As a part of preventive measures against spread of COVID-19, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi has suspended all the Academic, Co-curricular and Extra-curricular activities. Students pursuing B. Tech, Dual Degree, M. Sc., DIIT, M. Tech., M. Des., and MBA degrees, as well as the first-year Ph.D. students, have been asked to leave the hostel by March 15, 2020 midnight and it is expected that they go straight to their home.
COVID-19: India reports second coronavirus death; several states in shutdown mode
Representational Image
05:25 March 14
IIT Delhi suspends all academic, Co-curricular activities
00:56 March 14
Indian Railways on Friday issued a statement saying, "As per Advisory of MHA, operation of existing Indo-Bangladesh cross-border passenger trains (i.e. Maitree Express, Bandhan Express) and passenger buses shall remain suspended from March 15 to April 15, 2020, or till further orders whichever is earlier.
00:45 March 14
Man who tested positive for COVID-19 in Telangana discharged
Man who tested positive for COVID-19 in Telangana discharged
The lone COVID-19 male patient in Telangana was discharged from a state-run hospital on Friday after his full recovery, Telangana Health Minister E Rajender said
The minister, while stating this in a release, said there is no coronavirus positive case in the state at present.
The man, a 24-year-old techie working in Bengaluru, has been advised 14 days home quarantine, sources at the state-run Gandhi hospital, where he had been admitted, said.
After treatment, he tested negative for the virus twice, they said.
The techie tested positive for the virus earlier this month and he had been undergoing treatment at the Gandhi hospital since then.
The man was suspected to have contracted the virus while in Dubai last month on work.
From Dubai, he returned to Bengaluru, from where he came to Hyderabad in a bus, the minister had said.
He took treatment at a private hospital in the city after developing fever and other symptoms associated with the virus and when these did not subside, came to Gandhi hospital.
00:31 March 14
Directorate of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh has directed all schools and colleges not to hold functions and conferences to avoid gathering, in wake of Coronavirus.
22:28 March 13
Second death due to Coronavirus reported in Delhi
Second death due to Coronavirus reported in Delhi
A 68-year-old woman in Delhi became the country's second victim of coronavirus on Friday as several states went into battle mode to contain the spread of COVID-19, shutting down schools, theatres and colleges, and many public events, including the IPL, were postponed.
The Union Health ministry put the number of positive cases at 82, eight more since Thursday night, which includes the woman and a 76-year-old man from Karnataka who became the country's first coronavirus fatality besides 17 foreign nationals, Health Ministry officials said.
Health Ministry and Delhi government officials said the woman came in contact with her son, the fifth case of coronavirus in the national capital, with a history travel history to Switzerland and Italy between February 5 and 22.
Her death was caused due to co-morbidity (diabetes and hypertension), they said, adding she had tested positive for COVID-19.
The woman was admitted in Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, officials said.
22:23 March 13
One more positive case in Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir NHM Director Bhupinder Kumar said that a fresh positive case of Coronavirus has emerged from Jammu. The patient is a close contact of the first confirmed case in Jammu and Kashmir.
22:18 March 13
Maha govt orders closure of theatres, gyms, malls
Maha govt orders closure of theatres, gyms, malls
In a drastic step to curb the spread of coronavirus, the Maharashtra government ordered closure of cinema halls, gyms, swimming pools and malls in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur cities from Friday midnight.
Making the announcement in the state Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said the government was invoking the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897 from midnight.
Wherever possible, companies should allow employees to work from home in view of coronavirus threat, he said.
Thackeray announced that schools in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad areas will remain shut till further orders.
However, the SSC exams in those schools will continue as per schedule, he said.
He also informed the House that so far, 17 persons have tested positive for coronavirus in the state- three each in Mumbai and Nagpur, 10 in Pune and one in Thane.
The chief minister also appealed to the people to avoid visiting malls.
20:08 March 13
MHA suspends all passenger movements through all the immigration land check posts
Ministry of Home Affairs has suspended all passenger movements through all the immigration land check posts at borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar will be suspended from 15th March till further orders except those listed.
19:58 March 13
Tamil Nadu government suspended classes of primary schools
With the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Tamil Nadu government has suspended classes till 5th standard till further orders.
19:21 March 13
Coronavirus: All classes, exams at IIT-Kanpur suspended till March 29
With the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur has decided to suspend all classes and exams as a precautionary measure till March 29, its director Abhay Karandikar said here on Friday.
The mid-semester recess will be extended till March 29, Karandikar added.
Classes were scheduled to begin from March 16.
All the students who have gone home and are planning to return to the campus in the next few days are advised not to return to the campus till The students who have already returned to the campus are strongly advised to visit a nearby health centre, he said.
The campus residents who are returning from vacation are also strongly advised to contact the health centre.
The students, who are staying on the campus, have been advised to stay inside the premises and avoid any travel outside until further instructions, he added.
(PTI REPORT)
19:09 March 13
Two more patient tested positive for COVID-19 in Kerala, toll rises to 22
Two more person was confirmed to have contracted the Coronavirus in Kerala on Friday, taking the number of Covid-19 cases in the state to 22.
Currently, 19 patients are under isolation in the state.
17:31 March 13
AI to bring back Indians from Milan
AI to bring back Indians from Milan
Rubina Ali, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation said that the Air India would be taking flight to Milan (Italy) to bring back Indians stranded there. The flight would take off tomorrow afternoon and would be landing on Sunday morning at Delhi Airport.
(ANI REPORT)
17:29 March 13
Indo-Bangladesh passenger buses/trains to remain suspended till 15th April
Anil Malik, MHA said that Indo-Bangladesh passenger buses/trains to remain suspended till 15th April. Along Indo-Nepal border 4 check posts will remain operational. For Bhutan and Nepal nationals visa-free entry to continue.
He said that the Government has brought 42,296 passengers under community surveillance, out of which 2,559 were symptomatic and 522 hospitalized including 17 foreign nationals.
(ANI REPORT)
17:26 March 13
Total 81 COVID-19 cases in India
Total 81 COVID-19 cases in India
Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry said that Till now, there are 81 confirmed cases in India, out of which 64 are Indians, 16 Italians and 1 Canadian national Corona virus.
Health Ministry said that Contact tracing of these cases is being actively pursued. So far, this has led to identification of more than 4000 contacts who have been put under surveillance.
Luv Agarwal also said that 124 evacuees from Japan and 112 evacuees from China are being discharged from today onwards after having tested negative for Coronavirus in second round of test.
Health Ministry on invocation of Epidemic Act by the Centre he said that it is important to understand that it is not a health emergency. We are trying to support initiative taken by the state in terms of managing the situation. Coronavirus Pandemic.
(ANI REPORT)
17:10 March 13
Delhi HC has decided to postpone Delhi Higher Judicial Service (Mains) Examination-2019
Delhi High Court has decided to postpone the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (Mains) Examination-2019 to prevent & control Coronavirus Pandemic. The examinations were scheduled to be held on March 14 and March 15.
(ANI REPORT)
17:05 March 13
1 more positive in Pune, 2 in Nagpur; Maha count 17
One more person was confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus in Pune on Friday, taking the number of Covid-19 cases in the city to 10
and that in Maharashtra to 17.
The person who tested positive for the virus in Pune on Friday had travel history to the United States, said divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar.
Earlier in the morning, two more persons tested positive for the disease in Nagpur.
Two days after a 45-year-old man was found to be infected with coronavirus in Nagpur, his wife and friend also tested positive, Divisional Commissioner Sanjiv Kumar had said.
"The man had returned from the US last week along with his wife and the friend," he had informed.
There are now ten confirmed coronavirus patients in Pune, three each in Mumbai and Nagpur, and one in Thane.
(PTI REPORT)
16:57 March 13
Odisha shuts educational institutions, cinema halls till March 31
All educational institutions in Odisha have been ordered closed on Friday till March 31 over the coronavirus threat, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik
said on Friday, and earmarked Rs 200 crore to combat the disease.
He said cinema halls, public swimming pools and gyms will also be shut till the end of March.
The chief minister said the government has declared COVID-19 a 'disaster' though nobody has so far tested positive for the virus in the state.
"An amount of Rs 200 crore has been earmarked to augment the Public Health Response Fund to combat the threat of the pandemic and for making the required expenditure," Patnaik said in a statement in the state Assembly.
All educational institutions will remain closed in till March 31, though examinations will be held according to the schedule, Patnaik said, stressing that "social distancing" is the only effective way to prevent the spread of the disease.
"All of us should ruthlessly practice social distancing," he said.
Patnaik said the state Cabinet met on Friday morning and declared COVID-19 a 'disaster' under the provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to adequately empower public officials to check the spread of the disease.
A total of 17 blood and swab samples collected from those admitted to hospitals on suspicion of coronavirus infection so far have tested negative, health officials said.
Patnaik referred to the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic to emphasise the seriousness of the situation.
"We must remain calm but not complacent...We must remain prepared, but not panic," the chief minister said.
He said non-essential official gatherings such as seminars, workshops, and conferences will be cancelled. Social gatherings and assemblies like religious congregations, wedding receptions and parties will be regulated by local authorities, he said.
He said the health and family welfare department and its directorates, the collectors and the municipal commissioners have been authorised to make emergency purchase of necessary medicines, consumables and equipment.
Being confined to home, restricted social interaction and avoiding public gatherings will decrease the vulnerability to the disease to a great extent, Patnaik said.
He said officers of the state government have been authorised to impose restrictions on public gatherings by invoking powers under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
An empowered group of ministers has been constituted and a committee of secretaries headed by the chief secretary will be set up to evaluate the emerging situation and take necessary steps for preventing and containing the spread of the disease, Patnaik said.
The COVID-19 Odisha Regulations, 2020, have been approved, he said.
"We are faced with a threat that does not discriminate between developed and under developed countries, democratic and non-democratic countries. Rich and poor societies are equally vulnerable," Patnaik said.
The virus has not spared anyone. The UK's health minister, senators in the US, big movie stars and sportspersons have been stricken, he said, adding that this extraordinary circumstance calls for extraordinary response.
He said no individual or government alone can handle the situation.
"The experience of China, Singapore and Italy has given us a learning on what to do and what not to do. I must confess the entire world is on a learning curve about handling this disaster," the chief minister said.
He said the state will promote sanitation on a mission mode. "My personal appeal to you is that this is an opportunity for Odias to stop spitting in public. I urge the members of this august House to take personal care of themselves and also provide inspiring leadership in your constituencies," Patnaik said.
He also warned of strict action against those spreading rumours and misinformation about the disease.
(PTI REPORT)
16:56 March 13
Odisha Assembly adjourned till March 29; members of opposition BJP protested
Odisha Assembly adjourned till March 29; members of opposition BJP protest against speaker's decision.
16:55 March 13
Delhi Lieutenant Governor issues 'Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020'
Delhi Lieutenant Governor issues 'Delhi Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020' on Friday which aims at containing Coronavirus spread.
It reads, "Action will be taken against any suspect/confirmed case if they refuse to take measures for prevention/treatment".
16:52 March 13
Madhya Pradesh government announces closer of all schools until further order
Madhya Pradesh government said that the classes in govt & private schools to remain suspended until further order in the state in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic. Examinations of Class 5, Class 8, Class 10 & Class 12 (of all boards) to take place as per schedule.
16:38 March 13
One more COVID-19 positive case in Pune, toll rises 10
Pune Divisional Commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar informed that one more person found positive for COVID-19 in Pune today. The person has travel history to the US. The total number of positive cases in city reaches 10.
16:26 March 13
JNU suspends classes till March 31
The Jawaharlal Nehru University on Friday ordered suspension of classes with immediate effect till March 31 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
However, routine office work will remain unaffected, the university said as it directed all officers, faculty members and staff to be present for duty.
"In view of the situation arising out of coronavirus (COVID-19), it is hereby notified that all lectures, class presentations and examinations at JNU are suspended until March 31 with immediate effect," the varsity's Registrar Pramod Kumar said.
Conducting any event such as seminars/conferences/workshops in the campus during this period that require gathering of people should be postponed, he said.
"Basic mess facilities will be available to the hostel residents during this period," he added.
After JNU, the Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday also suspended classes with immediate effect till March 31 and advised students to avoid large gatherings in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
On Thursday, amid rising coronavirus cases, the Delhi University had suspended classes and cancelled all functions in view of coronavirus threat.
16:20 March 13
7 coronavirus suspects missing in Punjab
At a time when stateS are announcing measure to contain the spread of coronavirus cases, at least seven COVID 19 suspects have gone missing in Punjab. As per initial reports, all seven have gone missing in Ludhiana.
16:14 March 13
Haryana govt shuts all universities, colleges till March 31
The Haryana government on Friday shut all universities and colleges in the state till March 31, a day after it declared coronavirus an epidemic.
The government also decided to close schools in five districts -- Gurugram, Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Faridabad till March 31, officials said.
However, school students in these districts will take their exams as per schedule, according to a school education department order.
According to an advisory issued by the Panchkula based Director General of Higher Education, "The state government has decided that all universities and colleges situated in Haryana state will be closed till March 31 as a precautionary measure."
The department of school education Haryana, meanwhile, in its order stated, "All the government as well as private schools situated in Sonepat, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Faridabad and Gurugram districts will remain closed till March 31 with immediate effect, except for holding examinations."
"The students will attend the school only to take the board exams, annual exams and assessment exams, March 2020 as per previous schedule. However, all the teaching and non-teaching staff members will attend the school as usual," it said, adding that schools in remaining districts shall function as per normal schedule.
The state government had on Thursday declared the coronavirus an epidemic and health minister Anil Vij had advised people to avoid large gatherings.
16:10 March 13
Man tests positive at Army's Manesar quarantine facility
A man who returned from Italy this week and was lodged at the Army's quarantine facility in Manesar, Haryana has tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease, Army sources said on Friday.
According to the medical protocol, he has been shifted to an isolation facility at the Safdarjung Hospital here for further medical examination and recovery.
"One individual (male) who had returned from Italy on March 11 has been tested positive. The individual was employed in one of the restaurants in Italy since last 14 years," sources said.
The man was among the 83 people who returned from Italy on Wednesday. The group was moved to the Army's quarantine facility at Manesar.
(PTI REPORT)
15:55 March 13
Bihar announces closure of all schools, colleges and coaching institutes till March 31
Coronavirus scare: Bihar govt orders closure of schools, colleges till March 31
The Bihar government on Friday announced closure of all schools, colleges, coaching institutes, zoos and public parks till March 31 as a precautionary measure against coronavirus pandemic.
An announcement to this effect was made here by Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar shortly after a high-level meeting to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the disease in the state was chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
The Chief Minister, however, made it clear that candidates appearing for their CBSE exams will be allowed to do so and that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure that those venturing out in public places do not catch the contagion.
According to the state health department, 52 people with symptoms associated with COVID 19 have so far been tested but none was found positive for coronavirus.
(PTI REPORT)
15:52 March 13
Karnataka announces lock-down of malls, cinema theatres, pubs and night clubs
A day after the country's first coronavirus death was reported from Kalaburagi in Karnataka, the state government on Friday swung into action
announcing lock-down of malls, cinema theatres, pubs and night clubs for a week.
Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa also issued instructions to stop all kinds of exhibitions, summer camps, conferences, marriage events and birthday parties state-wide for a week.
"We will close all universities for a week in the entire state", he told reporters. Yediyurappa said the measures were taken in public interest and sought their cooperation.
The Chief Minister said the decision has been arrived at after discussion with medical experts and officials.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also said that the Leaves of all government doctors and health officials have been cancelled.
On reviewing the situation after a week, the next course of action would be decided, he said.
In its bulletin regarding COVID-19, the state government said six samples were found positive for coronavirus, including the death of a 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi.
(PTI REPORT)
15:45 March 13
2 more test positive in Nagpur, Maha count now 16
Two more persons tested positive for coronavirus in Nagpur, taking the number of such cases to 16 in Maharashtra on Friday, officials said.
Two days after a 45-year-old man was found to be infected with coronavirus in Nagpur, his wife and friend also tested positive on Friday, Divisional Commissioner Sanjiv Kumar said.
"The man had returned from the US last week along with his wife and the friend," he added. He was admitted to the city-based Indira Gandhi
Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH), officials said.
"After he tested positive for coronavirus, 15 persons who were in close contact with him, including his wife and the friend, were put under observation and their samples were sent to lab testing," they said.
"His wife and friend, who have now tested positive, are being treated at the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here," they added.
There are now nine confirmed coronavirus patients in Pune, three each in Mumbai and Nagpur and one in Thane.
(PTI REPORT)
15:40 March 13
Coronavirus: Health staff to work on holidays, leave cancelled
The Karnataka government on Friday asked doctors and other health staff to work on public holidays also till the spread of coronavirus is contained.
Accordingly, starting from tomorrow -- a second Saturday -- and Sunday followed by all public holidays subsequently, they have been asked discharge their duties.
The government issued a circular stating that certain emergency measures are being taken to control the spread of coronavirus is some parts of the State.
To manage things in a result-oriented manner, doctors, office personnel, paramedical staff and other permanent and contract employees in hospitals coming under the Health
Department have been instructed to work on all public
holidays.
"Till the situation improves, office heads have been instructed not to grant any holiday for doctors, officers/staff. Those who are already on leave should be instructed to return to work," the circular read.
(PTI REPORT)
15:24 March 13
Second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims arrived from Iran: Jaishankar
Second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims has arrived from Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said.
An Iran Air flight carrying Indian pilgrims stranded in coronavirus-hit Iran landed at the airport in Mumbai on Friday afternoon, an official said.
Iran is one of the worst-affected countries by the coronavirus outbreak and the government has been working on plans to bring back the Indians stranded there.
"Second batch of 44 Indian pilgrims has arrived today from #Iran. Our efforts to bring back the others continue. @India_in_Iran and our medical team - keep up the good work. Appreciate the support of Iranian authorities and their airlines," Jaishankar said in a tweet.
15:23 March 13
AP to implement Epidemic Diseases Act to contain coronavirus
The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday decided to implement the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, as a precautionary measure to curb the possible spread of the novel coronavirus.
The decision follows a directive from the Union Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to all states to invoke the provisions of the Act.
State Special Chief Secretary (Health) K S Jawahar Reddy told a press conference here that action would be taken as per Section 2 of the Act against those who did not follow the safety precautions suggested by the government to contain coronavirus.
15:22 March 13
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday appealed to people to take precautions to prevent coronavirus from spreading.
Issuing a video appeal to people on Twitter, Priyanka Gandhi said everyone will have to remain "very careful and vigilant" as the novel coronavirus has been declared a pandemic by the WHO.
13:57 March 13
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a meeting over Coronavirus Pandemic at Lok Bhawan today.
13:53 March 13
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath chaired a meeting on COVID-19 today.
Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Principal Secretary (Health Department), and other officials attended the meeting.
13:52 March 13
Jamia Millia suspends classes till March 31
After JNU, the Jamia Millia Islamia on Friday suspended classes with immediate effect till March 31 and advised students to avoid large gathering in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
The varsity has also decided to close all schools run by it till March 31 but the Board examinations will continue as per the schedule.
Earlier in the day, the Jawaharlal Nehru University suspended all classes with immediate effect till March 31.
13:48 March 13
As a preventive measure to counter coronavirus, Heritage Museum at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus will remain closed for public viewing for the month of March 2020.
13:48 March 13
Odisha Assembly suspended till March 29th after Covid-19 declared a state disaster in Odisha.
13:45 March 13
SAARC leadership could chalk out strong strategy to fight coronavirus: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed that the leadership of SAARC nations could chalk out a joint strategy to fight coronavirus and set an example for the world.
He said the SAARC leadership can discuss via video conferencing ways to keep their citizens healthy.
"Our planet is battling the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. At various levels, governments and people are trying their best to combat it," Modi said on Twitter.
South Asia, which is home to a significant number of the global population, should leave no stone unturned to ensure that the people are healthy, he said.
"I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy," he said.
"Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet," Modi said. The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is A regional intergovernmental organization that comprises Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
They were advised not to have close contact with other family members, allow any visitors, go out to public places.
13:44 March 13
13:44 March 13
COVID-19 test results on 7 with suspected symptoms awaited
Health authorities in Andhra Pradesh were waiting for the results of the tests of seven people with suspected symptoms of coronavirus while the lone patient who was tested positive on Thursday was undergoing treatment at a hospital in Nellore.
A youth, who recently returned from Italy, tested positive in the preliminary test conducted at the virology lab at the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Science (SVIMS) in Tirupathi. This is the first coronavirus case reported in the state.
The youth who returned to Nellore from Italy on March 6 approached the government-run hospital with suspected symptoms of COVID-19.
Doctors said the youth's condition was stable and his vitals were normal. The authorities brought five contacts of the youth to the hospital and quarantined them. Their samples were sent for COVID-19 test.
The department of medical and health said they were also trying to trace 102 passengers who arrived from abroad during last few days.
The department has asked all those who arrived from the coronavirus-affected countries to remain under strict home isolation for 28 days from the date of arrival in India, irrespective of whether they have the symptoms or not.
They were advised not to have close contact with other family members, allow any visitors, go out to public places.
"If symptoms like cough, fever, difficulty in breathing are developed, put on a mask and contact the nearest government health facility by availing free transport through dedicated 108 ambulance or call the 24X7 Control room 0866-2410978," the department said.
According to officials, 331 people were under observation, 12 of them in hospitals.
Out of 55 samples tested, one tested positive and 47 negative. Results are awaited for seven patients.
13:43 March 13
Goa govt to set up viral testing lab
In the wake of coronavirus outbreak, the Goa government is in the process of setting up its own viral testing lab, for prompt testing of samples drawn from suspect patients, state Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Friday.
"I have moved a file to the Secretary Health to set up our own viral testing lab at the GMC on top priority," Rane tweeted on Friday.
The state Directorate of Health Services currently sends samples to the National Institute of Virology in Pune for testing, a process which takes around three days owing to the facility's distance from the coastal state. The lab once set up in Goa, would ensure prompt testing and disposal of samples.
Rane also said that additional steps had been taken to supervise isolation wards set up to quarantine suspect coronavirus cases.
"We have decided to have 24x7 consultants along with junior residents and interns to assist teams wherever we have isolated wards specifically at the Goa Medical College. We shall also be increasing the number of beds in the isolation ward," Rane said.
While no positive cases of coronavirus have been detected in Goa, currently three persons are admitted in the isolation wards set up by the health department in the state.
13:39 March 13
Union Minister and Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal said: "Parliament session should also be curtailed, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The government should give it a thought."
12:49 March 13
Addressing media, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said: "We have issued advisories to all hotels regarding safety measures to be taken while allowing foreign tourists in hotels. All schools have been closed until March 31. Do not fear as no case of Coronavirus has been reported here."
12:41 March 13
Shut malls, theatres to prevent coronavirus spread, Sudha Murty tells Karnataka government
Chairperson of Infosys Foundation, Sudha Murty has urged the Karnataka government to take steps to shut malls and theatres, saying the coronavirus multiplies in air-conditioned areas.
In a letter to the government, she said preventive measures should be taken to control the spread of coronovirus before it gets worse.
Murty, who also leads the State government-constituted Karnataka Tourism Task Force, said she has discussed the current situation with Chairman and Executive Director of Narayana Health, Devi Prasad Shetty.
She suggested closure of all schools and colleges with immediate effect, malls, theatres and "all air-conditioned areas where the virus multiplies", and allow only essential services like pharmacy, grocery and petrol bunks.
12:39 March 13
Coronavirus: Goa govt to issue circular to hotels, industries
Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Friday said the government will issue a circular asking hotels and industries to take preventive measures in
the wake of the coronavirus scare.
No positive case of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported so far in Goa, which receives a large number of tourists, including those from abroad, every year.
Speaking to reporters here, Rane said the circular to be issued to hotels and industries will be on the lines of the directives given by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to prevent spread of the viral infection.
12:31 March 13
Expressing concern over Coronvirus consequences, BJP MP Hema Malini said: "Everybody should be careful and secure themselves and not travel overseas. It is good that visas have been cancelled. I have seen people joking about it on WhatsApp, like 'corona, marona', it should not be taken lightly."
12:31 March 13
Jawaharlal Nehru University Registrar said: "All lectures, class presentations and examinations at JNU are suspended till 31st March. Conducting any event, such as seminars, conferences and workshops, in the campus during this period should be postponed. All lectures, class presentations and examinations at JNU are suspended till 31st March. Conducting any event, such as seminars, conferences and workshops, in the campus during this period should be postponed."
12:21 March 13
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said: "All educational institutions shall remain closed till 31st March except for holding examinations. Cinema halls, swimming pools, and gyms are also to be closed till 31st March."
12:19 March 13
BJP leader Maneka Gandhi said: "I received many complaints against some govt health depts that they have issued advisories over Coronavirus advising people to not touch animals. This virus can not transmit through animals nor they can have it. I appeal to these depts to not spread lies."
12:19 March 13
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee: "Don't shake hands until the CoronaVirus goes. It's a human to human contact thing, not human to animals. Do namaste."
12:11 March 13
India reports 75 coronavirus cases: Health ministry
The number of coronavirus patients in the country is 75, including the death of a 76-year-old man in Karnataka, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
The man from Kalaburagi had recently returned from Saudi Arabia.
"His sample has been confirmed for #COVID19", Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu said on Thursday.
Delhi has reported six positive cases and Uttar Pradesh 10 so far. Karnataka has five coronavirus patients, Maharashtra 11 and Ladakh three.
Besides, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab have reported one case each. Kerala has recorded 17 cases, including three patients who were discharged last month after they recovered from the contagious infection with flu-like symptoms.
The total number of 75 confirmed cases includes 17 foreigners -- 16 Italian tourists and a Canadian, the ministry officials said.
12:08 March 13
Coronavirus: CRPF collects jawan's sample deployed in Chhattisgarh
The CRPF has collected the medical test sample of a jawan deployed in Chhattisgarh to check against coronavirus after he reported high fever and cough, officials said on Friday.
They said the trooper, part of a battalion deployed for anti-Naxal operations in the state, had reported to his unit on March 10 after coming from his hometown in Kerala's Kottayam district.
The jawan, they said, is suspected to have visited a hospital in Kerala where some people were kept under isolation.
The jawan was initially attended by CRPF doctors as he was suffering from high fever and cough.
He has now been kept in an isolation ward at his camp in Chhattisgarh and his samples have been taken and sent to Mumbai for confirmation, they said.
The 3.25 lakh personnel strong Central Reserve Police Force has deployed around 25,000 personnel of over 25 battalions to conduct anti-Maoist operations in the central Indian state.
India reported its first death due to coronavirus on Thursday as the number of positive cases soared to 75.
11:59 March 13
Noida firm employee tests positive for COVID-19
A Delhi resident working in Uttar Pradesh's Noida has tested positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Chief Medical Officer said on Friday.
Gautam Buddha Nagar CMO Anurag Bhargav told media, "Yes an employee of the Noida firm has tested positive for COVID-19."
He said the person has been sent for quarantine and all the employees of the company has also been put under isolation. A total of 707 people worked in that Noida company.
11:54 March 13
Kerala Assembly session curtailed till Friday
Amid the coronavirus scare across the country, the 19th session of the Kerala Assembly has been curtailed.
The session will end today after finishing the listed business.
It was originally slated to end on April 8. The state is on high alert on account of the coronavirus cases reported in the country.
11:53 March 13
Letter to HC for urgent measures to contain, prevent spread of coronavirus in Delhi courts
A letter petition has been sent to the Delhi High Court seeking urgent measures to contain or prevent the spread of coronavirus on its premises and all the district courts in the national capital.
The letter, by an advocate, said the COVID-19 virus is highly contagious and has the capacity to infect more than one person at a time with no vaccine available. If it spreads to the courts then "justice system for the common man would go out of bounds in actual".
"That further, as understood, prevention is the best cure available before the virus contracts an individual and post contraction thereof, isolation/quarantine under medical supervision is the only hope," the letter by advocate Mohit Kumar Gupta states.
Some of the preventive measures suggested in the letter, addressed to Registrar General of the High Court, include a complete embargo on litigants' entry into courts except in special circumstances, restricted entry into court premises and lawyers chambers, easy availability of hand sanitisers and use of masks by security and court staff.
Gupta also urged the court to order the constitution of a team of medical/health care experts from AIIMS and/or other medical institutions located in Delhi, "to undertake pre-assessment of prevailing conditions in court premises, suggest preventive measures and undertake remedial measures, if any".
The lawyer has also suggested appointment of nodal officers to "assist and undertake evacuation measures" in case of virus detection as well as installation of devices like infrared thermal scanners at entry/exit points of the court.
It has also sought directions, to the Delhi government to notify preventive apparatus/items, like N95/R95 face masks and alcohol based hand sanitisers as essential commodities under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to ensure their free and fair availability and distribution, to the public at large.
11:13 March 13
Coronavirus: Italian couple, Thai national in isolation ward at Kolkata hospital
An Italian couple and a Thai national have been admitted to an isolation ward of a government hospital here with symptoms of novel coronavirus, an official of the health department said on Friday.
Two more people are also under observation at the isolation ward of the Beliaghata ID Hospital, taking the total number of patients admitted with symptoms of novel coronavirus at the facility to five, he said.
The Italian couple, in their mid 30s, came to India on March 5 and arrived in Kolkata recently, the official said, adding their blood and swab samples have been collected and sent for tests.
Two other foreigners -- one from Malaysia and another from Australia -- who were visiting ISKCON in Mayapur have been admitted to a medical facility run by the organisation.
"These two persons had visited ISKCON, Mayapur for the Gour Poornima festival and they complained of fever following which they have been admitted to the hospital run by ISKCON. We are keeping an eye on the situation," the official said.
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, the Purba Burdwan administration has asked three Italians, who have been in the district to organise a programme on women empowerment, to leave the area.
"We have asked them to leave because they have come from Italy where the coronavirus outbreak is severe. We have also found that they have violated the 14-day self-quarantine period after arriving in India on February 28.
"We have not allowed them to hold their programme since it involves a mass gathering," the official of the district administration said.
11:12 March 13
Plea in Delhi HC for judicial intervention to deal with coronavirus outbreak
A plea was moved in the Delhi High Court on Friday seeking its "intervention" to deal with the deadly coronavirus outbreak.
The petition was mentioned before a bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice C Hari Shankar that allowed it to be listed on March 16.
"We seek intervention of the courts regarding coronavirus outbreak," the lawyer, who mentioned the plea, said to the bench.
11:10 March 13
Coronavirus: Delhi govt shuts all swimming pools in national capital
The Delhi government has ordered the shutting of all public swimming pools in the city with immediate effect till March 31 in wake of coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Friday.
The health department of the Delhi government had issued an order in this regard on Thursday, the official said, adding swimming pools of all hotels and other entities, where people use the facilities, will be closed.
On Thursday, the Delhi government had declared coronavirus an epidemic and shut all cinema halls, schools and colleges, except those where exams are on, till March 31.
Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also issued an order, saying, "All educational institutions -- schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, universities and private coaching and tuition centres -- will remain closed till March 31, except for holding examinations."
11:06 March 13
Rahul Gandhi slams government over coronavirus
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed government response to coronavirus, says ignoring problem is non- solution.
Taking to Twitter, Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "I will keep repeating this. The #coronavirus is a huge problem. Ignoring the problem is a non solution. The Indian economy will be destroyed if strong action is not taken. The government is in a stupor."
11:01 March 13
Coronavirus: Locals hail Delhi govt's move to close schools, colleges, theatres
Amid Novel Coronavirus situation in the country, locals are taking precautionary measures in Delhi.
Delhi Government decided to close down schools, colleges and movie theatres till March 31 as a precautionary measure.
Speaking to media, a Delhi resident said, "Indian Govt has taken a positive move towards preventing coronavirus."
Another local said, "Government took positive step to close schools, colleges and cinema hall till March 31."
10:37 March 13
No passenger on Dubai-Pune flight visited 'high-risk' nations
None of the passengers who arrived here by a Dubai-Pune flight on Friday have travelled to any of the seven "high-risk" coronavirus-hit countries in the last few weeks, an official said.
More than 125 passengers were on-board the flight operated by SpiceJet.
The "high-risk nations", which have reported a large number of positive cases of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19), are China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, France, Spain and Germany.
The district administration had on Thursday announced that passengers of Dubai-Pune flights would be placed under "institutional quarantine", irrespective of whether they show any symptoms of the virus, if it is found they had visited any of the high-risk countries after February 15.
"The SpiceJet flight from Dubai arrived at the Pune International Airport with 129 passengers on board. On checking their travel history, we found that none of the passengers had travelled to the seven high-risks countries after February 15," the official said.
However, a woman passenger and her one-year-old baby, who had mild cough, have been quarantined at civic-run Naidu Hospital, he said.
"Except these two persons, no other passengers showed any symptoms. However, all passengers have been asked to remain under "house quarantine" and their health will be monitored for the next few days," the official said.
So far, nine Pune residents, including a couple who had returned from Dubai, have tested positive for coronavirus, whose symptoms include high fever, severe cough and shortness of breath.
10:36 March 13
All 112 Wuhan evacuees test negative for COVID-19
The 112 people who were evacuated from Wuhan in China and kept in quarantine at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) facility in Chhawla here have tested negative for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and they will start leaving the facility on Friday, officials said.
The ITBP officials said that all Wuhan returnees, including 36 foreign nationals have tested negative at the ITBP quarantine Facility after 14 days of quarantine.
According to the officials, Friday is the 16th day of their quarantine and they will start leaving the facility from 11 a.m. onwards.
He further said that Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai along with Director General of ITBP S.S. Deswal will meet the group at the facility.
India witnessed its first coronavirus death when Karnataka Health Minister B. Sriramulu on Thursday confirmed that a 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in the state's northern region died of Covid-19.
The Union Health Ministry has confirmed 76 coronavirus cases so far.
10:36 March 13
2 Punjab officer couples home quarantined
Two officer couples in Punjab have been self-isolating at home as a precaution to prevent the risk of spreading the coronavirus after returning recently from Italy and Switzerland, an official said on Friday.
They are Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sandeep Garg, who is the Senior Superintendent of Police of Sangrur, and his wife, Surbhi Malik, who is the Chief Administrator with Patiala Development Authority.
The another couple is Deputy Commissioner of Mohali, Girish Dyalan, and his IPS wife, Avneet Kondal, who is the Senior Superintendent of Police of Fatehgarh Sahib.
Both the couple has been quarantined for 14 days, said an official. They returned to India on March 3.
The state government issued an advisory on March 6 saying all officials who have gone on ex-India leave would be quarantined for 14 days on the return as a precaution.
09:50 March 13
COVID-19: India on high alert, total positive cases rise to 82
Google employee tests positive for COVID-19 in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Google said on Friday that an employee at its Bengaluru office has tested positive for the COVID-19 and the firm has directed all its employees in that office to work from home today as a precautionary measure.
"We can confirm that an employee from our Banglore office has been diagnosed with COVID-19. They were in one of our Bangalore offices for a few hours before developing any symptoms. The employee has been on quarantine since then," Google said in a statement.
The firm has asked colleagues who were in close contact with the employee to quarantine themselves and monitor their health.
Last Updated : Mar 14, 2020, 5:29 AM IST