Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India’s tally crosses 3-lakh mark; Maharashtra accounts for 1/3rd of cases
Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India’s tally crosses 3-lakh mark; Maharashtra accounts for 1/3rd of cases
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Tracker, India Lockdown News Live Updates: With fresh 3,493 infections, Maharashtra's tally has now exceeded 1 lakh.
By: Express Web Desk | New Delhi |
Updated: June 12, 2020 10:21:41 pm
Around 400 migrants from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand who were stuck in Pune during lockdown were sent to their home states on Thursday morning. Volunteers distributed masks, food and water. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)
Coronavirus India News Live Updates: The number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in India crossed 3-lakh mark after Maharashtra recorded 3,493 fresh infections on Friday. Maharashtra, the epicentre of the country’s virus outbreak, now accounts for one-third of the country’s overall cases.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that while the movement of people would remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing ‘Unlock 1’, there will be no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said, “The restriction does not apply to instances of loading/unloading of goods; buses carrying persons; trucks and goods carriers plying on state and national highways; or persons travelling to their destinations after disembarking from buses, trains and flights.”
Globally, 7,514,475 people have been infected with the virus and at least 421,458 have died. As many as 3,540,693 people have recovered across the world so far. The United States, with over 2 lakh infections and 113,820 deaths, remains the worst-hit country.
Live Blog
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Tracker, India Lockdown News Live Updates: No 9 pm-5 am restrictions for buses, trucks to ply on highways, MHA clarifies; Globally, 7,514,475 people are infected while over 4.2 lakh have died. Follow LIVE updates here
21:58 (IST)12 Jun 2020
PM-CM meeting schedule
On June 16, the Prime Minister will interact with CMs of 21 states and UTs: Punjab, Assam, Kerala, U’khand, J’khand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Dama Diu, Sikkim & Lakshadweep
On June 17, the Prime Minister will interact with CMs of rest 15 states and UTs: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha
21:55 (IST)12 Jun 2020
As country eases lockdown, PM Modi to hold fresh interaction with CMs on June 16-17
With the country recording a spike in novel coronavirus cases even as it gradually eases lockdown restrictions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers of all states and union territories on June 16 and 17. This will be PM Modi’s sixth virtual meeting with the chief ministers since the first phase of the lockdown was announced on March 24 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On June 8, states lifted several restrictions imposed earlier in accordance with the Centre’s directives on ‘Unlock 1’. Read more here
21:51 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Karnataka reports 7 new deaths, fatality rate highest in Bengaluru
As Karnataka continued to see a substantial rise in the number of fresh coronavirus cases, the state on Friday recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of fatalities. According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, seven patients succumbed to the infection. Of them, four were from Bengaluru. All the fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours were linked to either Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) or Influenza-like Illness (ILI), and the deceased were aged 48 years and above.
Even as Bengaluru — a city with an estimated population of 1.2 crore — so far managed to keep its coronavirus tally as low as 617, the fatality rate in the city kept the health department on its toes. While the fatality rate of Karnataka was recorded at 1.21 per cent (as on June 12), the same in Bengaluru was 4.38 per cent, highest among 30 districts in the state. According to the health department data, 27 out of 617 infected in the city have succumbed to the disease so far. Ralph Alex Arakal reports from Karnataka
21:08 (IST)12 Jun 2020
NHRC notices to Fin Min, IRDA over heath workers facing 'refusal' on mediclaim policies
The National Human Rights Commission has sent notices to Union Finance Ministry and the IRDA over a "report which alleged that healthcare workers",who are at the maximum risk to contract COVID-19, are facing refusals or demands for high premiums on buying group mediclaim policies, officials said on Friday. Reportedly, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and "the government offers little clarity" on insurance cover for private healthcare professionals doing non-COVID work, there is a scramble to find the right insurance policy. It is further stated that while most doctors have a medical cover, the struggle has mainly been about ensuring protection for their staffers, the NHRC said. (PTI)
20:52 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Fatehpuri Jama Masjid closed till July 4: Mosque's Shahi Imam
Shahi Imam of Delhi's prominent Fathepuri Masjid on Friday announced the closure of the mosque for outsiders till July 4, a day after the historic Jama Masjid was closed for people due to surging coronavirus cases in the city. The decision to close down Fathepuri Masjid was taken in view of the rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19 in the city, said Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam of the mosque. "Only staff of the mosque will offer Namaz in its premises now and people have been asked to offer prayers at home. The mosque will be closed for outsiders till July 4. Further decision will be taken as per the existing situation," Ahmed said. (PTI)
20:28 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Gujarat's count rises to 22,562
With 495 new COVID-19 cases, Gujarat's count rose to 22,562 on Friday while death toll reached 1,416 with 31 more fatalities, said a health official.
20:16 (IST)12 Jun 2020
India’s tally crosses 3-lakh mark; Maharashtra accounts for 1/3rd of cases
India’s tally on Friday breached 3-lakh mark as Maharashtra recorded 3,493 fresh infections in a day’s time. The worst-hit state, with 101,141 Covid-19 cases, now accounts for 1/3rd of the country’s total.
19:42 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Maharashtra cases cross 1-lakh mark
Maharashtra breaches a lakh mark in Covid-19 cases today. 3493 new cases, total toll now 10,1141. 129 people died due to Covid-19 on Friday, death toll now 3,717. Maharashtra accounts for one-third of India's cases
19:27 (IST)12 Jun 2020
271 new Covid cases in Karnataka
Karnataka reported 271 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. With this, the total number of positive persons in the state has gone up to 6,516 It includes 79 deaths and 3,440 discharges.
Karnataka reported 271 new #COVID19 cases on Friday. With this, the total number of positive persons in the state has gone up to 6,516 It includes 79 deaths and 3,440discharges. @IndianExpresspic.twitter.com/254oBCE6N0
— Darshan Devaiah B P (@DarshanDevaiahB) June 12, 2020
18:53 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Foreign nationals with India-link now permitted to enter India
Foreign nationals with India-link now permitted to enter India.
18:03 (IST)12 Jun 2020
People's movement from 9 pm-5 am prohibited; buses, trucks can ply on highways: MHA
Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said. (PTI)
17:54 (IST)12 Jun 2020
In Maharashtra police, virus infected 1,388, claimed 36 lives so far
In Maharashtra police, virus infected 1,388, claimed 36 lives so far.
17:42 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Centre's decision to reopen activities was not taken in haste: Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court Friday said the Central government's decision of phased reopening of lockdown was not taken in haste and it was done to ensure a proper balance between containing the spread of COVID 19 pandemic and making it certain that people are not forced to starvation. The high court's order came while dismissing with a cost of Rs 20,000 a PIL by a law student challenging the May 30 order of the Centre by which lockdown was extended in containment zones and reopening of activities was done in a phased manner outside containment zones. (PTI)
17:41 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Airborne transmission may be the dominant route of COVID-19 spread: Study
Airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus is highly virulent, and could be the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19, according to a study which assessed the progression of the pandemic in three major epicentres across the world. Scientists, including Mario J. Molina -- the recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry -- assessed the transmission pathways of COVID-19 by analysing the trend and mitigation measures used in the three epicentres of the disease -- Wuhan in China, New York City in the US, and Italy. The researchers, including those from the University of California San Diego in the US, expressed concern that the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a long time only emphasised the prevention of contact transmission, and largely ignored the importance of the airborne transmission route for the novel coronavirus. (PTI)
17:38 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Globally, recoveries cross 3.5 million: Top developments
Globally, Covid cases cross 7.5 million with toll over 4.2 lakh and more than 3.5 million recoveries
Downplaying virus risk, Trump gets back to business as usual
Thailand eases more coronavirus restrictions, ends curfew
UK set to U-turn on border checks as virus hammers economy
Mainland China reports 7 new imported cases
17:36 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Vadodara Covid-19 tally at 1,484 with 37 new cases
Vadodara Covid-19 tally at 1,484 with 37 new cases
North 10, East 8, South 9, West 2, Rural 8
Samples tested: 181
Total discharged: 938
Total death toll: 47
17:09 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Govt mulling to include sudden loss of taste, smell as criteria for COVID-19 test
The government is mulling to include sudden loss of taste and smell as a criteria for COVID-19 testing, sources said on Friday as India witnessed a surge in coronavirus instances with total caseload racing towards the three lakh mark. The issue was discussed in a meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 held last Sunday, but no consensus on the matter has been reached yet. "At the meeting, some members suggested including loss of taste and smell in the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 testing stating that several patients have been reporting symptoms like these," a source in the health ministry said. (PTI)
16:55 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde tests positive for virus
Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde has tested positive for coronavirus but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable, Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope disclosed on Friday. Munde, a Nationalist Congress Party leader, had attended a state cabinet meeting earlier this week and taken part in the NCP's foundation day event two days ago here. He is a third minister in Maharashtra to contract the virus. Jitendra Awhad (NCP) and Ashok Chavan (Congress) had tested positive earlier; both recovered from the infection. (PTI)
16:53 (IST)12 Jun 2020
COVID-19: In war, you don't make soldiers unhappy, says SC on non-payment of salaries to doctors
"In war, you do not make soldiers unhappy. Travel extra mile and channel some extra money to address their grievances," the Supreme Court said Friday taking serious note of non-payment of salary and lack of proper accommodation for doctors involved in the battle against Covid-19. The courts should not be involved in issues of non-payment of salary to healthcare workers and government should settle it, it said. The top court was hearing a plea by a doctor, who alleged that the front-line healthcare workers fighting out Covid-19 are not being paid salaries or their salaries are being cut or delayed. The doctor also questioned the Centre's new SOP making their 14-day quarantine non-mandatory.
16:12 (IST)12 Jun 2020
Urban Affairs Ministry strategises for post-COVID metros by encouraging cycling
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) has acknowledged that a 90 per cent dip in public transport volumes in the country during the epidemic will mean that “re-establishing the earlier level of ridership in public transport is a big challenge for cities, as people may be looking for more options especially personal modes that allow for safer travel in the post lockdown scenario.”
“Due to the social distancing norms being practiced, their capacities would be utilized at 25 to 50 percent of pre-corona virus levels. Such dramatic and dynamic changes in demand and supply will require complementing these public transport systems with alternative modes of transit,” according to Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra.
In a three-pronged strategy for re-opening metros in the short, medium and long-term, the MoHUA emphasized the opportunity for encouraging bicycling and pedestrians. The advisory stated that roughly 16 to 57 per cent of urban commuters are pedestrians and 30 to 40 per cent use bicycles in the country. Read more here
Coronavirus LIVE updates: The coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the coronavirus care centres (Express photo by Arul Horizon)
Coronavirus India News Live Updates
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Friday said that no coercive action will be taken against private firms which failed to pay full wages during the lockdown period, adding that industries and labourers need each other and efforts should be made to resolve dispute over wage payments. The court asked states to facilitate settlement between firms and employees over wage payment and submit reports before labour commissioners. It also asked the Centre to file an affidavit within 4 weeks on the legality of March 29 circular that mandated payment of full wages during the lockdown.
The ICMR has termed the lockdown phases as "successful" in containing the rapid spread of the virus. Less than one per cent of 26,400 people, randomly chosen from 65 districts with varied caseloads, were exposed to the coronavirus in the first month of the national lockdown, according to the first phase of a nationwide sampling to check for the pandemic’s spread via testing for antibodies.
The spike in cases has pushed states to seek requisitions of isolation coaches from the Indian Railways to accommodate as beds for Covid positive patients and avoid overwhelming the health infrastructure. The Centre has warned that five most affected states — Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh — going by current trends, are projected to fall short in terms of ICU beds and ventilators between June and August.
After almost two months, the railways' isolation coaches have finally found takers -- Uttar Pradesh has asked for 240 such coaches for 24 locations, Telangana has requisitioned 60 for three places and Delhi has asked for 10 such coaches as COVID-19 cases in India close in on the three lakh mark.
The railways' first such COVID-19 care centre was deployed at Shakur Basti railway stations in Delhi on May 31. It consisted of 10 coaches with a capacity of 160 beds. The coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the coronavirus care centres according to guidelines issued by the health ministry.
Coronavirus LIVE updates: A lab technician extracts portions of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate during testing at the Chula Vaccine Research Center, run by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Coronavirus (Covid-19) Vaccine Latest Update: Even though the US and China seem to be on the global frontline in terms of developing a Covid-19 vaccine, an Italian Health Ministry official said Europe was far ahead in the race and the results of an ongoing research could lead to first doses “by autumn-winter”.
Meanwhile, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has decided to expedite the start of human clinical trials for its experimental Covid-19 vaccine by two months to the second half of July. The move saw its shares rising nearly 2 per cent to $148.69. On the other hand, Moderna Inc has started testing its vaccine candidate in a 600-subject mid-stage trial.
Coming to India, New Delhi-based biotechnology company Panacea Biotec has partnered with US-based Refana Inc to develop, manufacture and distribute an experimental Covid-19 vaccine, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, the number of people who have recovered from Covid-19 disease in India is now more than those who are still sick. However, apart from being an interesting milestone, this statistic has little relevance.
This doesn’t mark the beginning of the end of the epidemic, nor is it the arrival of the “peak”. It does not mean either that the number of cases would be declining from now on. In fact, once the number of deaths is brought into the equation, 8,102 at last count, it becomes clear that less than 50 per cent of the total infected people (2.86 lakh) have recovered so far. The total recoveries, in fact, work out to 49 per cent of all cases.
More importantly, total recoveries and the number of active cases are not comparable metrics. Total recoveries account for everyone who has recovered from the disease since the start of the outbreak. It is an accumulated number. Active cases, on the other hand, are only those that have been infected in the last 14 days, if it is assumed that every infected person, apart from those who die, is recovering in 14 days. So the comparison being made is between a number that has accumulated over three months, and increasing, which is the case in India right now, and a number that has emerged in the last two weeks.
Around 400 migrants from Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand who were stuck in Pune during lockdown were sent to their home states on Thursday morning. Volunteers distributed masks, food and water. (Express photo by Arul Horizon)
Coronavirus LIVE updates: The coaches can be used for very mild cases that can be clinically assigned to the coronavirus care centres (Express photo by Arul Horizon)
Coronavirus LIVE updates: A lab technician extracts portions of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate during testing at the Chula Vaccine Research Center, run by Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
On June 16, the Prime Minister will interact with CMs of 21 states and UTs: Punjab, Assam, Kerala, U’khand, J’khand, Chhattisgarh, Tripura, Himachal, Chandigarh, Goa, Manipur, Nagaland, Ladakh, Puducherry, Arunachal, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadar Nagar Haveli & Dama Diu, Sikkim & Lakshadweep
On June 17, the Prime Minister will interact with CMs of rest 15 states and UTs: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Jammu And Kashmir, Telangana and Odisha
With the country recording a spike in novel coronavirus cases even as it gradually eases lockdown restrictions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a fresh round of consultation with chief ministers of all states and union territories on June 16 and 17. This will be PM Modi’s sixth virtual meeting with the chief ministers since the first phase of the lockdown was announced on March 24 to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. On June 8, states lifted several restrictions imposed earlier in accordance with the Centre’s directives on ‘Unlock 1’. Read more here
As Karnataka continued to see a substantial rise in the number of fresh coronavirus cases, the state on Friday recorded the highest single-day spike in the number of fatalities. According to the Department of Health and Family Welfare Services, seven patients succumbed to the infection. Of them, four were from Bengaluru. All the fatalities recorded in the last 24 hours were linked to either Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) or Influenza-like Illness (ILI), and the deceased were aged 48 years and above.
Even as Bengaluru — a city with an estimated population of 1.2 crore — so far managed to keep its coronavirus tally as low as 617, the fatality rate in the city kept the health department on its toes. While the fatality rate of Karnataka was recorded at 1.21 per cent (as on June 12), the same in Bengaluru was 4.38 per cent, highest among 30 districts in the state. According to the health department data, 27 out of 617 infected in the city have succumbed to the disease so far. Ralph Alex Arakal reports from Karnataka
The National Human Rights Commission has sent notices to Union Finance Ministry and the IRDA over a "report which alleged that healthcare workers",who are at the maximum risk to contract COVID-19, are facing refusals or demands for high premiums on buying group mediclaim policies, officials said on Friday. Reportedly, as COVID-19 cases continue to rise and "the government offers little clarity" on insurance cover for private healthcare professionals doing non-COVID work, there is a scramble to find the right insurance policy. It is further stated that while most doctors have a medical cover, the struggle has mainly been about ensuring protection for their staffers, the NHRC said. (PTI)
Shahi Imam of Delhi's prominent Fathepuri Masjid on Friday announced the closure of the mosque for outsiders till July 4, a day after the historic Jama Masjid was closed for people due to surging coronavirus cases in the city. The decision to close down Fathepuri Masjid was taken in view of the rapidly increasing cases of COVID-19 in the city, said Mufti Mukarram Ahmed, the Shahi Imam of the mosque. "Only staff of the mosque will offer Namaz in its premises now and people have been asked to offer prayers at home. The mosque will be closed for outsiders till July 4. Further decision will be taken as per the existing situation," Ahmed said. (PTI)
With 495 new COVID-19 cases, Gujarat's count rose to 22,562 on Friday while death toll reached 1,416 with 31 more fatalities, said a health official.
India’s tally on Friday breached 3-lakh mark as Maharashtra recorded 3,493 fresh infections in a day’s time. The worst-hit state, with 101,141 Covid-19 cases, now accounts for 1/3rd of the country’s total.
Maharashtra breaches a lakh mark in Covid-19 cases today. 3493 new cases, total toll now 10,1141. 129 people died due to Covid-19 on Friday, death toll now 3,717. Maharashtra accounts for one-third of India's cases
Karnataka reported 271 new COVID-19 cases on Friday. With this, the total number of positive persons in the state has gone up to 6,516 It includes 79 deaths and 3,440 discharges.
Foreign nationals with India-link now permitted to enter India.
Movement of people will remain prohibited across the country from 9 pm to 5 am during the ongoing 'Unlock 1', but there are no restrictions on plying of buses with passengers and goods trucks on highways, the Centre said on Friday. In a communication to all states, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that the purpose of restricting movement of individuals during the night was primarily intended at preventing congregation of people and ensuring social distancing, but not hampering supply chains and logistics. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued guidelines prohibiting movement of people between 9 pm and 5 am throughout the country, except for essential activities, he said. (PTI)
In Maharashtra police, virus infected 1,388, claimed 36 lives so far.
The Delhi High Court Friday said the Central government's decision of phased reopening of lockdown was not taken in haste and it was done to ensure a proper balance between containing the spread of COVID 19 pandemic and making it certain that people are not forced to starvation. The high court's order came while dismissing with a cost of Rs 20,000 a PIL by a law student challenging the May 30 order of the Centre by which lockdown was extended in containment zones and reopening of activities was done in a phased manner outside containment zones. (PTI)
Airborne transmission of the novel coronavirus is highly virulent, and could be the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19, according to a study which assessed the progression of the pandemic in three major epicentres across the world. Scientists, including Mario J. Molina -- the recipient of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry -- assessed the transmission pathways of COVID-19 by analysing the trend and mitigation measures used in the three epicentres of the disease -- Wuhan in China, New York City in the US, and Italy. The researchers, including those from the University of California San Diego in the US, expressed concern that the World Health Organisation (WHO) for a long time only emphasised the prevention of contact transmission, and largely ignored the importance of the airborne transmission route for the novel coronavirus. (PTI)
Vadodara Covid-19 tally at 1,484 with 37 new cases
The government is mulling to include sudden loss of taste and smell as a criteria for COVID-19 testing, sources said on Friday as India witnessed a surge in coronavirus instances with total caseload racing towards the three lakh mark. The issue was discussed in a meeting of the National Task Force on COVID-19 held last Sunday, but no consensus on the matter has been reached yet. "At the meeting, some members suggested including loss of taste and smell in the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 testing stating that several patients have been reporting symptoms like these," a source in the health ministry said. (PTI)
Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Dhananjay Munde has tested positive for coronavirus but he is asymptomatic and his condition is stable, Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope disclosed on Friday. Munde, a Nationalist Congress Party leader, had attended a state cabinet meeting earlier this week and taken part in the NCP's foundation day event two days ago here. He is a third minister in Maharashtra to contract the virus. Jitendra Awhad (NCP) and Ashok Chavan (Congress) had tested positive earlier; both recovered from the infection. (PTI)
"In war, you do not make soldiers unhappy. Travel extra mile and channel some extra money to address their grievances," the Supreme Court said Friday taking serious note of non-payment of salary and lack of proper accommodation for doctors involved in the battle against Covid-19. The courts should not be involved in issues of non-payment of salary to healthcare workers and government should settle it, it said. The top court was hearing a plea by a doctor, who alleged that the front-line healthcare workers fighting out Covid-19 are not being paid salaries or their salaries are being cut or delayed. The doctor also questioned the Centre's new SOP making their 14-day quarantine non-mandatory.
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) has acknowledged that a 90 per cent dip in public transport volumes in the country during the epidemic will mean that “re-establishing the earlier level of ridership in public transport is a big challenge for cities, as people may be looking for more options especially personal modes that allow for safer travel in the post lockdown scenario.”
“Due to the social distancing norms being practiced, their capacities would be utilized at 25 to 50 percent of pre-corona virus levels. Such dramatic and dynamic changes in demand and supply will require complementing these public transport systems with alternative modes of transit,” according to Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra.
In a three-pronged strategy for re-opening metros in the short, medium and long-term, the MoHUA emphasized the opportunity for encouraging bicycling and pedestrians. The advisory stated that roughly 16 to 57 per cent of urban commuters are pedestrians and 30 to 40 per cent use bicycles in the country. Read more here