COVID-19: PM Speaks to CMs; IRCTC Opens Bookings for Spl Trains
Catch all the updates on the coronavirus outbreak and the lockdown here.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, 11 May held his fifth video conference meet with chief ministers of all states where he discussed the relaxations of lockdown aand revival of the economy.
Meanwhile, the Indian Railways opened bookings for reservation of tickets on 15 ‘special’ passenger trains on 11 May, at 6:00 pm.
With a week to go for Lockdown 3.0 to end, the Indian Railways will start running ‘special trains’ from New Delhi on 12 May.
The number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 67,152 on Monday. According to the Health Ministry figures, there are now 44,029 active cases in the country, while 2,206 people have died. As many as 20,916 patients have been cured or discharged and one has migra
- The Railways decided to carry around 1,700 passengers on board its ‘shramik’ trains instead of the current 1,200, saying that the train capacity should be equal to the number of sleeper berths on the train
- Home Ministry wrote to states saying that they should ensure migrant workers do not resort to walking on roads and rail tracks, and use available special trains
- Seven special repatriation flights will be operated on Monday on the fifth day of the Vande Bharat Mission
- The US has recorded 776 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours, bringing the toll to 79,522, AFP reported on Monday, citing the Johns Hopkins University tracker
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UK to Remain in Lockdown Until At Least 1 June
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that the country will remain in lockdown until at least 1 June.
He added that some public places could reopen from 1 July, AFP reported.
COVID-19: India’s Case Tally Rises to 67,152; Biggest One-Day Jump
The number of COVID-19 cases in India rose to 67,152 on Monday. According to the Health Ministry figures, there are now 44,029 active cases in the country, while 2,206 people have died. As many as 20,916 patients have been cured or discharged and one has migrated.
In the last 24 hours, 4,213 new cases and 97 deaths have been reported.
7 Repatriation Flights to be Operated on Monday Under Vande Bharat Mission
Seven special repatriation flights will be operated on Monday on the fifth day of the Vande Bharat Mission.
These will be: London to Delhi to Bengaluru, San Francisco to Mumbai to Hyderabad, Dhaka to Mumbai, Dubai to Kochi, Abu Dhabi to Hyderabad, Kaula Lampur to Chennai, and Bahrain to Kozhikode.
Ensure Migrant Workers Do Not Resort to Walking on Roads, Rail Tracks: MHA to States
The Home Ministry on Monday wrote to states saying that they should ensure migrant workers do not resort to walking on roads and rail tracks, and use available special trains.
State/Union territories should cooperate with railways in running and receiving more 'Shramik' special trains and facilitate the movement of stranded migrant workers, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla wrote to the chief secretaries of all states/UTs.
'Ensure Smooth Movement of All Medical Professionals': MHA to States
Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla on Monday wrote to the chief secretaries of all states/Union territories to ensure the smooth movement, including inter-state movement, of all medical professionals, paramedics, sanitation personnel and ambulances, as well as allow the opening of all private clinics, nursing homes and labs with all medical staff without any hindrances.
Restrictions on movement of medical professionals can lead to severe constraints in rendering COVID and non-COVID services, the Centre said.
'Shramik' Trains to Carry More Passengers, Have Up To 3 Stoppages: Railways
The Railways on Monday decided to carry around 1,700 passengers on board its 'shramik' trains instead of the current 1,200, saying that the train capacity should be equal to the number of sleeper berths on the train, reported PTI.
These special trains can also now have up to three stoppages in the destination state, other than the final stop.
'Fight Against COVID-19 Cannot be An Excuse to Exploit Workers': Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday raised the issue of states amending labour laws amid the lockdown, saying the fight against COVID-19 cannot be an excuse to exploit workers, suppress their voices and trample upon their human rights.
310 New COVID-19 Cases in Delhi; Rs 5,000 Aid for Construction Workers
As many as 310 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Delhi till midnight of 10 May, taking the tally to 7,233. No new death has been reported.
"We have ordered all hospitals to submit death reports with death summary each day," Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain was quoted by ANI as saying.
Meanwhile, the Delhi government on Monday also decided to provide financial assistance of Rs 5,000 to construction workers amid lockdown, PTI reported.
126 New COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan; Tally Rises to 3,940
As many as 126 new cases of COVID-19 and two deaths have been reported in Rajasthan till 1 pm on Monday, taking the total number of cases and the deaths in the state to 3,940 and 110 respectively.
77 More COVID-19 Cases in Indore; Tally Rises to 1,935
The number of COVID-19 cases in Indore has risen to 1,935 after 77 more people tested positive for the virus. The death toll has climbs to 90 with one new fatality, an official said, reported PTI.
6 BSF Jawans Test Positive in Last 24 Hrs
As many as six Border Security Force (BSF) jawans have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, including one each from Tripura and Delhi, and four from Kolkata.
All of them are undergoing treatment in designated COVID healthcare hospitals, the BSF said in a statement, reported ANI.
6 BSF Jawan Tested Positive in 24 Hrs
In the last 24 hours, total six Border Security Force (BSF) jawans have tested COVID-19 positive, the BSF said. The cases are one each from Tripura and Delhi and four from Kolkata. All of them are under treatment in designated COVID Health Care hospitals.
PM Modi Chairs Meet With CMs
Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins 5th video conference meeting with Chief Ministers.
No New Cases in Uttarakhand
No new case of COVID-19 has been reported in Uttarakhand today. Total number of positive cases stands at 68 including 1 death and 46 recovered. 21 active cases remain in the state.
Karnataka CM Inaugurates COVID-19 Buses
Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa inaugurates four buses that have been converted into COVID-19 testing facilities in Bengaluru.
Discharge Strategy Changed to Symptom and Time Based Strategy: Govt
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry said that the discharge strategy for COVID-19 patients has been changed.
“Discharge policy has been changed because several countries have changed their policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy. We have also changed it based on this,” he said.
14 New Cases in Karnataka
At least 14 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka in the last 24 hours. Total number of cases in the state is now at 862, including 426 discharged and 31 deaths.
4 New Cases in Noida
At least four more COVID-19 cases reported in Gautam Buddha Nagar district today. Total number of cases in the district is now at 222, including 85 active patients, 135 discharged and two deaths.
PM Appreciates Efforts of States in Meet with CMs
PM Modi in his fifth meet with the chief ministers of states appreciated the efforts taken by them to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and discussed the revival of the economy amid the pandemic.
“We now have reasonably clear indication as to the geographical spread of the pandemic in India, including the worst affected areas. Moreover, over the past few weeks, officials have understood operating procedures in a time such as this, right up to the district level,” he said.
“Slowly but surely, economic activities have begun to pick up in several parts of the country. In coming days, this process will further gather steam. We must realize that fight against #COVID19 has to be more focused now,” he added.
Saying that people must maintain ‘Do Gaj Doori’,’ PM Modi said that it has to be ensured that rural India remains free from the crisis.
Request You to Not Let Trains Start Till 31 May: Tamil Nadu CM to Modi
Tamil Nadu CM requested PM Modi to not let trains start till 31 May in the state.
“As positive cases in Chennai are showing an increasing trend, don't permit train service up to 31 May in Tamil Nadu. I request you not to begin regular Air services till 31 May,” he said.
9 New Cases in Bihar
At least 9 more COVID-19 positive cases reported in Bihar taking the total number of cases in the state to 733.
3 New Cases in Odisha
At least 3 more COVID-19 cases reported in Odisha. Total number of cases in the state is now at 394, including 306 active cases, 85 cured and 3 deaths.
Plea in SC Demands Case on Tablighi Jamaat Chier to be Transferred to NIA
A petition was moved in Delhi High Court seeking transfer of Tablighi Jamaat chief, Maulana Saad's case to National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a time bound manner. Currently, Crime Branch of Delhi Police is investigating the case.
18 New Cases in J&K
At least 18 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today - 6 from Jammu division and 12 from Kashmir division. Total positive cases in the Union Territory stands at 879, including 442 active cases.
798 New Cases in Tamil Nadu
At least 798 more COVID-19 cases and six deaths reported in Tamil Nadu today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 8,002, including 5,895 active cases, 2,051 discharged and 53 deaths.
Cases in MP Rise to 3,785
The number of COVID-19 cases reaches 3,785 in Madhya Pradesh, with 171 new cases reported today. Out of the total cases, 1,747 patients have recovered while 221 others succumbed to the infection.
Decision on Lockdown Must Be Taken Cautiously: Uddhav to PM Modi
Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that any decision on lockdown relaxation must be taken cautiously.
“Cases are expected to peak in May, it may peak in June or July also. I've read Wuhan is witnessing a 2nd wave of cases, even WHO has warned about this. So, I suggest that any action on lockdown must be taken cautiously,” he said.
57 New Cases in Dharavi
At least 57 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi today. Total 916 positive cases and 29 deaths have been reported so far.
Economic Activities Should Be Allowed Except in Containment Zones: Kejriwal
Economic activities should be allowed to resume in all parts of Delhi except containment zones, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal told PM Modi during video conference meet.
SC to Hear Plea Over Migrant Labourers
Supreme Court will hear tomorrow a petition seeking instruction to the Central Government to identify and transport each stranded labourer to their homes in a dignified manner.
347 New Cases in Gujarat in 24 Hours
In the last 24 hours, 347 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Gujarat. The total number of cases stands at 8542 now, including 2780 cured/discharged cases and 513 deaths.
States Should Be Given Freedom to Make Changes to Guidelines: Kerala CM
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, in the meeting with PM Modi said that states should be given freedom to make reasonable changes to guidelines issued by the central government.
“States face different challenges and therefore should be given the freedom to make reasonable changes to the guidelines relating to the lockdown,” he said.
“States shall be given the freedom to permit public transport, subject to restrictions based on the conditions of each state. Metro rail service should be allowed in cities other than those in red zone, subject to restrictions,” Vijayan said.
Jharkhand Tally Rises to 151
Total 161 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Jharkhand till date, of which 80 are active cases and 78 are recovered/discharged cases.
124 New Cases in West Bengal
At least 5 deaths and 124 new COVID-19 cases reported in West Bengal today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,063.
109 New Cases in UP
At least 109 more COVID-19 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 3,573, including 1,758 discharged, 1,735 active cases and 80 deaths.
1230 New Cases in Maharashtra
At least 1,230 new COVID-19 positive cases and 36 deaths reported in Maharashtra today. The total number of positive cases in the state rises to 23,401. Total deaths stand at 868.
79 New Cases of COVID-19 in Maharashtra
At least 79 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Telangana today. The total number of positive cases in the state is 1275 including 444 active cases, 801 cured/discharged and 30 deaths.
107 Indians Land in Mumbai from Dhaka
107 Indians who returned to Mumbai from Dhaka, Bangladesh today on an Air India flight under the Vande Bharat Mission, leave from the Mumbai International airport.
174 New Cases in Rajasthan
At least 174 new cases of COVID-19 and 5 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan today, taking the total number of cases and, deaths to 3988 and 113, respectively. Number of active cases in the state stands at 1,551.
Government Releases Rs 6,195 Crores for 14 States
Government today released Rs 6,195.08 crore to 14 states as the second equated monthly installment of Post Devolution Revenue Deficit Grant as recommended by 15th Finance Commission. This would provide them additional resources during the COVID-19 crisis, Office of Finance Minister said.
PM Modi Asks States to Share Blueprint by 15 May
The Prime Minister’s office on Monday released details about the video conference meet of PM Modi with all chief ministers.
In his opening remarks PM said,“We now have reasonably clear indication as to geographical spread of pandemic in India, including worst affected areas. Over past few weeks, officials have understood operating procedures in a time such as this, right up to the District level": PMO
“We have a twofold challenge – to reduce the transmission rate of the disease, and to increase public activity gradually, while adhering to all the guidelines, and we will have to work towards achieving both these objectives” said PM Modi, according to the PMO.
“I (PM Modi) request you all to share with me by May 15, a broad strategy on how each one of you would want to deal with lockdown regime in your particular states. I want states to make a blueprint on how to deal with various nuances during andafter gradual easing of lockdown,” the PMO quoted PM Modi as saying.