The nationwide lockdown to contain the deadly coronavirus looks set to be extended by two more weeks till April-end after a consensus emerged among States for continuing the curbs amid the tally of confirmed infections crossing 8,300.
While Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked State governments to take steps to curb the lockdown violations and ensure adherence to social distancing, he also announced a shift in focus from Jaan hai to jahaan hai (health is wealth) to Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi (lives as well as livelihoods), which many saw as indications towards relaxations for certain economic activities, including for industrial and agriculture sector.
The United States became the first country to report more than 2,000 coronavirus deaths in a single day, marking a grim milestone as huge swathes of the globe celebrated the Easter holiday weekend under lockdown from home.
The global death toll from the virus surged past 103,000, with the United States quickly becoming the epicentre of the pandemic that first emerged in China in December 2019.
Also read | Ground Zero: The story of India’s largest COVID-19 cluster
The Hindu has brought out a multi-language e-book on essential COVID-19 information, in addition to covering the developments related to the coronavirus pandemic as it unfolded.
Here are answers from experts on your queries about the virus, a list of State Helpline numbers , a State-wise tracker for COVID-19 cases, deaths and testing, and a map of confirmed cases in India .
Numbers to note:
24/7 national helpline can be reached at 1075 , 1930, 1944 (dedicated to Northeast), 1800-112-545 and 011-23978046 .
WhatsApp helpdesk number: 9013151515 .
Email: ncov2019-at-gmail.com.
Here are the latest updates:
Six staff from Taj Hotel in Colaba test positive
Six staff members from the Taj Hotel in Colaba have tested positive for COVID-19. They were admitted to the Bombay Hospital and are in stable condition. Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician of Bombay Hospital, said that the patients had very mild symptoms and were under treatment.
A spokesperson from the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) said that approximately 500 of their employees who are at work in the Mumbai hotels have been tested to date.
“Those who have tested positive mostly were asymptomatic showing absolutely no signs of illness. However, staff testing positive and symptomatic were duly hospitalized and others who were in contact with them have immediately been put in quarantine in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) norms and guidelines issued by the local Government authorities.
"Taj Mahal Palace and Tower does not have any guests at the current time and only very minimal staff in areas like housekeeping, security, maintenance and staff dining are present to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the hotel,” the spokesperson said. IHCL has been supporting the government with various humanitarian initiatives. The President, Taj Lands End, Taj Santacruz and Ginger Andheri are also hosting the medical fraternity in close cooperation with BMC.
- Jyoti Shelar
4 new cases in Odisha
Four new COVID-19 positive cases detected in Odisha on Saturday taking the State’s total to 54. Active cases now stand at 41 as 12 have recovered and one has died.
- Prafulla Das
Discharged patient called back to hospital after a 'weak positive' result
A COVID-19 patient discharged from a State-run hospital in Hyderabad after he tested negative was called back after after a second test result turned out to be weak positive, a medical official said on Saturday.
“The patient, who tested positive on March 23, was discharged after the test result came out negative. But it came weak positive in a second test.So we called back, admitted him in the hospital and again sent (the samples) for testing," the official said.
Delhi Chief Secretary asks DCPs to ensure security of health professionals
Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev on Saturday directed the city’s deputy commissioners of police to provide sufficient security to healthcare personnel treating COVID-19 patients in their respective areas.
An official said that the chief secretary also directed the DCPs to extend police security to the doctors and other medical staff visiting colonies to conduct screening of people.
The move comes after the Supreme Court directed the Centre and State governments to ensure sufficient security to the healthcare personnel at the frontline of the country’s coronavirus response.
The official said that the chief secretary has warned of strict action for the violation of the Supreme Court order.
Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had also warned of strict action against those misbehaving with healthcare personnel in the city.
Recently, two women resident doctors of the Safdarjung Hospital were assaulted following rumours that they are “spreading COVID-19” in the Gautam Nagar area.
- PTI
Telangana extends lockdown till April 30
The Telangana cabinet on Saturday extended the lockdown in the State till April 30.
“The state cabinet decided to continue the lockdown in the state till April 30.It will be implemented in a tough manner,” Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
- PTI
Total number of cases in the country crosses 8,000
The total number of cases across the country touched 8,380 on Friday, as of 10 p.m., with the death toll surging to 287.
Of these, 7303 are active cases.
Total number of cases in Madhya Pradesh jumps to 529
As many as 64 persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, taking the tally to 529. Bhopal recorded 15 fresh cases today, taking its count to 131. The State has recorded 40 deaths owing to the illness and 38 recoveries so far, according to the State Health Bulletin
- Sidharth Yadav
MHA tells States to provide security to doctors and medical personnel
In view of reported incidents of harassment of doctors and medical staff, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed all States/UTs and respective police authorities to provide necessary cecurity to them in hospitals and at places where patients who have been diagnosed COVID-19 positive or present, and where suspected cases are quarantined.
- Vijaita Singh
'Railways is running special trains to transport perishable food items'
The government on Saturday said that the Railways is running special trains to transport perishable food items and seeds across the country for ensuring availability of these products during the lockdown.
“Indian Railways has identified 67 routes (134 trains) for Parcel Special Trains since the start of the lockdown for perishable commodities including fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products and seeds for agriculture purpose,” the agriculture ministry said in a statement.
- PTI
Rajasthan tally jumps to 678, with 117 cases confirmed in a day
The total number of positive cases in Rajasthan has jumped to 678 with the detection of 117 new cases today.
Of these, 65 people were found in Jaipur during the house-to-house survey in the curfew-bound Walled City, and among those sent to isolation. Eighteen cases were detected in Tonk.
So far, at least 112 people have tested negative after treatment and 58 of them have been discharged, said the State Medical & Health Department.
- Mohammed Iqbal
Total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh crosses 450
The total number of cases in Uttar Pradesh has now touched 452, with four new cases detected today, according to the Directorate of Health Services.
One more person - a doctor from Bulandhshahr - died at Safdarjung hospital today, taking the toll to five. Bulandshahr District Magistrate, Ravindra Kumar, said the clinic run by the doctor was declared a hotspot. The locality where he lived, the hospitals where he was treated and adjoining areas have also been declared a part of the hotspot and sealed.
- Omar Rashid
Prohibitory orders in place in Mumbai ahead of Ambedkar Jayanti
The Mumbai Police on Saturday issued prohibitory orders till Tuesday night restricting movement as well as assembly of five or more persons for the coronavirus outbreak, officials said.
Ambedkar Jayanti will be celebrated on Tuesday and the state government had banned gatherings in order to maintain social distancing to combat the virus outbreak.
- PTI
Gujarat tally reaches 468
At least 36 new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Gujarat on Friday, along with three deaths.
The State tally now stands at 468, with 44 persons having recovered and discharged.
As many as 22 people have died so far.
- Mahesh Langa
Shipment of HCQ to U.S. likely to begin next week, says pharma body
The shipment of anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine to the U.S. is likely to start next week, a leading pharma industry body has said.
“The shipments of hydroxychloroquine to the US are likely to start next week. Indian pharma companies are committed to meet both, domestic and export commitments,” Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance Secretary General Sudarshan Jain said.
- PTI
10-month-old baby discharged from hospital
A 10-month-old baby, who was the youngest COVID-19 patient in Karnataka undergoing treatment at a private hospital, was discharged on April 11.
The baby from Sajipanadu village, Bantwal Taluk in Dakshina Kannada had been admitted to the K.S. Hegde Hospital at Deralakatte on March 23.
Dakshina Kannada did not report any positive COVID-19 case on the seventh consecutive day on April 11.
- Ravi Kamila
Council of Ministers to resume working from ministerial offices
Prime Minister Modi on Saturday asked his Council of Ministers to end “work from home” and resume working from ministerial offices from Tuesday (as Monday is baisakhi and Ambedkar Jayanti).
Senior officers (Joint Secretaries and above) are also to report to work. Class II, III and IV staff will work from office on a rotational basis.
- Nistula Hebbar
Cases in Maharashtra shoot up to 1,761
COVID-19 death toll in Mumbai jumped to 75 with 11 fresh deaths reported on Saturday, said the civic body.
The total number of cases in the State has shot up to 1,761.
As many as 127 people have died so far in the State, with 17 deaths reported today.
- Jyoti Shelar
Madhya Pradesh govt. allows the use of MLALADF funds
The Planning, Economics and Statistics Department of Madhya Pradesh on Saturday issued an order allowing utilisation of MLA Local Area Development Fund (MLALADF) for dealing with COVID-19 crisis.
It enables district collectors to use these funds for measures to check the spread of the pandemic, an official said here.
The order was issued at Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s instructions, he added.
- PTI
Medics wearing protective suits cremate the body of a COVID-19 patient in Karad, Maharashtra, during the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, on Saturday, April 11. This is the 2nd death in the Satara region.
Medics wearing protective suits cremate the body of a COVID-19 patient in Karad, Maharashtra, during the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19, on Saturday, April 11. This is the 2nd death in the Satara region.
Total number of cases in Tamil Nadu touches 969, death toll rises to 10
At least 58 new cases and one death was reported from Tamil Nadu on Saturday, taking the State's total to 969, said Chief Secretary K. Shanmugam in the daily press briefing.
The toll in the State has climbed to 10.
The State Cabinet has decided to wait for the Prime Minister's decision on extending the lockdown and act accordingly, says the Chief Secretary.
UP police declares reward for tracing Tablighi Jamaat members
The Uttar Pradesh police has declared rewards for those helping in tracing the Tablighi Jamaat members who are yet to report to the authorities here, police said on Saturday.
The police has so far quarantined 33 Jamaat members who were staying in various mosques, madrassas and homes here.
- PTI
LIC to give 30 days for payment of premium
Life Insurance Corporation on Saturday announced an extension of 30 days for payment of premium due in March and April 2020 to mitigate the hardships being faced by policyholders in the wake of COVID-19.
For February premiums, where grace period was expiring after March 22, relaxation is allowed up to April 15, LIC said in a statement here.
- PTI
Indian team has reached Kuwait, says Jaishankar
India’s rapid response team has reached Kuwait as a follow up to the discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Kuwait counterpart Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah on dealing with COVID-19 crisis, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday.
On April 1, Prime Minister Modi and Sheikh Al-Sabah held a telephonic conversation and decided that officials of the two countries would maintain regular contact to exchange information and explore avenues of cooperation.
- PTI
Tamil Nadu deploys senior bureaucrats to manage pandemic in districts
The State government has formed zonal Special Task Teams comprising senior IAS/IPS officers to follow up and ensure that all contact persons of COVID-19 positive patients are traced across the State.
Seventeen locals have tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, taking the total number of cases to 224. Five of the new cases have been reported from Jammu Division and 12 from Kashmir, said J&K spokesman Rohit Kansal.
(Peerzada Ashiq)
Lockdown in Maharashtra to continue 'at least' till April 30, says Uddhav Thackeray
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that patients in Mumbai are increasing. "The city has one of the biggest airports in the country."
"A few countries were not listed in initial list to check tourists. Those people could go out without check up. But let's not get into history now.
"We have sealed areas in Mumbai. Containment areas are where patients are increasing. BMC is going to every home to check the history of patients and contacts. We are not waiting.
"Mumbai has conducted 19,000 tests. Around 1000 were positive patients. 65-70% of them have mild to extremely mild symptoms.
"The number of those who died is high. But those in high risk group include those about 60 years of age, and with other diseases. Many of them were admitted at the last stage.
"All CMs said that we cannot take it lightly at this time.
"I told PM that we will continue lockdown in Maharashtra after April 14.
"It is up to us to decide till when this lockdown will continue. We have to follow discipline.
"Lockdown will continue till April 30.
"Instructions regarding what will work and what will not will be given in stepwise manner," Mr. Thackeray said.
"Restrictions at some places could be eased. But at some places we will tighten it," he further said, adding that the lockdown will continue "at least till April 30".
(Alok Deshpande)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the State would accept the extension of the lockdown in the interest of the country, after the video conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Schools, colleges in West Bengal will remain closed till June 1, she said.
(Shiv Sahay Singh)
MHA writes to West Bengal govt. on lockdown violations
The MHA wrote to the West Bengal government regarding violation of lockdown measures.
It said that the police was allowing religious congregations in the State. "Free ration has been distributed not through the institutional delivery system but by political leaders. This may have resulted in spread of COVID-19 infection, " the MHA said in its letter.
-- Vijaita Singh
The number of positive cases in Bihar has climbed to 61 after a fresh positive case detected in Nawada district.
(Amarnath Tewary)
No shortage of HCQ in country: Health Ministry
In a daily press briefing, a Home Ministry spokesperson said that fishing, marine and aquaculture industries, involving the entire chain of supplies, are to be exempted from lockdown. Heads of organisations would be responsible for social distancing and proper hygiene measures.
"Supply of essential commodities under control and being monitored.
"NCC cadets and Civil Defence volunteers have joined the fight against the virus, central armed forces are also pitching in.
"They are running quarantine camps, spreading public awareness.
"They are also providing ration to the stranded workers," she added.
1,71,718 samples have been tested so far, including 16564 tested in last 24 hours, an ICMR spokesperson said.
There are 586 dedicated hospitals of State and Central government, 1 lakh isolated beds and 11500 ICU beds have been prepared, a Health Ministry spokesperson said.
Giving example of coordinated action, the Home Ministry spokesperson said when the first case was identified in Agra, the three km area was considered as a containment zone and till five km, was considered as a buffer zone. The primary health care centres falling in the area were used, surveys were conducted and people with symptoms were identified and tested. Epicentres were also located.
There is no shortage of HCQ in the country, 3.28 crore tablets are available with the public sector, 2.6 crore tablets with private sector. Additionally over 2 crore more tablets to be provided to the private sector, said the Health Ministry spokesperson.
The ICMR spokesperson reiterated that it is not advisable for people to take HCQ without proper prescription.
(Devesh Pandey)
Karnataka extends lockdown till April 30
After a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, Karnataka has extended the lockdown till April 30, 2020, to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the Centre’s suggestions, lockdown norms have been relaxed to fishermen, rural economy largely comprising farming community, industry and labour class.
At a press conference, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa announced that the lockdown period has been extended from April 14 to April 30.
The Centre is expected to provide a set of guidelines to be followed during the extended period of lockdown, he said.
-- Nagesh Prabhu
Third case in Manipur
Medical teams in Manipur have confirmed the third case of coronavirus.
Officials said that a person hailing from Bengaluru tested positive on April 8. He was a resident of Moreh, the border town of Manipur. He had left for Bengaluru earlier this month. On showing symptoms of COVID-19, he was tested there.
Officials said that on receipt of this news medical teams rushed to Moreh and rounded up 19 persons including those who had stayed with him. They were brought to Imphal and Dr A. Santa, director of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, said that they will undergo testing.
(Iboyaima Laithangbam)
The total numbers of cases in Andhra Pradesh has climbed to 406. The number of deaths stands at 6.
-- Appaji Reddem
PM Modi indicates a 14-day extension of nationwide lockdown
Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicated on Saturday, after a marathon four-hour video conference with Chief Ministers, that the country could see a 14-day extension of the lockdown as that was the common demand of a large number of States including West Bengal. The Central government will be announcing guidelines for the same in the next couple of days.
(Nistula Hebbar)
Two more people, including a government doctor, test positive for COVID-19 in Ghaziabad
Two more persons, including a government doctor, was tested positive for COVID-19 in Ghaziabad on Friday night, taking the tally of infected people to 27, an official release said. Out of these, three have totally recovered.
Death toll in Dharavi climbs to 4
An 80-year-old man from Dr Baliga Nagar succumbed at the Kasturba Hospital on Saturday. He is the father of a 35-year-old woman who had tested positive earlier.
(Jyoti Shelar)
Bengal to impose total lockdown in 10 COVID-19 hotspots: CS
The West Bengal government will impose a 14-day ‘total lockdown’ in 10 hotspots from where several COVID-19 cases have been reported, chief secretary Rajiva Sinha said on Saturday.
Though the Chief Secretary did not name the areas, he said local markets and all roads in those areas will be completely shut down, and no one will be allowed to enter or step out of their homes.
--PTI
Singapore thanks India for facilitating evacuation of its residents
Singapore has expressed gratitude to India for facilitating evacuation of its 699 residents, who returned home on special chartered flights on Friday and Saturday.
The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, Singapore Consulate-General in Mumbai, and the Singapore Consulate-General in Chennai coordinated the evacuation and ground operations in India.
--PTI
With 92 new cases reported in Maharashtra, the State tally now stands at 1,666.
(Jyoti Shelar)
Seven new cases reported
Seven new cases have been reported on Saturday, taking the total number to 214. The new cases include five more from Mysuru, one from Bengaluru Urban and another from Bidar.
All the Mysuru cases are contacts of those who tested positive from the Pharma company.
So far six persons have succumbed to the disease and 37 have been discharged.
(Afshan Yasmeen)
Man dies in Kannur
A 71-year-old man who was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at Kannur Government Medical College Hospital died on Saturday.
PM Modi holds meeting with CMs; lockdown extension focus of discussion
As India battles the COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video conference with Chief Ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-day nation-wide lockdown should be extended beyond April 14 to stem the tide of the infections.
Prohibit spitting of smokeless tobacco in public places, Health Ministry tells states
“Chewing smokeless tobacco products, paan masala and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” the ministry said in a letter to chief secretaries of all states and union territories.
In view of the increasing danger of the coronavirus pandemic, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has also appealed to people to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places.
Five new positive cases in Kurnool, total goes to 82
District Collector G. Veerapandian on Saturday said the district received results of 108 samples of the primary contacts of Delhi returnees and of them while 103 samples turned negative, 5 new positive cases were reported.
Gujarat records 54 new cases
Gujarat recorded 54 new cases of coronavirus infection on Saturday morning, taking the total number of cases in the State to 432. So far, 34 have recovered while 19 have died. 376 patients are under treatment of which 3 on ventilator support.
(Mahesh Langa)
71-year-old man from Mahe dies in Kannur
A 71-year-old man, who was undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at Kannur Government Medical College Hospital died on Saturday. The deceased, a resident of Cherukalai in Mahe, died after his condition deteriorated. Suffering from renal and heart problems, he was kept on a ventilator after admitted with symptoms for the disease. Meanwhile, the health department could not ascertain how he got the disease. Preliminary investigation revealed that he had visited various parts of the district and was in contact with many others.
(Staff Reporter)
Turkey bans citizens from leaving home for 48 hours as death toll tops 1,000
Istanbul, Ankara and other major Turkish cities locked down for two days from midnight on Friday to combat the spread of the coronavirus under an Interior Ministry order, as the country's death toll from the pandemic rose above 1,000.
China reports 46 new coronavirus cases, up from 42 a day earlier
China on Saturday reported a rise in new coronavirus cases, as authorities try to head off a second wave of COVID-19 , particularly from imported and asymptomatic infections, as city and travel restrictions are lifted.
The National Health Commission said 46 new cases were reported on Friday , including 42 involving travellers from overseas, up from 42 cases a day earlier.
Trump orders a variety of measures to help Italy
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday ordered top U.S. administration officials to help Italy in fighting the novel coronavirus by providing medical supplies, humanitarian relief and other assistance.
In a memo to several Cabinet ministers, Mr. Trump ordered a variety of measures to help Italy, including making U.S. military personnel in the country available for telemedicine services, helping set up field hospitals, and transporting supplies.
Decision on lockdown after today’s Cabinet meeting
A senior official told The Hindu : “Some doctors recommended a two-week extension and some favoured a three-week extension and some, even beyond. The government will wait for Prime Minister’s video conferencing with Chief Ministers on Saturday and a final decision will be taken during the State Cabinet meeting [in the evening].”
10 districts identified for focused preventive steps
Health and Family Welfare Minister B. Sriramulu told Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan that the State has identified 10 COVID-19 hotspot districts for implementing intense monitoring and preventive measures.
Worldwide death toll crosses 1,00,000
The worldwide number of fatalities from the novel coronavirus pandemic rose to 100,859 on Friday, according to a tally compiled by AFP at 1900 GMT from official sources.
More than 16,64,110 declared cases have been registered in 193 countries and territories since the epidemic first emerged in China in December. Of these cases, at least 3,35,900 are now considered recovered.
UAE ‘ready to repatriate stranded Indians’
Responding to India’s concerns, the United Arab Emirates has offered to fly stranded Indian nationals who want to return home in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ambassador Ahmed Al Banna told The Hindu on Friday that the government of UAE has decided to help all countries fly their citizens home after the completion of the necessary medical tests.
Scarcity of drugs, devices imminent, government warned
A countrywide shortage of medicines and medical devices is likely in the coming weeks, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has warned the Home Ministry, urging it to take immediate steps to help drug makers resume production under the current lockdown .
