India's new coronavirus infections reached a record of 184,372 in the last 24 hours, health ministry data showed on Wednesday, as most of the south Asian nation battles a second surge in cases.
The nationwide tally of infections is 13.9 million, with the data showing deaths rose by 1,027, for a toll of 172,085.
You can track coronavirus cases, deaths and testing rates at the national and State levels here. A list of State Helpline numbers is available as well.
Here are the latest updates:
Akhilesh Yadav, UP minister Ashutosh Tandon test positive for COVID-19
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Uttar Pradesh minister Ashutosh Tandon have tested positive for COVID-19.
In a tweet in Hindi on Wednesday, Mr. Yadav said, "My corona test report has come positive. I have isolated myself and started treatment at home itself. People who have come in contact with me in the past few days should get themselves tested. They are requested to stay in isolation for some days." Mr. Yadav had recently visited Haridwar where the Kumbh Mela is underway and met various religious leaders, including Akhara Parishad chairman Mahant Narendra Giri who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier.
On reaching Lucknow, Mr. Yadav got himself tested on Tuesday.
Uttar Pradesh Urban Development Minister Tandon tweeted, "After observing initial symptoms of corona, I got myself tested, and the report has come positive. On the advice of doctors, I have isolated myself at home. People who have come in contact with me in the past few days should get themselves tested." - PTI
COVID-19 patients with sedentary habits more likely to die, finds study
Among COVID-19 patients, a lack of exercise is linked to more severe symptoms and a higher risk of death, according to a study covering nearly 50,000 people who were infected with the virus.
People physically inactive for at least two years before the pandemic were more likely to be hospitalised, to require intensive care, and to die, researchers reported on Tuesday in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
As a risk factor for serious COVID-19 disease, physical inactivity was surpassed only by advanced age and a history of organ transplant, the study found.
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav tests positive for COVID-19, reports Omar Rashid
House-helps can go to work, says BMC chief
Mumbai civic chief I.S. Chahal said house-helps would be allowed to travel and work during the fresh set of restrictions announced by the Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation ministry on Tuesday under a 'break the chain' initiative that asked many establishments and non-essential services to close down till May 1.
Chahal told PTI that domestic helps or maids will be allowed to travel and go to work during this period.
BMC additional commissioner Suresh Kakani said a fresh set of orders will be issued tomorrow as clarification for the residents of Mumbai.
"We will explain which works or services can remain open during the period. The break the chain restrictions will come into effect from tomorrow 8 p.m. We will issue our orders before it," Kakani said. - PTI
500 to 700 COVID-19 norms violation cases booked daily in Chennai, say police
Public compliance with the mask norm has improved, thanks to the campaigns conducted by the city police, Chennai police commissioner Mahesh Kumar Aggarwal said on Tuesday.
He was speaking after inaugurating a COVID-19 awareness campaign at T. Nagar. With public cooperation, “we successfully controlled the first wave in the State” and the second wave could be checked only if people followed the safety norms, he said.
Andhra food blogger Seema Gurnani succumbs to COVID-19
She was a foodie in the true sense, seeking new food experience as a hobby rather than simply eating out of convenience or hunger. Food blogger and travel enthusiast Seema Gurnani actively pursued new and diverse flavours of food for fun, not to simply fill her belly but also to share her passion through her food blog called Panda Reviewz. Born and raised in the city, Ms. Gurnani died recently in her battle with COVID-19 virus.
Seema’s last post on Facebook was on March 11, which was a review of the Trippy Tree Café in Vijayawada. She is seen talking about the food and ambience of the café in her video.
Make use of online services in view of COVID-19, says Employees Provident Fund Organisation
In view of the recent spike in the number of COVID-19 cases, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has requested all subscribers/pensioners/PF members to make use of online services to enquire about their Provident Fund claim-related matters.
PF members and employers coming under the jurisdiction of Regional Office, Chennai (North) can send e-mails to ro.chennai1@epfindia.gov.in while those within the jurisdiction of Regional Office, Chennai (South) have been requested to send emails to ro.chennai2@epfindia.gov.in.
U.P. CM isolates after officials test positive
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said he had isolated himself after some officials in his office has tested positive for COVID-19.
“These officials have been in contact with me. As a precaution I have isolated myself and will carry out all work virtually,” Mr. Adityanath tweeted.