COVID-19: Canadian PM Justin Trudeau’s Wife Tests Positive
Catch all the live updates on the Coronavirus outbreak.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus on Friday, 13 March, reported ANI.
Italy's coronavirus death toll crossed 1,000 on Thursday, 12 March, news agency AFP reported quoting an official.
The 76-year-old man from Kalburgi who passed away and was a suspected coronavirus patient has been confirmed to have had COVID-19, the Karnataka Health Department announced on Thursday, 12 March.
Two more cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Maharashtra on Thursday, 12 March evening, taking the number of confirmed cases in the state to 14. Meanwhile, the total number of infected people in Kerala has gone up to 16, according to PTI.
Invoking provisions of the Epidemic Disease Act, the Delhi government on Thursday announced that all cinema halls, schools, colleges (whose examinations have been held) in Delhi will be closed till 31 March.
- The Delhi government on Thursday declared coronavirus an epidemic
- India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare on Wednesday announced that all visas to India – except diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment, and project visas – stand suspended till 15 April
- US bars all travel from European countries-except UK-to the US for 30 days
- WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic on Wednesday
- The SC on Thursday, refused to accord an urgent hearing on a plea seeking postponement of IPL-2020
- 1,25,000 coronavirus cases worldwide as death toll crosses 4,500
- There are at least 79 positive cases in India
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Italy Prison Riots Over Virus Leave 11 Dead
Italy reported four more deaths on Tuesday from prison riots linked to the new coronavirus that have now officially claimed 11 lives over three days.
The justice ministry has blamed all the deaths on drug overdoses that occurred after prisoners broke into medical storage rooms, reported AFP.
Turkey Announces First Coronavirus Case
Turkey announced today its first coronavirus case, a man who had recently travelled to Europe and is in good health.
"The test of a patient suspected of carrying the coronavirus returned positive," Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said in a television broadcast, reports AFP.
Coachella Postponed Amid Coronavirus Scare
Coachella music festival postponed until October over coronavirus fears, reported AFP.
UK Health Min Tests Positive, Self-Isolates at Home
British Health Minister and Conservative MP Nadine Dorries on Wednesday, said she has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently self-isolating herself at home, reported BBC.
Hiding Travel History Is a Crime: Kerala Health Minsiter
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Wednesday said that not revealing their travel history of coming back from affected areas and countries will be considered a crime under the Public Health Act, reported ANI.
Air India Flight From Milan to Delhi Moved to Isolation Bay
Air India AI-138 from Milan to Delhi was taken to isolation bay at Delhi Airport on Wednesday. Currently, all passengers are going through screening at the airport, reported ANI.
Cathay Pacific 2019 Profits Plunge, Predicts Virus Losses
Cathay Pacific on Wednesday said profits plunged in 2019 as it reeled from political unrest in Hong Kong, while it warned financial losses lay ahead owing to the spread of the coronavirus, reported AFP.
On Wednesday the flagship carrier reported an attributable profit of HK$1.7 billion (US$220 million) for 2019, a significant drop from the HK$2.3 billion it made in 2018.
And it warned of slipping into the red as airlines around the world suffer the huge travel disruptions caused by the rapid global spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Sri Lanka Announces First Coronavirus Case
Sri Lanka on Wednesday announced its first coronavirus case, a 52-year-old tour guide who had come in contact with a group of Italian tourists, reported PTI.
“The man has been kept at the isolation ward of the Infectious Diseases Hospital in North Colombo,” Anil Jasinghe, Director General of Health Services said in a statement.
“The man, a tour guide by profession, had worked with a group of Italian tourists and contracted the virus,” according to a statement released by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office.
K'taka Govt Launches COVID-19 Campaign, Advises People to Greet With 'Namaste'
The Karnataka government on Wednesday started a campaign called 'Namaste over Handshake' that encourages people to greet in the traditional Indian style, to tackle the spread of coronavirus, reported PTI.
The campaign also includes health advice on how people can protect themselves from the infection by adopting hygiene practices such as regularly washing hands to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Delhi HC Seeks Centre, Delhi Govt's Stand on Measure to Prevent Coronavirus Spread
The Delhi High Court Wednesday sought the stand of the Centre and the Delhi government on a PIL seeking proper and adequate measures to combat coronavirus, reported PTI.
A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar issued notice to the Ministry of Health and the Delhi government seeking their replies on the public interest litigation (PIL) filed by an advocate.
Goa Man Who Travelled to Italy Under Watch for Coronavirus
A 27-year-old man from Goa, who travelled to Italy and Finland last month and came in contact with a coronavirus patient, has been kept at an isolation ward of a state-run hospital after he complained of cough and fever, reported PTI, quoting Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Wednesday.
“The man, a native of Vasco town in South Goa, was working on a ship and returned to the coastal state two days back,” Rane said.
"He had come in contact with a coronavirus patient mid-February while he was working on a ship," he added.
Srinagar Closes Down All Schools, Public Clubs Over Coronavirus Fears
Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor of Srinagar, announced on Wednesday that all educational institutions, public clubs, sports clubs, indoor and open stadiums, coaching centers within the Srinagar city limits will be closed from 12 March until further notice.
Karnataka Reports No Death Due To Coronavirus, Samples Sent to NIV
The Karnataka Commissioner of Health issued a statement saying that rumours floating in the media regarding the death of a 76-year-old man from Kalburgi owing to Covid 19 is false.
The statement came after news agency PTI reported that a 76-year-old man suspected to be infected with the novel coronavirus had died in Karnataka's Kalaburagi on Tuesday night.
"It is clarified that the rumours floating in the media regarding the death of a 76-year-old man from Kalburgi owing to Covid 19 is false. His sample for Covid -19 has been collected and sent for testing. The media is requested to help the government in creating awareness and not creating panic," Karnataka's Commissioner of Health said in the statement.
85-Year-Old COVID-19 Patient in Kerala Serious: Officials
The health condition of an 85-year old woman being treated for COVID-19 at the isolation ward of the government medical college hospital is serious, PTI reported on Wednesday, quoting Kerala health officials.
Delhi Govt Calls Special Assembly Session on 13 March to Assess Coronavirus Situation
The Delhi government on Wednesday decided to call a one-day special Assembly session on the NRC-NPR issue and the coronavirus situation in the National Capital on 13 March, reported PTI, quoting officials.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
83 People Who Arrived From Italy Quarantined
The 83 individuals who arrived from Italy on an Air India flight on 11 March, have been quarantined at an army facility in Manesar. Of the 84 people, 74 are Indian, six are Italian and rest three are from the United States, ANI reported.
63 New Coronavirus Deaths in Iran
Iran reports 63 new coronavirus deaths, taking the country’s total to 354, AFP reported on Wednesday.
Cinema Halls in Entire Jammu Region to Be Shut Till 31 March
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered closure of primary schools and aganwadi centres in five districts of Jammu and cinema halls across the region till 31 March as a precautionary measure amid the coronavirus scare.
While only one person has tested positive for the deadly coronavirus in the Union Territory, one person has reported with high viral-load, officials said.
Coronavirus Cases Rise to 20 in Pakistan
The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan have risen to 20 after a 14-year-old boy was tested positive for COVID-19 in Gilgit Baltistan, a health official said on Wednesday.
Pakistan saw a sudden increase in coronavirus infections on Tuesday when a dozen new cases were reported across the country.
The health ministry official said that the latest case was reported from Skardu district.
Karnataka Govt Issues Temporary Regulation on Coronavirus
The Karnataka government has issued temporary regulation 'Karnataka Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020' which aims to prevent spread of the disease.
According to the regulation, no person or institution shall use print or electronic media to spread misinformation on coronavirus without prior permission of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. If a person is found indulging in any such activity, they will be punished, the regulation further states, according to ANI.
According to the regulation, all government and private hospitals should have flu corners for screening of suspected cases of COVID-19.
Centre's Circular for Indians From COVID-19 Hit Nations 'Uncivilised': Kerala CM
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday termed as "uncivilised" the Centre's circular barring the return of Indians from coronavirus-hit countries such as Italy unless they produce a certificate that proves they have tested negative for the virus.
Vijayan has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi late Tuesday night seeking his intervention to withdraw the circular issued by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in this connection.
The circular stipulated that people "travelling from or having visited Italy or South Korea" and desirous of entering India "need to obtain certificates of having tested negative for COVID-19" from the designated laboratories authorised by the health authorities of those countries.
2 More People Test Positive in Mumbai
The Public Health Department of Maharashtra reported on Wednesday that two more patients admitted at a Mumbai hospital have tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total number of cases in the state to seven.
Centre Advises State/UT Govts to Take Measures Under Epidemic Disease Act
According to a press release, at a meeting held by the Cabinet Secretary with Secretaries of the concerned Ministries, representatives from Army, ITBP, on Wednesday, it was decided that all States/UTs should be advised by MoHFW to invoke provisions of Section 2 of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897 so that all advisories being issued from time to time by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare/State/UTs are enforceable.
Merkel: Virus Will Infect up to 70% of Germans
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is citing expert estimates that up to 70 per cent of the population could be infected by the new coronavirus as she insists on the necessity of measures to slow its spread. Germany had confirmed some 1,300 infections as of Wednesday with two deaths. The government has recommended the cancellation of all events with more than 1,000 people, among other things.
Coronavirus Impact: Indigo Says Fall in Bookings to Hit Earnings
IndiGo's parent InterGlobe Aviation on Wednesday said its quarterly earnings are expected to be hit due to decline in daily bookings, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"Over the past few days however, week-on-week, we have seen a 15-20 per cent decline in our daily bookings," it said in a release. According to the release, the numbers could change from here based on how the situation evolves.
Karnataka HC Exempts Staff From Marking Biometric Attendance
The Karnataka High Court has exempted its staff at the at the Principal bench at Bengaluru and Benches at Dharwad and Kalaburagi, from marking biometric attendance. The circular states that officials are directed to mark their attendance in attendance register, reported Live Law.
10 Positive Cases of Coronavirus Found in Maharashtra: Uddhav Thackeray
While addressing the media on Wednesday, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray stated that 10 positive cases of coronavirus have been found in the state so far, including 8 positive cases in Pune.
3253 Travelers From Coronavirus Affected Countries Identified: Directorate of Health Services in UP
Directorate of Health Services in Uttar Pradesh stated that till date, 3253 travelers from coronavirus affected countries identified & tracked by Dist Surveillance Units & all are placed under surveillance. The Directorate of Health Services further stated that 739 travelers are being tracked and are under home isolation, one is admitted at Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi.
No Coronavirus Emergency Declared in Karnataka; Schools to Remain Open: Karnataka Government
Karnataka government on Wednesday, 11 March, clarified that no state epidemic has been declared and said that schools will remain open. Earlier, at a meeting held by the Cabinet Secretary with secretaries of the concerned ministries, representatives from the Indian Army and ITBP on Wednesday, it was decided that all states/UTs should be advised to invoke provisions of Section 2 of the Epidemic Disease Act, 1897.
Albania Records First Coronavirus Death in Western Balkans
Albania reported the first death from the novel coronavirus in the Western Balkans on Wednesday, as one of Europe's poorest regions braces for the spread of virus wreaking havoc across the globe.
Italian Woman Tests Negative for Coronavirus Twice in 24 Hrs
The Italian woman who along with her husband was found to be suffering from coronavirus has tested negative for the infection twice in the past 24 hours, a senior official said. Additional Chief Secretary (Medical and Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said on Wednesday that her husband, who was the first patient to be tested positive for coronavirus, has also shown low viral load.
Incoming Travellers From China, Italy, Iran, Korea, France, Spain and Germany to Be Quarantined
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India has declared that all incoming travellers, including Indians, arriving from or having visited China, Italy, Iran, Republic of Korea, France, Spain & Germany after 15 February 2020 shall be quarantined for a minimum period of 14 days.
India Suspends All Tourist Visas Till 15 April: Report
India on Wednesday suspended all tourist visas till 15 April in a bid to contain spread of novel coronavirus, according to an official statement. The suspension will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13 March at the port of departure. The decision was taken at the meeting of group of ministers held here under the chairmanship of Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, reported PTI.
WHO Declares COVID-19 a Pandemic
The new coronavirus outbreak can now be characterised as a pandemic, the head of the World Health Organisation said on Wednesday in Geneva.
“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly or carelessly. It is a word that, if misused, can cause unreasonable fear, or unjustified acceptance that the fight is over, leading to unnecessary suffering and death,” said WHO director-general.
MEA Appoints Additional Secy Level Rank Official as Nodal Officer: Report
Ministry of External Affairs appointed an additional secretary level rank official as nodal officer to coordinate efforts at the global level regarding, reported ANI.
11 Positive Cases of Coronavirus Found in Maharashtra
The total number of positive cases of Coronavirus in Maharashtra has risen to 11 (2 in Mumbai, 8 in Pune and 1 in Nagpur).
Man From Travel History to Italy Fifth Coronavirus Case in Delhi
A 46 year old man from Delhi with travel history to three countries including Italy tested positive for novel coronavirus on Wednesday, taking the number of such cases in the national capital to five, according to Delhi government's health department.
All Seminars, Workshops Cancelled: Safdarjung Hospital over Coronavirus
Safdarjung Hospital said, “In wake of COVID2019 outbreak going on in the country, all the functions including seminars, workshops, conferences are to be cancelled. This is for urgent and necessary compliance,” reported ANI.
Coronavirus: Air India Cancels Flights to Italy, Korea
Air India stated that flights to Italy and Korea stand cancelled till 28 March and 25 March respectively, reports ANI.
Corona Outbreak: IIM-Lucknow Postpones Convocation Ceremony
The Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow today decided to postponed its convocation ceremony scheduled for 21 March with Union Health Ministry's advisories urging to avoid large gatherings amid the coronavirus outbreak, reproted PTI.
2 of 6 Passengers Who Came in Contact With the Infected Test Positive: Mumbai BMC
The official handle of Mumbai’s BMC tweeted that two out of six passengers who came in contact with the two confirmed cases in Pune have tested positive.
Coronavirus Cases Rise to 20 in Pakistan
The coronavirus cases in Pakistan have risen to 20 with a 14-year-old boy being tested positive for COVID-19 in Gilgit Baltistan, a health official said on Wednesday.
Provincial health officer Zaman Shah told the media that the teenager, who is from Skardu district, was being treated in an isolation ward. The boy returned from Iran with his mother on February 25, Shah said.
So far 20 persons in Pakistan have been tested positive for COVID-19, majority from Sindh province with 15 cases, reported PTI.
Maha Government 'Threatening' People Over Coronavirus: Raj
The MVA government is "threatening" the people of Maharashtra over the novel coronavirus and putting restrictions on citizens is making them panicky, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said on Wednesday.
Talking to reporters in Aurangabad, he said government teams should first check mortality rate of the viral infection, reported PTI..
Indian Embassy in US Issues Travel Advisory to India
Indian Embassy in United States issued an advisory on travel to India, in the wake of Coronavirus.
Israel Depends on Various Countries for Supplies, Spoke to PM Modi, Says Netanyahu
With global economic activities and supply of essential goods hit due to the coronavirus outbreak, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is dependent on "supply lines" from various countries and he has spoken to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
"I also spoke to the prime minister of India, my friend Narendra Modi. We are dependent on supply lines from various countries. We are looking into it all the time," Netanyahu told a press conference on Wednesday, reported PTI.
Washington DC Declares State of Emergency Amid Coronovirus Outbreak
Washington DC has declared a state of emergency due to coronavirus outbreak in the city, reported ANI.
The mayor of the Washington, Muriel Bowser made the announcement as the US capital confirmed 10 cases of the infection, according to Sputnik.
Coronavirus: US President Donald Trump Suspends Travel From Europe to US
Trump has suspended 'all travel from Europe' to US for 30 days, news agency AFP reported.
First Case Confirmed in Pacific Islands
The Pacific Islands has recorded its first case of coronavirus, in French Polynesia, reported ABC Australia.
The President, Edouard Fritch, said that a member of the territory’s national assembly, Maina Sage, has been diagnosed with coronavirus and has been self-isolated at home.
Tom Hanks, Wife Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Hollywood actor Tom Hanks on Thursday announced on Twitter that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, have tested positive for coronavirus. They encountered symptoms after travelling to Australia.
“We Hanks will be tested, observed and isolated for as long as public health and safety requires,” he said in a tweet.
NBA Suspends Season Until Further Notice Over Coronavirus
The National Basketball Association has suspended its season “until further notice" after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came only hours after the majority of the league's owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas.
Now there will be no games at all, at least for the time being. A person with knowledge of the situation said the Jazz player who tested positive was center Rudy Gobert.
IPL Governing Council to Hold Meeting Over Coronavirus
The Indian Premier Governing Council will be holding a meeting to discuss the coronavirus outbreak on 14 March, reported ANI.
Australia Unveils $11bn Stimulus to Avert Virus Downturn
Australia on Thursday unveiled a massive US$11 billion spending plan designed to curb the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic and avert the country's first recession in 29 years, reproted AFP.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the nearly AUD $18 billion package -- equivalent to just under one percent of GDP -- which will primarily be targeted at businesses.
"This plan is about keeping Australians in jobs. This plan is about keeping a business in business," said Morrison.
Washington DC Mayor Declares State of Emergency as Virus Cases Rise
Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser declared a state of emergency on Wednesday as the number of identified coronavirus cases in the US capital reached 10 and officials recommended gatherings of 1,000 or more people be postponed or cancelled.
“We're not in a vacuum. Our country is experiencing this and our world is experiencing this," Bowser told a news conference. “We're asking residents, businesses and visitors to help us flatten the curve” of the virus' spread.
Spectator at ICC Women's T20 World Cup Final Tests Positive: MCG
The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC) on Wednesday, reported that they are aware that a person who attended the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at the MCG has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
According to the MCG statement, the patron sat on Level 2 of the Northern Stand at the MCG in section N42.
SC Refuses Urgent Hearing on Plea to Postpone IPL-2020 Amid Coronavirus Scare
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to accord urgent hearing on a plea seeking postponement of Indian Premier League (IPL)-2020 amid the coronavirus scare.
A vacation bench of justices U U Lalit and Aniruddha Bose told the petitioner that he could mention the matter for urgent listing before the regular bench on 16 March when the apex court will re-open after the Holi break.
"This is not a matter which cannot await till re-opening of the court. You can mention it before the regular court on 16 March," the bench told advocate Mohan Babu Agarwal, who has filed the petition.
Paralympic Committee of India Puts National and State Events on Hold Due to COVID-19 Threat
The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) on Thursday decided to put on hold all national and state championships till 15 April, keeping in mind government directions to avoid large gatherings in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI.
"We were already struggling to arrange for sponsorship to host these events but with fresh directions from the government, we did not have any option but to ask the state bodies to put on hold all championships," PCI President Deepa Malik told PTI.
E3 2020 Axed Over Coronavirus Fears
The Electronics Exhibhition Expo 2020, set to be held in June in Los Angeles, will no longer be held "following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus", a company statement said.
The announcement adds, "our team will be reaching out directly to exhibitors and attendees with information about providing full refunds."
Delhi HC Asks Centre To Contact Indian Students Stranded in Iran
The Delhi High Court directed the Centre on Thursday to ensure that the Indian embassy in Iran gets in touch with the Indian students stranded there in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Justice Navin Chawla told the Centre that the court will not tolerate non-compliance of its direction to contact the students and said it wants a report on that aspect on 17 March, the next date of hearing.
The court directed the ministries of home, external affairs, health and aviation, represented by central government's standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, to come up with a positive plan regarding evacuation of the students.
The court was hearing a plea moved by the parents of the Indian students who are stranded in Iran due to the coronavirus outbreak, seeking directions to the Centre to evacuate them.
Daily International Passenger Arrivals Fall to 62,000 from 70,000
The number of passengers arriving in all 30 Indian international airports has reduced to around 62,000 per day from 70,000 in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri said in Lok Sabha on Thursday, PTI reported.
He said the count might drop to around 40,000 following the travel advisory issued the previous day.
Those Revealing Identity of COVID-19 Patients to Face Action: Pune Divisional Commissioner
Authorities in Pune on Thursday, have warned of penal action against those who reveal the identity of patients testing positive for coronavirus on social media platforms.
Taking cognisance of a complaint from a relative of a Pune-based patient, who tested positive for COVID-19, divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar said police have been asked to monitor social media posts and take appropriate action in such matters.
"The police have been asked to monitorsocial media platforms through their cyber cell to make sure that no rumours are spread and the identity of patients should not be revealed," Mhaisekar said.
'Initial Focus to Bring Back Indian Pilgrims Stranded in Iran': EAM
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said the initial focus is to bring back Indian pilgrims stranded in Iran, which is grappling with cases of coronavirus, reported PTI.
The outbreak of coronavirus is a "matter of concern" and "we need to respond responsibly", he told Lok Sabha as he spoke on the current situation.
The "initial focus is on bringing back pilgrims, mostly stranded in Qom", he said, adding the government is also working with Indian authorities to look at the possibility of operating limited commercial flights.
Tokyo Governor Says Cancelling Olympics 'Unthinkable'
Cancelling the 2020 Olympics is "unthinkable" although the classification of the coronavirus as a pandemic will likely have some impact on the Games, the Tokyo city governor said on Thursday, reported AFP.
"It can't be said that the announcement of a pandemic would have no impact... But I think cancellation is unthinkable," Yuriko Koike told reporters.
Doubts are increasingly being raised over whether the Olympics can be held as scheduled from 24 July to 9 August.
Organisers have insisted the Games will go ahead as planned and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), with whom the final decision rests, has said there has not yet been any talk of cancellation or postponement.
Parliament Cancels Visitor Pass Over Coronavirus Fears
Amid fear of spread of coronavirus, the Parliament on Thursday cancelled the visitors passes to avoid any contact with outsiders, reports NDTV.
Visitor At Asian Development Bank in Manila Tests Positive for COVID-19
Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday said it has asked employees at its Manila headquarter to work from home after a visitor to the bank tested positive for COVID-19.
The bank's Manila headquarters facility will be closed from March 12 to undertake cleaning and disinfecting.
“The bank's operations will continue. ADB management will make a decision in coming days on when to reopen the bank premises,” a bank statement said.
Maha Legislature Budget Session Curtailed
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the ongoing budget session of the Maharashtra Legislature has been curtailed by a week and it will conclude on Saturday, reported.
The session, which began on 24 February , was earlier scheduled till 20 March.
State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anil Parab announced in the Assembly the decision of the Legislature's business advisory committee to curtail the budget session.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said, "Health of people is more important and legislators need to go back to their constituencies."
Madras HC Asks BCCI to Respond to PIL Seeking IPL Postponement
The Madras High Court on Thursday, asked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to reply by 23 March on a PIL to cancel the Indian Premier League (IPL)-2020 matches between 29 March and 24 May due coronavirus, reports ANI.
Indian-Origin Doctor From Canada Tests Positive for COVID-19, Kept in Isolation
A 35-year-old Indian-origin doctor from Canada, who came to visit her relatives in Lucknow, has tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at the King George's Medical University (KGMU) and her samples have been sent to Pune's National Institute of Virology for reconfirmation, a senior doctor said on Thursday, reported PTI.
“She has been kept in an isolation ward while her husband, who had accompanied her, has also been tested but has been found to be negative in the two tests conducted on him,” said Professor D Himanshu of KGMU's Medicine Department.
“The 35-year-old doctor had arrived on 8 March. She was tested positive on Wednesday night and her samples have been sent for reconfirmation to NIV,” Dr Himanshu said.
“Though she did not show any symptoms during screening at the Lucknow airport, she developed fever and cough later and contacted the doctors at KGMU,” he added.
Law University in Chhattisgarh Suspends Classes Till 18 March
As the battle against coronavirus intensifies, a Chhattisgarh-based law university has suspended its classes till 18 March as a precautionary measure after a few of its students were found suffering from cough, cold and fever, reported PTI.
The management of the Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU) in Raipur district has asked its students to vacate by Thursday evening the hostels located in the campus.
"Taking preventive measures regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the university is suspending its classes for students till March 18," said an order issued on Wednesday by university registrar (in-charge) Dr Ayan Hazra.
52 Testing Facilities Across Country
52 testing facilities are located across the country. There are a total of 56 sample collection centres, the Health Ministry said.
“We already have around 1 lakh testing kits available, additional testing kits have already been ordered and they are also in procurement,” Lav Aggarwal said.
No Need to Panic, Maintain Effective Social Distance: Lav Aggarwal
Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, said that a mask is not always necessary, if a person maintains effective social distance. There is no need to panic, he added.
Visa-Free Travel Granted to OCI Cardholders Kept in Abeyance Till 15 April
Health Ministry reiterated that visa-free travel facility granted to Overseas Citizen Of India (OCI) cardholders is in abeyance till 15 April. This will come into effect from 1200 GMT on 13 March at the port of departure.
No Community Transmission in India: Health Ministry
“Right now, luckily for India we do not have any community transmission. We have only a few cases that have come from outside and they have primarily affected their close family members,” Lav Aggarwal said.
Managed All Cases Symptomatically, Responding Positively: Health Ministry
"We have managed all the cases symptomatically, they are responding positively,” Health Ministry said.
Health Ministry also said that three planes will be sent to Iran over next three days to bring back Indians stranded in the coronavirus-hit country.
Coronavirus Vaccine Will Take Minimum of 1.5 to 2 Years: ICMR
Indian Council of Medical Research on Thursday, 12 March, said it has managed to isolate the coronavirus and that they have 11 such isolates.
“Vaccines will take a minimum of 1.5 to 2 years,” Indian Council of Medical Research further said.
Iran Asks IMF for First Loan Since 1962
Iran said on Thursday that it has sought financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund, which has not lent it money since 1962, to help it combat the novel coronavirus.
"Our central bank requested access" to the IMF's Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Twitter, urging the fund's board to respond to the request "responsibly".
Spain's Equality Minister Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Spain's equality minister Irene Montero tests positive for coronavirus, the government said on Thursday, according to AFP.
Chances of Virus Surviving in Higher Temperatures Not Confirmed: Health Ministry
Lav Aggarwal said, “All facts about it are still being studied. There are no confirmatory studies. It is generally expected that the virus, if it is in higher temperatures may have difficulty in surviving, but it is not confirmed.”
Indian Badminton Stars in UK Want Clarity on Returning to India
Badminton player Parupalli Kashyap, currently in Birmingham, tweeted at Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday, asking for clarity on the procedure for returning to India post the health advisory issued on Wednesday evening.
First COVID-19 Case in Andhra – Man Who Returned From Italy Tests Positive
A man who returned from Italy to Nellore last week tested positive for coronavirus, making it the first such case in Andhra Pradesh, Medical and Health Department said on Thursday, according to PTI.
The person developed dry cough and was admitted to the isolation ward in the government hospital at Nellore on his return from the European Nation on 6 March.
"Tests on his blood samples at the virology lab in Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati confirmed positive for COVID-19," the Health Department said in a release, according to PTI.
Fifth Positive Coronavirus Case in Karnataka
A 26-year-old male patient in Bengaluru, who returned from Greece, has tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in Karnataka to five. The patient is admitted and isolated at the hospital and is stable. All primary contacts have been traced and are asymptomatic, a media bulletin said.
The bulletin further said that home quarantine has been advised and is being followed-up.
The man is originally from Mumbai and had come from Greece to Mumbai on 6 March. He traveled to Bangalore on 8 March via Kempegowda International Airport and went to office on 9 March. He went to office and he was there for an hour. On the same day he visited a hospital after he felt uneasy, an official in the the Karnataka Health department told The Quint.
His primary contacts are around 10 people and secondary are 7.
Government is Fully Vigilant: PM Modi
"The Government is fully vigilant about the situation due to COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus,” PM Modi wrote on Twitter on Thursday.
“Across ministries & states, multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure safety of all,” he further wrote.PM Modi also urged Indians to avoid non-essential travel abroad.
PM Modi also urged Indians to avoid non-essential travel abroad.
COVID-19 a 'Controllable Pandemic': WHO Chief
'COVID-19 a 'controllable pandemic' if countries step up measures to tackle it,' WHO Chief Tedros said on Thursday, according to AFP.
No Need to Panic: MEA
The government's immediate concern is to contain and control coronavirus, there is no need to panic, the MEA said on Thursday in a briefing, according to PTI.
The MEA also urged Indians to avoid all non-essential travel abroad and also if possible, to remain abroad for a while if they were already there.
Processing Requests to Assist Neighbouring Countries With Protective Gear: MEA
“We have received requests from some of the countries in the neighborhood in terms of providing them assistance for protective gear. Requests are under process. In February we had sent a consignment to China,” MEA Spokepserson Raveesh Kumar said on Thursday, according to ANI.
Number of People Coming to India Dropped by 40% in Last 20 Days: MEA
The MEA said that the number of people coming to India has dropped by 40 percent in the last 20 days and the number will dip further, according to PTI.
75 More Coronavirus Deaths in Iran
Iran on Thursday said the novel coronavirus has claimed 75 more lives, raising the death toll to 429 in over 10,000 cases in the Islamic Republic.
UN HRC to Suspend Session Over COVID-19
UN Human Rights Council will be suspending its session over COVID-19, AFP reported on Thursday.
Delhi Schools, Colleges, Cinema Halls Shut Till 31 March
Invoking provisions of the Epidemic Disease Act, the Delhi government on Thursday announced that all cinema halls, schools, colleges (whose examinations have been held) in Delhi will be closed till 31 March.
While classes have been suspended, exams will continue.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal said that disinfecting all public places, including government, private offices and shopping malls, has been made compulsory.
The CM added that vacant flats owned by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board will be used for quarantine.
RBI Monitoring Situation: Report
Business Standard on Thursday reported that the RBI said, "The RBI stands ready to take all necessary measures to ensure that the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Indian economy are mitigated, and financial markets and institutions in India continue to function normally."
Sixth Case of Coronavirus Reported in Delhi
The mother of a 46-year-old man, who tested positive for novel coronavirus, has also been detected with the virus, making her the sixth patient in the national capital, officials said on Thursday.
The woman is aged 69 and is admitted to RML Hospital. Her son has a history of travel to Japan, Geneva and Italy. They are residents of West Delhi's Janakpuri.
Eight other members of their family were found to be asymptomatic.
Rashtrapati Bhavan Closes for Exploratory Tour Visits From 13 March
Amid fears over coronavirus, Rashtrapati Bhavan is shutting for tour visits from 13 March, till further notice.
Centre to Expedite Clearances to Bulk Drug Projects to Fight Coronavirus
As cases of novel coronavirus rise, the Centre on Thursday decided to expedite clearances to bulk drug projects by considering them "out of turn", PTI reported.
In a notification, Environment Ministry said the expeditious environmental clearances given to units involving active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and bulk drug intermediates will ensure overall preparedness and availability of drugs to reduce the impact of the outbreak.
Algeria Registers First Coronavirus Death
Algeria has registered its first death from the novel coronavirus, the health ministry announced on Thursday, according to AFP.
No further details on the death were provided in the ministry statement, as cited by the official APS press agency.
Five new cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, bringing the total number of confirmed cases on Algerian soil to 24, the ministry added, according to AFP.
Poland Confirms First Coronavirus Death
Poland has recorded its first death from the novel coronavirus outbreak in the western city of Poznan, its deputy mayor said on Thursday, according to AFP.
The 57-year-old female teacher, who had recently been hospitalised in critical condition with pneumonia, was put into an artificial coma and on a ventilator but "unfortunately she died not long ago," Poznan deputy mayor Jedrzej Solarski told reporters, according to AFP.
India Has Not Imposed a Ban, Has Taken 'More Stringent' Measures on Int'l Travel: Jaishankar
The government on Thursday informed Lok Sabha that India has not imposed a total ban on the entry of foreign nationals as part of efforts to check the spread of coronavirus, PTI reported.
Responding to a series of questions by members in Lok Sabha following his statement on COVID-19, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar clarified that "India has not imposed a ban."
"India has said that if people from certain countries who are coming here, they have to go through quarantine — in certain cases compulsory quarantine and in some cases discretionary quarantine — and Indian citizens who are coming back will obviously come back to quarantine conditions if that is required," he said, according to PTI.
COVID-19 Patient in Nagpur Stable; 15 Placed Under Watch
The condition of a 45-year-old man who tested positive for novel coronavirus infection in Nagpur is stable, while 15 people who came in contact with him are under observation, divisional commissioner Sanjiv Kumar said on Thursday, PTI reported.
From Friday, passengers who have travel history to Italy, Germany, China, France, Spain, Iran and South Korea will be placed under quarantine upon arrival at the Nagpur airport, whether they show any symptoms of the disease or not, he added, according to PTI.
Delhi Government Declares Coronavirus 'Epidemic': Arvind Kejriwal
Spain Virus Toll Soars to Nearly 3,000 Cases With 84 Deaths
Coronavirus infections in Spain soared to nearly 3,000 on Thursday as the number of deaths almost doubled, rising to 84, the health ministry said, according to AFP.
As of 1200 GMT, there were 2,968 cases in Spain, up from 2,140 at 1700 GMT on Wednesday, a ministry statement said, with deaths leaping to 84 from 48 within the same time frame.
Tourist Inflow Into India Drop by 30%: Official
India is witnessing a 25 percent to 30 percent drop in inbound international visitors to the country in recent months in the backdrop of novel coronavirus fears, Civil Aviation Joint Secretary Usha Padhee said on Thursday.
“There has been a drastic reduction in numbers (visitors to India) of international travellers, I was told that it has come down by 25 to 30 percent. Because of the quarantine by every country, both (inbound and outbound) have got severe impact,” she told reporters in Hyderabad, according to PTI.
One More Person Tests Positive in Pune
Pune Collector Naval Kishore Ram on Thursday said that one more person tested positive for coronavirus in Pune on Thursday, taking the total to nine positive cases in the city, ANI reported. The person has a travel history to the United States, he told ANI.
Pakistan's Coronavirus Tally Rises to 21
A 31-year-old resident of Gilgit Baltistan was tested positive for novel coronavirus, bringing Pakistan's total number of cases to 21, a health official said on Thursday, according to PTI.
The new victim returned from Iran on February 25, said government spokesperson Faizullah Firaq.
The patient was under treatment at the Skardu hospital, he added, according to PTI.
Spain Govt Tested as Minister Infected, Cases Touch 3,000
Spain's government underwent coronavirus testing Thursday after a minister tested positive and was quarantined with her partner, deputy prime minister Pablo Iglesias, and cases soared close to 3,000.
The surge in infections brought the total to 2,968 cases in Spain up from 2,140 on Wednesday evening, with deaths leaping to 84 from 48 within the same time frame.
"This morning, all members of the government will undergo testing," a government statement said, indicating the results would be published later in the day, according to AFP.
Mizoram Churches to Seek Divine Intervention
A conglomerate of 15 major churches of Mizoram has asked its constituents to seek divine intervention to contain the coronavirus pandemic, a church leader said on Thursday.
Member churches of the Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee were asked to seek God's intervention so that the state remains safe from novel coronavirus attack and the global pandemic is contained, MKHC general secretary Rev Lalrinsanga said, according to PTI.
Schools in Bengaluru to Suspend Classes Immediately
Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar directed schools in Bengaluru to suspend classes immediately as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus, The News Minute reported.
Schools have also been asked to complete examinations from class 7 to class 9 by 23 March. The board exams for class 10 will be held as usual.
Suresh Kumar stated that schools in Bengaluru Rural and Bengaluru Urban should declare study leave for students of classes seven to ten and only ask them to come to schools for examinations.
20 People Admitted in Mumbai Hospital Test Negative
Of the 40 people admitted to civic-run Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai for suspected coronavirus infection, 20 have tested negative, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said on Thursday, according to PTI.
Of the 190 people quarantined at Kasturba Hospital since January 18, 168 have tested negative so far, said Daksha Shah, deputy director, BMC health department.
"Test reports of another 20 are awaited," she said, according to PTI.
Demands Like Separate Rooms Hindering Smooth Functioning at Army's Quarantine Facility
Army personnel operating the coronavirus quarantine facility at Manesar have been receiving unusual demands from those under observation, like requesting for independent rooms, which is hindering its smooth functioning, sources said on Thursday, PTI reported.
On Wednesday, those under observation also created ruckus at the facility but the situation was brought under control, the sources added.
They indicated that it costs around Rs 3.5 lakh every day to run the facility. While it is deemed to be a facility responding to emergency requirements, the sources said, many under observation demand special provisions like independent rooms, according to PTI.
"This creates hindrances in smooth functioning of the medical and administrative staff at the facility," an official added.
Two More Coronavirus Cases Reported in Kerala, Total at 16
Two more people in Kerala have tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday, according to PTI.
With this, the total number of infected people in the state has gone up to 16.
Boris Johnson Calls PM Modi to Discuss Coronavirus Crisis
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss the coordinated international efforts required to tackle the spread of deadly coronavirus.
"The Prime Minister spoke to Indian Prime Minister Modi today. They discussed the coronavirus outbreak and emphasised the importance of coordinated international efforts to tackle the spread of the virus," a Downing Street spokesperson said, according to PTI.
Manipur Orders Shutdown of Schools Till March 31
The Manipur government has ordered the shutdown of all schools in the state till March 31 beginning Thursday as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, officials said, according to PTI.
All government, aided and private schools should be closed till the specified date to reduce mass gatherings, an order issued by Commissioner (Education-Schools) T Ranjit said.
However, ongoing examinations conducted by the Council of Higher Secondary Education, Manipur will not be affected by the order, he said, according to PTI.
Philippine President Orders Virus Lockdown of Capital
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced plans Thursday for a halt to all transport in and out of the capital Manila and a quarantine to contain the spread of the deadly new coronavirus, AFP reported.
In a nationally televised address, Duterte also approved a month of school closures, ban on mass gatherings and a prohibition on the entry of foreigners from places where the contagion is spreading.
It was not immediately clear when all the measures would take effect but Duterte said the temporary block on land, sea and air traffic into and out of the capital would start Sunday, AFP reported.
ECB Fires off Stimulus to Counter Virus 'Major Shock'
European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde warned on Thursday that the coronavirus had delivered a "major shock" to the global economy that required urgent, coordinated action, as she unveiled fresh stimulus to keep credit flowing, AFP reported.
The latest major central bank to jump into the fray, the ECB launched a flurry of measures to cushion the impact of the virus, including increased bond purchases and cheap loans to banks.
Army Sets up 4 Isolation Wards at Northern Command Hospital
The Indian Army on Thursday set up four isolation wards with 100 beds at Udhampur-based Northern Command Hospital to quarantine and treat suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients, said officials, according to PTI.
A team of specialist doctors will manage the suspected coronavirus patients, they added.
The isolation wards with 100 bed capacity have been set up with life-saving medical equipment and medicines, they added, according to PTI.
China Says Its Coronavirus Peak Is Over as Cases Drop to Single-Digit in Wuhan
China on Thursday said the peak of the novel coronavirus in the country is over but its success in controlling the deadly disease has become complicated due to a global surge in the COVID-19 cases, PTI reported.
In China, new cases keep declining and the overall epidemic situation remains at a low level, Mi Feng, a spokesperson for the National Health Commission (NHC), told the media in Beijing.
Delhi Govt Writes to Centre for More COVID-19 Testing Labs in City
The Delhi government on Thursday requested the Centre to increase the number of testing laboratories for COVID-19 in the national capital as the city reported its sixth case of coronavirus, according to PTI.
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain wrote to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan requesting him to increase the number of testing labs for COVID-19 in the city.
In Delhi, the facility of coronavirus sample testing has been made available at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the National Centre for Disease Control, according to PTI.
Another Case in Mumbai, Number Rises to 14 in Maharashtra
Two more cases of coronavirus were confirmed in Maharashtra on Thursday evening, one of them in Mumbai and other in neighbouring Thane, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said in Mumbai, according to PTI.
It has taken the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the state to 14.
The new coronavirus patient in Mumbai is a 65-year- old man who had returned from Dubai and his condition is somewhat critical, Tope told reporters. The patient in Thane had travelled to France, he said, according to PTI.
Earlier during the day, test of one person in Pune had come out positive.
Brazilian Who Met Trump Tests Positive for COVID-19
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro's communications chief, who met Donald Trump during an official weekend visit to the US leader's Florida resort, has tested positive for the new coronavirus, the government said on Thursday, according to AFP.
The Brazilian president's office "has taken and is taking all necessary preventive measures to protect the health of the president and all staff that traveled with him to the United States" last Saturday to Tuesday, it said in a statement, confirming the far-right government's chief spokesman, Fabio Wajngarten, had tested positive for COVID-19.
Wajngarten had posted a picture of himself meeting Trump on Instagram on Saturday, AFP reported.
All Schools in Uttarakhand to be Closed Till 31 March
All schools in Uttarakhand will remain closed till 31 March in view of coronavirus. Educational institutes where examinations are being held will remain open till the examinations are underway, ANI reported.
DU Postpones Internal Exams Till 31 March
The Delhi University on Thursday said any internal exam for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes has been postponed till 31 March.
It also cancelled all functions after in view of coronavirus threat.
"To maintain continuity in the teaching-learning process in all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes study material shall be made available on a weekly basis on the website by the respective teachers of all departments/colleges/centres," the university said.
It said that teachers of respective courses shall remain available through e-resources according to the time-table.
All functions, including seminars, conferences, symposia, workshops and group activities stand cancelled, the university said, adding the measures will be revisited after 31 March.
PM, Netanyahu Discuss Coronavirus Pandemic Over Phone: MEA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and the two leaders exchanged views on the global situation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday, according to PTI.
Modi received a telephone call on Wednesday evening from Netanyahu and the leaders reviewed the "excellent progress" in bilateral relations, the MEA said in a statement.
"They also exchanged views on the global situation in the context of COVID-19 pandemic," it said, according to PTI.
Trudeau in Self-Quarantine as Wife Undergoes Tests for Coronavirus
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is quarantining himself at home after his wife exhibited flu-like symptoms.
Trudeau's office said Thursday that Sophie Grégoire Trudeau returned from a speaking engagement in Britain and had mild flu-like symptoms, including a low fever late, Wednesday night, Associated Press reported.
She is being tested for the COVID-19 disease and is awaiting results. Her symptoms have since subsided.
"Out of an abundance of caution, the Prime Minister is opting to self-isolate and work from home until receiving Sophie's results," the statement said, according to Associated Press.
Kalburgi Man's Death Due to Suspected Coronavirus Now Confirmed
The 76-year-old man from Kalburgi who passed away and was a suspected coronavirus patient has been confirmed for COVID-19, the Karnataka Health Department announced on Thursday, 12 March.
The necessary contact tracing, isolation and other measures as per protocol are being carried out. The Telangana government has also been informed since he went to a private hospital there, the Karnataka Health Department further said on Thursday.
Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum Close Over Coronavirus
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museums in the Dutch capital Amsterdam said Thursday they were closing until the end of March to help halt the spread of the deadly coronavirus, AFP reported.
Several other major tourist draws in the Netherlands including the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and major art museums in Rotterdam and The Hague, said they were also shutting their doors.
Centre, 15 States and UTS Set up Helplines for Coronavirus
The government has set up a central helpline - 011-23978046 - related to coronavirus outbreak in the country, besides 15 states and union territories using either of '104', '108' and '102' as their state-level helpline number, the Union Home Ministry said on Thursday, PTI reported.
Bihar, Goa, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Puducherry are using phone number 104 as helplines for tackling coronavirus outbreak, it said.
Seven More Coronavirus Suspects Admitted to Nashik Hospital
Seven persons with suspected coronavirus-like symptoms were admitted to the Nashik district civil hospital on Thursday, PTI reported.
With this, the number of persons admitted to the hospital for suspected exposure to the virus went up to 11.
Those who were admitted had returned from countries such as Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Bhutan, Britain and US.
Their throat swab samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, PTI reported.
Italy's Coronavirus Death Toll Crosses 1000
Italy's coronavirus death toll tops 1,000, news agency AFP reported quoting an official.
No Need for Trump to Take Coronavirus Test: The White House
The White House stated today that there is "no need for Trump to take a test for coronavirus after meeting infected aide of Brazil President Bolsonaro," reported AFP.
Colleges, Universities to be Closed in Chhattisgarh Till 31 March
Chhattisgarh’s Higher Education Department stated, “All colleges and universities in the state to remain closed till 31 March, in view of coronavirus pandemic. However, examinations will be held as scheduled,” reported ANI.
New York Bans Gathering of More Than 500
New York has banned gatherings of more than 500, including Broadway, reports AFP news agency quoting New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Catholic Churches Across Rome to Shut Until 3 April: Vatican
Catholic churches across Rome will close until 3 April because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 1,000 people across Italy, the papal vicar for Rome said today, reports AFP.
Next Week's London Brexit Talks Cancelled Over Virus
Brexit trade talks scheduled to be held in London next week have been cancelled due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, a joint EU-UK statement said.
"Given the latest COVID-19 developments, EU and UK negotiators have today jointly decided not to hold next week's round of negotiations in London," the statement said, reports AFP.
Top Adviser to Iran's Khamenei Quarantined With Virus Symptoms
A key adviser to Iran's supreme leader has been placed in quarantine after experiencing "mild symptoms" of the new coronavirus, Tasnim news agency reported today.
Ali Akbar Velayati, who advises supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on foreign policy, was "quarantined after having experienced mild symptoms of coronavirus," the agency said, reports ANI.
France to Close Schools Over Coronavirus: Macron
France President Emmanuel Macron announced that schools would close indefinitely from next week to curb the spread of the coronavirus, also urging people over 70 to stay at home.
In an address to the nation on the fight against COVID-19 which has already killed 61 people and infected almost 2,900 in France, Macron made clear that it could no longer be business as usual, reported AFP.
Arsenal FC Manager Mikel Arteta Tests Positive
Arsenal Football Club’s manager Mikel Arteta has tested positive for coronavirus, reports AFP.
India Part of US-Led Initiative to Share Info on Integrating Science Into Coronavirus Response
India is part of a US-led global initiative to share information on integrating science into coronavirus response, according to a White House statement.
Besides the US and India, the UK, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea are part of the initiative.
The second conference call by the science ministers and chief advisors of these countries was held on Wednesday and it was convened by the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr Kelvin Droegemeier, reported PTI.
Disneyland in California to Close Over Virus
Disneyland in California will close its doors beginning Saturday due to new coronavirus, the resort said, joining a slew of concerts, festivals and other entertainment events scrapped across the US.
Disney will also shut Florida and Paris theme parks and cruise line, reports AFP.