COVID-19: 11,933 Cases in India; Death Toll at 392
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The total number of cases in India climbed to 11,933 on Wednesday, 15 April, according to the data released by the health ministry. The number includes 392 deaths, 1,343 discharged, and one migrated patient.
The number of COVID-19 cases in Europe has crossed one million on Wednesday, according to news agency AFP.
A total of 2,74,599 samples from 2,58,730 individuals have been tested as of 9 pm on Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research said.
China expressed "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend funding for the World Health Organisation.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued consolidated revised guidelines on the measures that state and central government authorities need to take for the containment of COVID-19 in India.
- PM Modi has said that the lockdown will be extended till 3 May
- All states will be closely monitored until 20 April. Conditional relaxations may be introduced in areas where hotspots don’t emerge, PM Modi said
- 3 FIRs have been registered regarding the gathering of migrant workers at Bandra railway station in Mumbai
- The Supreme Court modified its previous order, and said only ‘economically weaker sections’ can avail free tests at private labs
- A high-level Group of Ministers has approved the release of hydroxychloroquine to 13 countries
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Trump Halts Funding to WHO For 'Mismanagement & Cover-up'
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, 14 April, announced halting America's funding of the World Health Organisation while a review is being conducted to assess its role in "severely mismanaging and covering up" the spread of the deadly coronavirus, PTI reports.
It is "not the time to reduce the resources for the operations of the World Health Organisation or any other humanitarian organisation in the fight against the virus," United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres responded.
US Registers Record 2,228 Deaths in 24 Hours
The United States on Wednesday, 15 April, registered a record 2,228 deaths related to COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, according to Johns Hopkins University, AFP reports.
55 Areas in Delhi Identified as Containment Zones
A total of 55 areas have been identified as containment zones by the Delhi government, including Jain Mohalla in Chirag Delhi, ANI reports.
Five More COVID-19 Cases in Dharavi
Five new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Dharavi, ANI reports. The total number of positive cases in the area have now risen to 60 (including 7 deaths), according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
Meghalaya Reports First COVID-19 Death
Meghalaya reported its first COVID-19 death on Wednesday, after a 69-year-old doctor died of the disease, according to CM Conrad Sangma, PTI reports.
MHA Issues Revised Guidelines; Agriculture, E-Commerce to be Allowed From 20 April
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued consolidated revised guidelines on the measures that state and central government authorities need to take for the containment of COVID-19 in India. Activities like agriculture, IT, e-commerce and inter-state transport will be allowed after 20 April.
More on the MHA guidelines here.
Rajasthan Reports 29 New Cases, Total 1,034
Rajasthan recorded 29 more cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, 15 April, taking the tally in the state to 1,034, an official said. The virus has so far claimed 11 lives in the state, according to ANI.
Gujarat Records 52 New Cases, 2 More Deaths
52 more COVID-19 cases and 2 more deaths (in Ahmedabad and Surat) were reported in Gujarat. The total number of coronavirus cases in the state is at 695 and virus-related deaths at 30, according to the state’s health department, ANI reported.
Rahul Gandhi Asks Govt to Bring Back Workers Stuck in the Middle East
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday asked the government to bring back Indian workers stuck in the Middle East.
“The COVID-19 crisis and shutting of businesses in the Middle East have left thousands of Indian workers in deep distress,” he wrote on Twitter.
Meghalaya Doctor Dies Of COVID-19, 6 Of His Family Test Positive
Six family members of the Shillong doctor who died of COVID-19 have tested positive, according to East Mojo.
29-Year-Old COVID-19 Patient Kills Herself in Mumbai Hospital
A 29-year-old woman killed herself at the Nair Hospital in Mumbai. She was admitted to the hospital after testing positive for COVID-19, according to News18.
Karnataka Death Toll Rises to 11
A 69-year-old person from Chikkaballapura died of COVID-19 in Bengaluru taking the death toll in Karnataka to 11, according to state health minister Sriramulu, PTI reported.
MP Govt to Transfer Rs 1000 to Accounts of Workers Stranded in Other States
“Many workers of MP are stuck in other states. They couldn't return when lockdown was extended. We talked to other CMs to make arrangements for their food and shelter. We've decided to transfer Rs 1000 in accounts of such workers. They'll be able to withdraw it wherever they are,” MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, according to ANI.
17 New Cases Reported in Karnataka; Total 277
17 new positive cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Karnataka till 14 April noon. Till date 277 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed, including 11 deaths and 75 discharges.
Total Cases in Bihar Rise to 70
The total number of positive cases in Bihar rose to 70 after 4 more cases were reported on Wednesday, Sanjay Kumar, Principal Secretary (Health)
Mother Brings Children to Work at Tea Garden, Without Protective Gear
A woman at a Darjeeling tea garden brought her children to work and tried to breastfeed one of them, with no protective gear. This incident occurred at the Bansal Tea Co, local sources told The Quint.
Home Secretary Asks States to Ensure Strict Compliance With MHA Guidelines
Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla has written to states and union territories to ensure strict compliance with the MHA’s consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures to contain the COVID-19 epidemic in the country.
States and union territories cannot dilute restrictions imposed via the guidelines, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Senior Employees at Vistara to Go on Leave Without Pay for up to 3 Days
According to Vistara’s CEO, senior employees will go on leave without pay for up to 3 days between 15 April and 30 April, over the COVID-19 lockdown, ANI reported.
Congress Councillor Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Gujarat
A Congress Councillor tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday, Gujarat Municipal Commissioner Vijay Nehra said. A Congress MLA had tested positive for the disease on Tuesday, according to ANI.
Union Health Minister Holds High-Level Meeting With WHO Officials
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan held a high-level meeting through video conferencing with WHO (World Health Organization) officials on measures to combat COVID-19, according to ANI.
Spain's Daily Death Toll Falls to 523
Spain's daily COVID-19 death toll fell again on Wednesday with 523 dead, AFP reports, quoting the government.
117 New Cases Recorded in Maharashtra, Total 2,801
117 new cases were recorded in Maharashtra on Wednesday, of which 66 are from Mumbai and 44 from Pune. The total number of positive cases in the state stands at 2,801 now, according to ANI.
UPSC Chairman and Members Forego Year's Salary to Conserve National Financial Resources
Recognizing the need to conserve financial resources at national level, the chairman and members of the Union Public Service Commission have decided to voluntarily forego 30 percent of basic pay received by them from the Commission for a period of 1 year, effective from April 2020, the UPSC said in a statement on Wednesday, 15 April, ANI reported.
In addition, all officers and staff members of the UPSC have volunteered one day's salary to the PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situation Fund (PM-CARES Fund).
Indian Railways to Produce PPEs to Help Medical Workers
The Indian Railways is planning to produce over 30,000 coveralls (Personal Protective Equipment) in April 2020 to help healthcare professionals, said the Ministry of Railways on Wednesday, 15 April, ANI reported.
The Railways plans to manufacture 1,00,000 of the same in May.
12 New Cases in Rajasthan, State Total Reaches 1,046
12 more coronavirus cases were reported on Wednesday, 15 April, in Rajasthan, said the state's health department, and the total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 1,046, ANI reported.
The new cases include 8 from Jaipur, and one each from Dausa, Nagaur, Tonk and Jhunjhunu.
Migrant Workers' Gathering at Bandra Station: 3 FIRs Registered, 1 Arrested
3 FIRs have been registered in connection with the gathering of migrant workers at the Bandra railway station in Mumbai, said Abhishek Trimukhe, DCP (Zone IX), Mumbai Police, ANI reported.
"We are looking into the videos and all details. In connection with one of the 3 cases, one accused, Vinay Dubey, has been arrested and sent to police custody till 21 April," Trimukhe said.
Prasar Bharati Makes It Mandatory for Staffers to Install 'Arogya Setu' App
Public service broadcaster Prasar Bharati has made it mandatory for its staff reporting to duty in office or in the field to download and activate the government's coronavirus tracking mobile application 'Arogya Setu,' PTI reported.
"The staff reporting to duty, be it in the office premises or in the field (for reporting or other activities), mandatorily install the aforesaid application," an office memorandum, dated 14 April, said. "Security to be instructed to ensure that all those entering and leaving the premises of Prasar Bharati establishment should confirm that they have activated the app," it said.
Man Dies of Coronavirus in Lucknow's KGMU
A 64-year-old coronavirus patient died at the Lucknow's King George's Medical University on Wednesday, 15 April, a day after the Uttar Pradesh authorities ordered to shut a private hospital and a diagnostic centre visited by him, PTI reported.
The authorities had also quarantined 20 staff members at the government-run university after it was confirmed that he had contracted the infection.
China Slams Trump for Withdrawing WHO Funding
China on Wednesday, 15 April, expressed "serious concern" over US President Donald Trump's decision to suspend funding for the World Health Organisation, PTI reported.
"We urge the US to earnestly fulfill its obligations and responsibilities to support the WHO in leading the international efforts instead of doing the contrary," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. "China will as always support the WHO in playing an important role in international public health and global anti-epidemic response," he added.
Trump on Tuesday had announced halting America's funding of the WHO while a review is being conducted to assess the health agency's in "severely mismanaging and covering up" the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Indian Railways Using Parcel Vans to Supplement Supply Chain of Essentials
The Indian Railways has made parcel vans available for quick transportation of essential items in small parcel sizes to supplement the supply chain during the lockdown, said the Railways Ministry on Wednesday, 15 April, adding that these trains are being operated on 65 routes, and 507 trains have run till 14 April, according to ANI reports.
Over 20,400 tonnes of consignments have been loaded since these parcel trains started, and the earnings to Railways from it are about Rs 7.54 crores, the ministry said.
Chhattisgarh Government to Start "Pool Testing"
The Chhattisgarh government has decided to adopt the "pool testing" technique to expedite the process of testing and cover more ground, a health official said on Wednesday, 15 April, PTI reported.
As many as 33 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh, of which 13 have recovered from the infection. Taking to Twitter, state Health Minister T S Singh Deo said, "In order to effectively use the extended lockdown period, I have initiated measures to start pool testing, in at least one of our labs, at the earliest. This would help us in increasing COVID-19 testing by manifolds."
Andhra Pradesh Government to Double Testing Capacity to 4,000 Tests Per Day
The Andhra Pradesh government will double the COVID-19 testing capacity to 4,000 tests per day, according to a review meeting held by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy on Wednesday, 15 April.
As of now more than 2,100 tests are being done per day and that would be scaled up to 4,000 a day by using TrueNat TB testing equipment, the Chief Minister was told. He instructed the officials to conduct tests on around 32,000 members who have been identified in a family survey. The rapid testing should start by taking every Mandal as a unit, he said.
11,933 Total Cases in India, Death Toll at 392, Says Health Ministry
The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 11,933 on Wednesday, 15 April, according to Health Ministry data.
The number includes 392 deaths, 1,343 discharged, and one migrated patient.
Rs 4.2 Crores in Tax Refunds Already Issued: Central Board of Direct Taxes
"In pursuance of the Government's decision to issue pending income tax refunds up to Rs 5 lakhs to help taxpayers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has already issued over 10.2 lakh refunds totaling to about Rs 4,250 crores, as of 14 April 2020," the CBDT said in a statement, ANI reported.
17 Foreign Tourists Booked for 'Bathing in Sea' During Lockdown in Kerala
Seventeen foreign tourists have been booked for allegedly bathing in the sea off the famous Kovalam Beach here in violation of COVID-19 lockdown regulations, police said on Wednesday, PTI reported.
Cases have also been registered against the owners and managers of five hotels where the tourists are staying since 22 March due to the lockdown, they said.
2 More Positive Cases Reported in Punjab
“Two more COVID-19 cases reported in Punjab today, one each from Patiala and Sangrur. Total coronavirus positive cases in the state now at 186, including 146 active cases, 27 cured, and 13 deaths,” the Punjab Government said, ANI reported.
Delhi to Use Plasma Technique on Trial Basis: Lt Guv
“Delhi to use plasma technique for treatment on a trial basis to save lives of critical COVID-19 patients. Advised all to strictly adhere to SOPs/guidelines and protocols issued by Union Health Ministry while dealing with COVID-19 patients,”said Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, ANI reported.
Kerala Reports Only 1 Case Today: CM
“Only one new COVID-19 case reported in the state today; taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 387, of which 167 are active,” said Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ANI reported.
MEA Facilitating Return of Foreigners, Including Pakistani Nationals, to Their Countries
The Ministry of External Affairs is facilitating the return of foreign nationals presently in India to their countries, including Pakistani nationals, ANI reported, quoting government sources.
"We understand from Pakistan High Commission that 180 of their nationals presently in India want to go back. We are coordinating with concerned authorities to facilitate their departure," the sources added.
Man Arrested For Hoarding 81,000 Masks in Dharavi, Stock Worth Rs 12 Lakhs Seized
The Mumbai Police said that the crime branch arrested a man in Dharavi for illegally hoarding 81,000 three-ply surgical masks, and seized stock approximately worth Rs 12,15,000, ANI reported.
Dharavi: 60 Cases, Death Toll Reaches 8
A 55-year-old coronavirus positive man, whose case history has been traced to Delhi's Nizamuddin Markaz, was declared dead on Wednesday, 15 April. He was a resident of Dharavi, which has emerged as a hotspot for cases in Mumbai, with a total of 60 cases and 8 victims.
The case is being regarded as high risk and an investigation is in progress.
J&K Reports 22 New Cases, Total Reaches 300
22 new coronavirus cases were reported from Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, 15 April, out of which 4 were in Jammu, and 18 in Kashmir, said Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, according to ANI reports.
All 22 cases were contacts of positive patients. Total number of positive cases now stands at 300, 54 from Jammu and 246 from Kashmir.
With 38 New Cases, Tamil Nadu Total Rises to 1,242
Tamil Nady reported 38 new cases on Wednesday, 15 April, with the total coronavirus cases in the state now at 1,242, said the state government, ANI reported.
The state's health minister also said "there is no community spread in the state of Tamil Nadu as we are conducting adequate and regular tests on people showing respiratory infections and influenza-like infections."
If Any Worker in Delhi Faces Problems, Our Government Will Take Care of Them: Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia.
Migrant workers, staying at Kudesiya Ghat near Kashmere Gate in Delhi, were evacuated, given food and shifted to shelter homes set up at government schools, ANI reported.
"On orders of the Delhi CM, all of these workers have been taken to the night shelters set up across Delhi. They'll be kept there now and food will be provided to all of them. If any worker anywhere in Delhi faces any problem, our government will take care of them," said Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.
Maharasthra Reaches 2,916 Total Cases, Death Toll Hits 187
Maharashtra reported 232 new positive cases on Wednesday, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 2,916, according to ANI.
36 patients were discharged on Wednesday, while 295 patients have recovered and been discharged till date. Total 187 deaths have been reported till now, out of which 9 deaths were reported on Wednesday.
Andhra Pradesh Reports 23 New Cases, Taking State Total to 525
Andhra Pradesh reported 23 new positive cases on Wednesday, with 13 in Kurnool, 4 in Guntur, 3 in Kadapa, 2 in Nellore, and 1 in Anantapuram, according to ANI. The state total now stands at 525 cases.
3 deaths were also reported in the state, taking the death toll to 4.
Goa: Only 1 Active Case Remains, No New Cases After 3 April
"The sixth coronavirus patient from Goa has recovered. Only one active case remains in Goa and no new cases reported after 3 April 2020," tweeted Dr Pramod Sawant, Goa Chief Minister, ANI reported.
Noida: 5 Arrested, 9 Vehicles Seized for Defying Lockdown
Five people were arrested and nine vehicles were impounded across Noida and Greater Noida on Wednesday for allegedly defying restrictions during the lockdown imposed to combat COVID-19, police said, according to PTI.
Gautam Buddh Nagar is among the 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh where coronavirus hotspots have been completely sealed off, while restrictions under Section 144 are also in place due to the pandemic.
Kerala Reports Only One Positive Case, Has Highest Number of Cured Patients
Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in various states, Kerala on Wednesday reported only one person testing positive, the lowest in recent weeks, and seven people recovering, taking the total number of those cured to 218, the highest in the country, according to PTI.
Though the tally of active patients fell to 167 in the southern state which recorded 387 positive cases since the country's first COVID-19 case on 30 January, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan cautioned it was not yet time to lower the guard.
Jamia Millia Islamia University Extends Admission Form Submission Deadline
"In view of the extension of the lockdown period and guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15 April, the online filling of admission forms of Jamia Millia Islamia University, including schools has been further extended till 4th May," a circular released by the university reads, ANI reported.
NITI Aayog VC, Members Take 30% Salary Cuts
Government think-tank NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar and its members have decided to take a salary cut of 30 percent for a year in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, an official statement said on Wednesday, PTI reported.
Bibek Debroy, chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, has also decided to take a 30 percent salary cut for a year.
Bihar Reports 2 New Cases, Total Reaches 72
Two more coronavirus positive cases were reported in Bihar on Wednesday, 15 April, taking the total number of positive cases to 72, said Sanjay Kumar, Principal Health Secretary of Bihar, according to ANI.
Total of 2,74,599 Samples From 2,58,730 Individuals Have Been Tested Till Now: ICMR
A total of 2,74,599 samples from 2,58,730 individuals have been tested as of 9 pm on Wednesday, 15 April, the Indian Council of Medical Research said, ANI reported.
There are 11,297 individuals who have been confirmed positive among the suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases, the report added. On Wednesday, 28941 samples were reported, of which 953 tested positive.