COVID-19: MHRD Postpones NEET; Cases in India Cross 700
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The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Friday, 27 March, announced that it has postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam in view of the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported ANI.
In India, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory to states and UTs on Friday to prevent an exodus of migrant and agricultural labourers, industrial workers, and unorganised sector workers during the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the state government will provide meals to 325 schools, and feed over four lakh people starting Saturday.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in India has risen to 724, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Friday, and 17 people have died of the COVID-19 disease.
- Karnataka’s third COVID-19 death is a 65-year-old man who in Tumakuru district on Friday
- With over 82,40 confirmed cases, US surpassed China and Italy in highest recorded number of cases, according to John Hopkins University
- First phase of Census 2021 and updation of National Population Register (NPR) postponed until further orders
- Nationwide lockdown to curb coronavirus was announced on Tuesday, beginning at midnight, 25 March, for 21 days
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COVID-19 Positive Patient Dies in Rajasthan's Bhilwara
A person tested positive for coronavirus has died in Rajasthan's Bhilwara, ANI reported.
COVID-19: Italy Reports 6,153 New Infections, Taking Global Total Over 500,000
Italy has reported 6,153 new coronavirus infections, pushing the global total over half a million, based on a count kept by Johns Hopkins University, AFP reported.
Italy now has 80,539 cases, almost as many as China.
US Now Leads the World in Confirmed Coronavirus Cases
The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 82,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Second Positive Case in Andaman & Nicobar Islands
“Second positive case of COVID-19 in Andamans. He had traveled with the first positive case. Both in hospital and protocols being followed,” said Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reported ANI.
US Space Force Launches First Mission Despite Coronavirus
The United States Space Force launched its first national security mission on Thursday, sending an ultra-secure military communication satellite into orbit even as the coronavirus pandemic paralyzes much of the country, reported AFP.
The Lockheed Martin Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) satellite was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida at 4:18 pm (2018 GMT) aboard an Atlas V551 rocket.
US Now Has More Confirmed Cases Than China, Italy
The United States of America now has more confirmed coronavirus cases than Italy and China, making it the country with the largest outbreak in the world.
The total number of cases in the US reached 82,404 on Thursday evening, more than China’s 81,782 cases and Italy’s 80,589, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.
RBI Guv Shaktikanta Das to Address Media at 10 AM
RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das to address the media at 10:00 AM today, reports ANI.
3 Test Negative in Recent Samples in Pune; to Be Discharged Today
“Three COVID-19 patients from Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad have tested negative in their repeat samples. They will be discharged today following due process,” said Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, reported ANI.
Total number of coronavirus positive cases in Pune district is now 32, out of which 5 have been already cured and discharged.
At SAARC Vid Conference, India Proposes to Share Info, Expertise on Combating Coronavirus
A video conference of health professionals, representing all SAARC countries at the level of Director General of Health Services (DGHS), was held on 26 March. At this conference chaired by DGHS of India, a wide range of issues relating to COVID-19 were discussed extensively.
India proposed a shared electronic platform for all SAARC nations to share and exchange information, knowledge, expertise and best practices for jointly combating the coronavirus epidemic. It was informed that considerable work has already gone into the creation of the platform, reported ANI.
Central Govt on Sale, Retail of Hydroxychloroquine Drug
“The Central government hereby directs that sale by retail of any preparation containing the drug Hydroxychloroquine shall be in accordance with the conditions for sale of drugs specified in Schedule H1 to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945,” states the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Police Prepares, Distributes Food in UP's Prayagraj
In Prayagraj, police personnel deployed at Civil Lines Police Station prepared food for the needy and distributed it among them amid lockdown., reported ANI.
One More Positive Case in Telangana
“One more coronavirus positive case reported in Telangana. Total number of positive cases in the state reaches 45 till 8:00 AM on 27 March. The person is a 45-year-old male, having a travel history to Delhi. The patient is stable and under isolation,” said Telangana Health department.
Rajasthan: 60-Yr-Old Coronavirus Patient Dies in Bhilwara
A 60-year-old man, who had tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan's Bhilwara, has died due to comorbid conditions, an official said on Friday.
The patient had heart and kidney related ailments and and had visited the private hospital in Bhilwara where doctors and nursing staff were first found coronavirus positive, reported PTI.
COVID-19: Cases in India Cross 700, Says Health Ministry
The total number of positive cases in India has risen to 724, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Friday, 27 March. Meanwhile, 17 people have died due to the disease, the ministry added.
Sixty-six people have been cured/discharged, the ministry stated.
Moody's Slashes India GDP Growth in 2020 to 2.5%
Moody's Investors Service on Friday slashed its estimate of India's GDP growth during 2020 calendar year to 2.5 percent from an earlier estimate of 5.3 percent, on account of the rising economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic.
This compares to 5 per cent growth in 2019.
RBI Cuts Repo Rate to 4.4% From 5.15% Amid Countrywide Lockdown
“Repo rate reduced by 75 basis points to 4.4.% percent. Reverse repo-rate reduced by 90 basis points to 4 percent,” said RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das.
5 More Test Positive in Maharashtra's Vidarbha
“Five persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Maharashtra's Vidarbha region — four in Nagpur city and another in Gondia district,” said officials, PTI reported.
Pvt Hospital's Ward Boy Tests Positive in Patna
“Ward boy of private hospital in Patna, now sealed, tests positive for COVID-19. The total number of cases in Bihar rise to seven,” Health department, reported PTI.
Staff of DTC, Cluster Buses Provided With Masks, Hand Sanitisers
In view of the coronavirus outbreak, the Delhi government has provided masks and hand sanitisers to the staff of public transport buses that are serving as the lifeline of the city during the lockdown by transporting people associated with essential services.
Delhi's Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Friday said the drivers, conductors and marshals in all the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses were provided with masks and hand sanitisers, reported PTI.
Hima Das Donates One Month's Salary to Assam to Fight COVID-19 Pandemic
Star Indian sprinter Hima Das has donated her one month's salary to the Assam government to help the state combat the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic, reported PTI.
Das, an Asian Games gold-medallist besides being an under-20 world champion in 400m, is employed with PSU major Indian Oil as an HR officer in Guwahati.
President Kovind Conducts Vid Conference With Vice Pres, Governors Over COVID-19
President Kovind, along with the Vice President, interacted with Governors, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of all States and Union Territories on issues related to COVID-19. He lauded the efforts of all health professionals and everyone at the forefront of handling the challenge.
Uttarakhand DMs Directed to Distribute Food packets Among Senior Citizens, Pregnant Women
In Uttarakhand, Disaster Management Secretary Amit Negi has directed all District Magistrates of the state to prepare a list and distribute food packets among senior citizens, pregnant women, daily wage labourers in the light of coronavirus lockdown, reported ANI.
China, US Must Unite to Fight Coronavirus: State Media
Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China and US must “unite to fight virus” in Trump call, reported China’s media, according to AFP.
K'taka's Cabinet Meeting Underway in Bengaluru
In Karnataka, state cabinet meeting is underway at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. Several issues, including that of COVID-19, are being taken up in the meeting.
Coronavirus: Homeless People Moved to Shelter Homes in Nagpur
In a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has started moving the homeless people to the city-based shelter homes.
Talking to PTI, municipal commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said that the civic body has so far shifted around 300 people staying on footpaths to seven shelter homes.
Army Names Its COVID-19 Ops 'Operation Namaste'
Indian Army has code-named its anti COVID-19 operations as ‘Operation Namaste.’ Army has, so far, established eight quarantine facilities across the country, reported ANI.
“Army has successfully come out of all operations in the past, and will successfully execute Operation Namaste as well,” said Army Chief General MM Naravane..
'Meals in 315 Schools, Food to Over 4 Lakh From Tomorrow': Kejriwal
“There are a total of 39 coronavirus positive cases in Delhi today. Twenty-nine of them had come from outside and were kept in quarantine and 10 of these are cases of local transmission,” Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said while briefing the media.
“If every day, around 500 come, or if every day there are 1000 cases, what are the preparations taken? If there are 100 cases, the kind of facility we have, is enough. We are evaluating how many isolation beds, ventilators, and the number of tests we will need accordingly,” he added.
He also said, “Those who do not have a ration card, the government will provide food for them. Daily, we have been feeding people over 20,000, but they are not enough. In 325 schools, we will start providing meals now. We will also be providing food to over 4 lakh people from tomorrow.”
UK-Return Citizen Tests Positive in AP; State's Tally at 12
“One more positive COVID-19 case has been reported in the state. He was infected after coming in contact with a COVID19 patient who had returned from the UK on 17 March. Total number of positive cases rise to 12 in the state,” said Andhra Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Department.
Two Discharged From Pune Hospital After Testing Negative
In Pune, two admitted at Naidu Hospital have tested negative in their repeat samples. Both of them have been discharged from the hospital, statesDr. Rajendra Hunkare, Chief of Health Dept, Pune Municipal Corporation.
Total number of coronavirus positive cases in Pune district is now 32, of which 10 have been cured and discharged.
65-Yr-Old Man Passes Away in Karnataka's Tumakuru
A 65 year-old man who had tested positive for Coronavirus had passed away in Tumakuru. He had travelled to Delhi by train on 5 March abnd returned on 11 March.
“All passengers who travelled with him on the train are being traced,” said Dr K Rakesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Office, Tumakuru, Karnataka, reported ANI.
'Appeal to All Muslims to Offer Friday Prayer From Home': Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid
“Today, the world is facing a tough challenge of coronavirus. It is the time to take all precautionary measures. I appeal to the Muslims to offer all the prayers including Friday prayer from their homes,” Shahi Imam of Delhi's Jama Masjid, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, ANI reported.
Fresh Coronavirus Cases Reported in Bihar, 9 Afficted
Three fresh cases of coronavirus have been reported from Bihar in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of those who have tested positive for the dreaded COVID-19 to nine, the health department said on Friday.
According to Pradip Das, Director of Rajendra Memorial Research Institute here, an ICMR centre, test reports of two staff members of a private hospital in the city, where a coronavirus patient was admitted last week before being shifted to AIIMS-Patna where he died, have been positive.
'Ensure Essentials to Stop Mass Exodus': MHA to States on Migrant Labourers
Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to States, UTs to prevent mass exodus of migrant and agricultural labourers, industrial workers, unorganised sector workers.
“States, UTs have been advised to make vulnerable groups aware of free food grains, other essentials to stop mass exodus,” said MHA.
Further, MHA told states to ensure hotels, hostels, rented accommodations remain functional and get essentials amid lockdown to combat coronavirus.
MHA has also asked states to streamline essentials so that students and working women hostel inmates are allowed to stay put in existing facilities, PTI reportd.
Sachin Tendulkar Donates 25 Lakh Each to PM and CM's Relief Fund
Sachin Tendulkar has donated Rs 25 Lakh each to PM's Relief Fund and Maharashtra Chief Minister's Relief Fund to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, ANI reported.
7 More Cases in Karnataka In Less Than One Day
The government of Karnataka issued a mid-day situation update on COVID-19. Seven new cases have been reported between 5 pm on 26 March and 8 am on 27 March.
The list includes a 10 month old male child from Dakshina Kannada who who has no history of travel to COVID-19 affeccted countries. The detailed investigation is under process.
2 Women, One Man Test Positive in UP's Gautam Buddha Nagar
Two women in Noida, man in Greater Noida test positive for novel coronavirus, cases in UP's Gautam Buddha Nagar rise to 17, stated officials, reported PTI.
Iran Death Toll Rises to 2,378
Iran on Friday announced 144 new deaths due to COVID-19, raising the national death toll to 2,378, reported AFP.
Kejriwal to Discuss Coronavirus Pandemic with World's City Leaders
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will represent Delhi and India at a global meeting of city leaders on Friday evening via a video-conference organised by the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, reported PTI.
The mayors of Los Angeles (Eric Garcetti), Seoul (Won-soon Park), Paris (Anne Hidalgo), Milan (Guiseppa Sala), Istanbul (Ekrem Imamoglu) and Rome (Virginia Raggi) would join the meeting, among others will be attending the meeting.
One More Tests Positive in Rajasthan
A person from Jodhpur tested positive for COVID-10 on Friday, raising the total number of cases in the state to 46, reported ANI, quoting the Rajasthan government.
The person came in contact with infected patient during their travel from the UK to Rajasthan.
12 More Test Positive in Maharashtra
Twelve more people, who came in contact of positive cases, were tested positive for COVID-19 in Sangli, Maharashtra, raising the total number of cases in the state to 147, reported ANI, quoting the Maharashtra Health Department.
South Africa Reports First Two COVID-19 Deaths
South Africa recorded its first two deaths from COVID-19 on Friday as the number of confirmed cases breached the 1,000 mark just hours after a three-week nationwide lockdown swung into action, reported AFP.
Domestic Flight Operations Suspended till 14 April
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Thursday announced that all domestic flight operations in India have been suspended till 23:59 on 14 April in view of the 21-day nationwide lockdown to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Spain Death Toll Rises to 4,858
Spain on Friday, reported 769 new deaths in 24-hours due to COVID-19, raising the death toll to 4,858, reported AFP.
40,000 Ventilators Ordered: Health Ministry
Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry on Friday announced that they have given an order to A PSU to provide 10,000 ventilators. The ministry further added that Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has also been requested to purchase 30,000 additional ventilators in 1-2 months, reported ANI.
Odisha CM Announces Rs 2,200 Cr Recovery Package
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik on Friday announced a Rs 2,200 crore package for the welfare of the weaker sections of the society in the state under different welfare schemes.
Uder the Food Security scheme, the state government is giving 3-months advance PDS ration to all 94 lakh beneficiaries, who will recieve Rs 1,000 each. The scheme will cost the state Rs 940 crore.
48 lakh beneficiaries under different social welfare schemes which receive 4 months advance allowances will cost the state Rs 932 crore.
The state government will also provide Rs 1,500 each to 22 lakh construction workers, which will cost the state Rs 330 crores.
British PM Boris Johnson Tests Positive for COVID-19
ritish Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Friday that he has tested positive for the coronavirus.
"Over the last 24 hours I have developed mild symptoms and tested positive for coronavirus," he said on Twitter.
"I am now self-isolating, but I will continue to lead the government's response via video-conference as we fight this virus."
Dean Among 100 Quarantined as Wife Tests Positive
Over 100 people, including the dean, doctors and health staff of a medical college run by the Gujarat Medical and Education Research Society (GMERS) of the state government, have been quarantined after the dean's wife tested positive for coronavirus, officials said on Friday, reported PTI.
The woman, 55, had tested positive on Thursday.
4 More Test Postive in J&K
Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary-Planning, Jammu & Kashmir on Friday announced that four more positive COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Srinagar district.
Two of the patients have aboard travel histories and the other two have travel histories outside the state as part of religious congregation, reported ANI.
International Tourism to Plunge up to 30% Due to Virus: UN
The number of international tourist arrivals will fall by 20-30 percent in 2020 due to the novel coronavirus, putting millions of jobs at risk, the World Tourism Organization said Friday.
The drop in arrivals will lead to an estimated loss of $300-450 billion in international tourism receipts, almost one third of the $1.5 trillion generated in 2019, the Madrid-based UN body said in a statement.
We Are Ready For Even 1,000 Cases a Day: Delhi CM
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal during a press conference on Friday announced that “even if there is an increase of 100, 500, or 1000 cases in a single day, we are ready for it.”
The CM further added that testing kits, ambulances and ICU beds have been arranged.
Kerala Reports 39 More Positive Cases, Highest Single Day Jump
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Friday announced 39 new positive cases of COVID-19 in the state, the highest single day jump in cases. The latest cases raise the total number of cases in the state to 176, reported PTI.
The CM further confirmed that 34 of the 39 new cases are from the Kasaragod district.
10 More Test Positive in Telangana
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Friday announced ten new positive COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of cases in the state to 59, reported ANI.
9 More Tests Positive in Maharashtra
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation on Friday announced that nine more positive COVID-19 cases, raising the city total to 86 and the state total to 156.
Five of the patients have travel history and four are close contacts. Six of them are from Mumbai and three are from other places.
UK Health Sec Matt Hancock Tests Positive
UK Health Secretary Matt Hancock on Friday announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19. Hancock said he has mild symptoms and is currently self-isolating.
Earlier on Friday, British PM Boris Johnson also tested positive for COVID-19.
One More Tests Positive in MP
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Madhya Pradesh, raising the state total to 27, reported PTI, quoting officials.
One More Tests Positive in Chandigarh
One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Chandigarh. The patient has a travel history to Dubai and their symptoms were only noticed 15 days after their arrival in India. Contact tracing of the patient is underway, reported ANI, quoting Manoj Parida, Advisor, Chandigarh Administration.
India to Soon Participate in WHO 'Solidarity Trial' for COVID-19: Govt
India is soon likely to participate in the WHO's multi-country "solidarity trial" for developing potential treatments for COVID-19, Union Health Ministry officials said on Friday.
Djokovic Donates 1 Million Euros to Help Serbia Combat Coronavirus
Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic said Friday he was donating one million euros ($1.1 million) to help his native Serbia buy respirators and other gear to combat the coronavirus, reported AFP.
The player was speaking in a video conference from the southern Spanish city of Marbella, where he and his family are currently hunkering down under nationwide lockdown orders.
INS Aircraft Flies 60,000 Masks from Delhi to Goa
An Indian Navy aircraft on Friday ferried a consignment of 60,000 masks to Goa from Delhi as the ongoing lockdown to contain coronavirus pandemic made it difficult for trucks to make the journey, reported PTI, quoting officials.
The masks had been ordered by the Goa chapter of the Indian Medical Association.
MHRD Postpones NEET Exam
The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) on Friday announced that it has postponed the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam in view of the nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported ANI.
Kendriya Vidyalayas Offer School Buildings for COVID-19 Isolation Facility
The Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) has offered its school buildings for setting up temporary isolation facility for suspected coronavirus cases, reported PTI, quoting KVS officials.
Sonia Gandhi Offers MPLAD Fund to Rae Bareli Administration
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Friday offered her MPLADs fund for the welfare of the people of Rae Bareli in fighting the coronavirus outbreak, reported PTI.
In a letter to the Rae Bareli district magistrate, Gandhi asked him to use the funds as per the requirement of the constituency.
Maha Doctor Suspected with COVID-19, Passes Away
A 85-year-old doctor, a suspected COVID-19 patient, passed away on Friday at private hospital in Mumbai, reported PTI.
Four More Test Positive in Andaman and Nicobar Island
Four more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Andaman and Nicobar Islands on Friday, raising the total number of cases in the UT to 6, reported PTI, quoting officials.
Global Virus Death Toll Tops 25,000, Most in Europe
The novel coronavirus pandemic has killed over 25,000 people, with Europe accounting for most of the deaths, reported AFP.
Europe was the worst-hit continent with 17,314 fatalities. Italy had the highest numbers of deaths in the world at 8,165, followed by Spain (4,858) and China (3,292).
At least 547,034 coronavirus cases have been registered around the world since December.
Seven More Tests Positive in Rajasthan
Seven more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan on Friday, raising the total number of positive cases in the state to 50, reported ANI, quoting the state health department.
Singapore Calls Off Shangri-La Dialogue
Singapore on Friday called off the Shangri-La Dialogue for the first time in its history due to the novel coronavirus outbreak, the top-level forum was scheduled for June, reported ANI, quoting regional media.
'Clear We Have Entered Recession': IMF
The novel coronavirus pandemic has driven the global economy into a downturn that will require massive funding to help developing nations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Friday.
Georgieva further said the fund's estimate "for the overall financial needs of emerging markets is $2.5 trillion." Over 80 countries already have requested emergency aid from the International Monetary Fund.
Three More Tests Positive in Gujarat
Three more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Gujarat, raising the state total 47, reported PTI, quoting state department officials.
Five of a Family Test Positive in WB
Five members of a family, including three children, tested positive for COVID-19 in West Bengal on Friday, raising the total number of cases in the state to 15, reported PTI, quoting a senior health official said.
Among the five are a nine-month-old baby, a six-year- old girl, a 11-year-old boy, and two women aged 27 and 45.
The 27-year-old woman had recently visited Delhi, where she came in contact with a person from the UK.
Pakistan Reports 1,300 Positive Cases
The total number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan has risen to 1,300 on Friday, reported ANI, quoting the Pakistani government. 9 people have died of the disease in the country.
Three More Test Positive in TN
Three more COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Tamil Nadu, raising the total number of cases in the state to 38, reported PTI, quoting the state government.
Italy Reports Almost 1,000 Death in 24 Hours
Italy on Friday reported almost 1,000 deaths, the highest single-day death record since the first reported case in the country on 31 January, reported AFP.
Two More Test Positive in AP
Two more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Visakhapatnam and Guntur, raising the total number of cases in the state to 13. Both patients were in contact with two other COVID-19 patients, reported ANI, quoting the state health department.
1,383 People Arrested for Violating Lockdown in Kerala
1,383 people were arrested and 923 vehicles were seized across Kerala for violating lockdown orders, ANI reported. 7,091 cases have been registered so far in the state.
4 More Test Positive for Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh
Four more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh, ANI reported.
345 Coronavirus Deaths, 18,000 New Cases in the US in 24 Hours
345 coronavirus deaths, 18,000 new cases in the United States in 24 hours, according to tracker, AFP news agency reported.
COVID-19: 2 More Test Positive in Jammu and Kashmir
Two more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, Principal Secretary and government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said.
Coronavirus: Confirmed Cases Cross 1,00,000 in the US
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States have crossed 1,00,000, AFP news agency reported.
US Announces Additional Financial Aid Worth $174 Million to 64 Countries, Including India
The United States on Friday, 27 March, announced $174 million financial assistance to 64 countries including $2.9 million to India to help them fight the coronavirus pandemic, PTI reported.
This is in addition to the $100 million aid announced by the US in February.
The newly announced assistance is part of a larger American global response package across multiple departments and agencies, including the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The funding is for 64 of the most at-risk countries facing the threat of the global pandemic.