Coronavirus: Total 28 Confirmed Cases, Says Health Minister
Catch all the live updates on the Coronavirus outbreak.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday, 4 March, while addressing media stated, “So far India has reported 28 positive coronavirus cases, this includes 16 Italians.”
Fifteen of 21 tourists from Italy quarantined at ITBP facility tested positive for COVID-19, stated government officials on Wednesday, 4 March. Meanwhile, samples of all six people in Noida taken on Tuesday for suspected coronavirus tested negative, stated officials, reported PTI.
Amid a coronavirus scare in Delhi-NCR, the demand for surgical and N95 masks increased manifold in Noida on Tuesday with some people claiming they were being sold at rates much higher than the actual cost.
The death toll due to the novel coronavirus outbreak in China has risen to 2,943, authorities said on Tuesday, reports IANS, while the number of confirmed cases has reached 80,151.
- One in Delhi, six in Agra, 16 Italians and Indian driver, one in Telangana and three in Kerala, said Health minister Harsh Vardhan.
- All side-events scheduled during the 43rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, Geneva will be cancelled as of 3 March until the end of the session.
- Satyendra Jain, Delhi Health Minister said that 350,000 N95 masks have been arranged and over 8,000 separation kits for staff treating coronavirus patients.
- Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday, announced that all existing visas including e-visas will remain suspended for China and Iran
- A global recession is likely if the coronavirus becomes a pandemic, and the odds of that are high, Moody’s Analytics said on Wednesday
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Singapore Confirms Four More Coronavirus Cases
Singapore's Health Ministry confirmed four more cases of coronavirus on Sunday, 1 March, including a Japanese national and two maids from Myanmar and the Philippines, PTI reported.
Three of the latest cases are from a cluster at Wizlearn Technologies in the Science Park hub within the residential and industrial region on the west coast.
Nearly 500 New Coronavirus Cases Send South Korea Total Past 4,000
South Korea reported nearly 500 new coronavirus cases Monday, sending the largest national total in the world outside China past 4,000, according to AFP.
Four more people had died, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said, taking the toll to 22.
Infection numbers have surged in the world's 12th-largest economy in recent days and the country's central bank has warned of negative growth in the first quarter, noting the epidemic will hit both consumption and exports, while scores of events have been cancelled or postponed over the contagion.
Death Toll in Coronavirus Crosses 2,900 in China
China has reported 42 new fatalities from the novel coronavirus outbreak, taking the death toll in the country to 2,912, Chinese health officials said on Monday, 2 March, as the rapid spread of the epidemic wreaks havoc globally causing over 3,000 deaths and infecting more than 88,000 people, reports PTI.
The deadly virus that first emerged in China in December last year has spread to more than 70 countries and has infected more than 88,000 people, including over 80,000 in China.
Stranded On Boats In Iran, 400 Tamil Nadu Fishermen Appeal For Help
More than 400 fishermen from Tamil Nadu, stranded on boats in coronavirus-hit Iran, have urged the central government to airlift them from the middle east country, reports NDTV. The disease has killed over 50 people in Iran and infected nearly 1,000.
In an SOS video, the fishermen can be heard making desperate calls for help, seeking urgent intervention. Their food and fuel supplies are running out, they say, adding they don't even have masks to protect themselves, according to the news channel.
Amazon Confirms Two Employees in Italy Have Contracted Coronavirus
Amazon.com Inc said late on Sunday that two employees in Milan, Italy, have contracted the coronavirus and are under quarantine, reports Reuters.
“We’re supporting the affected employees who were in Milan and are now in quarantine,” company spokesman Dan Perlet told the news agency.
The world’s biggest online retailer said it was unaware of any US employees who had contracted the virus. On Friday, Amazon told employees to stop non-essential travel, within the United States and beyond. The company also confirmed on Sunday it is moving some recruiting interviews to video rather than in person.
Asian Shares Come Charging Back Despite Growing Fallout From Virus
Asian shares came charging back Monday from last week's retreat, with mainland Chinese benchmarks gaining 3 percent as data showed progress in restoring factory output after weeks of disruptions from the viral outbreak, according to AP.
Stocks have been swooning as investors fret the coronavirus outbreak will derail the global economy. But in those declines, some see opportunities to buy, the news agency reports.
India's Sensex advanced 1.4 percent to 38,819.39. Japan's Nikkei 225 index recovered from early losses, gaining 1.4 percent to 21,441.56, while the Shanghai Composite index rose 2.9 percent to 2,965.11.
The benchmark for the smaller exchange, in Shenzhen, jumped 3.4 percent. South Korea's Kospi climbed 1 percent to 2,007.57 and the Hang Seng in Hong Kong jumped 0.9 percent to 26,371.21.
1st Case of Coronavirus Reported in Delhi, Another in Telangana
The first positive case of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in Delhi, according to a Ministry of Health notification. Another case has been reported in Telangana.
Both patients are stable and being monitored.
“The person from Delhi has a travel history from Italy, while the one in Telangana has a travel history from Dubai,” the notification added.
India Suspends All Existing Visas For China and Iran
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday announced that all existing visas including e-visas will remain suspended for China and Iran. As the situation develops, the travel restrictions may be further extended to other countries also, reported ANI quoting the minister.
“We advise Indians to avoid non-essential travel to China, Iran, Korea, Singapore, and Italy,” he added.
The health minister further added that a discussion regarding a revision in policy decisions is also taking place.
Iran Death Toll Rises to 66
Iran on Monday reported a rise in the national coronavirus death toll to 66 amid 1,501 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in the Islamic Republic, reports AP.
Iran has the highest death toll from the virus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Nasa Images Show Drop in China's Air Pollution After Coronavirus Lockdown
Satellite images by NASA and the European Space Agency have shown a significant decline in pollution levels over China, partly due to the economic slowdown following the deadly coronavirus outbreak, the US space agency said on Monday.
The pollution monitoring satellites of the space agencies detected significant decreases over China in nitrogen dioxide (NO2), a noxious gas emitted by motor vehicles, power plants, and industrial facilities, NASA said in a statement.
EU Raises Coronavirus Risk Level to 'High'
The European Union's disease control agency has increased its risk level for the novel coronavirus COVID-19 from moderate to high, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday.
"The ECDC has announced today that the risk level has risen from moderate to high for people in the European Union. In other words, the virus continues to spread," she said.
'Flu Corners' to Be Set up in Hospitals in Punjab: Chief Minister
Amid scare over deadly coronavirus, the Punjab government on Monday announced emergency measures, including setting up of 'flu corners' in all government and private hospitals, in the event of any exigency.
"The 'flu corners' will screen all suspected cases of respiratory tract infections at the earliest and ensure that the movement of such cases is restricted in order to prevent the spread of the (coronavirus) disease," an official statement said.
The state government also approved the Punjab Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020 under the ambit of sections 2, 3 and 4 of the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 to combat the menace of the virus, the statement said.
Louvre Museum Shuttered for Second Day Over Staff Coronavirus Fears
The Louvre in Paris was closed for a second day running on Monday after staff again refused to work due to coronavirus fears, a union said.
Staff voted Monday at a meeting, as they had on Sunday, to exercise their legal right not to work due to threat to their life or health, Christian Galani, a staff representative at the Louvre and member of the CGT union, told AFP.
DGCA Expands Universal Screening For All Passengers From Italy and Iran
The DGCA on Monday decided to expand universal screening to all passengers arriving in flights from Italy and Iran, besides flights from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Nepal, Vietnam and Malaysia.
According to the statement, all airlines shall make in-flight announcements in flights coming from these countries.
Suspected Positive Case Reported in Jaipur
An Italian tourist tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur on Monday and his blood samples are being sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation.
The first sample collected Saturday tested negative but his condition deteriorated, Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma told reporters.
“He has been put in the isolation ward of SMS Hospital. His samples will be sent again for testing since two different results were found in different tests. People who came in his contact till 29 February will also be screened for COVID-19,” Sharma said.
So far, no confirmed cases coronavirus has been reported from the state.
Condition of Coronavirus-Hit Man Stable: Telangana Minister
The condition of the man, who tested positive for the novel Coronavirus in Telangana, is stable and he is being treated in an isolated ward at the state-run Gandhi hospital in the city, Telangana Health Minister E Rajender said on Monday.
The 24-year-old man, a software engineer who works in Bengaluru, had worked with people from Hong Kong in Dubai last month where he is suspected to have contracted the virus, Rajender told reporters.
“He took treatment for fever after coming to Hyderabad and was admitted to a private super speciality hospital in the city. As it did not subside, he came to the state-run Gandhi hospital on Sunday evening,” Rajender said.
First Coronavirus Case Confirmed in Moscow
Russian authorities on Monday confirmed the first case of coronavirus in Moscow, saying the patient had recently returned from Italy.
The anti-coronavirus task force said in a statement quoted by Russian news agencies that the "young man" had fallen ill on 21 February while on vacation to Italy.
“The man, who resides outside Moscow, returned to Russia on 23 February, and started showing signs of a respiratory viral infection,” it said.
“He sought medical help and was hospitalised on 27 February. Testing confirmed the infection on Monday and his symptoms were not severe,” the statement said.
Third Death Reported In France From Coronavirus
A third person has died in France of the new coronavirus, sources in northern France said on Monday, confirming the death of an elderly woman in a town that already lost a schoolteacher to the disease.
The woman, who was in her eighties, lived in Crepy-en-Valois, 70 kilometers northeast of Paris, where a 60-year-old teacher who died last week had been working.
Portugal Confirms First Coronavirus
Portugal on Monday confirmed its first case of the new coronavirus, a 60-year-old man who had travelled back from northern Italy, which is the European hotspot for the virus.
A second person hospitalised in Portugal with coronavirus symptoms, a 33-year-old man, was awaiting final test results after initial exams suggested he might be ill with the virus as well.
The second suspected case was a person who had returned from eastern Spain, where several COVID-19 cases have been confirmed.
Portugal's government said it would extend screening measures to people arriving from Italy, in line with similar precautions already imposed on travellers from China.
AI Crew Who Flew With Virus-Struck Indian Asked to Remain in Isolation for 14 Days
After the Union Health Ministry announced on Monday that a Delhi resident has tested positive for novel coronavirus, the Air India crew who had flown the Vienna-Delhi flight on February 25 on which he was the passenger have been asked to stay in isolation at their homes for 14 days, officials said.
“The crew members of 25 February Vienna-Delhi flight will remain in isolation for 14 days at their respective homes. If during this period, they show any symptoms related to novel coronavirus infection, they have to immediately contact doctors,” the officials told PTI.
Sweden Bans Iran Flights Over Coronaviru
Sweden's transport authority on Monday halted direct flights to and from Iran on the advice of health officials who said Tehran was "not in control" of the outbreak of the new coronavirus on its soil.
The Swedish Transport Agency announced it was temporarily suspending the flight permits of Iran Air -- currently the only airline flying directly between Iran and Sweden -- saying they were responding to a request by Swedish health officials.
Nine Times More New Virus Cases Outside China Than In: WHO
The World Health Organisation on Monday said the number of new coronavirus cases registered in the past day in China was far lower than in the rest of the world.
“In the last 24 hours there were almost nine times more COVID-19 cases reported outside China than inside China,” said Tedros Adhanom, World Health Organization Chief told reporters in Geneva.
India Safe, Secure: Tourism Minister on Coronavirus
Tourism Minister Prahlad Patel on Monday said the government is aware that the whole world is worried about the coronavirus outbreak, but assured that India remains safe and secure.
Speaking at an event, Patel said the government is taking all necessary steps and maintaining vigil at all international airports.
"We know the whole world is worried about coronavirus but India is still secure and safe and we are maintaining vigil on all international airports," he said.
Telanagana Govt Issues Advisory to Education Institutions
The Health Department of Telangana State on Monday has issued an advisory to all the schools and educational institutions after COVID-19 positive was detected in the State today.
Four More Cases Reported in England
Four more people have tested positive for coronavirus in England, bringing the total number of cases in the UK to 40, reports The Guardian on Monday.
Death Toll in Italy Rises to 52
Death toll of patients who tested positive for Coronavirus in Italy rises by 18 to 52, with the total number of confirmed cases rising above 2,000, ANI reported quoting Reuters.
No Case Coronavirus in Andhra So Far: State Govt
No positive case of Coronavirus has been registered in Andhra Pradesh so far, the state government said. Full screening is being done at airports and seaports. Till date,263 passengers came from coronavirus affected countries. All of them are kept under observation.
Death Toll in US Rises to 6
Death toll from novel Coronavirus in the US rises to six, AFP news agency reported.
Air India Flight Crew Asked to Stay in Isolation After Passenger Tests Positive for Coronavirus
All crew members of a 25 February Vienna-Delhi flight have been asked to stay in isolation at their respective homes for 14 days after male passenger, who travelled from Vienna to Delhi by this flight, was found to be infected with Coronavirus,ANi reported quoting an Air India official.
Senegal Confirms First Coronavirus Case
Senegal on Monday confirmed its first case of the novel coronavirus, a French citizen who visited France last month before returning to the West African country and being quarantined in the capital Dakar.
"The results of the tests carried out by the Pasteur Institute in Dakar came back positive," Senegal's Health Minister Diouf Sarr told journalists.
US Pharma Firms Speed Up Work on Coronavirus Vaccine: Trump
Some of the American pharmaceutical companies have speed up their work towards finding a vaccine for the new coronavirus strain, President Donald Trump said on Monday, ahead of a meeting with executives of drug companies.
"I'm meeting with the pharmaceutical companies later on this afternoon. We have a big meeting with the biggest companies...we're talking about a vaccine... maybe a cure; it's possible. So, we'll see about that," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House.
Coronavirus Treatments Could be Available by Summer: Pence
Drugs to treat the novel coronavirus could be available by this summer or fall, US Vice President Mike Pence said Monday.
"The vaccine may not be available until late this year or early next, but the therapeutics to give relief to the people who contract the coronavirus could be available by summer or early fall," he told a news conference.
Monitoring People Who Came in Contact with Coronavirus-Hit Techie: K'taka Health Min
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu has said that a medical team is monitoring the health condition of all those people who had stayed with the coronavirus-hit techie who is admitted to a hospital in Hyderabad.
The first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Telangana was reported from Hyderabad on Monday where a man from Bengaluru, who recently returned from Dubai, tested positive for the virus.
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu has called a meeting of top officials of his department on Tuesday following information that the man, who tested postive for novel coronavirus in Telangana had travelled from the city.
The minister in a tweet said people residing in the person's local address have been identified and are being monitored.
US Coronavirus Death Toll Rises to 6, All in Washington State
The number of US deaths from the novel coronavirus rose to six on Monday, all in the state of Washington, officials said, signaling the contagion has taken root in the Pacific Northwest, AFP reported.
Coronavirus cases in the US increased to 91, up from just 60 cases a day ago, with two fatalities, said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (#CDC).
Vice President Mike Pence announced a treatment for the disease could be available by summer or early fall, but that a vaccine was farther off.
Pence, the administration's pointman for the crisis, also said the government was moving to screen 100 percent of passengers flying in from Italy and South Korea, two serious virus hot zones.
Telangana's Weather Not Conducive to Coronavirus: Health Minister
Telangana Health Minister Eatela Rajender said that the state government is working under the guidelines of Central Government in dealing with the novel coronavirus case, according to ANI.
"The virus spreads under low humidity and less temperature but on the contrary, Telangana doesn't have both the weather situation and that is why coronavirus can't survive in the state but still government is taking precautionary measures," said the minister.
The first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Telangana was reported from Hyderabad on Monday where a man from Bengaluru, who recently returned from Dubai, tested positive for the virus.
China Reports Rise in Imported Virus Cases
China reported on Tuesday, 3 March, an increase in cases of the new coronavirus coming from abroad, as the country where the disease first emerged now worries about importing infections, according to AFP.
In total there have been 13 confirmed cases of the virus being imported into the mainland all Chinese nationals returning from overseas.
More than 3,100 people have died and over 90,000 have been infected worldwide.
The vast majority of cases are in China but South Korea, Italy and Iran have emerged as the countries with the most cases outside the epicentre.
6 Suspected Cases Detected in Agra, Came in Contact With Delhi Patient
Six cases with high viral load have been detected during sample testing in Agra, according to a Government of India notification. These are people who have come in contact with the COVID-19 patient from Delhi. They have been kept in isolation, reports ANI.
The samples are being sent to National Institute of Virology for confirmation. Contact tracing of the persons who have come in contact with these six persons is also simultaneously being done through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network, according to ANI.
Twitter Staff Told to Work From Home Over Virus Fears
Twitter staff across the world were asked to work from home starting Monday, 2 March, in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly new coronavirus epidemic, reports AFP.
The outbreak has spread across the world since emerging in central China late last year, killing more than 3,100 people, infecting over 90,000, and prompting a wave of travel restrictions.
The social media platform's decision to ask its staff to avoid the office follows similar requests by governments in virus hotspots.
"We are strongly encouraging all employees globally to work from home if they're able," Twitter human resources chief Jennifer Christie said in a Monday blog post.
Exports of Paracetamol, Vitamin B1, B12 Put Under Restricted Category
Exports of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and formulations, including Paracetamol, Vitamin B1 and B12, have been put under restricted category amid the coronavirus outbreak in China, according to a government notification on Tuesday, 3 March, PTI reported.
Now, export of 26 APIs and formulations requires licence from the directorate general of foreign trade (DGFT).
"Export of specified APIs and formulations made from these APIs ...is hereby restricted with immediate effect and till further orders, " the DGFT said in the notification.
Visas Issued by Mar 3 to Citizens of 4 Nations Who Haven't Entered India Suspended
Regular visas or e-visas issued to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan on or before Mar 3, who have not entered India have been suspended, says a government Advisory, according to PTI.
'True Leader' Would Be Focused on Averting Coronavirus Crisis: Rahul
Raising concerns over the detection of fresh coronavirus case in India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said a "true leader" would be completely focused on averting the massive crisis about to be unleashed by the virus on the country and its economy.
Gandhi's remarks came after India on Monday reported two new cases of the novel coronavirus, including one from the national capital.
Delhi Government Calls Emergency Meet Over Coronavirus Today
The Delhi Government has called an emergency meeting on Tuesday, 3 March, over the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), reports ANI. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Health Minister Satyendra Jain, Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Dev, and Delhi Health Secretary to attend the meeting.
'Reviewed Coronavirus Preparedness, No Need to Panic': PM Modi
“There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection,” PM Modi posted on Twitter along with a Ministry of Health advisory on the novel coronavirus.
“Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries & states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention,” he added.
Monitoring Coronavirus Impact on Financial Markets, Ready to Take Action: RBI
The Reserve Bank on Tuesday, 3 March, said it is closely monitoring global as well as domestic situation regarding the impact of deadly coronavirus and ready to take necessary action to ensure orderly functioning of financial markets, PTI reported.
Globally, financial markets have been experiencing considerable volatility, with the spread of coronavirus, triggering risk-off sentiments and flights to safe haven, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement.
Spillovers to financial markets in India have largely been contained. Growing hopes of coordinated policy action to mitigate a broader fallout to economic activity has boosted market sentiment today.
HC Seeks Centre Stand on Plea to Evacuate Indian Students Stranded in Iran
The Delhi High Court Tuesday sought the Centre's response on a plea by parents of Indian students stranded in Iran due to coronavirus outbreak for evacuating them.
Justice I S Mehta issued notice to ministries of home, external affairs, health and aviation and asked them to file a status report on the steps being taken by them to evacuate the students.
Central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, who appeared for the ministries, accepted the notice and said a status report would be filed on the steps being taken.
The court, thereafter, listed the matter for further hearing on 11 March.
Civil Aviation Ministry, AAI Hold Meeting to Review Coronavirus Situation
The Civil Aviation Ministry on Tuesday conducted a meeting with all airports to review and guide the preparations to prevent the spread of the infection in the country.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had said on Monday that all passengers coming from Italy and Iran would undergo thermal screening for novel coronavirus, hours after the government announced the two fresh cases.
Regular Visas Issued by Mar 3 to Citizens of 4 Nations Who Haven't Entered India Suspended
A day after two fresh cases of the novel coronavirus were reported in India, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday issued a travel advisory suspending all regular visas/e-visas granted on or before 3 March to nationals of Italy, Iran, South Korea, Japan who have not yet entered India.
In view of the emerging global scenarios regarding COVID19 disease, in supersession of all earlier advisories, the government issued the new travel advisory.
The advisory also suspends visa on arrival (VoA) issued on or before 3 March to Japanese and South Korean nationals who have not yet entered India.
Rahul Gandhi Urges Centre to Focus on Coronavirus Crisis
Senior Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday posted on Twitter, urging the cCntre to focus their attention on solving the coronavirus crisis.
Gandhi also slammed the Prime Minister on his recent decision to handover his social media accounts to women leaders and on Women’s Day on 8 March.
Agra Hotels Told to Report Arrival of Visitors From Italy, Iran, China
Hotels and the authorities at tourist sites in Agra have been told to inform the office of the chief medical officer as soon as visitors from Italy, Iran or China arrive, so that they can be screened for coronavirus infection, an official said on Tuesday.
Meanwhile in Lucknow, samples of an Uttar Pradesh residents who had returned from Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning have been sent for testing. He will be quarantined for 14 days in the hospital. The instructions came a day after an Italian tourist was tested positive for coronavirus in Jaipur.
Iran Death Toll Rises to 77
Iran on Tuesday reported 11 new death due to the novel coronavirus, rasing the totla national death toll to 77.
Iran has the highest death toll from the virus outside of China, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Hyaat Regency Delhi Asks Staff to Go on Self-Quarantine
The Hyatt Regency Delhi has asked its staff to go on a self-quarantine procedure for 14 days after they discovered that an individual who dined at their La Piazza restaurant on 28 February has been diagnosed with coronavirus.
Air India Urges Flyers to Follow Health Ministry Protocols
All crew members of a 25 February Vienna-Delhi flight have been asked to stay in isolation at their respective homes for 14 days after male passenger, who travelled from Vienna to Delhi by this flight, was found to be infected with coronavirus.
Iran Supreme Leader Orders Armed Forces to Combat New Virus
Iran's supreme leader ordered on Tuesday the Islamic Republic's armed forces to assist its Health Ministry in combating the spread of the new coronavirus.
Khamenei's decision was announced after state media broadcast images of him planting a tree wearing disposable gloves ahead of Iran's upcoming arbor day.
"Whatever helps public health and prevents the spread of the disease is good and what helps to spread it is sin," Khamenei said.
After downplaying the coronavirus as recently as last week, Iranian authorities now say they have plans to potentially mobilize 300,000 soldiers and volunteers to confront the virus.
Concern over the outbreak now stretches to Iran's top leadership — some of whom have fallen ill from the virus.
Pope Tests Negative for Coronavirus
Pope Francis, who is suffering from a cold, has tested negative for the coronavirus, an Italian newspaper reported Tuesday, as Italy battles Europe's worst outbreak.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni did not respond to a request for comment on the report in the Messaggero newspaper.
Francis cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy this weekend, after axing all public meetings at the end of last week over the cold.
Indigo Airlines Crew From Dubai-Bangalore Flight Under Home Quarantine
Indigo Airlines on Tuesday said that four crew members, who travelled with the coronavirus-infected passenger on the 20 February Dubai-Bengaluru flight are under home observation since 2 March.
“We are following all the prescribed Airport Health Organization (APHO) guidelines and are taking preventive measures for our crew operating flights to regions affected by Coronavirus,” the Indigo statement said.
On Monday, a 24-year-old software engineer from Hyderabad, who works in Bengaluru, was found to be the first confirmed case of the virus from Telangana.
The techie had worked with people from Hong Kong in Dubai last month, where he is suspected to have contracted the virus.
He had returned to Bengaluru in February before traveling to Hyderabad in a bus.
Taking All Possible Steps to Keep City Safe: Delhi Health Minister
Addressing a press conference, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain, flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, said: "COVID-19 is a new infection, but there is no need to panic".
"We are taking all possible steps to keep Delhi safe. Isolation wards being readied in 25 hospitals, including 19 government and six private hospitals," Jain said.
As many as 3.5-lakh N95 masks are being arranged, the minister said. "We have over 8,000 separation kits for staff treating coronavirus patients."
Tajikistan Cancels Indian U-16 Football Team's Tour
Indian U-16 football team's exposure trip to Tajikistan has been cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The U-16 boys, currently the U-15 SAFF Champions, were slated to depart on March 5 to play two friendlies against Tajikistan, the AFC U-16 Championship runners-up.
"Please note that as directed by the government of the republic of Tajikistan due to the situation around the coronavirus, the citizens of 35 countries including India cannot visit Tajikistan," Tajikistan Football Federation said in an official mail to All India Football Federation (AIFF).
Indian Naval Exercises May Be Cancelled Over Outbreak
Indian Navy’s Milan multilateral naval exercise planned to be held from 18 March in Visakhapatnam may be cancelled in view of the coronavirus outbreak. The government has asked Army, Navy and Air Force to be prepared for quarantine facilities for over 2500 suspected cases in coming days, reported ANI, quoting sources.
New dates are being worked out for the Milan exercise in which around 40 countries were supposed to participate.
Provide Masks, Gloves to Personnel: Haryana Police to Field Units
The Haryana Police on Tuesday directed its field units to take immediate action to safeguard on-duty personnel from potential coronavirus infection by providing them masks, gloves and hand sanitisers.
In an official communication, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said all police personnel who come in close contact with other persons during frisking, interacting, crowd control, access control, traffic duties are at risk of exposure.
“They need to be protected by equipping them appropriately with masks, gloves and hand sanitisers,” he said.
3 Indians, 21 Italians Moved to ITBP Quarantine Camp
24 people including 3 Indians and 21 Italian nationals residing in a hotel of South Delhi have been shifted to Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) camp for testing of coronavirus. Their test results will come tomorrow, reported ANI, quoting government sources.
UK PM Launches Action Plan to Battle Coronavirus Spread
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday unveiled a so-called battleplan to contain the spread of coronavirus in the country, as the number of positive cases rose to 39.
He said the “Coronavirus Action Plan” does not set out what the government will do, but sets out the steps the government could take at the appropriate time on the basis of scientific advice.
“The plan has four strands. Containing the virus, delaying its spread, researching its origins and cure, and finally mitigating the impact should the virus become more widespread. That is, contain, delay, research, mitigate,” he said in a statement from his 10 Downing Street office in London.
Ready to Use 'All Appropriate Policy Tools' Against Coronavirus: G7
Top finance officials from the Group of Seven nations on Tuesday said they were ready to use "all appropriate policy tools" to prevent the new coronavirus outbreak from damaging economic growth, following the rout on global stock markets last week.
"G7 finance ministers are ready to take actions, including fiscal measures where appropriate, to aid in the response to the virus and support the economy during this phase," the group said after a conference call of finance ministers and central bankers.
High Alert in New Mangalore Port, Airport Over Virus Fears
With the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) virus spreading to more countries and two more confirmed cases reported in India, the seaport and airport in Mangalore have been put under high alert, officials said on Tuesday.
Dakshina Kannada district is particularly under surveillance as three confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported from neighbouring Kerala earlier.
Italian Tourist, Wife Tests Positive for Coronavirus
An Italian tourist and his wife tested positive for coronavirus at a Jaipur hospital. The wife's sample have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for confirmation.
DGCA Issues Guidelines To Airlines For Prevention of Spread of Virus
Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Tuesday issued circular to all airlines and their crew members with the guidelines for the prevention of the spread of virus:
- All airlines to ensure that aircraft arriving from South Korea, Japan and Italy are subjected to disinfection process.
- Ground handling staff entering international flights should have disposable protective gears like surgical masks, gloves.
- Advisable that crew on all flights have protective gears like surgical masks and gloves.
- Adequate hand sanitising facilities should be there at multiple locations in airports for staff and passengers, says DGCA.
- Ensure that adequate protective gears like surgical masks, gloves are available in flights for passengers.
Northern Rly Central Hospital Sets up Dedicated Ward for Suspected Coronavirus Cases
Northern Railway Central Hospital has set up a dedicated ward for clinically suspected cases of the novel coronavirus in New Delhi, the Indian Railways said on Tuesday.
It said the facility will help in countering the emerging threat of the virus, that has spread to over 60 countries and claimed over 3,100 lives since its outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.
Schools Close in France, German Virus Cluster Zones
Tens of thousands of students in virus cluster zones are home from school in France on Tuesday, with a smaller number in Germany and Poland facing quarantines or days without class.
France's education minister, Jean-Michel Blanquer, said around 120 schools have been ordered to close, most in Brittany and the Oise region north of Paris, which have been hit hard by COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
He told LCI television it was probable that more schools could close and confirmed that he had ordered a freeze on all school trips. But he cautioned against rushing to a general shutdown of the education system.
Indian Couple Aboard Ship From China Hospitalised in Odisha
An Indian couple, working in a Singaporean cargo ship, was on Tuesday admitted to a hospital in Odisha after the man developed mild fever on its arrival at Paradip port from China.
The authorities of the Paradip port referred the couple hailing from Uttar Pradesh to the SCB Medical College Hospital (SCBMCH) in Cuttack after their screening.
The cargo ship with 23 crew members, including the couple, started their voyage from China on February 15 and arrived at Paradip Port on March 1. The ship also travelled to South Korea and Singapore en route.
It was found during a medical checkup that the man had developed mild fever, said Port Hospital's chief medical officer Prahallad Panda.
Govt Asks TV, FM Channels to Publicise Travel Advisory, Awareness Messages
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry on Tuesday urged all private radio and TV channels to give "adequate publicity" to the travel advisory issued by the Health Ministry in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in China and its spread in some other countries.
In its advisory, the I&B Ministry has asked all the private satellite news channels and private FM radio channels to publicise the travel advisory.
Cabinet Secy Holds Meeting to Review Preparedness for Coronavirus Outbreak
The cabinet secretary held the review meeting with the secretaries of ministries concerned, and chief secretaries and health secretaries of states through video conference, the Union Health Ministry said in a press release.
“Travel restrictions imposed from 2 March were reviewed and shared with states. States were asked to monitor airport management in states in coordination with the concerned Airport Public Health Officers and Airport Managers for effective screening,” the statement said.
No Covid-19 Case in AP, State Alert to Tackle Situation: Dy CM
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister A K K Srinivas said on Tuesday there was no impact of the deadly novel coronavirus in the state but the health machinery was on full alert to handle the situation.
Rapid response teams, comprising a microbiologist, physicians, epidemiologist and paramedical staff, have been kept ready in each district and all precautionary measures put in place.
Addressing a press conference at the Secretariat, along with Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy, the Deputy Chief Minister said not a single COVID-19 case was registered in the state.
Iran-Returned Army Officer Quarantined in Indore
An Army officer was admitted to the isolation ward of a military hospital at Mhow in Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday for suspected exposure to the coronavirus after returning from Iran.
“The 32-year-old officer returned on February 25 from Tehran, Iran's capital, and was admitted to hospital after he complained of sore throat said Dr Santosh Sisodia, district in-charge of Integrated Disease Surveillance Program.
"His condition is fine. He has been kept under medical observation in an isolation ward. His blood and swab samples are being sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing," Sisodia added.
OPEC Bars Media From Meeting Over Coronavirus Fears
OPEC on Tuesday said media seeking to cover this week's two-day meeting of oil-producing countries would not be allowed to enter the secretariat where the gathering will take place over coronavirus fears.
The OPEC club of oil-producing countries meets on Thursday and Friday in Vienna as they weigh how to react to a sharp drop in global oil demand due to the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
First Coronavirus Case Confirmed in Ukraine
Ukraine's health ministry on Tuesday confirmed the country's first case of the coronavirus in the western city of Chernivtsi.
Deputy health minister Viktor Lyashko told reporters in Kiev that a man exhibiting symptoms of the virus was hospitalised Saturday, three days after returning from holiday in Italy.
Lyashko said the man, whose condition was confirmed late Monday, is in a stable condition and that his wife is quarantined in their home.
US Shuts Homeland Security Office in Washington Amid Employee Infection Fears
The US Department of Homeland Security closed an office in Washington State early Tuesday amid fears that one of its employees may have contracted the coronavirus.
Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf told a hearing in Congress that the employee had reported feeling unwell in the wake of visiting a relative in the King County, Washington nursing home where four patients have died from the disease.
While the employee has not been diagnosed with the virus, the DHS office is being shut for two weeks, Wolf said.
87 Iran Returnees Under Watch in Ahmedabad
The Gujarat government has decided to open isolation ward in each of the 33 districts for treatment of any suspected novel coronavirus case, while 87 people, who recently returned from the virus-hit Iran, have been kept under observation, said officials on Tuesday.
“The state government is taking precautionary steps after two new positive cases of the deadly infection came to light in the country,” they said.
Moreover, 87 people, who had recently returned from Iran, where the deadly virus has claimed 77 lives so far, were kept under home quarantine, said Commissioner of Health, Jai Prakash Shivahare
Only 1 Percent of China Coronavirus Cases Without Symptoms: WHO
The World Health Organisation on Tuesday said only one percent of new coronavirus cases registered in China were without symptoms, which appears to belie fears the virus spreads via people who appear healthy.
"Evidence from China is that only one percent of reported cases do not have symptoms, and most of those cases develop symptoms within two days," WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters in Geneva.
21 Italian Nationals Moved to ITBP Camp for Quarantine
21 Italian nationals were brought from a hotel in South Delhi to Indo-Tibetan Border Police's (ITBP) quarantine facility in Chhawla for preventive isolation on Tuesday.
Their samples have been taken for testing and results are awaited.
World Bank Declares $12 Bn Support for Countries Dealing With Coronavirus
The World Bank Group is providing up to $12 billion in immediate support for countries coping with the health and economic impacts of the COVID19 outbreak. This package will include emergency financing, policy advice, and technical assistance
Union Health Minister to Meet Delhi Govt Officials Over Coronavirus Preparedness
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will hold a meeting with senior officials from Delhi Government on Wednesday, 4 March, for the management and preparedness of coronavirus, ANI reported.
Coronavirus: 6 Suspected People in Noida Test Negative
Samples of all six people in Noida taken on Tuesday for suspected coronavirus test negative, stated officials, reported PTI.
District Magistrate, Gautam Budh Nagar told ANI, “The samples taken from 6 contacts in Noida have tested negative but they will need to be under home quarantine for next 14 days and if symptoms develop, can be retested again. Government and administration is keeping a watch. No need to panic.”
UAE Announces Six More Virus Cases Linked to Abandoned Cycle Tour
The United Arab Emirates announced six more coronavirus cases linked to an abandoned cycling event, saying that two Russians, two Italians, one German and a Colombian had been infected, reported AFP.
The UAE Tour was abandoned last Thursday after two Italian staff members with one of the teams tested positive for the disease.
The cyclists, team staff and some media were put under lockdown at hotels in Abu Dhabi where they underwent screening, with most cleared to leave over the past few days.
15 out of 21 Tourists From Italy Test Positive: Govt Sources
Fifteen out of 21 tourists from Italy quarantined at ITBP facility test positive for COViD19, stated government officials.
6 Members of Delhi Patient's Family Test Positive
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan stated, "on conducting contact tracing of the person tested positive in Delhi, we came to know that he infected 6 members of his extended family who are in Agra. All 6 members tested positive for coronavirus."
Coronavirus: Total 28 Confirmed Cases, Says Health Minister
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday, 4 March, while addressing media stated, “So far India has reported 28 positive coronavirus cases, this includes 16 Italians.”
“From now on, all flights and passengers will be part of universal screening, not just the 12 countries which we had listed earlier,” he added.
Vardhan on reports of an increase in the price of N95 masks stated, “If people are taking advantage and misusing this time, then they should be labeled as ‘black sheep’ and a mechanism to punish them should be implemented.”
At Least 25 Suspected People Admitted at Safdarjung Hospital: Govt
Health Ministry officials stated, “At least 25 people suspected of Coronavirus are admitted at Safdarjung hospital. Four suspected cases of Coronavirus are kept in isolation at Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia hospital,” reported ANI.