Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 3,967 New Cases in Last 24 Hours as Tally Nears 82,000, Death Toll Rises to 2,649

Covid-19 Protocol by Tamil Nadu Govt | "Even if one passenger in a bogie on the Rajdhani Express that arrived in Chennai, tests positive for Covid-19, all co-passengers in the bogie would be on institutional quarantine for a week," according to a protocol framed by the Tamil Nadu government.

WATCH | Embarkation of stranded Indian Nationals onboard INS Jalashwa commenced today in Male, Maldives as a part of Operation 'Samudra Setu'. Indian Navy launched Operation 'Samudra Setu' as a part of national effort to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the Covid-19 chaos.

Op #SamudraSetu #Phase2
Embarkation onboard #INSJalashwa commences@SpokespersonMoD @HCIMaldives @Portmv pic.twitter.com/aLev9gOMHO

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 15, 2020

Highest Covid-19 Cases in Maharashtra, Followed by Tamil Nadu | According to data updated by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare this morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 27,524, followed by Tamil Nadu at 9,674, Gujarat at 9,591, Delhi at 8,470 Rajasthan at 4,534, Madhya Pradesh at 4,426 and Uttar Pradesh at 3,902. The number of Covid-19 cases has gone up to 2,377 in West Bengal, 2,205 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,935 in Punjab. It has risen to 1,414 in Telangana, 994 in Bihar, 987 in Karnataka, 983 in Jammu and Kashmir and 818 in Haryana.

Niramala Sitharaman to Address Presser at 4pm Today |  Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will again address a press conference today at 4pm. Third tranche will focus on agriculture sector. From past two consecutive days, Sitharaman has been announcing a slew of measures under the economic package that she said would infuse vigour in the economy and benefit various economic sectors hit by Covid-19 lockdown.

48 New Covid-19 Cases in Odisha, Tally Reaches 672 | With new 48 cases of novel coronavirus reported in Odisha, the total tally has jumped to 672 in the state. According to Odisha Health Department, there are 511 active cases, while 158 patients have been cured from the infection. So far, three people have died due to coronavirus in the state.

Roadways Buses Services Resume in Haryana Amid Lockdown | Haryana has become the first state to resume the roadways buses services in the state, amid Covid-19 lockdown. The first bus departed this morning at 8am from Panchkula bus depot to Sirsa. Passengers had booked tickets online and their thermal screening was done at the depot before boarding the bus.

Lockdown Norms Flouted in Karnataka | People gathered in large numbers yesterday in Kolagondanahalli village of Ramanagara in Karnataka for a village fair. Panchayat Development Officer NC Kalmatt has been suspennded by administration for giving permission to hold such a gathering.

Karnataka: People gathered in large numbers y'day in Kolagondanahalli village of Ramanagara for a village fair.They had taken permission for gathering from Panchayat Development Officer NC Kalmatt.He has been suspended by Ramanagara Dy Commissioner following a report by Tehsildar pic.twitter.com/lOGspyW1KR

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

India Records 3,967 New Covid-19 Cases in 24 Hours | India has reported a spike of 3,967 Covid-19 cases and 100 deaths in the last 24 hours. A total positive cases in the country is now at 81,970, including 51,401 active cases, 27920 cured/discharged/migrated cases and 2649 deaths, according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

As the coronavirus gnaws its way across India, Mumbai has suffered the worst. This city of 20 million is now responsible for 20% of India's coronavirus infections and nearly 25% of the deaths.

Delhi Govt Sends Lockdown Easing Suggestions to Centre | Delhi government has sent its suggestions to the Centre last evening on easing of Covid-19 lockdown in the national capital. The focus was on more lockdown relaxation and financial resources in Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the Chief Ministers that the states/UTs should submit their suggestions about graded opening of lockdown to the Centre by May 15.

PM Narendra Modi, Bill Gates Discuss Covid-19 Situation And Vaccine | Philanthropist Bill Gates thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the conversation and partnership to combat the coronavirus pandemic. Gates said, "India’s role is key as the world works to minimize social and economic impact, and pave the way to vaccine, testing, and treatment access for all." Prime Minister Modi and Gates yesterday discussed the global response to Covid-19, and the importance of global coordination in scientific innovation and research to combat the pandemic.

Thank you for the conversation and partnership, @narendramodi. Combating the pandemic requires global collaboration. India’s role is key as the world works to minimize social and economic impact, and pave the way to vaccine, testing, and treatment access for all. @PMOIndia

— Bill Gates (@BillGates) May 14, 2020

3 Migrants Killed, 4 Injured in Road Accident in Uttar Pradesh | Three migrants killed, while four injured after they meet a road accident at Patel Tiraha in Barabanki at around 2:30am today. Those injured have been referred Trauma Centre in Lucknow. Migrants were coming from Surat in Gujarat and were heading to Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh.

India Crosses 80,000-mark in Covid-19 Cases | India has recorded a total of 81,970 coronvirus cases so far. According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare updated in the morning, there are 51,401 active cases in the country, while 27,919 patients have been cured and discharged. So far, 2,649 patients have succumbed to the infection, while one migrated.

The same testing technique would also be used for monitoring in green zones districts which have reported no cases till now or in the last 21 days, the Union Health ministry said while issuing 'Guidelines for RT-PCR based pooled sampling for migrants/returnees from abroad/green zones' on Thursday.

Cabin Crew Attire to Have Face Shield, Gown and Mask Post Lockdown | Cabin crew members of Indian airlines will have personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, gowns and masks as part of their attire on commercial passenger flights when they resume operations, industry sources said. India is under a lockdown since March 25 to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, and all scheduled commercial passenger flights remain suspended. Airlines such as IndiGo, Air India, Vistara and AirAsia India have decided to go with the new attire to ensure safety of cabin crew members as they are in close proximity to passengers during flights, the sources said.

Maharashtra Govt in Favour of Extending Lockdown in Red Zone Area Till May 31 | Maharashtra government is in favour to extend lockdown in red zone areas like Mumbai MMR, Pune Municipal Corporation, Aurangabad, Malegaon, Solapur till May 31. The final decision by the state government is yet not taken. The state government is likely to suggest the same to the Centre. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the Chief Ministers that the states should submit their suggestions about graded opening of lockdown to the Centre by May 15.

Around 700 Indian Nationals Expected To Embark from Maldives Today | INS Jalashwa berthed alongside Maldives Ports Ltd in the early hours today. Immigration/Check-in activities have commenced at Velana International Airport for embarking the Indian Navy ship. Approximately 700 Indian nationals are expected to embark today as a part of Operation 'Samudra Setu'. Indian Navy launched Operation 'Samudra Setu' as a part of national effort to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the Covid-19 chaos.

Op #SamudraSetu#INSJalashwa berthed alongside @Portmv in the early hours today. Check-in activities at @VelanaAirport for embarking @indiannavy ship in progress.#हरकामदेशकेनाम#IndiaFightsCorona #missionvandebharat @SpokespersonMoD@HCIMaldives https://t.co/8GDIFUywcw pic.twitter.com/UrSsWQFZmx

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) May 15, 2020

Srinagar Airport Gears up to Resume Domestic Flights Soon | Keeping social distancing in mind, Srinagar airport has made necessary arrangements to follow the norms as the airport has geared up to resume domestic flight soon. (Image: News18)

Covid-19 Death Toll in US Reaches 85,813 | At least 1,754 people died from the coronavirus in the US in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths to 85,813, according to Johns Hopkins University. The country has now confirmed a total of 1,416,528 Covid-19 cases.

Covid-19 Cases in Chinese Mainland Fall Below 100 | The number of Covid-19 patients in Chinese mainland falls below 100 to 91 today, reports Global Times.

Bihar Reports 999 Covid-19 Cases | At least 46 people tested positive for Covid-19 in Bihar yesterday, taking the states tally to 999, short of the four-digit-mark by a whisker, a senior official said.

A migrant worker said that they had been waiting for two months for government's help, and they cannot wait any longer as all their daily essentials have been exhausted.

US Senator Unveils 18-point Plan to Hold China Accountable for Coronavirus Outbreak | A top US senator has unveiled an 18-point plan, including enhancing military ties with India, to hold the Chinese government accountable for its "lies, deception, and cover-ups" that ultimately led to the global Covid-19 pandemic. The prominent suggestions are moving manufacturing chain from China and deepening military-strategic ties India, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Stranded migrant workers have reached Delhi-Ghazipur border to return to their homes in different parts of Uttar Pradesh, amid coronavirus lockdown.

Delhi: Migrant workers reach Delhi-Ghazipur border to return to their homes in different parts of Uttar Pradesh. One of them,Rita,says "My home is in Hardoi. My landlord has kicked me out as I couldn't pay rent. My children are small but there's no other option but to walk home." pic.twitter.com/hbu20B9TZv

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

One More Tests Covid-19 Positive in Himachal Pradesh | One more person tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh's Hamirpur district yesterday, taking the tally in the district to seven, Deputy Commissioner Hairkesh Meena said. A 55-year-old man from Siri village in Sujanpur revenue sub division has tested positive, he said. He is a primary contact of his 50-year-old brother-in-law from Bajrol area who is under treatment at RCH in Bhota for the disease, Meena said. With this, the total number of positive cases in the district has risen to seven, he said.

some of the needs of an economy facing this lockdown can in fact be met by liquidity and risk reduction. The government appears to have recognised this.

Covid-19 Impact on Idol Markers in Kolkata | Idol makers at Kumartuli, the renowned idol-making hub in Kolkata, say they are expecting a huge loss in the coming days as the entire idol-making business has come to a halt due to coronavirus lockdown.

There is lack of raw material & labourers. Durga Puja organisers from abroad had selected idols that were to be sent but now due to this pandemic they aren't saying anything. There is uncertainty about this year's puja even in the state. We are worried: Subol Pal, an artist. pic.twitter.com/IY9hiZ58q8

— ANI (@ANI) May 15, 2020

Wuhan Testing its all 10 Million Residents for Covid-19 | China's Wuhan is expanding testing for the coronavirus from 3 million to all residents, which will enhance detection of asymptomatic people in the city of 10 million.

#Wuhan, C China's #Hubei, is expanding testing for the #coronavirus from 3 million to all residents, which will enhance detection of asymptomatic people in the city of 10 million, which was first struck by #COVID19 in the country, and is now gradually resuming work and production pic.twitter.com/bQJOcdVG37

— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) May 15, 2020

Maharashtra Govt Likely to Suggest Centre Lockdown Extension in Red Zone Areas | Maharashtra government is likely to suggest the Centre to extend Covid-19 lockdown in red zone areas. State government is also likely to suggest reopening of RTOs, registry offices by Monday, for generating more revenue. The Maharashtra government may also demand the Centre for more Shramik trains to transport migrant labourers back to their native states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the Chief Ministers that the states should submit their suggestions about graded opening of lockdown to the Centre by May 15.

4 Trains to Ferry Registered Bihar Migrants Home from Greater Noida on May 16 | Four trains will run for Bihar from Greater Noida on Saturday to ferry migrant workers and labourers who have registered themselves with the Uttar Pradesh government home, the Gautam Buddh Nagar administration said yesterday. The announcement was made after a high-level meeting attended by District Magistrate Suhas L Y, Police Commissioner Alok Singh, Nodal officer for Covid-19 response Narendra Bhooshan and Government Railway Police (GRP) officials. Two of the trains would leave from the Dadri railway station to Aurangabad and Sasaram, while the other two from the Dankaur railway station to Buxar and Siwan, the administration said.