COVID-19 outbreak across the globe: All Updates

COVID 19 claims 29 lives in India

West Bengal reports second COVID 19 death

COVID 19 death rate likely to hit its peak in 2 weeks: Trump

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the highest peak of the death rate due to COVID 19 outbreak in the country is likely to hit in the next two weeks.

Total COVID 19 infected cases touch 21 in West Bengal

A 59-year-old man from Sheoraphuli area in Kolkata's neighbouring Hooghly district of West Bengal tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking the total number of Covid-19 infected cases in the state to 21, officials said on Sunday.

According to reports, the man with no recent travel history to any foreign country is undergoing treatment in a very critical condition under ventilator support in a private hospital in Kolkata's Salt Lake area.

State health officials said that they were trying to track how the man was infected with novel coronavirus.

"We are trying to understand the source of his Covid-19 infection as we have come to know that he went to Durgapur weeks ago," a health official said.

Two more people test positive for COVID 19 in Kolkata

Two more people, including a doctor, tested positive for COVID 19 in Kolkata on Sunday.

The number of people infected by the disease in the city currently stands at 20.

Three COVID 19 patients in Kolkata are recovering: Sources

India government briefing on Covid-19

COVID-19 cases in India inch closer to 1000, 25 death so far

With 987 novel coronavirus cases so far, India is likely to jump the 1000 mark soon. The country recorded 25 deaths due to the viral infection while 87 people managed to recover.

BSF official tests positive for COVID-19

A BSF official, who was posted as a supervisory officer at a BSF quarantine centre in Madhya Pradesh's Tekanpur, has tested positive for COVID-19. He reportedly attended 4 meetings between Mar 15 & 19 where he met other ADG, IG rank officers. His wife returned from UK 15 days ago. All officers he met and his wife have been kept under quarantine.

Covid-19 tally in West Bengal reaches 18

Covid-19 tally in West Bengal reaches 18 as a woman, who has been kept in an isolation ward in North Bengal Medical College & Hospital, tests positive for novel coronavirus. She has travel history to foreign country.

West Bengal reports two more COVID-19 positive cases, tally reaches 17

Two women, aged 76 and 56 years, from West Bengal's East Medinipur district have tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking total number of cases to 17 in the state, officials confirmed on Saturday late evening.

According to reports, these women from East Medinipur's Egra area have been kept under quarantine for last few days for having a history of contact to a 66-year-old COVID-19 positive patient, who is currently undergoing treatment in a critical condition at Kolkata's Peerless hospital.

Senior state health officials said that these two women will be shifted to the isolation ward of a Kolkata hospital soon.

Meanwhile, five members of a family from Tehatta in Nadia district of West Bengal, who had tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday, were admitted to Beliaghata ID hospital in Kolkata on Saturday afternoon.

Currently, nine more COVID-19 infected people are undergoing treatment in Beliaghata ID hospital and privately-run Peerless Hospital in Kolkata while AMRI hospital in city's Salt Lake area had reported the first and so far the only death due to COVID-19 infection on Mar 23.

Total COVID-19 cases in India jump to 959 on fourth day of nationwide lockdown

Even on the fourth day of the three-week nationwide lockdown, India on Saturday registered a steep rise in positive Novel Coronavirus cases as 959 people have so far been infected with the deadly virus keeping the country of a huge population on edge.

23 people have died in COVID-19 so far in the country.

A 69-year old man from Kerala's Ernakulam passed away at Kochi Medical College on Saturday.

The deceased had a travel history to Dubai.

The southern state of Telangana on Saturday reported its first death as a 74-year old man with a travel history to the national capital Delhi passed away.

Akshay Kumar donates Rs. 25 crore to 'PM Cares Fund' to combat COVID-19

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar on Saturday donated Rs. 25 crore to a fund which has been created by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for willful donations to fight against COVID-19.

Modi on Saturday announced "Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund" or "PM Cares Fund".

Kumar tweeted, "This is that time when all that matters is the lives of our people. And we need to do anything and everything it takes. I pledge to contribute Rs 25 crores from my savings to @narendramodi ji’s PM-CARES Fund. Let’s save lives, Jaan hai toh jahaan hai."

Narendra Modi announces 'PM Cares Fund' for donations to combat COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced "Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund" or "PM Cares Fund" for donations to fight against the deadly Novel Coronavirus in India.

Modi took to Twitter to appeal to people to contribute to the fund to fight against the virus which has kept the country as well as the globe on edge.

The Prime Minister tweeted, "People across the country have expressed their willingness to contribute to fight against COVID-19. In recognition of this sentiment, Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund has been created. This will prove to be very effective in building a healthy India."

Citizens and organisations can go to the website pmindia.gov.in and donate to the PM CARES Fund using their "name of the account", "account number", "IFSC Code", "SWIFT code", "name of the bank and branch" and "UPI ID".

We all are one in this battle against COVID-19: PM Modi

After interacting with several Radio Jockeys, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said, "We all are one in this battle against COVID-19!."

COVID-19 death toll in India reaches 21

The COVID-19 death toll in India reached 21 as a 69-year old man, who had tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus, died at Kochi Medical College. 

SpiceJet offers to fly migrant workers from Delhi, Mumbai to Bihar

Amid the nationwide lockdown called by the government to stop the spread of COVID-19, airline SpiceJet has offered to fly migrant workers from Delhi and Mumbai to the eastern state of Bihar, media reports said.

The airline has offered to help by operating a special flight.

The domestic and international flights have been banned by the Centre till Apr 14.

The lockdown will also be lifted on Apr 14 midnight.

Check the COVID 19 cases India

India enters fourth day of lockdown

India completes 3rd day of lockdown, COVID-19 positive cases shoot up to 874, death toll at 20

After a steep rise in the number of Coronavirus positive cases on Thursday, India at present has 874 infected cases as per worldometers.info on Friday, and witnessed 20 deaths amid the third day of the nationwide lockdown of its 1.3 billion people to fight the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

About 73 people have recovered from the virus.

Kolkata: Five of a family including three children test positive for Covid-19, total cases in Bengal reach 15

Five members of a family, including three children, have tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking the tally in West Bengal to 15, officials confirmed on Friday.

"Two women, aged 27 and 45 years, and three children, aged 9 months, 11 years and 6 years, have been found Covid-19 after the second confirmation test which was done at NICED," a senior official of state health department said.

"Though these five persons, who belong to a closed group of siblings and relatives, didn't travel to any foreign country in recent times, they reportedly have a history of contact to a Covid-19 positive case, who returned from the UK on Mar 16, in Delhi," the official added. 

Narendra Modi wishes Boris Johnson recovery, calls him a 'fighter'

British PM Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID19

He said he developed mild symptoms over the past 24 hours.

" Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," he said.

Johnson said he is currently self-isolating.

"I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government’s response via video-conference as we fight this virus," he said.

India slashes repo rate to tackle COVID-19 impact

The Reserve Bank of India on Friday announced that repo rate has been slashed by 75 basis points to 4.4 percent.

Making the announcement, RBI governor Shaktikanta Das said: "The repo rate has been reduced by 75 basis points to 4.4 percent."

He said: "Finance is the lifeline of the economy and keeping it flowing is a matter of paramount importance to the RBI."

Das also announced a moratorium of EMIs for three months on all outstanding loans.

He alerted: "There is a rising probability that large parts of the world will slip into recession."

Lauding the RBI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Today @RBI has taken giant steps to safeguard our economy from the impact of the Coronavirus. The announcements will improve liquidity, reduce cost of funds, help middle class and businesses."

325 schools will be used to provide free food to homeless and needy people: Delhi CM Kejriwal

"325 schools will be used to provide free food to the homeless and needy people. We were feeding approx 20,000 people on daily basis, from tomorrow we will be feeding 4 lakh people," said Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

After accusing WHO of siding with China over COVID-19, Donald Trump talks to Xi Jinping

After accusing the World Health Organisation (WHO) of siding with China over COVID-19, US President Donald Trump on Friday held a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping and stated the two countries were working closely to fight the deadly Novel Coronavirus.

Trump tweeted, "Just finished a very good conversation with President Xi of China. Discussed in great detail the CoronaVirus that is ravaging large parts of our Planet. China has been through much & has developed a strong understanding of the Virus. We are working closely together. Much respect!"

Earlier in response to a question on allegations by Republican Senator Marco Rubio that the WHO was siding with China, Trump said as quoted by media, "It (WHO) has been very very much sided with China. A lot of people are not happy about it."

66 COVID 19 patients recovered in India

The Ministry of Health on Friday announced that 66 patients, who were suffering from COVID 19, have recovered from the disease.

India observing third day of lockdown as COVID 19-hit patients number touches 724

The Indian Health Ministry on Friday said the total number of COVID 19 infected cases in India stands at 724.

The Ministry said 17 people died due to COVID 19 infection in the country so far.

Meanwhile, India is following the third day of its national lockdown, a move seen as a crucial measure taken by the Centre to fight against the virus.

COVID 19: US overtakes China with most cases

The US has overtaken China and other countries as the nation with highest number of COVID 19 cases, media reports said.

The United States has overtaken China as the country with the largest number of infections with the novel strain of the coronavirus (COVID-19), John Hopkins University of revealed on its website on Friday, reported Sputnik.

There were currently 82,404 US cases of COVID-19 versus China’s 81,782 cases, according to the data provided by the Johns Hopkins University.

Image: Pixabay 

3rd Day of lockdown begins in India

India witnesses 2nd day of lockdown, COVID-19 cases rise to 697, death mounts to 16

As India witnessed the second day of lockdown, the death toll climbed to 16 on Thursday with 697 infected cases of the deadly Novel Coronavirus, as per the government data.

The John Hopkins live tracking website, however, puts the number of positive cases in India at 719.

So far 45 people have recovered from the virus infection.

COVID-19: Centre extends ban on landing of international flights till Apr 14

The Centre on Thursday extended the ban on the landing of all international commercial flights in India till April 14 to prevent the spread of novel Coronavirus.

Earlier, the government had banned the landing of all international commercial flights in India for a week beginning on Mar 22.

In a fresh travel advisory, the Centre stated: "It has been decided that all scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 1830 hours GMT of April 14, 2020."

Chinese men's football team tests negative for Coronavirus after returning from Dubai

Chinese men's football team announced on Thursday that all team members were tested negative for COVID-19 after flying back from Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

"After the Team arrived at Sanya on Monday, the whole team had COVID-19 tests, and were told all negative by local health authorities on Wednesday," Team China said in a post on its social media account.

The Chinese squad, which concluded their overseas training camp last week, are currently in self-isolation at a hotel in Sanya, south China's Hainan province.

ICC postpones all World Cup qualifiers amid Coronavirus outbreak

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has postponed all the qualifying events for the 2021 T20 World Cup and 50-overs version in 2023, which were scheduled to be held before June 30, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

"In light of the significant global health concerns at the current time and the restrictions on movement imposed by governments across the world, the ICC has taken the decision to postpone all events up until the end of June subject to further review," ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said.

"Our commitment to the health and safety of players, officials, staff and fans is our priority when taking these decisions and we must act responsibly in the best interests of all involved and be guided by official advice. We felt that now was the right time to take a prudent decision on these events before further planning is undertaken and to provide clarity to everyone involved, " he added.

Meanwhile, the ICC Women's World Cup Qualifier, which is scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka between July 3 and 19, is also being monitored and kept under review.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup Trophy Tour will also not be commencing in April as originally planned.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely and in partnership with Members and Nissan will evaluate the potential for a condensed Trophy Tour with a revised itinerary at a point closer to the event," ICC said.

The governing body also said that "all remaining men's T20 World Cup 2021 and men's World Cup 2023 qualifying events for 2020 are being continually monitored with relevant stakeholders and Members."

Chinese football star Wu Lei denies re-testing negative for COVID-19

Chinese star footballer Wu Lei denied on Thursday the rumours that the 28-year-old La Liga Espanol striker was re-tested negative for COVID-19.

"Recently, a series of news from Spainish media about Wu Lei's coronavirus-related content, including the time of his diagnosis, symptoms, recover process, and negative test result are not true," Wu's agent team said in a statement released on social media.

"Wu is currently in good condition, but is still in isolation and has not been tested again," noted the official notice, adding that they will update the health condition of the Chinese international as soon as possible.

The Chinese Football Association confirmed last Sunday that Wu, the only Chinese playing in one of the top five football leagues in Europe, became the first Chinese professional footballer tested positive for COVID-19.

Later on Sunday, Wu released a video on his social media, claiming he feels good in isolation at home in Barcelona, Spain and currently has close to no symptoms with good CT results on his lungs.

Brazilian tennis player Thiago Wild tests positive for COVID-19

Brazilian tennis player Thiago Wild has tested positive for the deadly Novel Coronavirus, less than a month after winning his first ATP title.

The 20-year-old said he was making a good recovery, having fallen ill with fever and flu-like symptoms early last week.

"Hey, guys, I just want to let you know that I've contracted the COVID-19. I've been in self-isolation for the past week and now I'm following the doctor's orders by taking care of myself," Wild said in a video posted on social media on Wednesday.

Wild became the youngest Brazilian to win an ATP title when he clinched the Chile Open earlier this month, aged 19 years and 257 days.

The world no. 114 urged people to take the disease seriously by avoiding social contact.

"It's important to stay at home and take care. This is a serious illness but it can be controlled with everybody's help," he added.

Delhi allows operation of food home delivery services

The Delhi government on Thursday allowed the operation of food home delivery services during 21-day lockdown which has been called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight the COVID-19.

"Food home delivery services have been allowed, the delivery persons can show their ID cards that will be sufficient," announced Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

However, the essential services including the grocery shops, banks, ATMs, pharmacies, media have been exempted by the Centre from the lockdown.

Indian students currently in Pakistan should observe precautions against COVID-19: Indian High Commission in Pakistan

The Indian High Commission in Pakistan has put up a tweet, "Indian students currently in Pakistan should observe precautions against #COVID19 and stay safe. They may contact High Commission at 03028514549. We are there to monitor the safety and well-being of all Indians in Pakistan."

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 650 as country enters day 2 of lockdown

The total Novel Coronavirus cases in India increased to 650 as the South Asian country entered into the second day of three-week long lockdown imposed by the central government on Thursday.

As per the government data, 649 people including 13 deceased and 42 cured have been infected with the deadly virus but IBNS has reported that one more patient in the state of West Bengal has been infected.

The total number of infected people in West Bengal is now 10 including one deceased.

West Bengal reports another positive case of Covid-19

A 66-year-old man from Kolkata's Nayabad area has tested positive for Covid-19, taking the tally in West Bengal to 10, reports said on Wednesday midnight. Presently, eight Covid-19 infected patients are undergoing treatment at Beliaghata ID hospital.

According to reports, swab sample of the man, who has been undergoing treatment in a hospital near Kolkata's EM Bypass since Mar 23, was sent to NICED and it was found positive for novel coronavirus.

Sources in the health ministry said that the man did not have any travel history to foreign countries.

Presently, eight Covid-19 infected patients are undergoing treatment at Beliaghata ID hospital.

India observes 1st day of lockdown, crosses 600-mark of COVID-19 positive cases

As 1.3 billion people in India observes the first day of 21-day lockdown to combat the COVID-19, the deadly virus has infected 606 people across the country and claimed lives of 10.

At least 46 new positive cases of Coronavirus surfaced on Wednesday itself.

According to Union Health Ministry website and other live tracking sites like  worldwometers.info and John Hopkins map, the death toll in India is 10. However, an India Today report claimed that India registered its 12th COVID 19 death after an infected person died in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday.

Indian Govt announces Coronavirus helpdesk in collaboration with Whatsapp

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces that the Government has formed a help desk, in collaboration with WhatsApp to seek correct information about Coronavirus.

He said it can be accessed through the WhatsApp number 9013151515 by texting 'Namaste' to this number, in either English or in Hindi.

He said that the Mahabharat war was won in 18 days and it would take 21 days for India to win the war against novel coronavirus.

Death toll touches 12 as one COVID 19 infected patient dies in Madhya Pradesh

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Indian PM interacts with Varanasi on Coronavirus

Bangladesh records its fifth COVID 19 death

Prince Charles Tests positive for COVID 19: BBC reports

Will order shoot-at-sight if people do not obey lockdown: Telangana CM KCR acts tough

Giving a tough message to the lockdown violators, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has said he will order shoot-at-sight if people do not listen to police, media reports said.

"If people will not listen to the police I will ask for army deployment and shoot-at-sight orders will be issued," Rao said as quoted by media.

36 people have been infected in Telangana.

India under lockdown as total Coronavirus cases rise to 562

India, the country of 1.3 billion people, on Wednesday began the 21-day long lockdown called by its Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the spread of Novel Coronavirus which has so far infected 562 people across the nation.

As per the government data last updated at 9:15 am, the total number of active positive COVID-19 cases is 512, cured/discharged cases is 40 while 10 people have lost their their lives.

However, one of the deceased, who was in the national capital Delhi, is COVID-19 negative.

There are 422,913 coronavirus cases worldwide now with 18,905 people succumbing to the virus, according to worldometers.info. A total of 109,143 people have recovered.

Mizoram person tests positive at Guwahati Hospital

A person from Mizoram was on Wednesday tested positive for Novel Coronavirus at Guwahati Medical College Hospital, Assam Health department Principal Secretary Samir Sinha confirmed.

The patient, who is a resident of Aizawl, is now admitted at Zoram Medical College. 

Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana has also confirmed that one person has tested positive for Covid-19 in Mizoram.

The person has a travel history to Netherlands. He came back to India on Mar 16.

Climate change teen sensation Greta Thunberg says she is showing symptoms of COVID 19

Climate change activist Greta Thunberg, who recently travelled to Europe, on Tuesday said she is self-isolating after she is suspecting that she might be suffering from COVID 19.

Narrating her experience, she said: "The last two weeks I’ve stayed inside. When I returned from my trip around Central Europe I isolated myself (in a borrowed apartment away from my mother and sister) since the number of cases of COVID-19 (in Germany for instance) were similar to Italy in the beginning. Around ten days ago I started feeling some symptoms, exactly the same time as my father - who traveled with me from Brussels."

COVID-19: Never thought would see my city like this, says Ganguly on lockdown

BCCI President and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly on Tuesday said he never thought his city would wear a deserted look with virtually no one on the streets, owing to a nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Never thought would see my city like this .. stay safe .. this will change soon for the better ...love and affection to all .." Ganguly said in a tweet with few pictures of some of the city''s iconic landmarks wearing an empty look.

India’s 30 states and Union Territories have imposed a state-wide curfew to contain the spread of COVID-19, starting Monday, a day after the country observed “Janata curfew”.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to more than 16,000 deaths globally and a total of 381,293 positive cases have been confirmed.

PM Modi announces 21-day complete lockdown in India starting midnight to fight Coronavirus

As the number of fatalities and infected cases in India is steeply rising, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a complete lockdown for 21 days starting midnight in the country to combat the deadly Novel Coronavirus.

"From 12 midnight, there will be complete lockdown across the entire country. For the benefit of the country, there will be a complete lockdown in every nook and corner of India. People are not allowed to step outside their homes from midnight 12. Forget going out. Corona means "Koi Road Pe Na Nikle," PM Modi announced in his second address to the nation over the Coronavirus spread.

Amid rising cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) emerging from across the nation, a man from Assam’s Hailakandi district has been booked for hiding travel history.

The Hailakandi district administration of Assam has filed FIR under Section 188 of IPC against the person at Hailakandi Sadar police station who arrived from abroad on Monday and did not report about his arrival at the nearest police station or health centre.

According to reports, the man travelled to the United Kingdom and reached Hailakandi on Monday. His father is a government employee.

In a press release issued, the Assam government said departmental action for immediate suspension is also being drawn against the father who is a government employee for concealing information.

According to reports, the family members misled the magistrate and police personnel that he would arrive after three days. On further inquiry it was found that he had already reached home.

A Rapid Response Team headed by Circle Officer of Hailakandi Tridip Roy took immediate action.

The person is being screened now, taking all necessary precautions.

A COVID-19 notice was also issued to their household for further prevention of spread and contact.

Hailakandi District Magistrate Keerthi Jalli warned that any person coming from COVID-19 affected states and countries not self reporting immediately to the nearest police station or health centre will be very severely dealt with and family members will also be equally liable for non cooperating and misleading the administration

West Bengal govt issues further lockdown order

COVID 19: Kolkata's first Corona victim's colleague admitted to hospital with breathing trouble

A colleague of the Kolkata man, who died on Monday from coronavirus infection, has been admitted to N.R.S Medical College and Hospital in the city after he had complained of massive breathing trouble, reports said on Tuesday afternoon.

According to reports, swab sample of the man, who used to sit beside city's first Covid-19 victim at the same office at Fairle Place area, has been sent to NICED for Covid-19.

"We are expecting his test result tonight from NICED following which we will take further decision," a state health official said.
On Monday at 3:35 pm, a 57-year-old man from Kolkata's Dum Dum area, who had earlier tested positive for Covid-19, died at Salt Lake AMRI hospital.

West Bengal govt extends lockdown till Mar 31

Indian FM Nirmala Sitharaman's press confenrence

Deadline for Aadhar-PAN link extended till Jun 30

No late fee, penalty for companies with annual turnover less than Rs. 5 cr: FM Sitharaman

The last date for filing I-T returns extended till Jun 30: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

Mumbai reports India's 10th death

Will address nation over Coronavirus: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Will address the nation at 8 PM today, 24th March 2020, on vital aspects relating to the menace of COVID-19."

Indian PM Narendra Modi to address nation today

Two more Kolkata people test positive for Covid-19, tally in West Bengal reaches 9

Two persons, who are currently under surveillance in Kolkata's Beliaghata ID hospital, have tested positive for novel coronavirus, taking the total number of Covid-19 confirmed cases to nine in West Bengal, officials said on Tuesday.

According to reports, a woman from Kolkata's Alipore area, who recently returned from London, and another person, who came back from Egypt weeks ago, were found Covid-19 positive after the first screening.

"For more conformation, we have sent their samples again to NICED for second test,"a senior health official said.

Six more Covid-19 infected patients are undergoing treatments at Beliaghata ID hospital while another 57-year-old Covid-19 patient, who was admitted in Salt Lake AMRI hospital, died on Monday late afternoon.

Total positive cases in India rise to 491

The total positive Coronavirus cases in India rose to 491. 

Two more positive COVID 19 cases recorded in Kolkata

Manipur records first COVID 19 case

North-East region in India has reported the first COVID 19 positive case on Tuesday.

According to reports, Manipur recorded its first COVID 19 case as a girl, who returned from the UK, tested positive.

She is reportedly a student in the UK.

The girl has been put under isolation in a hospital.

Her family members are being tested.

COVID-19 outbreak: 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games likely to be postponed to next year

The International Olympic Committee on Monday evening informed that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will be postponed, likely to 2021, media reports said.

The Olympics Games this year in Tokyo will not be starting from July 24.

Olympic Committee member Dick Pound told USA TODAY Sports Monday afternoon that the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are going to be postponed. The US newspaper quoting him said it is likely to be postponed to 2021, with the details to be worked out in the next four weeks.

Death toll from COVID-19 outbreak touches 9

The death toll from the Coronvirus outbreak in India rose to nine on Monday evening.

According to reports, the latest victim is a 69-year-old man who returned to Himachal Pradesh from the US.

"A 69-year-old Tibetan refugee, who died at a hospital in Tanda in Himachal Pradesh earlier today, has been tested positive for coronavirus. He returned from the US on March 15," State Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RD Dhiman told media.

Don't step out of your homes: Mamata Banerjee

Indian Parliament adjourned Sine Die

I need your cooperation: Arvind Kejriwal

Coronavirus Scare: No domestic flights from Wednesday

Domestic schedule commercial airlines shall cease operations from the mid night 23.59 IST hours on 24/3/2020. Restrictions shall not apply to solely cargo carrying flights.

West Bengal capital Kolkata registers first Covid-19 death on Monday

The first Covid-19 death of West Bengal was reported on Monday with a patient in Kolkata's AMRI Hospital in Salt Lake passing away, taking India's total death toll from coronavirus to eight. Official sources said the 55-year-old Covid-19 positive patient, who was undergoing treatment under ventilation support at AMRI Hospital in Salt Lake, died on Monday, making it the first Corona death in Kolkata as well as West Benga.

'Cancellation of event out of question', say Tokyo Olympics organizers

The cancellation of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Japan due to the COVID-19 pandemic is out of question, Organizing Committee CEO Toshiro Muto said on Monday, adding that different scenarios will be studied.

"Full cancellation is absolutely out of question," Muto said at a press conference, aired by NHK broadcaster.

"No decision has been made so far, different scenarios will be studied," he added.

One more positive case reported in UP

The number of COVID-19 patients in Uttar Pradesh went up to 30 on Monday after a new patient was tested positive in Pilibhit district.

According to officials, the new Coronavirus patient had recently returned from Saudi Arabia after attending Umra.

The affected woman have been admitted to the isolation ward in Pilibhit and her family members were being tested of the virus.

After the patient tested positive, UP government had included the district in the lock down list.

The officials revealed that the total number of COVID-19 patients has gone up to 30 though 11 patients have been cured and returned to their homes.

The officials further revealed that eight were found in Agra, Noida and Lucknow, two in Ghaziabad, and one each in Pilibhit, Moradabad, Lakhimpur Kheri and Varanasi.

Of the total test done, reports of 1,187 were found negative and reports of 96 tests were awaited.

Supreme Court bans admission, hearing only urgent matter

The Supreme Court on Monday banned the entry of people in the premises, in view of the rapid spread of Novel Coronavirus in the country and decided to hear only the most urgent cases through video conferencing.

A division bench of Chief Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde and Justice DY Chandrachud decided that hearing would be done in urgent matters, till further orders.

Justice Bobde said that all lawyers were requested to remove their files and other papers from their chamber, as the same would be sealed by 5 pm on Monday.

No petitioner-in-person would be allowed to argue in the case, till further orders by the court.

The apex court has also banned all types of admissions.

It has installed a large television set for video conferencing in the court room, whose link would be released on the official website soon, Justice Bobde added.

COVID-19: 484 Indians evacuated from Iran test negative

A total of 484 Indians, brought back from coronavirus-hit Iran, have tested negative for the disease, Army sources sad here on Monday.

The Indians, they said, were brought in five phases and initial investigations showed them negative but as a precautionary measure, they were sent for re-examination, which reconfirmed the reports.

The returnees were kept in isolation in the Army sector here where everything from food, to their entertainment was taken care of.

Not a single case of COVID-19 has come to light in this district till now.

Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi to stop all flight operations to Bengal

After following the Centre's advice to lockdown to combat COVID-19, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop all flight operations to the state with an immediate effect.

In her letter to the Prime Minister, Banerjee said, "... we are seriously concerned that Government of India is still allowing operation of flights causing a huge breach of shutdown and quarantine protocol with no arrangements of social distancing that we are so painfully managing in the State.

I, would therefore, request you to kindly arrange to issue necessary instructions to stop all flights coming to West Bengal with immediate effect so that the source of spreading infection is effectively contained and lockdown in the state is implemented in true letter and spirit."

Total Coronavirus positive cases in India rise to 415; Centre acts tough to ensure lockdown

The central government has intended to deal with the violators of lockdown strictly as the total positive Novel Coronavirus cases across the country rose to 415 on Monday.

Maharashtra and Kerala have reported the maximum number of cases as 67 people in both the states have been infected with COVID-19.

29 people in Delhi, 28 in Uttar Pradesh, 27 in Rajasthan and 26 in Karnataka have been infected with the deadly disease.

The central government has asked the state governments to enforce lockdown which has been imposed in 75 districts across the country.

The Centre has also said the violators of the lockdown will face legal consequences.

People not taking lockdown seriously: PM Modi

A day after the "Janata Curfew" and hours before the lockdown in 75 districts across the country, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said people were not taking lockdown seriously.

Modi tweeted, "People are not taking lockdown seriously even now. Please save yourself, save your family and follow the instructions properly. I request the state government to make people follow the rules and laws."

Sensex, NIFTY tank amid Coronavirus crisis

The Indian stock market is continuing to bleed as Sensex crashed by over 3,500 points on Monday.

BSE Sensex plunged by 3,558.77 points while NIFTY plummeted by 1,024 points.

After a severe fall, the trading was halted in the morning.