COVID-19: India’s Case Tally Crosses 20,000; Death Toll at 652
Catch all the live updates on the COVID-19 pandemic here.
India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rose to 20,471 on Wednesday, 22 April. This number includes 15,859 active cases, 652 deaths and 3,959 recoveries.
Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has withdrawn its press note announcing the cancellation of this year's Amarnath Yatra due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
With the extended lockdown scheduled to come to an end on 3 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be interacting with the chief ministers of states via video conference on 27 April.
In order to curb violence against health and frontline workers, the Central Government has brought an ordinance making such acts cognisable and non-bailable, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said in an address to the media on Wednesday.
- The number of coronavirus cases in Delhi climbed to 2,248, while the death toll stood at 48, authorities said on Wednesday
- The number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai rose by 309 to 3754 on Wednesday, with the death toll standing at 160
- Haryana has reported a total case tally of 260, while Karnataka has reported 427
- An inter-ministerial central team on Wednesday sought a detailed presentation from the West Bengal government on the COVID-19 situation in the state
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)
US Records Over 8 Lakh Cases, 44,845 Deaths So Far
“The United States has recorded more than 8,00,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 44,845 deaths so far. Nearly 40,000 new cases reported between Monday 8:30 pm local time, and Tuesday at the same time,” AFP news agency reported quoting Johns Hopkins University.
India's Case Tally Rises to 19,984
India's total number of coronavirus positive cases rises to 19,984, including 15474 active cases, 3870 cured/discharged/migrated and 640 deaths, according to the figures released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Trump Suspends Issuing of New Green Cards for 60 days
President Donald Trump has said that he will halt issuing of new Green Cards or legal permanent residency for the next 60 days as part of his executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into the US.
However, the move will not have any impact on those entering the country on a temporary basis, Trump said on Tuesday.
Many have interpreted that those on non-immigrant work visas like H-1B issued mainly to foreign technology professionals will not be impacted. Seasonal immigrant workers for agricultural purposes too will not be impacted.
West Bengal Assures Cooperation to Central Teams Visiting State
The West Bengal government has assured the Centre that it will abide by all its orders related to the ongoing lockdown and assured full cooperation to the two visiting central teams assessing the ground situation in the state.
In a letter to Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha said it was not a fact that the two Inter Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) have not been provided with any cooperation by the state government since he had two meetings with one team and also was in touch with the other.
Bihar Officer Suspended for Issuing Pass to BJP MLA Who Brought Back Daughter from Kota
A civil servant in Bihar was suspended for issuing a travel pass to a BJP MLA who recently travelled to Kota to bring back his daughter, triggering a major controversy.
According to a notification issued by the states general administration department late Tuesday, Anu Kumar, the Sub Divisional Officer, Sadar, Nawada district was suspended with immediate effect for issuing the pass in favor of Anil Singh who represents the Hisua assembly segment.
China Steps-Up Testing at Borders as Imported Coronavirus Cases Cross 1,600
China has reported 30 new COVID-19 cases, a majority of them are the Chinese returning from abroad, taking the number of imported infections in the country to 1,610, the health officials said on Wednesday, as the authorities stepped-up the testing and treatment facilities in all border regions.
The death toll due to the novel coronavirus remains 4,632 with no new fatalities were reported on Tuesday, while the overall confirmed cases climbed to 82,788, of which 1,005 patients are still being treated and 77,151 have been discharged, China's National Health Commission (NHC) said.
3 New Cases in Odisha
Three new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Odisha. The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 82, including 30 cured/discharged and 1 death according to the state’s health department.
21 New Cases in Moradabad
Twenty one persons including a 3-year-old boy tested positive for COVID-19 in Moradabad, Dr MC Garg, Moradabad Chief Medical Officer (CMO) told ANI.
64 New Cases in Rajasthan
At least 64 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Rajasthan, as of 9 am. Total cases in the state are at 1799, including 274 recovered, 97 discharged and 26 deaths, accoding to the state’s health department.
Cop Deployed at Maha CM's Official Bungalow Tests Positive
An assistant police inspector deployed at Varsha bungalow, the official residence of Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, has tested positive for COVID-19. Six of her close contacts have been placed under isolation at a quarantine center.
Panel to Examine if Privacy of Personal, Sensitive Data of COVID-19 Patients Protected
Amid opposition charges, the Kerala government has constituted a two-member committee to examine whether the privacy of personal and sensitive data of COVID-19 patients from the state has been protected under an agreement entered by it with a US-based IT firm.
The panel headed by former Special IT Secretary M Madhavan Nambiar and former health secretary Rajeev Sadanandan, will also ascertain whether adequate procedures were followed while finalising the arrangements with the private company, Sprinklr.
US State Files Lawsuit Against China on Coronavirus Handling
A US State has filed a lawsuit against China alleging that Beijing's actions to suppress information, arrest whistleblowers and denying the contagious nature of the novel coronavirus led to "irreparable damage" to countries globally while causing human suffering and severe economic disruption.
Filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, the first of its kind lawsuit was filed by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt against the Chinese government, the ruling Chinese Communist Party, and other Chinese officials and institutions.
Pune Records Another Death
A 53-year-old man who had tested positive for COVID-19 passed away last night, taking the death toll in Pune district to 55, the city’s health officials said.
Truck Drivers Entering Assam To Be Screened
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal asks officials of border districts to screen truck drivers and their helpers entering the state.
Home Minister Interacts With Doctors, IMA Members
Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with doctors and Indian Medical Association (IMA) through video conferencing. He appreciated their good work. He also assured them security and appealed to them to not to do even symbolic protest as proposed by them.
WHO Becoming Tool of 'Chinese Propaganda': US
The World Health Organization has become a tool of the "Chinese propaganda", the Trump administration has alleged, asserting that the global health agency has lost all its credibility during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
US President Donald Trump recently announced he would put a hold on America's funding to the World Health Organization (WHO), accusing the UN health body of becoming "China-centric" during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The United States is the largest contributor to the Geneva-headquartered world body.
Shops Selling Educational Books, Electric Fans, Phone Recharge Allowed During Lockdown
Shops selling educational books and electric fans, services of bedside attendants of senior citizens and public utilities, including recharge facilities for prepaid mobile phones have been allowed during the lockdown period.
The orders were issued by the Home Ministry on Tuesday night after receiving some queries with regard to exemptions of specific services and activities allowed through the guidelines issued so far.
The home ministry also said bread factories and flour mills located in urban areas can restart operations during the ongoing lockdown to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Shops selling educational books for students and electric fans will be allowed to open during the lockdown, which is scheduled to end on 3 May.
553 New Cases in Maharashtra in 24 Hours, State Tally at 5,229
With 553 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in the last 24 hours in Maharashtra, the total number of positive cases in the state stands at 5,229. Death toll stands at 251 with 19 more deaths according to Public Health Department, Govt of Maharashtra.
Gujarat's Death Toll Rises to 95
With five more deaths in Gujarat due to COVID-19, death toll rose to 95 in the state. AT least 94 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported taking the state tally to 2,272 which includes 144 cured patients and 95 deaths.
Maha CM Seeks Guidelines From Centre on Migrant Workers
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has demanded that the Centre issue guidelines by this month-end on sending the migrant workers to their native places in the wake of the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.
Speaking to the central team led by additional secretary Manoj Joshi through video conference on Tuesday evening, Thackeray said his government has opened shelter camps for over six lakh migrant labourers and they are being looked after well.
I&B Ministry Advises Media Persons Covering Pandemic to Take Precautions
As media persons are covering incidents relating to COVID-19 in the country, and as that involves travelling to containment zones, hotspots and other affected areas, it is advised that all such people take health and related precautions while performing duties, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a communique.
Kedarnath Temple to Not Open for Devotees on 29 April
Only 16 people, including the Chief Priest of Kedarnath temple, will be present when the portals of the temple open on 29 April, Mangesh Ghildiyal, District Magistrate, Rudraprayag told ANI. 'Darshan' for the devotees will not be allowed at the temple as of now.
56 New Cases in Andhra Pradesh
Two deths and 56 new coronavirus positive cases have been detected in Andhra Pradesh in last 24 hours. Total number of cases has risen to 813 which includes 120 discharged persons and 24 deaths.
IMA Withdraws Symbolic Protest
Indian Medical Association (IMA) withdrew their protest after their meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan via video-conferencing today.
In Role Reversal, Egypt Sends Virus Aid to US
Egypt on Tuesday flew a plane of medical supplies to the United States to assist in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, a role reversal for a top US aid recipient.
Egypt's general-turned-president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has been eager to cement relations with President Donald Trump, and his country has already shipped medical goods with fanfare to China and Italy.
CRPF Jawan Tests Positive for COVID-19; Admitted to Delhi Hospital
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, part of a battalion deployed in Jammu and Kashmir, has tested positive for COVID-19 in the national capital, a senior official said on Wednesday.
The jawan, working as a nursing assistant, has been admitted to an isolation ward in a Delhi hospital, he said.
The official said the constable was asked to undertake a coronavirus test in Delhi at the end of his leave period on 7 April before joining his unit, as per the standard operating procedure.
COVID-19 Patient Gives Birth to Baby in Howrah, Both Stable
A COVID-19 patient in West Bengal's Howrah district gave birth to a baby and the health condition of both of them is stable, hospital authorities told PTI on Wednesday.
The pregnant woman was admitted to the Sanjiban Hospital in the Fuleswar area on April 13 and she later tested positive for the deadly infection, said its Director Subhasis Mitra. The woman, a resident of Howrah city, gave birth to the baby boy around 8 pm on Monday, he said.
Rahul Gandhi Seeks Suggestions from Public For MSMEs
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday sought suggestions from the public for an economic stimulus package for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) hit by the coronavirus lockdown.
"COVID19 has devastated our micro, small and medium businesses (MSME). The Congress party needs your help. Send us suggestions and ideas for what a MSME economic stimulus package should cover on voiceofmsme.in or in our social media platforms," the former Congress chief said on Twitter using the hashtag "HelpSaveSmallBusinesses".
4 Journos Isolated After Having Lunch with Home-Quarantined MLA in Telangana
Four media persons working for vernacular news channels have been quarantined after it was learnt that they had lunch at the residence of an MLA, who is under home quarantine in Telangana’sGadwal town recently, a senior government official told PTI on Wednesday.
Gadwal town headquarters of Jogulamba-Gadwal district was declared as Red Zone by the Centre due to considerable number of COVID-19 cases.
India Co-Sponsors Resolution Calling for Equitable Access to COVID-19 Vaccines
India has co-sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution that called for a fair, transparent and equitable access to essential medical supplies and any future vaccines developed to fight COVID-19 that has claimed over 177,000 lives and infected more than 2.5 million people.
The 193-Member General Assembly adopted the Mexico-drafted resolution 'International cooperation to ensure global access to medicines, vaccines and medical equipment to face COVID-19' by consensus on Monday. Pakistan was among the small minority of nations that did not sponsor the resolution.
Aviation Ministry Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus
The Ministry of Civil Aviation on Wednesday said an employee of the ministry who attended office on 15 April has tested positive for COVID-19.
All colleagues, who came in contact with the employee, have been asked to go into self isolation as a precaution, it said.
"An employee of the ministry who had attended office on 15 April, 2020, has tested positive for COVID-19 on 21st April. All necessary protocols are being stringently followed on the premises," the ministry said on Twitter.
Pondy CM, Ministers, MLAs to be Tested for COVID-19
The Puducherry government on Wednesday said Chief Minister V Naryanasamy, his ministerial colleagues, MLAs and MPs would be tested for coronavirus on the premises of the Assembly on 23 April.
Health Minister Malladi Krishna Rao told reporters that the medical test would be held between 9 am and 11 am on Thursday and test results would be available by 25 April.
"We will use the RTPCR equipment to conduct the test," he said.
Seven New Cases Confirmed in Karnataka
Seven new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infections in the state to 425, the Health department said on Wednesday.
The new positive cases include a four month old infant from Kalaburagi.
Vice President Calls TN CM, Discusses Handling of COVID-19
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday held a telephonic discussion with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami over the state's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government said.
Naidu enquired about the various steps taken to contain the deadly virus, an official release said.
231 Pilgrims Return to Leh from Iran After Competing Quarantine
231 pilgrims of Ladakh evacuated from Iran completed quarantaine in Jodhpur reached Leh by Indian Air Force flight &all are being screened at Technical Area in Leh Airport. They'll be under institutional quarantine in Leh & Kargil respectively: Jamyang Namgyal, BJP MP from Ladakh
Cases in Bihar Rise to 131
Five more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Bihar - three in Patna, one in Bihar Sharif and one in East Champaran. Contact tracing is being done. The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 131.
Army Setting Up Two COVID-19 Hospitals in J&K
Jammu, Apr 22 (PTI) The Army is setting up two COVID-19 hospitals, one each in Srinagar and Jammu, as it assured full cooperation to the civil administration in combating the pandemic, an official spokesman said.
While efforts are on to set up a 250-bed hospital at Rangreth in Srinagar, another 100-bed COVID-19 care centre will come up at the Army Public School Domana within the next two to three days, he said.
Academicians Suggest PM to Recruit Science Graduates, Use Biology Labs in Fight Against COVID-19
Eminent academicians from across the country have suggested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to recruit unemployed science graduates in the fight against COVID-19 and use biology laboratories to test the samples of persons suspected to be infected with the disease.
A letter to this regard was sent to the prime minister on 20 April. It was signed by more than 600 scientists, professors and research scholars from institutes across the country under the platform 'India March for Science', a release issued on Tuesday by the group's Kolkata organising committee said.
Centre Recommends Increasing Bed Capacity in Mumbai
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said the Central committee has recommended an increase in the capacity of quarantine facility in Mumbai from 1,200 beds to 2,000, in light of the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the city.
An inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) arrived in Mumbai on Tuesday for a two-day visit to assess the state's preparedness to fight the coronavirus outbreak.
Authorities Launch Drive to Trace Contacts of Trader Who Died of COVID-19 in Azadpur Mandi
Authorities on Wednesday launched an exercise to trace contacts of a 57-year-old trader who died of COVID-19 in northwest Delhi's Azadpur Mandi as fear spread among people visiting the area.
North Delhi District Magistrate Deepak Shinde said surveillance teams have started tracing contacts of the man from Azadpur Mandi, Asia's largest wholesale vegetable and fruit market, and his family.
Pak PM Imran Set to Get Tested for COVID-19
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to undergo a test for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection.
Advisor on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said that the family of the Prime Minister has already tested negative.
UP Exempts Interest on Amount Payable by Industrial, Commercial Institutions for 3 Months
In a major relief to all industrial and commercial institutions during COVID-19 lockdown, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided to exempt interest on the amount payable by these establishments under all heads from 22 March till 30 June, 2020.
Ordinance Brought In Against Attacks on Health Workers: Govt
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar, while briefing the media overthe COVID-19 situation in the country said that an ordinance has been brought in against attacks on frontline workers.
“Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harassment, against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it'll be implemented after President's sanction,” he said.
“Amendment to be made to Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and Ordinance will be implemented. Such crime will now be cognizable and non-bailable. Investigation will be done within 30 days. The accused can be sentenced from 3 months-5 years and penalised from Rs 50,000 upto Rs 2 Lakh,” he announced.
435 Virus Deaths in Spain as Daily Toll Rises for Second Day
Spain said Wednesday another 435 people died in the past 24 hours, with the figures showing a slight increase for a second day running, bringing the overall death toll to 21,717.
Spain has suffered the third-highest number of deaths in the world after the United States and Italy, with infections now passing 208,000 cases, health ministry figures showed.
TN Govt Announces Intensified Measures to Stem COVID-19 Spread
With the city recording the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases in Tamil Nadu, the state government on Wednesday announced intensified measures to stem the spread of the pandemic, including expediting contact tracing and testing those with symptoms like fever.
"Considering the prevailing situation, I have directed steps to completely curb public movement in containment zones, expedite contact tracing and subject them to tests, and carry out coronavirus testing on those in the city limits with symptoms like breathlessnes, fever and throat pain," he said in a statement.
Over 1,000 Foreign Workers, Including Indians, Test Positive in Singapore
Over 1,000 foreign workers, including Indian nationals, tested positive for coronavirus in Singapore on Wednesday, taking the total number of infections to 10,141, as the city-state battles a second wave of contagion.
The "vast majority" of the new cases are work permit holders residing in foreign worker dormitories, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its preliminary release of figures.
More than 1,000 foreign workers, including Indian nationals, are among 1,016 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Singapore on Wednesday noon, according to official figures.
146 Indian Crew Members Stranded on Cruise Ship to Disembark in Mumbai on Thursday
“146 Indian crew members stranded on a cruise ship due to coronavirus pandemic will disembark in Mumbai on Thursday; none of them are COVID-19 patients”: Maha Chief Minister's Office said on Wednesday.
Health Briefings to be Reduced to 4 Days a Week
Health briefings will now be reduced to four days a week, while press releases and Cabinet briefing on will be given on alternate days, PTI reports.
Centre Lectures on COVID-19 But Doesn't Provide Proper Testing Kits: Mamata
“Centre lectures Bengal on COVID-19 preparedness and sends teams but doesn’t provide proper testing kits,” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said on Wednesday.
TN Announces Rs 50L for Health Workers, Police Personnel Who Die Due to COVID-19
Tamil Nadu announces Rs 50 lakh relief for families of government doctors, health or sanitary workers, police and others who die due to contracting COVID-19 while on corona containment duty.
Karnataka Case Tally at 427
Nine new COVID-19 cases were recorded in Karnataka, including 2 in Bengaluru, 5 in, Kalaburagi, 2 in Mysuru. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 427 including 131 discharged and 17 deaths, according to the Government of Karnataka.
Haryana Case Tally at 260; Death Toll at 3
There are 260 cases of COVID-19 in Haryana, out of which 153 people have recovered and three have died, according to CM Manohar Lal Khattar.
Odisha Reports 1 New Case; Total at 83
One new COVID-19 positive case was reported from Jajpur, taking the total number of positive cases to 83, including 50 active cases, 32 recovered, and 1 death, Odisha’s public relations department said on Wednesday.
Centre Has Provided No Usable Testing Kits: WB Govt
The West Bengal government on Wednesday indicated that the Centre had not provided the state with any usable testing kits.
“As on 22nd April, (we) have 0 kits supplied from ICMR/NICED which can test a COVID patient as per ICMR recommendations,” the state’s health department said.
PM Modi to Interact With CMs of States Via Video Conference on 27 April
With the extended lockdown scheduled to come to an end on 3 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be interacting with the chief ministers of states via video conference on 27 April.
No Cases Recorded in Assam in Last 7 Days; Intrastate Travel to be Reopened Temporarily
No COVID-19 case has been recorded in Assam in the last seven days, according to the state’s health minister.
The Assam government will lift restrictions on the intrastate movement of people for three days from 25 April to allow those stranded away from their homes due to the lockdown to return to their families.
Bill Gates Commends Modi Govt's Proactive Measures Against COVID-19
Microsoft founder Bill Gates wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi commending the administration’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19, ANI reported.
“We commend your leadership and the proactive measures you and your government have taken to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 infection rate in India, such as adopting a national lockdown, expanding focused testing to identify hot spots for isolation, quarantining, and care, and significantly increasing health expenditures to strengthen the health system response and promote R&D and digital innovation,” he wrote.
No Cases Recorded in Uttarakhand in Last 2 Days
No new COVID-19 cases were reported in Uttarakhand for second consecutive day on Wednesday. The total number of cases stands at 46, out of which 23 patients have recovered, according to the state’s health department.
71 Delhi Police Directed to Be in Quarantine
71 Delhi Police personnel were directed to be in quarantine after they came in contact with a head constable deputed at the Delhi Police Special Cell who has tested positive for COVID-19, ANI reported.
Telangana Records 15 New Cases; Total at 943
Fifteen new COVID-19 positive cases and one death were reported in Telangana today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 943, according Telangana’s health department.
Gujarat Reports 135 New Cases; Total 2,407
135 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Gujarat today. The total number of positive cases rise to 2,407, including 179 cured/discharged and 103 deaths, according to Gujarat’s health department.
Delhi Reports 92 New Cases; Total 2,248
Ninety-two new COVID-19 positive cases and one more death were reported on Wednesday in Delhi, taking the total number of positive cases to 2,248 and the death toll to 48, according to the health department.
112 New COVID-19 Cases in UP, State Tally Rises to 1,449
As many as 112 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, taking total number of cases to 1,449.
Twenty-one patients have succumbed to the infection while 173 others have recovered, the state Health Department was quoted by ANI as saying.
153 New COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan; Tally Rises to 1,888
As many as 153 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Rajasthan on Wednesday, taking the the total number of cases in the state to 1,888, the health department said.
26 New Cases in Bihar; Tally Rises to 141
As many as 26 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Bihar in the last 24 hours, taking the total tally to 141. Twenty-four patients have also recovered.
Central Team Seeks Presentation from Bengal Govt on COVID-19 Situation
An inter-ministerial central team, which is in Kolkata to assess the COVID-19 situation, on Wednesday sought a detailed presentation from the West Bengal government on whether the level of testing in the state is adequate, and enough oxygen and ICU beds and ventilators are available.
In a letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha, the head of the team, Apurva Chandra, also sought a briefing on whether the testing facilities available in the state are being used in full, as well as the protocol adopted for testing and the level at which conduct of a COVID-19 test is approved.
He asked Sinha to provide members of the team with all logistical support as directed by the Union Home Ministry, and expressed the desire to visit hospitals, hotspots, quarantine centres and markets, PTI reported.