COVID-19: India Crosses 3,000 Cases, Death Toll Reaches 75
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The total number of COVID-19 positive cases reached 3,072 in India, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday, 4 April, with 2,784 active cases and 75 deaths.
Despite the increasing numbers, Joint Secretary in the Ministry for Health, Lav Agarwal, earlier today said in his daily briefing that the rate of doubling of COVID-19 cases in India is not high compared to other countries.
- PM Modi had telephone conversations with various world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and Brazil President Jair Bosonaro, about working together to fight COVID-19
- Two new cases emerged from Mumbai’s Dharavi slum area; total number of cases in the state stand at 635
- PM Modi will interact with floor leaders of political parties on 8 April at 11 am
'Those Who Attended Tablighi Jamaat Should Disclose Identity or Face Action': Himachal Pradesh CM
Himachal Pradesh CM, Jai Ram Thakur urged people from the state who attended the Tablighi Jamaat to disclose their identities by 5 pm or else face government action.
"Total 13 coronavirus positive cases reported in the state so far, 6 out of them had attended Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi. We appeal to everyone, who attended Tablighi Jamaat, to disclose their identity by 5 PM today otherwise govt will be forced to take action," he said.
Carrie Symonds Bedridden With Symptoms of Coronavirus, Says 'I'm on the Mend'
Carrie Symonds, UK PM Boris Johnson's fiancee, said that has been bedridden with symptoms of coronavirus for a week. Symonds is also currently pregnant.
"I’ve spent the past week in bed with the main symptoms of Coronavirus. I haven’t needed to be tested and, after seven days of rest, I feel stronger and I’m on the mend," she tweeted on Saturday.
"Being pregnant with COVID-19 is obviously worrying," she added, tweeting out an informative link for other expecting mothers. Johnson himself tested positive for coronavirus and has self-quarantined.
PM Modi Speaks With Spain's Prime Minister About Coronavirus Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation today with Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, President of the Government (equivalent to Prime Minister) of Spain, the Prime Minister's Office said on Saturday, ANI reported.
The two leaders reportedly discussed the global challenge posed by the coronavirus pandemic. "PM Modi conveyed his deepest condolences for tragic loss of lives in Spain and offered prayers for speedy recovery of those still suffering from the disease. PM Modi assured that India stands in solidarity with the heroic Spanish efforts, and would extend support to the best of its ability," the PMO said.
Telangana: 43 New Cases Take State Total to 272
43 more COVID-19 cases were reported in Telangana on Saturday, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 272, said the state's Health Department.
Out of this, 33 people have been cured or discharged, 11 have lost their lives and the total active cases are 228.
IAF Personnel, Who Was in Nizamuddin, Put Under Precautionary Quarantine
An Indian Air Force personnel who was in the Nizamuddin Area during the Tablighi Jamaat congregation has been put under precautionary quarantine by the service, ANI reported. The airman is posted in Delhi.
Two more Air Force personnel who came in contact with the individual during the last two days have also been placed under home quarantine. The matter is under investigation by the Indian Air Force (IAF) authorities
PM Modi, Brazil's President Bolsonaro Discuss Joining Forces Against COVID-19
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Saturday that he had a productive telephone conversation with Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, and they discussed how India and Brazil can join forces against the COVID-19 pandemic.
ICMR Issues Advisory to Start Antibody-Based Blood Tests in Cluster Zones
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an advisory to start rapid antibody-based blood tests in cluster zones and large migration/evacuee centers for detection of COVID-19.
Total Number of Cases in Maharashtra Stand at 635
According to the latest numbers by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of positive cases in the state stand at 635.
Chennai Corporation Deploys 16,000 Workers For Daily COVID-19 Screening
The Chennai Corporation had decided to deploy 16,000 workers for daily, door-to-door coronavirus screening. Chennai currently has 88 positive cases, and the civic body has sought public cooperation to combat the crisi.
The daily screening will be done for 90 days. Workers will be trained, and paid Rs 15,000 a month.
2 Senior Officials of MP Health Department Test Positive
Two senior officials of the Madhya Pradesh Health Department tested positive for coronavirus, ANI reproted on Saturday, 4 April.
6 New Cases in J&K Linked to Nizamuddin Markaz
6 people from Kupwara in Jammu and Kashmir tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, including 3 males and 3 females, reported ANI. All of them had a history of stay at Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi.
All of them were already under quarantine, said the District Collector of Kupwara, but as per protocol, contact tracing is being carried out.
India Crosses 3,000 Cases, Death Toll Reaches 75
The total number of coronavirus positive cases rose to 3072 in India on Saturday, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ANI reported. The number includes 2784 active cases, 213 cured or discharged people and 75 deaths.
Modi, Trump Have 'Extensive' Phone Call; Agree to Fight COVID-19 Together
Prime Minister Modi tweeted on Saturday that he had an 'extensive telephone conversation' with US President Donald Trump on coronavirus.
"We had a good discussion, and agreed to deploy the full strength of the India-US partnership to fight COVID-19," the prime minister tweeted.
17 More Test Positive for COVID-19 in J&K, Cases Rise to 92
With 17 more people testing positive for COVID-19, the number of cases in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 92 on Saturday, PTI reported.
Of these, 14 fresh cases were reported from Kashmir. The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Union territory includes four patients who have recovered and two deaths, both in Kashmir.
The total number of coronavirus cases in the Union territory has now reached 92, the officials said.
Haryana: FIRs Filed Against 36 People For Spreading Fake News
The Haryana Police said on Saturday that 38 FIRs have been registered against 36 people, for allegedly spreading fake news about coronavirus on social media, ANI reported.
FIRs Against 66,000 People For Violating Lockdown in Delhi
Delhi Police have registered FIRs against 66,000 people under the Delhi Police Act for violating the coronavirus lockdown, ANI reported.
"3350 FIRs have been lodged under Section 188 of IPC, 10000 vehicles impounded, and around 40 FIRs lodged against the violators of home quarantine," said Police PRO MS Randhawa on Saturday, adding that with the help of NGOs, the Delhi Police has been providing cooked food to around 2 lakh people and ration to 6,000 families for 10 days, while also ensuring adequate supply of essential supplies in the state.
2 New Cases in Mumbai's Dharavi, Area Total Reaches 5
2 more positive cases, one male and one female, have been reported in the Dharavi area of Mumbai on Saturday, taking the total number of positive coronavirus cases in the area to 5.
One More Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Bihar, Total Reaches 31
A 37-year-old man from Gaya district, whose wife had recently tested positive for COVID- 19, was also found to have contracted the disease, taking the total number of cases in Bihar to 31, officials said on Saturday, PTI reported.
The test reports of the man, who along with his wife was placed under quarantine at a hospital in the central Bihar town, arrived on Friday night, according to Gaya District Magistrate Abhishek Singh.
Of the 31 cases reported from the state so far, one person has died and three have recovered.
16 New COVID-19 Cases Confirmed in Karnataka,144 Total
Sixteen coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of the affected in the state to 144, the Health department said on Saturday, PTI reported.
"Till this evening, 144 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in the state, which includes four deaths and 11 discharges," the health department said in a bulletin. Among the total of 144 cases detected and confirmed so far, eight are transit passengers of Kerala who landed in airports in Karnataka and are being treated in the state, it said.
Coronavirus in Delhi Is Under Control: CM Kejriwal
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that in Delhi, there are only 40 COVID-19 positive cases due to local transmission, out of a total of 445 cases, ANI reported.
"This is something that makes me believe coronavirus is not spreading here, it is under control," he said, adding that "there is local transmission but not community transmission."
Out of around 2300 people who were brought out from Markaz, the 500 that showed symptoms have been admitted to hospitals, and 1800 are under quarantine. Kejriwal reiterated that the testing of these people might lead to a spike in positive cases in Delhi.
2 Tablighi Jamaat Attendees Test Positive in Rajasthan
Two more men who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi have tested positive in Bharatpur in Rajasthan, ANI reported.
Twenty-one people tested positive in the state on Saturday, out which 10 are linked to Tablighi Jamaat, the State Health Department said, taking the state's total cases to 200.
PM Modi to Interact With Leaders of Political Parties
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with floor leaders of political parties who have more than 5 MPs in Parliament through video conferencing on 8 April at 11 am, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said in a release on Saturday, ANI reported.
8 New Cases in UP's Gautam Buddha Nagar
Eight new COVID-19 cases have been detected in UP's Gautam Buddha Nagar district, taking the state's total up to 55, PTI reported on Saturday, 4 April.
Taking All Precautions, Following Lockdown Norms: Maharashtra Health Minister
"Till now we have traced 9 lakh people approximately by deploying 2495 teams. These teams are working in 290 containment zones that we have marked in Mumbai and likewise in other districts. I urge people to cooperate with health workers," he added.
Tope also gave updates on the stock of Personal Protection Equipment (PPEs), masks and ventilators, saying that the government has 25,000 PPEs, 25 lakh N95 masks and 25 lakh triple-layer masks. In government hospitals, there are 1500 ventilators, and further 2000 are being arranged for other hospitals which are under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule scheme, he said.
Indian Army to Help Medical Team at Narela Quarantine Centre
The Indian Army will be boosting the strength of the medical team at the Narela quarantine centre in Delhi, taking the numbers up to four doctors and eight nursing staff members, ANI reported.
Earlier there were only two doctors and two nursing staff members to assist the Delhi Government, ANI quoted Indian Army sources as saying.
22,000 Tablighi Jamaat Workers and Contacts Quarantined: MHA
Through a massive effort around 22,000 Tablighi Jamaat workers and their contacts have been quarantined, said Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs in a briefing on Saturday.
Adding that till now cases related to Tablighi Jamaat have been found in 17 states, Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry said that 1023 positive cases have been found to be linked to this event. "Out of the total cases in the country, around 30% are linked to this one particular place," he said, ANI reported.
601 New COVID-19 Cases Since Friday: Health Ministry
There have been 601 new COVID-19 cases reported since Friday, and 12 new deaths, the Health Ministry said in its briefing on Saturday, 4 April.
Power Fluctuation Fears Are Misplaced, Says Ministry of Power
The Ministry of Power issued clarifications after fears over instability of the power grid were expressed by citizens, following PM Modi's call for switching all lights off on Sunday.
"No call to switch off street lights or appliances in homes. Only lights should be switched off. The lights in hospitals &other essential services will remain on. Local bodies have been advised to keep street lights on for public safety," the Ministry of Power said on Saturday, as per ANI.
"PM has appealed to voluntarily switch off lights between 9:00 p.m to 9:09 pm on April 5. Some apprehensions have been expressed that this may cause instability in grid and voltage fluctuation which may harm electrical appliances. These apprehensions are misplaced," the ministry added.
JNU Files FIR Against Students for Violating Lockdown
Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University administration has filed an FIR over violation of the coronavirus lockdown by students on the university campus on 1 April, ANI reported on Saturday.
"The FIR details mention that a student violated lockdown and misbehaved with security personnel, and later gathered a crowd, violating lockdown," the report says.
Gujarat Locals Successful in Making Ventilators: CM Rupani
Local industrialists in Gujarat have successfully made ventilators in 10 days, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said on Saturday, as reported by ANI. Adding that the ventilators have been certified and tested properly, he said that he hoped there would not be any shortage of ventilators in the state now.
Authorities Have Traced All Who Went to Tablighi Jamaat Event From Maharashtra: CM Thackeray
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Saturday that authorities have traced everyone from the state who attended the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi that has emerged as a COVID-19 hotspot.
"We didn’t let what happened in Delhi happen in Maharashtra. It (Tableeghi Jamaat event) was permitted earlier, but later looking at the situation we denied permission. Authorities now have traced all those went to the Delhi event from our state," Thackeray said, as reported by ANI. "Like COVID-19 virus, there is a communal virus too. I am warning those who are spreading wrong messages to the citizens and uploading such videos even for the sake of fun. This COVID-19 virus sees no religion," he added.
No Final Decision on Resumption of Services Yet: Railways
Railways on Saturday said no final decision has been taken yet on restoration of train services and that a call on it would be taken in a few days, according to PTI.
The statement comes amidst railway zones preparing action plans to resume services from 15 April after passenger trains remained suspended for 21 days during the lockdown in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
"Train services will have to be resumed only on specific approval of each train from Railway Board. Suggestions for phase wise planning should be given to Railway Board," an official said Saturday.
Another COVID-19 Case Reported in Bengal, Count Rises to 58
A person working at the Haldia Dock Complex of the Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) has tested positive for novel coronavirus after returning from the Tablighi Jamaat gathering in Delhi, the KoPT said in a statement on Saturday.
The latest case has taken the total count of COVID-19 cases in West Bengal to 58.
"A person who is an employee of one of our contractors has tested
positive for coronavirus in Haldia on 2 April. He had returned from Nizamuddin on 24 March. He might have visited the docks,” the statement said.
2 More Test Positive in Punjab
Two more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Punjab. Containment zones have been made in Sector 68, Mohali and Mauli Baidwan village from where the two people tested positive and movement has been restricted. The village is self-isolated by proactive residents, Mohali District Magistrate said on Saturday, according to ANI.
PM Modi Chairs Joint Meeting Over Response to COVID-19
WB Police Actions Against Lockdown Violators
To enforce the coronavirus lockdown restrictions, 387 persons have been arrested, 52 vehicles seized and 53 FIRs filed during last 24 hours, West Bengal Police said on Saturday.
At Least 200 People Evacuated From Bareilly Dargah, Ordered Home-Quarantine
At least 200 people were evacuated from the Shahdana Wali Dargah in Bareilly and sent homes after medical screening and instruction to remain in self-quarantine, officials said on Saturday. The Dargah's caretaker Wajid Ali said that these people were from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and other places and were present in the Dargah for more than 10 days, according to PTI.
Army's Advisory Ahead of 5 April Lighting of Diyas/Candles
The Indian Army has issued an advisory to the country to be careful while lighting diyas or candles on 5 April and to not use alcohol-based hand sanitisers before lighting.
Tamil Nadu Reports 102 New COVID-19 Cases, Total Rises to 411
The number of coronavirus cases in Tamil Nadu has risen steeply, with 102 additional patients testing positive in a single day. From 309 on Thursday night, the total number has risen to 411 as of 4.40 pm on Friday.
Meanwhile, the state lost a second patient to COVID-19 on Saturday morning as a 51-year-old man who was undergoing treatment for coronavirus died at Villupuram Government Hospital, according to The News Minute. This marks the second death in the state due to coronavirus.
Andhra Govt Provides Rs 1000 Each of Financial Assistance to BPL Families
The Government of Andhra Pradesh is providing Rs 1000 each of financial assistance to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families as relief. This one-time relief of Rs 1000 is being given to 1.3 crore poor or needy and underprivileged families, the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office announced on Saturday.
CK Birla Group Commits Rs 35 Crore to PM-CARES Fund
CK Birla group on Saturday said it will contribute Rs 35 crore to help the government fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
As part of that, the conglomerate will contribute Rs 25 crore in the PM CARES fund and rest would be to support the state governments and to supply medical equipment, it said in a statement.
3 More Test Positive in J&K, Cases Rise to 78
Three people tested positive for coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, taking the number of cases in the Union Territory to 78, a government official said.
The fresh cases were reported from Narsoo village in Udhampur district of Jammu region, government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said.
3 Fresh Cases Reported in Nepal
Three fresh coronavirus cases have been reported in Nepal. Two of these people have travel history to India and one person is a relative of an earlier positive patient, the Nepal Health Ministry said, according to ANI.
Tablighi Jamaat Members 'Misbehave' With Hospital Staff in Kanpur: Report
The Tablighi Jamaat members admitted to a hospital in Kanpur allegedly refused to take medicines and misbehaved with the medical staff, prompting authorities to remove female staffers from there, officials said on Saturday, according to PTI.
Six of the 22 members have tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Medical Officer Ashok Shukla said. All 22 were admitted to Lala Lajpat Rai Hospital on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Jamaat members also spit on hands and then touch staircase railings, Aarti Lalchandani, a senior doctor at the hospital, said.
"Our team is engaged in providing healthcare services to those admitted here. They were told not to spit in the hospital, but they refuse to accept our instructions. They also misbehaved with the doctors. It is sad that despite giving every possible help, they are behaving in this manner. However, with police intervention, the situation has now come under control," she said, according to PTI.
16-Year-Old Tablighi Member Tests Coronavirus Positive
A 16-year-old boy, who is a member of Tablighi Jamaat, tested positive for coronavirus in Chhattisgarh's Korba district on Saturday, officials said, according to PTI.
However, it is not clear whether he had attended last month's religious congregation in Delhi's Nizamuddin, they said.
This case has taken the number of COVID-19 patients in Chhattisgarh to 10. However, four of them have been discharged from hospitals following their recovery till Friday, the officials said.
One More Tests Positive in Assam, Total at 25
One COVID-19 positive case has been reported from Assam’s North Lakhimpur District, taking the total number of cases in the state to 25.
Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the fresh case is related to Markaz Nizammudin in Delhi.
Pakistan Records 2,700 Coronavirus Cases; Punjab Crosses 1,000-Mark
Pakistan's coronavirus cases rose to 2,708 on Saturday with the number of patients in the Punjab province, which accounts for more than half of the country's total population, crossing the 1,000-mark.
According to the National Health Services, COVID-19 has so far claimed 40 lives, while 130 patients have recovered.
Govt Puts Curbs on Exports of Diagnostic Kits With Immediate Effect
The government on Saturday put curbs on exports of diagnostic kits with a view to discourage shipments amid the coronavirus outbreak.
"The export of diagnostic kits (diagnostic or laboratory reagents on a backing, preparation diagnostic or laboratory reagents)... is restricted with immediate effect," the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) said in a notification, according to PTI.
The move would help in dealing with the COVID-19 crisis as these kits are required for testing of patients.
16 Coronavirus Cases in Andhra Pradesh, Tally Jumps to 180
Another 16 COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Andhra Pradesh overnight, taking the total number of infected in the state to 180, according to PTI.
The Medical and Health Department on Saturday said in its latest bulletin that four fresh cases were reported each in Kadapa and Krishna districts, three each in Guntur and Kurnool and one each in Chittoor and Prakasam districts.
Two More Positive Cases in Jodhpur
Two more COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in Jodhpur, taking the total number of cases in Rajasthan to 198, including 41 Tablighi Jamaat attendees.
New York State Records Highest Number of Deaths in Single Day
The New York State reported its highest number of 562 COVID-19 deaths in a single day, with a person dying almost every two-and-a-half minutes, as Governor Andrew Cuomo allowed redistribution of ventilators and protective gear to hospitals with greater need, according to PTI.
Coronavirus cases in the state, the epicenter of the pandemic in the US, crossed 100,000 and it recorded the highest increase in the number of deaths from the virus in a single day between 2-3 April, Cuomo said.
Iraq Suspends, Fines Reuters News Agency Over Virus Report
Iraq on Friday suspended the work of Reuters for a period of three months, following their report the previous day that said the Iraqi government was under-reporting confirmed cases of the new coronavirus.
The news agency was also fined 25 million Iraqi dinars, or about $20,800, according to a statement posted on the official Communication and Media Commission website, Associated Press reported.
47 Fresh Cases Reported in Maharashtra, Total Rises to 537
47 fresh COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Maharashtra today - 28 in Mumbai, 15 in Thane district, 1 in Amravati, 2 in Pune and 1 in Pimpri Chinchwad. The total number of positive cases in the state has risen to 537, the Maharashtra Health Department said on Saturday, according to ANI.
600 People Related to Nizamuddin Quarantined in Delhi
Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said on Saturday that the last two days, 600 people (related to Markaz Nizamuddin) in Delhi have been quarantined.
“We are trying to trace all contacts,” he added, according to ANI.
Odisha CM Appeals to Attendees of Jamaat to Call Helpline
Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik has appealed to all those who have attended the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Delhi, to voluntarily call '104' helpline and take COVID19 test and follow the guidelines.
According to ANI, he stated, "Don't be afraid of anything, you've the complete support of Govt".
Nestle Announces Rs 15 Crore Grant
FMCG major Nestle India on Saturday announced an initial grant of Rs 15 crore for providing food and essential groceries to the needy amid the coronavirus lockdown, PTI reported.
It will also support purchase of medical equipment for hospitals to fight against the COVID-19 outbreak, Nestle India said in a statement.
The company has already started with a contribution of Rs 1 crore to Narayana Hrudayalaya Foundation for purchase of ventilators for Delhi/NCR.
108 Members of Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Quarantined
108 members of Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital staff including doctors and nurses have been quarantined after they came in contact with two patients who in their second test report were found positive for COVID-19. Of the 108, 85 are in home quarantine and 23 in the hospital, ANI reports.
CM Adityanath Issues Orders Manufacture of 66 Crore Triple Layer Masks Made of Khadi
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued orders for the manufacture of 66 crore triple layer special masks made of ‘khadi’, according to ANI.
These masks will be washable and reusable. The poor will get it free of cost and for others it will be sold at a nominal price, the Uttar Pradesh government has said, according to ANI.
AIIMS Employees to Donate One-Day Salary to PM CARES Fund
Employees of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) will donate one day's salary to Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) to fight COVID-19, ANI reported on Saturday.
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh Record One Death Each
One woman had died of COVID-19 in Ahmedabad, taking the state’s death toll to 10. PTI reported, quoting an official.
Meanwhile, a 36-year-old government employee in MP’s Chhindwara and two others in Indore have died, taking Madhya Pradesh’s death toll to 11.
Five More Test Positive in Rajasthan
Five more people have tested positive for COVID-19 in Rajasthan's Jodhpur, taking the total number of cases to 196 in the state including 41 Tablighi Jamaat attendees, the Rajasthan State Health Department.
Maharashtra Seeks GST Exemption on Medical Equipment for COVID-19 Treatment
Maharashtra Finance Minister Ajit Pawar on Friday wrote to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman asking for exemption of Goods and Service Tax (GST) on medical equipment required to combat COVID-19. He asked for exemption for equipment like 3-ply masks, N95 masks, personal protective equipment(PPE), testing kits and ventilators, according to India Today.
Uttar Pradesh Plans Load-Shedding Ahead of Lights out on Sunday
Responding to PM Modi’s call to turn off lights in people’s homes at 9 pm on 5 April, Uttar Pradesh is planning to resort to load sheddings on that evening.
According to a letter sent by Uttar Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre, to avoid sharp crashing of load due to everyone switching off lights the grid operator has proposed that ‘load shedding in a staggered manner may be done staring from approximately 8-9 pm in Uttar Pradesh Power control area”.
The state anticipates about 3,000 MW load reduction due to the activity, which may cause ‘high voltage surge in the UP power grid’. The state is planning to inform all generators that it received power from to moderate their capacities according to the need. Even the hydropower stations, with ‘must run’ status, will be asked to reduce their generation as per requirement, according to The Financial Express.
Power Grid Managers in Alert Mode for Ensuring Grid Stability Ahead of 9-Min Blackout Call
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for a nine-minute blackout at 9 pm on 5 April has raised concerns for power grid managers as they are gearing up for ensuring grid stability during the period, PTI reported.
State-run Power System Operation Corporation (POSOCO), which is responsible for integrated operation of the grid, is working towards ensuring there is no pressure on the grid due to the possible grid collapse and resultant blackout throughout the country.
12 Tablighi Members From Bangladesh Booked for Foreigners Act Violation in UP
An FIR has been registered against 12 Bangladesh citizens who attended the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi last month and are now in administrative quarantine in UP's Shamli district, police said on Saturday, according to PTI.
Two persons tested positive for COVID-19 Friday evening out of the dozen Bangladeshi nationals who have been quarantined in a college in Thana Bhawan town in Shamli district, they said.
They have all been booked for violation of the Foreigners Act, 1946 by the Thana Bhawan police station in the district, officials said.
Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai Issues SOPs for Treatment of COVID-19 Patients
The Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai has issued standard operating procedures for admission and treatment of COVID-19 patients in Mumbai.
Total Positive Cases in India Rise to 2902: MoHFW
The death toll due to COVID-19 rose to 68 in India, while the total number of cases has increased to 2,902, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Saturday, 4 April.
Bhopal's 1st COVID-19 Patient, Her Journo Father Test Negative
A London-returned woman, who was the first person to test coronavirus positive in Bhopal, and her journalist father, also a COVID-19 patient, have been discharged from a hospital here after their repeat samples tested negative, a senior official said on Saturday, according to PTI.
The daughter-father duo was discharged from the AIIMS, Bhopal on Friday night, the official said.
112 French Nationals Stranded in Kerala Airlifted to Paris
112 French nationals, who were stranded in Kerala due to lockdown, were airlifted by a special Air India flight to Paris on Saturday morning, ANI reports. Their baggage was disinfected and they were screened at the Cochin International Airport's health desk before departure.
Guidance on Masks to be Changed: Anthony Fauci
The new coronavirus might spread through the air via normal breathing and speaking, a top US scientist said Friday as the government was poised to recommend the use of face masks for everyone, according to AFP.
Anthony Fauci, head of infectious diseases at the National Institutes of Health, told Fox News the guidance on masks would be changed "because of some recent information that the virus can actually be spread even when people just speak, as opposed to coughing and sneezing." As it stands, the official advice is that only sick people need to cover their faces, as well as those caring for them at home.
60-Year-Old Dies in Rajasthan, State Records 1st Death
A 60-year-old woman in Rajasthan who had tested positive for coronavirus but had no travel history has died in a Bikaner hospital, PTI reports, quoting officials. This is Rajasthan’s first death.
Meanwhile, the state has reported 12 fresh positive cases, taking the tally to 191, an official said. Of the new cases, eight can be linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Delhi in mid-March, he said.
One More Positive Case in Goa, Total Rises to 7
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane has said that a person from Goa’s St Estevam with foreign travel history has tested positive for COVID-19, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to seven, according to ANI.
Fifa Postpones U-17 Women's World Cup in India Due to COVID-19
The FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup to be held in India in November was on Saturday postponed by the football's world governing body due to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic, PTI reported.
The women's age group showpiece was to be held at five venues in the country from 2-21 November.
MHA Issues Clarifications on Supply Chain for Essential Goods & Services
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued some clarifications in order to further streamline supplies of essential goods amid the COVID-19 lockdown. One of these clarifications is that since it is not feasible nor desirable to mention each item of food and grocery in the guidelines, the State/UT Governments have been advised to interpret these terms to mean all items of food and grocery that are usually consumed by people on day to day basis.
China Pauses to Commemorate Virus Victims
China came to a standstill on Saturday to mourn patients and medical staff who died due to coronavirus, and observed a nationwide three-minute silence.
People and traffic stopped in the street as air-raid sirens and car horns sounded in memory of the more than 3,300 lives claimed by the virus in China, AFP reports.
UP Man Arrested for Spreading Rumours on COVID-19 on WhatsApp
Prayagraj Police has arrested a Mohammad Saheed in Bahariya on charges of spreading rumours on coronavirus via WhatsApp, ANI reports.
US Reports 1,480 COVID-19 Deaths in 24 Hours
The United States on Saturday set a new global record of 1,480 deaths due to COVID-19 in 24 hours, reported AFP.
France Reports 588 More COVID-19 Deaths
France on Friday reported 588 more coronavirus deaths in hospital, its biggest toll over the last 24 hours since the epidemic began.
The new deaths brought to 5,091 the total number of people who have died in hospitals of COVID-19 in France, top health official Jerome Salomon told reporters.
Three More Test Positive in Assam
Three more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Assam, raising the total number of cases in the state to 23, reported PTI quoting the Assam Health Minister.
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