COVID-19: India’s Death Toll Rises to 559; Total Tally at 17,656

The total number of positive cases in India on Monday, 20 April rose to 17,656 with the number of deaths standing at over 559 according to the data released by the ministry of health and family welfare.

The doubling rate for coronavirus which was 3.4 days before lockdown is now 7.5 days, according to the health ministry. It also said that Goa is now free of the virus, PTI reports.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has objected to Kerala government giving ‘additional relaxation’ during the lockdown, after the state had allowed the opening of restaurants and MSME industries in municipal areas among others.

The Kerala government said there was some “misunderstanding”, due to which the Centre had objected to dilution of the lockdown protocol.

  • Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry in the daily briefing said that so far, 2,546 people have been cured and the recovery rate is at 14.75%
  • The NHAI has resumed toll collection on all National Highways
  • Several manufacturing units are set to commence work on Monday as the Centre has allowed movement of migrant labourers within a state, subject to restrictions
  • The United States has recorded 1,997 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, according to the Johns Hopkins tally
  • Supply of non-essential goods by e-commerce companies will remain prohibited during the lockdown: MHA

Dharavi Reports 30 New Cases; Total 168

Mumbai’s Dharavi reported 30 new COVID-19 cases on Monday taking the total tally to 168 with 11 deaths so far, PTI reported, quoting the local municipal corporation.

Tamil Nadu Total Crosses 1,500; Death Toll at 17

43 new COVID-19 positive cases and 2 deaths were reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of positive cases to 1,520. Total 17 deaths have been reported in state till date, ANI reported, quoting officials.

Afghan Prez Thanks India for Supplying Essential Drugs, Modi Responds

Afghanistan President Thanks India for Essential Drugs, Modi Replies

Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani thanked India for providing essential drugs for the Afghan people. Replying to his tweet, PM Narendra Modi said, “For long, we have fought jointly against the scourge of terrorism. We will similarly combat COVID-19 together, with solidarity and shared resolve.”

Narendra Modi

@narendramodi

India and Afghanistan share a special friendship, based on ties of history, geography, and culture.

For long, we have fought jointly against the scourge of terrorism. We will similarly combat COVID-19 together, with solidarity and shared resolve. @ashrafghani https://twitter.com/ashrafghani/status/1252203477016678400 

Ashraf Ghani

@ashrafghani

Thank you my friend Prime Minister @narendramodi , and thank you India for providing 500K tablets of hydroxychloroquine, 100K tablets of paracetamol, and 75,000 metric tons of wheat that the first consignment of it (5,000) will reach AFG in a day or so, for the Afghan people.

Kerala Total Rises to 408

Six new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kerala on Monday, all from Kannur, of which 5 have foreign travel history. Total cases in the state are at 408, including 114 active cases, according to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Karnataka Case Tally at 480, Death Toll at 16

The number of COVID-19 cases in Karnataka has risen to 480, including 16 deaths and 112 discharges. 18 new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours, PTI reported, quoting the state’s health department.

President Kovind Thanks Police for Sensitivity and Professionalism During Lockdown

President Ram Nath Kovind on Monday expressed his gratitude to police forces for ensuring coronavirus lockdown with sensitivity and professionalism, PTI reported.

Need to Know on What Grounds Centre Formed Lockdown Assessment: Mamata

“Need to know on what grounds central teams formed for lockdown assessment before moving ahead,” WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, as quoted by PTI.

In the last 24 hours, 54 fresh cases of COVID-19 reported in West Bengal, according to an official.

Make COVID-19 Essentials GST-Free, Says Rahul Gandhi

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday demanded that “all equipment related to the treatment of this epidemic” should be made GST free.

“It is wrong to collect GST on sanitizers, soaps, masks, gloves etc. from the people who are suffering from poverty.” he tweeted.

Rahul Gandhi

@RahulGandhi

के इस मुश्किल वक्त में हम लगातार सरकार से माँग कर रहे हैं कि इस महामारी के उपचार से जुड़े सभी छोटे-बड़े उपकरण GST मुक्त किए जाएँ।बीमारी और ग़रीबी से जूझती जनता से सैनीटाईज़र, साबुन, मास्क, दस्ताने आदि पर GST वसूलना ग़लत है। माँग पर हम डटे रहेंगे।

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Coronavirus Doubling Rate During Lockdown Slows to 7.5 Days From 3.4 Days

The doubling rate for coronavirus which was 3.4 days before lockdown is now 7.5 days, according to the health ministry, PTI reports.

Recovery Rate for COVID-19 in India is 14.75%: Health Ministry

Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry in the daily briefing said that so far, 2,546 people have been cured and the recovery rate is 14.75%.

“Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand have not reported any COVID-19 case in last 28 days. The number of districts where no case has been reported in last 14 days has increased to 59. Goa is now COVID-19 free,” he said.

Kanpur Records 17 Fresh COVID-19 Cases

Seventeen cases of coronavirus were detected in Kanpur city of Uttar Pradesh on Monday, taking the total number of such cases here to 74, a health official said.

Kanpur’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Ashok Shukla said most of the novel COVID-19 positive cases were reported from Coolie Bazar and Anwarganj areas and they were close contacts of Tablighi Jamaat members.

57 Fresh cases, 2 More Deaths Reported in Rajasthan

Two more persons died of coronavirus in Rajasthan while 57 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday, officials said.

Twenty-five deaths due to the virus have been reported in the state so far, with Jaipur accounting for 13 of the total deaths.

“A 62-year-old Nagaur district resident died on Sunday night at SMS Hospital here. He was admitted on April 18 and was suffering from hypertension. Another death was reported in Kota,” Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.

Spain Daily Virus Death Toll Drops Under 400

A total of 399 people died of COVID-19 in Spain over the past 24 hours, down from 410 a day earlier, the government said on Monday.

The latest figures also showed the number of cases soaring to 200,210 in Spain, which has suffered the third-highest number of virus deaths in the world after the United States and Italy.

Govt Must Deposit Rs 7500 in Bank Accounts of Poor, Revive MSME Sector: Congress

A key Congress panel headed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Monday met for the first time and discussed significant issues before the country such as revival of the MSME sector, smooth crop procurement and migrant issues amid the nationwide lockdown.

The Congress will soon prepare a detailed plan for revival of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) together with steps to ensure smooth crop procurement and resolving migrants’ issues and will put it before the central government, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said.

Telangana Govt Issues Orders to Extend Lockdown till 7 May

With no significant dip in coronavirus positive cases, the Telangana government has issued orders to extend the ongoing lockdown till May 7 with stringent measures.

“Government of Telangana is of the view that strict lockdown measures that have been implemented in the state since 22 March have played an important role in slowing down the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

It is, therefore, necessary that stringent measures should continue to be in place to consolidate the containment measures in the state. In view of this, it is decided that lockdown measures as already in force in Telangana shall apply till 7 May in the state,” a Government Order issued on Sunday said.

Sri Lanka Drops Plan to Relax Curfew After Sudden Spike in COVID-19 Cases

The Sri Lankan government on Monday dropped its decision to relax the nationwide curfew and extended it to 27 April following a sudden spike of 41 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.

The island nation has been under a 24-hour curfew since 20 March to combat the deadly viral infection

Goa Govt Begins Easing Restrictions on Industries

The Goa government on Monday began easing lockdown restrictions on some industries, and the  state’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry stated that a majority of units would apply to Goa Industrial Development Corporation for permission to resume operations.

Earlier, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had designated GIDC as the nodal agency for permission to industrial units to resume operations in the second phase of lockdown for the coronavirus outbreak.

75 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in Andhra, Number Rises to 722

Andhra Pradesh reported 75 fresh coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours while three deaths took the toll in the state to 20, the Health Department said on Monday.

With 75 new cases being reported, the total number rose to 722, the Health Department said in a bulletin.

Covid-19 Kits Supplied by ICMR-NICED Defective, Says WB Govt

The West Bengal government has alleged that the COVID-19 testing kits supplied by the NICED, ICMR’s nodal agency in the state, a fortnight ago, are “apparently defective” as they show “inconclusive results” leading to repeated confirmatory tests and delaying diagnosis of the disease.

The ICMR-NICED authorities said it could be possibly because the kits “have not been standardized” and it is considering the matter “very seriously”.

Flight Restrictions to be Lifted When COVID-19 is Controlled: Govt

The restrictions on domestic and international flight operations will be lifted when the government is confident that spread of the novel coronavirus has been controlled, and poses no danger to Indians, Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on Monday, amidst reports of some airlines doing open bookings.

In a series of tweets, the minister also said a directive was issued on Sunday to airlines, restraining them from doing open bookings since they did not heed to government’s advice in the matter.

COVID-19: 16 High-Risk Contacts of Infected Delhi Pizza Delivery Agent Test Negative

Sixteen “high-risk contacts” of a pizza delivery agent, who was infected with COVID-19 last week, have tested negative for coronavirus in south Delhi, an official told PTI.

The 19-year-old pizza delivery agent had tested positive for the virus on 14 April, prompting authorities to put 72 families he delivered pizza under home quarantine.

DBT Approves Funding for Three Companies for Developing COVID-19 Vaccine

The Department of Biotechnology has so far short-listed three companies for funding the development of a vaccine for COVID-19, besides 13 other proposals it received for diagnostics, therapeutics and other interventions to fight coronavirus, a statement said.

COVID-19: India Will Stand by Maldives in This Challenging Time, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke with Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih on the health and economic challenges the COVID-19 pandemic poses for the island nation.

“The special bond between India and Maldives strengthens our resolve to fight this common enemy together,” the prime minister tweeted. India will stand by its close maritime neighbour and friend in this challenging time, he said.

No Relaxation in Lockdown Restrictions in Lucknow, Agra, Firozabad in UP

With no let up in COVID-19 cases in some districts of Uttar Pradesh, the administration in Lucknow, Agra and Firozabad have decided against giving any kind of relaxation during the continued lockdown.

Reports from other districts in the state on giving relaxation were awaited. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during a video conference with respective district magistrates on Sunday night, had authorised them to take a call on giving relaxation from Monday after assessing the prevailing conditions there.

25-Yr-Old Who Tested Positive, Delivers Healthy Baby in Pune

A 25 year-old woman who tested positive for COVID-19 has given birth to a healthy baby boy at the hospital. The woman was admitted to the hospital on 16 April, ANI reported.

“The baby is not infected with COVID-19 and is kept in a separate ward,” Sasoon hospital officials, Pune said,

Newborn Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan’s Nagaur

A newborn baby has tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district, an official said Monday.

“The baby born on Saturday is coronavirus positive. Her mother, father and other family members too are COVID-19 patients,” Nagaur chief medical and health officer Dr Sukumar Kashyap said.

Karnataka Cases Rise to 395

Five new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infections in the state to 395, the Health Department said on Monday.

“Five new positive cases have been reported from last evening to this noon… Till date 395 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed. This includes 16 deaths and 111 discharges,” the department said in its mid-day situation update.

Refugee Women Facing Greater Violence Risk During Crisis: UNHCR

Displaced women and girls are facing a heightened risk of gender-based violence during the coronavirus crisis, the UN Refugee Agency said Monday.

The UNHCR said they may be forced into “survival sex” or child marriages.

Death Toll in Indore Rises to 52, COVID-19 Cases Reach 897

Three more persons died of coronavirus Indore in the last 24 hours, taking the toll in the Madhya Pradesh district to 52.

The deceased included two men and a woman, in the age group of 42 to 47 years, Chief Medical and Health Officer Praveen Jadia told PTI. Besides, seven more people tested positive for COVID- 19 here, taking the total number of such cases in the district to 897, he said.

Odisha Policeman Suspended for Entering Jagannath Temple Amid Lockdown

A police inspector in Odisha has been suspended for allegedly entering Shree Jagannath temple in Puri, in violation of the ongoing lockdown imposed to contain the spread of novel coronavirus, a senior officer told PTI on Monday.

A case has been registered against the inspector for his misconduct, the officer said.

COVID-19 Patient Who Escaped From Hospital Caught by Police

An NSA detainee, who escaped from a hospital in Jabalpur after testing positive for coronavirus, was caught by police in Madhya Pradesh’s Narsingpur district on Monday morning.

The man escaped on Sunday when he and other patients were being shifted to a super-specialty facility in the Jabalpur Medical College and Hospital.

Show ‘Self-Discipline’, Stay Indoors to Combat COVID-19: Pak PM Imran Advises People

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday urged the people of Pakistan to show “self discipline” and refrain from going outside to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has killed nearly 170 and infected 8,516 people in the country.

Prime Minister Khan’s remarks came days after he cautioned that Pakistan may see an increase in the number of coronavirus cases from mid-May and the healthcare system could come under significant pressure.

Kerala Govt Denies Dilution of Lockdown Guidelines

The Kerala government on Monday said there was some “misunderstanding”, due to which the Centre had objected to dilution of the lockdown protocol after the state had allowed open restaurants and MSME industries in municipal areas among others.

The Union Home Ministry has taken strong objection to Kerala government’s decision to allow opening of restaurants, bus travel in cities and opening of MSME industries in municipal areas, saying it amounts to dilution of its lockdown guidelines.

108 New COVID-19 Cases in Gujarat, State Tally Climbs to 1,851

The number of coronavirus cases in Gujarat rose to 1,851 after 108 more people tested positive for the disease on Monday.

Among the new patients, 91 were reported from Ahmedabad, taking the total number of such cases in the district to 1,192.

Besides, six new cases were reported from Aravalli district, two each from Kutch, Mahisagar, Panchmahal, Rajkot and Surat, and one each from Vadodara and Mehsana, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi told PTI.

Bihar Cases Rise to 96

Three more persons have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Bihar, taking the number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 96, an official told PTI.

They came in contact with COVID-19 patients, Health Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar tweeted late on Sunday night. The three persons – aged 30, 36 and 52 years – hail from Jamapur in Munger districts of the state, he said.

Four More Die of COVID-19 in Gujarat, State Toll Rises to 67

Four more patients succumbed to coronavirus in Gujarat, taking the toll in the state to 67, a health department official told PTI on Monday. Out of the four deaths, two each were reported from Ahmedabad and Surat, principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi said.

Three of these patients had underlying health conditions like diabetes,hypertension, and kidney disease. The deceased from Ahmedabad included two men, aged 59 and 54, while the victims from Surat were a 70-year-old man and an 80-year-old woman, the official said.

Four New Cases of Coronavirus in Kashmir

The number of COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir has climbed to 354 as four more persons tested positive for the virus, officials said on Monday.

“Four new cases – all from Kashmir — have been detected n the union territory,” the officials said. They said the test results of these cases came late on Sunday night.

59 Arrested for Attacking Health Officials in Bengaluru

As many as 59 people were arrested on Monday for attacking police and health officials at the minority dominated Padarayanapura in the city when they went to quarantine some people, police said.

“Fifty-nine people have been arrested (in Padarayanapura) and have been taken into custody. The people attacked the officials who had gone to quarantine some people who were the primary and secondary contacts of three COVID-19 patients,” a police officer said.

New Zealand’s Lockdown Extended

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand’s lockdown will last another week.

From next week, workers at some businesses such as construction and manufacturing will be able to resume their jobs, and some schools will reopen, although parents will be encouraged to continue having their children learn from home.

COVID-19 Situation Serious in Mumbai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Indore: MHA

The Centre on Monday said the COVID-19 situation is “especially serious” in Mumbai, Pune, Indore, Jaipur, Kolkata and a few other places in West Bengal, and violation of lockdown measures risk the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a communication to state governments and union territories, the home ministry said there have been several incidents of violence against COVID-19 frontline healthcare professionals, complete violation of social distancing norms and movement of vehicles in urban areas. These should be stopped, it said.

At Least 20 Test Positive at Afghan Presidential Palace

At least 20 employees at Afghanistan’s presidential palace have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a senior government official who asked to remain anonymous because he was not authorized to comment on the subject.

It wasn’t clear whether President Ashraf Ghani had been in contact with any of the employees or whether he had been tested himself. The presidential palace has refused to comment. Ghani has reportedly been self-isolating, although he still meets daily with some senior officials.

7 More Test COVID-19 Positive in Odisha, Total Cases Rise to 68

Odisha has reported seven fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of virus cases to 68 in the state, a health and family welfare department official said on Monday.

Of the 951 samples tested on Sunday, seven reported positive, the official said, adding that so far a total of 10,641 samples have been tested in the state. The seven fresh cases were reported from two districts – Bhadrak (five) and Balasore (two).

Gurinder Chadha’s Aunt Dies of COVID-19 Complications

Indian-origin British filmmaker Gurinder Chadha’s aunt has died due to coronavirus complications. The director said her aunt passed away on Sunday in a hospital in the UK.

“Today we said goodbye to my dearest bhuaji /aunt from #covid19 complications. She was my dad’s little sister,” Gurinder wrote alongside a family picture.

30 Students Brought from Kota Reach Home in UP’s Muzaffarnagar

Thirty students, who were brought to Uttar Pradesh from Kota in buses sent by the state government, have reached their homes in Muzaffarnagar, amid the nationwide lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

They reached Muzaffarnagar on Sunday evening and were sent into home quarantine, District Magistrate Amit Singh told PTI. The students underwent checkups for COVID-19 after reaching the state, he said.

62-Year-Old Dies of COVID-19 in Rajasthan

One more person died of coronavirus in Rajasthan while 17 fresh cases were reported on Monday, officials said.

Rajasthan has so far seen 24 deaths due to the virus, with Jaipur accounting for 13 deaths.

“A 62-year-old Nagaur district resident died Sunday night at SMS Hospital here. He was admitted on April 18 and was suffering from hypertension,” Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.

Manipur CM Says State Now ‘Corona Free’

Manipur CM N Biren Singh declared that the state is ‘corona-free.’

“I am glad to share that Manipur is now Corona free. Both patients have fully recovered and have tested negative. There are no fresh cases of the virus in the state,” he tweeted.

Punjab Rules Out Relaxation in Curfew till 3 May

The Punjab government has ruled out any relaxation in the curfew till 3 May barring wheat procurement.

The move came after Chief Minister Amarinder Singh reviewed the current situation arising out of the coronavirus outbreak with senior officers from the administration and police department.

On Sunday evening, the chief minister ruled out any relaxation in the curfew, except as needed to ensure the procurement of wheat, till May 3, when he will again review the situation, a press release said.

Decision to Open Restuarants, Book Shops Violate Lockdown Rules: MHA to Kerala

Ministry of Home Affairs has objected to Kerala government giving additional relaxation during lockdown, PTI reported quoting officials.

“Kerala’s decision to allow opening of restaurants, book shops violation of lockdown measures,” said MHA

Further, MHA added, “Allowing bus travel in towns, pillion rider on two wheelers, two passengers in back seat of car are violation of lockdown,”

17 New Cases in Rajasthan; State’s Tally at 1,495

“Seventeen new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan so far – one each in Ajmer, Banswara and Nagour, two each in Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur and Kota and eight in Jaipur. Total of positive cases in the state rises to 1,495. Total 24 deaths and 205 recovered in the state,” the Rajasthan Health department said, ANI reported.

The state health department further said, “A 62-year-old man from Nagour, admitted at a hospital, died last night. He was also suffering from hypertension.”

India’s Tally at 17,265, Death Toll Rises to 543: Centre

The total number of positive cases in India on Monday, 20 April, stood at 17,265 with the number of deaths standing at 543 according to the data released by the ministry of health and family welfare.

These include 14,175 active cases, 2,546 patients cured/discharged and one migrated person.

WB Pins Testing Delays on ‘Defective Kits’ From ICMR

The Department of Health and Family Welfare, West Bengal, in a series of tweets on 19 April, alleged defective test kits supplied by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as the reason for testing delays, reported ANI.

Govt Employees Above Dy Secy Rank to Attend Offices in 100% Strength: Delhi Police

“Additional activities proposed with effect from 20 April are not allowed in Delhi until further orders. However, central government employees above the rank of Deputy Secretary will be attending their offices 100 per cent and lower staff 30 per cent,” the Additional Commissioner of Police, Special Branch said, ANI reported.

US Records 1,997 Deaths in 24 Hours

The United States has records 1,997 COVID-19 deaths in 24 hours, AFP news agency reported quoting the Johns Hopkins tally on Monday.

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