Biggest 1-Day Spike in COVID Cases, Vardhan Says Situation Better
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Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday, 26 April said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).
Meanwhile, India recorded the highest one-day rise of 1,975 coronavirus cases. Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his second ‘Mann ki Baat’ amid the pandemic, said the country's fight against COVID-19 is "people-driven".
Amid indications that his third round of video interaction with the chief ministers on Monday since the COVID-19 outbreak could also focus on a graded exit from the 40-day lockdown, Modi asked people to shun any complacency that they will not be infected by coronavirus because it has so far not affected the places where they live or work.
- Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD)
- Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday that no further relaxation in lockdown till 3 May, except those permitted by Union home ministry
- Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that the lockdown guidelines will remain unchanged in the state till 3 May
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US Records 2,494 More Coronavirus Deaths in 24 Hours: Johns Hopkins
The United States recorded 2,494 more coronavirus deaths in the past 24 hours, according to figures reported Saturday night by Johns Hopkins University, reported AFP.
The country now has an overall death toll of 53,511, with 936,293 confirmed infections, according to a tally by the Baltimore-based university at 8:30 pm (0030 GMT Sunday).
If Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen Not Safe, How Will W Fight COVID-19?: CDS Gen Bipin Rawat
“As armed forces, we understand our responsibility in the fight against COVID-19. We've to make sure that we remain safe because if our soldiers, sailors and airmen get affected by this virus, how are we going to support our people?” Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat told ANI.
Rawat continued, “This is a time when certain directions have been issued which we have to adhere if we want to fight the menace of COVID-19. Patience and discipline will help us overcome this problem of COVID-19.”
“I am very happy to inform you that all our people have downloaded the Aarogya Setu application and should anyone get affected, we would be able to pick that up very soon. We would be able to ensure that the spread does not happen,” he added.
COVID-19: Total 26,496 Cases, Death Toll Rises to 824, Says Govt
The number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 26,496 on Sunday, with the tally including 19,868 active cases, 824 deaths, 5,803 cured or discharged patients and one migrated patient, according to the Health Ministry figures.
Maha Govt Issues Preventive Guidelines for Essential Service Staff
The Maharashtra government has issued a circular stressing on the importance of social distancing, hygiene and wearing of protection gear, after some of its employees tested positive for coronavirus, PTI reported.
The circular issued by the public health department on Saturday said some government staff involved in the maintenance of essential services in the state have tested positive for the disease.
13 COVID-19 Patients Recover in Jharkhand
"Thirteen COVID-19 patients have recovered in Jharkhand till now — six from Ranchi, four from Bokaro, two from Hazaribagh and one from Simdega. Recovery ratio in this week was 18 percent,” said Jharkhand Health Department, reported ANI.
3 More Test Positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, Total Count 103
Three more persons, including a woman, tested positive for COVID-19 in Odisha, taking the total number of such cases in the state to 103 on Sunday, officials said.
All three cases — a 57-year-old woman and two men aged 23 and 60 years — were reported from Rourkela in Sundargarh district, the Information and Public Relations department said, adding that contact-tracing and other follow-up action were underway, reported PTI.
UP CM Holds Meeting With Chairpersons of 11 State Committees
In Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath holds a meeting with chairpersons of 11 committees of the State to combat COVID-19.
58 New Cases of Coronavirus in Rajasthan
Rajasthan recorded 58 fresh cases of coronavirus on Sunday, taking the state's virus tally to 2,141, an official said.
The state has so far seen 35 deaths due to the virus, with Jaipur accounting for 19 deaths.
“As many as 58 fresh cases have been reported in seven districts of the state, including 20 in Nagaur district,” Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh said.
Everyone Fighting War Against COVID-19 in Their Own Capacity: PM on Mann-Ki-Baat
“India's fight against Coronavirus is people-driven. This fight is being fought by the people and the administration together. Every citizen as a soldier is fighting this war,” said PM Narendra Modi in Mann-ki-Baat show.
He added, “In the middle of this pandemic, the farmers are ensuring that no one sleeps hungry in our country. Each person is fighting this war as per their capacity. Some are waiving off house rent, also some labourers who are in quarantine at a school are whitewashing the school etc.”
MP: 91 New COVID-19 Cases in Indore; District Tally 1,176
The number of coronavirus cases in Indore rose to 1,176 after 91 more people tested positive for the disease in the Madhya Pradesh district during the last 24 hours, an official said on Sunday, PTI reported.
So far, 57 coronavirus patients have died in Indore, which has emerged as one of the COVID-19 hotspots in the country, district chief medical and health officer Praveen Jadia said.
Sub-Collector, Si Among 100 Asked to Self Quarantine
A Sub-Collector and Circle Inspector were among more than 100 people directed to self quarantine after a mentally unsound destitute man housed in a shelter camp visited by them tested positive for COVID-19, a top police official said.
The man was in a shelter camp set up by the district administration, along with about 100 destitutes, reports PTI.
COVID-19: Over 400 Stranded Pakistanis Return From Afghanistan
Over 400 Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan due to the restrictions in place to curb the coronavirus pandemic crossed over to Pakistan through the Torkham border and have been placed under quarantine, according to a media report on Sunday.
The 462 returnees, who arrived on Saturday, include 379 men, 47 women and 60 children. With this, the total number of Pakistanis who have returned from Afghanistan amid the ongoing crisis has reached 1,632, the Dawn newspaper reported.
SpiceJet Carries 10 Tons of COVID-19 Supplies From Shanghai to Kolkata
SpiceJet freighter carrying around 10 tons of COVID-19 related medical supplies, primarily mask-making equipment, arrived in Kolkata from Shanghai on Saturday night.
Lesser No. of Cases, Deaths Last Week in Delhi: Kejriwal
“The last week was slightly better than the week before, for the people of Delhi. There were lesser number of cases, fewer deaths and many people went home after making complete recovery,” said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.
Kejriwal added, “Delhi government will not allow any further relaxation in lockdown till 3 May, except those permitted by Union home ministry.”
81 New Coronavirus Cases Reported in AP in Last 24 Hours
The spurt in coronavirus cases in Andhra Pradesh continued unabated as 81 more were added in the last 24 hours, taking the overall tally to 1,097 on Sunday.
This is the largest spike in number of cases in a single day in the state so far, reported PTI.
2 New Cases Reported in Nepal; Tally at 51
“Two new cases of COVID-19 reported from Parsa district in Nepal. Total toll now stands at 51 with 12 recovered,” Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal stated.
Nurse at AIIMS, Rishikesh Tests Positive
In Uttarakhand, a nursing staff at the hospital has tested positive for Coronavirus, AIIMS Rishikesh PRO Harish Thapliyal said, according to ANI.
Senior Govt Doctor, Another Man Die of COVID-19 in Bengal
A senior government doctor involved in the fight against COVID-19 and a 34-year-old man, both diagnosed with the diease, died at a hospital in Kolkata on Sunday, sources at the facility said, PTI reported.
The 60-year-old doctor, posted as assistant director health services (equipment and stores), was initially admitted to Beliaghata Infectious Diseases hospital and later shifted to a private hospital in Salt Lake on 18 April, where he succumbed to the disease.
14 BSF Personnel Quarantined in Chhattisgarh After They Returned From Agra
Fourteen Border Security Force (BSF) jawans have been quarantined in Chhattisgarh for suspected coronavirus infection after they returned from Agra, officials said on Sunday.
Their final test reports are awaited, a senior official said, PTI reported.
WB Reports First Medical Death
First reported death of a member of our medical fraternity in the state - Assistant Director of Health Services, Central Medical Stores, West Bengal Health Services - who was tested positive for COVID-19, reported in the early hours of 26 April 2020,” the West Bengal Doctors Forum said, reported ANI.
Whatever's Possible Will Be Done: Uddhav Thackeray's Assurance to Migrants
“I assure the migrant labourers that I am talking to the centre and whatever is possible will be done soon. One thing is sure that trains are not starting because we don't want a crowd, otherwise, lockdown will be needed to be further extended,” said Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, ANI reported.
He continued, “We have 80 percent of patients who are asymptomatic and 20 percent are there who have mild, serious or critical symptoms. We have to see how these people are also saved. Those who are hiding it and not getting tested, if you have symptoms please go and get tested.”
SC Heard 593 Matters, Delivered Verdicts in 215 Cases During COVID-19 Lockdown
The Supreme Court heard 593 matters via video-conferencing and delivered judgement in 215 of them in a month during the unprecedented nationwide lockdown.
In normal times, the apex court dispose of nearly 3,500 cases on an average a month, PTI reported.
Tata Steel Seeks 500 MN Pounds Govt Bailout in UK: Reports
Tata Steel's UK arm is seeking an estimated 500-million pounds government financial package to survive through the coronavirus lockdown period, according to UK media reports.
Tata Steel, which owns the UK's largest steelworks in Port Talbot in Wales, is holding discussions with the Welsh government as well as the UK Treasury as it seeks the 50-million pounds cap set on loans being offered under the UK's Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS) to be lifted.
PM Must Act Fast and Clear Bottlenecks to Scale up COVID-19 Testing: Rahul
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clear “bottlenecks” and ramp up coronavirus testing in the country.
Around 40 Staff of Jagjivan Ram Hospital Test Positive: Delhi Health Min
“Jagjivan Ram Hospital is located in Jahangirpuri. Many positive cases have come from the area, this number also includes some staff of the hospital. There are around 40 such staff,” said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain.
Maha Govt Not Testing Enough in Dharavi, Putting Lives at Danger: Fadnavis
“Maharashtra government is putting lives of people in Dharavi in danger by not testing aggressively in COVID-19 hotspot,” said BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis.
Fadnavis continued, “Despite Maharashtra being worst hit by COVID-19, there is no coordination among ruling alliance partners and government departments.”
Assam Govt Extends Inter-District Travel in State by 3 More Days
“Assam government extended inter-district travel in the State by three more days to 30 April, to allow two-way travel— from one destination to the other and vice-versa,” said Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
He added, “Appeal landlords and owners of private hostels and PGs to adopt a humanitarian approach and provide concessions while collecting rents from students, and from tenants working in private companies and those who do not have regular incomes.”
4 More Test Positive in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Total Cases Rise to 33
Four more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, taking the total number of cases to 33, an official said on Sunday, reported PTI.
All the four persons had come in contact with a COVID-19 patient and his family in Bambooflat area in south Andaman district, he said.
Junior Doc of Aligarh's Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Tests Positive
A junior doctor at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College in Aligarh has been tested positive for COVID-19, the third medic in the establishment to be infected with the virus, Aligarh district health authorities said, PTI reported.
A spokesperson of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU)-affiliated medical college said the doctor tested positive on Friday and neither he has a known history of any contact with a COVID-19 patient nor was he connected to the hospital's isolation ward.
COVID-19 Pool Testing Should Be Encouraged in UP: Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that pool testing should be encouraged in the state to ensure that coronavirus is contained in the hotspots and containment zones.
At present, pool testing of coronavirus samples is being conducted in Lucknow, Meerut and Etawah, according to PTI.
Total Cases in Bihar Climb to 259
Eight new COVID-19 cases were reported today in Bihar, taking the total number of cases in the state to 259, according to Bihar Principal Secretary (Health) Sanjay Kumar.
Real Estate Projects in Gurugram Resume Construction
Several real estate projects in Gurugram have been permitted to resume construction in accordance with social distancing norms, a Haryana govt official told PTI.
31 Journalists Discharged in Mumbai After Testing Negative
31 journalists have been discharged today after their second COVID-19 report came negative. All have been advised for 14 days home quarantine, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
29 More Cases Reported in J&K
29 more positive COVID-19 cases have been reported in the last 24 hours from J&K. All 29 cases are from Kashmir Division. The tally has now reached 523, of which 466 cases are in Kashmir valley and 57 in Jammu Division.
Delhi-Sonipat Border Sealed
Haryana has sealed its border in the Sonepat district with Delhi in view of the coronavirus scare, officials told IANS on Sunday.
Death Toll in UP Rises to 29
COVID-19 death toll rises to 29 in UP after 2 more fatalities; total cases 1,843, according to officials.
Sangh Engaged in Relief Activities, Spreading Awareness: RSS Chief
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said that the organisation is active during the lockdown and its work has taken the shape of relief activities. “Besides making others aware, Sangh workers following all rules and precautions during the lockdown in the wake of COVID-19,” he said.
India’s Death Toll Rises to 826; Case Tally at 26,917
The number of coronavirus cases in the country rose to 26,917 on Sunday, with the tally including 20,177 active cases, 826 deaths, 5,913 cured or discharged patients and one migrated patient, according to the Health Ministry figures.
Tamil Nadu Records 46 New Cases
64 new COVID-19 cases and one death have been reported in Tamil Nadu today, taking the total number of cases to 1,885 and deaths to 24. The number of active cases stands at 838 in the State, according to the health department.
3 New Cases in Karnataka; Total 503
Three more people tested positive in Karnataka, taking the total tally to 503. One death was also reported today taking the toll to 19.
230 New COVID-19 Positive Cases in Gujarat
230 new COVID-19 positive cases and 18 deaths were reported in Gujarat in the last 24 hours. Now, a total of 155 deaths have been reported in the state due to COVID-19. Total positive cases have risen to 3301 including 313 cured/discharged, according to the state’s health department.
Total Cases in Punjab Climb to 313
The number of COVID-19 cases reaches 313 in Punjab, including 84 cured and 18 deaths. 63 cases have been reported in SAS Nagar, 69 in Jalandhar and 61 in Patiala, according to the state’s health department.
India's First COVID-19 Patient Treated With Plasma Therapy Recovers: Report
The first patient who was administered convalescent plasma therapy on compassionate grounds in Delhi has now fully recovered and was discharged on Sunday with a promising prognosis, India Today reported.
The patient had reportedly been weaned off ventilator support seven days ago at the Max Hospital in Saket. The 49-year-old male patient from Delhi had tested positive for COVID-19 on 4 April.
Situation in India Improving, Hotspot Districts Moving Towards Being Non-Hotspot Districts: Vardhan
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday, 26 April said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).
The minister visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre to take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said.