible support to ensure the availability of pharmaceutical supplies.
COVID-19 Positive Man Dies in Ludhiana; 14 Fresh Cases Reported in Punjab
A 58-year-old man who tested positive for coronavirus and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Ludhiana died while 14 more persons tested positive for the infection in Punjab on Friday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 211 in the state, as per medical bulletin.
In Ludhiana, Gurmail Singh, who had tested positive for the infection on Thursday night, succumbed to the virus on Friday.
Gujarat Receives 24,000 Rapid Testing Kits From Centre
“Gujarat today received 24,000 rapid testing kits from the Government of India. These kits will be helpful for intense testing in containment zones, high-risk zones. More rapid testing kits will arrive in 2-3 days,” said the Gujarat Information Department. ANI reported.
Delhi Reports 67 New Cases Today
“Sixty-seven new positive cases reported in Delhi today; the total number of positive cases now stand at 1,707,” said the Delhi Health Government, reported ANI.
Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute Develops Test That Can Confirm COVID-19 in 2 Hrs: Min
“Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute develops diagnostic test that can confirm COVID-19 in two hours,” said Union Minister Harsh Vardhan, PTI reported.
First Delhi Cop to Test COVID-19 Positive Recovers, Discharged From Hospital
Listening to recitals of the Bhagwad Gita and keeping himself away from news about coronavirus motivated police official Jeet Singh during his recovery from the dreaded contagious disease, PTI reported.
"I have got a new lease of life," said Singh, an assistant sub inspector (ASI) attached to the traffic unit, who was the first policeman from Delhi to test positive for COVID-19.
98 More People Test Positive in Rajasthan
"Ninety-eight people tested positive for COVID-19 in the state today; the total number of positive cases in the state is 1,229,” the Rajasthan Health Department said, ANI reported.
Visas Granted to Foreigners, Incoming Passengers to India Remain Suspended Till 3 May
“All existing visas granted to foreigners and all incoming passenger traffic into India through immigration check posts, except certain categories, to remain suspended till 3 May 2020,” the Ministry of Home Affairs stated.
It further said, “Grant of consular services to foreign nationals, presently residing in India due to travel restrictions in the context of COVID-19 outbreak, till 3 May 2020.”
Delhi Police Announces Rs 1 lakh Grant If Officer Tests COVID-19 Positive on Duty
Commissioner of Police Delhi has approved a grant of Rs 1 lakh to any officer/staff of Delhi Police who tests positive for COVID-19 while discharging his/her duty, reports ANI.
Blackbuck Poaching Case: Hearing Adjourned Till 4 June
In the Blackbuck poaching case, hearing in Jodhpur court has been adjourned to 4 June, due to the coronavirus lockdown. The hearing in the case was scheduled to be held tomorrow, ANI reported.
Policeman Helps Pregnant Woman Reach Hospital in Nick of Time
A police constable deployed at a containment zone near Puducherry played the role of a Good Samaritan by helping a woman facing labour pain, PTI reported.
Karunakaran (32), along with a Home Guard, was keeping vigil at the zone, when the pregnant woman's mother approached the constable and sought help to reach a hospital, as there were no vehicles in view of the COVID-19 lockdown.
1 Person Tests Positive in Himachal Pradesh Today
“One person tested positive for COVID-19 in the state today, the total number of positive cases in the state rises to 36,” the Himachal Pradesh Health Department said.
Coronavirus Cases in Gujarat Cross 1,000-Mark, 5 More Pass Away
The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 1,099 after 170 new cases were reported since Thursday night, a senior official said.
With five patients dying, the death toll due to the pandemic stood at 41, said Principal Secretary, Health, Jayanti Ravi on Friday, PTI reported.
Pune: COVID-19 Cases Reach 565 as 68 Test Positive Today
The number of COVID-19 cases in Pune district in Maharashtra crossed 500 on Friday with 68 new cases reported, as well as three deaths, officials said, reports PTI.
The coronavirus positive cases now stand at 565 while the death toll so far is 48, an official said.
4 More COVID-19 Patients Discharged From Hospital in Assam
“Four more COVID-19 patients were discharged from a hospital on Friday, taking the total number of cured persons to nine, out of the 34 people who have tested positive for the disease in Assam so far,” said Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, PTI reported.
Rs 10,000 Crore Fund of Funds in Offing for MSMEs: Gadkari
Amid the economic uncertainty due to coronavirus, a "fund of funds" would be set up for export-oriented Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) soon, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Friday.
The fund has got approval from the finance ministry and soon it would be cleared by the cabinet, the Union MSME minister said.
Prominent Prominent Businessman Booked for Leaving Jammu's 'Red Zone' for Srinagar Residence booked for leaving Jammu's 'Red Zone' for Srinagar residence
A prominent businessman was on Friday booked after he left a locality in Jammu marked as a 'Red Zone' of coronavirus cases for Srinagar in violation of prohibitory orders during the countrywide lockdown, officials said.
A case was registered against Mushtaq Ahmad Chaya who was staying at Bathindi in the outskirts of the city, the officials said. This area has witnessed the maximum number of positive coronavirus cases in Jammu, PTI reported.