COVID-19: No Relaxation in Red Zones For Maha; Case Tally Over 35k
Catch all live updates on the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown here.
On Monday, 18 May, Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra announced new guidelines for lockdown 4.0 as the state reported 2,033 new COVID-19 cases, taking the overall tally to 35,058.
Earlier, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also announced lockdown 4.0 relaxations.
The number of coronavirus cases in India saw a sharp increase to 96,169 on Monday, according to the Health Ministry. There are now 53,316 active cases across the country, while 3,029 people have died. As many as 35,823 patients have been cured or discharged.
Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research has released a new advisory for COVID-19 testing in the country.
- Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala among states that have announced lockdown 4.0 guidelines today
- Migrant workers break police barricades at Uttar Pradesh-Madhya Pradesh border in Chakghat area of Rewa to enter into Uttar Pradesh
- FM Sitharaman gave a break-up of the Rs 20 lakh crore economic package in the last tranche on Sunday
- The Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday launched an online portal to facilitate the movement of migrant labourers across the country
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820 New COVID-19 Deaths Recorded in 24 Hours in US
The United States records 820 new coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, reports AFP news agency quoting the Johns Hopkins University tracker.
Active Cases Climb to 29 in Goa
In Goa, three more passengers — a total of 7 people — who travelled in Mumbai-Goa train on Sunday, test positive for COVID-19 during TrueNat testing. The total number of active cases in Goa reaches 29, reports.
Heavy Vehicular Movement at Delhi-Gurugram Border After Lockdown Extension
In Delhi, heavy vehicular movement at Delhi-Gurugram (Haryana) border amid corona lockdown. Passes and IDs of people are being checked by the Police. The nationwide lockdown has been extended till 31 May.
Special Train From Patna Reaches New Delhi
In Delhi, a special train has reached New Delhi Railway Station from Rajendra Nagar Railway Station in Patna, Bihar. A passenger said, “I went to Patna on 21 March and got stuck there after imposition of lockdown. I am happy to be back here. I thank the govt for running special trains.”
MP CM Writes to Mamata Banerjee Requesting Indore-Kolkata Train for Migrants
Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan wrote to West Bengal chief ministercMamata Banerjee requesting her to inform Ministry of Railways about the requirement of a Shramik special Indore-Kolkata train for the migrant workers living in Indore, who want to return to their native place in West Bengal.
Huge Spike Takes Cases to 96,169, Death Toll to 3,029
The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 96,169 on Monday, 18 May, according to the Health Ministry. There are now 53,316 active cases across the country, while 3,029 people have died. As many as 35,823 patients have been cured or discharged.
Barber Shops Reopen in Karnataka's Hubli in Lockdown 4.0
In Karnataka, barber shops and salons reopen in Hubli as the fourth phase of coronavirus lockdown comes into effect.
140 Fresh Cases, 2 Deaths Reported in Rajasthan
'One hundred forty positive cases reported in Rajasthan today. Two deaths also reported. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 5,342, including 133 deaths and 2666 discharged,” the Rajasthan Health Department stated, reports ANI.
Bollywood Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Family Members Placed Under Quarantine After They Reach UP
Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui and his family members have been placed under 14-day home quarantine after they reach Budhana town in Uttar Pradesh for Eid from Mumbai, the Police said.
6 More Coronavirus Cases Recorded in Bihar Today
Six more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Bihar today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 1,326, reports ANI.
Delhi: 299 Fresh Cases Reported, 283 Discharged in Past 24 Hrs
“Two hundred and ninety-nine new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Delhi in last 24 hours, two hundred and eighty-three were recovered/discharged/migrated in last 24 hours, no deaths reported in this duration. Total number of positive cases in national stands at 10,054 -including 4,485 recovered/discharged and 160 deaths,” the Delhi government said, reports ANI.
6 Employeers of OPPO Mobile Company Tests Positive in Greater Noida
Six employees of OPPO mobile company's factory in Greater Noida have tested positive for COVID-19. All operations at the factory have been suspended. The operations there had resumed on 8 May 2020, reports ANI.
Heavy Traffic at Delhi-Noida Flyway in Lockdown 4.0
In Noida, heavy traffic congestion seen at toll booth on Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) Flyway, amid nationwide lockdown which has been extended till 31 May to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Total Cases in Odisha Climbs to 876
“Total number of COVID-19 positive cases till 9 am in the state is 876 after 48 new cases were reported in the state today,” the government of Odisha said, reported ANI.
1,273 Personnel of Maharashtra Police Personnel Contracted COVID-19
“1,273 personnel of Maharashtra Police including 131 officers have contracted COVID-19 so far. Out of the total cases, 291 police personnel have recovered while 11 others succumbed to the infection,” said Maharashtra Police, according to ANI
Police and Migrants Clash in Ahemdabad After Labourers Demanded to Go Back Home
In Gujarat, a clash between police and migrant labourers took place in Ahmedabad today after the latter pelted stones at police and vandalised their two vehicles allegedly over their demand to go back to their home states. Two police personnel injured.
All Shops to Open, Buses to Operate in K'taka, Total Lowdown on Sundays
“Road state transport corporation buses in state and private buses will run. Strict lockdown measures in containment zones and economic activities will be permitted in other areas. Sundays will be total lockdown across state. Home quarantine will be strengthened,” said Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa, reports ANI.
He added, “All shops will be allowed to open, all trains running within the state will be allowed,” said Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.
“We have decided not to allow entry of people from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil Nadu till 31 May,” the CM added.
5 Doctors, Including 4 Who Treated COVID-19 Patient Test Positive in Kashmir
“Five doctors, including four who treated woman who died of COVID-19, have tested positive for coronavirus in Kashmir,” PTI reported quoting officials.
Kerala Allows Bus Services Outside COVID-19 Hostpots; Inter-State Service Prohibited
“Kerala government has decided to allow resumption of bus services outside COVID-19 hotspots during lockdown 4. Interstate and inter-district bus services will remain suspended,” said Kerala Transport Minister AK Saseendran, reports ANI.
Uttarakhand Records 1 Positive Case; State's Tally at 93
"One COVID-19 positive case has been reported in Uttarakhand today. The total number of positive cases now in the state is 93,” the Uttarakhand State Control Room said, reported ANI.
33 New Cases in Rajasthan; Total Rises to 5,375
"Thirty-three new positive cases of COVID-19 and two deaths have been reported in Rajasthan till 2 pm. Total number of positive cases rise to 5,375 and death toll rise to 133. Two thousand one hundred and seventy active cases remain in state,” the state Health Department said, reports ANI.
ICMR Releases Fresh Strategy for Testing
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Monday released a new guideline for testing COVID-19 patients. The advisory says, "Asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case to be tested once between day 5 and day 10 of coming into contact."
Yogi Adityanath Responds to Congress Over Migrant Issue
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has responded to Congress' demand for his resignation.
"The Congress leadership should understand that one truck (involved in the accident at Auraiya) was from Rajasthan, while the other was coming from Punjab", PTI quoted him saying.
"A hefty amount of money was taken from the migrant labourers, who were returning to Bihar and Jharkhand. What were they (Congress) doing then? You will exploit people and then put up an honest face," he added.
Do Not Test Dead People for Coronavirus: Delhi Govt to Hospitals
According to a report in The Hindu, Delhi government has asked hospitals to not test dead people for coronavirus.
“No sample for COVID-19 test will be taken of dead body. However, if doctors are satisfied from clinical examination that the cause of death may be COVID-19 infection, the dead body may be released as suspect COVID-19 infected dead body,” read a revised order by Padmini Singla, Secretary of Health and Family Welfare Department, according to the report.
Arvind Kejriwal to Address Press Conference at 5:30 PM
The CM of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal will address a digital press conference to give out a detailed plan on lockdown 4.0 at 5:30 pm on Monday.
Total Number of Positive Cases in Assam Reaches 104
The total number of COVID19 positive cases in Assam rise to 104 with 2 new positive cases reported today, ANI quoted Assam Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma.
UP Govt Allows Congress to Run Buses for Migrants
According to an NDTV report, the government of Uttar Pradesh has accepted Priyanka Vadra's offer seeking permission to run 1,000 buses for migrant workers.
Puducherry Govt Announces Lockdown 4.0 Guidelines
On Monday, CM V Narayanasamy said liquor shops will be reopened in Puducherry on Tuesday between 7 am to 7 pm.
"As per the guidelines issued by the Central Government, Puducherry government has decided to extend the lockdown till 31 May to contain the spread of COVID-19, ANI quoted Chief Minister V Narayanaswamy.
Migrants Hurl Stones in Ahmedabad, 100 Detained
Migrant workers hurled stones at police and vehicles in Ahmedabad demanding they be sent back to native places immediately, police lobed teargas shells to disperse them and detained nearly 100, PTI quoted officials.
WB CM Mamta Banerjee Announces Lockdown Extension
West Bengal extends COVID-19 lockdown till May 31, says Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Big shops in areas outside containment zones will be opened from 21 May.
"We will try to arrange for 115 more trains in a few days and the state government will pay the train fare", ANI quoted Mamata Banerjee.
"No official night curfew in West Bengal, but people are requested not to venture out after 7 pm", she added.
3 New COVID-19 Cases Reported in CRPF
3 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in CRPF in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases is now 294 says CRPF, according to ANI.
Mamata Banerjee Announces More Trains for Migrants
"Have already sought 105 Shramik Special trains, will soon ask for 120 more to bring back migrant workers", PTI quoted West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee.
5 New COVID-19 Cases in Chandigarh
With 5 new positive coronavirus cases in Chandigarh, the total number of positive cases is now 196 according to the city's health department.
29 Fresh Cases of COVID-19 in Kerala
With 29 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala today, the total number of cases in the state is now at 630, said Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala.
"Shopping complexes can open with 50% shops on rotational basis. Barber shops and beauty parlours to open without air conditioning, only hair cutting and shaving service allowed", says Pinarayi Vijayan.
99 Fresh COVID-19 Cases Reported in Karnataka
99 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka from 5 pm on Sunday, 18 May till 5 pm on Monday, taking the total number of active cases to 678. The death toll stands at 37 according to the Karnataka Health Department.
Delhi CM Briefs Media, Announces Lockdown Relaxations
"We used lockdown period to make arrangements to deal with COVID-19", said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.
Here are a few guidelines for lockdown 4.0 in Delhi announced by Kejriwal:
- Non-essential shops will be opened on the principle of odd-even, however, essentials shops will be open every day.
- Barbershops, spas and salons to remain closed for now in Delhi.
- Stepping out of homes between 7 pm to 7 am, except for essential services will be prohibited.
- Taxis & cabs will be allowed but only 2 passengers at a time in a car.
- More than 20 passengers will not be allowed in buses.
- Metro trains, schools, colleges, shopping malls and swimming pools to remain closed.
- 50 people to be allowed in marriage functions and 20 people can attend funerals.
- No activity will be allowed in containment zones.
2,714 COVID-19 Patients Recovered in Last 24-Hrs
In the last 24 hours, a total of 2,715 COVID-19 patients have recovered in the country.
"We have a recovery rate of 38.29%. In terms of confirmed cases per lakh population, India has so far about 7.1 cases per lakh population", said government officials.
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray to Address the State at 8 PM
After extending the lockdown till 31 May on Sunday, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra will address the state at 8 pm on Monday.
536 New COVID-19 Cases Reported in Tamil Nadu
With 536 new COVID-19 cases, total tally in Tamil Nadu reaches 11,760. 3 deaths were reported today and 234 people were discharged.
46 of fresh cases are passengers from Maharashtra.
Assam Govt Issues Lockdown 4.0 Guidelines
After Delhi, West Bengal and Kerala, the government of Assam too releases fresh guidelines for lockdown extension. It adds many relaxations for the state.
Karnataka Issues Lockdown 4.0 Guidelines
The government of Karnataka issues advisory with relaxations for lockdown 4.0 in the state.
All shops, including barber shops, spa and salons will be allowed to function till 31 May, as per Standard Operating Procedure issued by the state, reports ANI.
3 New COVID-19 Cases Reported in Uttarakhand
With three new positive cases in the state today, the total number of positive cases in Uttarkhand rose to 96, according to state's health department.
85 New COVID-19 Cases in Dharavi
According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), 85 news cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Mumbai's Dharavi today. Total number of cases in the area stands at 1,327 and deaths at 56.
Health Minister Speaks at 73rd World Health Assembly
"PM Modi personally monitored situation and ensured a preemptive, proactive and graded response, leaving no stones unturned to contain the deadly virus from spreading. India took all necessary steps well in time," said Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan via video conference.
'Only Essential Services Allowed in Containment Zones': Gujarat CM
Vijay Rupani, the Chief Minister of Gujarat on Monday evening said, "Gujarat will have containment and non-containment zones. Only essential services to be allowed in containment zones," reported PTI.
"Schools, shopping malls, gyms, swimming pools will remain closed. Beauty parlours and salons allowed to operate in non-containment zones only," he added.
259 New Coronavirus Cases in MP
259 new positive cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 4,977.
Offices Allowed to Be Opened with 50% Staff in Rajasthan
According to the guidelines for lockdown 4.0 in Rajasthan, government and private offices with 50% staff will be allowed to be opened. In addition, Taxis and autorickshaws will be allowed in the orange and green zone districts, reported The Hindu.
Govt Releases Guidelines to Contain Spread of COVID-19 at Workplaces
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issues guidelines on preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 at workplaces.
Maharashtra CM Addresses Media on Lockdown 4.0
Uddhav Thackeray, CM of Maharashtra says "Can't afford to ease lockdown", reports NDTV.
"Green zones are working normally. More relaxations will be offered here and in Orange zones. However relaxations in Red zones will not be possible," he added.
Telangana Announces Relxations
Telangana CM, KC Rao today said, "All religious centers and religious congregations remain prohibited. Cinema halls, banquet halls and malls will remain closed," reported ANI.
"Auto and cab services will be allowed to operate in Hyderabad. In autos, 2 passengers and in cabs, 3 passengers will be permitted. Salons can operate in all areas excluding containment zones. E-Commerce activities can also function 100% in state," he added.
305 New COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan
305 new COVID-19 cases and 7 deaths were observed in Rajasthan today, as of 9 pm, reported ANI. Total number of cases in the state stands at 5,507, including 2,151 active cases and 138 deaths according to the state's health department.
Maharashtra Reports 2,033 New COVID-19 Cases
According to the state's health department, 2,033 positive cases and 51 deaths were reported in Maharashtra today. 749 patients were discharged. Total number of cases in Mumbai alone crossed 20,000 mark with 21,152 cases. Total deaths in Mumbai stands at 757.
35 New Cases in Goa Today
35 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Goa today, said Chief Minister, Pramod Sawant. The total number of cases in the state is now 41.
"414 passengers from Italy to arrive in Goa on Saturday. Their throat swab test will be done upon arrival. If any passenger tests positive, they will be shifted to a COVID-19 hospital," he added according to ANI.
Zee Media's 28 Employees Test Positive for Coronavirus
Zee Media on Monday, in a statement, said their 28 employees have tested positive for COVID-19.
"Our office, newsroom and studios have been sealed for sanitisation", read the statement.
4 News Cases in Himachal Pradesh
4 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Himachal Pradesh today, said the state's health department. Total number of cases in the state is now at 90 including 41 active cases, 42 recovered, and 3 deaths.
Industries Permitted to Work in Staggered Business Hours in Delhi
According to Delhi government's order, "Industrial firms whose name starts with A to L may function from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, other firms M to Z from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm in Delhi," reported PTI.
The order also added, "RWAs shall not prevent any person allowed by the government from performing their duties."