One more positive case Of coronavirus detected In Gujarat
Another positive case of coronavirus has been detected in Gujarat.
A 21-year-old girl has been found to have the COVID-19 in Ahmedabad.
COVID-19: Fresh case of COVID-19 reported from Gujarat
Representational Image
05:00 March 20
04:59 March 20
Zila Panchayat elections in Goa postponed to March 24
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: Respecting the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'janta curfew', we have decided to postpone the Zila Panchayat elections from 22nd March to 24th March.
02:59 March 20
Meghalaya government imposes restriction on public transport, markets till March 21
The Meghalaya government has decided to impose restrictions on movement of public transport & to close all shops, markets and establishments with effect from midnight of 20th March till midnight of 21st March, throughout the state.
02:57 March 20
Tourists and devotees banned in Puri's Jagannath Temple till April 1
Entry of tourists and devotees to Puri's Jagannath Temple has been restricted from tomorrow till 1st April 2020, in view of Coronavirus outbreak.
23:21 March 19
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Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020
DMRC issues COVID-19 advisory
Amid COVID-19, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday issued an advisory regarding random thermal scanning of passengers on the stations.
23:17 March 19
Three positive cases of COVID-19 reported from Maharashtra
Three fresh positive cases of Nobel Coronavirus emerged in Maharashtra, leads the total case to 48 in the state. A 51-yr-old man with a travel history to Dubai has tested positive.
However, his wife has tested negative for Coronavirus.
23:16 March 19
Four more test corona-positive in UP, number rises to 19'
Four more persons have tested positive for the coronavirus affliction, taking the total number of people confirmed corona cases in Uttar Pradesh to 19, a senior official said on Thursday.
The freshly confirmed corona-positive cases included two in Lucknow and one each in Noida and Lakhimpur, said Dr Vikasendu Agrawal, the state surveillance officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
23:16 March 19
Gujarat govt cancels recruitment exams
In a proactive measure to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Gujarat, the government on Thursday decided to cancel all recruitment exams scheduled to be held til l March 31 and suspend state bus services to Maharashtra.
Now, these tests will be conducted after April 20, said a government release.
23:15 March 19
Mathura man tests negative for coronavirus
The man who was suspected of suffering from coronavirus and had left a Mathura hospital without informing the authorities was tested negative for the infection on Thursday, an official said.
His sample was sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for testing.
23:15 March 19
Kashmir SSP goes into isolation as mother-in-law contracts COVID-19
A senior superintendent of police in Kashmir on Thursday went into isolation after his mother-in-law was tested positive for coronavirus, with several of his colleagues and bureaucrats hailing the move.
Imtiaz Ismail Parray, whose mother-in-law from Srinagar city, became the first positive case of coronavirus in the Valley on Wednesday, said although he had no direct contact with her after her return from Saudi Arabia, he was still going into isolation and urged people to leave nothing to chance.
23:06 March 19
Total number of coronavirus cases in national capital rises to 14: Delhi health department
The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Thursday rose to 14, according to the Delhi Health Department.
The four new cases include, two people from West Bengal, who had returned from Italy, and were quarantined at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Chhawala facility.
23:02 March 19
Second positive case od COVID-19 reported from Odisha
The second confirmed case of Coronavirus emerges from Odisha's Bhubneshwar on Thursday. The man has a travel history to a COVID-19 affected country.
23:01 March 19
Vistara airline temporarily suspends international flight operations from March 23
Vistara on Thursday temporarily suspended its international flight operations from March 23 to April 15 in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a previous advisory issued on Wednesday, the airline suspended its international operations from March 20-31. However, in a revised advisory today, the airline extended the suspension of its international flight operations up to April 15.
The advisory also stated that the airline will operate seven international flights between March 20-22 to/from Kathmandu (Nepal) and Singapore, in the interest of customer convenience.
22:54 March 19
One more positive case of COVID-19 emerges from Telangana
The number of Covid-19 cases in Telangana rose to 16 on Thursday with a person who recently returned from Dubai testing positive for the virus.
According to the state Health Department, the man had travelled from Dubai to Hyderabad on March 14 and developed symptoms of Covid-19 on March 17. His contacts were traced and put under home quarantine. The authorities were waiting for details of other passengers on the flight.
22:35 March 19
Jai Ram Thakur
Himachal restricts entry of domestic, foreign tourists in state
The Himachal Pradesh government has banned entry of all domestic as well as foreign tourists into the state with immediate effect till further orders.
Invoking Clause 3 of HP Epidemic Disease Regulation, 2020, the decision has been taken in view of rising number of coronavirus patients in the neighbouring states.
22:27 March 19
17 passengers with home quarantine stamps deboarded from trains
Total 17 passengers with home quarantine stamps deboarded from Mumbai- NDLS Rajdhani Exp, Saurashtra Express and Kutch Express on Thursday. In addition to this one lady with a quarantine stamp was not allowed to board Avantika Express from Mumbai Central today.
21:30 March 19
Officials working in Governor Secretariat, now work from home
All government officials working in Governor Secretariat will now work from home from 20th March to 25th March in the wake of Coronavirus, Uttrakhand Joint Secretary to Governor Vikram Singh Yadav said on Thursday.
21:27 March 19
Two more positive cases of Coronavirus reported in Uttrakhand
Two trainees at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy have tested positive for Coronavirus, said Uttarakhand Additional Health Secretary, Yugal Kishore Pant on Thursday.
Both the trainees were part of a team that went to Spain and had recently returned.
21:18 March 19
2 new COVID-19 cases in Gurugram; total 4
The number of COVID-19 infected patients is rising in Gurugram with two new positive cases emerging on Thursday. With this, a total of four infected patients have been confirmed by the health department.
Amit Khatri, District Magistrate of Gurugram said that all infected patients are admitted in isolation wards of Delhi's Safdarjung and RML hospitals.
One patient belongs to Gurugram's sector 9A, another is from Palam Vihar and two persons (husband and wife) are residents of Nirvana Country, sector 50.
21:06 March 19
National parks shut; board exams postponed in MP
The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday announced the closure of all national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves in the light of the coronavirus
pandemic.
In a related development, the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) postponed the secondary and higher secondary school exams midway.
According to an official circular, the final exam papers, which were scheduled between March 20 and 31, have been postponed.
20:47 March 19
PM calls for Janta Curfew, urges people to stay indoors
PM calls for Janta Curfew, urges people to stay indoors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this.
He called for 'Janta curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of the house.
He also announced the formation of a COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to deal with the situation arising out of novel coronavirus outbreak.
20:28 March 19
Barpeta dist imposes prohibitory order to prevent COVID-19 outbreak
Stepping up measures against outbreak of novel Coronavirus, the Barpeta district administration on Thursday imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the entire district and banned assembly of more than five persons.
District Magistrate Munindra Sarma issued the order for implementing it with immediate effect to deal with the situation arising out of COVID-19.
20:22 March 19
Srinagar: Over 160 students returning from Bangladesh refuse to undergo isolation
Over 160 students, who were returning from Bangladesh amid coronavirus fear, allegedly refused to undergo isolation and created a ruckus at the airport, before they were brought under control and sent to a quarantine facility on Thursday, police said.
"Today, a few students arrived from Bangladesh at Srinagar International Airport. As per the directions of the Budgam district magistrate, these students were to be quarantined as precautionary measure vis-a-vis spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus)," a police official said.
20:19 March 19
Two persons recovered of coronavirus in Bengaluru
Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Thursday that two persons who were tested positive for coronavirus in Bengaluru have now recovered. The wife of the Dell techie and the techie from Google, have recovered, he said. They will be discharged on Friday.
20:12 March 19
19:45 March 19
30 home quarantined in West Bengal's Nadia
Thirty persons who recently returned to West Bengal's Nadia district from Ajmer in Rajasthan and other places were home quarantined on Thursday, officials said.
The 30 persons, hailing from various gram panchayat areas in Haringhata block, were placed under home isolation as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, BDO Krishna Gopal Dhara said.
19:39 March 19
First coronavirus cases detected in Gujarat; two infected
Two positive cases of the novel coronavirus have been found in Gujarat, said health department officials on Thursday. This is the first time that Gujarat has reported confirmed cases of the viral infection, joining a growing list of states affected by the infection
To stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state, the state government on Thursday decided to close Somnath and Dwarkadheesh temples for devotees
from March 20. The two world-famous temples receive thousands of devotees everyday.
19:35 March 19
Calcutta High Court issues order on Matua mela amid coronavirus scare
Amid the growing coronavirus scare, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered police authorities to ensure that Matua mela is not held in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas without necessary approvals.
Passing the order on a prayer seeking directive to disallow the fair, the court asked police to act in accordance with law.
19:18 March 19
One more positive case in Kerala, total numbers rise to 25
One more person from Kerala has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total cases to 25, as the LDF government on Thursday announced a Rs 20,000 crore special financial package to overcome the crisis being faced by the state following the virus outbreak.
Three people, who had tested positive, had been treated and discharged earlier.
A man hailing from Kasaragod district, who had returned from Dubai and was under observation, has tested positive for the virus on Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation.
Vijayan said 64 people were hospitalised today.
19:15 March 19
AMU postpones all exams scheduled till April 2
The Aligarh Muslim University on Thursday postponed all university examinations scheduled till April 2 in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
The university has advised students residing in hostels to not panic and take every precaution while travelling to their home.
"All examinations scheduled till April 2 have been postponed and fresh dates for these examinations will be announced later," AMU spokesperson Omar Peerzada said.
19:13 March 19
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru
Kempegowda International Airport officials have started 'home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru. The stamp indicates the last day of quarantine.
19:03 March 19
Restore 4G net services in J&K to fight coronavirus: Amnesty International
Amnesty International India (AII) on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately restore high-speed 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir to help people in preparing against the spread of coronavirus.
AII executive director Avinash Kumar, in a statement, said the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and to ensure its full communication to the people of J and K the Centre must urgently lift internet restrictions in the region and ensure real time preparedness of the people against the spread of the virus.
19:01 March 19
SSC postpones key recruitment exams
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on Thursday postponed its key recruitment examinations as a preventive measure to check the spread of novel coronavirus.
"As a precautionary measure, in view of the emergent situation due to COVID-19, it has been decided by the commission, in the larger public interest, to postpone the ongoing Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination (Tier-I), 2O19 with effect from March 20, 2020," it said in an order.
Similarly, the Junior Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Quantity Surveying and Contract) Examination (Paper-I) 2019, scheduled to commence from March 30, has also been postponed, the SSC said.
19:00 March 19
Tirupati Balaji temple to be shut for devotees;Malls, theatres closed in AP
The famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala near Tirupati and all other major temples will be out of bounds for devotees while malls
and cinema halls would be closed down in Andhra Pradesh till March 31 as part of measures to check spread of coronavirus, the state government announced on Thursday.
The restrictions would come into force from Friday.
18:54 March 19
Group B,C employees required to work on alternate basis
Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on Thursday has directed 50 percent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 percent of staff to work from home. Working hours of the employees should be altered.
18:21 March 19
Rajasthan BJP chief meets Jaishankar, seeks return of Indian students stuck abroad
Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rajendra Rathore on Thursday met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi and sought immediate return of Indian students stranded in several countries, including the Philippines, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Jaishankar assured that the government is monitoring the situation. Necessary guidelines have been given to the Indian embassies in this regard, the Rajasthan BJP leaders said in a statement.
18:17 March 19
Angered by delay, man slips out of UP hospital after giving samples for coronavirus test
Annoyed at the delay by health officials in taking his samples for novel coronavirus test, a 47-year-old man slipped out of a hospital in Mathura after giving his samples.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday, has panicked the medical college management and the health department. Officials are scrambling to reach him on the phone and request him to return.
18:11 March 19
Maha Yagna, prayers held to protect people from COVID-19
A maha yagna invoking Lord Shiva and prayers to protect the people from the coronavirus threat were conducted at the Lord Amirthkadeswaratemple here on Thursday.
A total of 108 priests performed the mrityunjaya homam and panchatcharahomam in the presence of the head of Dharmapuram Adheenam Mutt MasillamaniDesiga Paramacharya Swamigal.
As many as 96 varieties of medicinal herbs were used in the yagna.
18:10 March 19
Coronavirus lockdown: 16 booked for keeping shops open in Maharashtra
At least 16 shop owners in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad city faced police action on Thursday for defying the collector's orders to keep their
establishments closed in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The district collector had issued an order under the Epidemic Act directing all shops, barring those providing essential services, to remain shut.
18:09 March 19
Eight confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ladakh
There are eight confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ladakh and the coronavirus reached the Union Territory through pilgrims who returned from Iran, the Home Ministry said on Thursday.
A total of 58 people are quarantined in hospitals in Ladakh and 18 people, including positive cases, are in hospitals in isolation.
18:02 March 19
ICSE board exams postponed in view of coronavirus outbreak
In a last minute-decision, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) postponed class 10 and 12 examinations, which were to start from Thursday, in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
With the class 12 sociology exam scheduled to be held at 2 pm, the announcement was made at 10 am.
17:59 March 19
Coronavirus: Village school conducts classes on WhatsApp
Coronavirus may have led to the closure of schools and colleges in Maharashtra, but technology and social media apps have come to the rescue of
students. A zilla parishad school at Bangalwadi in Osmanabad district is using WhatsApp to run its routine classes.
17:59 March 19
Man fleeing Kerala quarantine centre nabbed from Assam-bound train
A man suspected to be infected with coronavirus was nabbed from a Silchar-bound train on Thursday, days after he fled a quarantine facility in Kerala, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said.
The 24-year-old was later admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Assam, it said in a statement.
17:43 March 19
COVID-19: PM Modi chairs high-level review meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organizations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the COVID-19.
Modi expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State Governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others.
Prime Minister also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.
17:33 March 19
International flights barred from landing in India from March 22
International flights barred from landing in India from March 22
Government of India has directed that no scheduled international commercial passenger flights shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. Also, the state governments are being requested to enforce work for home for private-sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services.
It also advises all children below 10 to stay at home and not to venture out. All concessional travel in Indian Railways and civil aviation are suspended except for students, patients and divyang category.
17:19 March 19
Bombay High Court to be functional only on 23rd and 26th March
In view of Coronavirus, Bombay High Court and Nagpur, Aurangabad and Goa benches of the Court to be functional only on 23rd and 26th March to take up only urgent matters.
17:16 March 19
Mumbai's Haji Ali, Mahim Dargahs closed for devotees
No entry will be allowed to devotees at the landmark Haji Ali Dargah (shrine) as well as the popular Mahim Dargah in Mumbai in view of the coronavirus
epidemic, it was announced on Thursday.
The decision to stop entry at the two shrines till further notice was taken following the Maharashtra government's advice to avoid crowding in public places, said
Suhail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of Mahim Dargah and a Trustee of the Haji Ali Dargah.
16:59 March 19
Coordinator for COVID-19 Dammu Ravi
Infected Indians in Iran will be taken back soon says, Coordinator for COVID-19
Dammu Ravi, Coordinator for COVID-19, has informed that the Ministry is strengthening the Covid Control room. "Right now 25-30 people are working in the control room. They work in shifts. We are getting about 400 e-mails and 1000 calls in a day." added Ravi.
"We have evacuated 590 people from Iran where the situation is very severe. Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated and taken care of very well. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back, "said Dammu.
16:57 March 19
Jammu reports its fourth positive case of pandemic
Number of positive cases of coronavirus rises to four in Jammu and Kashmir
As many as 2337 people have been put under home quarantine and 34 people in hospital quarantine. Depity Commissioner Udhampur has informed that business units except for essential supplies like fruits, vegetables, chemists, grocery and dairy to remain closed. Further, retail grocery units have been directed by to immediately start home delivery of orders.
16:53 March 19
Indian Army imposes travel ban
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#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona
">#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona
Amid Coronavirus pandemic, Indian Army has imposed a travel ban on all officers and foreign nationals till April 15.
16:48 March 19
Karnataka releases advisory as passenger travelled from IndiGo flight tests positive
District Administration Kodagu, Karnataka releases advisory asking those who were on IndiGo flight 6E96 on 15th March, KSRTC Bus No. KA19F3170 from Bengaluru to Madikeri, should report to the nearest Govt hospital, as a positive case of COVID19 had used these facilities.
16:44 March 19
Maharashtra Police to take action against those fleeing from quarantine facilities
Maharashtra Police to take action under the 'Epidemic Diseases Act' against those who are fleeing the quarantine facilities.
16:42 March 19
Telangana minister urges Centre to take steps for safe return of stranded Indians at airports
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Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏
">Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏
Telangana Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao on Thursday urged the Centre to take steps for the safe return of Indians stranded
at airports in Manila, Rome and other places following cancellation of flights due to coronavirus outbreak.
In a tweet, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian missions to ensure their return home. "@narendramodi Ji, many distress messages from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Rome, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
16:35 March 19
Coronavirus: Pondy CM takes stock of situation in Mahe
Territorial Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday visited Mahe region, an enclave of Puducherry in Kerala, and reviewed steps taken there to contain the spread of the novel COVID-19.
As an immediate measure, the territorial government released Rs 1 crore to the administration of Mahe to procure all the necessary equipment, including masks, to tackle the infection.
16:35 March 19
Guj: Coronavirus suspects in home quarantine to wear wristbands
The Gujarat government said on Thursday that those undergoing 14-day home quarantine for suspected coronavirus infection will have to wear a coloured
wrist band.
The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel in the Assembly.
16:32 March 19
Community should support daily wage earners to help them tackle coronavirus: Isha founder Sadhguru
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Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020
At a time when the coronavirus outbreak has impacted economies, Isha Foundation Founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has brought the focus back to one of
the most important, yet ignored sections- the daily wage earners.
Taking to twitter to appeal to communities to support daily wage earners to tide over the crisis, he said lack of employment will lead to starvation for those who depend on daily earnings to support themselves and their families.
16:24 March 19
With one more positive case of coronavirus, toll rises to 3 in Tamil Nadu
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#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020
A 21-year-old student, who has a travelled history from Iran, tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, informed Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr C Vijyabaskar.
16:12 March 19
Section 144 imposed in Raipur
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel imposed Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in Raipur and all other municipal corporation areas in the state to prohibit large gatherings in order to contain spread of coronavirus.
16:10 March 19
Tiruchirappalli-Thiruvananthapuram express train cancelled
Tiruchirappalli-Thiruvananthapuram express train (to and from) will be cancelled from March 20 till March 31 in view of poor patronage of trains due Coronavirus outbreak.
16:09 March 19
FIR registered against shop owners or defying Collector's order to keep shops closed
An FIR has been registered against 16 shop owners for defying Collector's order to keep shops closed as the Epidemic Act 1867 and Disaster Management Act 2005 has been invoked in Mumbai.
16:05 March 19
Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church in Mumbai's Mahim till 1st April, in view of Coronavirus.
15:52 March 19
Puri Jagannath temple closed for visitors amid novel coronavirus scare
The Shree Jagannath Temple here will be closed for visitors till March 31 with effect from Friday, in view of the coronavirus scare, a top official of the 12th century shrine said.
Servitors, however, will be allowed to perform rituals inside the shrine, its chief administrator Krishan Kumar said.
15:51 March 19
Maha: Police to take action against those violating quarantine
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday that police have been asked to take action against those who violate the mandatory quarantine amid
the coronavirus outbreak in the state.
Instances of persons, many of them with recent travel-history to a foreign country, ignoring the advice of home isolation have come to light in the last few days.
15:49 March 19
SpiceJet 'forced' to suspend most international flights till April-end
SpiceJet has announced that it was "forced" to suspend majority of its international flight operations from Saturday till the end of the next month due to the "unprecedented situation" arising over the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Major airlines across the world have been curtailing their flight operations drastically as the aviation industry has been hit hard after many countries, including India, have partially sealed their borders amid the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19.
15:19 March 19
Central government asks 50 per cent of its staff to work from home and remaining to attend office.
15:18 March 19
Farooq Abdullah writes to PM, seeks immediate restoration of 4G internet services in J-K
National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking immediate restoration of high-speed 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
"As you are aware, the first case of coronavirus was detected in Kashmir yesterday which has resulted in authorities locking down large parts of the valley," Abdullah, who was last week released from a seven-month-long detention, said in a letter to the prime minister.
The NC president said businesses and students have already been hit hard by the shutdown after August 5, 2019 and are again suffering because of these restrictions.
"The people are being advised to work/study from home, but this is impossible with 2G internet speed and limited fixed line internet penetration. I would, therefore, request you to restore 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest to ease the suffering of the people," he said in the letter.
The chorus for restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir has grown in the wake of the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley.
15:17 March 19
SpiceJet says it's forced to temporarily suspend majority of international flights from March 21-April 30.
14:55 March 19
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava said:"We did random sampling study of community transmission of about 820 samples from 50 sites.They have come negative.We will scale it up.According to this study community spread has not happened."
14:05 March 19
The sample of a 72-year-old man, who returned from Germany via Italy a fortnight ago and died at a hospital in Punjab's Nawanshahr district after severe chest pain, has tested positive for novel coronavirus, senior officials said on Thursday.
The septuagenarian, who had diabetes and hypertension, tested positive after he died at the Banga community health centre on Wednesday, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Director Jagat Ram said.
Health authorities did not confirm the exact cause of his death and there was no immediate confirmation from the Union Health Ministry either.
When contacted, district civil surgeon Rajinder Prasad Bhatia said the man had arrived from Germany via Italy on March 7.
The resident of Banga came to the health centre with severe chest pain on Wednesday and immediately collapsed. He died later in the day, Bhatia said.
"The sample of a 72-year-old man from Nawanshahr has tested positive," PGIMER Director Ram Director Jagat Ram told PTI on Thursday, adding that the report came on Wednesday night.
State Principal Secretary (Health) Anurag Aggarwal confirmed that the sample of the Banga resident had tested positive.
The number novel coronavirus cases rose to 169 on Thursday after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Union Health Ministry.
13:55 March 19
Two patients who have been tested positive for Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital.
13:54 March 19
Continued spread of Covid-19 to negatively impact domestic auto sector in near term: Ind-Ra
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has said that the continued spread of Covid-19 would negatively impact the domestic auto industry in the near term, because the Chinese city Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - is a major manufacturing hub for automobile and auto parts.
Furthermore, the agency believes the sector would face pressure from not only the supply side but also the demand side and exports, if the spread of Covid-19 persists for more than two months - both domestically and globally, Ind-Ra has said in a statement.
Indian auto ancillaries and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) have about 27 per cent import dependence on China for key parts and accessories.
The extended production halts in China after the Chinese New Year due to a substantial rise in Covid-19 population have created supply-side risks for domestic auto companies.
Against a backdrop of falling domestic sales and continuing margin pressure, any supply-side shocks could affect the credit metrics of sector companies under further strain.
"Under Ind-Ra's base case estimates, a sustained supply chain issue could increase the median net leverage of domestic producers by at least 0.3 times due to the potential margin contraction and asset turnover pressure," it said.
"Wuhan domiciles the manufacturing plants of certain leading global auto component manufacturers supplying to OEMs. Being the epicentre of the pandemic, a major supply chain disruption for key auto components is likely across vehicle segments, like passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and two wheelers," it said.
"Furthermore, the transition to Bharat Stage–VI and constant premiumisation of vehicles has increased the reliance of OEMs on the import of technologically advanced products. This could be seen from a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in imported components such as steering and braking systems, engine parts, electronic components, fuel injection parts, and alloy wheels," it said.
13:48 March 19
King George's Medical University, COVID-19 isolation ward in-charge Sudhir Singh said: "Two more persons have tested positive for Coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable."
13:42 March 19
Mumbai's 'Dabbawalas' to suspend their services from 20th March till 31st March, in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic.
13:39 March 19
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said: "We are fighting a war against Coronavirus. We all have to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary travelling. The situation is not critical but it is worrisome. I have spoken to the Prime Minister, he has promised full cooperation from the Central Government."
13:38 March 19
Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai to remain closed till further orders, in wake of Coronavirus.
13:37 March 19
Maharashtra Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare Rajesh Tope said: "Total number of positive cases reaches 49 in Maharashtra."
13:35 March 19
Delhi shuts schools for teaching, non-teaching staff
Days after the schools in the national capital were closed for students amid the fear of the coronavirus spread, the Delhi government on Thursday closed all the schools for the teaching and non-teaching staffs as well.
In an order dated March 19, the Delhi Directorate of Education said in the view of the spread of Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and for taking precautionary measures, all the Heads of Government, Government Aided, Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education, and Local Bodies -- MCDs, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board of Delhi are hereby informed that all these schools will remain closed for all the students, Heads of Schools, Teaching and Non-teaching Staff from March 19 to 31.
"The ongoing annual examinations are also postponed from March 19 and 31. However, the evaluation work of annual exams are to be carried out by the concerned teachers from their home," the order reads.
13:35 March 19
VHP annnounces change of plans for Ram Utsav
The coronavirus scare has cast a shadow over the coming celebration of Ram Utsav, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announcing a change in plan for the holy event.
Ram Utsav will be celebrated from Chaitra Pratipada falling on March 25 to Hanuman Jayanti on April 8.
Neither will a 'Shobha Yatra' be taken out, nor any kind of gathering allowed during the celebrations. VHP regional head Ambarish Singh has sent letters on the changed programme to each district, as directed by the central team of the VHP.
13:34 March 19
UGC tells universities to postpone exams, suspend evaluation work
The University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to postpone examinations till March-end due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The evaluation work will be suspended during the period too.
"All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order.
13:34 March 19
13:33 March 19
Laundry workers refuse to wash clothes of Covid-19 patients
Growing concern over the spread of coronavirus was evident at the local government medical college, where laundry service staff refused to wash clothes from the isolation ward which has three Covid-19 patients and another four under observation.
The ward staff on Monday gave the isolation ward clothes like bedsheets, curtains etc for cleaning to the 'dhobi', who also washes clothes of other wards.
13:33 March 19
The National Conference suspended on Thursday all its political activities in Kashmir in the wake of the first positive case of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the Valley.
The NC requested party activists to lend help to the administration in spreading awareness about proper sanitation and social-distancing guidelines.
12:35 March 19
Red Fort closed in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak in the country
12:15 March 19
HCL Technologies statement: "One employee from our Noida office has tested positive for Coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel. Our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols."
12:13 March 19
Uttarakhand Health Department said: "128 people have been home quarantined, in order to control the spread of Coronavirus."
12:06 March 19
Restaurant, food business badly hit in Hyderabad
Footfalls at restaurants in Hyderabad have considerably dropped in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in recent days, say the owners of these places.
Speaking to media, Majaz Hussain, owner of Parivar Havmor Restaurant said, "Sale has dropped now. Earlier there were more than 1,500 walk-in customers, and now it has reduced to 600-700 customers per day. Online sales are normal. People are panicking to move out in public spaces. Worse, people are thinking that chicken or any non-vegetarian food is the source or cause of virus. Nothing has been proven as such regarding chicken."
Hussain added, "It is good that people are avoiding mass gathering and public places. Most of the restaurants are taking necessary measures regarding hygiene and sanitation. All the hotels and restaurants have decided to take necessary measures regarding the hygiene of the service staff, and the kitchen and sanitation staff. They are being provided proper knowledge."
Mazhar, the owner of Pakwan Grand Restaurant said that the "false rumours spread through social media" are affecting the regular flow of customers to restaurants.
"Our sale is down to 10 per cent compared to the regular days before coronavirus. It is affecting the food business very much. People are scared to eat non-vegetarian food. It has become difficult to manage the basic salaries of the staff as well," Mazhar said.
Similar is the case with Mehfil Restaurant, said its owner Mohammed Mubeen.
"There is severe impact...sales are down by 50-60 per cent. Hope the situation comes to normal. This is affecting the whole food industry. Hope that the country and the world turns to a healthy state and the effect of coronavirus diminishes completely," Mubeen said.
11:48 March 19
Reliance Industries initiates work-from-home for staff amid Covid-19 outbreak
India's largest firm Reliance Industries has initiated work-from-home for its staff while keeping open consumer-facing businesses of hospital, retail stores and telecom with a minimum workforce amid increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will hold a meeting almost every third day to take stock of the impact of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on his employees and business, officials said.
Precautions have been taken at Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai and its refining and petchem complex in Jamnagar, they said adding that the production unit in Patalganga and the retail outlets are also following standard sanitation and hygiene processes.
The oil-to-telecom conglomerate initiated a work from home protocol for its employees across the country and overseas in response to the evolving Covid-19 situation. This protocol will be effective until March 31.
It, however, will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity.
Reliance Industries (RIL) joins a host of Indian companies that have ordered work-from-home to prevent their employees from being infected by the virus.
Reached for comments, RIL spokesperson said: "the company has migrated to an 'Agile Work From Home' protocol that encourages all employees to work from home and to utilise all productivity and digital tools at their disposal to maximise productivity."
The staff has been advised to communicate more often among each other than on normal days and to stay connected over Outlook, MS Teams and enterprise platforms as well as the company's other internal platforms.
"However, considering the public requirements in such an unprecedented situation, RIL will continue to provide all essential services to the citizens and will keep open its main retail grocery stores, its telecom connectivity services, the hospital and any other essential services required for public or business continuity," the spokesperson said.
For the essential services, RIL would deploy about 10 per cent of its staff on a rotation basis.
The firm is providing health safety training to all its essential staff through frequent advisories and communication, the spokesperson said adding the company will also reimburse app taxi fare for such staff for work-related commute during this period so as to reduce pressure on public transport.
11:48 March 19
A PIL (Public interest litigation) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction for immediate removal/dispersal of mass gatherings from Delhi's Shaheen Bagh in view of Coronavirus.
11:46 March 19
Case registered against two doctors in Vasai and Nala Sopara for putting up hoardings outside their clinics, claiming to cure Coronavirus.
Further investigation underway.
11:45 March 19
2 immigration officers of Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been sent to 12 days home quarantine.
Both of them were present at the counter during the clearance of 18-yr-old youth who has been tested positive for COVID-19.
11:00 March 19
One more Positive Coronavirus case in Karanataka
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu said: "One person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Kodagu today. He had travel history to Saudi Arabia. He is being treated in an isolated hospital. Total number of positive cases reaches 15 in the state."
10:55 March 19
A 24-year-old woman has tested positive for Coronavirus in Raipur.
She has travel history to London. She arrived in India on March 15. Her family members have been directed to home quarantine themselves and none have shown any symptom till now.
She has been admitted to AIIMS hospital in Raipur.
10:41 March 19
ICSE board class 10,12 exams postponed till March 31
The ICSE board on Thursday postponed class 10 and 12 examinations due to the novel coronavirus threat, officials said.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon said the exams have been postponed till March 31.
On Wednesday, he had said the exams will be conducted as per the schedule after the CBSE announced it has postponed exams till March 31.
10:37 March 19
District Magistrate Gautam Buddha Nagar said: "In view of the COVID-19 cases reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar, two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science in Sector 40 and Mitra Hospital in Sector 35 in Noida."
10:17 March 19
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers has started at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The stamp indicates last day of quarantine.
10:11 March 19
Restrictions imposed in Srinagar
Authorities in Srinagar on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected.
The area within 300 metre radius from the house of the 67-year-old COVID-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed, officials said.
Deputy commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent the spread of the virus.
"The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases," he tweeted and urged people to cooperate.
Chaudhary also urged all the people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from Saudi Arabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact the control room.
"It's important that people who come in contact with coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room," he added.
The deputy commissioner warned against any rumour mongering about coronavirus.
"Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let's act like responsible citizens. Every information and advisory will be shared officially," he said.
10:09 March 19
2 women test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai
Two women tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai metropolitan region on Thursday, taking the number of such cases in Maharashtra to 47, officials said.
While one woman had returned from the UK, another one had come back from Dubai, they said.
"A 22-year-old woman from Mumbai tested positive for Covid-19. She had returned from the UK. Another woman, a resident of Ulhas Nagar, had returned from Dubai. She is 49- year-old," an official said.
With this, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has climbed to 47, the official added.
10:07 March 19
Railways cancels 84 more trains; 155 trains cancelled till Mar 31
Railways on Thursday cancelled 84 more trains, which will not operate between March 20 and March 31 in view of coronavirus and low occupancy, officials said.
With this, the total number of cancelled trains has climbed to 155.
The national transporter had cancelled around 99 trains on Wednesday night.
"All passengers having tickets in these trains are being informed about it individually," the official said.
10:04 March 19
2nd Andhra man tests positive for COVID-19
A person who recently returned from London has tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the number of positive cases in the state to two, health officials said on Thursday.
The man returned from London on March 15, and was admitted to a government-run hospital in Ongole town with suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus.
Officials said his samples were sent to a virology lab in Tirupati. They tested positive for COVID-19.
The medical staff at Ongole hospital was directed to take all precautions.
The first positive case was reported from Nellore district last week. A youth, who had returned from Italy tested positive then. He is still undergoing treatment in a hospital there.
Three persons with suspected symptoms were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday.
The Health Department said so far 109 people have tested for COVID-19. While 94 were found negative, two were found positive. The reports of remaining 13 were awaited.
The state government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the state from Thursday as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the disease.
10:00 March 19
Buddhist temples, sanctuaries, massage parlours closed in UP
All prominent Buddhist temples in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar have been closed following the state government's order in view of the COVID-19 scare.
The temples which have been closed include Mahaparinirvan temple, Matha Kanwar Shrine and Ramabhar Stupa or Mukti Bandhan -- the place where Buddha was cremated in 483 BC.
The Sarnath temple in Varanasi had been closed two days ago.
Regional tourism officer Ravindra said, "All prominent Buddhist sites in Kushinagar have been closed as visa is not being issued to foreign tourists. Thousands of devotees from countries like Japan, Korea, China, and others visit these temples. This is the peak season of tourism and the closure has hit the industry."
The Lucknow administration, in a late-night order on Wednesday, ordered closure of all massage parlours and spa centres in the state capital.
09:46 March 19
Bengal COVID-19 patient's parents, drivers test negative
The parents and the two drivers of the first confirmed coronavirus patient in West Bengal on Wednesday tested negative for the disease.
Their samples were sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) here on Tuesday night.
However, state health department sources said they would be kept at the isolation centre in North East Kolkata's Rajarhat for 14 days and tested again.
"Unless there is a minimum level of viraemia, it cannot be detected by tests. That means the virus may be there in your body, and you may be spreading it to others, but that cannot be detected. We call this window period. If the first test is negative, we have to keep them in isolation, and then go for test again," said critical care specialist Arindam Kar.
09:30 March 19
Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rises to 166 - comprising 141 Indian nationals and 25 foreign nationals.
There has been 3 deaths in the country due to Coronavirus so far.
09:28 March 19
Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar has issued order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site at Har-ki-Pauri till 31st March. However, the Aarti will continue to be held and will be live-streamed for devotees.
09:22 March 19
A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19. She has travel history to the United Kingdom.
09:20 March 19
COVID-19: 3 more persons tested positive for Coronavirus in Telangana
Hyderabad: Telangana on Wednesday reported eight Covid-19 positive cases, including seven Indonesians, taking the total number of cases in the state so far to 13 and prompting Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar to call an emergency meeting on Thursday.
An Indonesian had tested positive on Tuesday.
The eight Indonesians were part of a 10-member group which had come to Telangana's Karimanagar town earlier this week for a religious meeting.
Telangana's health department released a special media bulletin on Wednesday night to announce that seven more have tested positive.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that a man who returned from the UK recently has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).
All the patients have been admitted to the isolation ward of the government-run Gandhi Hospital here. Their condition is stated to be stable.
The state has been reporting a positive case every day since last Saturday. However, Wednesday turned out to be the worst so far with eight people testing positive.
A techie, who tested positive on March 2, was discharged on March 13. All others are undergoing treatment at the Gandhi Hospital.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Wednesday night urged the people to be on alert after the Indonesians who travelled to Karimnagar tested positive for coronavirus.
He decided to convene a high-level emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the measures to be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the meeting will discuss the preventive measures to be taken and regulations to be followed.
"Since coronavirus is spreading through those coming from abroad, all those coming from foreign countries should undergo tests. People should also be on alert and inform the authorities about those coming from abroad. People should also take measures for their personal health," the statement said.
The Chief Minister has instructed the officials concerned to allow people coming from abroad to go home only after going through the complete check-up routine.
In the emergency meeting scheduled on Thursday, some more preventive measures will be decided.
The Chief Minister has urged people to stay away from festivals and celebrations involving group activities.
05:00 March 20
One more positive case Of coronavirus detected In Gujarat
Another positive case of coronavirus has been detected in Gujarat.
A 21-year-old girl has been found to have the COVID-19 in Ahmedabad.
04:59 March 20
Zila Panchayat elections in Goa postponed to March 24
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant: Respecting the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 'janta curfew', we have decided to postpone the Zila Panchayat elections from 22nd March to 24th March.
02:59 March 20
Meghalaya government imposes restriction on public transport, markets till March 21
The Meghalaya government has decided to impose restrictions on movement of public transport & to close all shops, markets and establishments with effect from midnight of 20th March till midnight of 21st March, throughout the state.
02:57 March 20
Tourists and devotees banned in Puri's Jagannath Temple till April 1
Entry of tourists and devotees to Puri's Jagannath Temple has been restricted from tomorrow till 1st April 2020, in view of Coronavirus outbreak.
23:21 March 19
-
Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020Delhi Metro Advisory on COVID-19. #CoronaAlert pic.twitter.com/sCrFW4SwN0
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) March 19, 2020
DMRC issues COVID-19 advisory
Amid COVID-19, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Thursday issued an advisory regarding random thermal scanning of passengers on the stations.
23:17 March 19
Three positive cases of COVID-19 reported from Maharashtra
Three fresh positive cases of Nobel Coronavirus emerged in Maharashtra, leads the total case to 48 in the state. A 51-yr-old man with a travel history to Dubai has tested positive.
However, his wife has tested negative for Coronavirus.
23:16 March 19
Four more test corona-positive in UP, number rises to 19'
Four more persons have tested positive for the coronavirus affliction, taking the total number of people confirmed corona cases in Uttar Pradesh to 19, a senior official said on Thursday.
The freshly confirmed corona-positive cases included two in Lucknow and one each in Noida and Lakhimpur, said Dr Vikasendu Agrawal, the state surveillance officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
23:16 March 19
Gujarat govt cancels recruitment exams
In a proactive measure to stop the spread of the coronavirus in Gujarat, the government on Thursday decided to cancel all recruitment exams scheduled to be held til l March 31 and suspend state bus services to Maharashtra.
Now, these tests will be conducted after April 20, said a government release.
23:15 March 19
Mathura man tests negative for coronavirus
The man who was suspected of suffering from coronavirus and had left a Mathura hospital without informing the authorities was tested negative for the infection on Thursday, an official said.
His sample was sent to Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for testing.
23:15 March 19
Kashmir SSP goes into isolation as mother-in-law contracts COVID-19
A senior superintendent of police in Kashmir on Thursday went into isolation after his mother-in-law was tested positive for coronavirus, with several of his colleagues and bureaucrats hailing the move.
Imtiaz Ismail Parray, whose mother-in-law from Srinagar city, became the first positive case of coronavirus in the Valley on Wednesday, said although he had no direct contact with her after her return from Saudi Arabia, he was still going into isolation and urged people to leave nothing to chance.
23:06 March 19
Total number of coronavirus cases in national capital rises to 14: Delhi health department
The total number of coronavirus cases in the national capital on Thursday rose to 14, according to the Delhi Health Department.
The four new cases include, two people from West Bengal, who had returned from Italy, and were quarantined at the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Chhawala facility.
23:02 March 19
Second positive case od COVID-19 reported from Odisha
The second confirmed case of Coronavirus emerges from Odisha's Bhubneshwar on Thursday. The man has a travel history to a COVID-19 affected country.
23:01 March 19
Vistara airline temporarily suspends international flight operations from March 23
Vistara on Thursday temporarily suspended its international flight operations from March 23 to April 15 in wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
In a previous advisory issued on Wednesday, the airline suspended its international operations from March 20-31. However, in a revised advisory today, the airline extended the suspension of its international flight operations up to April 15.
The advisory also stated that the airline will operate seven international flights between March 20-22 to/from Kathmandu (Nepal) and Singapore, in the interest of customer convenience.
22:54 March 19
One more positive case of COVID-19 emerges from Telangana
The number of Covid-19 cases in Telangana rose to 16 on Thursday with a person who recently returned from Dubai testing positive for the virus.
According to the state Health Department, the man had travelled from Dubai to Hyderabad on March 14 and developed symptoms of Covid-19 on March 17. His contacts were traced and put under home quarantine. The authorities were waiting for details of other passengers on the flight.
22:35 March 19
Jai Ram Thakur
Himachal restricts entry of domestic, foreign tourists in state
The Himachal Pradesh government has banned entry of all domestic as well as foreign tourists into the state with immediate effect till further orders.
Invoking Clause 3 of HP Epidemic Disease Regulation, 2020, the decision has been taken in view of rising number of coronavirus patients in the neighbouring states.
22:27 March 19
17 passengers with home quarantine stamps deboarded from trains
Total 17 passengers with home quarantine stamps deboarded from Mumbai- NDLS Rajdhani Exp, Saurashtra Express and Kutch Express on Thursday. In addition to this one lady with a quarantine stamp was not allowed to board Avantika Express from Mumbai Central today.
21:30 March 19
Officials working in Governor Secretariat, now work from home
All government officials working in Governor Secretariat will now work from home from 20th March to 25th March in the wake of Coronavirus, Uttrakhand Joint Secretary to Governor Vikram Singh Yadav said on Thursday.
21:27 March 19
Two more positive cases of Coronavirus reported in Uttrakhand
Two trainees at the Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy have tested positive for Coronavirus, said Uttarakhand Additional Health Secretary, Yugal Kishore Pant on Thursday.
Both the trainees were part of a team that went to Spain and had recently returned.
21:18 March 19
2 new COVID-19 cases in Gurugram; total 4
The number of COVID-19 infected patients is rising in Gurugram with two new positive cases emerging on Thursday. With this, a total of four infected patients have been confirmed by the health department.
Amit Khatri, District Magistrate of Gurugram said that all infected patients are admitted in isolation wards of Delhi's Safdarjung and RML hospitals.
One patient belongs to Gurugram's sector 9A, another is from Palam Vihar and two persons (husband and wife) are residents of Nirvana Country, sector 50.
21:06 March 19
National parks shut; board exams postponed in MP
The Madhya Pradesh government on Thursday announced the closure of all national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves in the light of the coronavirus
pandemic.
In a related development, the Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (MPBSE) postponed the secondary and higher secondary school exams midway.
According to an official circular, the final exam papers, which were scheduled between March 20 and 31, have been postponed.
20:47 March 19
PM calls for Janta Curfew, urges people to stay indoors
PM calls for Janta Curfew, urges people to stay indoors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a fervent appeal to all Indians to stay indoors as much as possible to avoid getting infected by coronavirus, saying the world has never seen a danger as grave as this.
He called for 'Janta curfew' on March 22 from 7 am-9 pm, saying no citizen, barring those in essential services, should get out of the house.
He also announced the formation of a COVID-19 Economic Response Task Force led by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to deal with the situation arising out of novel coronavirus outbreak.
20:28 March 19
Barpeta dist imposes prohibitory order to prevent COVID-19 outbreak
Stepping up measures against outbreak of novel Coronavirus, the Barpeta district administration on Thursday imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the entire district and banned assembly of more than five persons.
District Magistrate Munindra Sarma issued the order for implementing it with immediate effect to deal with the situation arising out of COVID-19.
20:22 March 19
Srinagar: Over 160 students returning from Bangladesh refuse to undergo isolation
Over 160 students, who were returning from Bangladesh amid coronavirus fear, allegedly refused to undergo isolation and created a ruckus at the airport, before they were brought under control and sent to a quarantine facility on Thursday, police said.
"Today, a few students arrived from Bangladesh at Srinagar International Airport. As per the directions of the Budgam district magistrate, these students were to be quarantined as precautionary measure vis-a-vis spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus)," a police official said.
20:19 March 19
Two persons recovered of coronavirus in Bengaluru
Karnataka’s Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said on Thursday that two persons who were tested positive for coronavirus in Bengaluru have now recovered. The wife of the Dell techie and the techie from Google, have recovered, he said. They will be discharged on Friday.
20:12 March 19
19:45 March 19
30 home quarantined in West Bengal's Nadia
Thirty persons who recently returned to West Bengal's Nadia district from Ajmer in Rajasthan and other places were home quarantined on Thursday, officials said.
The 30 persons, hailing from various gram panchayat areas in Haringhata block, were placed under home isolation as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus, BDO Krishna Gopal Dhara said.
19:39 March 19
First coronavirus cases detected in Gujarat; two infected
Two positive cases of the novel coronavirus have been found in Gujarat, said health department officials on Thursday. This is the first time that Gujarat has reported confirmed cases of the viral infection, joining a growing list of states affected by the infection
To stop the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state, the state government on Thursday decided to close Somnath and Dwarkadheesh temples for devotees
from March 20. The two world-famous temples receive thousands of devotees everyday.
19:35 March 19
Calcutta High Court issues order on Matua mela amid coronavirus scare
Amid the growing coronavirus scare, the Calcutta High Court on Thursday ordered police authorities to ensure that Matua mela is not held in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas without necessary approvals.
Passing the order on a prayer seeking directive to disallow the fair, the court asked police to act in accordance with law.
19:18 March 19
One more positive case in Kerala, total numbers rise to 25
One more person from Kerala has tested positive for coronavirus, taking the total cases to 25, as the LDF government on Thursday announced a Rs 20,000 crore special financial package to overcome the crisis being faced by the state following the virus outbreak.
Three people, who had tested positive, had been treated and discharged earlier.
A man hailing from Kasaragod district, who had returned from Dubai and was under observation, has tested positive for the virus on Thursday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters after a meeting to review the COVID-19 situation.
Vijayan said 64 people were hospitalised today.
19:15 March 19
AMU postpones all exams scheduled till April 2
The Aligarh Muslim University on Thursday postponed all university examinations scheduled till April 2 in view of the coronavirus pandemic.
The university has advised students residing in hostels to not panic and take every precaution while travelling to their home.
"All examinations scheduled till April 2 have been postponed and fresh dates for these examinations will be announced later," AMU spokesperson Omar Peerzada said.
19:13 March 19
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru
Kempegowda International Airport officials have started 'home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers in Bengaluru. The stamp indicates the last day of quarantine.
19:03 March 19
Restore 4G net services in J&K to fight coronavirus: Amnesty International
Amnesty International India (AII) on Thursday urged the Centre to immediately restore high-speed 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir to help people in preparing against the spread of coronavirus.
AII executive director Avinash Kumar, in a statement, said the COVID-19 situation is constantly evolving and to ensure its full communication to the people of J and K the Centre must urgently lift internet restrictions in the region and ensure real time preparedness of the people against the spread of the virus.
19:01 March 19
SSC postpones key recruitment exams
The Staff Selection Commission (SSC) on Thursday postponed its key recruitment examinations as a preventive measure to check the spread of novel coronavirus.
"As a precautionary measure, in view of the emergent situation due to COVID-19, it has been decided by the commission, in the larger public interest, to postpone the ongoing Combined Higher Secondary (10+2) Level Examination (Tier-I), 2O19 with effect from March 20, 2020," it said in an order.
Similarly, the Junior Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Quantity Surveying and Contract) Examination (Paper-I) 2019, scheduled to commence from March 30, has also been postponed, the SSC said.
19:00 March 19
Tirupati Balaji temple to be shut for devotees;Malls, theatres closed in AP
The famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala near Tirupati and all other major temples will be out of bounds for devotees while malls
and cinema halls would be closed down in Andhra Pradesh till March 31 as part of measures to check spread of coronavirus, the state government announced on Thursday.
The restrictions would come into force from Friday.
18:54 March 19
Group B,C employees required to work on alternate basis
Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions on Thursday has directed 50 percent of Group B and C employees are required to attend office every day, and the remaining 50 percent of staff to work from home. Working hours of the employees should be altered.
18:21 March 19
Rajasthan BJP chief meets Jaishankar, seeks return of Indian students stuck abroad
Rajasthan BJP president Satish Poonia and Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Rajendra Rathore on Thursday met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Delhi and sought immediate return of Indian students stranded in several countries, including the Philippines, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Jaishankar assured that the government is monitoring the situation. Necessary guidelines have been given to the Indian embassies in this regard, the Rajasthan BJP leaders said in a statement.
18:17 March 19
Angered by delay, man slips out of UP hospital after giving samples for coronavirus test
Annoyed at the delay by health officials in taking his samples for novel coronavirus test, a 47-year-old man slipped out of a hospital in Mathura after giving his samples.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday, has panicked the medical college management and the health department. Officials are scrambling to reach him on the phone and request him to return.
18:11 March 19
Maha Yagna, prayers held to protect people from COVID-19
A maha yagna invoking Lord Shiva and prayers to protect the people from the coronavirus threat were conducted at the Lord Amirthkadeswaratemple here on Thursday.
A total of 108 priests performed the mrityunjaya homam and panchatcharahomam in the presence of the head of Dharmapuram Adheenam Mutt MasillamaniDesiga Paramacharya Swamigal.
As many as 96 varieties of medicinal herbs were used in the yagna.
18:10 March 19
Coronavirus lockdown: 16 booked for keeping shops open in Maharashtra
At least 16 shop owners in Maharashtra's Pimpri Chinchwad city faced police action on Thursday for defying the collector's orders to keep their
establishments closed in view of the COVID-19 outbreak.
The district collector had issued an order under the Epidemic Act directing all shops, barring those providing essential services, to remain shut.
18:09 March 19
Eight confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ladakh
There are eight confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ladakh and the coronavirus reached the Union Territory through pilgrims who returned from Iran, the Home Ministry said on Thursday.
A total of 58 people are quarantined in hospitals in Ladakh and 18 people, including positive cases, are in hospitals in isolation.
18:02 March 19
ICSE board exams postponed in view of coronavirus outbreak
In a last minute-decision, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) postponed class 10 and 12 examinations, which were to start from Thursday, in view of the coronavirus outbreak.
With the class 12 sociology exam scheduled to be held at 2 pm, the announcement was made at 10 am.
17:59 March 19
Coronavirus: Village school conducts classes on WhatsApp
Coronavirus may have led to the closure of schools and colleges in Maharashtra, but technology and social media apps have come to the rescue of
students. A zilla parishad school at Bangalwadi in Osmanabad district is using WhatsApp to run its routine classes.
17:59 March 19
Man fleeing Kerala quarantine centre nabbed from Assam-bound train
A man suspected to be infected with coronavirus was nabbed from a Silchar-bound train on Thursday, days after he fled a quarantine facility in Kerala, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) said.
The 24-year-old was later admitted to the isolation ward of a hospital in Assam, it said in a statement.
17:43 March 19
COVID-19: PM Modi chairs high-level review meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19. He emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organizations in chalking out mechanisms to fight the COVID-19.
Modi expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State Governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with the aviation sector, municipal staff and others.
Prime Minister also urged officials and technical experts to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.
17:33 March 19
International flights barred from landing in India from March 22
International flights barred from landing in India from March 22
Government of India has directed that no scheduled international commercial passenger flights shall be allowed to land in India from March 22 for one week. Also, the state governments are being requested to enforce work for home for private-sector employees except those working in emergency/essential services.
It also advises all children below 10 to stay at home and not to venture out. All concessional travel in Indian Railways and civil aviation are suspended except for students, patients and divyang category.
17:19 March 19
Bombay High Court to be functional only on 23rd and 26th March
In view of Coronavirus, Bombay High Court and Nagpur, Aurangabad and Goa benches of the Court to be functional only on 23rd and 26th March to take up only urgent matters.
17:16 March 19
Mumbai's Haji Ali, Mahim Dargahs closed for devotees
No entry will be allowed to devotees at the landmark Haji Ali Dargah (shrine) as well as the popular Mahim Dargah in Mumbai in view of the coronavirus
epidemic, it was announced on Thursday.
The decision to stop entry at the two shrines till further notice was taken following the Maharashtra government's advice to avoid crowding in public places, said
Suhail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of Mahim Dargah and a Trustee of the Haji Ali Dargah.
16:59 March 19
Coordinator for COVID-19 Dammu Ravi
Infected Indians in Iran will be taken back soon says, Coordinator for COVID-19
Dammu Ravi, Coordinator for COVID-19, has informed that the Ministry is strengthening the Covid Control room. "Right now 25-30 people are working in the control room. They work in shifts. We are getting about 400 e-mails and 1000 calls in a day." added Ravi.
"We have evacuated 590 people from Iran where the situation is very severe. Indians infected with coronavirus in Iran have been segregated and taken care of very well. We believe they will recover and we will bring them back, "said Dammu.
16:57 March 19
Jammu reports its fourth positive case of pandemic
Number of positive cases of coronavirus rises to four in Jammu and Kashmir
As many as 2337 people have been put under home quarantine and 34 people in hospital quarantine. Depity Commissioner Udhampur has informed that business units except for essential supplies like fruits, vegetables, chemists, grocery and dairy to remain closed. Further, retail grocery units have been directed by to immediately start home delivery of orders.
16:53 March 19
Indian Army imposes travel ban
-
#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona
">#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona#COVID19
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) March 19, 2020
All existing VISAS issued to Foreign Nationals of any country except those issued to Diplomats, Officials, UN/ International Organizations Employment, Project VISAS stand suspended till 15 Apr 2020.#SayNo2Panic #SayYes2Precautions #HarKaamDeshKeNaam#MoDAgainstCorona
Amid Coronavirus pandemic, Indian Army has imposed a travel ban on all officers and foreign nationals till April 15.
16:48 March 19
Karnataka releases advisory as passenger travelled from IndiGo flight tests positive
District Administration Kodagu, Karnataka releases advisory asking those who were on IndiGo flight 6E96 on 15th March, KSRTC Bus No. KA19F3170 from Bengaluru to Madikeri, should report to the nearest Govt hospital, as a positive case of COVID19 had used these facilities.
16:44 March 19
Maharashtra Police to take action against those fleeing from quarantine facilities
Maharashtra Police to take action under the 'Epidemic Diseases Act' against those who are fleeing the quarantine facilities.
16:42 March 19
Telangana minister urges Centre to take steps for safe return of stranded Indians at airports
-
Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏
">Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏Hon’ble EAM @DrSJaishankar Ji & Civil Aviation Minister @HardeepSPuri Ji, I have been receiving several distress messages in SM from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Kuala Lampur & Rome
— KTR (@KTRTRS) March 18, 2020
Kindly request Union Govt to respond & arrange for them to brought back home safely 🙏
Telangana Municipal Administration Minister K T Rama Rao on Thursday urged the Centre to take steps for the safe return of Indians stranded
at airports in Manila, Rome and other places following cancellation of flights due to coronavirus outbreak.
In a tweet, he urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the Indian missions to ensure their return home. "@narendramodi Ji, many distress messages from Indians stuck at airports in Manila, Rome, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
16:35 March 19
Coronavirus: Pondy CM takes stock of situation in Mahe
Territorial Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday visited Mahe region, an enclave of Puducherry in Kerala, and reviewed steps taken there to contain the spread of the novel COVID-19.
As an immediate measure, the territorial government released Rs 1 crore to the administration of Mahe to procure all the necessary equipment, including masks, to tackle the infection.
16:35 March 19
Guj: Coronavirus suspects in home quarantine to wear wristbands
The Gujarat government said on Thursday that those undergoing 14-day home quarantine for suspected coronavirus infection will have to wear a coloured
wrist band.
The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel in the Assembly.
16:32 March 19
Community should support daily wage earners to help them tackle coronavirus: Isha founder Sadhguru
-
Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020Of the many concerns of #Coronavirus, livelihood deprivation of daily wage earners is a serious one. Starvation can ignite civil unrest & deaths. Providing at least daily nourishment to them is the responsibility of the community. Let’s stand together & beat the virus. - Sg
— Sadhguru (@SadhguruJV) March 19, 2020
At a time when the coronavirus outbreak has impacted economies, Isha Foundation Founder Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev has brought the focus back to one of
the most important, yet ignored sections- the daily wage earners.
Taking to twitter to appeal to communities to support daily wage earners to tide over the crisis, he said lack of employment will lead to starvation for those who depend on daily earnings to support themselves and their families.
16:24 March 19
With one more positive case of coronavirus, toll rises to 3 in Tamil Nadu
-
#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020 " class="align-text-top noRightClick twitterSection" data="
">#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020#coronaupdate: 21 Y student from Dublin,Ireland tested positive for #Covid19. On his arrival on 17.3 @Chennai,he was screened & home quarantined.Y’day18.3 he reported to RGGH with symptoms.Samples sent for testing y’day,confirmed positive today. Pt is stable in isolation at RGGH.
— Dr C Vijayabaskar (@Vijayabaskarofl) March 19, 2020
A 21-year-old student, who has a travelled history from Iran, tested positive for coronavirus on Thursday, informed Tamil Nadu Health Minister Dr C Vijyabaskar.
16:12 March 19
Section 144 imposed in Raipur
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel imposed Section 144 of CrPC has been imposed in Raipur and all other municipal corporation areas in the state to prohibit large gatherings in order to contain spread of coronavirus.
16:10 March 19
Tiruchirappalli-Thiruvananthapuram express train cancelled
Tiruchirappalli-Thiruvananthapuram express train (to and from) will be cancelled from March 20 till March 31 in view of poor patronage of trains due Coronavirus outbreak.
16:09 March 19
FIR registered against shop owners or defying Collector's order to keep shops closed
An FIR has been registered against 16 shop owners for defying Collector's order to keep shops closed as the Epidemic Act 1867 and Disaster Management Act 2005 has been invoked in Mumbai.
16:05 March 19
Mass gatherings suspended at St. Michael's Church in Mumbai's Mahim till 1st April, in view of Coronavirus.
15:52 March 19
Puri Jagannath temple closed for visitors amid novel coronavirus scare
The Shree Jagannath Temple here will be closed for visitors till March 31 with effect from Friday, in view of the coronavirus scare, a top official of the 12th century shrine said.
Servitors, however, will be allowed to perform rituals inside the shrine, its chief administrator Krishan Kumar said.
15:51 March 19
Maha: Police to take action against those violating quarantine
Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said on Thursday that police have been asked to take action against those who violate the mandatory quarantine amid
the coronavirus outbreak in the state.
Instances of persons, many of them with recent travel-history to a foreign country, ignoring the advice of home isolation have come to light in the last few days.
15:49 March 19
SpiceJet 'forced' to suspend most international flights till April-end
SpiceJet has announced that it was "forced" to suspend majority of its international flight operations from Saturday till the end of the next month due to the "unprecedented situation" arising over the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Major airlines across the world have been curtailing their flight operations drastically as the aviation industry has been hit hard after many countries, including India, have partially sealed their borders amid the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19.
15:19 March 19
Central government asks 50 per cent of its staff to work from home and remaining to attend office.
15:18 March 19
Farooq Abdullah writes to PM, seeks immediate restoration of 4G internet services in J-K
National Conference (NC) president and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Farooq Abdullah wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday seeking immediate restoration of high-speed 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir.
"As you are aware, the first case of coronavirus was detected in Kashmir yesterday which has resulted in authorities locking down large parts of the valley," Abdullah, who was last week released from a seven-month-long detention, said in a letter to the prime minister.
The NC president said businesses and students have already been hit hard by the shutdown after August 5, 2019 and are again suffering because of these restrictions.
"The people are being advised to work/study from home, but this is impossible with 2G internet speed and limited fixed line internet penetration. I would, therefore, request you to restore 4G internet services in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest to ease the suffering of the people," he said in the letter.
The chorus for restoration of high-speed 4G internet services on mobile phones in Jammu and Kashmir has grown in the wake of the detection of the first case of coronavirus in the valley.
15:17 March 19
SpiceJet says it's forced to temporarily suspend majority of international flights from March 21-April 30.
14:55 March 19
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava said:"We did random sampling study of community transmission of about 820 samples from 50 sites.They have come negative.We will scale it up.According to this study community spread has not happened."
14:05 March 19
The sample of a 72-year-old man, who returned from Germany via Italy a fortnight ago and died at a hospital in Punjab's Nawanshahr district after severe chest pain, has tested positive for novel coronavirus, senior officials said on Thursday.
The septuagenarian, who had diabetes and hypertension, tested positive after he died at the Banga community health centre on Wednesday, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Director Jagat Ram said.
Health authorities did not confirm the exact cause of his death and there was no immediate confirmation from the Union Health Ministry either.
When contacted, district civil surgeon Rajinder Prasad Bhatia said the man had arrived from Germany via Italy on March 7.
The resident of Banga came to the health centre with severe chest pain on Wednesday and immediately collapsed. He died later in the day, Bhatia said.
"The sample of a 72-year-old man from Nawanshahr has tested positive," PGIMER Director Ram Director Jagat Ram told PTI on Thursday, adding that the report came on Wednesday night.
State Principal Secretary (Health) Anurag Aggarwal confirmed that the sample of the Banga resident had tested positive.
The number novel coronavirus cases rose to 169 on Thursday after 18 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country, according to the Union Health Ministry.
13:55 March 19
Two patients who have been tested positive for Coronavirus are on ventilator at Kasturba Hospital.
13:54 March 19
Continued spread of Covid-19 to negatively impact domestic auto sector in near term: Ind-Ra
India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has said that the continued spread of Covid-19 would negatively impact the domestic auto industry in the near term, because the Chinese city Wuhan - the epicentre of the outbreak - is a major manufacturing hub for automobile and auto parts.
Furthermore, the agency believes the sector would face pressure from not only the supply side but also the demand side and exports, if the spread of Covid-19 persists for more than two months - both domestically and globally, Ind-Ra has said in a statement.
Indian auto ancillaries and original equipment manufacturers (OEM) have about 27 per cent import dependence on China for key parts and accessories.
The extended production halts in China after the Chinese New Year due to a substantial rise in Covid-19 population have created supply-side risks for domestic auto companies.
Against a backdrop of falling domestic sales and continuing margin pressure, any supply-side shocks could affect the credit metrics of sector companies under further strain.
"Under Ind-Ra's base case estimates, a sustained supply chain issue could increase the median net leverage of domestic producers by at least 0.3 times due to the potential margin contraction and asset turnover pressure," it said.
"Wuhan domiciles the manufacturing plants of certain leading global auto component manufacturers supplying to OEMs. Being the epicentre of the pandemic, a major supply chain disruption for key auto components is likely across vehicle segments, like passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and two wheelers," it said.
"Furthermore, the transition to Bharat Stage–VI and constant premiumisation of vehicles has increased the reliance of OEMs on the import of technologically advanced products. This could be seen from a 10 per cent year-on-year increase in imported components such as steering and braking systems, engine parts, electronic components, fuel injection parts, and alloy wheels," it said.
13:48 March 19
King George's Medical University, COVID-19 isolation ward in-charge Sudhir Singh said: "Two more persons have tested positive for Coronavirus in Lucknow, taking the total number of cases to 5. All the patients are stable."
13:42 March 19
Mumbai's 'Dabbawalas' to suspend their services from 20th March till 31st March, in wake of Coronavirus Pandemic.
13:39 March 19
Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said: "We are fighting a war against Coronavirus. We all have to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary travelling. The situation is not critical but it is worrisome. I have spoken to the Prime Minister, he has promised full cooperation from the Central Government."
13:38 March 19
Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai to remain closed till further orders, in wake of Coronavirus.
13:37 March 19
Maharashtra Minister of Public Health and Family Welfare Rajesh Tope said: "Total number of positive cases reaches 49 in Maharashtra."
13:35 March 19
Delhi shuts schools for teaching, non-teaching staff
Days after the schools in the national capital were closed for students amid the fear of the coronavirus spread, the Delhi government on Thursday closed all the schools for the teaching and non-teaching staffs as well.
In an order dated March 19, the Delhi Directorate of Education said in the view of the spread of Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and for taking precautionary measures, all the Heads of Government, Government Aided, Unaided Private Recognized Schools of Directorate of Education, and Local Bodies -- MCDs, NDMC and Delhi Cantonment Board of Delhi are hereby informed that all these schools will remain closed for all the students, Heads of Schools, Teaching and Non-teaching Staff from March 19 to 31.
"The ongoing annual examinations are also postponed from March 19 and 31. However, the evaluation work of annual exams are to be carried out by the concerned teachers from their home," the order reads.
13:35 March 19
VHP annnounces change of plans for Ram Utsav
The coronavirus scare has cast a shadow over the coming celebration of Ram Utsav, with the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) announcing a change in plan for the holy event.
Ram Utsav will be celebrated from Chaitra Pratipada falling on March 25 to Hanuman Jayanti on April 8.
Neither will a 'Shobha Yatra' be taken out, nor any kind of gathering allowed during the celebrations. VHP regional head Ambarish Singh has sent letters on the changed programme to each district, as directed by the central team of the VHP.
13:34 March 19
UGC tells universities to postpone exams, suspend evaluation work
The University Grants Commission (UGC) directed all universities and affiliated colleges on Thursday to postpone examinations till March-end due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The evaluation work will be suspended during the period too.
"All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order.
13:34 March 19
13:33 March 19
Laundry workers refuse to wash clothes of Covid-19 patients
Growing concern over the spread of coronavirus was evident at the local government medical college, where laundry service staff refused to wash clothes from the isolation ward which has three Covid-19 patients and another four under observation.
The ward staff on Monday gave the isolation ward clothes like bedsheets, curtains etc for cleaning to the 'dhobi', who also washes clothes of other wards.
13:33 March 19
The National Conference suspended on Thursday all its political activities in Kashmir in the wake of the first positive case of the novel coronavirus pandemic in the Valley.
The NC requested party activists to lend help to the administration in spreading awareness about proper sanitation and social-distancing guidelines.
12:35 March 19
Red Fort closed in Delhi amid coronavirus outbreak in the country
12:15 March 19
HCL Technologies statement: "One employee from our Noida office has tested positive for Coronavirus while he was in self-isolation after his return from international travel. Our office is following all government and heath advisory protocols."
12:13 March 19
Uttarakhand Health Department said: "128 people have been home quarantined, in order to control the spread of Coronavirus."
12:06 March 19
Restaurant, food business badly hit in Hyderabad
Footfalls at restaurants in Hyderabad have considerably dropped in the wake of coronavirus outbreak in recent days, say the owners of these places.
Speaking to media, Majaz Hussain, owner of Parivar Havmor Restaurant said, "Sale has dropped now. Earlier there were more than 1,500 walk-in customers, and now it has reduced to 600-700 customers per day. Online sales are normal. People are panicking to move out in public spaces. Worse, people are thinking that chicken or any non-vegetarian food is the source or cause of virus. Nothing has been proven as such regarding chicken."
Hussain added, "It is good that people are avoiding mass gathering and public places. Most of the restaurants are taking necessary measures regarding hygiene and sanitation. All the hotels and restaurants have decided to take necessary measures regarding the hygiene of the service staff, and the kitchen and sanitation staff. They are being provided proper knowledge."
Mazhar, the owner of Pakwan Grand Restaurant said that the "false rumours spread through social media" are affecting the regular flow of customers to restaurants.
"Our sale is down to 10 per cent compared to the regular days before coronavirus. It is affecting the food business very much. People are scared to eat non-vegetarian food. It has become difficult to manage the basic salaries of the staff as well," Mazhar said.
Similar is the case with Mehfil Restaurant, said its owner Mohammed Mubeen.
"There is severe impact...sales are down by 50-60 per cent. Hope the situation comes to normal. This is affecting the whole food industry. Hope that the country and the world turns to a healthy state and the effect of coronavirus diminishes completely," Mubeen said.
11:48 March 19
Reliance Industries initiates work-from-home for staff amid Covid-19 outbreak
India's largest firm Reliance Industries has initiated work-from-home for its staff while keeping open consumer-facing businesses of hospital, retail stores and telecom with a minimum workforce amid increasing number of Covid-19 cases in the country.
Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will hold a meeting almost every third day to take stock of the impact of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak on his employees and business, officials said.
Precautions have been taken at Reliance Corporate Park in Navi Mumbai and its refining and petchem complex in Jamnagar, they said adding that the production unit in Patalganga and the retail outlets are also following standard sanitation and hygiene processes.
The oil-to-telecom conglomerate initiated a work from home protocol for its employees across the country and overseas in response to the evolving Covid-19 situation. This protocol will be effective until March 31.
It, however, will maintain minimum strength at the workplace to ensure business continuity.
Reliance Industries (RIL) joins a host of Indian companies that have ordered work-from-home to prevent their employees from being infected by the virus.
Reached for comments, RIL spokesperson said: "the company has migrated to an 'Agile Work From Home' protocol that encourages all employees to work from home and to utilise all productivity and digital tools at their disposal to maximise productivity."
The staff has been advised to communicate more often among each other than on normal days and to stay connected over Outlook, MS Teams and enterprise platforms as well as the company's other internal platforms.
"However, considering the public requirements in such an unprecedented situation, RIL will continue to provide all essential services to the citizens and will keep open its main retail grocery stores, its telecom connectivity services, the hospital and any other essential services required for public or business continuity," the spokesperson said.
For the essential services, RIL would deploy about 10 per cent of its staff on a rotation basis.
The firm is providing health safety training to all its essential staff through frequent advisories and communication, the spokesperson said adding the company will also reimburse app taxi fare for such staff for work-related commute during this period so as to reduce pressure on public transport.
11:48 March 19
A PIL (Public interest litigation) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a direction for immediate removal/dispersal of mass gatherings from Delhi's Shaheen Bagh in view of Coronavirus.
11:46 March 19
Case registered against two doctors in Vasai and Nala Sopara for putting up hoardings outside their clinics, claiming to cure Coronavirus.
Further investigation underway.
11:45 March 19
2 immigration officers of Kolkata Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport have been sent to 12 days home quarantine.
Both of them were present at the counter during the clearance of 18-yr-old youth who has been tested positive for COVID-19.
11:00 March 19
One more Positive Coronavirus case in Karanataka
Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu said: "One person has been tested positive for COVID-19 in Kodagu today. He had travel history to Saudi Arabia. He is being treated in an isolated hospital. Total number of positive cases reaches 15 in the state."
10:55 March 19
A 24-year-old woman has tested positive for Coronavirus in Raipur.
She has travel history to London. She arrived in India on March 15. Her family members have been directed to home quarantine themselves and none have shown any symptom till now.
She has been admitted to AIIMS hospital in Raipur.
10:41 March 19
ICSE board class 10,12 exams postponed till March 31
The ICSE board on Thursday postponed class 10 and 12 examinations due to the novel coronavirus threat, officials said.
The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) Chief Executive Gerry Arathoon said the exams have been postponed till March 31.
On Wednesday, he had said the exams will be conducted as per the schedule after the CBSE announced it has postponed exams till March 31.
10:37 March 19
District Magistrate Gautam Buddha Nagar said: "In view of the COVID-19 cases reported from Gautam Buddha Nagar, two new isolation wards will be set up at Asian Institute of Medical Science in Sector 40 and Mitra Hospital in Sector 35 in Noida."
10:17 March 19
'Home quarantine' stamping with indelible ink for international passengers has started at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru. The stamp indicates last day of quarantine.
10:11 March 19
Restrictions imposed in Srinagar
Authorities in Srinagar on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected.
The area within 300 metre radius from the house of the 67-year-old COVID-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed, officials said.
Deputy commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent the spread of the virus.
"The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases," he tweeted and urged people to cooperate.
Chaudhary also urged all the people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from Saudi Arabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact the control room.
"It's important that people who come in contact with coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room," he added.
The deputy commissioner warned against any rumour mongering about coronavirus.
"Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let's act like responsible citizens. Every information and advisory will be shared officially," he said.
10:09 March 19
2 women test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai
Two women tested positive for coronavirus in Mumbai metropolitan region on Thursday, taking the number of such cases in Maharashtra to 47, officials said.
While one woman had returned from the UK, another one had come back from Dubai, they said.
"A 22-year-old woman from Mumbai tested positive for Covid-19. She had returned from the UK. Another woman, a resident of Ulhas Nagar, had returned from Dubai. She is 49- year-old," an official said.
With this, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in the state has climbed to 47, the official added.
10:07 March 19
Railways cancels 84 more trains; 155 trains cancelled till Mar 31
Railways on Thursday cancelled 84 more trains, which will not operate between March 20 and March 31 in view of coronavirus and low occupancy, officials said.
With this, the total number of cancelled trains has climbed to 155.
The national transporter had cancelled around 99 trains on Wednesday night.
"All passengers having tickets in these trains are being informed about it individually," the official said.
10:04 March 19
2nd Andhra man tests positive for COVID-19
A person who recently returned from London has tested positive for COVID-19 in Andhra Pradesh, taking the number of positive cases in the state to two, health officials said on Thursday.
The man returned from London on March 15, and was admitted to a government-run hospital in Ongole town with suspected symptoms of novel coronavirus.
Officials said his samples were sent to a virology lab in Tirupati. They tested positive for COVID-19.
The medical staff at Ongole hospital was directed to take all precautions.
The first positive case was reported from Nellore district last week. A youth, who had returned from Italy tested positive then. He is still undergoing treatment in a hospital there.
Three persons with suspected symptoms were admitted to hospitals on Wednesday.
The Health Department said so far 109 people have tested for COVID-19. While 94 were found negative, two were found positive. The reports of remaining 13 were awaited.
The state government has ordered closure of all educational institutions in the state from Thursday as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of the disease.
10:00 March 19
Buddhist temples, sanctuaries, massage parlours closed in UP
All prominent Buddhist temples in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar have been closed following the state government's order in view of the COVID-19 scare.
The temples which have been closed include Mahaparinirvan temple, Matha Kanwar Shrine and Ramabhar Stupa or Mukti Bandhan -- the place where Buddha was cremated in 483 BC.
The Sarnath temple in Varanasi had been closed two days ago.
Regional tourism officer Ravindra said, "All prominent Buddhist sites in Kushinagar have been closed as visa is not being issued to foreign tourists. Thousands of devotees from countries like Japan, Korea, China, and others visit these temples. This is the peak season of tourism and the closure has hit the industry."
The Lucknow administration, in a late-night order on Wednesday, ordered closure of all massage parlours and spa centres in the state capital.
09:46 March 19
Bengal COVID-19 patient's parents, drivers test negative
The parents and the two drivers of the first confirmed coronavirus patient in West Bengal on Wednesday tested negative for the disease.
Their samples were sent to the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (NICED) here on Tuesday night.
However, state health department sources said they would be kept at the isolation centre in North East Kolkata's Rajarhat for 14 days and tested again.
"Unless there is a minimum level of viraemia, it cannot be detected by tests. That means the virus may be there in your body, and you may be spreading it to others, but that cannot be detected. We call this window period. If the first test is negative, we have to keep them in isolation, and then go for test again," said critical care specialist Arindam Kar.
09:30 March 19
Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rises to 166 - comprising 141 Indian nationals and 25 foreign nationals.
There has been 3 deaths in the country due to Coronavirus so far.
09:28 March 19
Haridwar District Magistrate C Ravishankar has issued order prohibiting the entry of visitors to Ganga Aarti site at Har-ki-Pauri till 31st March. However, the Aarti will continue to be held and will be live-streamed for devotees.
09:22 March 19
A 23-year-old woman has tested positive for COVID-19. She has travel history to the United Kingdom.
09:20 March 19
COVID-19: 3 more persons tested positive for Coronavirus in Telangana
Hyderabad: Telangana on Wednesday reported eight Covid-19 positive cases, including seven Indonesians, taking the total number of cases in the state so far to 13 and prompting Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar to call an emergency meeting on Thursday.
An Indonesian had tested positive on Tuesday.
The eight Indonesians were part of a 10-member group which had come to Telangana's Karimanagar town earlier this week for a religious meeting.
Telangana's health department released a special media bulletin on Wednesday night to announce that seven more have tested positive.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that a man who returned from the UK recently has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19).
All the patients have been admitted to the isolation ward of the government-run Gandhi Hospital here. Their condition is stated to be stable.
The state has been reporting a positive case every day since last Saturday. However, Wednesday turned out to be the worst so far with eight people testing positive.
A techie, who tested positive on March 2, was discharged on March 13. All others are undergoing treatment at the Gandhi Hospital.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Wednesday night urged the people to be on alert after the Indonesians who travelled to Karimnagar tested positive for coronavirus.
He decided to convene a high-level emergency meeting on Thursday to discuss the measures to be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the meeting will discuss the preventive measures to be taken and regulations to be followed.
"Since coronavirus is spreading through those coming from abroad, all those coming from foreign countries should undergo tests. People should also be on alert and inform the authorities about those coming from abroad. People should also take measures for their personal health," the statement said.
The Chief Minister has instructed the officials concerned to allow people coming from abroad to go home only after going through the complete check-up routine.
In the emergency meeting scheduled on Thursday, some more preventive measures will be decided.
The Chief Minister has urged people to stay away from festivals and celebrations involving group activities.
Last Updated : Mar 20, 2020, 5:05 AM IST
