Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Gyms & Spas to be Shut in Delhi, No Gatherings of More Than 50 People Till March 31, Says Kejriwal

Life in a Pandemic | An empty class room is pictured at Karl-Rehbein-Schule after schools are closed down nationwide due to coronavirus in Hanau, Germany. (Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach)

Indian Immigrant in Israel Gets Beaten up Due to Racism | Am-Shalem Singson, 28, an Indian immigrant from Manipur was beaten up in a racist attack in the northern city of Tiberias on Saturday, reported the Times of Israel. Two men, who thought Singson was Chinese, taunted him, said the Shavei Israel organisation said on Sunday. The attackers kicked him while yelling at him —"Corona! Corona!" — and calling him Chinese.

Indian immigrant beaten in Tiberias in apparent coronavirus-linked hate crime https://t.co/po2kBeLsV3

— The Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) March 16, 2020

MP House Adjourned over Coronavirus | In a reprieve for beleaguered Kamal Nath-led government, the Madhya Pradesh Assembly was adjourned till March 26 in view of the state government's concern over coronavirus even as the BJP raised the demand for holding of a floor test as directed by Governor Lalji Tandon. After the Budget session began at 11 am after singing of Vande Mataram, the governor began his customary address to the House which lasted for barely two minutes, as he didn't read out the entire content and left with Speaker NP Prajapati.

How Contagious is Coronavirus ? As the coronavirus pandemic spreads across the world — it has killed over 6,500 people and infected more than 1.6 lakh people — governments are attempting to take measures to cull its spread. This begs the question, how contagious is coronavirus compared to other diseases that have caused epidemics in the past. This News18 graphic explains. 

PM Modi on Coronavirus | Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing India response to coronavirus on Twitter thanked people for boosting the morale of doctors, nurses, municipal workers, airport staff and all other remarkable people at the forefront of fighting COVID-19. He then posted accounts of people who are happy with the government's efforts to tackle the disease. 

Many people are highlighting different aspects of how India is combating COVID-19.

This is certainly boosting the morale of all those doctors, nurses, municipal workers, airport staff and all other remarkable people at the forefront of fighting COVID-19. #IndiaFightsCorona

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 16, 2020

Delhi CM on Coronavirus | Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is currently addressing a press conference on coronavirus. "We are in touch with ICMR and the Centre, so we will take measures as needed," he said, adding that all essential commodities could not be shut so easily. All buses and metros are being disinfected daily, he said. However, the CM is not considering shutting down metros any soon. 

दिल्ली सरकार ने Coronavirus को फैलने से रोकने के लिए आज कुछ नए क़दम उठाए हैं https://t.co/bE6AeY8VvK

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) March 16, 2020

Delhi CM Kejriwal on Coronavirus | Addressing a press conference on the current coronavirus pandemic, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the government was taking appropriate measures to tackle the threat. "Religious, social, familial, political, any sort of gathering is not allowed which has more than 50 people. We are in touch with ICMR and the Centre, will take measures as needed," he said.

4 More Coronavirus Cases in Maharashtra | Four more people have been tested positive for #coronavirus in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, taking the total number of cases to 37 in the state, said the Maharashtra Health Ministry.

Delhi HC to Issue More Directions on Precautions | The Delhi High Court on Monday said it will issue more directions about precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The court observed this when an advocate mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar that the photocopy shops and cash counters in the complex should accept also digital payments.To this, the bench said, "Don't worry! We will be issuing more directions in this regard."

Pakistan Shuts Schools, Closes Land Borders Due to Coronavirus | Pakistan shut all its schools and land borders on Friday and decided to limit international flights and discourage large gatherings to try to halt the spread of the coronavirus. The measures were announced by ministers after a meeting of the national security council chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by civilian and military leaders.

I want to inform the nation I am personally overseeing measures to deal with COVID 19 & will address the nation soon. I would advise people to follow safety instructions issued by our govt. While there is a need for caution there is no need for panic.

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 14, 2020

Odisha Reports First Coronavirus Case | The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was reported in Odisha on Monday after a researcher who recently returned from Italy tested positive for it. The 33-year-old man is being treated at Capital Hospital here. "His condition is stable and he is not showing any other complications," state government's chief spokesperson on coronavirus cases Subroto Bagchi told reporters.

Life in a Pandemic | Pope Francis prays at San Marcello al Corso church for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, in Rome, Italy. (Reuters)

Pope Francis Prays in 'Empty' Rome | Pope Francis ventured into a deserted Rome on Sunday to pray at two shrines for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, as the Vatican said his Easter services will be held without the public for the first time, reports Reuters. Francis left the Vatican unannounced to pray at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and then walked along one of Rome's main streets to visit St. Marcello church to pray before a crucifix that was used in a procession when the plague hit Rome in 1522.

Extraordinary photo. Extraordinary times. Extraordinary Pope. Francis walks through deserted Roman streets to pray before crucifix in San Marcello - on Rome’s busiest shopping street pic.twitter.com/DdD0i8tGwL

— Ronnie Convery (@ronaldopatrizio) March 15, 2020

James Bond Actress Olga Kurylenko Tests Positive | Ukrainian-born actor-model Olga Kurylenko has revealed that she has tested positive for the novel coronavirus. The actor, best known for starring in 2008's James Bond film Quantum of Solace and 2013's sci-fi movie Oblivion, took to Instagram on Sunday to share her diagnosis. Kurylenko, 40, said she had been ill for "almost a week". (Image: Reuters)

These are the Coronavirus Cases in India | In India, according to the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, 110 people have been infected and 2 have died, as well. While reports are coming in, of rising cases from Maharashtra and Odisha, the centre is yet to confirm these cases. 

Thermal Screening at Parliament | The coronavirus pandemic, which has killed over 6,500 people and infected more than 1.6 lakh worldwide, is invoking measures by various governments to contain its spread. India, which has had 110 confirmed cases and two deaths due to the disease, is also doing the same. Today, thermal screening — to check for signs of fever — was done at the entry gate of the Parliament building in Delhi today. (Image: News18)

Handmaid's Tale's 4th Season Shuts Down | The fourth season of acclaimed dystopian drama "The Handmaid's Tale" is shutting down production over health concerns in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. Series lead Elisabeth Moss on Sunday took to Instagram to share the news. The actor said the team was putting the shoot on hold "in order to preserve the health and safety of our cast and crew and join the world in an attempt to flatten the curve".

You did this, Resistors. Praise be. 🙌 Season 4 of The #HandmaidsTale is happening! pic.twitter.com/uQfKEGE9cW

— The Handmaid's Tale (@HandmaidsOnHulu) July 26, 2019

'Most Airlines Will be Bankrupt Due to Coronavirus' | Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most airlines in the world will be bankrupt by the end of May and only a coordinated government and industry action right now can avoid the catastrophe, said global aviation consultancy firm CAPA in a note on Monday. "As the impact of the coronavirus and multiple government travel reactions sweep through our world, many airlines have probably already been driven into technical bankruptcy, or are at least substantially in breach of debt covenants," it stated.

Mexico Reports 1st Death | Mexico has registered its first death due to coronavirus, according to Mexican media reports on Sunday and two people familiar with the matter. Veteran broadcaster Joaquin Lopez-Doriga said on Twitter that businessman Jose Kuri had died after testing positive for coronavirus following a trip to the United States.

Mexico reports its first COVID-19 related death as José Kuri, a relative of the business magnate Carlos Slim, dies after testing positive for the disease https://t.co/Y2rCXhxeLi via @lopezdoriga

— Stephen Woodman (@Stephentwoodman) March 16, 2020

Vietnam Cases Rise to 57 | Vietnam has confirmed four more cases of coronavirus, all among foreign nationals, its health ministry said on Sunday, bringing its total number of cases to 57. The latest detected patients include a Latvian, a German and two British nationals, the health ministry said in a statement.

Biden, Sanders 'Elbow Bump' to Greet Each Other | Joe Biden smiled and reached his elbow out to touch his rival Bernie Sanders' arm on Sunday, an unusual greeting that started a Democratic presidential debate during the coronavirus pandemic. Sanders and Biden, vying for their party's nomination to face Republican President Donald Trump in the November election, met in a Washington television studio with no live audience in the room. (Image: Reuters)

White House Urges Against 'Hoarding' | The White House on Sunday urged Americans against "hoarding" as thousands flocked to supermarkets to stock up on essentials, saying US supply chains were strong and federal and local leaders were working together to ensure food supplies are available. In the United States, the disease has infected more than 3,200 people and killed at least 62.

Today, @realDonaldTrump held a call with more than two dozen grocery store and supply chain executives. All of the executives are working hand-in-hand with the Federal Government, as well as State and local leaders, to ensure food and essentials are constantly available. pic.twitter.com/pgkJs44Dmu

— Judd Deere (@JuddPDeere45) March 15, 2020

Life in a Pandemic | A medical staff attends to a baby with novel coronavirus at the Wuhan Children’s Hospital in China. (Reuters)

Chidambaram Urges Govt to Act Fast | Rajya Sabha MP P Chidambaram said the government must pay attention to the increase in rate of infections, which he called "worrying". "If the central government is slow to act, state governments must show bolder leadership and announce firmer steps appropriate to the state concerned," he said. 

While the SAARC meeting was welcome, government must pay heed to the warnings of WHO and ICMR, and now Dr Devi Shetty. Government must consider partial to total lockdown of many towns and cities.

— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) March 16, 2020

What is Coronavirus ? According to WHO, Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.

US Sailor Tests Positive | A US sailor aboard a warship ship tested positive for the coronavirus for the first time, the US Navy said on Sunday, as it disclosed the case of a person assigned to an amphibious assault ship at port in San Diego. The Navy said the sailor was quarantined at home and that personnel who had been in close contact with the sailor have been notified and are in self-isolation at their homes. (Image: Reuters/Ahmed Jadallah)

Pompeo, Jaishankar Talk on Coronavirus | The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the coronavirus crisis over phone. During the call, the two top diplomats discussed ways in which India and the United States could cooperate to address this global challenge, US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said on Sunday.

Productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar on ways the U.S. and #India can collaborate to fight the global #coronavirus outbreak.

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) March 15, 2020

Modi Suggests G20 Meeting to Australian PM | In a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morisson on Saturday, Modi mentioned his suggestion of getting G20 together for coronavirus response, said sources. However, it will be finally be decided by the chair (Saudi Arabia) whether to hold such an emergency meeting or not. 

368 More Deaths in Italy | Italy recorded 368 new deaths from the COVID-19 outbreak on Sunday as the total rose to 1,809 from 1,441 a day earlier, the country's civil protection authority said.

Vatican City Cancels Celebrations Due to Coronavirus | Pope Francis' Holy Week and Easter services, which normally draw tens of thousands of people, will be held without the public attending because of the coronavirus outbreak. It was not clear how the massive events will be scaled down but sources said officials were studying ways to hold them in indoor locations, including St Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, with small representative groups attending.

#PopeFrancis looks out onto an empty St. Peter's Square after praying the #Angelus on Sunday in the Apostolic Library, and blesses the faithful around the world as the physical distance between us grows.https://t.co/3iirlvnCH6 pic.twitter.com/basrVQBV6n

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) March 16, 2020