COVID-19: TN Records Highest Ever Spike; India’s Tally at 42,836
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The total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India on Monday, 4 May rose to 42,836 including 29,685 active cases, 11,762 cured/discharged/migrated patients and 1,389 deaths according to the figures released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Tamil Nadu on Monday recorded the highest ever spike with 527 fresh cases, taking the state tally to 3,550.
Meanwhile, the government of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner by aircraft and naval ships from 7 May on payment basis, a notification issued on Monday said.
- Congress President Sonia Gandhi slammed the Centre over the issue of travel of migrant workers
- “Delhi is one of the places where more stringent action needs to be taken. I think that minimum relaxations should be given by Delhi government,” Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday
- Two floors of the Delhi BSF headquarters have been sealed after a staff member working there tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night
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India Enters Phase 3 of Lockdown
India on Monday entered the third phase of its lockdown which will last for the next two weeks to curb the spread of coronavirus. While many restrictions will continue in the red zones, some relaxations have been granted in orange and green zones, where less number of COVID-19 cases have been recorded.
1,450 COVID-19 Deaths in US in Past 24 Hrs
The number of coronavirus deaths in the US has climbed by 1,450 in the past 24 hours, as per a tally by Johns Hopkins University, reported news agency AFP.
The country has recorded over 1.15 million cases and 67,674 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said that the country will have a coronavirus vaccine by the "end of this year", AFP further reported.
‘Disturbing’: Sonia Gandhi Slams Centre Over Travel Charge for Migrants
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday slammed the Centre over the issue of travel of migrant workers, saying if the government can bring back citizens stranded abroad for free, then why can't it extend the same courtesy of free rail travel to the migrants.
"The Indian National Congress has, therefore, taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer...," she said.
She pointed out that the Centre and the Rail Ministry have chosen to ignore the issue of migrant's free travel, despite repeated demands by the Congress.
COVID-19: India’s Case Tally Rises to 42,533; Death Toll at 1,373
The number of coronavirus cases in India rose to 42,533 on Monday. According to the Health Ministry data, this includes 29,453 active cases, 1,373 deaths, 11,706 patients who have cured or discharged and one who has migrated.
As many as 2,553 new COVID-19 cases and 72 deaths have been reported in the last 24 hours
Worldwide COVID-19 Cases Exceed 3.5 Million
The number of coronavirus cases worldwide has exceeded 3.5 million, an AFP tally showed on Monday.
Over 3,000 COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan
As many as 123 new COVID-19 cases and four deaths have been reported in Rajasthan on Monday, taking the tally in the state to 3,009 and the death toll to 75.
'Railways Charging Only Standard Fare From State Govt': Sources
The Railways is charging only the standard fare from the state government, which is just 15 percent of the total cost incurred by them, Railway ministry sources were quoted by ANI as saying on Monday, amid a row over migrant workers having to pay to get back to their homes during the lockdown.
"Indian Railways is running 'shramik' special trains keeping berths empty in each coach to maintain social distancing. The trains are returning empty from destinations under lock and key. Free food and bottled water is being given to migrants by railways," sources said.
It is not selling any tickets to migrants and is only boarding passengers based on lists provided by states, the sources added.
The sources further said that railways is "fulfilling its social responsibility of providing safe and convenient travel especially to the poorest of the poor in a time of crisis."
'Railways Has Subsidised 85% of Ticket Fare for Special Trains': BJP
Amid a row over migrant workers being charged for their travel amid the lockdown, BJP spokesperson said the railways has subsidised 85 percent of the ticket fare for special trains, and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 percent.
"The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh's BJP govt is paying)... Ask Cong state Govts to follow suit," he wrote in a tweet responding to Rahul Gandhi.
Hero MotoCorp Resumes Operations at 3 Facilities
With certain curbs being relaxed as India entered into the third phase of lockdown on Monday, the country’s largest two-wheeler-maker Hero MotoCorp has resumed operations at three facilities, reported PTI.
Liquor Shops Open: Lathicharge at One, A Km-Long Queue At Another
The police on Monday resorted to a mild lathicharge outside a liquor shop in Delhi's Kashmere Gate after social distancing norms were allegedly flouted by people outside, ANI reported.
A few liquor shops opened in the national capital on Monday as part of the relaxations granted under the third phase of the lockdown.
Meanwhile, over a kilometre-long queue was seen outside another liquor shop at Desh Bandhu Gupta Road in Delhi.
'Party Units to Work Out Modalities With Chief Secys to Pay Migrants' Train Fares': Cong
After Congress President Sonia Gandhi announced that party units will bear the cost for rail travel of migrant workers, party leader KC Venugopal said that these units will work out the modalities with the state chief secretaries and the railways to pay the fare, reported PTI.
'Minimum Relaxations Should Be Given By Delhi Govt': Union Health Minister
With the third phase of lockdown coming into effect from Monday, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said that minimum relaxations should be given by the Delhi government to curb the spread of COVID-19.
"Delhi is one of the places where considering the current status, more stringent action needs to be taken. I think that minimum relaxations should be given by Delhi government amid the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19," he was quoted by ANI as saying.
28 New COVID-19 Cases, One Death Reported in Karnataka
As many as 28 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Karnataka on Monday, of which 21 are from Davangere. The tally in the state has risen to 642, while the death toll stands at 26, with one death reported on Monday.
Two Floors of Delhi BSF HQ Sealed After Staff Member Tests Positive
Two floors of the Delhi BSF headquarters have been sealed after a staff member working there tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday night. The sanitisation process is underway, PTI reported.
67 New COVID-19 Cases Take Andhra Pradesh's Tally to 1,650
As many as 67 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Andhra Pradesh on Monday, taking the state’s tally to 1,650, including 1,093 active cases.
Bihar Govt to Bear Train Fare of Students, Will Reimburse Workers After Quarantine
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Monday that the state government will bear the train fare of returning students, while migrant workers will be reimbursed on completing quarantine, PTI reported.
"I want to thank Centre for considering the suggestion to run special trains to send the people of Bihar who are stranded in other states back to Bihar. Nobody will have to pay for the tickets. A quarantine centre has been set up here for them," Kumar was quoted by ANI as saying.
"All of them will be staying at the quarantine centre for 21 days. After which they will be given a minimum amount of Rs 1,000 each by the Bihar government. Under this scheme, the Rs 1,000 amount has been already given to 19 lakh people in the state," he added.
Two Special Trains Reach UP's Gorakhpur
Two special trains carrying over 2,000 migrant workers stranded in Maharashtra due to the lockdown reached Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur on Monday, officials were quoted by PTI as saying.
'High COVID-19 Mortality Indicates Low Testing, Weak Surveillance': IMCT to WB Chief Secy
The inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) wrote to the West Bengal chief secretary on their final day in the state on Monday, saying that the "state needs to be transparent and consistent in reporting figures and not play down the spread of the virus."
The high COVID-19 mortality in Bengal indicates low testing and weak surveillance, the central team told the chief secretary, reported PTI.
Bengal has the highest COVID-19 mortality rate in the country at 12.8 percent, it pointed out.
130 New COVID-19 Cases in Rajasthan, Tally Rises to 3,016
As many as 130 new COVID-19 cases and six deaths have been reported from Rajasthan on Monday, taking the tally to 3,016 and the death toll to 77.
Govt of Tripura to Help Transport 33,000 Migrant Workers: CM
Government of Tripura to help send back 33,000 migrant workers from the state, CM Biplab Deb said in an order.
“Government of Tripura along with the help of Central Govt have decided to send back 33,000 migrant workers to their respective states from Tripura largely by train,” the order stated.
Six New Cases in Bihar
Six more cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 523: State Principal Secretary (Health) Sanjay Kumar
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination Deferred
Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020 scheduled to be held on 31 May has been deferred. New dates will be announced after a review of the situation on 20 May, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced.
Pune Cop Succumbs to Virus
A 58-year-old Assistant Sub-Inspector has lost his life due to COVID-19 at Bharati Hospital in Pune.
“He was on ventilator for the last 12 days and suffering from hypertension and obesity,” Dr Jitendra Oswal, Deputy Medical Director of Bharati Hospital in Pune told ANI.
India's Recovery Rate at 27.52%: Government
Thhe government of India, in it’s weekly briefing over the COVID-19 situation in India said that India’s recovery rate now stands at 27.52%.
“Till now, 11,706 people have been cured. In the last 24 hours, 1,074 people have been cured. This is the highest number in terms of cured patients noted till date. Our recovery rate is now 27.52 percent. Total number of COVID-19 cases is now 42,533,” Lav Agrawal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry said.
Punjab CM Amarinder Writes to Home Minister Over Migrants' Situation
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his intervention to arrange special trains for the next 10-15 days, beginning 5 May, for transporting migrant labourers stranded in Punjab to their home states.
BSF Driver for IMCT Convoy in Kolkata Tests Positive
BSF driver who drove escort car for Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy in Kolkata has tested COVID19 positive, ANI reported quoting BSF sources.
The driver was reportedly removed 30 April and quarantined. At least 50 jawans who came in contact with him have been quarantined.
The driver who tested positive for COVID19 was in a escort vehicle hence his chances of coming into contact with IMCT team are nil, sources told ANI.
No New Cases in Kerala, Says CM
No new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kerala today. CM Pinarayi Vijayan told media.
The total number of positive cases in the state is 499 including 34 active cases.
Jharkhand Won't Implement Lockdown Relaxations Till 17 May
Jharkhand government says it will not implement any of relaxations granted by Centre from today, decides to extend 'total' lockdown in state for 2 more weeks till 17 May, PTI reports.
13-Year-Old Tests Positive in Maharashtra
A 13-year-old boy has tested positive for COVID-19 in Amravati in Maharashtra. The district tally ha now reached 56 with 10 deaths.
37 New Cases in Karnataka
At least 37 new coronavirus positive cases have been confirmed in Karnataka in the last 25 hours. Total number of cases in the state stands at 651.
4 COVID-19 Positive Patients Go Missing in Maharashtra's Nanded
Search underway in Maharashtra's Nanded district to trace four people who have gone missing after testing COVID-19 positive, PTI reported.
35,000 Migrants Sent Back, Says Maharashtra Govt
Nearly 35,000 migrant labourers in Maharashtra have been sent back to their native places so far since the Centre allowed them to return home by train in the wake of lockdown. PTI quoted a state government official as saying.
527 New Cases in Tamil Nadu
At least 527 more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu taking the total number of cases in the state to 3550.
Govt to Facilitate Travel of People Stranded Abroad from 7 May
The government of India will arrange for the travel of Indians stranded abroad from 7 May.
“Govt of India will be facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner. The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard,” the government said.
“Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. The travel would begin in a phased manner from 7 May,” it said.
8 Jawans of Sashastra Seema Bal Test Positive
At least 8 jawans of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have tested COVID-19 positive in Delhi. These jawans were deployed in security of different government installations. The total count of COVID-19 positive cases has reached 13 in SSB.
Chaos at Liqour Shops Unfortunate: Delhi CM Kejriwal
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal called the chaos at liquor shops ‘unfortunate’ and appealed to citizens to take all necessary precautions.
“It was unfortunate that chaos was seen at some shops today in Delhi. If we come to know about violations of social distancing and other norms from any area, then we will have to seal the area and revoke the relaxations there,” he said.
“Shop owners will have to take the responsibility, if the norms of social distancing are violated outside a shop then the shop will be shut,” he added.
61 New Cases in West Bengal
Total positive cases in the state is 1,259 including 61 new cases reported today, ANI quoted West Bengal Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha as saying. Total death toll due to COVID19 in the state is 61 with 11 deaths in the last 24 hours.
Cases in Himachal Reduced to 1
The number of active COVID-19 cases has decreased to one in Himachal Pradesh.
132 New Cases in Punjab
At least 132 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Punjab, taking total number of cases to 1,232 out of which 1,081 cases are active. At least 23 patients have lost their lives due to the infection. Three patients are on ventilator support.
25 New Cases in J&K
At least 25 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Jammu and Kashmir today. Total cases in the Union Territory stands at 726.
42 New Cases in Dharavi
At least 42 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Dharavi today. Total number of positive cases in Dharavi rise to 632 including 20 deaths.
Tasmac Outlets to Open in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu government announces opening of Tasmac outlets (state run liquor shops) from 7 May, except in COVID19 containment zones.
376 New Cases in Gujarat
At least 376 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in last 24 hours in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases in the state to 5,804.
121 New Cases in UP
At least121 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Uttar Pradesh, taking total number of cases to 2,766.
UP to Evaluate Class 10 and 12 Answer Sheets in Green Zones
Evaluation of answer sheets of High School and Intermediate Education Board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 will start from tomorrow in the districts that have been declared as green zones.
Rs 45 Crore Worth Liquor Sales in Karnataka on First Day
Liquor sales of Rs 45 crores recorded on the first day of opening of liquor shops, the Karnataka Excise Department said.
No Case in Jharkhand for Second Consecutive Day
No COVID-19 positive case reported in Jharkhand for the second consecutive day today. Total number of cases stands at 115 including 85 active cases and 27 discharged/cured.
510 New Cases in Mumbai
At least 510 new COVID-19 positive cases and 18 deaths were recorded in Mumbai today, taking the total number of positive cases to 9,123 and the death toll 361.
PM Modi Attends Non-Aligned Movement' Summit
PrimeMinister Nrendra Modi attended the 'Non-Aligned Movement' Summit via video conferencing today.
“Today, humanity faces its most serious crisis in many decades. At this time, NAM can help promote global solidarity. NAM has often been the world's moral voice. To retain this role, NAM must remain inclusive,” he said.
“During this crisis we have shown how democracy, discipline and decisiveness can come together to create a genuine people's movement. Indian civilization sees whole world as one family. As we care for our own citizens, we're also extending help to other countries.” he added.
“Despite our own needs, we have ensured medical supplies to our 123 partner countries including 59 members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We are active in global efforts to develop remedies & vaccines,” PM Modi said.
106 New Cases in Madhya Pradesh
At least 106 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,942.
175 New Cases in Rajasthan
With six deaths and 175 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Rajasthan, the total number of cases in the state stood at 3,061. The death toll stands at 77.
WB Government Allows Opening of Salons, Pvt Offices in Green Zones
West Bengal government allows opening of salons in green zones, operation of private offices between 10 am and 6 pm with upto 25 percent strength outside containment zones and resumption of intra-district bus services in green zones with 20 passengers or upto 50 percent seating capacity, whichever is less.
Committee to Not Audit Every Case in WB
Audit committee that was determining “COVID” and “co-morbid” deaths among COVID-19 patients in West Bengal will no longer be auditing every case, says Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha. Only hospitals will issue death certificates from now on.
Delhi Govt Imposes 70% Tax on MRP of Liquor
Delhi Government has imposed 'Special Corona Fees'- 70% tax on Maximum Retail Price of the liquor. It will be applicable from tomorrow.