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Mon, 23 March 2020
In a first, AIIMS shuts down OPD services
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23:55 In a first, AIIMS shuts down OPD services
For the first time in its history, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences here has decided to indefinitely shut down outpatient department (OPD) services, including speciality and all new and follow-up registration. The order will come in to effect from March 24.
Earlier, the premier institution had decided to temporarily suspend routine walk-in OPD registration of patients from March 23 so that it could redirect its resources to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
"It has now been decided that all OPD services including speciality services, all new and follow-up patients' registration in AIIMS hospital and all centres will remain closed from March 24 till further orders," the new circular on Monday said.
On Friday, the AIIMS had issued a circular postponing all nonessential elective procedures and surgeries and directed for only emergency life-saving surgeries with effect from March 21.
Centre-run hospitals like RML and Safdarjung have postponed all nonessential elective procedures and surgeries and the OPDs are being operated in restricted manner. -- PTI
IMAGE: People wear protective masks as precaution against coronavirus, outside AIIMS hospital in New Delhi. Vijay Verma/PTI Photo
23:05 Domestic flights likely to remain suspended beyond Mar 31: CAPA
Domestic air services are likely to remain suspended beyond March 31 in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, according to aviation consultancy CAPA.
The government clearly sees heightened risks related to the coronavirus virus and is determined to take unprecedented action to slow its transmission, it said.
The Civil Aviation Ministry, on Monday, said that no domestic commercial passenger flight would be allowed to operate from March 24 midnight till March 31 midnight.
The move is part of larger efforts to prevent spreading of coronavirus infections.
"The timing of the resumption of services is entirely in the control of the government, but it will most likely be beyond March 31," CAPA said in a note.
India has already banned international flights for a week from Sunday.
In light of concerns about the accelerating number of coronavirus cases in the country, many states have announced restriction on movement of people and vehicles.
For airlines, the suspension of domestic flights coincides with what can only be described as a destruction of demand in the last few days, CAPA said.
With no air services, entire Indian commercial fleet of around 650 aircraft lies grounded, it added.
CAPA said that severity of disruption which the Indian aviation industry is experiencing would have an impact that would be felt well beyond FY 2021, unless the government is able to provide quick and meaningful support.
"Industry stability in the post-COVID period will also depend upon promoters of distressed airlines themselves bringing in significant funds. -- PTI
22:53 Airborne spread of Covid-19 not reported: WHO
Airborne spread of COVID-19 has not been reported so far and it is transmitted mostly through respiratory droplets and close contact, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia Dr Poonam Khetarpal Singh said on Monday.
Her comments came in the backdrop of rumours about air borne transmission of the novel coronavirus doing rounds on social media.
"Airborne spread has not been reported for COVID-19. Based on the information received so far and on our experience with other coronaviruses, COVID-19 appears to spread mostly through respiratory droplets (for instance those produced when a sick person coughs) and close contact. This is why WHO recommends maintaining hand and respiratory hygiene," Singh said.
She said Chinese authorities reported that there could be a possibility of aerosol transmission in a relatively closed environment with prolonged exposure to high concentrations of aerosols, like in ICUs and CCUs in hospitals.
However, 'more investigations and analysis of epidemiological data is needed to understand this mode of transmission of the virus', she said. -- PTI
22:11 9th Covid death reported; cases jump to 468
The death toll due to the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to nine on Monday after West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh reported a casualty each, while the number of confirmed cases soared to 468, the Union health ministry said.
The number of active COVID-19 cases are 424 now and 35 people have been cured/discharged/migrated, while nine have died, taking total number of confirmed cases to 468, including 40 foreign nationals, according to the ministry data.
Seven deaths were earlier reported from Gujarat, Bihar and Maharahstra, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab. -- PTI
22:00 Uber suspends cab services in several cities
Cab aggregator firm Uber on Monday said it was suspending taxi services in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur in Maharashtra apart from several cities across the country due to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
They include the National Capital Region in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot in Gujarat, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Jalandhar and Ludhiana in Punjab as well as Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Udaipur in Rajasthan.
While we will continue to offer servicesto meet the essential and urgent travel needs of communities we serve, some or all of Uber's rides services will not be available till further notice, its blog said, adding that UberPool and Uber Intercity services have been suspended across the country till further notice. -- PTI
21:16 Chouhan takes oath as MP CM for the 4th time
JUST IN: Bharatiya Janata Party's Shivraj Singh Chouhan takes oath as the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for the fourth time, at Raj Bhavani n Bhopal.
He was elected state BJP Legislature Party leader in Bhopal in the evening.
Chouhan, who thanked the MLAs, accused the outgoing Congress dispensation of 'ruining' the state, and said he would change the way of running the government from now.
Chouhan, who thanked the MLAs, accused the outgoing Congress dispensation of 'ruining' the state, and said he would change the way of running the government from now.
Calling fighting the coronavirus as his top priority, Chouhan said, "We will defeat this disease."
"We will improve our governance....the shortcomings so far will be removed," he said.
He said he will go to Mantralaya (state secretariat) after taking oath and sit till late night to review measures taken to deal with the novel coronavirus outbreak. -- ANI/PTI
20:51 Suspected COVID-19 patient dies in Himachal
A 24-year-old woman who recently travelled from the United States and showed possible symptoms of coronavirus died at a private hospital in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra, a senior state health official said on Monday.
Her samples were sent for testing to Tanda's Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College but she died before the arrival of the report, the official said.
The woman had reportedly come from the US to her permanent residence in Kangra a few days ago, Himachal Deputy Director-cum-State Surveillance Officer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), Dr Sonam G Negi, said.
Dr Negi told PTI, "It is not yet sure whether she was suffering from COVID-19 or not, but she returned from the country where the virus has already spread."
The hospital doctors, staff and those who remained in touch with her have been quarantined as a precautionary measure, he added.
She was admitted to the private hospital about two days ago with possible symptoms of COVID-19, he added.
Negi said, "We are awaiting her report. After that it will be confirmed whether she was suffering from COVID-19 or not." -- PTI
19:49 Chouhan elected MP CM, to be sworn-in at 9 pm
Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be sworn in Madhya Pradesh chief minister for the fourth time at 9 pm on Monday.
He was elected state BJP Legistature Party leader in Bhopal in the evening.
The legislature party members -- wearing masks due to coronavirus threat and sitting two chairs away from each other -- unanimously elected Chouhan as their leader.
BJP's central observers Arun Singh and Vinay Sahasrabuddhe joined the meeting via video conferencing from Delhi. -- PTI
18:57 After Punjab, Chandigarh administration imposes curfew
The Chandigarh Union Territory Administration on Monday imposed curfew in the city to check the spread of novel coronavirus, hours after the Punjab government announced the restriction.
Punjab Governor and UT Chandigarh Administrator V P Singh Badnore decided to impose curfew in Chandigarh with effect from Monday midnight till further orders, said an official release.
With the imposition of curfew, all the residents will be required to stay indoors, it said.
Chandigarh has reported seven coronavirus patients so far.
Earlier, Punjab has also clamped curfew in the state.
-- PTI
18:40 Kerala records 28 new COVID cases; total at 468
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the state of Kerala has recorded 28 more cases of coronvirus, taking the state numbers up to 91.
With these new cases, the number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 433 and the active cases stand at 402.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a complete lockdown till March 31 in the state. Kerala CM said that the government will ensure availability of necessary supplies and medicines. During the lockdown, state boarders will be sealed, public transport will not be available and, private vehicles will be allowed.
18:33 Tejashwi offers official bungalow for use as quarantine camp
Leader of Opposition in the Bihar Assembly, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, on Monday offered his 1, Polo road official bungalow to the government for turning it into a makeshift quarantine camp or a testing centre for Covid-19.
Taking to Twitter, the Rashtriya Janata Dal leader also said that he would donate a month's salary to the chief minister's relief fund to help those in need in the wake of the crisis.
As per the State Health Society's bulletin, of the 143 samples collected till Sunday, two have tested positive for Covid-19. One of them, a 38-year-old man, died at AIIMS, Patna, on Saturday, while the other patient was undergoing treatment.
"As the leader of opposition, I have been allotted the 1, Polo road government bungalow. I would like to put it (bungalow) to better use," Yadav tweeted.
"The bungalow could be used as a quarantine camp or a testing centre, or for setting up isolation wards and increasing the number of beds. It can also be used in any other manner to fight against the coronavirus outbreak," he wrote on the microblogging site.
The former deputy chief minister also said he would support every step taken by the state government to contain the spread of the disease.
-- PTI
18:13 IndiGo says some employees being ostracised due to 'line of duty and travel history'
Amid major disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak in the aviation sector, IndiGo on Monday said there have been some instances where its employees were ostracised by their communities as a result of their "line of duty and travel history".
Air India had stated on Sunday that vigilante resident welfare associations and neighbours were ostracising and calling police on its crew members who went abroad as a part of their duty.
"There are some instances when our employees have been ostracised from their communities as a result of their line of duty and travel history," IndiGo said in a statement.
"The nation gave a standing ovation to the heroes for their fight against this pandemic on March 22. Our operational crew, in all areas, play an equally important role to keep vital services intact. Our colleagues have been working selflessly to serve the country at this critical juncture," it added.
The low-cost carrier stated that its employees have been the front-runners in bringing Indian citizens back to the country and "enabling" them to reach their hometowns even during restricted movements.
"Please support our operating colleagues in such a difficult time," the airline noted.
-- PTI
18:07 Kejriwal asks people to follow lockdown
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday asked people to observe the lockdown in place in the national capital to contain the spread of coronavirus or face strict action.
He also announced that 50 per cent of the DTC buses will be operational from Tuesday to ensure those involved in essential services do not face problems.
In an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the lockdown is for everyone's benefit and it is important to ensure that the virus does not spread further.
He also cited the examples of Italy and the US where the number of coronavirus was in hundreds initially but rose exponentially within weeks.
He said the Delhi government will take strict action against violators.
Kejriwal said on the first day of the lockdown, it was observed that several people involved in providing essential services reached late to work and faced several hassles.
"To ensure that they don't face problem, we will increase the DTC bus services to 50 per cent from Tuesday," Kejriwal said.
-- PTI
17:53 Uber, Ola to suspend services in Delhi from Mar 23-31
Services of Ola and Uber will not be available in Delhi till March 31 amid the lockdown announced by the state government to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.
The Delhi government on Sunday said the city will be in lockdown from March 23 to 31, under which no public transport, including private buses, taxis and autorickshaws will be allowed.
"Uber is complying with all Central and state government directives related to its services for containing the spread of coronavirus," an Uber spokesperson said in response to a query.
An Ola spokesperson said the company "will enable a minimal network of vehicles to support essential services in cities, wherever applicable, as part of this national effort to reduce the contagion of COVID-19".
The two companies -- which account for a major share of the taxis running in the national capital -- had already suspended temporarily their shared rides on their respective platforms.
The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 80 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported.
-- PTI
17:48 Uddhav imposes curfew in entire Maharashtra
Maharashtra chief minister, Uddhav Thackeray, today imposed curfew in the entire state of Maharashtra. These steps should be seen as preventive measures by the citizens, said Thackeray.
He also appealed to citizens to stay at home for their own safety in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Despite CrPC Section 144 being invoked in the state, a number of people were seen out on streets on Monday while several main roads were packed with vehicles.
"Today I am compelled to announce a statewide curfew. People were not listening and we are compelled," Uddhav Thackeray said.
All district borders are being sealed, no inter-district transportation is being allowed. All essential services to function and their transportation also allowed but with restrictions.
Image: Birds' eyeview: A deserted Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai. Pic: ANI
17:41
Govt amends law to get enabling powers to raise excise duty on petrol, diesel by Rs 8 per litre each in future: Finance Bill 2020
17:37 Coronavirus cases in Germany reach 22,672
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany has climbed by over 4,000 over the past 24 hours to 22,672, the Robert Koch Institute said on Monday. The death toll in the country reached 86.
Image: German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday decided to quarantine herself after reports that a doctor, who had come in her contact, tested positive for COVID-19, the German government said in a statement.
17:34 Will go with Abe's decision on Olympics: Trump
US President Donald Trump says he will go with Japan PM Shinzo Abe's decision on holding the Olympic Games. @realDonaldTrump tweeted: "We will be guided by the wishes of Prime Minister Abe of Japan, a great friend of the United States and a man who has done a magnificent job on the Olympic Venue, as to attending the Olympic Games in Japan. He will make the proper decision!"
The Indian Olympic Association will "follow strictly" whatever decision the International Olympic Committee is going to take regarding the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, association's President Narinder Batra said on Monday.
"We will follow what IOC is saying and we will go by IOC's stand. Whatever will be IOC's decision, we will follow strictly. We are also in touch with the government, we are talking to everyone and our stand is what IOC's stand is. I am a member of IOC and I do not follow what Canada and Australia is saying, that's their issue. IOC is a responsible organisation, we know that," Batra told ANI.
Batra's statement comes after the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that they will not send their teams to the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the summer of 2020.
17:29 Reliance boosts production of face masks to 1 lakh/day
Reliance Industries Ltd said on Monday it is enhancing its capacities to produce one lakh face masks per day and a large number of personal protective equipment like suits and garments for the country's health workers to equip them further to fight the coronavirus challenge.
India's largest private sector company said it has already initiated a multi-pronged prevention, mitigation and ongoing support strategy that is comprehensive, sustainable and resilient.
RIL has deployed the combined strengths of Reliance Foundation, Reliance Retail, Jio, Reliance Life Sciences, Reliance Industries and all the six lakh members of the Reliance Family on this action plan against COVID-19.
In a short time-span of just two weeks, Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital in collaboration with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has set up a dedicated 100-bed centre at Seven Hills Hospital in Mumbai for patients who test positive for COVID-19.
All 736 grocery stores of Reliance Retail across the country will ensure sufficient supply of essentials, including staples, fruits and vegetables, bread, breakfast cereals and other items of daily use so that citizens need not stock up. -- ANI
17:25 Sec 144 in Tamil Nadu from tomorrow
People in various parts of Tamil Nadu could be seen back in routine on Monday after the Janata Curfew ended on Sunday. However, the state will impose Section 144, prohibiting assemby of more than four people, beginning tomorrow.
Tamil Nadu will be under a lockdown till March 31 from 6 pm on Tuesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus and CrPC section 144 will be invoked for its implementation, Chief Minister K Palaniswami announced.
Making a statement in the assembly on Monday, he said that barring essential and emergency services, public and private transportation will not function.
Earlier, the state government had extended the curfew till 5 am on March 23 in a measure to curb the virus from spreading.The state reported its seventh Covid-19 case on Sunday after a traveler from Spain tested positive for the disease.The patient is undergoing treatment in isolation, said the state Minister for Health and Family Welfare, C Vijayabaskar.
Image: Impending disaster: People queue up for food in Chennai. Pic: ANI
17:18 All domestic flights suspended from March 25
The government has banned all domestic flight operations within India. The ban will be effective from Tuesday midnight (March 24).
Airlines have been asked to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 23:59 hours on 24/3/2020.
The restrictions shall not apply to cargo-carrying flights.
As of now, 415 confirmed cases have been reported, 23 patients have been discharged and 7 deaths reported.
17:17 Govt asks Indian airlines not to carry those with 'home quarantined' stamps
As the ban on international flights came into effect in India in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak, the Union health ministry on Monday told Indian airlines that passengers with "home quarantined" stamps on them should not be allowed to board any domestic flight.
The ministry had on Sunday asked the airlines to let the passengers with stamps of "home quarantine" on them board domestic transit flights so that they can reach their final destination. The ministry believes that such passengers, who came from coronavirus-affected countries and have instructions to be under home quarantine for 14 days, have reached their final destination by now, a statement said. The government has directed that every asymptomatic passenger coming from abroad must stay in home quarantine for 14 days. Such passengers are stamped with "home quarantined" stamps on their hand before leaving the airport.
17:12 COVID-19 task force recommends use of hydroxychloroquine
The National Task Force for COVID-19 constituted by Indian Council of Medical Research has recommended the use of hydroxychloroquine for prevention of the coronavirus infection for high-risk cases.
The advisory provides for placing the -- asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases -- under chemoprophylasxis with hydroxychloroquine.
The protocol recommended by the National Task Force has been approved by the Drug Controller General of India for restricted use in emergency situations.
However, the drug is not recommended for prophylaxis in children under 15 years of age and it is contraindicated in persons with known case of retinopathy, known hypersensitivity to hydroxychloroquine and 4-aminoquinoline compounds.
Among the key considerations are -- the drug has to be given only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
If anyone becomes symptomatic while on prophylaxis, he or she should immediately contact the health facility, get tested as per national guidelines and follow the standard treatment protocol. -- ANI
16:19 2nd test confirms Kanika Kapoor has COVID-19
Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor tested positive again in a second test for COVID-19 conducted on Monday. The singer's sample was tested again at the Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Lucknow after her family members raised questions about the initial test reports.
Kanika is reported to be stable as of now.
The police are tracing all those who came in contact with her in the last few days. Reportedly, 160 persons came in her contact in three parties after she returned from the UK.
16:14 Railway stations deserted as passenger trains cancelled
Railway stations across the country wore a deserted look today as the Indian Railways has cancelled all passenger train operations till March 31 in view of coronavirus. The Puratchi Thalaivar Dr M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station in Chennai and Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi were deserted as there were no passenger train operations. Nagpur Railway Station in Maharashtra and Khardaha railway station in West Bengal also wore a deserted look on Monday.
To ensure the essential supplies in various parts of the country, the movement of goods trains will continue.
The Indian Railways on Sunday stated that the Zonal Railways have been advised to ensure strict adherence to the instructions. -- ANI
Image: Except for a lone BEST bus, not a single cab nor any passenger is see outside Dadar terminus in Mumbai. Pic: Sahil Salvi.
16:09 BJP govt in MP to be sworn in at 9 pm
Oath-taking ceremony of new BJP ministry in Madhya Pradesh at 9 pm on Monday.
16:03 Is govt purposely delaying orders for protective gear?
Investigation: Crucial coronavirus gear supply clouded by allegations of government 'malintention'. Read the report here
15:54 Rahul sniffs conspiracy in export of masks
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the "delay" in the government's decision to ban the export of essential life-saving equipment like ventilators and surgical masks amid coronavirus outbreak. The government had on March 19 banned export of all ventilators, surgical/disposable masks and textile raw material used for making masks with immediate effect in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. "Respected Prime Minister, WHO's advice 1. Ventilator 2. Surgical Mask, why did the Indian government allow the export of all these things till March 19, instead of keeping sufficient stock? Which kind of forces have encouraged these games? Isn't this a criminal conspiracy?" asked Gandhi in a tweet in Hindi. PTI
15:44 'It is a sly and tricky virus'
"You need to keep a very close watch on where it is heading. I don't think anybody can be complacent. Having said that, there is really no need for panic so long as you are aware, informed and able to ensure that you are doing the best to protect yourself," Dr Om Shrivastav, Director, Infectious Diseases, at Mumbai's Jaslok Hospital, tells Archana Masih/Rediff.com.
Image: Screening of passengers at Delhi airport, March 22, 2020. Photograph: PTI
15:38 Avoid pessimism and panic, PM tells media
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said COVID-19 is a lifetime challenge, which is needed to be tackled through new and innovative solutions, while speaking to representatives of television news channels through a video-conference. The coronavirus outbreak has claimed seven lives in the country so far, while the number of positive cases has risen to 415.
"The tireless efforts of the reporters, camerapersons and technicians are a great service to the nation. The media should counter pessimism and panic through positive communication. COVID-19 is a lifetime challenge and it needs to be tackled through new and innovative solutions," Modi told the mediapersons, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.
"A long battle lies ahead of us, whereby awareness on social distancing has to be spread and information about latest developments and key decisions needs to be communicated swiftly and professionally by the channels through an easy-to-grasp language," the prime minister said.
He also said news channels serve as a vital means of feedback and the government is constantly acting on this feedback. Modi also suggested to the channels to provide dedicated boom mics to the reporters in the field and take precautions like maintaining a distance of at least one metre while conducting interviews.
He asked the channels to telecast scientific reports, involve informed people in their discussions and counter the spread of misinformation.
Modi underlined the importance of discipline among citizens and maintaining social distancing to counter the spread of the virus. Citing the prime minister's emotional connect with the people, the representatives of the news channels requested him to address the nation more frequently and include positive stories, especially the experiences of those who have recovered from COVID-19, in his address.
They said a dedicated department with doctors available 24x7 can be set up to check on the reporters and also to help combat rumours. It was also suggested that Prasar Bharati can give out authentic information twice a day, which can be used by other television channels. The prime minister thanked them for the suggestions and valuable inputs. He requested the channels to raise awareness about digital payment mechanisms to avoid the spread of the virus through currency notes. He also asked them to counter the spread of superstitions through scientific reportage. -- PTI
15:30 And in Chennai, eat your fill while in lockdown
Restrictions under section 144 of CrPC will be imposed in Tamil Nadu from 6 pm tomorrow till March 31. Shops of milk, vegetable, grocery, mutton, chicken and fish will continue to function in this period. State borders will be sealed, CM Edappadi Palanisamy in announces in the Assembly. Clear instructions unlike Maharashtra where vendors selling mutton, chicken and fish have closed shop saying they are awaiting directions.
15:26 Stickers for quarantined homes in Chennai
As many as 3,000 homes are under the quarantine watch for cornavirus in greater Chennai Corporation limits and such houses will be stamped with stickers to ensure social distancing, the city civic body said on Monday.
"All the houses where home quarantine suspected people are residing, stickers will be pasted for alerting others and to ensure social distancing, the corporation said in a release. The corporation, the biggest in Tamil Nadu, said, "right now 3,000 homes are under quarantine watch in greater chennai corporation limits."
On the stamping of stickers, it said this was a "time of emergency and it has to be taken in the right spirit," in an apparent appeal to people to cooperate. PTI
Image: A view of Marina Beach in Chennai which is closed to the public till further order amid rising cases of COVID 19. Pic: ANI
15:18 COVID-19 updates at this hour
Lok Sabha passed the Finance Bill 2020 without discussion on Monday. The lower house has now been adjourned sine die post passage of Finance Bill. Rajya Sabha to adjourn shortly.
The Delhi High Court Monday suspended its functioning as well as of district courts here till April 4 in view of coronavirus threat.
At least 3,000 homes are under the quarantine watch in Chennai for cornavirus in the greater Chennai Corporation limits and such houses will be stamped with stickers to ensure social distancing.
14:33 AIIMS to shut down OPD from March 24
In what will be a huge crisis for patients other than those diagnosed with the coronavirus, in Delhi, AIIMS has issued an order to shut down OPD, including speciality services, all new and follow up patients' registration from March 24 till further orders. The premier institute had earlier decided to temporarily suspend routine walk-in OPD registration of patients from March 23 as it redirects its resources to control the Covid-19 outbreak.
"It has now been decided that all OPD services including speciality services, all new and follow up patients' registration in AIIMS hospital and all centres will remain closed from March 24 till further orders," the new circular on Monday said.
On Friday, the AIIMS had issued a circular postponing all nonessential elective procedures and surgeries and directed for only emergency life-saving surgeries with effect from March 21.
The Union Health Ministry has asked hospitals and medical education institutes to procure sufficient number of ventilators and high-flow oxygen masks and advised them to decrease gatherings on their respective premises.
14:30 Parl will be adjourned sine die today after passage of Finance Bill
Both Houses of Parliament will be adjourned sine die on Monday after passage of the Finance Bill, sources said on Monday. The session was earlier scheduled to conclude on April 3. The session is likely to be concluded almost 12 days ahead of schedule due to the looming threat of COVID-19. Many political parties, including the TMC, have decided not to attend the session on Monday due to the coronavirus scare amid lockdowns announced by many states for varied periods, the sources said. -- PTI
14:28 NGT adjourns all pending cases due to lockdown in Delhi
The National Green Tribunal on Monday adjourned all pending cases in view of the lockdown in the national capital to contain the spread of coronavirus. The green panel issued a circular in this regard.
"As per the competent authority, in the wake of recent outbreak of coronavirus and flu, all concerned are intimated that all pending matters till March 31 stand adjourned," the circular said.
According to the communication, matters listed for hearing on March 23 and 25 have been deferred to July 13, those listed for March 26 and 27 have been fixed for July 14 and cases listed for hearing on March 30 and 31 have been adjourned to July 15. PTI
13:55 COVID-19 suspects testing -ve to be isolated
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday said coronavirus suspects who have tested negative for COVID-19 will now be kept in isolation for 14 days, as per the Centre's new precautionary advisory.
Speaking to reporters, Tope said earlier people who tested negative were kept in isolation wards for seven days only.
"As per the Centres fresh advisory, these patients will be kept in isolation for 14 days. The revised advisory is meant for more safety from the states side," he said.
At present, six coronavirus testing laboratories are functional in the state and the government is trying to use them to their optimal capacity, said the minister.
"I have been told that all the government-run medical colleges across the state will also have testing laboratories from March 27," he added.
The number of Covid-19 patients has jumped by 15 in one day, but those without any travel history who got the infections are the close relatives of the coronavirus positive patients, he said. "It is not a community transmission," he said.
Asked about citizens crowding roads despite the enforcement of CrPC Section 144, Tope said, "We will have to use force and initiate legal action against violators. We do not want to take such tough decision, as we want to trust people. We expect people to cooperate with us."
Image: The CSMT station this morning. All local trains are cancelled till March 31. Pic: Sahil Salvi.
13:49 COVID-19 updates at this hour
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee writes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealing to him to stop all flights from landing in West Bengal with immediate effect.
IGL shuts nearly two-third of CNG stations in national capital territory as vehicles go off-road due to coronavirus lockdown.
Stranded railway passengers can stay in retiring room till normal services resume; order sent to station masters.
13:26 No community spread of coronavirus in Maha: Govt
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday said that there is no community spread of novel coronavirus right now and there are a total 89 reported positive cases of the disease in the state so far. "I want to make it very clear that we have not entered the community spread phase. There are a total of 89 positive coronavirus cases in the state including 14 new cases in Mumbai and 1 in Pune. 8 people have contact history and 6 are with travel history," Tope told reporters at a press conference.
"We are issuing orders to disburse the crowds at various checkpoints of Mumbai. Police can take action under section 144," he said.
The minister also announced that he will now address the media digitally through his Facebook page.
"If we see the situation in state and country, social distancing is very important. So we have started a campaign #MeAahemazaRakshak (I am the saviour of myself). I will start now digital address to media through my Facebook page and WhatsApp," he said.
"A Philippine citizen has died this morning. We are taking details of his medical history. He was admitted to Reliance hospital and Kasturba both hospitals. We are looking into all his medical conditions to ascertain the exact cause of his death," he added.
The minister said that all medical colleges attached to hospitals are being made testing centres.The total number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 415 on Monday. -- ANI
13:21 Chaos in Patna after lockdown
In Patna, people in large numbers travel atop buses due to the cancellation of passenger trains by Indian Railways and the lockdown announced by the Bihar government.
13:09 Delhi CM: 30 cases, situation under control
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday declared that 30 positive cases of imported coronavirus infection were reported in the national capital on Monday.
"In Delhi, 30 cases -- 23 people returned from abroad, 7 their family members infected by them. Currently Delhi is under control," Kejriwal said on Twitter."
"Other countries show that if we do not tighten now, the situation may soon go out of control. So follow the lockdown so that the situation is not out of control," he added.
On Sunday, the Delhi government imposed Section 144, which restricts assembly of more than four people in an area, till March 31, until further orders from the Centre as a preventive measure for containing the spread of the killer bug.
The services of Delhi Metro will remain completely shut till March 31.The government said that the move is aimed at controlling the spread of coronavirus by ensuring "social distancing and encouraging people to stay at home for the time being.
"The number of coronavirus positive patients in India rose to 415 on Monday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research. -- ANI
13:03 Karnataka govt to buy 1000 ventilators, 5 lakh protective gear
The Karnataka government on Monday decided to purchase 1,000 ventilators from medical devices company Skanray Technologies and five lakh Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), amid rising COVID-19 cases.
Health Minister B Sriramulu convened a meeting with officials to review the situation in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, and with the Mysuru-based firm through a video conference.
"In the meeting, it was decided to buy 1,000 ventilators immediately", the Minister tweeted. He said the government has already taken steps to buy ten lakh masks, and decided to purchase five lakh PPE.
"The Health Department has been working on a war- footing to halt the spread of the (COVID-19) infections", Sriramulu tweeted.
The Minister appealed to the citizens to strictly follow social distancing. Six new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Karnataka on Sunday, taking the total number of infections to the respiratory disease to 26 -- the highest number of positive cases in a single day in the State. -- PTI
12:55 SC mulls shutting down, sealing court premises
The Supreme Court on Monday said it was mulling over shutting down its functioning and considering to hear urgent matters through virtual means. The top court said that by Tuesday evening, all lawyers' chambers in and around the apex court premises would be sealed.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said the apex court administration would temporarily cancel all proximity cards to dissuade lawyers from coming to the court. The bench, also comprising justices L N Rao and Surya Kant, said only Supreme Court Bar Association president Dushyant Dave could authorise lawyers to enter the top court premises for urgent reasons. It said there would be no gathering of lawyers on the court premises till further orders. The chief justice said he would take a call on Monday itself on a possible shut down or to advance the summer vacations, as demanded by the lawyers' organisations.
The issue of shutting down the apex court's functioning was raised by the SCBA president and the members of the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. PTI
12:55 SC mulls shutting down, sealing court premises
The Supreme Court on Monday said it was mulling over shutting down its functioning and considering to hear urgent matters through virtual means. The top court said that by Tuesday evening, all lawyers' chambers in and around the apex court premises would be sealed.
A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde said the apex court administration would temporarily cancel all proximity cards to dissuade lawyers from coming to the court. The bench, also comprising justices L N Rao and Surya Kant, said only Supreme Court Bar Association president Dushyant Dave could authorise lawyers to enter the top court premises for urgent reasons. It said there would be no gathering of lawyers on the court premises till further orders. The chief justice said he would take a call on Monday itself on a possible shut down or to advance the summer vacations, as demanded by the lawyers' organisations.
The issue of shutting down the apex court's functioning was raised by the SCBA president and the members of the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. PTI
12:52 Arunachal Pradesh orders lockdown from Monday evening till March 31
The Arunachal Pradesh government has announced a lockdown in the state from Monday evening till March 31 in view of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
All essential services will be allowed during the period, according to a notification issued by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar on Sunday night. The government will enforce "complete safety restrictions" from 5 pm on Monday till March 31, he said, adding that the step has been taken as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the virus in the state.
"No public transport services, including operation of taxis, auto-rickshaws, will be permitted except transport of all kinds to and from hospitals, airport, helipad, railway stations, and goods carriers carrying food and essential commodities," the notification said.
All shops, commercial establishments, offices, factories and workshops shall also shut their operations, it said. People are required to stay at home and carry out only basic services while strictly following social distancing guidelines, the chief secretary said. -- PTI
Image: Thermal screening of visitors being conducted in the wake of deadly coronavirus at Dirak Inner Line check gate on Wednesday in Arunachal Pradesh. Pic: ANI
12:30 Maha CM urges citizens to stay indoors
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday appealed to citizens to stay at home for their own safety in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Despite CrPC Section 144 being invoked in the state, a number of people were seen out on streets on Monday while several main roads were packed with vehicles.
In view of this, Thackeray said, "People should take this war against COVID-19 seriously. Section 144 of CrPC is invoked so that essential services continue to operate while rest of the services are suspended till March 31. People should not violate rules by crowding the streets."
The chief minister on Sunday announced enforcement of prohibitory orders in the state to discourage people from gathering at public places and minimise chances of social transmission of coronavirus.
The total number of coronavirus positive patients in Maharashtra rose to 74 on Sunday with addition of 10 more such cases.
Mumbai: 24, the highest number in the state.
Pune: 15
Pimpri Chinchwad: 12
Navi Mumbai: 4
Nagpur: 4
Kalyan: 4
Yavatmal: 4
Two persons have tested positive in Ahmednagar, while one each in Panvel, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Aurangabad and Ratnagiri, it added. A woman admitted in a Pune-based hospital has tested positive, but she does not have a travel history. Her four relatives also tested positive on Sunday, the statement said. PTI
12:25 Kerala High Court to shutdown over till April 8
The Kerala High Court on Monday decided to shutdown till April 8 except for emergency functions in view of the coronavirus outbreak in the state. The decision, which will come into force from March 24, was taken during a full court meeting today.
The court will remain open for considering certain emergency casessuch as sentence suspension, custody, habeas corpus, bail and anticipatory bail on Thursdays and Fridays till April 8. Summer vacation starts on April 9.
This week's next sitting would be on Thursday. A request madeby the President Kerala High Court Advocates Association to entertain public interest petition emergent in nature by constituting special bench was also agreed. -- PTI
12:03 UP CM requests citizens to remain in lockdown
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday appealed to all citizens of the state to take the lockdown seriously and stay indoors to help check the spread of coronavirus. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases rises to 415.
The state government has enforced lockdown in 16 districts of the state in the first phase in view of the pandemic.
"I appeal to all of you to take lockdown seriously. Stay indoors, protect yourself, save your family. Everyone is requested to follow the instructions, rules and laws and work with the government in the fight against the epidemic. Stay alert, be aware," the chief minister tweeted. Senior officials are monitoring the situation to ensure that people stay indoors during this period.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to state governments to ensure that rules and regulations of the coronavirus lockdown are enforced as he noted that many people are not taking the measure seriously.
PTI
11:53 Opera Singer Placido Domingo tests positive for COVID-19
Celebrated Opera singer Placido Domingo has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The 79-year-old Spanish tenor revealed his diagnosis on his Facebook page. "I feel it is my moral duty to announce to you that I have tested positive for COVID-19. My Family and I are all in self-isolation for as long as it is deemed medically necessary," he wrote. Domnigo said he decided to get tested after experiencing "fever and cough symptoms", but he and his family are in "good health" now.
"I beg everyone to be extremely careful, follow the basic guidelines by washing your hands frequently, keeping at least a six-foot distance from others, doing everything you can to stop the virus from spreading and please, above all, stay home if you can. "Together we can fight this virus and stop the current worldwide crisis, so we can hopefully return to our normal daily lives very soon. Please follow your local government's guidelines and regulations for staying safe and protecting not just yourselves, but our entire community," he said. Domingo joins a growing list of celebrities that have tested positive for coronavirus, including Idris Elba, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson, Kevin Durant, former Bond girl Olga Kurylenko, "Frozen 2" actor Rachel Matthews, Daniel Dae Kim, "Game of Thrones" star Kristofer Hivju and celebrated TV host Andy Cohen.
The coronavirus outbreak, that first emerged in China's Wuhan city, has killed 14,641 people with 336,000 cases reported in 173 countries and territories. PTI
11:48 Delhi HC suspends Breath Analyser Test for air traffic controllers
The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the authorities concerned to suspend till March 27 Breath Analyser Test through tube process for air traffic controllers in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The high court directed the authorities to hold an urgent meeting on Tuesday to explore alternate methods for the test. PTI
Representational image
11:38 Sangakkara in self-quarantine after returning from UK
Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara has said he is currently in self-quarantine, following his government's guidelines for those recently returning from Europe, which has now become the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authorities are concerned over people returning from the most-affected COVID-19 countries in Europe not registering with the police and practising isolation.
"I have no symptoms or anything like that, but I'm following government guidelines," Sangakkara told News First. "I arrived from London over a week ago and the first thing was there was a news bulletin saying that anyone who had travelled from within March 1 to 15 should register themselves with the police and undergo self quarantine. I registered myself with the police."
The former captain said this even as the government confirmed there have been at least three cases of recent returnees attempting to hide the novel coronavirus symptoms from authorities. -- PTI
11:34 Global economy will be permanently hit: Moody's
The rapid spread of the coronavirus in the last two weeks, widespread business closures and unprecedented restrictions on social interactions will result in a permanent hit to global economic activity this year, according to Moody's Investors Service.
A sharp contraction of the global economy, at least in the second quarter, appears imminent, it said in its latest special series 'Credit Risks in Turbulent Times.
"Uncertainty will remain for at least several months as to how long it will take to contain the spread of the virus and how businesses and households will cope with the resulting financial losses. Financial market volatility is at levels that last occurred during the global financial crisis," said Moody's.
"And fear about the huge hit to business activity is contributing to extreme risk-off sentiment, resulting in the repricing of equities, commodities, bonds and currencies."On the real economy side, recently released data from China offers a glimpse into the impact of the unfolding consumption shock. The official data suggests a sharp contraction relative to last year in retail sales (minus 20.5 per cent), industrial production (minus 13.5 per cent), fixed asset investment (minus 24.5 per cent) and job losses (5 million) in January and February.Outside Asia, evidence of costs to the real economy is becoming evident in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Britain and the United States."
"As business grinds to a halt, big and small firms are starting to lay off workers temporarily in an attempt to cut costs," said Moody's.The short-term economic costs are likely to be steep the world over.
In advanced and emerging market countries alike, closures are crippling both the traded and non-traded sectors of the real economy.
Moody's said the long-term consequences will depend not only on the depth and duration of the hit to economic output but on whether it will cause lasting damage to balance sheets of households and businesses.
Without policy support, many businesses that depend on a constant stream of revenue will close and lay off their workers.
Image: A message on the marquee of Paramount Theater during the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Seattle, Washington on Friday.
11:27 Covidiots: Paki officials click selfie with COVID infected colleague
Six Pakistani officials have been suspended for clicking a selfie with their colleague who was tested positive for coronavirus, according to a media report on Monday. As on Sunday, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed four lives and infected over 750 people in Pakistan. The deputy commissioner of Khairpur district suspended six revenue officials from different areas of the district for clicking a selfie with their colleague who was tested positive for coronavirus, the Dawn News reported. The infected man had recently returned from Iran, it said. Quoting an official privy to the development, the report said the six had paid a visit to their colleague at his home as a goodwill gesture over his return from pilgrimage after almost a month. "By that time, he was not showing any symptoms of the virus, neither had complained about any unwellness. As a trend these days, all the six colleagues and the host took a selfie. A few of them later posted that picture on their social media account. When the man tested positive a few days ago, all those who were in contact with him were being spotted and isolated," the official said. PTI
Image: Social distancing? What's that?: Pilgrims from Pakistan return after attending Urs festival, at Ajmer Railway Station, on Sunday.
11:13 AP govt orders state-wide lockdown
Extending the precautionary restrictions to prevent the rapid spread of coronavirus, the Andhra Pradesh state government on Monday ordered a state-wide lockdown to prevent onset of community transmission of the pandemic infection.
"In exercise of the powers contained under Sec 234 of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh hereby issues following measures for containment of COVID-19," a notification issued by the state Health Department read."While, vide GO Rt.No. 202 and GO Rt. No. 204 multiple restriction and social distancing measures have been communicated, it is imperative that in proactive manner a state-wide lockdown is o bserved to prevent onset of community transmission of the Corona-virus," it added.So far, six cases have tested positive in the state, one each in districts of Nellore, East Godavari, Krishna, Prakasam and two in Visakhapatnam.
Orders for the suspension of public transport, closure of non-essential shops, offices, workshops, go-downs are already in place till further notice. However, the restrictions do not apply to the police, health, urban and local bodies, water and municipal services, bank/ATM, print, electronic and social media.
The government has urged people not to hoard essential items as fair-price shops and groceries will be available to the public regularly.
Image: Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Jagan Mohan Reddy claps to express gratitude to those providing essential services amid coronavirus pandemic during the Janta Curfew, in Amaravati on Sunday. Pic: ANI
11:04 LIVE! Will wait for a month: IOA on playing Olympics
The Indian Olympic Association on Monday said it will "wait and watch" for at least a month before taking any call on the country's Olympic participation after Canada created a flutter by becoming the first nation to pull out of the showpiece if it is held this year. IOA Secretary General Rajeev Mehta, while talking to PTI, said the body is closely monitoring the fast-evolving situation triggered by the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 14,000 and infected over 300,000.
"We will wait and watch for 4 to 5 weeks and then come to any decision after consultation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the sports ministry," Mehta said. "The situation is not that bad in our country as compared to other nations," he added. The July-August Olympics are looking increasingly uncertain of going ahead as scheduled and the IOC had admitted that it would consider all options, including postponement, in four weeks from now. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has crossed 350, including seven deaths so far. PTI
10:54 Lockdown comes into force in Punjab, Chandigarh, 7 districts of Haryana
Punjab, the Union Territory Chandigarh and seven districts of Haryana were put under a lockdown on Monday, a day after the authorities decided to enforce it as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The Haryana government notified lockdown in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Panchkula till March 31. All essential and emergency services were exempted from the shutdown which would remain in force till March 31, officials said. During the lockdown, all commercial establishments, shops, factories shall remain closed except those dealing in essential commodities such as food, grocery, medicines, etc. Other essential services such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, banks, ATMs shall be maintained, officials said.
Image: In Delhi's Azadpur Mandi business is as usual, amid lockdown in the city due to COVID19. A wholesale seller says, "fruits and vegetables are in sufficient quantity."
10:43 PM tells state govts to ensure lockdown followed
A day after successful "Janta curfew", Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked state governments to ensure rules of lockdown are followed properly and called on citizens to take the issue seriously.
"Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself by doing this, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request the state governments to ensure the rules and laws are followed," Prime Minister Modi took to Twitter and wrote in Hindi.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a complete lockdown in Delhi from March 23 till March 31 for the prevention and containment of COVID-19.The government said that all shops, commercial establishments, factories, workshops, offices, godowns, weekly markets shall stop their operations and only essential services and establishments have been exempted from the lockdown.
The Delhi Police has imposed Section 144 of CrPC which prohibits assembly of four or more people in one place till March 31.The number of coronavirus positive patients in India rose to 396 on Sunday, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research.
10:40 Road rage
Police at Delhi-Gautam Budh Nagar border stop vehicles from Delhi entering into Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Budh Nagar, amid lockdowns.
10:11 Sensex tanks 10%, trading halted for 45 minutes
Sensex tanks 10% to hit lower circuit limit, halts trading for 45 minutes. Equity benchmark Sensex plummeted over 2,991 points in opening session on Monday as global stocks resumed their free fall amid coronavirus-led lockdowns across the world stoking fears of a massive recession. The rupee too plunged 92 paise against US dollar to 76.12.
The BSE barometer was trading at 26924. . Similarly, the NSE Nifty was trading 842 points down at 7903. All Sensex components were trading in the red, with Bajaj Finance tanking up to 14 per cent, followed by Axis Bank, UltraTech Cement, ICICI Bank, Maruti and M&M.
10:05 COVID-19 cases rises to 390 in India: Govt
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the country rose to 390 on Monday after 30 fresh cases were reported. The figure includes 41 foreign nationals and the seven deaths reported so far. Gujarat, Bihar and Maharahstra reported a death each on Sunday, while four fatalities were reported earlier from Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra and Punjab, the Union Health Ministry said. The total number of active COVID-19 cases across the country now stands at 359, while 24 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. PTI
09:49 Pandemic Monday: Rupee skids, Sensex falls
The Indian rupee slipped further by 95 paise to 76.15 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday amid sharp rise in coronavirus cases in the country and heavy selling in domestic equities.
Forex traders said market participants are concerned that the sharp rise in coronavirus cases, with nearly 400 cases in the country, could weigh on the economy. The rupee which opened on a weak note at 75.90 at the interbank forex market, lost further ground and touched a low of 76.15 against the US dollar, registering a decline of over 95 paise over its last close.
The local unit had settled at 75.20 against the US dollar on Friday. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country climbed to 390, according to the Union Health Ministry. Traders said there is a sense of anxiety among investors as they see the global as well as domestic economy plunging into a deep crisis due to coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that has killed over 14,000 and sickened lakhs of people around the globe. Moreover, the steep decline in domestic equities and sustained foreign fund outflows further dampened the sentiment, they said.
Sensex trading 2,386.27 points down at 27,529.69 and Nifty fell 767.50 points to 7,977.95. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 2.74 per cent to USD 26.24 per barrel. The dollar index, which gauges the greenback's strength against a basket of six currencies, fell 0.52 per cent to 102.28. The 10-year government bond yield was at 6.31 per cent in morning trade. PTI
Image: President Ram Nath Kovind along with First Lady Savita Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and other leaders joined the fellow citizens on Sunday to express their gratitude towards all those who are safeguarding the health of the nation in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
09:37 No Uber in Delhi, Ola svcs limited
Uber/Ola:
In Delhi, amid the lockdown announced by the Delhi government, Uber temporarily suspends all ride services in the city.
Ola says it will continue to encourage citizens to limit travel only for essential emergency needs as per Govt's directive. "We'll enable minimal network of vehicles to support essential services, as part of this national effort to reduce contagion of #COVID19," Spokesperson, Ola Cabs, said.
09:32 Buyers throng to buy veggies in lockdown Kanpur
A large crowd seen at vegetable markets despite the lockdown in the city till 25th March. A buyer says, "Vegetables are a part of essential food items, but the prices of vegetables have increased significantly probably because supply has got affected due to lockdown."
09:26 Weinstein tests positive for coronavirus
Disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, US media has reported. Weinstein, 68, is in prison in northern New York state after being sentenced to 23 years in jail for rape and sexual assault.
The fallen film producer's diagnosis was first reported on Sunday evening, reports say.
Weinstein was transferred Wednesday to a prison near Buffalo, 350 miles (560 kilometers) northwest of New York City. Prior to his transfer, he stayed at Rikers Island prison and a Manhattan hospital, where he was treated for chest pains. Crowded US prisons have the potential to become hotbeds for coronavirus infections.
Weinstein was convicted in February of a criminal sexual act in the first degree and rape in the third degree, while being cleared of predatory sexual assault charges. He was convicted of raping ex-actress Jessica Mann in 2013 and of forcibly performing oral sex on former production assistant Mimi Haleyi in 2006. Nearly 90 women, including Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek, have leveled sexual misconduct allegations against Weinstein, the Oscar-winning producer of "Shakespeare in Love" and numerous other critical and box office hits.
09:23
The total number of positive Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra rises to 89: Maharashtra Health Department.
09:16 COVID-19 pandemic could last 4-9 mths: NY Guv
New York has now over half of all coronavirus cases in the United States and the highest number of deaths in the country, with state governor Andrew Cuomo warning that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a short-term situation and could last for about 4-9 months.
The US currently has 29,192 coronavirus cases and 374 deaths.
Cuomo, addressing a press conference on Sunday, said that the New York state now has 15,168 cases of coronavirus and 114 deaths.
"The numbers are still going up. We are trying to turn the trajectory but as of now the numbers are continuing to increase. What we are working very hard to do is to keep the rate of increase of the spread of the disease to a level that we can manage it in our hospital system," he said.
Cuomo pointed out that New York is testing more people than any other state in the country and per capita, more than any country on the globe, describing it as a "positive accomplishment".
He, however, warned that the COVID-19 pandemic is not a short-term situation and while there is no "crystal ball" to predict how long it will last, it could be anywhere in the range of 4-9 months.
"It's going to go on for a period of time. This is not a short-term situation. This is not a long weekend. This is not a week. The timeline nobody can tell you, it depends on how we handle it. But 40 per cent up to 80 per cent of the population will wind up getting this virus," he said.
Cuomo stressed that it is essential to slow the spread of the virus but cautioned that it will spread because "it is that contagious".
"Again, that's nothing to panic over," he said, adding that most people who get the virus will self-resolve.
"But it's going to work its way through society... but it is going to be four months, six months, nine months," the governor said.
Citing the example of China, Cuomo said Beijing changed the trajectory of the virus which the US has not done yet.
"Eight months, we're in that range. Nobody has a crystal ball, nobody can tell you" when this will last, he said.
Cuomo added that he has spoken to more people on this issue than 99 per cent of the people in this country.
"No one can tell you, not from the superb doctor Fauci, to the World Health Organization, the National Institute of Health, but it is in that range. So, start to plan accordingly," he said, making a reference to Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.
He assured that New York is doing everything it can to expand hospital capacity.
"We are asking all NYS hospitals to increase the capacity by 100 per cent -- regulations have been waived. We are ordering that every hospital MUST increase capacity by at least 50 per cent. Every hospital must do its part to expand capacity," he said.
The state currently has 53,000 hospital beds available and the virus curve suggests that there could be a need of 110,000 hospital beds "and that is an obvious problem". -- PTI
09:13 UP govt puts 16 districts under lockdown till Wednesday
Sixteen districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, will be locked down till Wednesday amid a spurt in coronavirus cases in the state.
The districts where the lockdown has been enforced in the first phase are Lucknow, Agra, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Allahabad, Kanpur, Aligarh, Moradabad, Lakhimpur Kheiri, Bareilly, Azamgarh, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur and Pilibhit.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday told reporters in Gorakhpur that 15 districts in the state will be under lockdown in the first phase.
The lockdown will continue till Wednesday, he said, appealing to people to stay in their homes.
In a late night order, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Awanish Awasthi said Pilibhit has also been added to the list of districts that will be shutdown in the first phase.
Barring essential services, all government offices, educational institutes, autonomous bodies, business establishments, private offices, malls, shops, factories, godowns and public transport will remain closed in these districts, the state government said.
The government will time to time evaluate the situation and redefine the essential services, Principal Secretary Medical, Health and Family Welfare Amit Mohan Prasad said.
The services that have been declared as essential are medical, health and family welfare, medical education, home, intelligence/prison administration, police/armed force and para-military forces, personnel department and district administration, energy, urban development, food and civil supplies, disaster relief, fire services, civil defence, information, emergency services, telephone, internet, network services and IT-enabled services.
Postal services, banks, ATMs, insurance companies, e-commerce, print, electronic and social media, petrol pumps, LPG gas, oil agencies, medicines shops, medical equipment shops and medicine producing units, units related to agriculture production and animal fodder too have been classified as essential services.
The chief minister asked people to avoid unnecessary gathering at public places. "We are standing at a juncture where even a slight laxity can prove to be harmful," he said.
Adityanath said officials of the police and district administration would patrol these districts. "We will review the situation tomorrow. If any family needs anything in emergency, 112 service of the state police will be available," he said.
He said the districts where the lockdown has been enforced are those where coronavirus cases have been reported. "These districts will be thoroughly sanitised. Cleanliness drives are already going on for the last three days," the chief minister said.
"People from Mumbai, Surat and other places arrived in large numbers at Jaunpur, Mirzapur, Mau, Kushinagar, Jhansi, Ghazipur, Ayodhya, Basti, Barabanki, Deoria, Ballia, Santkabirnagar and Gonda district yesterday and today. My appeal to them is to stay at home. The administration is making the list of such persons and making provisions to keep them separately," he said. -- PTI
08:53 Selective branches of banks to be open in areas under lockdown
To carry out basic essential transactions, the Indian Banks' Association has asked banks to open only selective branches in areas that have been placed under lockdown across the country in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
In a late night communique to the heads of banks, the IBA requested the state level State Level Bankers' Committee convenor banks and lead district managers to proactively consult the state administration to chalk out a feasible Business Continuity Plan.
India reported three more coronavirus deaths on Sunday, including the first casualties from Bihar and Gujarat, taking the toll to seven and the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 360, as authorities suspended all passenger trains and inter-state bus services till March 31 and more states imposed unprecedented restrictions to contain the spread of the infection.
"Keeping this in view, after due deliberation, it is suggested that member banks may selectively keep their branches open at such locations after due consultation with the local state government/authorities to carry out the basic essential transactions," the IBA said.
The association asked the CEO of banks to empower their regional or zonal or circle heads to take appropriate decision in the matter.
"State Level Bankers' Committee convenors should also take concurrence of the regional director of RBI for implementation of BCP prepared by them. The MD & CEOs of the SLBC convenor banks may take the lead in providing guidance to the SLBC convenor and member banks in the state for effective implementation of the contingency plan," it said.
The IBA asked all banks to prepare BCP for uninterrupted availability of banking services through alternate delivery channels for the convenience of the public and expressed hope that all the member banks will rise to the occasion to collectively sail through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Earlier in the day, the association had asked customers to use online and mobile banking channels for making their transactions and avoid visiting bank branches as it could pose a risk to banks' front desk staff. -- PTI
08:31 People need to be vigilant for two more weeks: Nadda
Bharatiya Janata Party president J P Nadda on Sunday lauded people for following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for 'Janta curfew' and asked them to be vigilant for about two more weeks as it is the "beginning of a long battle".
In a statement, Nadda said the manner in which people followed Modi's appeal in fight against coronavirus is laudable.
"Any amount of praise will not be adequate for the resolve people have shown today in fighting coronavirus. The whole nation is aware, alert and united in this," he said.
The central government has launched its exercise against the coronavirus outbreak on a war footing, he said, asserting that this fight will be definitely won. -- PTI
08:07 German Chancellor Angela Merkel in quarantine
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday decided to quarantine herself after reports that a doctor, who had come in her contact, tested positive for COVID-19, the German government said in a statement.
"The Chancellor was informed after today's address to the press that the doctor who gave her a preventive vaccination on Friday was diagnosed positive for coronavirus. In this regard, the chancellor decided to immediately go under home quarantine. She will be regularly tested for coronavirus," the statement read, as quoted by Sputnik.
According to Johns Hopkins University, the number of people affected by the coronavirus in Germany has reached 23,974 cases and the number of deaths has reached 92.
Earlier in the day, the German government had announced tight measures regarding freedom of movement of citizens in the country due to the epidemiological (control of disease) situation. -- ANI
08:01 Covid-19: Anti-CAA Mumbai Bagh protest suspended
Nearly two months after it began, the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protest at Nagpada in Mumbai, which came to be known as the 'Mumbai Bagh' protest, was put on hold from Sunday due to the coronavirus outbreak, its participants said.
The protest against the CAA, the National Register of Citizens and the National Population Register, was going on since January 26 this year.
"The protesters have started returning home due to the coronavirus outbreak and also because section 144 has been imposed in the state. The stir has been put on hold temporarily. But it will resume again later," one of the
protesters said.
"We are equally willing to stop the spread of coronavirus by not gathering at the protest site. The protest will, however, continue online," a woman protester said.
"We may have differences with the government on the CAA, the NRC and the NPR, but we are with the government in the fight against COVID-19," she said.
Rubaid Ali Bhojani said, "All the protesters at Mumbai Bagh have withdrawn due to the coronavirus pandemic and as responsible citizens, we are following the state government's guidelines and measures." -- PTI
07:54 Willing to help Iran, North Korea to combat coronavirus: Trump
United States President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he is willing to help all countries, including Iran and North Korea to combat the coronavirus outbreak, without specifying the nature of help.
"Willing to help not just Iran and North Korea but many other countries. We are helping a lot of countries. There 140 countries affected by the virus. The situation is very bad. Especially Iran, the country is going through a lot," said Trump at a press brief.
"No financial aid for coronavirus as of now. We will look after our own country first. We already give billions and billions to other countries to fight AIDS and malaria," he added.
Trump also confirmed that he had extended cooperation to North Korea in the fight against coronavirus in a letter sent to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Saturday.
Trump also commented on China, saying, "I am a little upset with China. As much as I like President Xi and respect the country, I admire what they have done in a short period of time. I asked if we could send some people to help them, they didn't want it, at a pride. They did not respond."
During the press brief, Trump further stated that aid is being sent to New York, Washington and California, the three major hot spots of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
Meanwhile, a major procedural vote to further a massive stimulus package failed as Senate Democrats voted against it.
The coronavirus epidemic is surging in the US with at least 100 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University.
COVID-19 tally in the country has reached 32,149 cases with over 400 deaths, CNN reported. -- ANI
07:36 Uber, Ola suspend services in Delhi till Mar 31
Services of Ola and Uber will not be available in Delhi till March 31 amid the lockdown announced by the state government to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.
The Delhi government on Sunday said the city will be in lockdown from March 23 to 31, under which no public transport, including private buses, taxis and autorickshaws will be allowed.
"Uber is complying with all Central and State Government directives related to its services for containing the spread of Coronavirus," an Uber spokesperson said in response to a query.
An Ola spokesperson said the company "will enable a minimal network of vehicles to support essential services in cities, wherever applicable, as part of this national effort to reduce the contagion of COVID-19".
The two companies -- which account for a major share of the taxis running in the national capital -- had already suspended temporarily their shared rides on their respective platforms.
The Centre and state governments have decided to completely lock down 80 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported.
In view of the need to contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19, it was agreed that there was an urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport.
The districts where lockdown was announced include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Delhi will be locked down from 6 am on March 23 and continue till midnight on March 31.
The city's borders will remain sealed during the lockdown, but essential services related to health, food, water and power supply will continue, and 25 per cent of the DTC buses will run to transport people associated with essential services. -- PTI
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