Many Districts to Get Relaxations in New Lockdown Guidelines: Govt
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The Home Ministry, in a tweet late on Wednesday, 29 April, said, "New guidelines to fight COVID-19 will come into effect from 4 May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts."
Till 3 May, however, the existing guidelines should be strictly followed, it added, pointing out that there have been “tremendous gains and improvement in the situation due to lockdown till now.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Home Ministry had allowed the movement of stranded migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists and students amidst the lockdown, subject to conditions.
The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 31,787 on Wednesday. According to the Health Ministry data, this includes 22,982 active cases, 1,008 deaths, 7,796 patients who have been cured or discharged and one who has migrated.
- As many as 597 new COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths were reported in Maharashtra on Wednesday, taking the tally in the state to 9,915
- 14 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Dharavi on Wednesday, taking the tally in the area to 344. However, no new death was recorded
- Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said on Wednesday that farm growth will not be impacted much this fiscal due to the COVID-19 lockdown
- Punjab has announced that the curfew in the state will be extended by two weeks, though a four-hour relaxation from the lockdown will be granted everyday in non-containment/red zone areas
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Brazil Crosses 5,000 Deaths
Brazil has crossed 5,000 deaths from COVID-19, according to an official, AFP news agency reports.
Faridabad Shuts Borders Till 3 May
Travel of govt employees and common people from neighbouring states and districts to Faridabad is now prohibited, ANI reports. Doctors, paramedical staff, police and bank employees will be permitted on producing their identity cards, only till 12 pm today, according to the local deputy commissioner.
Vehicles engaged in the movement of essential goods and banking services will also be exempted. The order will remain in effect till 3 May.
US Case Tally Crosses 1 Million
The United States marked its one-millionth coronavirus case and reached another grim milestone as it registered 58,365 deaths on Wednesday, 29 April, AFP reported.
India’s Case Tally Crosses 31,000, Death Toll Past 1,000
The number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 31,332 on Wednesday, 29 April, according to the health ministry. This includes 22,629 active cases, 7,695 recoveries and 1,007 deaths.
Shopkeeper Arrested, Four Others Booked for Heckling Policemen on Lockdown Duty
A shopkeeper was arrested and four other persons were booked on Tuesday for allegedly heckling policemen on lockdown duty, a senior police official told PTI.
"Two policemen on patrolling duty in Nawabganj area saw some shopkeepers had opened their shops without any permission in Lohamandi. A crowd had gathered outside the shops, violating the social distancing norms. When the policemen told the shopkeepers to shut their shops, some among them heckled the cops and tried to attack them," Additional Superintendent of Police Mahendra Kumar said.
China to Hold Its Annual Parliament Session From 22 May
China will hold its annual Parliament session from 22 May, the state media reported on Wednesday, according to PTI.
The third session of the 13th National People's Congress, which was to be held in early March, was postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak. It will now open in Beijing on 22 May, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Rajasthan Reports 19 New Cases
19 more persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan, taking the total number of cases to 2383. Out of the 19 new cases, 5 are from Jaipur, 11 from Ajmer, 1 each from Udaipur, Banswara and Jodhpur, according to the state’s health department.
TN CM Holds Meeting With District Collectors
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam held a meeting with district collectors of the state through video conference, to review the COVID-19 situation, ANI reported.
Road Accidents Dip in Gujarat During Lockdown
Road accidents in Gujarat came down by 71 percent during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown as compared to normal days, according to an analysis by an emergency services agency, PTI reported.
From about 398 daily cases of accidents in normal times, the number fell to 115 during the lockdown period, says the study conducted by GVK Emergency Management and Research Institute (EMRI) that operates the free 108 ambulance service in the state.
Maha COVID-19 Tally Reaches 9,318, Death Toll Rises to 400
Maharashtra reported 729 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, taking the state's tally to 9,318, a health official said. The state also reported 31 more deaths due to the disease, raising the toll to 400, he said, PTI reported.
AIIMS Planning to Conduct Clinical Trial of Plasma Therapy
The All India Institute Of Medical Sciences is planning to conduct a clinical trial of the convalescent plasma therapy in the treatment of COVID-19 and modalities of taking approvals from the Drug Controller General of India are being worked out, PTI reported.
AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria said the mode of treatment in COVID-19 is still at an "experimental stage" and there is a need for good and well-conducted research trials before its benefit and this mode of therapy can be recommended for routine use in coronavirus patients.
COVID-19 Could Lead to 7 Mn Unintended Pregnancies: UN Study
Ongoing lockdowns and major disruptions to health services during the COVID-19 pandemic could leave 47 million women in low and middle-income countries unable to use modern contraceptives, leading to seven million unintended pregnancies in the coming months, according to data released by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners, PTI reported.
The agencies estimate that the number of women unable to access family planning or facing unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices, could "skyrocket" by millions due to the crisis.
Navy Readying Ships for Evacuating Indian Citizens From Gulf Countries If Required
The Indian Navy is readying its Landing Platform Dock warship INS Jalashwa and two Magar class amphibious warships for evacuating Indian citizens from Gulf countries, if required, government sources told ANI.
GDP Report to Show a Damaged US Economy Sliding Into Recession
The US economy began 2020 riding the crest of a record-long expansion with every expectation that its 11th year of growth would not be its last, AP reports.
Then the economy screeched to a sudden halt. And now it's in free-fall.
On Wednesday, the government will offer a glimpse of how dark the picture has grown and how much worse it could get as the coronavirus pandemic inflicts ruinous damage.
No Need to Hospitalise Asymptomatic People: Delhi Health Minister
“Those who are asymptomatic or have light symptoms of COVID-19 will be kept under home quarantine for 14 days and will be treated at their homes, as per the new protocol. There is no need to hospitalize such patients,” Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said.
Amazon India Launches Special Fund to Help Its SMB Partners in Logistics
Amazon India said on Wednesday it has introduced a partner support fund to help the small and medium businesses (SMBs) who are heavily reliant on the company. The company noted in a statement that SMBs across India have been financially impacted due to the nationwide lockdown, PTI reported.
This fund for SMBs in logistics will be available to delivery service partners and select transportation partners in India to help adjust their business model to the "new realities" posed during the lockdown, it said.
RBI's Liquidity Support for MFs May Struggle to Be Effective: Fitch
The Reserve Bank of India's liquidity support for mutual funds may struggle to be effective, as its success will hang on banks' appetite to take up the risks involved, amid low capital headroom and a likely increase in fresh non-performing loans, according to Fitch, PTI reported.
The RBI's Rs 50,000 crore Special Liquidity Facility for Mutual Funds (SLF-MF) will provide 90-day repo funding to banks, to extend liquidity to - or purchase commercial paper and debt securities from - local mutual funds.
Coronavirus Cases in Pak Rises to 14,885; Death Toll 327
Pakistan's coronavirus cases have climbed to 14,885 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 327 with 26 more fatalities, the health ministry said on Wednesday, according to PTI.
According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 3,425 people have recovered from the contagion while 129 were still in critical condition.
Shops to Open in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai on Two Days: TN CM
“In Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai, on 30 April, shops will open from 6 am to 5 pm for essential items, vegetables and fruits. From 1 May the shops will open from 6 am to 1 pm. People are advised not to rush to shops to buy essential items,” Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami.
UP Govt Planning Ordinance to Punish Those Who Misbehave With Frontline Workers
The Uttar Pradesh government is contemplating to bring an ordinance with provisions for stringent punishment against those flouting lockdown orders and misbehaving with frontline COVID-19 workers, sources told PTI.
The state government is mulling over bringing an ordinance called the 'Uttar Pradesh Epidemic Disease Control Ordinance, 2020', they said.
It will also have provisions for strict punishment against those running away from quarantine centres, besides for people caught violating lockdown orders, the government sources said.
India Post Mobile App Helps Deliver Masks, Medicines
The conventional mail at your door service, India Post, is not only delivering letters during the COVID-19 lockdown, but also the much-needed masks and medicines. The android mobile application of Department of Posts, "Post Info," has been helpful in delivering medicines and masks to the people at their doorsteps during the ongoing lockdown, a senior official told PTI.
Scribe Arrested in Andamans Over Corona Tweet
A well-known journalist was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands over a tweet where he questioned the rationale of the authorities allegedly asking people to be home-quarantined after they had spoken to COVID-19 patients by phone, police told PTI on Wednesday.
The charges under which Zubair Ahmed has been booked include one about circulating "rumour".
Part of Salaries of Bureaucrats, 80K Govt Employees, Ministers Deferred in Meghalaya
The Meghalaya government has decided to defer the payment of a part of the salaries of cabinet ministers, bureaucrats, and its 80,000 employees as the hill state battles the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a notification, PTI reported.
Half of the salaries of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, his cabinet colleagues and all ranks of IAS, IPS and IFS will get deferred, Chief Secretary M S Rao said in the notification issued on Tuesday.
A part of the gross salaries of All India Services officers on deputation to the state will also be deferred, he said.
Odisha Reports Another Case; Total Tally at 119
A 77-year-old man from Bhubaneswar tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 119, officials said.
The man, a resident of the Madhusudan Nagar area of the city, got infected after coming in contact with a relative who tested positive some days back, the Information and Public Relation department said.
The fresh case was reported from Bhubaneswar after a gap of 14 days. The previous case was reported on 14 April.
Karnataka Case Tally Rises to 427
Nine new positive cases have been reported in Karnataka. The total number of COVID-19 cases rose to 532 in the state including 20 deaths and 215 discharges, the state’s health ministry said.
Punjab Reports 16 New Cases
Punjab reported 16 new cases, including 12 Nanded pilgrims, according to KBS Sidhu, Special Chief Secretary, Punja.
Andhra Pradesh Reports 73 New Cases
An 11-month old baby is among 73 new coronavirus cases reported in Andhra Pradesh, taking total to 1,332, according to a government bulletin.
Over 1,000 People Arrested for Lockdown Violations in Goa
As many as 1,058 persons were arrested and 588 FIRs were lodged by the Goa police for violation of the COVID-19 lockdown, an official said on Wednesday.
With 101 offences and 172 arrests, the Calangute police station in North Goa registered the highest number of cases till Tuesday, a release here stated.
The police were strictly implementing the lockdown across the state, including the beach belt of Calangute, deputy superintendent of police (Porvorim) Edwin Colaco said.
HC Asks Nodal Officer to Check Any Lockdown Violation by CWG Village Residents
The Delhi High Court has asked a nodal officer to keep a check on violation of lockdown guidelines and social distancing norms by the residents of Commonwealth Games Village (CWGV) near Akshardham Temple and report it to the authorities concerned, PTI reports.
The high court had last year appointed a retired district judge as the nodal officer who was permitted to act to the limited extent of making payment of essential service charges related to the CWGV.
Kerala Cinema Owners Facing Financial Trouble
Cinema theater owners in Kaerala’s Malappuram say that they're facing financial troubles, amid Coronavirus Lockdown, ANI reports. Jai Mohan, a theatre owner says, "We demand a reduction in fixed charges of electricity,& considerable reduction in entertainment taxes, else, won't be able to survive," he said.
Rajasthan Reports 29 New Cases, Total 2,393
29 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of cases to 2393 including 52 deaths. 781 patients have recovered from the disease, according to the state’s health department.
Odisha Case Tally Climbs to 122
The number of COVID-19 cases in Odisha rose to 122 as three more districts reported new cases on Wednesday.
Central Teams Find Infection Control Practices Not Duly Followed in High Case Load Districts
Central teams, which were tasked to check preparedness of districts with a high load of coronavirus cases, found that infection prevention control practices were not properly followed in several hospitals raising concerns over safety of healthcare workers, official sources told PTI.
Six high-level multi-disciplinary teams were constituted by the Union Health Ministry to assist and review state health departments for proper implementation of cluster containment plans for large outbreaks and check hospital preparedness for COVID-19.
Railway Employee Under Quarantine Kills Himself in UP
A 55-year-old railway employee, who was under quarantine at a medical college, allegedly committed suicide on Wednesday, police told PTI. The employee was under quarantine at FH Medical College and Hospital, Tundla.
His body was found hanging in the medical college, Gyanendra Kumar, SHO, Tundla said.
The victim, a resident of Railway Colony Tundla, was sent into quarantine on April 20 after his senior tested positive for coronavirus, the officer said.
Leather Exporters Urge Govt for Lockdown Exit Plan After 3 May
Leather exporters on Wednesday urged the government to formulate a lockdown exit plan for the sector after 3 May, otherwise, there is a possibility that orders could be shifted to countries like China and Vietnam, PTI reported.
Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Chairman Aqeel Ahmed Panaruna said export orders worth USD 1 billion (about Rs 7,600 crore) have been unilaterally cancelled so far since 17 March.
Global Business Bodies Demand Deferring of Equalisation Levy by 9 Months
International business bodies, whose members include global giants like Walmart, Amazon, Google, Netflix etc, have approached Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for deferring of 2 percent tax imposed on non-resident e-commerce companies by nine months due to the crisis triggered by COVID-19, PTI reported.
A group of nine business bodies including US India Business Council, Information Technology Industry Council, Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association, Asia-Pacific MSME Trade coalition and DigitialEurope, have demanded consultation on the Equalisation Levy (2 percent tax) imposed by the government in this fiscal year.
Over 6,000 Labourers, Students Brought Back to J&K in Past 4 Days Amid Lockdown
Jammu and Kashmir administration has brought back over 6,000 labourers and students of the Union Territory in the past four days who were stranded in various parts of the country amid the lockdown imposed to control the spread of coronavirus, officials said on Wednesday, PTI reported.
With this, a total of over 17,700 people hailing from the Union Territory have been brought back to Jammu and Kashmir during the lockdown period, they said.
‘Curfew Extended by 2 Weeks, 4-Hr Relaxation Everyday’: Punjab CM
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday announced that the curfew in the state will be extended by two more weeks till 17 May, though a four-hour relaxation from the lockdown will be granted everyday from 7 am to 11 am, in areas that are not marked as red or containment zones.
During the four-hour period, people can come out of their houses and certain shops can open, he said in a video message.
Next Session of Parliament Depends on Ground Situation: Naidu
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday told members of Rajya Sabha that the next session of Parliament depends on the situation on the ground and hoped for a normal schedule saying efforts to contain coronavirus were showing results, according to sources cited by PTI.
The Rajya Sabha chairman was interacting with the MPs as part of his 'Mission Connect' during which he has been talking to a large number of parliamentarians as well as former presidents and prime ministers, present and former chief justices of India, governors and chief ministers, besides leaders of political parties.
2 Prisoners of Sabarmati Central Jail Test Positive
Two prisoners of the Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad have tested positive for coronavirus, an official was quoted by PTI as saying on Wednesday.
33 New Cases of COVID-19 in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha on Wednesday said that 33 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state, taking the total active cases to 550.
'Doubling Rate at 11.3 Days, Mortality Rate at 3%': Health Minister on COVID-19
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Wednesday said that the doubling rate in India is 11.3 days since the last three days.
"Although the global mortality rate is around 7 percent, India is having a mortality rate of around 3 percent, and around 86 percent of fatalities are of persons with co-morbidities," he said.
10 New COVID-19 Cases in Kerala, Including Journalist
As many as 10 new COVID-19 cases, including three health workers and a journalist, were reported in Kerala on Wednesday.
The total number of cases in the state stands at 495, which includes 123 active cases, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Lockdown: MHA Allows Movement of Stranded Migrant Workers, Students
The Home Ministry on Wednesday allowed the movement of stranded migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists and students amidst the lockdown, subject to conditions.
Following are some of the guidelines of the Centre contained in its latest order:
- All states and Union territories will designate nodal authorities and develop standard protocols for receiving and sending such stranded persons.
- Nodal authorities shall register stranded persons within their states or union territories.
- In case group of stranded persons wish to move one state to another, states may consult each other and mutually agree to movement by road.
- The moving persons would be screened and those found asymptomatic would be allowed to proceed.
- Buses shall be used for transporting persons. The vehicles will be sanitised and shall follow safe social distancing norms in seating.
- The States or union territories falling on transit route will allow passage of such people to the receiving state or UT.
- On arrival at their destinations, such people will be assessed by the local health authorities and kept in home quarantine, unless assessment requires keeping the person in institutional quarantine.
Farm Growth Won't Be Impacted Much Due to COVID-19 Lockdown: Agriculture Minister
Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said on Wednesday that farm growth will not be impacted much this fiscal due to the COVID-19 lockdown.
"The farm sector is estimated to grow at 3 percent this fiscal on hopes of a good monsoon, notwithstanding the COVID-19 threat," a NITI Aayog member said.
16 New COVID-19 Cases in J&K; Tally Rises to 581
As many as 16 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 24 hours, taking the tally in the Union territory to 581, including 381 active cases and eight deaths.
14 Fresh Cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, No New Deaths
Fourteen new COVID-19 cases were reported in Dharavi on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases in the area to 344.
However, no new death was recorded in the area on Wednesday, the BMC said.
11 Family Members of Dietician at Delhi Hospital Found Positive
Eleven family members of a dietician at Delhi’s LNJP Hospital, who had tested positive for COVID-19 earlier, have also been found to be infected with coronavirus, officials cited by PTI said.
'Experts for Continuing COVID-19 Restrictions Till End of May': Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday said experts and doctors are of the opinion that the restrictions imposed to check the spread of COVID-19 should continue in the state till the end of May, reported PTI.
She also announced a few relaxations, in accordance with the orders of the central government, such as opening standalone shops in green zones and non-containment zones, following all precautionary and social distancing measures.
"Nobody can say when this crisis will end. Most of the countries have already announced the lockdown till the end of May and the first week of June. Our experts and doctors believe that the restrictions regarding COVID-19 should continue till the end of May," she said.
'In Touch With States on the MHA Order, Will Inform in 1-2 Days': Kejriwal
Soon after the MHA order on migrants, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal tweeted saying his government is in touch with other state governments and will inform the public in this regard in 1-2 days.
"Till then, stay at home and follow the lockdown," he added.
597 New COVID-19 Cases Take Maharashtra's Tally to 9,915
As many as 597 new COVID-19 cases and 32 deaths were reported in Maharashtra on Wednesday, taking the tally in the state to 9,915.
'New Guidelines from 4 May to Give Considerable Relaxations to Many Districts'
After holding a review meeting on the lockdown situation in the country on Wednesday, the Home Ministry said the lockdown guidelines should be strictly observed till 3 May.
"New guidelines to fight COVID-19 will come into effect from 4 May, which shall give considerable relaxations to many districts," it added.
Female Constable Among 4 Cops Injured While Enforcing Lockdown
Four police personnel, including a female constable, were injured when they were attacked on Wednesday at a village in East Champaran district by locals who grew livid over reprimand from the law enforcers for loitering around in defiance of the lockdown, a senior official said, PTI reported.
1 More Tests Positive in Ranchi; State's Tally at 107
“One more person has tested positive for COVID-19 in Hindpiri, Ranchi. Total 107 cases reported in Jharkhand, till date,” said Nitin Madan Kulkarni, State Health Secretary, reports ANI.
Mandatory to Wear Face Masks in Public Places From 1 May: Srinagar DM
“It shall be mandatory to wear face mask/face covering at all public places from 1 May,” said District Magistrate, Srinagar, reports ANI.
33 New COVID-19 Cases in West Bengal, Total Rises to 696
Thirty-three people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24-hours in West Bengal, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the state to 696, a top official said on Wednesday, reports PTI.
Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said 33 people have tested positive and the total number of active COVID-19 cases in the state was 550.
No Community Transmission of Coronavirus in Kashmir: Pole
There is no community transmission of the novel coronavirus in Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner K Pandurang Pole said on Wednesday, asserting the administration was ready to meet any exigency that may arise due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know the source of every case that has been detected in Kashmir. There is not a single case where we are facing any difficulty in tracing the source. Definitely, we are not in the community transmission mode,” Pole told reporters.
Son of ACP, Who Died of COVID-19, Offered Post of Sub-Inspector in Punjab Police
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday approved the appointment of the younger son of Assistant Commissioner of Police Anil Kohli, who died of COVID-19, as Sub-Inspector in Punjab police.
He will be given the post after he completes his graduation.