Maharashtra now accounts for 30% of the total coronavirus cases in India, with over 10,500 cases. Of this, Mumbai has registered over 7,000 cases.

Meanwhile, the United States saw more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, according to a Johns Hopkins University tracker.

The Hindu has brought out a multi-language e-book on essential COVID-19 information, in addition to covering the developments related to the coronavirus pandemic as it unfolded. Here is a collection of our daily cartoons on COVID-19.

Here are answers from experts on your queries about the virus, a list of State Helpline numbers, a State-wise tracker for COVID-19 cases, deaths and testing, and a map of confirmed cases in India.

Here are the latest updates:

One more West Bengal returnee has tested positive for COVID-19 in Jajpur district taking Odisha's total to 148, the State government said on Friday. Of the total, 92 were undergoing treatment, while 55 have recovered and one has died so far.

-- Prafulla Das

Coronavirus positive woman dies of AIIMS Rishikesh 

A COVID-19 positive woman died at AIIMS, Rishikesh on Friday with the state health department in Dehradun attributing the death to “sudden reduced blood flow to the heart“.

The 56-year-old woman from Nainital was admitted to AIIMS on April 22 after suffering a brain stroke and had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 28, nodal officer for coronavirus cases at the facility Madhur Uniyal said.

The State health department in a bulletin in Dehradun said the death was not caused by coronavirus. 

“The woman died of ventricular tachycardia secondary to ACS (acute coronary syndrome). In simple terms, it means sudden reduced blood flow to the heart,” it said.

After suffering stroke, the woman was admitted to a hospital in Nainital and later shifted to a hospital in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. She was then referred to AIIMS, Rishikesh.

Earlier in the day, Uniyal had said that the woman died of multiple organ failure.

When asked whether the woman died of COVID-19, Uniyal did not give a direct reply saying she was also suffering from other diseases and several of her vital organs had stopped working before her death. -- PTI

'No shortage of medical equipments'

On N95/N-99 masks, the projected demand is 2.72 crore. We have placed total order for 2.49 crore. Domestic manufacturers to provide 1.49 crore masks. There are six domestic manufacturers, seven new manufacturers have been identified. Additional domestic supply of masks in the next two months is pegged at 1.40 crore, while 1 crore masks will bee imported.

On Diagnistic Testing Kits,  there is a demand for 35 lakh combined RT PCR kits, order has been placed for 21.35 lakh kits. Domestic manufacturers will supply 2 lakh. So far, 13.75 lakh kits have been received.

The Union Health Ministry said about 8 lakh Roche kits also required, orders placed for 2 lakh and 0.6 lakh have been received. Besides, under the Manual RT PCR kits, 35 lakh probes, 35 lakh primers and 35 lakh master mix are required. 30 lakh probes, 22 lakh primers and 16.4 lakh master mix received so far.

The Health Ministry added that there is no shortage of medicines and medical equipment. Production of HCQ has been increased from 12.23 crore to 30 crore per month. 9 crore HCQ tablets have been released in the market, against the required 2.5 crore, Centre is supplying to States as per the demand.

Focus will be on essential supplies, says empowered group

The Empowered Group-3 Chairman P.D. Vaghela said "The group is focussing on ensuring essential supplies like ventilators, oxygen and oxygen cylinders, PPEs, N-95 masks and diagnostic kits."

"PPE and N-95 were not being manufactured in India, we took this as an opportunity and started creating manufacturing base and supply chain mechanism.

"The challenges before was us to increase the capacity of existing manufacturers and bring in new manufacturers. We set up a team comprising hundreds of engineers and professionals for the purpose.

"Ventilator requirement is 75,000, we have 19398 available. We have ordered 60,884, of which only 1,000 is being imported. BEL+Skanray to supply 30,000 ventilators. Maruti Suzuki+AgVa to supply 10,000 and AMTZ to provide 13,500 ventilators. The machine parts are also being manufactured domestically."

"Specifications, prototypes were laid down and approved. Testing of first lot of ventilators by four manufacturers going and and about 13,000 ventilators to be supplied soon. We are of firm conviction that the required number of ventilators will be made available."

"Oxygen production in India is enough, we also have enough number of cylinders. 6400 metric tonne of oxygen is manufactured currently, it can also be scaled up. There are about five big and 600 small manufacturers of oxygen. 409 hospitals produce oxygen on their own, they have been mapped for distribution purposes.

"4.38 lakh existing oxygen cylinders, orders placed for 1.03 lakh more, to be supplied by domestic manufacturers.

"Projected demand for PPEs is 2.01 crore and orders were placed for 2.22 crore.

"As on March 22, there were only two domestic manufacturers. Currently there were 107 domestic manufacturers, which are to provide 1.43 crore PPEs.

"In 15 days, nine new labs have been established, earlier there was only one (South India Textile Research Association)."

"DRDO has developed three types of new PU coated nylon/polyster, to be used in the manufacturing of N-95 masks. 21 lakh PPEs have been made available and they have been provided to the States. PPE has become a Rs.7,000-crore industry in India, second to China."

Special trains for stranded migrants, pilgrims and tourists

The Ministry of Home Affairs allows movement of stranded migrants, pilgrims and tourists by special trains to be operated by Ministry of Railways.

The Railways will issue guidelines for sale of tickets and social distancing measures, it added.

As per the guideline issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it has been decided to run ‘Shramik Special’ trains from Labour day (May 1), to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places due to lock down. These special trains will be run from point to point on the request of both the concerned State Governments, says Ministry of Railways.

Based on MHA guidelines and as per the demands received from the various state governments, six Shramik special trains are planned to run today -- Lingampalli to Hatia, Aluva to Bhubaneswar, Nasik to Lucknow, Nasik to Bhopal, Jaipur to Patna, Kota to Hatia.

The Ministry of Railways said it will endeavour to ensure social distancing norms and hygiene with the cooperation of passengers. On longer routes, the Railways will provide meals during the journey: Ministry of Railways

It added that on arrival at the destination, passengers will be received by the State Government, who would make all arrangements for their screening, quarantine if necessary and further travel from the Railway Station.

The passengers have to be screened by the sending states and only those found asymptomatic would be allowed to travel.

Central Armed Police contributed immensely to fight COVID-19, says Home Ministry

Central Armed Police Forces have contributed immensely to the fight against Covid-19. In their 32 hospitals, they have made arrangements for about 1,900 beds, says Home Ministry spokesman.

"They have also set up quarantine centres and are distributing essentials. They have organised blood donation camps. CRPF has extended help to the needy. It has also started tele-medical service. NDRF, apart from other Central organisations, has been assisting the local administration.

"CISF's fire service wing has been helping in the sanitisation work."

The Union Health Ministry spokesman said "in the past 24 hours, 1993 new confirmed cases reported, taking the total to 35,043 cases. 25007 cases are currently under medical supervision. In the past 24 hours, 564 new patients cured, taking total to 8,888, overall recovery rate is 24.37%."

Migrant labourers mercilessly abandoned by Centre, says Congress

The Congress on Friday accused the Centre of “mercilessly” and “cruelly” abandoning the entire category of migrant labour and termed as a cruel joke the order on inter-state movement of workers.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said the “mismanagement” of migrant labour shows the approach the central government has adopted towards the poor of country.

“The Centre has mercilessly, cruelly and without second thought abandoned the entire category of migrant labour,” he said addressing a press conference through video conferencing.

Delhi govt. sets up 4 dedicated helplines for ambulance services

The Delhi government announced four dedicated helpline numbers on Friday to ease the pressure on the ambulance helpline 102.

State Health Minister Satyendar Jain tweeted details about the numbers.

“To reduce the pressure on the 102 Ambulance Helpline No., we have come up with four dedicated Helpline Numbers -- 7291000094, 7291000071, 7291000093, 7291000078,” he said. “Apart from this, DM and CDMO can be called for an ambulance on 1070, 1077,” he added.

- PTI

Five ITBP personnel test positive, at least 90 quarantined

Five personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) have tested positive for the novel coronavirus and at least 90 have been quarantined over the last few days, officials said on Friday.

These are the first cases of the viral infection in the border-guarding force, which is trained in mountain warfare.

- PTI

Cong says it backs Haryana’s fight against COVID-19, but will oppose ‘anti-people’ decisions

Main opposition Congress on Friday said the party was extending its cooperation to the BJP-JJP government in Haryana to fight COVID-19 but it will oppose if the ruling dispensation takes anti-people decisions .

The Congress slammed the state government for hiking bus fares by 15 paise per km and increasing VAT on petrol by Re 1 and that on diesel by Rs 1.1 per litre, and also deciding to impose one per cent market fee and one per cent Haryana Rural Development Fund cess on the sale of fruits and vegetables in ‘mandis’.

- PTI

At least 24 more COVID-19 positive cases were detected in Bihar today, taking the total number to 450. All the cases are from Rohtas, Buxar and Kaimur districts.

- Amarnath Tewary

Goondas Act slapped against 14 arrested for protesting against burial of COVID-19 doctor victim

The stringent Goondas Act has been invoked against 14 people, including a woman, arrested in Tamil Nadu recently for allegedly attacking health workers while protesting the burial of a doctor who died of COVID-19, the city police said on Friday.

They were detained under the act as part of crime prevention activities, police said in a release.

- PTI

Special ships between Port Blair, Chennai to transport stranded persons

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration has decided to arrange special ships between Port Blair and Chennai to ferry stranded migrant workers, students, pilgrims and tourists, officials said on Friday.

The decision was taken after the Centre on Wednesday issued fresh directives allowing states to transport stranded people to their home states or destination amid the COVID-19-induced lockdown

“The transportation of such personnel shall be on one time, one way basis only,” the deputy director of Shipping Services said in a statement.

- PTI

Kerala to run special train for migrant workers from Odisha

The Railways' first special train from Kerala carrying stranded migrant workers from Odisha will leave from Aluva at 6 p.m.on Friday to Bhubaneswar.

The train will have 24 sleeper class coaches and will be able to accommodate 1,100 commuters, a top railway official said.

The train will run non-stop to Bhubaneswar in view of the lockdown in the country due to COVID-19. As social distancing norms have to be followed, each sleeper class coach, that normally accommodates 72, will be able to carry only 45 people.

- S. Anil Radakrishnan

3 migrant workers walking back home killed in accident

Three members of a family of daily-wage labourers, who were walking all the way home to their village in Uttar Pradesh from Delhi were killed in a tragic road accident on the outskirts of Aligarh on Friday, police said.

The group of five people had left their home in Narela locality of Delhi on Monday for an arduous 500-kilometre walk to their village in Fatehpur district. They covered 130 kilometres to Aligarh in three days, according to the police.

- PTI

Uttarakhand records one death

A COVID-19-positive woman died following multiple organ failure at AIIMS, Rishikesh on Friday, an official said. The 56-year-old woman from Nainital had been admitted to the hospital on April 22 after suffering a brain stroke, said nodal officer for COVID-19 cases at the facility Madhur Uniyal.

She had later tested positive for COVID-19, he said.

- PTI

Not wearing a mask in public will now attract a fine in Bengaluru

Bengaluru's civic body has made wearing masks covering mouth and nose mandatory at all public spaces and workspaces with more than five people.

Violators will be fined ₹1,000 for first violation and ₹2,000 from the second violation onwards.

The order, issued by civic commissioner B.H. Anil Kumar, also mandates proper disposal of masks and surgical gloves and bans spitting and urinating in public spaces.

- Aditya Bharadwaj

Two more test positive in Odisha, State tally reaches 147

Two Tamil Nadu returnees in Odisha's Bolangir district and two with West Bengal links in Jajpur district were found positive for COVID-19, taking the State's total to 147 on Friday.

A West Bengal returnee was found positive in Balasore district earlier in the day.

- Prafulla Das

Will lift certain restrictions after May 3 as per zones: Maharashtra CM

"The State has been divided in Red, Orange and green zones based on intensity of covid. Red zone includes MMR, Pune and part of Nagpur. Starting any economical activity will not be possible here," says Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeraywhile addressing a press conference.

"Intra-State transport too will be started and district collectors will decide priority. No restrictions on agricultural activities. Crowding after lifting restrictions won't be right."

"We will surely lift certain restrictions after May 3 as per zones. But precautions need to be taken to avoid relapse of coronavirus."

- Alok Deshpande

Lockdown has acted as a speed breaker: Maharashtra CM

Addressing a press conference, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray says, "I pay my tributes to all known and unknown fighters, and workers on the occasion of Maharashtra Day. Maharashtra is what it is today because of the tremendous struggle and sacrifices of thousands."

"The lockdown has acted as a  speed breaker, slowing down the spread of coronavirus," he adds.

"Around two lakh people have been tested. Special precaution has been taken for people with other diseases. Slums are being tested. Over 10,000 people have come forward as volunteers to help the government in this fight."

"The State has been divided in Red, Orange and green zones based on intensity of covid. Red zone includes MMR, Pune and part of Nagpur. Starting any economical activity will not be possible here," says the CM.

"Intra-State transport too will be started and district collectors will decide priority. No restrictions on agricultural activities. Crowding after lifting restrictions won't be right."

"We will surely lift certain restrictions after May 3 as per zones. But precautions need to be taken to avoid relapse of corona."

- Alok Deshpande

No petrol, ration in Goa to those not wearing masks

The Goa government has decided that people not wearing masks will not be given fuel at petrol pumps or ration at fair price shops in the State.

The decision was taken during a meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) chaired by Chief Secretary Parimal Rai on Thursday.

The committee asked the Director of Civil Supplies to work out a campaign in order to reach out to the petrol pumps and fair price shops asking them to implement this concept.

- PTI

Three test positive in Puducherry

An elderly woman from Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu, who was admitted to JIPMER for gastrointestinal symptoms, and two relatives who accompanied the woman, have tested positive for COVID-19.

According to a JIPMER press note, the patient was admitted a couple of days ago at JIPMER, for a non-covid condition with gastrointestinal symptoms and other pre-existing diseases. She had recent travel history to Chennai for medical reasons.

Delhi govt. to provide 10 kg ration to the needy

We are sending 40 buses to bring back the students from Delhi stranded in Kota today, said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"We are in touch with other state governments; we will keep you informed about the plan to assist those from other states stranded in the city. Till then, I appeal that all of you stay at home and follow lockdown restrictions," said the CM.

The Delhi government has decide to double the free ration being provided to the needy in the city from 5 kg to 10 kg, said the CM.

-Jatin Anand

60 new case, 2 new deaths in Andhra Pradesh

As many as 60 new COVID-19 positive cases have been detected in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours. Two people have died of the infection.

With this, the total tally of positive cases in the State is 1,463.  In all, 33 people have succumbed to COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh.

Hike in Delhi's positive cases due to increase in testing: Kejriwal

Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that one of the reasons for the steep hike in Delhi's coronavirus cases is due to an increase in testing.

"It may seem like the number of coronavirus cases in Delhi is increasing but that is because we are undertaking a lot of testing. The per million rate of testing for the country is 5,000; in Delhi this is 2,300," said Mr. Kejriwal.

The first patient to be given plasma therapy at LNJP Hospital got cured and has been discharged, he said.

"We accept and agree with what the Centre said; that plasma therapy is in a trial stage. These trials are continuing in Delhi in a war footing, "said Mr. Kejriwal, adding that the State govt. is in touch with the people who were cured of COVID-19 and that many have expressed willingness to donate plasma.

Three deaths in Rajasthan

Three deaths — two in Jaipur and one in Bikaner — were reported in Rajasthan today, taking the toll of COVID-19 related deaths in the State to 61.

Thirty-three COVID-19 positive cases detected in the State. With this, the total tally of positive cases in Rajasthan is now 2,617. Of them, 900 have recovered and 644 have been discharged from hospitals, according to the State Medical and Health Department.

Special train run for migrants from Telangana to Jharkhand

In a first such move, the Railways on Friday started a special train from Telangana to Jharkhand, carrying around 1,200 migrants.

“Today morning a one-off special train was run from Lingampalli (in Telangana) to Hatia (in Jharkhand) on request of the State Government of Telangana and as per the directions of Ministry of Railways,” a Railways spokesperson said.

A 30-year-old man has been detected COVID-19 positive in Nalanda district, Bihar.. This brings the total number of cases in the State to 426.

More details are awaited.

Health Ministry lists red, orange and green-zone districts for week after May 3

The Health Ministry has listed COVID-19 zones for the week after May 3 — when the lockdown is due to end — with 130 red-zone districts, 284 orange-zone districts and 319 green-zone districts.

Maharashtra, Delhi and Gujarat are among the heavy COVID-19 load States as per the list.

India on Friday had a total of 35,043 COVID-19 cases, an increase of 1,433, and 1,147 deaths — an addition of 73 cases.

China’s asymptomatic cases climb to over 980

China’s asymptomatic coronavirus cases have increased to 981, including 631 in Hubei province and its capital Wuhan, the epicentre of the deadly virus outbreak, while the government has stepped up vigil to contain the spread of the infection during the 5-day May Day holidays.

While the confirmed cases were steadily on the decline in China, including in Wuhan, prompting the government to resume normal operations all over the country, the steady rise in asymptomatic cases continued to be a cause of concern.

Is this the peak for Chennai or can another be expected?

Is this the peak of the infection for Chennai? It may well be the peak during the ongoing lockdown, say experts.

Some public health experts feel that another can be expected post the lockdown, before the pandemic flattens in the State.

It is possible that increased testing is the single biggest reason for the large number of cases that Chennai throws up daily. And, yet, experts say, the city is a hotspot also because a common sense approach, community responsibility and participation in public health efforts is lacking.

Maruti Suzuki sold zero cars in April

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India on Friday said it made zero dispatches to dealers in the domestic market in April 2020 amid the nationwide lockdown to control the spread of coronavirus.

"This was because in compliance with the Government orders all production facilities were closed," the company said in a statement.

Russian Prime Minister tests positive for COVID-19

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin says he has tested positive for the new coronavirus and has told President Vladimir Putin he will self-isolate.

First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belousov will temporarily perform Mr. Mishustin’s duties, but the PM said on Thursday that he would stay in touch on key issues.

India's case count breaches 35,000: Union Health Ministry

India has detected 35,043 coronavirus positive cases till date, said the Union Health Ministry in an update on Friday.

Of this, 25,007 cases are active. As many as 1,147 people have died, according to the Central count, and 8,889 people have recovered from the infection.

The increase in number of cases detected from Thursday is 1,433. Seventy three people have died in the past 24 hours.

Another tests positive in Odisha

A 58-year-old person who returned from Kolkata has been detected as coronavirus positive in Balasore, Odisha.

This takes the total number of cases in Odisha to 143.

Of the total cases, 101 are under treatment. While 41 persons have recovered, one person has died till date, the State government said.

Germany relaxes lockdown for playgrounds, churches and zoos

German authorities agreed on Thursday to reopen playgrounds, churches and cultural institutions such as museums and zoos that have been shuttered because of the coronavirus pandemic, but they postponed a decision on whether to relax the rules for restaurants, hotels and kindergartens.

Chancellor Angela Merkel said that while there would be regional differences because of Germany’s federal structure, the overall goal remains ensuring the health system can cope with the country’s outbreak.