Coronavirus India Updates: Total Covid-19 Cases At 35,365; Death Toll At 1,152
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India rose past the 35,000-mark on Friday as the government prepares for a partial lifting of the lockdown in some districts from May 4.
India reported 1,755 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 35,365, according to the health ministry’s 5 p.m. update. This includes 9,065 patients who've been discharged and 1,152 who’ve died.
Over the last 24 hours, India has seen 692 recoveries and 77 deaths.
India’s health ministry today said that lockdown will continue in India’s metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad even after the government relaxes restrictions from May 4.
The latest list released by the ministry shows that all these cities fall under the red zone—areas with a large number of cases.
Global Update:
U.S. coronavirus cases recorded the slowest daily increase for the month of April. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Britain is past the peak of the outbreak. Spain recorded steep declines in new cases and Germany is set to extend restrictions.
Australia and New Zealand are considering a mutual reopening of their economies once the outbreak is under control, while Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned things won’t ever return to the way they were pre-pandemic, and Japan’s prime minister suggested an emergency status will be extended.
Globally, total cases have topped 3.2 million with more than 232,000 dead.
Track latest news updates on the evolving coronavirus situation in India here:
India Adds 1,755 New Cases
India added 1,755 new coronavirus cases over the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 35,365.
- Active cases: 25,148
- Cured/discharged/migrated: 9,065
- Deaths: 1,152
Railway Announces 6 Trains For Stranded Workers, Students
The railways said it will run “Shramik Special” trains from Friday to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to the nationwide lockdown that came into force from March 25.
It has already run the first such train with 1,200 passengers from Hyderabad to Jharkhand at 4:50 am on Friday.
The railways announced six trains -- Lingampally to Hatia, Nasik to Lucknow, Aluva to Bhubaneswar, Nasik to Bhopal, Jaipur to Patna and Kota to Hatia.
Health Ministry Provides Status Update On PPEs
The health ministry today said that six domestic manufacturers have been roped in for the procurement of masks.
India needs 2.72 crore N-95/99, the health ministry projected in its press briefing today. India has ordered 2.49 crore masks already.
Currently, domestic manufacturers are producing up to 2.3 lakh masks per day.
On Diagnostic Kits
The health ministry said that India needs 35 lakh RT-PCR kits.
It has already placed orders for 21.35 lakh kits, of which, 13.75 lakh have been recieved.
Maharashrea CM On Containing The Coronavirus Spread
The lockdown has been effective in breaking the chain of the coronavirus spread, said Maharashrea Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in an address today. Although there will be relaxations in some areas after May 3, he cautions that the government and the citizens need to take careful steps to "win this war against the virus".
Other key highlights of the address:
- We are checking oxygen levels among the slum dwellers through pulse oximeter
- More private doctors should come forward to fight the Coronavirus
- Request people who have symptoms to visit fever clinics
- We have not put any restrictions on agriculture, I am aware of the farmers' situation
- Have slowly started lifting restrictions, but will go back to earlier restrictions if there is crowding
- After May 3, there will be some relaxations based on the various zones (red, orange, green)
Special Train Ferries Stranded Migrants From Telangana To Jharkhand
Railways on Friday ran a special train to ferry 1,200 stranded migrants from Lingampally in Telangana to Hatia in Jharkhand, a first since the lockdown began.
"The 24 coach train started at 4.50 am today," RPF DG Arun Kumar told PTI. It's the only train to be deployed so far, he added.