The Indian Embassy on Thursday issued two 24x7 helplines to address concerns and queries regarding the recent travel advisory issued by New Delhi which suspended all visas with some exceptions in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
COVID-19: India on high alert, total positive cases rise to 74
covid
05:49 March 13
Indian Embassy in Washington DC issues 24/7 helpline numbers
04:26 March 13
Schools and Universities in Chhattisgarh remain closed till March 31
All private and government schools in Chhattisgarh will remain closed till March 31, in view of Coronavirus Pandemic. However, the higher education department informed that Class 10 and 12 board examinations will be held as scheduled.
23:42 March 12
AI cancels all flights to Kuwait, curtails services to France, Spain, Italy
Air India on Thursday decided to cancel all its flights to Kuwait till April 30 and curtail services to various other countries, including Spain, France and Sri Lanka.
The move comes a day after the national carrier announced temporary suspension of its services to Rome, Milan and Seoul, amid the coronavirus pandemic which has triggered imposition of travel restrictions by various countries across the globe.
An airline official said all flights operating to and from Kuwait have been cancelled till April 30.
"The existing curtailment of services to Seoul (South Korea), Rome and Milan (Italy) too has been extended till April 30," he added.
"In view of the prevailing fettle due to pandemic / COVID-19, the market planning has taken feedback from respective stations and based on their recommendations, some of the flights to various international destination are being temporarily suspended while the frequency of other services are being reduced accordingly," the official said.
(PTI REPORT)
23:01 March 12
Northern Command prepares to fight COVID-19 with 4 isolation wards
To fight the deadly coronavirus outbreak, the Northern Command of the Indian Army has created four isolation wards with a 100-bed capacity at the Command Hospital (NC) in Udhampur, the Northern Command headquarters in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the Northern Command, a team of specialists will handle the suspected coronavirus cases at the Command Hospital.
"Four isolation wards with 100-bed capacity have been created using crisis expansion beds, life-saving medical equipment and medicines," a statement issued on Thursday said.
The hospital has also procured hazard suits, N-95 masks and protective equipment for the healthcare personnel. All patients will be treated for respiratory infections and the suspected patients will be treated at the dedicated Covid-19 OPD.
For testing purposes, the Command Hospital has tied up with the Indian Council of Medical Research, which will carry out tests under strict biosafety protocols.
The officials of the Northern Command are also carrying out an intensive information-education-communication campaign at the Udhampur station to sensitise army personnel and their families about the dreaded virus and its precautionary measures.
"The Commandant, Command Hospital (NC), has urged all personnel to perform hand hygiene with soap and water and/or hand sanitiser, avoid handshakes, avoid crowded places, maintain two feet distance and wear medical masks if feeling sick," the statement added.
(IANS)
22:47 March 12
Karnataka Health Minister confirms first COVID-19 death
Minister for Health and Family Welfare B Sriramulu confirmed in his tweet the recent death of the 76-year-old from Kalburgi in Karnataka was due to the COVID-19. He said that all measures as per protocol are being carried out.
22:38 March 12
Cleaning drive in public places in Agra
Cleaning drive in public places in Agra
All the places from where positive COVID-19 cases were reported in Agra was surveyed by the health department team in a radius of 3Kms around the area. A cleanliness drive has been conducted in the city's hotels, factories and houses after the break out of Coronavirus.
22:25 March 12
First death in India due to COVID-19
76-year old man from Karnataka who died on Tuesday has turned out to be India's first Coronavirus fatality. State government said that the tests of samples taken earlier confirmed COVID-19.
22:10 March 12
Helpline numbers releases by government for COVID-19
The government of India releases helpline numbers in States/Union Territories for COVID-19 on Thursday as India reports 74 positive cases.
20:39 March 12
Constable hospitalized for suspected coronavirus infection
A police constable was admitted to isolation ward of the district hospital in Jalna city of Maharashtra on Thursday for suspected exposure to the coronavirus, a senior official said.
His swab samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology in Pune, civil surgeon M K Rathod said.
The policeman, who was posted in Mumbai and had come in contact with security personnel from Israel there, complained of cough and fever after returning here two days ago, Dr Rathod said.
"We are in the process of putting his family and others he came in contact with in Jalna under quarantine," he added.
20:24 March 12
One more coronavirus case in Pune; number rises to 12 in Maha
One more person tested positive for the coronavirus here on Thursday, taking the number of confirmed patients of the disease in the Pune city to nine, a senior official said.
District collector Naval Kishore Ram said a person who had travel history to the United States tested positive on Thursday.
With this, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra has reached 12. Apart from nine confirmed patients in Pune, two persons have tested positive for the virus in Mumbai and one in Nagpur.
19:54 March 12
One more tested positive for Coronavirus in Karnataka
One more tested positive for Coronavirus in Karnataka
Bengaluru: One more positive COVID-19 case in Karnataka as a 26-year-old male, who returned from a honeymoon to Greece, tested positive for coronavirus, Minister of medical education K Sudhakar said.
Minister Speaking at a press conference, the 26-year-old is originally from Mumbai. He landed in Bengaluru from Greece. He went to office, where around 154 employees work, and contacted four of his colleagues. now his wife is in Agra and we informed about her to the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to the media bulletin released by the Health and Family Welfare Department of Karnataka, the number of positive cases has gone up to five in Karnataka.
The patient is admitted and isolated at the hospital and it stable. All primary contacts have been traced asymptomatic. Home quarantine has been advised and being followed-up.
The patient has been admitted to the Jayanagar General Hospital.
19:31 March 12
Two more tested positive for Coronavirus in Kerala, number up to 16
Two more people in Kerala have tested positive for coronavirus, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Thursday.
With this, the total number of infected people in the state have gone up to 16.
The two are fresh cases of infection and not connected with the three-member family, who had returned from Italy on February 29, he said.
"One person is admitted to the Pariyaram Medical college in Kannur and has a travel history from Dubai.
The other person is in the isolation ward at Thrissur General Hospital and has travelled to the state from Qatar,"
Vijayan told reporters after the daily review meeting.
The chief minister said 270 people are under observation in isolation wards at various hospitals across the state.
19:23 March 12
Cleaning drive in Delhi Metro intensified after coronavirus outbreak: DMRC
Cleaning drive in all Delhi Metro trains has been intensified as a precautionary measure against coronavirus, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said on Thursday.
"Delhi Metro trains are regularly cleaned at the depots every day before putting them into passenger operations. Intensified cleaning of metro trains and station areas continue as a precautionary measure," DMRC Twitter handle read.
With fresh cases reported from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Ladakh, the number of people who are COVID-19 positive has gone up to 73, the Union health ministry said on Thursday.
World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday had declared the coronavirus outbreak a 'pandemic' and expressed deep concern.
Coronavirus which originated in the Wuhan city of China has so far spread to more than 90 countries infecting over 1,10,000 people.
(ANI REPORT)
18:52 March 12
Fifth coronavirus case reported in Karnataka
A 26-year-old man who returned from Greece has tested positive for coronavirus, making it the fifth case in Karnataka, the health department said on Thursday.
The patient has been admitted and isolated at a hospital and his condition is stable, a department media bulletin said.
"All (his) primary contacts have been traced and are asymptomatic. Home quarantine has been advised and being followed-up," it said.
According to sources, the patient is from Mumbai. He travelled from Greece to Mumbai on March 6, and came by flight to Bengaluru on March 8, they said, adding that he had been to office on March 9, during which he is said to have spoken to four of his close friends and gone back home after a few hours.
"He was hospitalised the same day. One brother of his is staying with him in Bengaluru..parents and wife are in Mumbai," sources said.
The man used an autorickshaw to commute in Bengaluru.
Information has been collected about the driver and three members of his family and all precautionary measures have been taken.
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu also tweeted confirming about one more COVID-19 positive case in the state.
The department also said all primary contacts of previously reported four people who tested positive for the virus are under surveillance and no symptomatic cases have been reported.'
18:40 March 12
Indian Army incurring appr. Rs 3.5 lakhs per day for facility centre in Manesar
Sources said that the Indian Army is incurring an approximate expenditure of Rs 3.5 lakhs per day in running the Indian Army facility for coronavirus at Manesar in Rajasthan.
Indian Army has committed 60 personnel to run the facility.
While facility at Manesar is an emergency facility responding to emergency requirements given by Govt, sources managing it indicate that detainees demand special facilities like independent rooms are creating hindrance in functioning of medical and administrative staff at facility.
Since the evacuees have already traveled together, the aspect of individual quarantine for 14 days may not find much merit. Despite differing individual preferences and demands, the army has gone about doing their job in the best possible way.
18:27 March 12
Rashtrapati Bhavan shut for public till further notice
Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum Complex (RBMC) & the Change of Guard ceremony will not be open to public till further notice. Rashtrapati Bhavan will remain closed for exploratory tour visits from March 13, till further notice.
17:22 March 12
Another case of COVID-19 reported in Delhi and Ghaziabad
Another case of COVID-19 reported in Delhi and Ghaziabad
The mother of a 46-year-old man, who tested positive for novel coronavirus, has also been detected with the virus, making her the sixth patient in the national capital and one more patient tested positive in Ghaziabad as he returned from Tehran on Thursday.
The woman is aged 69 years and is admitted to RML Hospital. Her son has a history of travel to Japan, Geneva and Italy. They are residents of West Delhi's Janakpuri.
Eight other members of their family were found to be asymptomatic.
Ghaziabad man is in isolation along with his father and his family.
17:01 March 12
Don't panic due to coronavirus, health ministry tells people
Delhi government shuts Schools, colleges and Cinema Halls till March 31
New Delhi:In the wake of COVID-19 outbreak in the country, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that all cinema halls in Delhi will be closed till March 31. All schools and colleges will also be closed till March end in the national capital.
16:45 March 12
Don't panic due to coronavirus, health ministry tells people
Don't panic due to coronavirus, health ministry tells people
New Delhi:The health ministry on Thursday asked people not to panic in the wake of increasing number of coronavirus cases in the country saying the focus is on preventive approach and there are adequate facilities available for testing.
It said there is no instance of any community transmission, adding there has been only local transmission.
In the wake of coronavirus being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation, ministry officials said coronavirus is difficult to isolate and developing a vaccine will take at least one-and-a-half to two years.
India's efforts to deal with coronavirus are in consonance with WHO and the focus is on preventive approach. Over 1,500 people are under observation for coming in contact with 73 positive cases of coronavirus, ministry officials said at a press conference.
Till now, 10.5 lakh people have been screened at 30 designated airports in India, said officials.
When questioned whether high temperature kills coronavirus, the officials said there is no study or evidence to suggest that.
They also said that the ICMR will start surveillance to examine whether any infected person has been left undetected.
(PTI REPORT)
16:38 March 12
Say No to Panic, Say Yes to Precautions: PM
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said there is no need to panic and urged people to all the precautions against COVID-19.
The Prime Minister also said, "I urge our countrymen to also avoid non-essential travel. We can break the chain of spread and ensure safety of all by avoiding large gatherings."
16:22 March 12
First COVID-19 case in AP as man who returned from Italy tests positive
Amaravati: A man who returned from Italy to Nellore last week tested positive for coronavirus, making it the first such case in Andhra Pradesh, the Medical and Health Department said here on Thursday.
The person developed dry cough and was admitted to the isolation ward in the government hospital at Nellore on his return from the European Nation on March 6.
"Tests on his blood samples at the virology lab in Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences in Tirupati confirmed positive for COVID-19," the Health department said in a release.
"The patient is stable and all his vitals are normal and he has recovered from the symptoms.He is keeping good health and will be discharged after 14-days on retesting the sample," it said.
Five other people whom the patient came in contact with on return from Italy have been identified and were brought under hospital quarantine as per protocol, the release
added.
(PTI REPORT)
16:21 March 12
11 people tested positive for coronavirus in UP, says state Health Minister JP Singh
11 people tested positive for coronavirus in UP, says state Health Minister JP Singh
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Jai Pratap Singh on Thursday said that 11 people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state and that they have been kept in isolation.
"About 800 doctors have been trained. Through video conferences, we are tracking all developments. 11 people have tested positive in Uttar Pradesh. The latest was found in Gomti Nagar (Lucknow). They have been kept in isolation," said the Minister here.
The total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases across India, including foreign nationals, has gone up to 73. Out of these 73 people, 56 are Indian citizens. With 17 coronavirus positive cases, the maximum number of cases in the country has been reported from Kerala.
Maharashtra reported 11 cases while in Uttar Pradesh there were 10 positive cases including a foreigner, according to the latest data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The government has taken several steps to contain the virus, including suspension of all visas to India till April 15, after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
People can avoid catching the virus by taking simple precautions such as washing hands with soap, using hand sanitisers, maintaining good respiratory hygiene and maintaining a distance of at least 3 feet from anyone who is coughing and sneezing.
(ANI REPORT)
15:42 March 12
COVID-19: India on high alert, total positive cases rise to 74
India reports 73 positive cases
New Delhi:Union health ministry said on Thursday, with fresh cases reported from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Ladakh, the number of people who are COVID-19 positive has gone up to 73.
A total of 10,57,506 passengers have been screened at airports, the ministry said. Out of the 73 confirmed cases (17 of them foreign nationals) in the country, Kerala has the maximum number of positive cases for novel coronavirus at 17.
Uttar Pradesh reported 10 cases while the Union Territory of Ladakh reported 3 while Maharashtra reported 11 cases till Thursday.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in Lok Sabha today said that as per available information there are about 6000 Indian nationals in various provinces of Iran, including 1100 pilgrims mainly from Ladakh, J-K and Maharashtra, nearly 300 students primarily from J-K and the government is taking all steps to ensure their earliest possible return.
Earlier on Wednesday, WHO declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic and expressed deep concern both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction.
As on Thursday according to estimates compiled by the John Hopkins University, there has been over 1,21,564 positive cases of novel coronavirus globally with the over 4000 deaths due to the virus.
India has taken several steps to contain the virus, including suspension of all visas to India till April 15, after the WHO declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.
(ANI REPORT)
Last Updated : Mar 13, 2020, 6:05 AM IST