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Mon, 30 March 2020
Merkel again tests negative for coronavirus
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23:34 Merkel again tests negative for coronavirus
Chancellor Angela Merkel's third coronavirus test has come back negative but the German leader will stay in home quarantine for the coming days, her spokesman said.
Merkel, 65, has been in self-isolation at her Berlin flat for just over a week, after learning on March 22 that a doctor who gave her a vaccination two days earlier was infected with the virus.
"The chancellor's third test also turned out negative. The chancellor will continue to carry out her official business from her at-home quarantine in the coming days," spokesman Steffen Seibert said in a statement.
It was not immediately clear if Merkel would undergo further testing.
People who have come into contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases are generally advised to self-isolate for 14 days.
While in isolation, Merkel has kept working and held government meetings via video link.
Germany has recorded over 57,000 coronavirus cases and 455 deaths, according to the Robert Koch Institute for disease control.
23:06 Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to be used as quarantine facility: Delhi govt
The Delhi government on Monday decided that the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium will be used as a quarantine facility for coronavirus suspects.
Southeast District Magistrate Harleen Kaur asked the secretary of The Sports Authority of India to hand over the stadium immediately to the district administration, an official order said.
So far, 97 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the national capital.
According to the Union health ministry, 92 new cases and four deaths due to coronavirus have been reported in India since Sunday, taking total cases to 1,071 and the number of deaths to 29.
-- PTI
23:02 Coronavirus deaths top 35,000 worldwide
More than 35,000 people have died worldwide from the coronavirus pandemic since it emerged late last year in China, most of them in Europe.
In total, 35,905 people have died, including 26,076 in Europe. Italy has the most deaths with 11,591, following by Spain with 7,340 and China with 3,304.
More than 740,00 cases have been officially detected in 183 countries and territories, including at least 408,203 in Europe, almost 150,000 in the United States and Canada with 2,635 deaths and 106,609 cases in Asia with 3,827 deaths.
Detected cases likely reflect only a fraction of the real number of infections as many countries are only testing the most serious cases.
22:41 COVID-19 won't go away by itself: WHO
Coronavirus will not go away by itself and rather it needs to be pushed down using public health care measures, said Dr Mike Ryan, executive director of the World Health Organization health emergencies program.
"Everyone has talked about flatting the curve, Ryan said, but "the question is how do you go down? And going down, isn't just about a lockdown and let go. To get down from the numbers, not just stabilise, requires a re-doubling of public health efforts, to push down. It won't go down by itself, it will be pushed down."
"We have to now push the virus down and that will not happen by itself," Ryan said.
Speaking on Monday, Ryan said lockdowns are essential, because it means fewer people will be exposed to the virus, "so there are less people at risk from any individual case. If you get those cases out of the community quickly, they'll expose even less people, and that's how you get ahead of an epidemic."
Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, World Health Organization infectious disease epidemiologist, added we need to focus on the now, "we need to focus on what must be done now to get us out of this."
22:21 Implementation of Stamp Act changes deferred by 3 months till Jul 1
The Revenue Department on Monday said the provisions of the amended Indian Stamp Act, which was to come into force from April 1, will now be effective from July 1.
To rationalise and harmonise the system of levying stamp duty and help curb tax evasion, the government had through Finance Act 2019 amended the Indian Stamp Act, 1899. Certain changes were to be effective from April 1, 2020.
Through a notification the Revenue Department said these amended provisions will come into effect from July 1, 2020.
As part of the amendments, it was decided that the stamp duty rates levied by Maharashtra will be taken as a benchmark as it accounts for 70 per cent of the total collection.
It was amended to state that the stamp duty will have to be paid by either the buyer or the seller of a financial security, as against the current practice of levying the duty on both.
-- PTI
22:13 Congress attacks PM over new PMCARE trust
The Congress on Monday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the creation of the new PMCARE trust to help contain coronavirus in the country, asking what was the need to create a separate trust when Rs 3,800 crore was lying unused in PM National Relief Fund.
Party leader Shashi Tharoor said that instead of creating a separate public charitable trust whose rules and expenditure are totally opaque, the prime minister should have renamed the PM National Relief Fund.
"This is important. Why not simply rename PMNRF as PM-CARES, given the PM's penchant for catchy acronyms, instead of creating a separate public charitable trust whose rules and expenditure are totally opaque,"he asked.
"PM you owe the country an explanation for this highly unusual step," he said on Twitter.
Congress spokesperson Gaurav Vallabh said that when Rs 3800 crore were remaining unused in the PM National Relief Fund, what was the need to have a separate trust in the name of PMCARE.
"When an amount of Rs 3,800 crore was still lying unused in PM National Relief Fund, what was the need for having another trust in PM-CARE,"he asked.
He also asked whether PMCARE was a trust and who were its trustees and whether the money given to the fund would give income tax relief to donors.
-- PTI
22:02 Kejriwal orders FIR against Nizamuddin maulana
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday ordered the registration of an FIR against a maulana for leading a congregation in West Nizamuddin in South Delhi after several people who attended it showed symptoms of coronavirus, sources said.
They said the Delhi government will launch a house-to-house mapping exercise in two nearby colonies on Tuesday to check for coronavirus cases.
The Delhi Police on Monday cordoned off a major area in Nizamuddin West where several people showed symptoms of coronavirus after taking part in the congregation earlier this month, officials said.
Over 2,000 delegates, including from Indonesia and Malaysia, attended the Tabligh-e-Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin West from March 1-15, officials said as the south Delhi neighbourhood was virtually sealed following fears that some people may have contracted COVID-19.
So far, 97 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the national capital.
-- PTI
21:40 Punjab govt extends curfew till April 24
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday ordered extension of the state-wide curfew till April 14 and directed foolproof sealing of the state's borders.
Singh also promised special insurance for Punjab Police personnel and sanitation workers engaged in the anti-COVID battle, an official statement said.
He asked Finance Minister Manpreet Badal to come out with a contingency financial plan, to overcome the COVID-19 crisis, and ensure an uninterrupted supply of medical items and essentials commodities in the current battle against coronavirus.
The chief minister also allowed the Local Bodies Department to extend, by three months, the services of 2000-odd sanitation workers, due to retire on March 31, in order to deal with the prevailing situation.
During a video conference to discuss and review the current situation in the light of the COVID-19 crisis and the curfew restrictions in the state, Singh also asked all concerned departments to intensify their efforts to check the spread of the disease, and ensure that all essential supplies and services are maintained.
He also ordered strict enforcement of the curfew, especially in rural areas, amid reports that gatherings continued to take place in villages.
All restrictions should be strictly enforced till April 14, after which the state will decide in line with the further decisions of the Government of India, said Amarinder, adding that the lockdown was the only way to prevent the spread of the disease.
-- PTI
21:31 'Shaktimaan' set to make a comeback on Doordarshan
After 'Ramayan', Doordarshan is all set to bring back more of its iconic shows such as 'Chanakya' and 'Shaktimaan' during the ongoing 21-day lockdown to combat coronavirus.
This Sunday, mythological shows 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat' started airing on Doordarshan and DD Bharati.
In a statement, the information and broadcasting ministry said Doordarshan will be retelecasting five shows -- 'Chanakya', 'Upanishad Ganga', 'Shaktimaan', 'Shriman Shrimati' and 'Krishna Kali'.
'Chanakya', a 47-episode series directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, will be telecast daily in the afternoon time bands of DD Bharati from first week of April.
'Upanishad Ganga', a 52-episode series produced by Chinmaya Mission Trust and directed by Chandraprakash Dwivedi, is also scheduled for an afternoon slots on DD Bharati first week of April.
'Shaktimaan', the famous serial featuring Mukesh Khanna will be aired for an hour daily on DD National network at 1 pm.
Apart from 'Ramayan' and 'Mahabharat', other shows that began airing from Sunday are detective series 'Byomkesh Bakshi', 'Circus' featuring Shah Rukh Khan, 'Hum Hain Na' and 'Tu Tota Main Maina'.
-- PTI
21:18 Govt package was 'miserly': Chidambaram
Congress leader P Chidambaram Monday termed 'miserly and inadequate' the government's economic package for the poor in the wake of coronavirus outbreak and urged it to announce a 'bold' financial package.
He said a confidence-boosting financial assistance plan should have been announced prior to the imposition of the lockdown.
"The FM's (Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman) FAP (financial assistance plan) was so miserly and inadequate, it actually promoted many to go back to their villages.
"I urge the government to announce a bold FAP II today or tomorrow," he tweeted.
"A confidence boosting financial assistance plan should have been announced either BEFORE or SIMULTANEOUSLY with the announcement of lockdown," he said on Twitter.
-- PTI
20:54 Reliance Industries announces Rs 500 crore contribution to PM CARES Fund
Reliance Industries' chief Mukesh Ambani on Monday committed a further Rs 500 crore to the Prime Minister's COVID-19 fund, topping up over the multi-crore initiative of India's first coronavirus hospital, meals to the needy, and fuel to emergency vehicles.
In addition to the financial contribution to the PM's Fund, Reliance Industries has also provided contribution of Rs 5 crore each to the governments of Maharashtra and Gujarat to support their fight against COVID-19, according to a company statement.
"Reliance Industries Ltd today announced a donation of Rs 500 crore to PM CARES Fund in response to the call by the Prime Minister to support the nation's fight against the coronavirus onslaught," RIL statement said.
RIL continues its round-the-clock, multi-pronged, on-the-ground effort to do its bit to ensure the nation remains prepared, fed, supplied, safe, connected and motivated to fight and win against the unprecedented challenges brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic, the statement added.
The company said it has already deployed the strengths of the Reliance Family on this action plan against coronavirus, and that RIL and its team have stepped up across cities and villages and pressed additional capabilities into the service of the nation.
"We are confident that India will conquer the coronavirus crisis sooner rather than later. The entire Reliance Industries team is with the nation in this hour of crisis and will do everything to win this battle against Covid-19," Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of RIL said.
Nita Ambani, Founder Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, said, "As the nation comes together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, all of us at Reliance Foundation stand in solidarity with our countrymen and women, especially those on the frontlines to whom we pledge our full support. Our doctors and staff have helped set up India's first Covid-19 Hospital and are committed to supporting the government in exhaustive screening, testing, prevention, and treatment of Covid-19."
"The need of the hour is to support marginalised and daily wage communities, she said adding that "through our meal distribution programme, we aim to feed lakhs of people daily across the country."
-- PTI
People buy vegetables at a local market during a nationwide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus pandemics, in Mathura
20:36 Unable to curb COVID-19, Noida DM transferred
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday transferred Gautam Buddh Nagar District Magistrate B N Singh for failing to control the spread of coronavirus, after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the hotspot of the deadly infection in the state.
Announcing Singh's transfer, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary R K Tiwari told reporters that a departmental inquiry has also been initiated against him.
Suhas LY has been posted as the new District Magistrate of Gautam Buddh Nagar, the chief secretary said, adding that "he has left for Noida to take over charge".
"District Magistrate BN Singh has been removed and attached to Board of Revenue. Departmental inquiry has also been initiated against him. The Infrastructure and Industrial Development Commissioner has been asked to initiate the probe against him," Tiwari said.
Singh has been removed for his failure in carrying out works to control the spread of coronavirus, he said, adding that he wrote a application for leave and leaked it to the media, which amounts to indiscipline.
Adityanath on Monday pulled up officials in Gautam Buddh Nagar for not being able to contain coronavirus from spreading in the district, which has recorded 38 COVID-19 cases so far, highest in the state.
Sixteen new coronavirus positive cases were reported in UP on Monday, taking the total tally in the state to 88, officials said in Lucknow.
-- PTI
A girl holds a placard on urging people to stay home during a nationwide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus pandemic, in New Delhi.
20:26 70% Indians worried they may be infected with COVID-19: Study
Over 70 per cent of Indians are worried that they or someone from their family may get infected by coronavirus, according to a snap poll conducted by Gallup International Association and Impetus Research.
That's higher than the world average of 67% in 26 countries, the poll reveals.
The breakneck scare of the pandemic coronavirus has disrupted and disturbed life over the past few weeks. Impetus Research is pleased to announce the results of a unique survey conducted on perception and precautions in wake of COVID-19 situation in India and across the world.
The survey was conducted by Gallup International Association across over 26 countries, in an exclusive first Global Poll on COVID-19 amongst a sample size of over 24,000 respondents.
In India, Impetus Research, the exclusive partner of Gallup International Association based in New Delhi, conducted a survey over phone and online mode in the past two weeks, with a realised sample of1000, randomly selected population of India.
-- ANI
19:53 Those who died of COVID-19 to be cremated: BMC
The bodies of all those who died due to coronavirus in Mumbai will be cremated irrespective of the religion of the deceased, the city civic body said on Monday.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation commissioner Praveen Pardeshi issued a circular in this regard.
According to the circular, the bodies of persons who have died of COVID-19 will be cremated irrespective of their religion.
It also stated that only five persons can attend the funeral of a COVID-19 patient and rituals of touching the body should be avoided.
-- PTI
19:25 MEA officials pledge to donate Rs 1 crore to PM's COVID-19 fund
Officials of the ministry of external affairs on Monday pledged to donate Rs 1 crore to the relief fund announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help fight the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
On Saturday, Modi had announced setting up of the Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund.
Political leaders, corporates, defence personnel, employees of PSUs such as Railways and Bollywood personalities were among a cross-section of organisations and people who have announced their contribution to the fund.
"We stand together in this fight. #TeamMEA pledges to contribute around Rs 1 Crore to #PMCaresFund launched by PM @narendramodi to support Government's efforts to fight #COVID19 pandemic," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted on Monday.
All officials of the ministry are donating a day's salary while some of them are voluntarily donating more, said an official.
The Army, Navy and the Indian Air Force as well as employees of the Defence Ministry have decided to donate one day's salary totalling around Rs 500 crore.
-- PTI
19:14 DMs to ensure migrants get food, shelter: MHA
The Home Ministry has issued orders to the states and Union Territories to make it a personal responsibility of district magistrates to arrange food and shelter for stranded workers waiting to reach their native places after announcement of lockdown in the wake of COVID-19.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Joint Secretary of Union Home Ministry Punya Salila Srivastava said the ministry has already issued orders on Sunday asking landlords to not seek a month's rent from migrant workers and also to not ask for vacating their property.
"As you know Home Secretary as Chairman of National Executive Committee exercising powers under Disaster Management Act had directed the states and UTs that DMs, Deputy Collectors and SPs should be given personal responsibility to ensure food and shelter for stranded workers," she said.
Those who have reached their destination should be quarantined as per standard medical protocol, she said citing the March 29 order.
"The order says migrant people who have reached their destination should be kept at a nearby shelter in quarantine after proper screening as per standard medical procedures," she said.
On those who violated the lockdown, Srivastava said she does not have the numbers.
"Wherever COVID-19 positive cases are being found action is taken as per standard medical protocol," she said.
On the issue of police beating workers who are walking to their native places in the absence of transport, she said while clear instructions have been issued to states and UTs to enforce lockdown, the ministry has also asked that the police be sensitied.
"All employers should pay wages to their workers on due date without any deductions...Situation of migrant workers is in control. All states and UTs, with community participation are arranging relief, shelters food etc on war footing," she said.
Asked about reports of a large number of people who participated in a religious gathering in a locality in the national capital being screened for the virus, Srivastava said, "No religious congregations are permitted as per March 24 order of Disaster Management Act."
However, she did not make any specific comments about the reports.
The official said home ministry is doing 24X7 monitoring of lockdown along with state government.
"Lockdown guidelines are being mostly followed in states. Essential goods and services situation is satisfactory. Wherever problems are being reported control rooms are solving them," she said.
Srivastava said Home Secretary who is the Chairman, National Executive Committee under Disaster Management Act, has constituted empowered groups for comprehensive action and integrated response.
"Seeing overall situation and participation of states, UTs and community, we are sure of ensuring success of lockdown to break COVID 19 chain," she said. -- PTI
18:34 Netanyahu quarantined after aide tests positive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Monday that he will enter quarantine after an aide on Knesset affairs tested positive for coronavirus.
Neyanyahu's office said the step was a precaution and is being taken even before the epidemiological investigation has been concluded, Haaretz newspaper reported.
Israel is under total lockdown with people not allowed to even walk beyond 100 metres from their homes and have been generally advised to go out only to stock up food.
So far, 4,347 Israelis have tested positive for the coronavirus, with the vast majority of cases mild and 134 recoveries.
16 patients have died and 95 are in serious condition. One Israeli tourist died in Italy, the paper said. -- PTI
18:15 Britain's Prince Charles recovers from COVID-19
Britain's Prince Charles came out of self-isolation on Monday, seven days after it was confirmed that he had tested positive for coronavirus, a royal spokesperson said.
The 71-year-old heir to the British throne had been self-isolating on the Queen's Balmoral estate in Scotland after he had been tested by the National Health Service (NHS) in Aberdeenshire last week.
"Clarence House has confirmed today (Monday) that, having consulted with his doctor, The Prince of Wales is now out of self-isolation," his spokesperson said.
His Clarence House royal office said the prince was in 'good health' and was following the government's restrictions as he carries on working from home.
His wife Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, had tested negative for the deadly virus at the same time, but the 72-year-old had also been self-isolating separately in Balmoral.
The royal couple were tested last Monday after they had flown out to Scotland in a jet and have remained there since then.
"It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks," Clarence House had said at the time.
Prince Charles, who made international headlines as he switched to the non-contact 'namaste' as a form of greeting just as the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic, spent seven days of quarantine at his Birkhall home on the royal Balmoral estate.
The Buckingham Palace previously said 93-year-old Queen Elizabeth II last saw her son on March 12, and was 'in good health' as she remains in Windsor Castle with husband Prince Philip, 98.
The UK remains under a stay-at-home lockdown with strict social distancing rules in force as the death toll from the virus hit 1,228 and the number of confirmed cases pegged at 19,522. -- PTI
17:12 Maharashtra will be hardest-hit state: Minister
Maharashtra is going to be the worst-hit among states in economic term due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown given its status as an industrial power and a manufacturing hub in the country, water resources minister Jayant Patil said on Monday. Most of the manufacturing units have completely stopped their activities due to the lockdown, he said.
Speaking to a Marathi news channel, Patil said, Maharashtra, being the most industrialised state, is going to be the worst hit in this crisis. There are thousands of manufacturing units across the state, including large, medium and small ones. They employ millions of skilled and non- skilled workers."
"Coronavirus is an international crisis; thus we are part of it as well. Maharashtra is a highly industrialised state hence the closure of several industrial units is going to create a huge economic crisis for the state as well, Patil said. Asked how the state would come out of the crisis, Patil said, "It will take months for industrial units to resume production and achieve maximum capacity as small, medium and large industrial units are inter-dependent.
"We need to rethink about the current socio-economic framework as well in which we are living and how we should proceed further, said the minister.
Officials distribute food, masks & hand sanitizers among the needy in Bengaluru.
17:05 Personnel involved in cargo flight ops must have protective gear like masks, gloves, says DGCA
Amid the the 21-day lockdown imposed to combat coronavirus pandemic, aviation regulator DGCA on Monday asked all companies to ensure that the personnel dealing with cargo flight operations are provided protective gear like masks and gloves. "All personnel involved with cargo operations to be made aware of the importance of ensuring adequate distance (Minimum 1 to 1.15 mtrs) at all work-stations. Shift incharge of airports, packaging and handling centre shall ensure the same," the circular of DGCA said. "All personnel dealing with cargo operations will be provided with personal protective equipment like masks, gloves etc. All agencies shall ensure that repeated disinfection of common working areas is carried out at timely intervals," stated the circular. PTI
16:35 China building makeshift hospital for Pakistan to treat coronavirus patients
China, which has sent medical teams and supplies to Pakistan where coronavirus cases are increasing steadily, said on Monday that it was building a makeshift hospital there to treat COVID-19 patients.
The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 1,664 while the death toll stood at 18, health officials said on Monday, underlining that local transmission of the deadly COVID-19 is increasing.
Image: Men sit on the ground maintaining a safe distance as they wait to receive sacks of ration. Pic: ANI
16:29 Govt orders 21 lakh PPEs
Union Health Ministry briefs the media on the coronavirus situation today: 92 new cases of COVID-19 and four deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total cases to 1071 and number of deaths to 29 in India, says Luv Aggarwal, Union Health Ministry.
Ventilators: Automobile manufacturers like Maruti, TATA, Mahindra & Mahindra, etc are being involved in the production of ventilators. They are in talks with the Health Ministry and have held meetings over the same. Bharat Electronics Ltd is also going to manufacture ventilators.
Medicines: All drug companies have assured govt that there will not be any shortage of drugs during this crisis.
PPEs: So far, 11 domestic manufacturers have cleared quality tests. Orders for 21 lakh PPE coveralls placed with them. Currently, they are supplying 6-7,000 coveralls/day and this is expected to go up to 15,000/day within next week, the ministry said. Another 3 lakh donated Personal Protective Equipment coveralls are to arrive by 4th April. An order for 3 lakh PPEs has been placed with ordinance factories.
16:03 Opera star Placido Domingo hospitalised in Mexico with coronavirus
Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo has been hospitalised in Acapulco, Mexico, with complications related to COVID-19. The singer had tested positive for coronavirus on March 22. According to CNN, the singer's spokesperson said in a statement that, "He is doing well and is responding to treatment."
The 79-year-old revealed via his Facebook page that he had tested positive for the virus and further encouraged fans to follow the drill by washing their hands and following the guidelines and regulations that local governments have put in place.
"Together we can fight this virus and stop the current worldwide crisis, so we can hopefully return to our normal daily lives very soon," he wrote.
"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," Domingo concluded. -- ANI
Homeless queue up for food in New Delhi
15:55 Govt stimulus won't offset economic loss: Report
The coronavirus pandemic is expected to dampen economic growth "substantially" in the South Asian region, including India, and though the central banks and governments have responded by providing stimulus, the measures will not come close to offsetting the loss of economic activity, says a report.
The Economist Intelligence Unit said dense living conditions, low hygiene awareness and overburdened healthcare systems make the South Asian region vulnerable to the worst effects of an outbreak.
"Chronic underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure and a low number of doctors and hospital beds in relation to the population mean that health systems will not be able to cope with the further toll, exacerbating the spread of the virus and the death rate," EIU said.
India has imposed a three-week long nationwide lockdown, the most far-reaching measure undertaken by any government, to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic that has killed at least 29 people in the country so far.
According to EIU, the preventive measures taken by governments will curtail the movement of people and lead to a demand-side shock, while the closure of factories and businesses will result in a supply-side shock, and the subsequent lay offs will exacerbate the demand shock. -- PTI
Healthcare workers
15:50 New India Assurance to provide Rs 50 lakh coverage to 22 lakh healthcare providers
State-owned New India Assurance has agreed to provide insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh to about 22 lakh health care providers, who are on the frontline of battle against coronavirus. "As announced by Finance Minister Smt @nsitharaman on March 26, @NewIndAssurance has issued detailed guidelines for providing insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per person for 22.12 lakh health care providers across the country," a tweet by the Finance Ministry said on Monday. This was part of the Rs 1.70 lakh Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package announced by the Finance Minister last Thursday. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, sanitation workers and a few others will be covered under the insurance. Sitharaman had said the insurance cover will be there for three months. PTI
15:43 PM interacts with NGOs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with members of various social welfare organisations, through video conferencing, over COVID-19. PM said that entire nation is displaying immense resilience, grit and patience in facing COVID-19. Recalling that Mahatma Gandhi used to say that serving poor is the best way to serve nation, he praised the dedication of participating organization towards serving humanity.
15:31 COVID-19 updates at this hour
10 persons who were under home quarantine in Bengaluru & escaped to their native places, were arrested & a case has been registered against them.
Spain announces 812 virus deaths in 24 hours, total 7,340
Iran on Monday reported 117 new deaths from the novel coronavirus, bringing the official total number of fatalities to 2,757.
15:29 2,506 people home quarantined in Assam's Kamrup district
A total of 2,506 people of different age groups have been advised home quarantine in lower Assam's Kamrup district adjoining capital city Guwahati in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
No COVID-19 positive case has been reported in Assam so far, an official said on Monday. According to district Joint Director Health Dr N S Tishya, 381 people under the jurisdiction of Rangia Block Public Health Centre (BPHC), 322 under Kamalapur BPHC and 122 under Bihdia BPHC have been home quarantined. A total of 159 beds have been kept ready in five model hospitals in Kamrup district, including 20 beds at Rangia Railway Polyclinic, in case of any eventuality, the health official said. -- PTI
Image: A woman stitches protective masks using traditional Gamosa in Lakhimpur, Assam. Pic: ANI
15:25 Ola gives 500 cars to transport doctors in K'taka
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwath Narayan on Monday said Ola Cabs has agreed to give 500 vehicles to the government for transporting doctors and for other COVID-19 related activities. "Olacabs has agreed to give 500 OLA vehicles for #Covid_19 related activities in Karnataka. These vehicles will be used by the government for commute by doctors and Covid 19 related activities. Greatly appreciated move by @olacabs and its CEO @bhash ! #IndiaFightsCorona," Ashwath Narayan tweeted. Announcing lockdown aimed at fighting the spread of coronavirus, Karnataka government on March 23 had said, Ola, Uber, taxis, autorickshaws and other hired services shall not be permitted for passenger transport except for procuring essential commodities and medical emergencies. PTI
14:50 52-yr-old COVID-19 patient dies; Maha toll 9
A 52-year-old COVID-19 patient died in Pune on Monday, taking the toll due to the viral infection in Maharashtra to nine, an official said. The man was suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, he said.
"His samples turned out positive for coronavirus on March 22. He died on Monday at a hospital in Pune," the official said. The man was on ventilator support at the Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital. He died of multiple organ failure on Monday, Pune Mayor Murlidhar Mohol said.
Image: A BMC worker sprays disinfectant at a market in Mumbai yesterday. Pic: PTI
277 evacuees were brought to Jodhpur from Iran
14:46 Indian evacuee from Iran tests positive for Coronavirus
A 41-year-old Indian, who was evacuated from Iran last week and quarantined at the Army Wellness Facility in Jodhpur, has tested positive for COVID-19.
On Sunday, around 2 pm, the infected man, along with his mother, 72, complained of flu-like symptoms, following which they were shifted to MDM Hospital in Jodhpur for further diagnosis.
The test results showed that the son has tested positive for the infection, while, his mother is negative, army officials confirmed.
"However, both the mother and the son are hale and hearty as of now," the officials added. The army authorities, in full cooperation and support of the civil administration, are leaving no stone unturned in following medical protocols for the evacuees.
As many as 277 evacuees were brought to Jodhpur from Iran on the early morning of March 25. According to the initial sampling report, all the evacuees had tested negative for the infection before boarding the special Mahan Air flight on March 20.
On their arrival at Jodhpur Airport, they were, once again, screened by medical authorities and taken to the Army Wellness Facility where all precautions had been undertaken for their reception, boarding, and lodging. -- ANI
14:42 Yogi reaches Gautam Buddh Nagar, hotspot of COVID-19 cases in UP
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived at Gautam Buddh Nagar on Monday to take stock of the situation. The district has so far recorded 32 positive cases of coronavirus, the highest for any district in the state, officials said. The chief minister first landed at Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad and then flew to Greater Noida in a helicopter. Uttar Pradesh has so far reported 75 cases.
14:38 Coronavirus: Maha releases 601 inmates from 37 jails in 3 days
The Maharashtra government has released 601 inmates from 37 prisons in the last three days to reduce crowding in view of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said.
The prisoners were released on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Additional Director General of Police (Prisons) Sunil Ramanand said.
"A total of 104 prisoners were released in the western region, 113 in central, 145 in south and 239 in east. These are from Central as well as district prisons," another official said.
In the eastern region, 86 prisoners were released from Nagpur Central Jail, while in the western region, the number was 51 from Yerawada Jail, he added. "Mumbai Central Jail released 68 prisoners on Friday, the Nagpur Central Jail 83 on Saturday, and Chandrapur Jail 31 on Sunday," the official said. -- PTI
14:33 Bank of Baroda cuts repo-linked lending rate by 75 bps
State-run Bank of Baroda on Monday said it has slashed the repo-linked lending rate by 0.75 per cent, bringing down the interest rate on personal, retail and MSME loans with effect from March 28. "Bank of Baroda, India's second largest public sector lender, has reduced its Baroda Repo Linked Lending Rate (BRLLR) by 75 basis points with effect from March 28, 2020," it said in a statement.
14:31 Fitch: GDP growth forecast for FY21 is 4.6%
Fitch Solutions on Monday slashed its estimate for India's GDP growth in the fiscal starting April 1 to 4.6 per cent due to weaker private consumption and contraction in investment amid coronavirus outbreak, costing economies around the globe.
The growth estimate for 2020-21 fiscal (April 2020 to March 2021) compares with a 4.9 per cent forecast in the current 2019-20 that ends on Tuesday.
"At Fitch Solutions, we are revising India's FY2020/21 (April'"March) real GDP growth forecast to 4.6 per cent, from 5.4 per cent previously, which reflects our view for a slowdown from our FY2019/20's estimate of 4.9 per cent," the rating agency said.
It said despite the Rs 1.7 lakh crore economic package announced last year, private consumption growth would come under strong headwinds over the coming months.
The lower growth estimate, it said, is "due to weaker private consumption and a contraction in investments, although a higher net exports contribution and higher government consumption should help blunt the economic blow from Covid-19". -- PTI
Image: People queue up to enter the APMC Vegetable Market in Navi Mumbai today amid shortages of fruits and vegetables.
14:24 SC to hear tomorrow plea seeking food, shelter for migrant workers
The Supreme Court on Monday slated for tomorrow the hearing on a petition seeking directions to provide amenities like food and shelter to migrant workers amid the lockdown imposed in the wake of coronavirus.
A two-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India Sharad Arvind Bobde and also comprising Justice L Nageshwar Rao today heard the petition, filed by advocate Alakh Alok Srivastava, through video conferencing and slated the matter for Tuesday.
Srivastava, during the hearing today, cited many news stories about migrant labourers walking out of urban centres. Seeing thousands of people on the road every day, it is a very sad situation, he told the apex court.
The top court said that it will deal with everything, but not with what the Central government is already doing and added that it will first go through the Centre's affidavit.
Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, told the court that the Union of India and all state governments are taking all kinds of necessary steps to mitigate the situation and submitted that he wanted to file an affidavit while replying to the petition.
The CJI said that we are not going to add to the confusion by issuing any kind of direction, which is already being taken care of by the government.
The petition sought directions to provide food, water, shelter and urgent indulgences to the migrant workers and their families, including women, children, and elders, who are resorting to walking miles on miles to their hometowns. -- ANI
14:17 Shashi Tharoor's favourite brekkie
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweet to lift up your spirits amid the apocalyptic times we live in. @ShashiTharoor shared this image of fluffy (we assume) idlis and a spread of chatnis, and wrote, "As far as I'm concerned every day is Idli Day but today, March 30, is officially #WorldIdliDay. As far as I'm concerned, the greatest breakfast food ever devised by Man or God!"
14:10 Don't see major impact on March quarter biz due to coronavirus: HCL Tech
HCL Technologies on Monday said it is not expecting any significant impact on business in March quarter on account of the coronavirus outbreak, and that booking during the period has largely been "on track" with significant part of closures happening in January.
HCL Tech said it had invoked the 'Business Continuity Plan' and 'Risk Management Framework' quite early to minimise the impact on its employees and clients, and added that its exposure to the more-impacted verticals is "not significant".
"While the impact on this quarter's numbers is yet to be quantified, we don't expect it to be significant. Our exposure to the more impacted verticals are not significant. Booking during this quarter has largely been on track as significant part of closures happened in January," HCL Tech said in a statement on the likely impact on business.
The company said its business model is a healthy mix of recurring product revenues, managed services and discretionary spend-led professional services, and that its exposure to verticals like Oil and Gas, Travel and Hospitality, High-End Retail is in single digit. -- PTI
14:01
52-yr-old COVID-19 patient dies in Pune; Maharashtra toll reaches 9: Health Official.
13:27 Automobile companies to make ventilators: Govt
The health ministry has announced that automobile manufacturers have been asked to make ventilators and they are working on it.
Reports say that Anand Mahindra-led Mahindra & Mahindra is believed to be in the final stage of discussions with Bangalore-based ventilator exporter Skanray Technologies. Tata group, through Tata Motors, is also in last-minute negotiations with a Mysuru-based manufacturer to ramp up ventilator manufacturing.
In a communication to major automobile manufacturers, the Ministry of Heavy Industries asked them to explore using their manufacturing facilities and manpower to produce ventilators. Reports said that the communication was issued after a joint meeting of the top four companies -- Maruti Suzuki, M&M, Tata Motors and Hyundai.
US President Donald Trump last week invoked emergency powers to require General Motors Co to build much-needed ventilators for coronavirus patients.
Migrants from West Bengal gather at Paippad, Kerala
13:15 Cornavirus cases in TN now stands at 67: TN CM
Tamil Nadu has 67 coronavirus positive cases in the State, up from 50, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said on Monday. The fresh cases include 10 from Erode, Palaniswami told reporters at the Secretariat here adding additional personal protective equipment like N-95 masks for the health personnel have been ordered. Migrant workers stranded in Tamil Nadu have already been provided food and shelter apart from medical help, he said. -- PTI
13:04 SC seeks status report from Centre on steps taken to prevent migration of workers
The Supreme Court on Monday sought a status report from the Centre by Tuesday on the measures taken in view of the large-scale migration of labourers from cities to their native villages amid the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent lockdown across the country.
The top court observed that the migration of labourers out of panic and fear is becoming a bigger problem than the coronavirus. It said the court would not create more confusion by issuing directions on measures that the government is already taking to deal with the issue.
A bench of Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justice L Nageswara Rao, which took up two separate PILs filed by advocates Alakh Alok Srivastava and Rashmi Bansal on the issue of migration of labourers through video-conferencing, said before passing any direction, it would like to wait for the status report from the Centre. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said the migration of labourers needs to be stopped to prevent the spread of the virus and the Centre as well as the states concerned have taken the requisite steps to deal with it. The bench posted the matters for hearing on Tuesday. PTI
12:53 AI to fly medical equipment across India
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday said that it is coordinating with the state governments for the supply of medical equipment and essential items needed for the protection against the coronavirus and for the testing of COVID-19.
"Based on requirements received from various states on urgent basis, the senior officials of the Ministry coordinate with supply agencies for providing required material which can be further transported to the desired destinations. Air India and Alliance Air flights are being operated to carry out the necessary supply operations across the country," said Ministry of Civil Aviation in a release.The agencies authorised by the Ministry to carry shipment on these flights contact the concerned officials of their region and coordinate for timely delivery/ receipt of shipments.
"In order to cater to eastern and north eastern parts of the country, an Alliance Air flight from Delhi to Kolkata carried shipments for Kolkata, Guwahati, Dibrugarh and Agartala on March 29, 2020. In northern region, IAF flight from Delhi to Chandigarh to Leh carried ICMR VTM kits and other essential cargo," the release added.Alliance Air transferred Pune shipment to Mumbai on Air India flight.
The Ministry further said: "(Mumbai -Delhi-Hyderabad-Chennai-Mumbai and Hyderabad-Coimbatore)- Flights on this route carried and transported ICMR kits of Shimla, Rishikesh, Lucknow and Imphal from Pune to Delhi. ICMR kits were carried to Chennai. A consignment of Hyderabad was delivered. Consignments of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry were also delivered.
12:43 Two more COVID-19 cases in Andhra Pradesh, count rises to 23
Two more COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state on Sunday, a coronavirus bulletin released by Director Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare said.With this, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state has increased to 23, the COVID-19 bulletin stated.
A 49-year-old male from Kakinada city in East Godavari district and a 72-year-old male from Rajahmundry city in East Godavari district are the two new cases of COVID-19 in the state.The travel details of the two patients are being traced. -- ANI
Image: Migrant laborers and daily wage workers packed in trucks head to their villages during the nationwide lockdown. Pic: ANI
12:32 Malaria medicine being administered to 1,100 COVID19 patients in NY: Trump
Malaria medicine 'Hydroxychloroquine' is being administered to 1,100 coronavirus patients in New York, President Donald Trump has said, exuding confidence that the drug, touted as a "game-changer" by him, might give some incredible results in the fight against the disease that has infected over 140,000 people in the country.
An inexpensive drug widely used since 1955 to treat malaria, Hydroxychloroquine is considered to have relatively harmless side effects. It is being tested out on the COVID-19 patients in New York on an experimental basis, hoping that this will give a solution in the treatment against the novel coronavirus.
"Hydroxychloroquine is being administered to 1,100 patients, people in New York along with the Z-pack, which is azithromycin, and it is very early yet. It started two days ago, but we will see what happens,' Trump told reporters at a White House news conference. Last week, Trump said that the drug could be a "gift from God." -- PTI
12:26 US extends social distancing mandate to April 30
US president Donald Trump has extended government guidelines on social distancing for another 30 days after a top public health expert warned deaths from the coronavirus could reach as many as 200,000 in the US, reports Al Jazeera.
"The modeling estimates that the peak in death rate is likely to hit in two weeks. So I'll say it again, the peak, the highest point of death rates, remember, this is likely to hit in two weeks. Therefore, the next two weeks and during this period it's very important that every one strongly follow the guidelines," Trump told reporters.
"The better you do, the faster this whole nightmare will end. Therefore, we will be extending our guidelines to April 30th to slow the spread."
The guidelines, which recommend people stay home and avoid social gatherings, had been set to expire on Monday.
11:52 Be prepared for nCoV economic impact: Pawar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar on Monday said everyone needs to be ready for the impact of coronavirus on the country's economy as business activities are suspended. Taking to Facebook for a live interaction with people of the state, the former Union minister asked people to stop unnecessary expenditures and stay at home to contain the spread of the deadly viral infection.
"We should be ready to brace the impact of looming economic crisis over the country as all types of business activities are suspended. People need to do away with their unnecessary spending habit for the next coming weeks as the country's economic situation looks grim, he said. "I also appeal to people to stay at home and prevent the spread of coronavirus infection. Otherwise, police will have to use force to keep them indoors," he said. -- PTI
11:48 Coffee Day gets first tranche of Rs 2,000 crore
Coffee Day Enterprises Ltd has received the first tranche of Rs 2,000 crore following disinvestment of Global Village Techparks to repay debts following the death of its founder V G Siddhartha.In August last year, CDEL executed definitive agreements with entities belonging to Blackstone Group and Salarpuria Sattva Group for investment in GV Techparks, a wholly-owned subsidiary of group company Tanglin Development Ltd, at an enterprise value of Rs 2,700 crore.
The balance amount is expected to be received after the receipt of few statutory approvals, CDEL said in a statement.
"Out of the money received in first tranche, the company has paid off its debts in full including principal and interest amounting to Rs 1,644 crore to the lenders despite difficult economic conditions," it said.
Post this payment, the consolidated debt of the company and its subsidiaries stands at Rs 3,200 crore as on March 27. This includes debt of Rs 1,400 crore of its subsidiary Sical Logistics Ltd where disinvestment process is in progress.
"The company and subsidiaries have repaid around Rs 4,000 crore to the lenders since the beginning of this financial year," CDEL said."With the continuous support of stakeholders of the company, the current management is working to ensure better liquidity and operational efficiency. The company is confident of the future ahead despite various challenges," it added.
The company has been in rough waters after its founder V G Siddhartha took his own life as debt strains began to emerge in his company. Since his death in July last year, CDEL has been trying to divest its assets to pare debts.
On July 30, 2019, CDEL informed stock exchanges about Siddhartha's disappearance. In a letter that was purportedly written by him, the Cafe Coffee Day founder said: "I could not take any more pressure from one of the private equity partners forcing me to buy back shares." -- ANI
11:43 Kartik Aaryan contributes Rs 1 crore to PM-CARES Fund
Actor Kartik Aaryan on Monday announced that he is making a contribution of Rs 1 crore to the PM-CARES Fund for helping the country battle COVID-19.The actor took to Twitter to make the announcement and also urged people to do their bit.
"It is the absolute need of the hour to rise together as a Nation. Whatever I am, whatever money I've earned, is only because of the people of India; and for us I am contributing Rs. 1 crore to the PM-CARES Fund," tweeted Aaryan.
"I URGE all my fellow Indians also to help as much as possible," he tweeted quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tweet where he urged people to donate for the fund.
Other celebrities who have chipped in support to combat the outbreak of the virus are Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma, Shilpa Shetty, Rajukummar Rao, and Varun Dhawan.According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in India rose to 1071 on Monday, including 99 recoveries and 29 deaths. -- ANI
11:42 COVID-19: Health Ministry issues advisory for aged people
Stating that the course of COVID-19 tends to be more severe in the case of the elderly population, resulting in higher mortality, the Union Health
Ministry has issued a health advisory, listing some "dos" and "don'ts" for reducing the transmission of the virus among the aged section.
The advisory said globally, COVID-19 has impacted several lives and is steadily increasing its reach.
While the Indian government has taken stringent actions to contain the spread of COVID-19, including a nationwide lockdown, it is also critical for each one of us to follow the protocols and take necessary measures and precautions to break the chain of transmission of the disease, it added.
"Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their decreased immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
"Also, course of disease tends to be more severe in case of elderlies, resulting in higher mortality," the advisory stated. The ministry advised the elderly people to wash their hands and face at regular intervals with soap, stay at home, avoid meeting visitors at home and if such a meeting is essential, maintain a distance of at least one metre. It asked them to ensure proper nutrition through home-cooked, fresh, hot meals, hydrate frequently and take fresh juices to boost immunity.
The "dos" also include exercising, taking the daily prescribed medicines regularly, postponing elective surgeries (if any) like cataract surgery or total knee replacement and cleaning frequently-touched surfaces with a disinfectant. "
11:26 COVID-19: BCCI monitoring situation, no decision on IPL yet
Board of Control for Cricket in India sources on Monday said that no final decision has been taken on the fate of this year's Indian Premier League yet even as the country is under a 21-day COVID-19 lockdown.
They also went on to say that the board is monitoring the situation. "No decision has been taken on IPL yet, we are closely monitoring the situation, and we will take a call accordingly," sources within the BCCI told ANI.
Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had decided to postpone the IPL to April 15, 2020, as a precautionary measure.
"The BCCI is concerned and sensitive about all its stakeholders, and public health in general, and it is taking all necessary steps to ensure that, all people related to IPL including fans have a safe cricketing experience," the BCCI had said in an official statement.
The board also assured that it will work in unison with the Sports Ministry and will adhere to the guidelines issued. The 13th edition of IPL was scheduled to commence from March 29, with Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings meeting at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. -- ANI
11:23 US won't pay for Prince Harry, Meghan's security protection in California: Trump
President Donald Trump has said that the US will not foot the bill for Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle's security amid reports that the royal couple have moved to Los Angeles from Canada.
Last week, The Sun, a British tabloid, reported that the royal couple and their 10-month-old son Archie moved to Los Angeles, where Markle was raised.
However, the report was not confirmed. President Trump tweeted in response to such a report on Sunday.
"I am a great friend and admirer of the Queen & the United Kingdom. It was reported that Harry and Meghan, who left the Kingdom, would reside permanently in Canada. Now they have left Canada for the US however, the US will not pay for their security protection. They must pay!," he tweeted.
In January, 35-year-old Prince Harry and Markle, 38, announced that they would step back from their Royal duties. They said they planned to split time between North America and the United Kingdom. -- PTI
11:18 India COVID-19 tally 1071
The total number of Coronavirus positive cases in India rises to 1071 (including 942 active cases, 99 cured/discharged cases and 29 deaths), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.
However, there have been eight new COVID-19 cases in MP with the state tally now 47, and a 45-yr-old COVID-19 patient dies in Gujarat with the state toll reaching 6. These two new figures are not part of the 1071 cases put up by the government.
11:04 From drummer to vegetable seller...
Adapting to a changing world, Urmila Devi, who was working at a garments shop and her husband Raju Das, who was working as wedding band drummer, are now selling vegetables. The coupl lost their jobs due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Urmila Devi and Raju Das say, "We have taken a loan to start this vegetable shop. The situation is really difficult. We are making all efforts to earn money as we have 4 children. We appeal to the government to help us reach our hometown Bokaro."
10:53 AIIMS to convert trauma centre into COVID-19 hospital
Joining the fight against the coronavirus, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences has decided to convert its sprawling Trauma Centre building into a COVID-19 hospital. Preparations are underway to convert the facility, which provides treatment mostly to victims of road accidents, into a dedicated COVID-19 hospital, official sources said, adding that initially, it will have around 260 beds.
The AIIMS administration is likely to make an official announcement in this regard very soon.
"The entire trauma casualty and the emergency is being shifted to the AIIMS' main emergency. Most of the patients have already been shifted to multiple wards at the main AIIMS hospital," a source said.
The Trauma Centre currently has 242 beds and 18 more are being added to it. Of the total number of beds, there are about 50 ICU beds and around 30-40 beds in the high-dependency unit. It has around 70 ventilators.
"The capacity can be ramped up, depending on the requirement," a source said. The AIIMS has set up a task force to develop a management protocol for COVID-19 and constituted several committees to be able to respond to the challenges that may prop up in the coming days due to the rising number of coronavirus cases. The premier hospital has already closed its OPD, including speciality services and all new and follow-up patients' registration, from March 24 till further orders.
The AIIMS had earlier decided to temporarily suspend the routine walk-in OPD registration of patients from March 23 as part of its efforts to redirect its resources to control the coronavirus outbreak. Further, the hospital has been postponing all non-essential elective procedures and surgeries, and the administration has directed for only emergency life-saving surgeries. The number of coronavirus cases crossed the 1,000-mark in India on Sunday while the death toll rose to 27, according to the Union Health Ministry. PTI
Workers in Mumbai play carrom to destress during the lockdown
10:45 From 4 to 21: How COVID-19 spread in a family
The 25 coronavirus patients reported from one family at Sangli in Maharashtra were found to be living in a congested set up, which might have led the infection to spread fast among them, officials said. Initially, four family members who returned from Saudi Arabia tested positive for coronavirus on March 23.
Within a week, 21 more family members, including a two-year-old boy, were found to have contracted the infection. The district administration, however, maintained that so far there is no 'community transmission' of the viral infection, as only known contacts have been exposed to it.
"These 25 patients from Islampur tehsil belong to a big family living in a congested housing set up and because of that, they got infected," Collector Abhijeet Chaudhari told PTI on Sunday.
District civil surgeon C S Salunkhe said all the patients are from one big family and they live "side by side" in Islampur. "Majority of the family members were in touch with each other round-the-clock, that is why the exposure took place," he told PTI.
The family's secondary contacts have not been infected, so community transmission is ruled out, he said. "If a coronavirus positive person coughs in the house, his droplets spread on objects in the room. The common objects are handled by everyone in the house and this is the way the virus spreads," he explained. He, however, said since all the positive cases are from one "vertical" (family), it is actually better from the control point of view. -- PTI
Image: Workers play carrom at shop in Mumbai on Sunday. Pic: ANI
10:27 US returnee booked for violating home quarantine
A 35-year-old man who arrived in Maharashtra's Palghar district from the US last week has been booked for violating the home quarantine order issued to check the spread of coronavirus, police said on Monday.
The man arrived in Vasai area from USA on March 23 and after his medical examination, he was asked to remain in home quarantine. However, on March 28, he was found roaming in the locality, police spokesperson Hemant Katkar said. A case was registered against him on Sunday under IPC Sections 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life) and 188 (act of disobedience committed against orders passed by public servant), and the Epidemic Diseases Act.
No arrest has been made so far, the official said. Prohibitory orders are in force in the district in view of the coronavirus outbreak, he added. PTI
Representational image
10:10 Sensex tanks over 1100 points
Equity benchmark Sensex plunged over 1,100 points in opening session on Monday tracking losses in global equities as unabated spike in COVID-19 cases across the world has hammered economic growth, sending the world into an economic recession. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the world is in the face of a devastating impact due to the coronavirus pandemic and has clearly entered a recession. After hitting a low of 28,708.83, the 30-share BSE barometer was trading 855.82 points or 2.87 per cent lower at 28,959.77. Similarly, the NSE Nifty fell 245.30 points, or 2.83 per cent, to 8,414.95. Bajaj Finance was the top laggard in the Sensex pack, tanking up to 8 per cent, followed by M&M, Tata Steel, Bajaj Auto, ONGC, HDFC Bank and Kotak Bank. On the other hand, TCS, Tech Mahindra, HUL, Axis Bank and ITC were the top gainers.
A tailor stitches masks for free in Chandigarh
10:07 Punjab village sealed after 21-year-old tests positive for COVID-19
Ramnagar Sainian village of Patiala district was sealed by the local administration, as a precautionary measure after a 21-yr-old resident of the village, who returned from Nepal, tested positive for COVID-19 while other family members tested negative.
The village was sanitised with disinfectants and police and medical team were deployed.
Gurpreet Singh who had returned from Nepal on March 19, was admitted to Ambala Civil Hodpital on March 26 by the family members where he was tested positive for COVID-19.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had earlier reported a total of 1024 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India and 27 deaths due to the deadly virus. -- ANI
09:59 Check naka
Police check passes and identity cards of persons amid the movement of vehicles during the CoronavirusLockdown; visuals from Delhi-Gurugram border.
09:56 Rupee slips 32 paise to 75.21 against US dollar
The Indian fell 32 paise to 75.21 against the US dollar in opening trade on Monday, as investors braced for a prolonged period of uncertainty as coronavirus-induced lockdowns tightened across the world and in India. Forex traders said weak opening in domestic equities dragged the local unit amid mounting fears of a coronavirus-led economic slowdown. The rupee opened weak at 75.17 at the interbank forex market and then fell further to 75.21, down 32 paise over its last close. The rupee had settled at 74.89 against the US dollar on Friday. -- PTI
09:49 No plans to extend lockdown: Centre
Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba on Monday said he was 'surprised' at reports suggestive of an extension in the 21-day nationwide lockdown period. The top bureaucrat dismissed the speculation, saying that there were no such plans to do the same.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday sought the nation's forgiveness for imposing a monumental lockdown on the country, saying it was a question of life and death and expressed confidence that "we will definitely win the battle" against the coronavirus menace that has claimed 25 lives in India so far.
Image: Migrant workers along with their family members wait to board buses to their respective villages at Lal Quarter Bus Stand in New Delhi on Sunday.
Representational image
09:40 12 new COVID-19 cases in Maha, tally 215
Maharashtra tally: 12 new Coronavirus positive cases in the state. Total number of Coronavirus cases in the state rises to 215, the state health department said.
Pune: 5
Mumbai: 3
Nagpur: 2
Kolhapur and Nashik: 1 each.
09:25 Hotels coopted for healthcare staff
-- The Lucknow district administration has acquired 4 hotels on temporary basis, for the purpose of providing quarantine to doctors and paramedical staff who are treating Coronavirus positive people at the hospitals.
-- Hyatt Regency and Fairdeal Hotel have been acquired for the doctors/medical staff of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences. The Piccadily hotel and Lemon Tree Hotel have been acquired for the doctors/staff of Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences.
09:19 K'taka brings back 2000 labourers from Maha
While on migrants, as many as 2442 labourers hailing from Karnataka have been brought back in 62 buses by the State government from Maharashtra on Sunday, in the backdrop of nation-wide lockdown following COVID-19 outbreak.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday urged migrant labourers not to leave the State owing to the nationwide lockdown and assured that the Maharashtra government will look after their interests.
Hundreds of migrants, a majority of whom are daily wage workers started rushing to their native places from different states amid uncertainty over their livelihood following the announcement of a 21-day nationwide lockdown by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week in order to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. -- ANI
09:11 Nepalese migrants wait it out at border town
No apology can make good the horrific hardships that migrant workers have been facing. In Uttarakhand, Nepalese migrant workers are stranded at the Indo-Nepal border town of Dharchula. State and national borders have been closed following the lockdown due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
09:04 30 imported cases from China's 31 new cases
China has reported 31 new cases of coronavirus including 30 imported ones while the death toll reached 3,304 with four more fatalities, health officials said on Monday. The country's National Health Commission in its daily report said 31 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on the Chinese mainland were reported on Sunday, of which 30 were imported, taking their total number to 723. A new domestic case was reported in Gansu province, it said. The four deaths were reported from the virus epicentre Hubei province, it said.
The overall confirmed cases on the mainland has reached 81,470 by the end of Sunday. This included 3,304 people died of the disease, 2,396 patients still being treated and 75,770 patients discharged after recovery, the NHC said.
It said that 168 people were still suspected of being infected with the virus, 165 of whom were from abroad. By the end of Sunday, 641 confirmed cases including four deaths have been reported from Hong Kong, 38 confirmed cases in Macao and 298 in Taiwan including three deaths.
A total of 118 patients in Hong Kong, 10 in Macao and 39 in Taiwan have been discharged from the hospital after recovery.
China on Sunday resumed domestic flights in the coronavirus epicentre Hubei province, except for its capital Wuhan, as part of a plan to ease the lockdown in the region following a steep decline in the number of confirmed cases.
Hubei's capital Wuhan, which bore the brunt of the vicious virus for over two months, would begin its air services from April 8. China began to ease its lockdown of Hubei province, home for over 56 million people, from March 25 by resuming local transport services followed by relaxation of travel for people tested negative for coronavirus.
According to Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre, more than 32,000 people have died of coronavirus and 684,652 have been infected globally. PTI
08:51 Teen charged after coughing on groceries for 'prank' in US
A 14-year-old boy was charged over a prank in which he allegedly coughed on produce at a grocery store in northwest Harris County, amid the coronavirus scare in the United States, officials said on Sunday.
The grocer called 911 and reported a disturbance, following which the deputies arrived the store, they said.
In a Facebook post, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the deputies responded to the disturbance call at the Food City. He said the teen "intentionally coughed on produce".
"Apparently it was a prank," wrote Gonzalez. "Not a very funny one. The teen was charged with Tampering with Consumer Products."
The incident took place at a time when confirmed cases of novel coronavirus are on the rise in Houston area. As of Sunday noon, COVID-19 cases in the area have climbed to 928.
An estimated 58 people in the area who have tested positive for the virus have recovered, according to reports from a number of health officials.
Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott is tightening travel to Texas by ordering some motorists from Louisiana to self-quarantine for two weeks.
The new travel restrictions come as Louisiana's status as a novel coronavirus hotspot grew Sunday to more than 3,500 positive cases statewide. Abbott said drivers with commercial, medical, emergency response, military or critical infrastructure purposes for entering Texas would be exempted.
State troopers will enforce the order at checkpoints at major roadways along the border. Those asked to quarantine will be required to provide an address for where they plan to hold up in Texas, either for two weeks or until their return to Louisiana, whichever comes first. -- PTI
08:49 14 medical staffers of Delhi hospital sent into home quarantine
Fourteen medical staffers, including doctors and nurses, who were part of a team treating COVID-19 patients at RML Hospital in Delhi have been sent into home quarantine and their samples are being tested, official sources said.
The sources said one of the nurses developed fever since Sunday evening, so the entire team has been asked to go quarantine themselves at their homes.
"This team of six doctors and nurses and other staff from RML were exposed to COVID-19 patients and as one of the nurses developed fever since evening today the entire team has been sent for home quarantine. Their samples have been taken (for testing)," one of the sources said.
Delhi has reported 72 COVID-19 cases while 1,024 cases have been reported across the country. -- PTI
08:21 Peak US death rate likely in 2 weeks: Trump
United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the peak death rate in the US from the novel coronavirus is likely to hit in two weeks as he extended the coronavirus guidelines, including social distancing, until April 30.
Assuring his countrymen that he expects the United States to be on its way to recovery by June 1, Trump told reporters at a televised White House news conference that he had to extend the social distancing measures till April 30, based on the advice from his two top public health advisors and members of the White House Task Force on Coronavirus: Dr Deborah Bix and Dr Anthony Fauci.
"They demonstrate that the mitigation measures we are putting in place may significantly reduce the number of new infections and ultimately the number of fatalities.
"I want the American people to know that your selfless inspiring and valiant efforts are saving countless lives. You are making the difference. The modeling estimates that the peak and death rate is likely to hit in two weeks," Trump said during his second Rose Garden press conference on coronavirus.
The details of the new social guidelines measure would be announced on April 1, he said. "We can expect that by June 1 we will be well on our way to recovery we think by June 1," he said as the latest figures portrayed a grim picture for the country.
By Sunday night, the number of people infected with COVID-19 climbed to over 140,000 and the death toll reached 2,475.
On Sunday alone more than 18,000 people reported positive for the deadly disease and 255 Americans lost their lives.
New York City alone accounted for nearly 60,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and around 960 deaths.
The coronavirus pandemic is expanding fast in neighbouring New Jersey, where so far more than 13,000 cases have been reported, with 161 deaths.
More than 20 of the 50 American states have recorded over 1,000 coronavirus cases -- the number from where the deadly disease starts skyrocketing.
Major disaster declaration has been notified in nearly two dozen states, in addition to Trump declaring a national emergency a week ago. -- PTI
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