Coronavirus Live India: India has reported 1,147 COVID-19 deaths so far. (File)
Two days after allowing migrant labourers, students, pilgrims or tourists who do not have coronavirus symptoms to return to their home states, the centre on Friday said special trains will be run amid the nationwide lockdown.
According to the Indian Railways, "Shramik (Worker) Special" trains will be run to take migrant workers home and passengers will only be allowed on board once they are found to be asymptomatic upon screening.
The states from where the people will be picked up will have to send people to the stations in batches and provide meals and drinking water to the passengers.
The first "special train" to transport migrants stranded by the lockdown left Telangana for Jharkhand at around 4:30 this morning, carrying 1,200 people from Lingampally in the southern state to Jharkhand's Hatia district.
India witnessed its biggest jump in coronavirus-linked cases today, with 1,993 people testing positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, government data showed. At least 35,043 people have tested positive for coronavirus and 1,147 have died due to the virus.
India's coronavirus recovery rate - the share of people who have been discharged from hospital after treatment - has risen to 25.37 per cent, a significant improvement of over 13 per cent reported 14 days ago, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
The growth rate of coronavirus cases is down to nearly zero in the northeastern states and under 3 per cent per day in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala and Haryana where cases are taking well over 20 days to double, data from the Union Health Ministry shows.
Some states where the rate of new COVID-19 cases is relatively high but is showing a downward trend are Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Andhra Pradesh at 18 days and Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Punjab and Gujarat at 14 days.
Here are the Coronavirus Outbreak Live Updates:
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds interaction with labourers in the state through video conference. #MayDay2020pic.twitter.com/8hm5ZlsYUD
- ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 1, 2020
Uttar Pradesh Reports 70 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Rises To 2,281
Uttar Pradesh reported 70 fresh coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 2,281, a senior official said.
So far, 2,281 cases have been reported in the state from 63 districts, Principal Secretary, Medical Health, Amit Mohan Prasad said.
Fourty-one deaths have so far been reported while the number of active cases is 1,685, he said.
As many as 555 patients have been treated and discharged, he added. Mr Prasad said pool testing has started in the state which was the first one in the country to do so, news agency PTI reported.
More than 4 lakh oxygen cylinders are available; orders for more than 1 lakh oxygen cylinders have been placed. Industrial oxygen also being converted into medical oxygen: PD Vaghela, Chairman, Empowered Group-3
Of total 2.49 crore N-95/N-99 masks ordered, 1.49 crore masks ordered from domestic manufacturers: Centre, news agency PTI reported.
We have ordered 2.22 crore Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to meet projected demand of 2.01 crore PPE, says Centre, news agency PTI reported.
About 19,398 ventilators available in India, orders placed for 60,884 more of which 59,884 will be made by domestic manufacturers: Centre, news agency PTI reported.
State and district administration to ensure through focused efforts that 'Red' and 'Orange' zone districts, break the chain of transmission through effective and stringent containment measure: Lav Agrawal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry pic.twitter.com/mCcwJnTmqn
- ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020
Allowing migrant workers to walk for miles without food, water, safety is worrisome, wrong practice: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to news agency PTI.
Ministry of Home Affairs allows the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places, by special trains. pic.twitter.com/cYFRCvTBLj
- ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020
Chhattisgarh will not open its borders till COVID-19 situation normalises; states should be given right to decide which district to open: Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel to news agency PTI.
12 more jawans of CRPF of the same battalion which has recorded maximum COVID-19 cases, tested positive today. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the battalion crosses 60: Central Reserve Police Force
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Goa Declared Green Zone; Fight Against COVID-19 Far From Over, Says Pramod Sawant
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said that the war against COVID-19 "is far from over", here on Friday, soon after the central government formally declared both districts of Goa as Covid-free green zones.
"With the efforts of our CoronaWarriors and support of the people of Goa, our state has now been classified as a green zone by the Government of India. The war against COVID19 is far from over," Mr Sawant wrote on the microblogging site--Twitter.
He added that the fight must continue by adopting a modified lifestyle giving priority to "safe health norms".
"We must continue our fight against this virus by adopting a modified lifestyle which gives priority to safe health norms such as sanitization, wearing of face covers, social distancing and staying at home during the lockdown period," he stressed.
According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Goa has a total of seven positive coronavirus cases. All seven patients have recovered.
A district will be considered under Green Zone, if there are no confirmed cases so far or there is no reported case since last 21 days in the district, said the Union Health Secretary, Preeti Sudan on Friday, news agency ANI reported.
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Special Kerala-Odisha Train To Run For Migrant Workers
The first special train from Kerala carrying 1,200 migrant workers to Bhubaneswar in Odisha will leave from the Aluva railway station near here on Friday evening, state Minister VS Sunil Kumar said.
The migrant workers from Odisha accommodated in camps in Ernakulam District since the COVID-19 lockdown will be brought to the station in state-run corporation buses as per the protocol announced by the government, he said.
Official sources said the train was scheduled for 6 pm departure, news agency PTI reported.
Our Government Will Contact You And Bring You Back: Jharkhand Chief Minister To Migrants
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Friday assured the migrants from the state, stranded in other parts of the country, that his government will bring them back.
"I assure all students, migrant workers and other people stranded in other states amid COVID-19 lockdown that our administration will soon contact you and help you in coming back to the state. Don't panic," Mr Hemant Soren said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday allowed movement of the stranded people, including migrant labourers, workers, students, tourists, and provided the procedure for the same.
India is under a nation-wide lockdown which was imposed on March 25 and later extended on April 14 to May 3 to stem the spread of coronavirus, news agency ANI reported.
In the last 48 hours, 5 jawans of ITBP have tested COVID-19 positive in Delhi. 2 of them were performing law and order duty in Delhi with police: Indo-Tibetan Border Police
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Mumbai Civic Body Asks Staff Above Age Of 55 To Work From Home
The civic body in Mumbai has asked its staff above the age of 55 years to work from home or abstain from field duties, while those with comorbidities have been given leave for two weeks in view of the coronavirus outbreak, officials said on Friday.
This includes emergency staff like doctors, nurses and paramedics, a Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official said.
"Emergency staff above the age of 55 with cormorbidities like hypertension, diabetes, heart and kidney ailments among others have been asked to stay at home for two weeks," said a BMC spokesperson.
However, attendance is absolutely compulsory for all other staff employed in office and on field assignments, officials added, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus India Lockdown: Karnataka Chief Minister Appeals To Migrant Workers In The State To Stay Back
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on the occasion of International Labour Day has appealed to migrant workers in the state to stay back and co-operate with it in resuming economic activities once the Central government issues further directions.
"It is my sincere request to all the migrant workers to stay back in the state and co-operate with us to resume the economic activities once we receive directions from Union Government," Mr Yediyurappa said in a release issued by the CMO.
"COVID-19 situation in India is much better than other countries because of people's cooperation. We intend to resume economic activities soon. The government has already held a meeting with representatives of associations of commerce and industry in this regard. The government has also appealed to the employers to protect the interest of their workers and pay salaries," he added.
The ongoing nationwide lockdown, imposed to contain the coronavirus spread, is scheduled to end on May 3, news agency ANI reported.
Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey hold a meeting with Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey through video conference. pic.twitter.com/Klltw0CjYL
- ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020
COVID-19 India Lockdown: BMC Raises Retirement Age For Civic Health Officers
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has increased by one year the retirement age health officers working in all the civic-run hospitals as a temporary measure in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
Their retirement age will now be 59 instead of 58, it said.
It also increased by one year the retirement age of professors in the BMC-run medical colleges temporarily.
"The retirement age of the health officers and senior health officers of all the BMC-run hospitals has been temporarily increased by a year from the existing retirement age of 58 years," the civic body said.
However, the decision of continuing in service is voluntary, it said.
It said the decision is not applicable for those health officers, who are set to retire in the next three months.
The BMC said that since a large number of posts of professors in civic medical colleges are lying vacant, it has decided to increase the retirement age of professors there temporarily by one year to 64 years, from the existing retirement age of 63 years, news agency PTI reported.
Coronavirus India lockdown: Andaman and Nicobar Islands to arrange special ships for stranded people
Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration decides to arrange special ships between Port Blair and Chennai to ferry stranded migrant workers, students, pilgrims, tourists, reports news agency PTI quoting officials
Coronavirus India: Should COVID-19 Aarogya Setu App Be Mandatory? Talks On, No Decision Yet, Say SourcesAarogya Setu, the contact-tracing app the government has been pushing in its fight against coronavirus, may be made mandatory for all citizens amid concerns expressed by experts about privacy and surveillance. In discussions to renew its push for more and more users, the government is debating whether it can make the app a must."
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: Full List Of Red, Orange, Green Districts In India
As the second phase of lockdown nears its end, the number of coronavirus or COVID-19 hotspots, or "red zones", across India witnessed a drop of around 23 per cent in 15 days, from 170 on April 15 to 130 on April 30. All four major metropolitans - Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai - have been classified as red zones.
However, in the same period, the number of "green zones", or districts reporting no new case linked to Coronavirus, dropped from 356 to 319, while the number of "orange zones" increased - from 207 to 284, as per a letter from the Union Health Ministry to the chief secretaries of all states and union territories, following a video conference yesterday. (Read full list here)
Eye in the Sky is Watching
- DCP South Delhi (@DCPSouthDelhi) May 1, 2020
Social Distancing being ensured in Mandis through Drone Cameras with Remote Surveillance and Live Announcement System
Here we see Mehrauli Mandi being monitored#DelhiPoliceFightsCOVID@CPDelhi@LtGovDelhi@DelhiPolicepic.twitter.com/z5AdneHQQw
Number Of COVID-19 Red Zones Down In 2 Weeks, But So Are Virus-Free Green Zones While COVID-19 Orange Zones IncreaseThe number of coronavirus "red zones", across India have fallen by 23 per cent in 15 days, the government has said, from 170 on April 15 to 130 on April 30"
Coronavirus news: AIIMS Bhopal begins clinical trial of Mycobacterium on COVID-19 patients
All India Institute of Medical Sciences Bhopal has begun the clinical trial of the drug Mycobacterium (Mw) on a COVID-19 patient on Thursday.
"(For the) first time globally, the first dose of the trial drug Mycobacterium (Mw) was administered to a COVID-19 patient today (Thursday) under the supervision of a clinical trial team of doctors under the leadership of Dr Sarman Singh, Director, AIIMS, Bhopal," said a release from the hospital.
Dr Sarman Singh, the Director hospital, said, "the hospital was the first to receive the medicine and first to start the clinical trial by administering the drug to a patient."
"The patients are distributed in three groups and in the initial phase the drug is administered to the critical patients in ICU," he added.
Coronavirus cases: BMC directs its employees to ensure 100 per cent attendance
In an order, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has directed all its employees to ensure 100 per cent attendance in offices and on-field. The cici body, however, has given relaxation to people over 55 years of age and people with medical conditions.
"All staff over the age of 55 years are advised to either work from home or work in office and not go on field. People in medical department, including doctors, nursing staff and paramedics over the age of 55 years with co-morbidities are advised to stay home for 2 weeks," the order states.
Coronavirus India Lockdown news: 1st "one-off special" train to move migrants journeys from Telangana to Jharkhand
The Indian Railways has deployed its first train transport migrants who have been stranded by the lockdown. The train with 24 coaches is carrying 1200 migrants from Lingampally in Telangana to Hatia in Jharkhand started at 4:50 am today. This comes a day after the centre permitted migrant labourers, students and other people who do not have symptoms of coronavirus infection to return home, nearly five weeks after a nationwide lockdown was imposed to break the chain of transmission of the virus.
Following the centre's order several states, including Punjab, Bihar, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and some southern states, asked for trains to return the migrants, citing distance and the logistics of bus travel. In its order the centre had said people should go by road and states should make transportation arrangements. (Read full story here)
One woman who tested positive for #COVID19 3 days ago, passed away today at AIIMS in Rishikesh due to multiple organ failure. She was admitted at the hospital after she suffered a brain stroke: Virender Rawat, Circle Officer, Rishikesh. #Uttarakhand
- ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020
Maruti Suzuki Records Zero Monthly Sales For First Time Ever In April Due To Coronavirus LockdownMaruti Suzuki India on Friday reported zero monthly domestic sales for the first time ever in April, as the country remained under lockdown to contain the spread of the coronavirus."
Coronavirus cases: COVID-19 cases in India cross 35,000, biggest jump in 24 hours
India recorded the largest single-day jump of 1,993 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours taking the total to 35,043 cases, including 1,147 deaths, the Union Health Ministry said this morning, adding that 73 deaths linked to the highly infectious illness were reported from different parts of the country since yesterday.
The country's recovery rate - the share of people who have been discharged from hospital after treatment - stood at 25.36 per cent this morning; a total of 8,889 patients have recovered so far. (Read full story here)
मुरादाबाद:#CoronavirusLockdown के कारण टमाटर व्यापारियों को काफी नुकसान हो रहा है।टमाटर व्यापारी बादशाह ने बताया कि इस बार की स्थिति बहुत खराब है।मंडी में रोज़ माल लाते हैं लेकिन टमाटर की बिक्री नहीं होने की वजह से टमाटर सड़ रहे हैं जिससे हमारा2.50लाख रुपए का नुकसान हो रहा है। pic.twitter.com/qzWa9JpKJ9
- ANI_HindiNews (@AHindinews) May 1, 2020
PM's message for Russian counterpart who tested positive for Coronavirus
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today wished fast recovery from COVID-19 to his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, who was found infected with the highly infectious coronavirus on Thursday.
In a televised meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Mr Mishustin said he has to "observe self-isolation" to protect his colleagues, suggesting a temporary acting Prime Minister for Russia.
"My best wishes to Russian PM Mishustin for early recovery and good health. We stand with our close friend Russia in efforts to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic. @GovernmentRF," PM Modi tweeted this morning. (Read full story here)
JUST IN: 1,993 coronavirus cases in India in 24 hours, biggest jump, total cases cross 35,000-mark; 1,147 deaths
Medical workers in Chennai shift a suspected COVID-19 patient to a quarantine facility. (PTI)
Extremely constructive, positive & fruitful interaction of @drharshvardhan with Civil Society Organisations/ NGOs on all issues relating to #Covid_19 Emphasis & focus was on stigmatisation, physical distancing, food for migrant labourers & collaborative partnerships. pic.twitter.com/88DWcqw8MQ
- Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) April 30, 2020
Coronavirus - Couldn't See His Face For Last Time: Daughter Of Delhi COVID-19 Victim17-year-old Rita expected her father to be back soon from Delhi's Safdarjung hospital where he was admitted on April 16 for high sugar levels and fever, but he died the next day and it was later found that he was coronavirus positive."
Coronavirus India Lockdown: "Drinking alcohol will remove virus": Rajasthan MLA calls for opening of liquor shops
A Congress MLA in Rajasthan has written a letter to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot for opening liquor shops in the state.
"When #coronavirus can be removed by washing hands with alcohol, then drinking alcohol will surely remove virus from the throat", states Congress MLA Bharat Singh Kundanpur in his letter.
(ANI)
1 more #COVID19 case reported in Odisha, total positive cases in the state now at 143: State Health Department
- ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2020
Coronavirus Scarecrows Urges Delhi Residents To Stay Home Amid LockdownThe Delhi Police has come up with an important and innovative method to spread awareness of COVID-19 among the citizens by installing coronavirus lookalike "scarecrows" with a message displayed on them reading--"stay home" at several places in Chandni Mahal area, amid the coronavirus lockdown.
Delhi to screen residents of containment zones thrice within 14 days
Screening of all residents living in containment zones will be carried out at least three times within 14 days of the issuance of the notification of the containment zone and COVID-19 tests to be done as per the protocol, said Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Government.
The Delhi Government has directed that the first screening of all residents within the containment zone, if not completed, should be concluded within three days of issue of this order.
The order issued by Delhi Government on Thursday read that every person living in the containment zones should be made aware of "Aarogya Setu" application, developed by Ministry of AYUSH, GoI.
Database of senior citizens (above 60 years of age) and the persons having co-morbid conditions/underlying medical conditions may be properly maintained for close monitoring and surveillance of such persons.
After de-containment of Vardhaman Apartments in Mayur Vihar Phase I Extention and E block, East of Kailash, the total count of containment zones in Delhi now stands at 98.
Screening of all residents living in containment zones will be carried out at least three times within 14 days of the issuance of the notification of the containment zone and COVID-19 tests to be done as per the protocol, said Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Delhi Government.
The Delhi Government has directed that the first screening of all residents within the containment zone, if not completed, should be concluded within three days of issue of this order.
The order issued by Delhi Government on Thursday read that every person living in the containment zones should be made aware of "Aarogya Setu" application, developed by Ministry of AYUSH, GoI.
Database of senior citizens (above 60 years of age) and the persons having co-morbid conditions/underlying medical conditions may be properly maintained for close monitoring and surveillance of such persons.
After de-containment of Vardhaman Apartments in Mayur Vihar Phase I Extention and E block, East of Kailash, the total count of containment zones in Delhi now stands at 98.
Coronavirus - 16,962 people held in Maharashtra for lockdown violations
Enforcing prohibitory orders strictly, the Maharashtra police have registered over 85,500 offences against lockdown violators across the state and arrested 16,962 people so far, an official said on Thursday.
While combating COVID-19 and enforcing lockdown since late March, police have registered offences under section 188 of IPC against 85,586 persons, who violated prohibitory orders, he said.
Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code is related to disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
Also, 16,962 people were arrested for violation of lockdown-related norms, he said.
During the period, at least 161 police personnel, 21 of them officers, have tested coronavirus positive, he said.
Enforcing prohibitory orders strictly, the Maharashtra police have registered over 85,500 offences against lockdown violators across the state and arrested 16,962 people so far, an official said on Thursday.
While combating COVID-19 and enforcing lockdown since late March, police have registered offences under section 188 of IPC against 85,586 persons, who violated prohibitory orders, he said.
Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code is related to disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant.
Also, 16,962 people were arrested for violation of lockdown-related norms, he said.
During the period, at least 161 police personnel, 21 of them officers, have tested coronavirus positive, he said.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury requests PM Modi to arrange trains to ferry stranded migrants
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the return of migrant labourers stranded across different States, by trains while ensuring all safety protocols.
In the letter, Chowdhury wrote that the persons from his state of West Bengal are very much concentrated specifically in the southern states Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Western states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and other stranded, in Karnataka more than 80,000 people have been stranded as per a conservative estimate, let alone other states.
"In view of the magnitude of this supposed mass movement in so far as stranded persons are concerned, I think movements of trains will certainly be the best option which I have spelt out in my earlier communications to you. So, again I am pleading to facilitate the journey of those stranded persons by trains while taking all safety protocols," the letter further read.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to facilitate the return of migrant labourers stranded across different States, by trains while ensuring all safety protocols.
In the letter, Chowdhury wrote that the persons from his state of West Bengal are very much concentrated specifically in the southern states Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Western states like Gujarat, Maharashtra and other stranded, in Karnataka more than 80,000 people have been stranded as per a conservative estimate, let alone other states.
"In view of the magnitude of this supposed mass movement in so far as stranded persons are concerned, I think movements of trains will certainly be the best option which I have spelt out in my earlier communications to you. So, again I am pleading to facilitate the journey of those stranded persons by trains while taking all safety protocols," the letter further read.
COVID-19 pandemic: Jammu and Kashmir administration announces Rs 350-crore relief package
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced a Rs 350-crore package to mitigate hardships of people, particularly labourers and the destitute, during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.
The administrative council, in its latest meeting under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, has approved the relief package for various categories of people, Principal Secretary of Planning, Development and Monitoring and Information Rohit Kansal said.
"We are conscious of the fact that the lockdown has led to hardships to a number of people. The UT administration under the directions of the LG has been implementing a number of welfare measures for labourers, workers, the destitute, etc.," he said.
He gave a detailed breakup of relief being provided under different categories.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced a Rs 350-crore package to mitigate hardships of people, particularly labourers and the destitute, during the coronavirus-triggered lockdown.
The administrative council, in its latest meeting under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor G C Murmu, has approved the relief package for various categories of people, Principal Secretary of Planning, Development and Monitoring and Information Rohit Kansal said.
"We are conscious of the fact that the lockdown has led to hardships to a number of people. The UT administration under the directions of the LG has been implementing a number of welfare measures for labourers, workers, the destitute, etc.," he said.
He gave a detailed breakup of relief being provided under different categories.
Coronavirus: 48 hotels, lodges in Karnataka's Kalaburagi to be converted into quarantine facilities
In Karnataka, Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner, Sharat B has directed the district's Health and Social Welfare Department to take over 48 hotels and lodges to convert them into quarantine facilities for primary contacts of COVID-19 patients.
This measure has been taken due to rising COVID-19 positive cases in the district.
Some of the hotels and lodges that have been taken over are Kaling Delux Lodge (16 rooms), City Park (20 rooms), Central Park (20 rooms), Mallige Lodge (14 rooms) among others.
As many as 30 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Karnataka from April 29, 5:00 pm to April 30, 5:00 pm, taking the total number of cases to 565, informed the State Health Department on Thursday.
In Karnataka, Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner, Sharat B has directed the district's Health and Social Welfare Department to take over 48 hotels and lodges to convert them into quarantine facilities for primary contacts of COVID-19 patients.
This measure has been taken due to rising COVID-19 positive cases in the district.
Some of the hotels and lodges that have been taken over are Kaling Delux Lodge (16 rooms), City Park (20 rooms), Central Park (20 rooms), Mallige Lodge (14 rooms) among others.
As many as 30 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in Karnataka from April 29, 5:00 pm to April 30, 5:00 pm, taking the total number of cases to 565, informed the State Health Department on Thursday.
Punjab Chief Minister urges PM Modi for special trains to facilitate return of migrants to their home states
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to advise Railway Ministry to arrange special trains to move stranded migrants to their respective destinations.
"Estimates indicate that nearly one million workers will need transport to go back to their states. The only feasible option in the circumstances was to arrange special trains, which the Railways may run from point to point, keeping in view the number of persons to be transported to a given destination," Punjab CM wrote in the letter.
Noting that since many other states might also be facing a similar situation, the Chief Minister sought the Prime Minister''s intervention in the matter, urging him to advise the Ministry of Railways to make special arrangements to ensure that these migrant workers reachtheir destination safely.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to advise Railway Ministry to arrange special trains to move stranded migrants to their respective destinations.
"Estimates indicate that nearly one million workers will need transport to go back to their states. The only feasible option in the circumstances was to arrange special trains, which the Railways may run from point to point, keeping in view the number of persons to be transported to a given destination," Punjab CM wrote in the letter.
Noting that since many other states might also be facing a similar situation, the Chief Minister sought the Prime Minister''s intervention in the matter, urging him to advise the Ministry of Railways to make special arrangements to ensure that these migrant workers reachtheir destination safely.
Coronavirus News: Five test positive for COVID-19 in Assam
Five more people, including two women, tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam on Thursday, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 42, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Of the five fresh cases, one was reported from Karimganj and four were from Bongaigaon district, he said.
"The person from Karimganj is a secondary contact of a Nizamuddin Markaz attendee and was in institutional quarantine," Mr Sarma said.
In a first in the state, other new patients -- three from Bongaigaon town and one from Chaprakat -- were found to have no contact history. Their samples were sent for COVID-19 examination as they had fever.
Of the total cases reported in the state so far, 29 have recovered and one person has succumbed to the disease.
"Active hospital cases now stand at 12," Mr Sarma said.
Bongaigaon has emerged as the new ''red zone'' in the state with five cases in a week, including that of a 16-year- old girl who tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, Himanta Sarma told reporters.
Five more people, including two women, tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam on Thursday, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 42, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
Of the five fresh cases, one was reported from Karimganj and four were from Bongaigaon district, he said.
"The person from Karimganj is a secondary contact of a Nizamuddin Markaz attendee and was in institutional quarantine," Mr Sarma said.
In a first in the state, other new patients -- three from Bongaigaon town and one from Chaprakat -- were found to have no contact history. Their samples were sent for COVID-19 examination as they had fever.
Of the total cases reported in the state so far, 29 have recovered and one person has succumbed to the disease.
"Active hospital cases now stand at 12," Mr Sarma said.
Bongaigaon has emerged as the new ''red zone'' in the state with five cases in a week, including that of a 16-year- old girl who tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, Himanta Sarma told reporters.
Coronavirus situation in Madhya Pradesh improving: Shivraj Chouhan
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday claimed there was a "significant" decline in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.
So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 2,625 COVID-19 cases, including 137 deaths.
Only 2.4 per cent (out of total samples tested) have tested virus positive in the test reports of Thursday, he said.
Of it, 1.9 per cent were detected positive in Bhopal while 2.2 per cent in Indore, he said.
Besides, 4.4 per cent (of the total samples) tested positive in Jabalpur, he said.
This is a good indication. We will be able to defeat the virus soon, Mr Chouhan said.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while reviewing the work in progress to stem the pandemic spread with senior officials via video conferencing in Mantralaya (secretariat), an official statement said.
He said the situation in worst-hit Indore, too is drastically improving.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday claimed there was a "significant" decline in the number of coronavirus cases in the state.
So far, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 2,625 COVID-19 cases, including 137 deaths.
Only 2.4 per cent (out of total samples tested) have tested virus positive in the test reports of Thursday, he said.
Of it, 1.9 per cent were detected positive in Bhopal while 2.2 per cent in Indore, he said.
Besides, 4.4 per cent (of the total samples) tested positive in Jabalpur, he said.
This is a good indication. We will be able to defeat the virus soon, Mr Chouhan said.
The Chief Minister made the remarks while reviewing the work in progress to stem the pandemic spread with senior officials via video conferencing in Mantralaya (secretariat), an official statement said.
He said the situation in worst-hit Indore, too is drastically improving.
Two medical teams deployed at Delhi's Azadpur Mandi to conduct COVID-19 check-up
Two medical teams have been deployed at Delhi's Azadpur Mandi with immediate effect for medical check-up of any person with COVID-19 symptoms after coronavirus positive cases were detected at the wholesale market.
Earlier on Thursday, four more traders associated with Azadpur Sabzi Mandi were tested positive for COVID-19, an official said.
"They did not commute to and fro from the vegetable market. A total of 15 positive cases in the vegetable market have been reported so far," an Azadpur Mandi official stated.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had earlier said that the Azadpur Mandi was being disinfected and other preventive measures were being taken.
Two medical teams have been deployed at Delhi's Azadpur Mandi with immediate effect for medical check-up of any person with COVID-19 symptoms after coronavirus positive cases were detected at the wholesale market.
Earlier on Thursday, four more traders associated with Azadpur Sabzi Mandi were tested positive for COVID-19, an official said.
"They did not commute to and fro from the vegetable market. A total of 15 positive cases in the vegetable market have been reported so far," an Azadpur Mandi official stated.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain had earlier said that the Azadpur Mandi was being disinfected and other preventive measures were being taken.
Coronavirus News: Centre satisfied with Telangana State's COVID-19 battle
The Ministry of Home Affairs of Thursday expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by Telangana to combat COVID-19, stating that the Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) during their visit to Hyderabad observed that the State has an adequate number of testing kits along with other essential equipment.
Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) while addressing media at Delhi regarding the Central Team visit to Hyderabad said, "The IMCT, which visited Hyderabad, has found that the Telangana State has the adequate number of testing kits, PPE and other essential equipment."
The team visited Gandhi Hospital, the State''s nodal centre for COVID-19. Required protocols for discharge and treatment are being followed, she added.
The Ministry of Home Affairs of Thursday expressed satisfaction over the measures taken by Telangana to combat COVID-19, stating that the Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) during their visit to Hyderabad observed that the State has an adequate number of testing kits along with other essential equipment.
Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) while addressing media at Delhi regarding the Central Team visit to Hyderabad said, "The IMCT, which visited Hyderabad, has found that the Telangana State has the adequate number of testing kits, PPE and other essential equipment."
The team visited Gandhi Hospital, the State''s nodal centre for COVID-19. Required protocols for discharge and treatment are being followed, she added.
Donald Trump Says Evidence Ties Coronavirus To Wuhan Lab, Threatens Tariffs Against ChinaUS President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened new tariffs against Beijing as he claimed to have seen evidence linking the coronavirus to a lab in China's ground-zero city of Wuhan.
Kangra, Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh become coronavirus free as five more patients recover
Five more COVID-19 patients recovered in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total number of those cured in the state to 30, officials said.
One patient from Jawali subdivision in Kangra district, one from Sihunta tehsil in Chamba district and one from Una district have recovered from the disease on Thursday, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.
Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena said two patients from Hamirpur district also recovered as they tested negative on late Thursday night.
With this, Kangra and Hamirpur districts have become coronavirus free.
Hamirpur District Magistrate Harikesh Meena on Thursday evening issued an order de-notifying all such areas that had been declared as containment zones following detection of two novel coronavirus positive cases on April 17.
The first two cases in the state surfaced in Kangra district on March 20. A total of five cases were reported from Kangra district. Four of them recovered whereas a 69-year-old man who had travelled from USA died of coronavirus on March 23.
Five more COVID-19 patients recovered in Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, taking the total number of those cured in the state to 30, officials said.
One patient from Jawali subdivision in Kangra district, one from Sihunta tehsil in Chamba district and one from Una district have recovered from the disease on Thursday, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) R D Dhiman said.
Hamirpur Deputy Commissioner Harikesh Meena said two patients from Hamirpur district also recovered as they tested negative on late Thursday night.
With this, Kangra and Hamirpur districts have become coronavirus free.
Hamirpur District Magistrate Harikesh Meena on Thursday evening issued an order de-notifying all such areas that had been declared as containment zones following detection of two novel coronavirus positive cases on April 17.
The first two cases in the state surfaced in Kangra district on March 20. A total of five cases were reported from Kangra district. Four of them recovered whereas a 69-year-old man who had travelled from USA died of coronavirus on March 23.
Coronavirus: Singapore reports 528 new COVID-19 cases
Singapore on Thursday announced 528 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 16,169, with a majority of them being foreigners.
Six coronavirus cases were Singapore citizens and permanent residents (foreigners).
Foreign workers living in dormitories continue to form the bulk of the cases, said the Health Ministry.
A 58-year-old woman also died on Thursday from complications due to COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number of such deaths in the country to 15, said the ministry.
She was confirmed to have the virus on March 26.
In the new infection cases, 31 are foreign workers who were living outside dormitories.
Twelve new clusters were declared, including one linked to the Institute of Mental Health.
Singapore Parliament will hear issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak on Monday.
Singapore on Thursday announced 528 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 16,169, with a majority of them being foreigners.
Six coronavirus cases were Singapore citizens and permanent residents (foreigners).
Foreign workers living in dormitories continue to form the bulk of the cases, said the Health Ministry.
A 58-year-old woman also died on Thursday from complications due to COVID-19 infection, bringing the total number of such deaths in the country to 15, said the ministry.
She was confirmed to have the virus on March 26.
In the new infection cases, 31 are foreign workers who were living outside dormitories.
Twelve new clusters were declared, including one linked to the Institute of Mental Health.
Singapore Parliament will hear issues related to the COVID-19 outbreak on Monday.
Coronavirus - No Hospital Can Deny Treatment To COVID-19 Patients: Bengal GovernmentThe West Bengal government on Thursday said no approval is required by any hospital for testing an individual for COVID-19 as per the protocol of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)."
105 new cases of coronavirus found in Pune; 6 dead
A total of 105 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours in Pune, taking the overall number to 1 00 in the district on Thursday, a health official said.
With death of six more COVID-19 patients during the same period, the toll has now reached 92 in the district, he said.
"In Pune municipal limits, a total of 92 new cases of infection were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the city total to 1505.
"In PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad), three more COVID-19 cases were reported, raising the tally to 113," he said.
In the rural Pune and Pune Cantonment area, the number has gone up to 82 with 10 more cases," said the official from the district health department.
A total of 105 new cases of coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours in Pune, taking the overall number to 1 00 in the district on Thursday, a health official said.
With death of six more COVID-19 patients during the same period, the toll has now reached 92 in the district, he said.
"In Pune municipal limits, a total of 92 new cases of infection were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the city total to 1505.
"In PCMC (Pimpri-Chinchwad), three more COVID-19 cases were reported, raising the tally to 113," he said.
In the rural Pune and Pune Cantonment area, the number has gone up to 82 with 10 more cases," said the official from the district health department.
Brace up for post-coronavirus world: Telangana Minister KTR tells officials
Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao on Thursday conducted a review meeting with senior officials of IT and Industries Departments in Hyderabad to discuss the emerging situation in the post-coronavirus world.
"Every one of us should brace up for a post-COVID-19 world," said Minister KTR in his opening remark.
He said that both IT and Industries Department officials should review the impact of COVID-19 on each sector and come up with strategies to mitigate the negative impact.
Minister instructed the IT Department to focus more on the mobile governance initiatives which facilitate effective service delivery in these testing times.
Minister asked his officials to leverage technology and conduct more video conferences and webinars going forward.
He further said that Telangana should also look out for opportunities that will emerge in a post coronavirus world.
IT and Industries Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Director Electronic Service Delivery GT Venkateshwar Rao, TSIIC MD Venkat Narsimha Reddy, and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao on Thursday conducted a review meeting with senior officials of IT and Industries Departments in Hyderabad to discuss the emerging situation in the post-coronavirus world.
"Every one of us should brace up for a post-COVID-19 world," said Minister KTR in his opening remark.
He said that both IT and Industries Department officials should review the impact of COVID-19 on each sector and come up with strategies to mitigate the negative impact.
Minister instructed the IT Department to focus more on the mobile governance initiatives which facilitate effective service delivery in these testing times.
Minister asked his officials to leverage technology and conduct more video conferences and webinars going forward.
He further said that Telangana should also look out for opportunities that will emerge in a post coronavirus world.
IT and Industries Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, Director Electronic Service Delivery GT Venkateshwar Rao, TSIIC MD Venkat Narsimha Reddy, and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
7 students stranded in Delhi sent to J&K by bus, says police
Delhi Police on Thursday said that seven Kashmiri students who were stranded in the national capital''s Jia Sarai area have been sent to Jammu and Kashmir by a bus.
Earlier on Wednesday, giving a huge relief to people stuck in various states, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had allowed movement of such people - including migrant labours, workers, students, tourists and others - and also provided the procedure for the same.
MHA has included a sub-clause regarding the movement of people who are stranded due to lockdown announced last month due to coronavirus outbreak.
"Due to lockdown, migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons are stranded at different places. They would be allowed to move as under," the MHA had said while asking States to designate nodal authorities to facilitate the process.
Delhi Police on Thursday said that seven Kashmiri students who were stranded in the national capital''s Jia Sarai area have been sent to Jammu and Kashmir by a bus.
Earlier on Wednesday, giving a huge relief to people stuck in various states, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had allowed movement of such people - including migrant labours, workers, students, tourists and others - and also provided the procedure for the same.
MHA has included a sub-clause regarding the movement of people who are stranded due to lockdown announced last month due to coronavirus outbreak.
"Due to lockdown, migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons are stranded at different places. They would be allowed to move as under," the MHA had said while asking States to designate nodal authorities to facilitate the process.
Andhra likely to see more discharged cases of COVID-19 in next few days, say officials
Andhra Pradesh is likely to see more number of discharged cases in the next two to three days and there were no COVID-19 casualties in the State from the past three to four days, informed officials at a review meeting with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday.
Briefing the COIVD-19 situation in the State, the officials told the Chief Minister that so far, 94,558 coronavirus tests have been conducted averaging to 1,771 tests per million population. The country''s COVID-19 positive rate and the mortality rate are 4 per cent and 3.26 per cent respectively, whereas, for the State, it is 1.48 per cent and 2.21 per cent respectively. Apart from this, more than, 68,000 rapid tests have been conducted.
Andhra Pradesh is likely to see more number of discharged cases in the next two to three days and there were no COVID-19 casualties in the State from the past three to four days, informed officials at a review meeting with Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Thursday.
Briefing the COIVD-19 situation in the State, the officials told the Chief Minister that so far, 94,558 coronavirus tests have been conducted averaging to 1,771 tests per million population. The country''s COVID-19 positive rate and the mortality rate are 4 per cent and 3.26 per cent respectively, whereas, for the State, it is 1.48 per cent and 2.21 per cent respectively. Apart from this, more than, 68,000 rapid tests have been conducted.
Delhi government issues guidelines for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients under home isolation
The guidelines also listed out the safety protocols to be followed by the care givers and the patient which include daily reporting of health condition of the patient and care giver, hand hygiene and using triple layer mask and gloves by the patient and the care givers.
Use triple-layer masks, download ''Arogya Setu app'' on mobile phones and regularly inform the district health surveillance officer about health status are some of the guidelines issued by the Delhi government for asymptomatic coronavirus patients under home isolation.
The guidelines have instructions for the patients and their caregivers.
According to the guidelines, cases should have the requisite facility at their residence for self-isolation and also for quarantining the family contacts.
"A team comprising ASHA workers will do the assessment of the suitability/appropriateness of the requisite facility for home isolation of COVID-19 patients, under the supervision of in-charge of a nearby Public Health facility," the guidelines said.
Patients should download ''Arogya Setu'' app on their phones and regularly inform about their health status to the district health surveillance officer, the guidelines said.
Only Vehicles With Essentials To Be Allowed: Gurgaon Tweaks Border Rules
The Gurgaon administration has made its cross-border transit rules more stringent to arrest the growth in the number of coronavirus cases in Haryana. In an order dated April 29, the authorities said no cross-border travel, barring exemptions, will be allowed from May 1. Movement for any additional purposes will require permission from the district magistrate. (Read more here)
Coronavirus Numbers Growing, Delhi Plans Stricter Measures In HotspotsThe number of coronavirus patients in the national capital crossing 3,500, the Delhi government today upped its surveillance measures in containment zones, declaring that instead of once, the screening of all people in these areas will be done thrice in 14 days. If screening in any containment zone has not been conducted yet, it will be done within the next three days, the government's order said."
Northeast, South India Take Lead In Containing COVID-19 Spread: Data
The growth rate of coronavirus cases is down to nearly zero in the northeastern states and under 3 per cent per day in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala and Haryana where cases are taking well over 20 days to double, data from the Union Health Ministry shows. (Read more here)
The growth rate of coronavirus cases is down to nearly zero in the northeastern states and under 3 per cent per day in Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala and Haryana where cases are taking well over 20 days to double, data from the Union Health Ministry shows. (Read more here)
