Coronavirus LIVE: Death toll rises to 16, confirmed cases soar to 694 in India

88 new cases reported in the country today, the highest in a single day. The total number of cases rises to 694 as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data.

One more COVID-19 case in the state, a 20-year-old boy from Patna with no travel history, confirms Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH). The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 7.

Hours after allowing several online retail firms to re-start their delivery services, the Delhi police on Thursday withdrew its previous order with "immediate effect", officials said.

The police had issued a statement directing its personnel to allow persons and vehicles engaged in essential services to operate in Delhi and listed names of retailers and online delivery services that should be allowed to function.

However, the order was withdrawn with immediate effect hours after it was issued, stating that the revised guidelines will be released and all traffic, picket and beat staff would be briefed accordingly.

Shops providing essential commodities will be allowed to stay open 24X7 in Maharashtra: CM.

I have requested Union Health Minister to open more testing labs by Indian Council of Medical Research in Bihar. Also, emphasised on need for logistics support&ventilator beds in state. He has assured me that he will look into it on priority: Mangal Pandey, Bihar Health Minister

J&K: Northern Command of Indian Army has initiated 'Corona Mukt Awam' campaign under which they are taking precautionary measures against COVID-19. "We're practicing social distancing in mess&using central announcement system,"says Lt. Colonel A Naveen, PRO, Def Northern Command.

To decongest prisons in wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Punjab is giving parole to 6000 prisoners from jails across the state, these are prisoners who were sentenced to less than 7 years in prison: Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Punjab Jail Minister.

It has been decided that scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till April 14, 2020, will not apply to approved international all-cargo operations and flights: DGCA

Two siblings, both minors, were tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, taking the number of cases to 13, officials said.

"Two more positive cases in Srinagar. Siblings (seven-years-old and eight-months-old)... Total number of active positive cases is now at 11," government spokesperson Rohit Kansal tweeted.

The eight-month-old might be the youngest to be infected with COVID-19 in the country.

He said they are the grandchildren of a person who had tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday in Srinagar and had a travel history to Saudi Arabia.

With these two, the total number of positive cases in the valley has gone up to 10 and in the union territory to 13.

One person in Kashmir has recovered from the disease, while another one succumbed at a hospital here on Thursday morning, the officials said.

Hours after allowing several online retail firms to resume their delivery services in the national capital, the Delhi Police Thursday issued a statement withdrawing its previous order with immediate effect. The revised guidelines will be released shortly, the police said, reported Indian Express

A total of 13 people have been tested positive till now in the state. 5482 people in contact with possibly infected/positive cases have till now been put under surveillance: Jammu and Kashmir Govt

Some time back DRDO developed a ventilator along with Society for Biomedical Technology (SBMT), its technology has been transferred to the industry. An industry in Mysore is producing the secondary version of that ventilator now: DRDO Chairman, Dr G Satheesh Reddy

While dealing with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Allahabad High Court has issued special directions pertaining to interim orders, demolition and bail orders in view of the 21-day Coronavirus lockdown.

The directions were passed passed by a Bench comprising of Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Samit Gopal under Articles 226 and 227 to ensure that litigants do not suffer on account of inability to approach court, reported Bar and Bench

We have also developed N-99 and 3 layered masks, we have produced more than 20,000 masks and supplied to various agencies, including Delhi Police: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman, Dr G Satheesh Reddy

Italian clergyman in Pope Francis's residence tested positive for coronavirus, reported NDTV

While the numbers of COVID-19 cases are increasing, the rate at which they are increasing appears to be relatively stabilizing. However, this is only the initial trend: Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health & Family Welfare Ministry.

Govt is taking steps to ensure that production, supply or distribution of essential goods & services do not get affected during coronavirus lockdown. States are working to provide food & shelter to migrant workers: Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, MHA

42 fresh cornavirus cases and four deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases stands at 649: Lav Aggrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry.

Government of India allows doorstep delivery of medicines/drugs to people in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Notification to be published soon in the Gazette of India.

As the number of persons infected with Coronavirus has gone up to 3, in an effort to contain the spread of infection in Srinagar, the District Magistrate has ordered the closure of all places of worship: Government of Jammu & Kashmir

The Govt announcement today of a financial assistance package, is the first step in the right direction. India owes a debt to its farmers, daily wage earners, labourers, women and the elderly who are bearing the brunt of the ongoing lockdown, tweeted Rahul Gandhi

Odisha to set up the largest COVID19 hospital in the country. Will be a 1000 bed hospital and will be functional in a fortnight

Total number of positive cases of Coronavirus in the state now stands at 18 (2 cases in Faridabad, 10-Gurugram, 1-Palwal, 3-Panipat, 1-Panchkula and 1-Sonepat): Department of Health, Haryana Government

Uttarakhand Government has started helpline call and message numbers for people of Uttarakhand who are stranded in other states- Landline number- 0135 2722100, Whatsapp number- 9997954800

Rajwati, a daily wage labourer, at Delhi's Fatehpur Beri: We are surviving without food and water here. We request the government to help us. It is better to die of this disease rather than dying of hunger

Rajasthan: Two more people test positive in the state, a 45-year-old man in Jaipur and a 35-year-old man from Jhunjhunu. Both have a foreign travel history. Contact tracing underway. The total number of cases in the state rise to 40.

Delhi: Daily wagers at Fatehpur Beri facing trouble in wake of Coronavirus lockdown. Samima, native of Bihar, says,"Our children have been surviving on water for the past 2 days. Landlords are demanding the monthly rent. I urge the govt to either help or send us to our villages".

Three more persons have been tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of cases to 43 in Telangana. One person has been cured/discharged: State Health Department

8.69 crore farmers to be immediately benefited through Direct cash transfers. Installment of ₹ 2000 in the first week of April will be transferred: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman .

A man has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He flew back from Chennai on March 24. Follow up action is being taken as per protocol: Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Tamil Nadu Police register 1434 cases against 8136 people for violating prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC. Eight people have been arrested & 12 cases lodged for spreading misinformation. Another six cases registered for violating home quarantine.

Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Ann Yojna(for next 3 months): 80 cr poor people covered (2/3rd of India’s population), in addition to already allotted 5Kg of rice/wheat per person,an additional 5kg will be free. Additional 1kg pulse (acc to regional preference) will be given, announces FM Nirmala Sitharaman

There will be Rs 50 lakh insurance per health care worker as a medical insurance cover for them for three months. Hopefully, we would be able to contain the virus in this period: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces package of Rs 1 lakh 75 thousand crore to take care of welfare concerns of poor, those directly affected by corona virus lockdown, reported NDTV

Delhi metro services will remain closed till April 14 2020 amid coronavirus lockdown: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, reported NDTV

Three more persons test positive for coronavirus in Noida; total cases in Gautam Buddh Nagar district 14: Officials

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has constituted a task force to develop management protocols for the Coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.

Mohalla clinics in Delhi will continue to operate, says Kejriwal after a doctor at one of the clinics tested positive for COVID-19

Online service providers/e-retailers delivering essential services & goods to be allowed. All essential services shops can remain open 24 hours so that there is no rush of people: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal

A 66-year-old man, admitted at a private hospital here, has been detected with the coronavirus infection, taking the total number of positive cases in West Bengal to ten, officials said on Thursday.

One of the afflicted died on Monday, while the others are under treatment.

The latest COVID-19 patient -- a resident of Nayabad near the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass -- was hospitalised on Monday with fever, cough and respiratory problems, and kept in the isolation ward.

Punjab-origin Canadian MP Kamal Khera tests positive for coronavirus , reported Hindustan Times

Indian students currently in Pakistan should observe precautions against COVID-19 and stay safe. They may contact High Commission at 03028514549: High Commission of India, Islamabad

Till now, 43 positive cases of Coronavirus have been detected in the state: Gujarat Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare Jayanti Ravi

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic sweeping across the world has caused serious public health concerns, anguish and apprehensions across our country. It has imperiled lives and put at risk the lives and livelihoods of millions, particularly, the most vulnerable sections of our society. The entire nation stands as one in solidarity in the fight to halt and defeat the Corona pandemic.

The 21-day ‘Nation-wide Lockdown’ announced by you as a measure to fight the Coronavirus is a welcome step. As President of the Indian National Congress, I would like to state that we will support and collaborate fully with every step taken by the Union Government to ensure the containment of the pandemic.

At this challenging and uncertain time, it is imperative for each one of us to rise above partisan interests and honour our duty towards our country and indeed, towards humanity. It is in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation therefore, that I would like to suggest some measures that I believe will help us to address the massive health crisis we are about to face and to ameliorate the immense economic and existential pain that vulnerable sections of our society will soon be subjected to.

1.
It has been announced that the Union Government has allocated Rs.15,000 Cr to fight the Coronavirus including meeting the requirements of our doctors, nurses and health professionals. I would like to re-emphasize the urgent need to arm our doctors, nurses and health workers with ‘Personal Protection Equipment’ including N-95 masks and hazmat suits.

Contd…2/-

-: 2 :-

Let us ensure the opening and scaling up of manufacture and supply of these items so that not a single health professional faces the predicament of contracting or passing on COVID-19 owing to unavailability of ‘Personal Protection Equipment’. Announcing a special “Risk Allowance” for doctors, nurses and health workers for a period of six months retrospectively from the 1st of March 2020, is imperative. Health Professionals and their support teams risk their lives to work at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. I believe we owe it to them to provide every protection and incentive we can.

2.
Over the last few weeks, there has been much uncertainty about designated hospitals and their locations, number of beds, isolation chambers, ventilators, dedicated medical teams, medical supplies etc. This has been caused by a paucity of information. Disseminating all essential information, including the locations of designated hospitals and their emergency phone line numbers is essential to facilitate management of the pandemic. A dedicated portal for sharing these and all other necessary information is one way forward.

3.
Given that even the most advanced and developed healthcare systems in the world are facing an overload of patients and crumbling under the weight of the sheer numbers of affected persons, the Union Government could immediately commission and begin construction of temporary facilities with large numbers of ICUs and ventilators in geographical areas where the outbreak is expected to be concentrated in the near future.

4.
Daily wagers, MGNREGA workers, factory labour, construction & unorganized workers, fishermen, farm labourers and many more form the most vulnerable sections of our society. It has been recently reported that many businesses and companies are laying off and retrenching large numbers of regular and temporary employees. It would be in order for the Union Government to immediately put in place broad based social protection measures including Direct Cash Transfer to these sections to tide over the period of difficulty. I have suggested some such measures in the succeeding points.

Contd….3/-

-: 3 : -

5.
The 21-day Lockdown comes at the peak of the harvesting season. The agricultural crop is ready for harvesting in most states by the end of March. With nearly 60% of India’s population being economically dependent on agriculture, it is imperative that the Union Government should take necessary steps to enable harvesting and procurement of crops at MSP. This is also the right time to suspend all recoveries from farmers for a period of six months and to consider indebtedness relief liberally.

6.
I sincerely believe that implementing the Minimum Income Guarantee Scheme i.e. ‘NYAY Yojana’ proposed by the Indian National Congress is the need of the hour. At this time of immense distress for the poor who are going to weather the major economic fallout of this pandemic, it will give them a basic economic resource to fall back on.

Alternately, a cash transfer of Rs.7,500/- to every ‘Jan Dhan’ Account Holder, ‘PM KisanYojna’ Account Holder, all old-age / widow / differently abled person’s Pension Account, MGNREGA worker’s accounts, as a one-time special measure to tide over the 21-Day Lockdown period should be considered

May I also suggest distribution of 10 kg of rice or wheat per family member to every ration card holder through PDS free of cost as a special measure to tide over the difficulty of the next 21 days.

7.
Salaried class employees are also bearing the brunt of the harsh measures required to contain the spread of the disease. The Union Government might consider deferring all EMIs for a period of six months. The interest being charged by the banks for this period may consequently be waived. Similarly, all loan installment deductions from the salary of government employees may also be deferred for six months.

Contd….4/

-: 4 : -

8.
All businesses, particularly the Micro, Small & Medium businesses, have been facing unprecedented distress from before the onset of the pandemic. The pandemic has increased their distress multi-fold. The Union Government must consider announcing a comprehensive sector-wise relief package including necessary tax breaks, interest subvention and deferment of liabilities.

Mr. Prime Minister, if implemented, these measures will reaffirm our commitment to each and every one of our citizens when they most need support and protection. We in the Congress Party stand with the people of India at this time of national crisis and we extend to the government, our full support and cooperation, Writes Congress President Sonia Gandhi

Delhi Police suspend a constable posted at Ranjit Nagar Police Station, Rajbir, for allegedly vandalizing vegetable shops during Coronavirus lockdown. "Police personnel have been sensitised in this regard," the police say.

A 65-year-old woman from Mumbai who tested positive for Coronavirus, passes away; cause of death yet to be ascertained: Maharashtra Health Department

Majority of 1,022 coronavirus cases in Pakistan constitute young adults falling in the age bracket of 21-30 years, Geo TV quotes Special Assistant to Pakistan PM on Health, Dr Zafar Mirza.

Total number of COVID-19 positive cases rise to 649 in India (including 593 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 13 deaths): Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Cases in Delhi have risen to 36. A mohalla clinic doctor & 4 others have been tested positive after they came in contact with an infected woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor's wife & daughter have also tested positive: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.

The first COVID-19 death occurred in Srinagar after a patient who had tested positive earlier succumbed on Thursday in the hospital.

Doctors said the 65-year old COVID-19 positive patient being treated at the Chest Diseases Hospital in Srinagar city succumbed on Thursday.

"The patient had accompanying ailments of hypertension, diabetes and obesity. He succumbed in the early hours today," a senior doctor said.

The patient was part of a 'Tabligi Jamaat' (Religious preachers) who had contact history with foreigners before he arrived back in the valley.

Before being admitted in the hospital, he had come into contact with some local doctors, nurses and paramedics in addition to attending a couple of religious congregations in Sopore town of Kashmiri's Baramulla district.

With this death of an infected patient, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases is now 10 in the union territory out of whom seven are being treated in Srinagar and three in Jammu city.

With five more people testing positive for coronavirus in Indore, the total number of cases in the city have risen to 10, health officials said on Thursday.

The five patients -- two women and three men -- were admitted in different hospitals of the city and tested positive on late Wednesday night, a spokesperson of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College said.

On Wednesday, five people with no history of foreign travel had tested positive for coronavirus. They included three men, aged 48, 65 and 68, and two women, aged 50 and 65.

The 65-year-old woman from neighbouring Ujjain died at the government-run MY Hospital in Indore on Wednesday.

Earlier, six positive coronavirus cases were reported from Jabalpur and one each from Bhopal, Gwalior and Shivpuri.

Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed in Indore and Ujjain to contain the spread of the virus.

A 66-year-old man in Nayabad tests positive for COVID-19. Total number of positive cases in the state rise to 10

The coronavirus pandemic has claimed 7,503 lives in Italy, while the cumulative number of confirmed cases have reached 74,386, Italian authorities said.

Active infections grew by 3,491 cases on the daily basis, bringing the total active infections to 57,521 since the epidemic broke out in the northern regions on February 21, the Civil Protection Department coordinating the emergency response said on Wednesday, Xinhua reported.