COVID-19: India Sees Record Spike of 478 Cases in 24 Hours
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The death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 62 in India on Friday, 3 April, and the total number of cases has increased to 2,547, as the country registered a record spike of 478 new cases, according to the Union health ministry.
Meanwhile, 93 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Delhi, taking the total number to 386. 102 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, taking the total to 411.
Meanwhile, in a special video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to all citizens to “switch off all lights for 9 minutes and light up lamps or torch or cellphone flashlights on Sunday, 5 April at 9 pm.”
Odisha announced a 48-hour lockdown in three of its cities – Bhubaneswar, Bhadrak and Cuttack, starting from 8 pm tonight.
- Number of novel coronavirus cases worldwide crossed 1,000,000 since the pandemic emerged in China late last year
- The finance ministry has released Rs 17,287 crore to states to enhance their financial resources during the COVID-19 crisis
- The number of cases in Maharashtra have risen to 490
- SC issued notice to Centre on Friday to reply over the payment of basic minimum wages to daily wage workers
- MHA has asked states to take strict action against people allegedly abusing health workers
- World Bank approved USD 1 billion in emergency funds for India to tackle coronavirus
- 960 foreigners found to be involved in Tablighi Jamaat activities blacklisted
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Three More Test Positive in Uttarakhand
Three more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Uttarakhand, raising the total number of cases in the state to 10, reported PTI.
Global Death Toll Crosses 50,000
The global death toll from COVID-19 crossed 50,000 on Thursday, according to John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.
The highest number of deaths come from Italy, where over 13,000 patients have died and 115, 242 are infected.
US Reports 1,169 COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hours
The United States’ COVID-19 death toll hit a new daily high of 1,169 in 24 hours, reported AFP, referencing the Johns Hopkins University.
The US has reported over 240,000 cases and 5,911 deaths due to the pandemic.
Chinese Figure of 82,000 COVID-19 Cases 'Not Accurate': Nikki Haley
Indian-American politician Nikki Haley has cast doubt on the accuracy of China's official coronavirus figures, terming them "clearly not accurate", amidst reports that the CIA has advised the White House not to trust the data being provided by Beijing, PTI reported.
President Donald Trump also told reporters on Wednesday that he did not believe the figures given by China. "Their numbers seem to be a little bit on the light side," Trump said at a press conference.
Trump Tests Negative for Coronavirus Again
US President Donald Trump has tested negative for coronovairus for the second time.
"This morning, the President was tested again for COVID-19 utilizing a new, rapid point-of-care test capability. He is healthy and without symptoms. Sample collection took place just one minute, and results were reported back in 15 minutes, the White House physician Sean Conley wrote in a memo, reported ANI.
Nizamuddin Markaz Event: 5 More People Test Positive in Rajasthan's Tonk
“Five people test positive for COVID-19 in Tonk. They are close contacts of the positive coronavirus patients (who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi). Total number of cases stands at 138 in Rajasthan, including two Italian and 14 attendees of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi,” said the State Health Department, reported ANI.
'Nice Offer' From Prez Putin on US Medical Supplies, Says Trump; Dismisses Kremlin 'Propaganda' Warning
US President Donald Trump said his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin extended a “very nice offer” to him by providing America with medical supplies and equipment to combat the deadly coronavirus, brushing aside a warning that it would result in Kremlin “propaganda,” reported PTI.
Face Mask Not Enough to Protect From Coronavirus: WH
Wearing a face mask alone is not adequate enough to protect an individual from coronavirus, the White House has said, emphasising that the strict enforcement of social distancing measures and other precautions are key in the fight against the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
The White House announcement came amidst an intense debate in the US on the necessity of wearing a face mask, reported PTI.
One More Tests Positive in Mumbai's Dharavi
Mumbai's Dharavi gets another COVID-19 case after a 35-year-old doctor tested positive. His family put in quarantine, they will be tested today for coronavirus. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation tracing his contacts. Building where he resides in Dharavi sealed, reported ANI.
Nizamuddin Markaz Event: 6 out of 28 People in Agra Test Positive
“Six persons out of 28 people from Agra who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz, have tested positive for COVID-19. Total number of positive cases rises to 18 in Agra, of which eight have been discharged,” said Prabhu N Singh, District Magistrate, Agra.
Two People Who Attended Tablighi Jamaart Event Test Positive in Bikaner
Two persons in Bikaner, who attended Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi, have tested positive for COVID-19. Total number of cases stands at 140 in Rajasthan, including 2 Italians and 16 attendees of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi,” said the State Health Department, reported ANI.
2 Nursing Officers at Delhi State Cancer Institution Test Positive
Two nursing officers at Delhi State Cancer Institution have tested positive for COVID-19. They have contact history with the doctor of the institution who tested positive on 1 April, reported ANI.
'You Are Not Alone': PM Modi Releases Video Msg
In a video messgae released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said, "On 22 march, the way you thanked all those fighting against coronavirus, it is a message worldwide."
He added, "Today, when crores of people are in their homes, anyone can think what they will do alone. Some people might think how they will fight this battle alone. But none of you are alone."
COVID-19: Maha Govt Launches Online Self-Assessment Tool
With over 400 people testing positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra, the state government has now taken the fight against the pandemic online, by launching a COVID-19 self-assessment tool, PTI reported.
The government has created a digital platform, wherein citizens can assess their symptoms from the comfort of their homes and later contact authorities if they have any doubts about their condition, an official release stated.
Action Under NSA Against Those Who Attack Police: UP Govt
Uttar Pradesh Government has issued orders that strict action will be taken under the National Security Act (NSA) against those who attack police personnel anywhere in the state during coronavirus lockdown, reported ANI.
78-Yr-Old COVID-19 Patient Passes Away in Vadodara
"One 78-year-old person from Godhra who tested positive for COVID-19 and who was under treatment at a hospital in Vadodara, passed away last night,” said Uday Tilwat, District Chief Medical Officer, Vadodara, Gujarat, reported ANI.
No Democracy Is Fighting Pandemic by Gagging Its Media: Editors Guild
The Editors Guild of India has said it is “deeply perturbed” over the government blaming the media in the Supreme Court for causing panic among migrant workers, leading to their exodus in the wake of the lockdown, and asserted that such actions could obstruct the process of dissemination of news.
In a strongly-worded statement, the Guild said blaming the media at this juncture can only undermine the current work being done by it under trying circumstances, reported PTI.
One More Tests Positive for Coronavirus in Goa; Tally Now 6
A man with international travel history has tested positive for COVID-19 in Goa, taking the number of infections in the state to six, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Friday.
The man, a resident of Mandrem in North Goa who had travelled to Mozambique recently, tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Thursday night, he said.
COVID-19: Health Ministry Pegs Total Cases at 2,301, 56 Deaths
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Affairs on Friday, reported that the death toll from the COVID-19 outbreak in India has risen to 56, while the number of cases has gone up to 2,301.
Out of the total cases, 2,088 are active cases. according to the ministry.
Delhi Police Lodges FIRs Against Those Who Violated Home Quarantine Norms in Dwarka
Delhi Police has lodged 21 FIRs at different police stations across Dwarka District against the persons who violated COVID-19 home quarantine norms/conditions. The violators are being booked under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and Section 3 of Epidemic Diseases Act, reported ANI.
UP CM Interacts With Pensioners Amid Lockdown
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath interacts with pensioners from different parts of the state. Government is disbursing advance monthly pensions to senior citizens, widows and differently-abled, amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Union Min Harsh Vardhan Visits Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in Delhi
In Delhi, Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare visited Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, today.
MP Records Eight More COVID-19 Cases; Tally Rises to 119
Eight new cases of COVID- 19, one of them a government employee, were reported from Madhya Pradesh since Thursday night, taking the state's tally to 119, a senior health official said on Friday, reported PTI.
Of the fresh cases, seven were recorded in Indore, the worst coronavirus-affected city in the state, and one in Chhindwara, he said.
PM Modi Holds Vid Conference With Top Sportspersons
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is holding meeting with 40 top sportspersons from various sports via video conferencing, on COVID-19 situation in the country, ANI reported.
COVID-19 Patient Discharged After Recovering in AP's Kakinada
In Andhra Pradesh, one COVID-19 patient has recovered and has been discharged from a government hospital in Kakinada today. He had foreign travel history.
12 More Test Positive in AP; State's Tally at 161
Twelve more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 161,” said state nodal officer for COVID-19, Arja Srikanth, according to ANI.
Fresh Cases of Coronavirus in Rajasthan, Curfew Imposed in Two Areas
Over 20 people tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan on Friday including nine who had attended a congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin, officials said.
Curfew has been imposed in two areas of Bikaner after two persons who had attended the Nizamuddin congregation tested positive, reported PTI.
COVID-19: Meeting by Group of Ministers Underway; Rajnath, Shah Also Present
In Delhi, a meeting of Group of Ministers (GoM) on COVID-19 underway at Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s residence. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other Ministers also present.
Coach Converted for Isolating Possibe COVID-19 Patients by Western Railway
“A coach has been converted for isolation of possibly infected COVID-19 patients by Bhavnagar Workshop of Western Railway. 410 coaches will be converted by Western Railway at all its 6 Divisions including Mumbai Division,” said Western Railway.
No Vision of Future, Just Feel-Good Moment Curated by 'Photo-Op PM': Tharoor on Modi's Video Msg
Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his video message, saying there was no vision of the future in it and was just a feel-good moment “curated by India's photo-op Prime Minister.”
Modi on Friday urged people to switch off the lights at their homes and light up lamps, candles or mobile phone torches for nine minutes at 9 pm on 5 April to display the country's “collective resolve” to defeat coronavirus.
Boatmen in Alappuzha Sells Essential Food Items to Families Stuck on Island
In Kerala, a 50-year-old boatman in Alappuzha is selling essential food items including food grains, vegetables and fruits, on his boat to the families stuck on the island due to coronavirus lockdown.
Malaria Drug Considered for COVID-19 May Raise Risk of Heart Problems, Scientists Say
The anti-malaria drug hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic azithromycin, which are being considered by some for treating COVID-19, may increase the risk for dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, US cardiologists have warned, reported PTI.
The researchers from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and Indiana University recommend that clinicians treating COVID-19 patients with the malaria-antibiotic drug combination should consider monitoring those patients for ventricular arrhythmia.
Coronavirus: WHO Team to Visit Rajasthan's Tonk District
A team from the World Health Organisation will visit Rajasthan's Tonk district on Friday to conduct a survey in the wake of rising number of coronavirus cases in the state, Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot said.
"There has been a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state in last 24 hours with an increase in the number of positive cases reported from Tonk. Given this critical situation, a team from WHO will visit and conduct a survey in Tonk today," Pilot tweeted.
34 COVID-19 Positive Cases in Last 2 Hrs, Says KGMU Doctor
"Thirty-four new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the last 24 hours,” said Dr. Sudhir Singh, Incharge Isolation Ward, King George's Medical University (KGMU), ANI reported.
31 Co-Passengers of Manipur's 2nd Positive Case Asked to Report to Corona Authorities
The Manipur government has asked 31 people who had travelled in a flight from Delhi to Imphal on 11 March along with the state's second COVID-19 patient to report to the Control Room set up to deal with coronavirus cases.
The 31, including 14 women, are considered as “high risk” as they were in close proximity to the 65-year-old man, an official release said in Imphal, reported PTI.
Army Runs 6 Quarantine Facility, 1,737 People Handled at These Centres: Ministry of Defence
“Armed Forces running 6 quarantine facilities.1,737 people have been handled at these centres, of which 403 have been released so far. Three positive COVID-19 cases were referred to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi.15 other facilities being kept ready as standby if required,” Ministry of Defence stated.
The ministry added, “Dedicated COVID-19 facilities including High Dependency Units, ICU beds, prepared in 51 hospitals of Armed Forces across country. Some of these facilities located at Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Kochi, Bengaluru, Kanpur, Jaisalmer, Jorhat, Assam and Gorakhpur.”
“Five viral testing labs at Armed Forces hospitals which can carry out COVID-19 test have been made part of national grid including in Delhi, Bengaluru and Lucknow. Six more hospitals are being equipped shortly,” he added.
172 New Cases; 42 People Attended Tablighi Jamaat Event: UP Govt Sources
“172 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in the state today, of which 42 persons had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi,” Uttar Pradesh government Sources, ANI reported.
IAS Officer Among Nine Test Positive for Coronavirus in MP
An IAS officer is among nine persons who have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh since Thursday night, taking the state's tally to 120, a senior health official said on Friday, PTI reported.
The 2011-batch IAS officer is posted in the health department in Bhopal and has a history of travelling outside Madhya Pradesh in recent times, he said.
Himachal Woman Dies in Chandigarh Hospital, HP Death Toll Rises to Two
A woman from Baddi in Himachal Pradesh's Solan district has died due to COVID-19 at the PGIMER in Chandigarh, a senior official said on Friday.
The woman's case was earlier unreported, Solan Deputy Commissioner KC Chaman told PTI.
Odisha Govt to Impose Complete Lockdown in Bhubaneswar, Bhadrak for 48 Hrs
“Odisha Government is going to impose complete lockdown in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak for 48 hours from 8 pm today, to prevent community transmission of COVID19,” stated Odisha Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, ANI reported.
DGP Abhay said, “No grocery and other essential food item shops will be allowed to open for 48 hours from 8 PM tonight in Bhubaneswar and Bhadrak town. All passes issued will be canceled. Restriction on medicine stores will be decided by local authorities.”
SC Issues Notice to Centre Seeking Payment of Basic Minimum Wages to Migrant Workers
Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre on hearing a petition filed by social activists Harsh Mander and Anjali Bharadwaj, seeking immediate direction for payment of basic minimum wages to migrant workers, who were adversely affected by coronavirus lockdown, ANI reported.
Visas of 960 Tablighi Jamaat Foreigners Cancelled: Officials
“Nine hundred sixty Tablighi Jamaat foreigner members including 379 Indonesians, 110 Bangladeshis blacklisted, visas cancelled,” stated officials.
The officials added, “Tablighi Jamaat activists who were blacklisted and visas cancelled include nine British, four American, six Chinese, three French nationals,” officials stated.
8 More Test Positive in Haryana; Tally at 43
“Eight more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Haryana, taking the total number of cases to 43 including 13 discharged. Of the eight new cases, five are from Gurugram and three from Nuh,” said State Health Department, reported ANI.
Singapore PM Announces 1-Month Lockdown From 7 April
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announces one-month shutdown starting next Tuesday (7 April), says most workplaces, except for essential services and key economic sectors, to be closed, ANI reported.
Coronavirus: Kejriwal Holds Vid Conference Meeting With Party MLAs
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Friday held a meeting via video conference with all party MLAs to discuss the relief work carried out by them in their respective assemblies in view of the coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI.
Kejriwal was joined by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain in addressing the party MLAs.
4 Men Slapped With NSA for Attacking Health Workers
The Indore district administration on Friday invoked the National Security Act (NSA) against four men involved in the alleged attack on health workers in Taatpatti Bakhal area of the city.
This is first such action related to COVID-19 pandemic in Madhya Pradesh, an official said, PTI reported.
First Coronavirus Death Confirmed in AP
Days after a 55-year-old man died in a government hospital in Vijayawada, the Andhra Pradesh government on Friday confirmed that coronavirus was the cause of the death.
This is the first coronavirus death reported in the state, where total number of positive cases rose to 161, out of which three have recovered. The man contracted the disease from his son, who returned from New Delhi after attending the Tablighi Jamaat congregation on 17 March.
Odisha Includes Cuttack in Its 48-Hr Lockdown Plan
“Sixth COVID-19 positive case of Odisha detected in Cuttack with recent travel history to Delhi,” said Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha.
43 People Who Travelled to Jammu on Foot Have been Quarantined: Poonch Police
“Forty-three people, who travelled from Kashmir to Poonch (Jammu) on foot via Mughal Road without any permission, have been quarantined by Poonch Police,” said Ramesh Angral, SSP Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir, ANI reported.
1,400 Nizamuddin Event Attendees From Maha Traced: State Health Min
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Friday said that around 1,400 people from the state, who had attended the religious congregation at Delhi's Nizamuddin last month, have been traced.
Talking to PTI, Tope said these people are being isolated or quarantined by the district administrations.
Covid-19 Patient in Odisha Recovers, Discharged From Hospital
Odisha's first COVID-19 patient, a 33-year-old Italy-returned researcher, was on Friday discharged from the hospital, having recovered from the viral infection, a state health department official said.
The man, who was admitted to the hospital with coronavirus infection on 15 March, tested negative for the disease twice in a span of 24 hours, he said.
Delhi's Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital to Close OPD Service From Tomorrow
In Delhi Lok Nayak Hospital and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (GB Pant Hospital) close their OPD service. Medical emergency services at both the hospitals to continue. The order will come into effect from tomorrow.
SC Dismisses Plea Seeking Conversion of Hotels into Quarantine Centres
The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an application seeking directions for the conversion of hotels, resorts and guesthouses across the nation into shelter homes, quarantine centres and isolation wards.
Spain Reports Over 900 Deaths for the Second Day Running
More than 900 virus deaths were recorded in Spain for the second day running, AFP reported, quoting the Spanish government.
OPD Services at LNJP and GB Pant Hospitals to Be Closed From 4 Apr
OPD services at Lok Nayak Hospital and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital in Delhi will be closed from 4 April, PTI reported, quoting authorities.
SC Officials Contribute Over Rs 1 Cr to PM CARES Fund
Supreme Court officials contribute over Rs 1,00,61,989 to PM CARES fund, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
CPSEs Under Energy Ministry to Contribute Rs 925 Cr to PM CARES Fund
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under the Ministry of Power and Ministry of New & Renewable Energy have decided to contribute Rs 925 Crore to the PM CARES fund to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
336 New Cases of COVID-19 Reported in India Since Thursday: Health Ministry
In a press conference on Friday, the health ministry said that 647 positive cases of COVID-19 found in last two days are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin.
“From yesterday till today 336 additional cases of COVID19 have come before us. Total confirmed cases are 2301, 56 deaths have been reported,” the official added.
In the conference, a home ministry official said that the MHA has asked states to take strict action against people allegedly abusing health workers.
President, Vice President Discuss COVID-19 With Governors of All States and UTs
President Ram Nath Kovind, along with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, interacted with the Governors, Lt Governors and administrators of all states and union territories via video conferencing on Friday to discuss measures to combat COVID-19.
Delhi Reports 91 New Cases, Total Rises to 384
In a press conference on Friday, 3 April, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that 91 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Delhi in last 24 hours, taking the total number to 384.
259 cases of COVID-19 have been reported from Nizamuddin Markaz, he added.
TN Reports 102 New COVID-19 Cases
102 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, taking the total to 411, PTI reported, quoting officials.
One Case Linked to Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat Event Recorded in Odisha
27 people from Delhi’s Tablighi Jamaat meet returned to Odisha, out of which seven are foreign nationals. 21 have been found negative, and one has been found positive (total of 6 cases in the state). The test results of five are awaited.
Total Cases in WB Climb to 53
38 active cases of COVID-19 have been reported in West Bengal. 12 have recovered and 3 have died in the state due to the outbreak.
The total cases in the state have climbed to 53, according to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Total Cases in Assam Climb to 20
Four more have tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, taking the total to 20, according to the state health minister. All of them attended the congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin, according to PTI.
75 COVID-19 Cases Reported in J&K
“75 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Jammu & Kashmir, with 5 cases being reported today out of which 70 are active. Four of the new cases are from Kashmir while one came into light in Jammu,” Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning) Jammu and Kashmir, told ANI.
US Ends Record Hiring Streak, Sheds 7L Jobs in March
The US shed 7,01,000 jobs in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak, ending a record hiring streak after nearly 10 years, according to the Associated Press.
10 More Test Positive in Madhya Pradesh's Morena, State Tally at 129
Ten more persons tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh's Morena district. The number of patients in the state has risen to 129, according to officials.
Centre Pays First of Three Installments to 4.07 Cr Women Jan Dhan Account Holders
The Centre has paid the first of three installments to 4.07 crore women Jan Dhan account holders. Each account has been credited with Rs 500 each.
Kerala Reports 9 New Cases, Total Tally at 295
9 people tested positive for coronavirus in Kerala on Friday; 7 in Kasaragod and 1 each in Kannur and Thrissur, according to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Out of them, three people had attended the Tableeghi Jamaat event in Nizamuddin, Delhi. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 295.
Any Decision on Extending Curfew to Depend on Prevailing Situation: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has said that any decision on extending the curfew imposed in the state beyond 14 April would depend on the prevailing situation, PTI reported.
Total Cases in Rajasthan Climb to 166
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Rajasthan has risen to 166, including 29 cases due to Tablighi Jamat event,” a state health department official told PTI.
13 Attendees of Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat Event Infected in Karnataka
In Karnataka, 13 attendees of Delhi's Tablighi Jamaat event have tested COVID-19 positive, while 187 were found negative, an official told ANI. The total number cases in the state stands at 128, including three deaths and 11 discharges.
6 More CISF Jawans Test COVID-19 Positive in Maharashtra
6 CISF personnel have tested coronavirus positive in Maharashtra, officials said on Friday. The personnel were posted at Kharghar adjoining Mumbai, a senior official said.
Five CISF personnel had tested coronavirus positive earlier, he added. As of now, there are 14 COVID-19 cases in Panvel Municipal Corporation area. Kharghar comes under the civic body's jurisdiction, PTI reports.
UK Reports a Record 684 New COVID-19 Deaths
UK has reported a record 684 COVID-19 new deaths in a daily update, AFP reports.
MHA Approves Release of 11,092 Cr Under SDRM Fund to All States
“MHA approves release of Rs 11,092 crores under State Disaster Risk Management Fund to all states. This is an advance release of Govt of India share of the first installment of SDRMF for 2020-21, to augment funds available with state governments,” a spokesperson for the Ministry of Home Affairs said.
ICSE Asks Affiliated Schools to Follow Directives of Respective State Govts
ICSE has written to the Principals of all schools affiliated to the board, asking them to follow the directives of the state govt, where some state governments have issued directives regarding the promotion of all students of classes 1-8, ANI reports.
US' United Airlines to Operate Special Flights from Delhi to San Francisco From 5 April
Chicago-based United Airlines will operate special flights from Delhi to San Francisco beginning 5 April to repatriate American citizens stranded in India due to nationwide lockdown, according to a statement.
PM Modi, Israel's Netanyahu Discuss COVID-19 Over the Phone
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, according to an Israeli official. The two discussed technological cooperation as well as the various steps to deal with the spread of the coronavirus.
Maharashtra COVID-19 Tally Rises to 490
Maharashtra on Friday saw 67 new positive cases of COVID-19, taking the total to 490, according to the state’s health ministry. Mumbai, alone, saw 43 new cases.
Total Cases in Gujarat Climb to 95
The coronavirus death toll has risen to nine and the number of positive cases has increased to 95 in Gujarat. While one person is on the ventilator, ten others have been discharged from the hospital, according to the state’s health department.
Air India Closes Bookings Till 30 April for All Domestic and International Routes
Air India has closed bookings till 30 April from for all domestic and international routes, awaiting a decision post 14 April over the coronavirus lockdown, according to PTI.
MHA Exempts Agricultural Machinery and Tea Industry From Lockdown
Ministry of Home Affairs issues Addendum to the guidelines issued regarding lockdown to exempt shops of agricultural machinery, its spare parts (including supply chain) and repair, truck repair shops on highways and the tea industry, including plantations with a maximum of 50 workers.
Delhi Govt Releases Coronavirus Helpline on WhatsApp
“I'm giving you the WhatsApp number of Delhi govt - 8800007722. If you want any information regarding coronavirus, send a 'Hello' or 'Hi' or any text on the number, you will get a menu in the reply. You can further operate it on the basis of the menu,” Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday.
217 Indians Evacuated From Italy Test Negative for COVID-19
217 Indians who were evacuated from Italy and housed at the ITBP quarantine centre have tested negative for coronavirus after a fortnight, officials told PTI.
All Banks in UP to Remain Open on Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday
All banks in Uttar Pradesh to remain open on Mahavir Jayanti, Good Friday, during the lockdown over COVID-19, a senior official told PTI.
Special Flights from India to UK to Start Next Week
The British Acting High Commissioner to India on Friday announced that the British government will be arranging special charter flights from India to the UK from next onwards to evacuate stranded British citizens.
“We are still in the process of finalising details with the Indian government and airlines. Once the specific routes and dates are confirmed, we will publicise these on our travel advice online and on social media,” said Jan Thompson, Acting High Commissioner to India.
15 More Tests Positive in Odisha
The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Odisha on Friday announced fifteen more people tested positive for COVID-19, raising the total number of cases in the state to 20.
Seven of the patients came in contact with patient from Suryanagar, three from Bomikhal, two from Bhdrak and one each from Cuttack, Puri, Jaipur.
NHA Partners with Uber India to Provide Transport For Healthcare Workers
National Health Authority (NHA) on Friday announced that it has partnered with Uber India to provide transport for India’s frontline healthcare workers engaged in the treatment of COVID-19 patients, reported ANI.
Uber will initially facilitate provision of 150 cars free of cost to support medical facilities in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj, Patna via UberMedic service. All such cars supplied to NHA will be equipped with roof-to-floor plastic sheeting enclosing driver’s seat.
Three More Test Positive in Assam
Three more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, raising the total number of cases in the state to 23, reported PTI quoting the Assam Health Minister.
France Reports 588 More COVID-19 Deaths
France on Friday reported 588 more coronavirus deaths in hospital, its biggest toll over the last 24 hours since the epidemic began.
The new deaths brought to 5,091 the total number of people who have died in hospital of COVID-19 in France, top health official Jerome Salomon told reporters.