COVID-19: All Updates from across the world

One person from Assam's Dhubri tests positive for COVID-19

Another person from Dhubri, connected with TablighiJamaat meet at Nizamuddin Markaz, has been found COVID19 positive. The total number of Covid patients in Assam now stands at 30.

COVID-19: West Bengal govt makes wearing mask mandatory in public

COVID-19 death toll in West Bengal touches 7, active cases 95

The number of active Covid-19 positive cases reaches 95 in West Bengal while Covid-19 death toll in the state mounts to 7.

British PM Boris Johnson discharged from hospital

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Indian govt's daily press briefing

Punjab cop's hand chopped off as cops tried to enforce lockdown in Patiala

A Punjab policeman's hand was chopped off in Patiala district by some local people (a group of Nihangs) when the cops tried to enforce Covid-19 lockdown, officials confirmed.

Two other police officers were also wounded when  they were attacked at Sanaur vegetable market in  Patiala district on Sunday. .

Dinkar Gupta, Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab tweeted: "A group of Nihangs injured a few Police officers and a Mandi Board official at Sabzi Mandi, Patiala. ASI Harjeet Singh whose hand got cut-off has reached PGI Chandigarh."  He said a plastic surgeon has been deputed for surgery of the cop whose hand was chopped off.

Over 8000 people in India infected by Coronavirus, death toll touches 273

Pressing the panic button, the deadly novel coronavirus has infected 8,356 people in India and claimed the lives of 273, the Union health Ministery confirmed on Sunday.

This comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a four-hour long meeting with 13 chief ministers from various states over video conferencing on Saturday and agreed to extend the lockdown until April 30 to contain the spread of COVID-19 infection.

The Health Minister confirmed that over the last 24 hours, at least 900 positive cases have been reported with 34 new deaths.

Death toll from COVID-19 in US surpasses Italy, crosses 20K mark

The death toll related to Coronavirus in the United States passed the grim mark of 20,000 making it record the highest number of casualties across the world due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

According to the John Hopkins University's Coronavirus live tracking map, the US currently has 20,604 deaths, leaving behind the death toll of Italy at 19,468.

A whopping number of 529,887 people are infected with the highly contagious virus in the United States.

PM Modi announced extension of anti-COVID lockdown till Apr 30: Mamata Banerjee confirms

After Arvind Kejriwal, now West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended the anti-Coronavirus nationwide lockdown till Apr 30.

"Prime Minister announced the extension of the lockdown in the meeting," Banerjee said and added, "So lockdown will continue in our state as well."

States urge PM Modi to extend anti-Coronavirus lockdown, announcement likely soon

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a big announcement over the extension of anti-Novel Coronavirus lockdown soon as several states have urged the Centre to continue with the imposed restrictions for few more weeks to stem the spread of COVID-19.

After the conclusion of the meeting on Saturday, Modi reportedly told the state Chief Ministers that he felt the extension of lockdown is necessary for few more weeks.

"I am available 24/7," Modi told the Chief Ministers as media reported.

Indian Health Ministry daily Press briefing

Jaan Hai To Jaahan Hai: Sonowal

Arvind Kejriwal thanks PM Modi for extending lockdown

PM Modi interact with CMs over anti-Coronavirus lockdown extension

A meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state Chief Ministers is presently underway as the Centre is likely to take a call on whether the 21-day massive, unprecedented lockdown to stem the spread of COVID-19 can be extended.

Though the Centre was not keen to extend the 21-day lockdown which began on Mar 25, at least six states have urged the union government to increase the lockdown period to save people's lives amid the COVID-19 threat.

However, the states are also considering the massive impact on economy as the business in close to the last three weeks went for a toss leading the daily wagers to suffer.

Despite the economic losses, Odisha and Punjab have already increased the shutdown period by few more weeks.

While Odisha extended the lockdown till Apr 31, restrictions will continue in Punjab till May 1.

PM Modi meets CMs of various states over COVID 19

Ahead of Centre's call, Punjab extends anti-Coronavirus lockdown till May 1

A day ahead of the Centre's call, Punjab has extended the state-wide lockdown to stem the spread of the deadly Novel Coronavirus till May 1.

After holding a meeting with his cabinet ministers, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has announced the decision.

"Given the seriousness of the situation arising out of Covid19, Cabinet has decided to extend lockdown & curfew till 1st May. These are difficult times & I appeal to all to #StayHomeStaySafe & strictly observe health safeguards as you have done so far, for which I am thankful," Singh said on Twitter.

Singh also said the state cabinet has decided to constitute 15-member task force of professionals to prepare a strategy to exit from lockdown.

Also Punjab has decided to promote all Class V and Class VIII students, informed the Chief Minister of the state which has reported 132 cases so far.

India records highest single-day spike in COVID-19 cases, 37 deaths, 896 new infections in last 24hrs

India on Friday witnessed the highest single-day jump so far both in terms of deaths and the total numbers of Coronavirus cases. The country recorded 37 deaths and 896 new COVID-19 positive cases taking the total tally to 6,761.

The total number of deaths touched a whopping number of 206.

As per the John Hopkins University's Coronavirus live tracking map, the death toll in India stands at 229 with the total number of infected cases being 6725.

India will continue medicine supply to Nepal in fight against Coronavirus: PM Modi assures KP Oli

India will continue to supply medicines to neighbouring Nepal to fight against the deadly Coronavirus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured his counterpart K P Sharma Oli during a telephone conversation on Friday.

The two Prime Ministers discussed the present situation of fight against COVID-19 and agreed to further intensify the ongoing efforts.

In the context of the present state of lockdown in both the countries, the two Prime Ministers agreed to look after the welfare and medical care of the people of two countries currently living in each other’s territory.

Indian government's daily press briefing on COVID-19

India reports 199 COVID-19 deaths

Assam reports first COVID-19 death

Coronavirus lockdown: Three lakhs trucks loaded with goods and no drivers stuck across country

Amid the global crisis created as a result of Coronavirus outbreak in India nearly three lakh trucks with payload worth Rs 35,000 crore have been stranded across the country due to the 21-day lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to contain the spread of the infections.

While there has been a constant debate over the availability of the essentials, trade bodies have pointed out that these trucks are parked unattended as their drivers and cleaners have left for their hometowns owing to the lockdown.

This might have a bearing effect on the economy as the workers who unload the trucks having goods are missing.

Maharashtra records 25 deaths related to Coronavirus today, 229 new cases

At least 25 more people died in Maharashtra due to the novel Coronavirus on Thursday itself, making it the sharpest spike in the death toll in a single day in India since the outbreak of the COVID-19.

The state has lost 97 human lives in total as a result of the global pandemic.

With 229 more people testing positive, the total number of coronavirus cases in the state reached 1,364.

Total positive cases in India now 5,865

India recorded fresh 591 positive Novel Coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours taking the tally across the country to close to 6,000, informed the Union Health Ministry on Thursday.

The Ministry said 5,865 people have been infected across the country with Maharashtra suffering the most with 1,135 cases followed by the southern state of Tamil Nadu (738) and Delhi (669).

While 478 people have been cured, 169 COVID-19 patients have lost their lives so far in the country.

Lockdown can't be withdrawn as COVID-19 cases surging: Mamata Banerjee

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday hinted at continuing the shutdown amid the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country.

Holding a meeting with the representatives of the business community, Banerjee at state headquarters Nabanna said, "Lockdown can't be stopped now because the COVID-19 cases are increasing. The coming few weeks are crucial. Nothing is more important than people's lives. Despite a lot of problems, we have to bear it."

The Chief Minister has also informed that 12 new cases were reported in the eastern state of India in last 24 hours.

With the new cases and the release of three cured patients, Banerjee informed that the active cases in West Bengal now stand at 80. 

Super of Howrah District hospital tests positive

Super of Howrah District Hospital has tested positive for COVID-19. 

Odisha extends lockdown till Apr 31

Odisha has extended the lockdown, which was called to stem the spread of COVID-19, in all its districts till Apr 30.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said as quoted by News 18, "The State Cabinet which met today decided that saving the lives of our people is the top most priority at this juncture.

Accordingly we have decided to extend the lockdown till April 30. We will recommend to government of India to extend the national lockdown up to April 30."

COVID-19 cases rise to 5734 in India

Jharkhand reports first COVID-19 death

Delhi Govt seals 20 Coronavirus hotspots, makes it compulsory for people to wear masks

Amid the steep rise of COVID-19 positive cases, the Delhi government has sealed twenty coronavirus hotspots in the national capital while making it compulsory for people to wear masks on stepping out of their homes.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced on Wednesday that all essential items would be made available to the people in need.

As many as 576 cases of coronavirus have been reported so far from the national capital including nine deaths and 21 recoveries. However, no new cases were registered in the last 24 hours.

India now has active 5274 COVID-19 cases

West Bengal has 71 COVID-19 patients at present: CM

Indian government's daily press conference on COVID-19

Supreme Court asks Centre to ensure free COVID-19 testing in private labs

The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked the central government to ensure free testing in private laboratories for the deadly Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19, media reports said.

Hearing a petition filed by advocate Shashank Deo Sudhi, the top court asked the Centre to explore feasibility of a mechanism where the private labs can be reimbursed.

"Don’t allow private labs to charge high amount for tests. Create mechanism for reimbursement (of private labs) from government," Justice Ashok Bhushan, who was hearing the case along with Justice S Ravindra Bhat, said.

Considering the poor government health infrastructure may get overwhelmed due to the spike in positive cases , the Centre has roped in the private labs to conduct the tests.

The charge for tests at private labs was, however, capped at Rs. 4,500.

PM Modi chairs all-party meeting as states appeal to Centre to extend anti-Coronavirus lockdown

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met the leaders of various political parties amid the appeals by several states to the Centre to extend the 21-day nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of Novel Coronavirus.

However, the Centre had earlier ruled out any possibility of the extension of lockdown.

Modi had asked the Chief Ministers to formulate a strategy for an exit from the lockdown in phases ensuring staggered movement of people post Apr 14 midnight.

As per the government update, 5,194 people including 402 cured and 149 cured have been infected with COVID-19 across the states with Maharashtra recording the most (1018) followed by Tamil Nadu (690).

COVID-19 death toll touches 149

Indian states seek extension of nationwide lockdown to tackle COVID-19

Several Indians states are seeking an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown to stem the spread of Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 at a time India is witnessing a surge in positive cases.

The lockdown, which was called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Mar 24 night, is scheduled to end at Apr 14 midnight.

Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said he was in favour of the extension of the lockdown to save the lives.

"We can recover from the economic problem. But, we cannot get back lives," Rao told media.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, "We can bear the lockdown. We can also revive economy but we cannot get back the lost lives."

India to supply Hydroxychloroquine to nations badly hit by Coronavirus

The Indian government on Tuesday said it will supply drugs that are linked to COVID-19 cure to "nations that have been badly affected" by the pandemic virus.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement, "Given the enormity of the COVID19 pandemic, India has always maintained that the international community must display strong solidarity and cooperation."

"This approach also guided our evacuation of nationals of other countries," he said.

Speaking on supplying drugs, Srivastava said, "In view of the humanitarian aspects of the pandemic, it has been decided that India would licence paracetamol and HCQ in appropriate quantities to all our neighbouring countries who are dependent on our capabilities."

Death Toll touches 114 in India

Boris Johnson moved to intensive care unit after his condition worsens

 British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has tested positive for Covid-19, has been shifted to the intensive care unit of the hospital after his condition worsened, the Downing Street has said. He was admitted to hospital yesterday.

A statement by the No 10 Downing Street said: "Since Sunday evening, the prime minister has been under the care of doctors at St Thomas' Hospital, in London, after being admitted with persistent symptoms of coronavirus. Over the course of this afternoon, the condition of the prime minister has worsened and, on the advice of his medical team, he has been moved to the intensive care unit at the hospital."

"The PM is receiving excellent care, and thanks all NHS staff for their hard work and dedication," the statement read.

Indian Govt's daily update on COVID-19 situation

People's discipline during anti-Coronavirus lockdown is unthinkable: PM Modi

Lauding the 1.3 billion Indians, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the disciple shown by the people of his country during the 21-day nationwide anti-Novel Coronavirus lockdown was unthinkable.

Modi, while addressing the workers of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the Hindu nationalist political outfit's 40th anniversary, said, "The maturity shown by people of India during the lockdown is unprecedented. No one could even think people would be so disciplined during this period."

Regarding the lighting of lamps across the country last night, the Prime Minister on Monday said, "Yesterday at 9 pm too, we have witnessed the collective strength of 130 crore Indians. People from all sections, rich and poor, educated and uneducated bowed to the strength of the unity and strengthened the pledge to fight against Coronavirus."

Amid the shortages of masks across the country, Modi has asked people to cover their faces while going out in public.

"Whenever you walk out, make sure you use a face cover and practice social distancing and the right preventive discipline. I expect every BJP worker will keep himself, his family and his society safe. With this emotion, we must walk towards victory," the Prime Minister told BJP workers.

US zoo: Tiger tests positive for COVID-19

A tiger here in New York's Bronx Zoo was tested positive for the deadly novel coronavirus.

Nadia, a four-year-old female Malayan tiger, had developed a dry cough before getting tested. Nadia's sister Azul, two Amur tigers and three African lions are also being monitored for similar symptoms, the zoo said in a statement.

The zoo tested Nadia for COVID-19 "out of an abundance of caution" and the positive result was confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the release said.

"Though they have experienced some decrease in appetite, the cats at the Bronx Zoo are otherwise doing well under veterinary care and are bright, alert, and interactive with their keepers," said the zoo.

Actor Lee Fierro dies due to complications related to COVID-19 infection

Actor Lee Fierro has died due to complications related to COVID-19 infection.

Lee is best remembered for her performance in filmmaker Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.

Lee Fierro, famous for lifting her black veil and slapping Chief Brody across the face in “Jaws,” has died, according to her friends on Martha’s Vineyard who remember her as the dedicated, vibrant matriarch of the Island’s robust theater scene, reported MV Times.

The 91-year-old actor was living off-Island in Ohio.

Singer Kanika Kapoor discharged from Lucknow hospital after testing negative

Bollywood singer Kanika Kapoor has been discharged from a Lucknow hospital after she was tested negative for the Novel Coronavirus in her sixth attempt.

Kapoor, who is known for singing tracks like, 'Baby Doll' and 'Chittiyaan Kalaiyaan', was on Mar 20 tested positive for the deadly pandemic virus, which is also known as COVID-19.

Check the latest figures

British PM Boris Johnson admitted to hospital

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was tested positive for Coronavirus, has been admitted to hospital.

COVID-19 death crosses 100

The total positive COVID-19 death cases crossed 100 in India.