New Delhi: With each passing days, India is witnessing new cases of coronavirus (Covid-19). Central and state governments are using all powers to control the spread of Covid-19. As the cases are growing rapidly, the government is leaving no stone unturned to take the preventive measures.
The coronavirus which had first emerged in China’s Wuhan city in December last year and has now spread across many countries in the world.
Today addressing the press conference, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced an economic package of Rs 1.70 lakh crore, to help especially migrant workers, poor.
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19:45 IST: 13 more positive COVID-19 cases in J-K
A total of 13 people have tested positive for coronavirus till now in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Territory administration said on Thursday.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in a media bulletin, said that till date 5,482 travellers and persons in contact with suspected or positive cases have been put under surveillance in the UT. 3,053 others are in home quarantine (including facilities operated by the administration), 117 in hospital quarantine, 1,761 in home surveillance and 551 completed their 28 days surveillance period.
“379 samples have been sent for testing, out of which 341 were negative, 13 tested positive (11 active positive, one recovered, one death) and 25 reports are awaited,” the bulletin said.
19:33 IST: PM deploys ministers on COVID-19 frontline to defeat pandemic
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government at the Centre has asked its ministers to take charge of their States and play the role of leaders in defeating the COVID-19 pandemic. Sources told ANI that a letter from the PMO has been sent to all ministers, asking them to play an active and effective role in stemming the growing disease.
“The elected representatives have been asked to ensure that poor and underprivileged get food, that the PDS shops in their area do not run out of ration, essential commodities are available in local markets and people are not overcharged for the same,” informed one of the ministers.
18:47 IST: Combating COVID-19: RS Prasad to donate Rs 1 cr from MPLAD fund
Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Thursday said that he has decided to donate Rs 1 crore from his MPLAD fund for provisions and assistance in the fight against COVID-19.
“I have decided to donate Rs 1 crore from my MPLAD fund, which shall be used for provisions and assistance in the fight against COVID-19. Patna district administration can spend it as per requirements. I will also monitor its spending. #IndiaFightsCorona,” Prasad tweeted. Prasad further said that it is a great initiative by the Central government to announce Rs 50 lakh per person medical insurance to doctors, nurses, etc., who are serving the nation during coronavirus outbreak.
17:47 IST: More than 250,000 positive coronavirus cases in Europe
The tally of total positive cases in Europe surged past 250,000 in Europe on Thursday as Spain becomes the second-worst affected country after Italy in the region.
At least 4,089 people have now died from Covid-19 in Spain with a total of 56,188 cases recorded, according to Spanish Health Ministry data released Thursday, CNN reported. But the rise in the death toll of 655 in the past 24 hours was a smaller increase than the record 738 set on Wednesday.
Spain continues to be the country with the second-highest number of fatalities from coronavirus, surpassed only by Italy. China, where the outbreak began, has had 3,291 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University figures.
17:03 IST: Iran reports 157 new coronavirus deaths, raising total to 2,234
Iran on Thursday reported 157 new deaths due to the novel coronavirus, raising the nationwide death toll to 2,234.
Health Ministry spokesperson Kianoush Jahanpour said 2,389 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 29,406, Al Jazeera reported. Also, 10,457 people have recovered from COVID-19, according to health officials.
Meanwhile, Iran has ruled out “foreign” help on the ground to deal with the coronavirus outbreak after an offer from a France-based medical charity, as the country’s death toll from the contagion surged past 2,200.
16:41 IST: 18 coronavirus cases in Haryana, says Health Department
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Haryana stands at 18, informed the state Department of Health.
Ten cases have been reported from Gurugram, two from Faridabad, one from Palwal, three from Panipat, one in Panchkula and one in Sonepat. Meanwhile, the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 649, including 593 active cases, according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,
Till now, 42 have been cured or discharged and 13 deaths have taken place.
16:21 IST: 649 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India: Health Ministry
A total of 649 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Thursday.
“42 fresh coronavirus cases and four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases stands at 649,” said Lav Aggrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry. “While the numbers of COVID-19 cases are increasing, the rate at which they are increasing appears to be relatively stabilising. However, this is only the initial trend,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country effective from midnight to deal with the spread of coronavirus, saying that “social distancing” is the only option to deal with the disease.
15:43 IST: Only three positive COVID-19 cases in Goa: Health Minister
Goa Health Minister, Vishwajit Rane, on Thursday stated in a tweet that there are only three positive coronavirus cases in the state and rejected reports that quoted a higher number.
Rane also shared an image where a news channel stated that Goa has 33 positive coronavirus cases till now. “This is an absolutely false news. We have only three positive confirmed cases in the state. Request you to rectify the same and not create unnecessary panic among the people,” tweeted Rane.
According to the Directorate of Health Services, the three positive cases are – a 25-year-old man with travel history to Spain, a 29-year-old man with travel history to Australia and a 55-year-old man with travel history to the United States.
15:43 IST: 2 more test positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan; tally now 40
Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan on Thursday, taking the total number of confirmed cases of the infection to 40 in the state, officials said.
The persons aged 45 years and 35 years have a travel history to Middle East. The former is a resident of Jaipur while the latter belongs to Jhunjhunu. The state authorities have intiated an extensive contact tracing at both these places to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
15:33 IST: COVID-19: Two residential buildings in Gautam Budh Nagar sealed
Gautam Budh Nagar District Magistrate BN Singh on Thursday sealed two residential buildings here.
The Ace Golfshire apartments and Hotel Sandal Suit Sector have been sealed till March 28 till 10 am, the district magistrate said. Earlier today, four new COVID-19 cases were reported in Lucknow, taking the total tally of coronavirus cases in the state to above 40.
A 21-year-old woman, whose parents had tested positive, a 32-year-old man with travel history to Dubai, a 33-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man tested positive for coronavirus, confirmed Dr. Sudhir Singh, Incharge, Isolation Ward, King George’s Medical University in Lucknow.
15:19 IST: Strict action against those attacking doctors, police personnel: Ajit Pawar
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on Thursday said that police and medical professionals are doing their duty to combat the menace of coronavirus and added that strict action will be taken against those heckling or attacking them.
“Doctors and police are doing their duty in the fight against coronavirus. We will not tolerate attacks on doctors and police personnel. Those who are found heckling or attacking doctors and Police personnel will be dealt with strict actions under the law,” Pawar said in the statement. He also urged people to avoid unnecessary crowding in public places.
“Don’t let the time come for us to use the military. During the lockdown, America used its Army. It is our responsibility that we ensure that the time doesn’t come when we have to take the help of the Army,” Pawar said.
15:16 IST: Assam govt transforms Sarusajai Stadium into coronavirus isolation facility
The Assam government is constructing a coronavirus isolation centre at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, also known as Sarusajai Stadium, in Guwahati on a war footing.
In a move to combat coronavirus outbreak, the state government has decided to convert the stadium into make-shift hospitals to treat patients suffering from the contagious infection. At least 1,000 people at a time can be quarantined at the facility.
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma visited the site on Thursday and took stock of the work progress. The Assam government has also reserved Sonapur Civil Hospital in Guwahati, and Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) to exclusively treat coronavirus-affected patients. The OPD in Sonapur Civil Hospital will remain closed till the situation improves.
15:06 IST: Employees unions donate Rs 100 cr to CMRF to fight COVID-19
Various employees association in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday announced to donate one day salary of their workers, amounting to Rs 100 crore to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) to fight a battle against coronavirus epidemic.
“Various employees associations contributed one day salary as donation to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Relief Fund for fight against COVID 19. The donation from these associations amounts to almost Rs 100 crore.,” the state Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement. The representatives from Andhra Pradesh secretariat employees association, state NGOs association, AP revenue services association, RTC employees union, and retired employees association have met with Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy and announced their donation.
15:03 IST: COVID-19: Bihar announces Rs 100 cr relief package; to convert schools into shelter homes for needy
In a bid to help the poor and daily wage labourers who are facing the brunt of the lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Bihar government on Thursday announced a relief package of Rs 100 crore and has decided to convert schools into shelter homes.
The Nitish Kumar-led government said it will provide food to the needy in these temperoray shelter homes. For the migrants stranded in other states or who have returned to the state, the government has released Rs 100 crore from the Chief Minister Relief Fund.
According to data by the Union Ministry of Health Bihar has reported 3 positive cases of COVID-19 including one death.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Live:
-FM has come up with a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period.
-4.8 crores EPFO registered workers can withdraw 3-month wages or 75 per cent of their PF fund, whichever is lower as a non-refundable advance.
–The government will pay the EPF contribution, both of the employer and employee that is 24 per cent for the next three months. This is for all those establishments which have upto 100 employees, out of which 90 per cent employees draw less than Rs 15,000 per month.
-To provide an adequate supply of cooking gas, for the next three months 8.3 crore BPL family will get free cylinders.
–Senior citizens, widows, and Divyangs to get one-time additional payment of Rs 1000
–FM Sitharaman’s package to help directly affected, migrants workers, urban and rural poor.
–FM announces immediate transfer of Rs 2000 to farmers
–5 kg rice, wheat free for 80 crore people for three months
–People can take the extra free grain in two installments, says FM
–80 crore poor people will get 5 kg wheat/rice per person for free for three months in addition to 5 kg they are already entitled to. Every poor houshold will also be provided 1 kg pulse. Distribution in two installments, say FM.
–Economic stimulus finalised to deal with impact of corona lockdown, says FM.
–Rs 50 lakhs per person as medical insurance cover for doctors, nurses, paramedics and all those who are putting themselves to risk, says Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman
–We do not want people to stay hungry or without money in their hand, said FM Sitharaman
-Finance minister announces economic package of Rs 1.70 lakh crore, to help especially migrant workers, poor.
13:05 IST: Shops selling essential commodities in Delhi can stay open 24 hours: Anil Baijal
Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday said that all shops selling essential commodities in Delhi will be allowed to remain open round the clock to prevent crowding and rush by the people.
He further added that the police department has been asked to allow e-commerce companies to function in the state. “Online service providers and e-retailers delivering essential services and goods to be allowed. All essential services shops can remain open 24 hours so that there is no rush of people,” Baijal said at a press conference which was also attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
12:35 IST: Nirmala Sitharaman to address media shortly
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to address a press conference here at 1 pm today.
The conference will be held at the National Media Centre. The government is soon also likely to unveil an economic stimulus package as the country battles the coronavirus, a source from Finance Ministry had told ANI on Wednesday.
The package will be focused on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and daily wage workers besides injecting liquidity in the market, added the source.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 649, including 593 active cases and 42 people who have been cured or discharged from hospitals, the Ministry of Health said.
12:02 IST: 800 quarantined in Delhi after in contact with corona positive Mohalla Clinic doctor
As many as 800 people have been quarantined for 14 days after they came in contact with a mohalla clinic doctor in Delhi, who was tested positive for the lethal infection, said the state’s Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
The Minister informed that a mohalla clinic doctor and four others have tested positive after they came in contact with a woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor’s wife and daughter have also tested positive for lethal infection. “COVID-19 cases in Delhi have risen to 36. A mohalla clinic doctor and four others have been tested positive after they came in contact with an infected woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor’s wife and daughter have also tested positive,” Jain told media here.
According to the Delhi Health Department, 800 people have been quarantined for 14 days as they came in contact with mohalla clinic doctor.
11:51 IST: Four new COVID-19 cases reported in Lucknow
Four new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Lucknow, taking the total tally of coronavirus cases in the state to above 40 on Thursday.
A 21-year-old woman, whose parents had tested positive, a 32-year-old man with travel history to Dubai, a 33-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man tested positive for coronavirus, confirmed Dr. Sudhir Singh, Incharge, Isolation Ward, King George’s Medical University in Lucknow.
11:36 IST: Six COVID-19 cases in Chhattisgarh
The number of COVID-19 positive cases in the Chhattisgarh has risen to 6, Director All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Raipur said on Thursday.
“The total cases of COVID-19 in Chhattisgarh now stands at 6,” said Raipur AIIMS Director Dr NM Nagarkar. The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India has risen to 649, which includes 593 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 13 deaths, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare earlier on Thursday.
Mumbai Police are using drones to monitor people and ensure they stayed inside their homes or maintained social distancing while out on the streets during the national 21-day lockdown that began on Tuesday. Through the drones, the police are able to keep a watch on the narrow lanes inside the city while they alerted people to stay indoors through announcements. “Brothers and sisters, curfew has been imposed till April 14. You are requested not to step out of your homes. This is the only way to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. If you are found stepping outside your homes without any valid reason, then you would be charged under Section 188 of IPC,” the Police announcement said.
The total tally of coronavirus positive cases in Maharashtra reached 124 on Thursday after two new cases of the infection were reported in Thane and Mumbai respectively, the state health department said.
10:40 IST: 2 new COVID-19 cases reported in Maharashtra, total tally reaches 124
The total tally of coronavirus positive cases in Maharashtra reached 124 on Thursday after two new cases of the infection were reported in Thane and Mumbai respectively, the state health department said. The government has ordered a state-wide lockdown for the next 21 days, after calling the measures to be in place till March 31, keeping in tandem with the directives by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on Tuesday. Essential services like food items, vegetables, fruits, grocery and bakery items are exempted from lockdown and the vendors can provide home deliveries. The state government, meanwhile, has permitted the printing and distribution of newspapers from April 1. The newspaper services were halted after the state government announced lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
10:17 IST: AIMIM member held for spreading misinformation on COVID-19 deaths in UP
Uttar Pradesh Police has arrested AIMIM District President Mansoor Alam for spreading misinformation on social media about deaths caused due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The accused is a resident of Gajia in Jahagirabad area of Naini. According to the police, Masood on social media shared that “the government is hiding facts. While the government figures show over 500 till now, 50,000 people have already died in the country due to Covid-19.”
The police took action against Masood after the post shared by him went viral on social media.
10:16 IST: Srinagar confirms first COVID-19 death
Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar reported its first COVID-19 death on Thursday after a 65-year-old man succumbed to the disease, an official said. The deceased was a native of Hyderpora in Srinagar. “Sad News : First death due to Coronavirus – 65 years old Male from Hyderpora Srinagar,” tweeted Rohit Kansal, Jammu and Kashmir Principal Secretary (Planning Commission).
Kansal informed that four of the deceased’s contact were also tested positive for coronavirus.
10:02 IST: No disruption in vegetables, essential items due to lockdown in Srinagar: Traders
Despite the lockdown due to the spread of coronavirus, the vegetable and fruit market in Srinagar has not taken a hit.
People residing in the region are able to buy the essential commodities without hassle from these markets. The vendors told ANI that there is no dearth of food items and the prices of the products are also reasonable for the consumers. “All vegetables are available here, there is no shortage, and the prices remain reasonable,” said vegetable traders at Srinagar’s Iqbal Sabzi Mandi. People were seen standing in queues reasonably apart from each other while buying vegetables and fruits from the market.
