Coronavirus: Thirty states and Union territories declared a lockdown by late evening on Monday
Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the second time in the wake of coronavirus. In his address he mentioned that India will go under complete lockdown for a period of 21 days. During this time frame he urged the people not to come out of their houses. He also said that centre has provided 15,000 crore to the tackle the coronavirus situation. He told people to pray for those who are working outside in such tough times to provide important service to the society. He also urged people to take medicines only after they are recommended by doctors.
Manipur has reported its first case of coronavirus with a 23-year-old woman who returned from the United Kingdom testing positive, making it the first case in the northeast. She is a student in the UK. Nearly all of India - with 32 states and union territories covering 560 districts - are under a complete lockdown to contain the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. 496 people have tested positive for the virus in the country and nine have died. As reports of infection came in from all the key states, the centre on Monday tightened its clampdown with a ban on domestic flights from tonight and warned of legal action against those violating the lockdown rules.
At a press conference in New Delhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that there were no reports of coronavirus cases in Delhi in the last 40 hours.
Here are the Live Updates on Coronavirus Outbreak:
Don't panic, don't hoard, says Uddhav Thackeray on national lockdownMaharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday night appealed to citizens not to panic
over the nation-wide lockdown announced by the Centre in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, saying there is enough foodgrain stock in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a complete nationwide lockdown for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that unless India''s 130 crore people practice social distancing, the country will lose the war against coronavirus outbreak and slide back 21 years.
"There is enough foodgrain stock and I appeal to people not to pile up stocks," Mr Thackeray said in his live address on social media.
All Andhra-Telangana borders closed
All the borders between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been sealed amid lockdown here in the view of novel coronavirus outbreak.
Nuzividu Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) B Srinivasulu inspected the interstate check post at Tiruvuru.
"All the borders between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are shut down. All transport to Telangana are stopped. The public should understand that this decision is taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and should cooperate with the police. People should follow self-isolation, for the health of society," Mr Srinivasulu said.
The Deputy Superintendent of Police further said that people are allowed to come out from 5 AM to 8 AM only for procuring daily needs.
Take strict action against landlords asking healthcare professionals to vacate houses: Delhi government
The Delhi government has asked officials to take strict penal action against landlords/house-owners who are forcing from doctors/paramedical staff/healthcare personnel in the national capital to vacate their rented residences in the wake of novel coronavirus outbreak.
This came after Resident Doctors' Association (RDA) of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting appropriate action against the landlords asking doctors and nurses, treating patients, to vacate residences.
"Whereas a lot of complain have been received from doctors/paramedical staff/healthcare personnel all over NCT of Delhi, that their landlords/house-owners are forcing them to vacate their rented residences. And whereas such behaviour amounts to obstructing public servant in discharging their duties. And Whereas the Government of NCT of Delhi has issued the Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 for prevention and containment of COVID-19," read an order by Delhi government signed by Padmini Singla, Secretary (Health and Family Welfare).
J&K orders release of 1-month wages for daily wagers, ration packets for slum-dwellersThe Jammu and Kashmir Administration on Tuesday announced the release of wages for daily workers, ration packets for slum-dwellers and destitute and set up health camps in vulnerable areas in the Union Territory.
The decision was taken by the Administrative Council at an emergency meeting chaired by Lt Governor G C Murmu, an official spokesman said.
He said the meeting decided on a number of welfare measures, particularly for the most vulnerable sections and the unorganised sector in the context of the situation emerging due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a significant decision, the spokesman said the meeting decided on the immediate release of one month's wages of all daily wagers so that they do not face any difficulty due to the current situation.
The Finance Department was asked to take requisite measures in this regard.
All Haryana MLAs to make contribution to COVID-19 relief fundAll MLAs of Haryana will donate their one month's salary to the Haryana COVID-19 Relief Fund.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who had on Monday announced setting up of this fund to mitigate the hardship of those affected by the coronavirus outbreak, had made an initial contribution of Rs 5 lakh from his personal savings.
On the CM''s appeal to all, the MLAs decided to donate their salary.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in Haryana Assembly, said all the 31 legislators of his party have decided to donate their salary for the month.
"In coming days, we are ready to help in whatever way we can and offer our support to the government," he said.
The parliamentarians of ruling BJP from Haryana including Sanjay Bhatia, Brijendra Singh and Arvind Sharma have also decided to make contribution towards the fund.
Coronavirus: Assam prepared to deal with any eventuality, says Chief MinisterAssam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Tuesday said the state's health department is fully
prepared to deal with any eventuality in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
He also urged personnel associated with essential services like civil and police administration, banks, and fire brigade to carry out their duties responsibly in this hour of crisis.
The chief minister appealed to people of the state to remain indoors as social distancing and avoidance of mass gathering are the significant precautionary measures in the absence of any standard treatment for COVID-19.
Two more test positive for coronavirus in Gurugram
Two more COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Gurugram on Tuesday taking the total cases in the district to 10, according to an official health bulletin.
The bulletin, issued by Gurugram district officials, said that a total of 5,048 people have been screened and out of which 232 reports have been received till date.
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar had on Monday announced complete lockdown in the state.
The state health department said a total of 16 positive coronavirus cases have been reported in Haryana so far.
6.5 crore Kannadigas are with PM Modi, says Karnataka Chief MinisterPrime Minister Narendra Modi''s clarion call to the nation on Tuesday to remain indoors is intended to protect the lives of hundreds of people and their families from the "agony of the damage" caused by coronavirus, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said.
"There was no alternative before the prime minister other than choosing this method of protecting ourselves from the disease. Keeping in mind, the failure of various nations to tackle the disease, Modiji has thought of this measure," he said in a statement.
"Not only me, even 6.5 crore Kannadigas are with the prime minister and his intentions to protect the people from coronavirus," Mr Yediyurappa said.
The chief minister assured the people of the state that his government would take all measures to maintain supply of essential items.
"Though I know that it is a tough task for anybody to remain indoors, it is need of the hour to protect ourselves from the disease. My only earnest request to the people is don''t violate Modiji''s diktat and risk your life," he said.
BS Yediyurappa assured the people that his government would take care of them during this hour of crisis.
The chief minister warned the hoarders and black-marketers not to exploit the situation and predicament of the people, particularly the poor.
NDMA asks states to take effective measures to contain COVID-19 spreadThe National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday directed various ministries and states to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P K Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba and Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla briefed the chief secretaries of all the states and Union territories on the measures to be taken from midnight Tuesday, when the country will be locked down for 21 days.
Mr Mishra mentioned that the present situation is "unique" as in case people do not maintain distance then there are chances of multiplying the infection even if few people assemble.
This is not like an ordinary case of law and order, so it is the right time to take stringent action, Mr Mishra said.
Bengal Imams' body restricts entry of people into mosquesWith the coronavirus outbreak triggering lockdown across the country, an organisation of Imams of West Bengal on Tuesday asked authorities of mosques to restrict entry of people to prevent large gatherings and conducting prayers with very few devotees.
While regular namaz and other religious practices should continue with 4-5 people, entry of others into mosques will have to be restricted, Chairman of Bengal Imams Association Mohammed Yahia said in a statement.
"Others will conduct their namaz prayers at their houses," he said adding that it is only an emergency measure in view of the present situation.
Ashok Gehlot supports PM Modi's call for 21-day lockdown across countryRajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday supported the prime minister's call for a 21-day lockdown in the entire country to protect the people from coronavirus infection.
"I am happy that Rajasthan was the first state to declare a complete lockdown. I support Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s announcement of a 21-day lockdown. Together we must fight it and defeat it," Mr Gehlot said in a tweet.
Reviewing the lockdown situation with all the district collectors and superintendents of police, Ashok Gehlot said that coronavirus infection can be avoided only through social distancing.
He said there will no obstruction in the supply of essential services during the lockdown.
"The district collectors and SPs should ensure that the lockdown instructions are followed completely otherwise the government will be forced to impose curfew," the chief minister added.
The chief minister said the system of issuing permits should be made online as much as possible for the common people so that they do not face problems.
PM interacts with medical fraternity through video conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday interacted with the medical fraternity including doctors, nurses and lab technicians from all over the country via video conference.
According to a PMO release, the Prime Minister hailed the selfless work done by the medical professionals in India in dealing with COVID-19.
"He said that the entire nation saluted them during ''Janta Curfew'' and once again he acknowledged their service to the nation. He said that it is important to acknowledge the contribution of the family members of the medical fraternity also, for being their pillars of support," the release stated.
Kerala Chief Minister warns action against overpricing, hoarding of essential items
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday said that strict action will be taken against overpricing and hoarding of essential items during lockdown period in the state.
Speaking to media persons here, he said: "Today 14 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported taking the total number of cases to 105 (excluding four discharged) in the state."
"Out of this, six are from Kasaragod district, two from Kozhikode, eight have returned from Dubai, one each from Qatar and UK; and three have got infected from a mutual contact. One health worker is also suspected to be on the list," he said.
Send daily action taken reports to Home Ministry during lockdown: Home secretary to states
Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla has written a letter to all chief secretaries asking them to strictly follow the guidelines issued by Ministry of Home Affairs concerning the 21-day lockdown. All states and UTs have been asked to send daily reports to MHA.
Mr Bhalla in his letter also talked about the letter of Cabinet Secretary issued on on March 22 and 23.
The Cabinet Secretary, vide his DO letter dated 22 and 23 March 2020, has emphasised the urgent need to take stringent action to contain the spread of COVID-19.
"In line with this, several State/UT Governments have issued complete/partial lockdown orders," Mr Bhalla said.
"While steps taken by State/UT Governments are in the right direction, lack of uniformity in the measures adopted as well as in their implementation, may not serve the objective of containing the spread of the virus. Considering the situation, The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an order directing the ministries/departments to take lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country," Mr Bhalla said.
Rs 2,000 will be distributed to families holding ration cards: Puducherry Chief Minister
Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Tuesday said that the government will provide Rs 2,000 to each family holding ration cards as a relief measure amid coronavirus lockdown.
"All stores selling essential goods will be opened in Puducherry tomorrow. As a relief measure to the poor, the government will provide Rs 2,000 to each family holding ration cards, through direct benefit transfer system," Mr Narayanasamy said.
Sanjay Singh donates Rs 1 crore to Delhi Chief Minister's relief fund
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday donated Rs 1 Crore to Delhi Chief Minister''s relief fund from MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) to combat coronavirus.
"Delhi Government is working day and night under the leadership of @ArvindKejriwal Ji to deal with the crisis of coronavirus. A large number of people of Delhi are supporting the government. I am giving an amount of Rs. 1 Crore'' in "Delhi CM Relief Fund" from my MP Fund to deal with this pandemic," Mr Singh tweeted.
Punjab Chief Minister sanctions Rs 3 crore for providing food packets during lockdown
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday said that the government has sanctioned Rs 3 crore for providing food packets to over 38,000 people during the lockdown period in the state to combat the COVID-19 crisis.
"Have sanctioned Rs 3 cr for providing food packets to over 38000 @PunjabPoliceInd personnel working round the clock to enforce the curfew and facilitate people in these testing times. Have also asked @DGPPunjabPolice to convey my appreciation to them," Captain Singh tweeted.
Goa government promises home delivery of groceries during lockdownGoa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday said the state government will make arrangements to provide grocery and other necessary commodities at people's doorsteps during the 21-day-lockdown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday evening announced complete lockdown of the country for next 21 days to contain coronavirus.
Mr Sawant said people should not panic and rush out to markets as the state government will make arrangements to provide groceries and other necessary things at doorstep.
Pharmacies and petrol pumps too will remain open during the lockdown period, he assured.
Coronavirus Outbreak: 2 Air India Planes To Take Foreign Tourists To Jodhpur Quarantine
Two special Air India planes tomorrow will carry foreign tourists stranded in different parts of the country for mandatory quarantine at an Indian Army facility in Jodhpur as international flight operations remain suspended till March 29, the national carrier has said.
Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Air India has operated multiple special flights, evacuating Indian nationals stranded in places such as Wuhan in China and Rome in Italy, the two countries most hit by the virus.
"As you know these are testing times with even the aviation sector locked down but we as a national airline have special role to play in operating charter/rescue flights," a senior official of the airline said in a message to crew members.
"We are operating two Airbus flights tomorrow March 25 early morning to Jodhpur taking international passengers for quarantine, return sector will be ferry (empty)," he said.
Hazmat Suits and PPE (personal protective equipment) would be provided to all operating crew, the official said. The message was for only those crew members of the national carrier who are currently not under quarantine.
According to a source privy to the development, the Indian Army has kept a 500-bed facility in Jodhpur on standby to quarantine the foreign tourists arriving through the two special flights. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Dehradun Hotel Sealed After Spanish National Tests COVID-19 Positive
Day after a Spanish citizen was confirmed positive for coronavirus, the hotel where the person was staying has been sealed, said Shweta Choubey, Superintendent of Police, said.
"The hotel where the Spanish citizen, who was confirmed positive of coronavirus, had stayed has been sealed," Ms Choubey said.
According to the data compiled by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of the infection-related death count in the country rose to ten today, while the total number of active cases crossed 500. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Bengaluru Airport To Remain Shut Till March 31 Over Coronavirus
In support of the government's measures to control spread of coronavirus, the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, it will remain closed to passengers from 23.59 hours on March 24 until 23.59 hours IST on March 31.
However, as per government order, the airport will continue to facilitate the transport of essential commodities through its cargo operations," Bengaluru International Airport Limited (BIAL) MD and CEO, Hari Marar said.
BIAL has taken every preventive measure to contain the spread of virus, including regular screening of all staff-both before and after shifts, the provision of safety equipment like facemasks, gloves and access to hand sanitiser, he said.
"We are working closely with the State Health Department and Airport Health Organisation to control the virus and have done everything in our capacity to safeguard our surroundings," Mr Marar said in a statement. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Telangana Government Staffs Donate One Day's Basic Salary To Battle Coronavirus
The Telangana Chief Minister's Office (CMO) today said the government employees and teachers have donated a day's basic salary amounting to Rs 48 crore to the Chief Minister's Welfare Fund (CMWF) to fight the menace of coronavirus.
Actor Nithiin has also donated Rs 10 lakh to the fund.
Earlier in the day, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella's wife Anupama Venugopal Nadella donated Rs 2 crore to the state government to help the poor with the supply of essential commodities during the lockdown. Her father KR Venugopal handed over the cheque to Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: "Maintain Social Distance": Mamata Banerjee Tells People Of Bengal
Worried over huge gatherings before shops selling essential commodities amid the coronavirus scare, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday asked people not to crowd markets or retail outlets and maintain social distance.
"Please don't crowd markets, maintain social distance. And please cover your face with something before going outdoors," Ms Banerjee told media in Kolkata.
The Chief Minister said there were adequate supplies in the market, and so there is no need to store anything. She also requested people to stay at home unless it is an emergency.
Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in the country from today midnight to prevent spread of the deadly viral disease, Ms Banerjee had extended till March 31 a previously announced lockdown up to March 27 in the entire state. (IANS)
Coronavirus Outbreak: "We Have Enough Stock": Yogi Adityanath Assures People Amid Lockdown
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 21-day lockdown announcement, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has assured people that there will be no shortage of essentials. He said that the government has deployed nearly 10,000 vehicles to deliver essential goods like- vegetables, milk, medicines etc., to every household.
He said, "From tomorrow vegetables, milk, fruits, medicines and other essential commodities will be delivered to your door steps for which we have identified more than 10,000 vehicles. I appeal to you to not go to market to buy essential items."
"I would like to assure the 23 crore people of Uttar Pradesh that we have enough stock of essential items like vegetables,milk,medicines etc." Yogi Adityanath said.
He also said that no one should not step out of his/her house for the safety of themselves and their families. (ANI)
Coronavirus: Over 1,000 Arrested For Violating Lockdown Orders In Kolkata
More than 1,000 people have been arrested in the city in a span of 24 hours for flouting the lockdown order imposed by the state government at 5 pm on Monday, a senior police officer said.
Amid the growing coronavirus scare, the West Bengal government has announced a lockdown in the state till March 31, in an attempt to contain the spread of the disease.
As many as 1,003 people have been arrested by the Kolkata Police for violating the Total Safety Restrictions 271 from south division, 198 and 118 from south suburban and central divisions respectively, the officer said today. (PTI)
Coronavirus: Ministry Of Home Affairs Releases Guidelines For 21-Day Lockdown
After receiving the order of lockdown in India to combat COVID-19, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued the detailed guidelines regarding 21-day lockdown, which comes into force from 12 o'clock tonight.
In its guidelines, the MHA said the offices of the Government of India, its autonomous/subordinate offices and public corporations shall remain closed, but there will be an exception for "defence, central armed police forces, treasury, public utilities (including petroleum, CNG, LPG, PNG), disaster management, power generation and transmission units, post offices, National Informatics Centre, Early Warning Agencies."
The Home Ministry said the offices of the State/Union Territory governments, their autonomous bodies, corporations, etc., shall remain closed with exception to police, home guards, civil defence, fire and emergency services, disaster management, and prisons, district administration and treasury, electricity, water, sanitation, municipal bodies (only staff required for essential services like sanitation, personnel related to water supply, etc., will be allowed to work). (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Prakash Javadekar Praises PM's 21-Day Lockdown DecisionUnion Minister Prakash Javadekar today lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision of announcing a 21-day lockdown and said it will prevent the spread of coronavirus.
"Historical decision by PM @narendramodi to save every Indian citizen and the country from #Coronavirus. This 21 days lockdown from midnight today will help prevent #Covid19 from spreading. #IndiaFightsCorona #StayHome #StayHomeIndia #StayAtHome," Mr Javadekar posted on Twitter.
Prime Minister Modi today announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that social distancing is the only way out for the country in its decisive battle against the coronavirus. (PTI)
Coronavirus: Non-Essential Services In Maharashtra To Be Shut For 3 Days
Amid the rising coronavirus cases in Maharashtra, the state government today issued a revised lockdown notification asking non-essential services to close down their operations in the next 72 hours.
While most of the government departments will continue to function with the barest minimum staff in the state, which is under curfew, they have been advised in the notification to observe social distancing as part of measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
The notification asks non-essential services to close down their operations in the next 72 hours and lists essential services which will remain exempted from the wide-ranging curbs put in place in the state.
As per the order, the detailed list of services exempted from the lockdown includes banking services, ATMs, insurance firms, stock exchanges and stock brokers among others. Ports, customs offices and freight stations will also continue to operate as usual.
Grocery shops, supply and distribution of vegetable, their vendors and stalls will also remain affected during the restrictions imposed in view of the coronavirus outbreak, the notification stated. (PTI)
COVID-19: Odisha Imposes "Immediate Stoppage" Of Construction Works
The Odisha government today ordered an "immediate stoppage" of all construction works across the state except construction work for health facilities related to COVID-19.
So far, two people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state.
The Odisha government has announced a lockdown in the entire state till March 29 as a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus.
Subroto Bagchi, Odisha government's chief spokesperson, said that all 30 districts of the state will be under lockdown till March 29.
The government also announced to grant commuted leave without production of a medical certificate to those officials who are above 50 years of age and have underlying conditions like diabetes, respiratory problems, renal disease, heart disease and other life-threatening illness for a period up to April 4. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Another Person Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Andhra Pradesh
A 25-year-old man has been confirmed positive for coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh, said a government official.
"A 25-year-old man had travelled to London before returning to Chennai on March 18 and from there he reached Srikalahasti in the early hours of March 19," said the government official.
With this, the number of positive cases of coronavirus has climbed to eight.
The official further said, "On March 23, he was admitted to a hospital in Tirupati after he developed the symptoms of coronavirus."
He tested positive of coronavirus today, the official added.
Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced that all labs for testing COVID19 will be functional 24x7.
According to the data compiled by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of the infection-related death toll in the country rose to nine on Tuesday, while the total number of active cases crossed 500 mark. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 2nd Coronavirus Death Reported In Delhi, India's Total Count Becomes 10
The death count due to COVID-19 rose to 10 in the country with Delhi reporting second death while the number of coronavirus-positive cases, including casualties, in India reached 519 today, the Union Health Ministry figures revealed.
Delhi has reported two deaths so far with the second death today.
West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh reported a casualty each on Monday while seven deaths were earlier reported from Maharashtra (two), Bihar, Karnataka, Gujarat and Punjab.
According to figures updated at 8.15 pm, the number of active COVID-19 cases were 469 while 40 people have been cured/discharged or migrated.
The figure includes 43 foreign nationals and the ten deaths reported so far, the Health Ministry said. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Top Medical Body Says COVID-19 Screening Can Delay Its Spread By 3 Weeks
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) today suggested that the entry screening of travellers with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 can delay the introduction of the virus into the community by three days to three weeks.
The ICMR said that the empiric use of hydroxychloroquine for prophylaxis of SARS-Cov-2 infection is recommended only for asymptomatic healthcare workers involved in the care of suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, and asymptomatic household contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases.
A total of 118 government laboratories are included in the ICMR network of COVID-19 testing.
"The network has the capacity to test 12000 samples a day. 22 private laboratory chains, with about 15,500 collection centres, have been registered with ICMR till today," ICMR said. (ANI)
"Jaan Hai Toh Jahan Hai": PM Modi Urges People To Stay Indoors During 21 Days Lockdown
Today Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation for the second time in the wake of coronavirus. In his address, he mentioned that India will go under complete lockdown for a period of 21 days. During this time frame he urged people not to come out of their houses. He also said that centre has provided 15,000 crore to tackle the coronavirus situation. He told people to pray for those who are working outside in such tough times to provide important service to the society. He also urged people to take medicines only after they are recommended by doctors.
He also said thanked people for making Janata Curfew a success. PM Modi said that social distancing is of prime importance to curb the effects of virus. He said that the practice of social distancing is not just for those who are ill but for all including the Prime Minister himself. PM Modi shared a social media post which was posted by someone explaining the meaning of Corona- "Koi Road Par Naa Nikle".
PM Modi said that even health experts are saying that the effects of this virus is visible only after sometime, thus the person who is infected with the coronavirus, unknowingly infects others till the time it is detected. He also stressed on the rapid spread of coronavirus. The disease initially took 67 days to infect one lakh people but thereafter within a period of eleven days it had infected nearly two lakh people.
He also said towards the end of his address, "Jaan Hai Toh Jahan Hai," while telling people to stay inside their houses to keep themselves and their family safe from the deadly coronavirus.
COVID-19: 7 Arrested In Mangaluru For Violating Lockdown Orders
Seven people were arrested in Mangaluru today for violating prohibitory orders enforced in Dakshina Kannada district as part of lockdown in the state to check the spread of coronavirus.
City police commissioner PS Harsha said they were arrested for violating magisterial orders and directions of the police on duty under Section 71 of the Karnataka Police Act.
People were found moving around in the city Tuesday despite repeated warnings by police to stay home.
Only those who go out to purchase essential items were allowed in the streets today.
The orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) clamped by the district administration will be in force till midnight on March 31. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Volunteers Distribute Pamphlets To Spread Awareness On COVID-19 In Delhi
The District Magistrate of East Delhi today deployed civil defence volunteers to distribute sanitisers and pamphlets containing information about coronavirus to the people.
The volunteers were deployed at 35-40 points in the area to make people aware of coronavirus and the necessary precautions that can be taken to avoid the spread of the virus.
"The facilities are being provided to people at a total of 35 to 40 points including Krishna Nagar, Geeta Colony, Nirman Vihar, and other areas of East Delhi. These facilities are not for any particular class, the poor or the rich. We are here to make all the people aware of the coronavirus," said Pushp Kumar, volunteer of Delhi Civil Defense Service.
The pamphlets mention the symptoms of the coronavirus and the solution. "In this pamphlet numbers of the control rooms of the state and the district are also mentioned so that the people can seek help if needed," Mr Kumar added. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Strict Action Against Those Who Come Out Unnecessarily: BS Yediyurappa
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa today warned that stringent action would be taken against those who do not follow the law and come out onto the streets unnecessarily in violation of steps enforced by government to control the coronavirus spread in the state.
Calling for low key Ugadi festival celebrations on March 25, he said those who want to go outside Bengaluru or enter should do it by tonight and stricter restrictions will be in force from tomorrow morning.
"We will take action, we will take very severe action, if they don't follow the law...if necessary we will not mind to book the cases also," Mr Yediyurappa told reporters in response to a question about people unnecessarily coming onto the roads.
The Karnataka government on Monday night announced lockdown till month end in the entire state, to control the spread of coronavvirus. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 4 Quarantined In Mangaluru Test COVID-19 Positive
Four more people quarantined at hospitals in Mangaluru have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the number of coronavirus cases in the city to five, Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh said today.
Of the four, three patients, who were found symptomatic during screening at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) on March 19 and 20, have been admitted to the government hospital in Mangaluru.
The other patient is at the isolation ward at a hospital, the official said. All the four are natives of Kerala, the deputy commissioner (DC) said in a release.
One of the new positive patients was a co-passenger of a youth who came from Dubai by flight on March 19. The youth tested positive for the virus on March 22.
Two other patients had arrived at MIA on March 20, while the fourth patient, a 70-year-old woman, reached Kozhikode from Saudi Arabia and was admitted to the KMC hospital here on March 20.
The DC urged passengers who travelled in these flights to be under home quarantine for 14 days. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Fresh 14 COVID-19 Cases In Kerala, Total Number Becomes 105
Kerala has reported 14 fresh cases of coronavirus today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 105.
A health worker is among those affected, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a Covid19 review meeting this evening.
While six cases were reported from Kasaragod, two new positive patients were detected from Kozhikode, he said.
Over 72,460 people are under observation, with 467 in isolation wards of various hospitals.
Four people had been treated and discharged earlier-three from Wuhan and one from Kannur. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Priyanka Gandhi Urges UP Congress Workers To Help People During Lockdown
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi has urged the party workers in Uttar Pradesh to help people without any prejudice in the wake of lockdown due to coronavirus.
In a letter to the district and city party presidents, she said as the country was reeling under the Covid-19 spread, it's the time to be aware and help each other. She urged the party workers to make a WhatsApp group and ask anyone with Covid-19 symptoms to go for test.
"If any Congress worker comes to know of any infected person, he should inform the departments concerned, and make a list of people old and ill people to help them," Priyanka Gandhi wrote.
She said people should be reached through WhatsApp and other means to make them aware of coronavirus. "You should take utmost care that no rumour is spread," the Congress leader said.
She also urged them to help the administration in implementing the lockdown. (IANS)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Tokyo Olympics Postponed For One Year Over Coronavirus
Japan's prime minister and the head of the International Olympic Committee agreed to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Games by a year on Tuesday in an extraordinary move, unprecedented in peacetime, as the world battles the coronavirus pandemic.
"I proposed to postpone for about a year and president Bach responded with 100 percent agreement," Shinzo Abe told reporters referring to Thomas Bach, head of the IOC.
The move would be a devastating blow for the city of Tokyo, which had won widespread praise for its organisation, with venues finished well ahead of time and tickets massively oversubscribed. (AFP)
India Bans Export Of Sanitisers Amid Coronavirus Outbreak
Government of India prohibits export of sanitisers & all ventilators including any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy apparatus or any other breathing apparatus, falling under any ITCHS Code (Indian Trade Clarification based on Harmonized System), with immediate effect. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: S Jaishankar Discusses Cooperation On Coronavirus With China, European Union
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today said he had a discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles regarding cooperation on coronavirus pandemic.
He assured Mr Fontelles of India's "fullest support" in the return of EU citizens from India.
"Discussed with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China our working together in combating COVID-19. Agreed to build further on our bilateral efforts in this domain. Exchanged views on the forthcoming G20 Summit. Global challenges require global cooperation," Mr Jaishankar tweeted.
In another post, he added, "Reviewed the COVID-19 situation with EU HRVP Josep Borrell Fontelles today. Exchanged views on our respective challenges. Assured him of our fullest support in the return of EU citizens from India."
Coronavirus cases in the country crossed the 500-mark and one more death from the infection was reported today, taking the count to ten. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Over 400 Detained In Gujarat For Violating Lockdown Rules
The Gujarat police has detained 426 people in the last 24 hours for violating lockdown rules in force in the state to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said today.
They include those who came out despite being advised home quarantine, state Director General of Police Shivanand Jha said. (PTI)
Coronavirus: Lok Sabha Speaker To Contribute One Month Salary To Contain Coronavirus
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said he will contribute his one month's salary to the Prime Minister Relief Fund, setup to contain COVID-19, which has infected over 500 people in the country and killed 10.
Announcing his decision in a tweet, Mr Birla said,"We're together in this tough time."
"I will give my one month's salary to PM's relief fund as my contribution in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in India," he tweeted in Hindi. (PTI)
Coronavirus: 3 More Coronavirus Cases Reported In Andhra Pradesh, Total Count Becomes 10
Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday reported three more coronavirus positive cases from Visakhapatnam district, taking the number of such cases in the state to 10.
Following a review meeting on the situation on Tuesday, State Health Minister Alla Nani said that necessary measures are being taken to control the spread of the COVID-19.
Speaking to the media, the minister emphasised that the people's participation in corona control is very crucial and requested the public to practice social distancing. He also stressed that people should remain at home and strictly follow government orders in this regard. (IANS)
Coronavirus: Over 100 Laboratories Allotted To Test 12,000 Samples A Day: Health Ministry
Today at a press conference, Health Ministry said, 118 labs have been added that can test 12,000 samples a day. 22 lab chains have been approved. 15,500 collection centres all across the world. This has increased the access to testing. 15 kit manufactures have been tested and approved three kits.
The health ministry said that they are developing a medicine called Hydro Cholorquine but advised not to take this medicine without consulting a doctor. Children below 15 and people above 60 should not take this medicine. They added that whenever they see results, they will make it available to the public.
They stressed on methods like thermal screening at airports for at least three weeks. Social distancing can curb the effect of virus by 62%. The ministry also asked people to stay at home and practice social distancing.
Coronavirus Outbreak: No Positive COVID-19 Cases In Delhi Since Past 40 Hours: Arvind KejriwalDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that there were no COVID-19 cases reported in Delhi in the last 40 hours. He also said that construction workers will be given Rs 5,000 by the Delhi government because their livelihood is being affected due to the coronavirus outbreak. "We are going through difficult times; we have to help each other," Mr Kejriwal added.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Cabinet Secretary Tells States To Set Up Hospitals To Deal With COVID-19 Cases
Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba on Tuesday asked state governments to immediately identify and earmark hospitals to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
In a letter to chief secretaries of all the states, Mr Gauba also said it is absolutely essential that surveillance and contact tracing of all positive cases is taken up and no suspected or high risk person is left out.
"All states should immediately identify and earmark hospitals dedicated for management of COVID-19 cases and ensure that they are in a state of full readiness to deal with the situation in the event of a further spike in the number of confirmed cases," he said. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Nepal Lockdown Begins Today, To Continue Till March 31
Nepal went under a seven-day lockdown today morning, a day after the central government issued the order- in a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the Himalayan country.
The lockdown came into effect at 6 am (local time) and will remain in force till March 31. The country had reported its second case of coronavirus on Monday.
Nepal has closed all entry points with India and China. The government had earlier announced the closure of cinema halls, cultural centers, stadium, sports grounds, health clubs, museums, swimming pools and other places of recreational activities, till April 30 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
The government has also set up a helpline to address queries about coronavirus and share information on the developing situation of the infection in the country. (ANI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Pune Firm Develops India's First COVID-19 Test KitIn what may go down as an important solution in India's fight against coronavirus, Pune-based Mylabs Discovery Solutions has created an indigenous solution to test patients for COVID-19 that can halve the time taken for results.
The molecular diagnostic company, which received statutory approvals late on Monday from authorities, can manufacture over 15,000 testing kits per day from its facility in Pune and the same will be ramped up to 25,000 kits per day, its co-founder Shrikant Patole said.
Citing the experience in South Korea, the World Health Organisation has been stressing on the importance of tests to fight the pandemic, which has so far claimed nine lives in India.
Mr Patole explained that the company is able to shorten the test time to 2.5 hours with the "Mylab PathoDetect COVID-19 Qualitative PCR kit" as against the prevalent 6-8 hours because its team has created a solution that does both the screening and confirmation jobs simultaneously. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: 2 With Foreign Travel History Test Positive For Coronavirus In J&KTwo men - one with travel history to Saudi Arabia and another to the Andaman - have tested positive for coronovirus disease in Srinagar, taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to six.
"2 more cases reported positive in Srinagar. One has confirmed travel history outside India. Full details regarding the second being ascertained," government spokesman Rohit Kansal said in a tweet.
With the fresh cases, the number of coronavirus positive cases in Srinagar City has gone up to three while the total number of infected persons in the union territory rose to six.
To prevent further spread of the virus, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir has enforced a lockdown across the union territory till March 31. (PTI)
Coronvirus Outbreak: 6 More COVID-19 Positive Cases In Mumbai, Total Number Crosses 100 Mark
Six more coronavirus cases have bee detected in Maharashtra, taking the total number to COVID-19 patients in the state to 107, an official said today.
Of the six, five are from Mumbai while one is from Ahmednagar district, the official said.
In the last four days, daily detection figure of positive cases in the state is rising in double digits, the official said. (PTI)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Spain Reports Fresh 514 Deaths, Total Cases Cross 2,600 Mark
Another 514 people have died in Spain over the past 24 hours, raising the death count to 2,696, as the number of infections surged towards 40,000, the government said Tuesday.
The number of people who have tested positive rose by nearly 20 percent to 39,673, the health ministry said, while the death count represented an increase of 23.5 percent over the figures from Monday. (AFP)
Coronavirus Outbreak: Shimla Under Complete Lockdown Over Coronavirus Pandemic
Shimla Government decides to impose curfew in entire state overcoronavirus. The state government has decided to impose curfew in the whole state from 5 pm today in wake of outbreak of coronavirus in the state as well as country till further orders.
This was decided in the meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur with the Ministers and Officers of the state government to reviewed the overall situation of the state.
Chief Minister said that district level coordination committee has been constituted for better coordination with the district administration, so that the people of the state does not face any inconvenience and to ensure availability of essential commodities.
Coronavirus Outbreak: Over 550 Coronavirus Cases In South Africa, 21-Day Lockdown Announced
South Africa's confirmed number of coronavirus cases rose to 554 on Tuesday from 402 a day earlier, as businesses raced to make plans for a nationwide lockdown from midnight on Thursday.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the 21-day lockdown in an address to the nation on Monday, saying Africa's most advanced economy needed to escalate its response to curb the spread of the outbreak.
South Africa has the highest number of confirmed coronavirus cases in sub-Saharan Africa, and public health experts are worried that the virus could overwhelm the health system if infection rates rise steeply.
Health officials are working to expand the country's coronavirus testing capacity and develop a plan to ensure there are enough intensive care beds with respirators."The numbers, we mustn't be shocked when we see them increase But these measures if we all work together must turn the curve around," Health Minister Zweli Mkhize told a televised news conference, saying South Africa could reach an inflection point in its infection curve two or three weeks after its lockdown restrictions enter into force. (Reuters)
Coronavirus Outbreak: As Coronavirus Cases Rise In Kerala, 276 Doctors Appointed
The Kerala government has appointed 276 doctors in the health department to strengthen its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the backdrop of rising cases in the state.
The doctors were selected by the state Public Service Commission from the existing rank list and appointed to be the part of the health ministry to fight the coronavirus, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post.
Kerala went in for a total lockdown from midnight on Monday with 28 new positive cases, the highest on a single day, being reported, taking the total number of people under treatment in the state to 91 and over 64,000 under surveillance. (PTI)
Odisha under complete lockdown from midnight
The Odisha government on Tuesday declared a lockdown in all 30 districts of the state with effect from midnight till March 29 midnight to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Odisha government's spokesperson on COVID-19, Subroto Bagchi, said the state has decided on total lockdown though essential services will remain unaffected. The decision was taken after a meeting of Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy with all District collectors. Earlier, the state had announced lockdown in five districts and eight cities. It was extended to 14 districts on Monday.
Election Commision defers Rajya Sabha election
Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for March 26 deferred over coronavirus, Election Commission to review the situation after March 31.
2 headmasters transferred for violating coronavirus prevention guidelines in Kolkata
Headmasters of two state-run schools here have been transferred for allegedly violating coronavirus prevention guidelines during distribution of rice and potato under mid-day meal schemes. The West Bengal Board of Secondary Education on Monday evening transferred the headmasters - Parimal Bhattacharya of Jadavpur Vidyapith and Kazi Mausam Akhtar of Swarnamoyee Vidyapith, Garia - for violating the school education department guidelines framed in the wake of coronavirus pandemic.
PM Modi to address Nation today at 8 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 pm on the coronavirus outbreak, which has infected over 490 people in India. "I will address the nation at 8 pm today on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19," PM Modi has tweeted. This is his second address to the nation since Thursday when he called for a "Janata Curfew" on Sunday, a 14-hour self-quarantine to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Manipur reported first case of coronavirus
Manipur has reported its first case of coronavirus with a 23-year-old woman who returned from the United Kingdom testing positive, making it the first case in the northeast. She is a student in the UK. Nearly all of India - with 32 states and union territories covering 560 districts - are under a complete lockdown to contain the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. 496 people have tested positive for the virus in the country and nine have died. As reports of infection came in from all the key states, the centre on Monday tightened its clampdown with a ban on domestic flights from tonight and warned of legal action against those violating the lockdown rules.
China to lift lockdown on April 8
China's central Hubei province, where the deadly coronavirus first emerged late last year, is to lift travel curbs after two months under lockdown, local officials said Tuesday. Healthy residents will be allowed to leave the province from midnight Tuesday, while Wuhan, the initial epicentre of the outbreak, will lift restrictions from April 8.
People in large numbers at a wholesale market in Moradabad, even as the district has been placed under lockdown due to rising cases of coronavirus in the country.
Sanitization activities were undertaken by the administrations in Manipur, Bihar and West Bengal to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Shaheen Bagh anti-CAA protesters removed amid Delhi lockdown
Amid nationwide lockdown over highly contagious novel coronavirus or COVID-19, Delhi's Shaheen Bagh - heart of protests against Citizenship (Amendment) Act or CAA - was cleared this morning after 101 days. Several people, including women, have been detained, said police. "They were not clearing the protest site despite repeated persuasion," said an official, adding that large gatherings have been banned over COVID-19. This comes two days after Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a lockdown in Delhi as a part of the imposition of countrywide restrictions in fight against coronavirus.
30 States Under Total Lockdown As Coronavirus Cases Cross 470
Thirty states and Union territories declared a lockdown by late evening on Monday as the country recorded its ninth death linked to the highly contagious coronavirus. Overall, 471 people have tested positive for the virus in the country -- 75 of them in the last 24 hours. Two persons have died, one in Bengal and the other in Himachal Pradesh. As reports of infection came in from all the key states, the Centre tightened its clampdown with a ban on domestic flights and warned of legal action against rule-breakers.