The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, pandemic has spread across 185 countries and territories. Today is the thirty-fifth day of India’s nationwide lockdown, which has been extended till May 3. During his interaction with chief ministers yesterday, PM Modi reportedly hinted that restrictions may continue in hotspots.
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in India stand at 29,435. The death toll from the outbreak in India is at 934. Maharashtra, Gujarat and Delhi have reported the highest number of cases.
Globally, there have been over 30 lakh confirmed cases of COVID-19. At least 2.1 lakh people have died so far. The United States, Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the UK are the most-affected countries. Catch the latest updates here:
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
British Airways set to slash 12,000 jobs over coronavirus (AFP)
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Coronavirus cases in Delhi climb to 3,314; 206 fresh cases.
Coronavirus India LIVE updates:
A team of 50 scientists evaluated 14 available tests for coronavirus antibodies. Only three passed muster: “Those numbers are just unacceptable.”
– The New York Times
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
To augment Mid-day meal program, HRD Minster announced that in wake of COVID-19, annual central allocation of cooking cost (for procurement of pulses, vegetable, oil, spices andfuel) under Mid Day Meal Scheme is enhanced to Rs. 8,100 crore from Rs 7,300 crore (an increment of 10.99%).
– ANI
Coronavirus in Karnataka LIVE Updates | Karnataka Minister of Large & Medium Scale Industries:
As far as starting industries in rural areas is concerned, there is a specific direction from centre and state government.Manufacturing of essential good and commodities has been allowed by centre and state govt. Such industries have started.
Coronavirus in Mumbai LIVE updates | BMC:
393 more test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai, taking count to 5,982; 25 patients die, raising toll to 244
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad:
We have to popularise work from home (WFH) norm. There are many restrictions for it like money deposits andclearances, these things were relaxed till April 30 after COVID-19 outbreak. We have decided to extend the relaxation till July 31.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Prime Minister Narendra Modi:
Had a warm exchange with PM Justin Trudeau. Thanked him for looking after Indian citizens in Canada in these difficult times. Collaboration&partnership between India&Canada is vital to fighting pandemic including through medical research&supply chain management.
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates:
One more location (House no 152 to 162 in Block D of ShaheenBagh) has been added to the list of Containment Zone in Delhi in last 24 hours; taking the total number of containment zones to 100.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | JNU VC Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar:
Some people have asked me why there is a webinar on leadership lessons from Ramayan at JNU. During the lockdown period we have conducted several webinars related to COVID-19. This is a part of such series of webinars that we have been conducting.
Mahatma Gandhi emphasized how Lord Ram taught us to uphold truth, justice,equality and equanimity even in adverse situations. When we're fighting COVID-19, we thought there are great lessons to learn from Ramayan to strengthen ourselves. I see no reason why anybody should oppose it.
Coronavirus in Gujarat LIVE updates:
Gujarat reports 226 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 3,774; death toll rises by 19 to 181
Coronavirus LIVE updates | France PM Edouard Philippe:
Face masks will be mandatory on French public transport from May 11.
Coronavirus LIVE updates | France PM Edouard Philippe:
French shops, markets can reopen from May 11, but not restaurants or bars. Work from home should continue when coronavirus lockdown lifts on May 11. French sports seasons including football and rugby cannot resume before September. (AFP)
Coronavirus LIVE updates | US President Donald Trump:
Texas to open businesses in phases beginning Friday.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | BMC:
Forty-two new coronavirus patients found in Dharavi area of Mumbai, taking number of cases in the area to 330.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal appealed to all the states to start the process of evaluation of answer sheets of Board exams and facilitate Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to evaluate answer sheets of the students in their respective states.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Punjab Chief MinisterCaptain Amarinder Singh today announced compulsory 21-day state quarantine for all those returning to the state from other places to check further spread of COVID-19.
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates | Deputy CM Manish Sisodia to Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal:
Not feasible now to conduct pending board exams for class 10, 12.
Students should be promoted on basis of performance in internal exams like it was done for classes 9, 11.
Curriculum for next session be reduced by 30 percent, exams like JEE, NEET be conducted on basis of reduced syllabus. (PTI)
Coronavirus in Noida LIVE updates | District Magistrate Gautam Budha Nagar:
Banks of GB Nagar doing door step delivery of cash in Hotspots through 232 Bank Mitras.
India Post, through Aadhar-enabled payment services, is serving in 19 locations.
We shall make all efforts to enable hassle-free financial transactions in the city andvillages alike.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | CRPF:
A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan who had tested positive for COVID-19and was admitted to a hospital in Delhi last week, has passed away.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Health Ministry:
1,594 new cases and 51 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. India's total number of COVID-19positive cases rises to 29,974 (including 22010 active cases, 7027 cured/discharged/migrated and 937 deaths).
Coronavirus in Haryana LIVE updates | State minister Anil Vij:
Haryana will be in comfortable position as far as COVID-19 is concerned if borders stay sealed for 15-20 days.
Haryana’s borders with Delhi sealed, essential services allowed but stricter restrictions on those coming in.
Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LIVE updates:
57 new COVID-19 cases detected in Uttar Pradesh; total now 2,043. (PTI)
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Union Minister Nitin Gadkari:
State Transport Ministers should explore operationalising App-based two-wheeler taxis especially in rural areas which will assist farming communities with smoother movement.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Health Ministry Joint Secy Lav Agarwal:
In the last 24 hours, 1,543 new COVID-19 cases reported, taking total number of cases to 29,435.
As many as 6,868 COVID-19 patients, which is 23.3 percent of total cases, have recovered so far.
No new cases of COVID-19 reported from 17 districts in last 28 days.
Doubling rate of COVID-19 cases now stands at 10.2 days.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Health Ministry Joint Secy Lav Agarwal:
Plasma Therapy is being talked about as a popular treatment for COVID-19. I would like to clarify that plasma therapy is not recognised as an official treament for COVID-19 by the ICMR, or anywhere in the world. Plasma therapy is still in experimental stage and is being used only on trial basis.
If not used in a proper way, plasma therapy can create a lot of complications in a patient.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Health Ministry Joint Secy Lav Agarwal:
Those asymptomatic patients who have the provision isolate themselves at home, will be allowed to do so, subject to a few conditions which includes wearing a triple layered mask, downloading the Aarogya Setu app and updating it regularly; and the presence of a care-giver who will maintain regular communication with hospital authorities.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Home Ministry Joint Secy Punya Salila Srivastava:
Vulnerable people have been identified using data collated by electoral rolls and door to soor surveys. Their testing is ongoing.
IMCTis surveying areas and shelter homes in Surat, Gujarat, and have found conditions to be satisfactory. They have found that lockdown measures, and social distancing is being followed. Social distancing was also being followed properly in blood donation drives.
Many industries, including auto, have resumed operations with50 percent capacity. Of 50,000 workers, 30,000 have come back to work.
IMCT held discussions with various stakeholders including textile and diamond industries, who are major employers of labourers. Most labourers have received the pay for last month. Central team has told Surat administration to prepare future plans as well.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan LIVE updates | Health Minister:
Till now, there are 2,328 COVID-19 positive cases in the state. There has been progress inrecoveries in the state. We are also increasing our capacity to dotests. In one week's time, we will be able to do 10,000 tests per day.
Coronavirus in UK LIVE updates | UK says some children died from syndrome linked to COVID-19
Some children in the United Kingdom with no underlying health conditions have died from a rare inflammatory syndrome which researchers believe to be linked to COVID-19, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said.
British and Italian medical experts are investigating a possible link between the coronavirus pandemic and clusters of severe inflammatory disease among infants who are arriving in hospital with high fevers and swollen arteries. (Input from Reuters)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter:
“Discussed COVID-19 pandemic with good friend President @jokowi (Joko Widodo). As close maritime neighbours and Comprehensive Strategic Partners, close cooperation between India and Indonesia will be important to deal with the health and economic challenges posed by this crisis.”
Read | Social media models: Why everyone is giving away cash on Instagram
As the novel coronavirus has continued to disrupt lives and livelihoods, Instagram has been overrun with cash giveaways.
Responses to the question: "Can you or a family member contact the virus?"
(Image: News18 Creative)
Coronavirus in Jharkhand LIVE updates |
With one more patient having tested positive for COVID-19 in Hindpiri area of Ranchi,Jharkhandtoday, the total number of confirmed cases in the state has reached 104.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | South Korea says North Korea's Kim may be trying to avoid coronavirus
Fear of catching the novel coronavirus could have kept North Korean leader Kim Jong Un away from state ceremonies for a key holiday in mid-April, a South Korean minister has said as speculation swirled over Kim's whereabouts and health. (Input from Reuters)
Also read: China says no information to offer regarding Kim Jong Un
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates |
Singer Lata Mangeshkar has thanked celebrity chef Vikas Khanna for donating 1,000 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital in Pune.
The hospital was founded in 2001 in the memory of Mangeshkar's father, renowned Marathi theatre actor and musician Deenanath Mangeshkar.
The 90-year-old singer took to Twitter and said she was humbled by Khanna's gesture.
Read: China lab rejects COVID-19 conspiracy claims, but virus origins still a mystery
Claims that the novel coronavirus pandemic originated in a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan have no basis in fact, the head of the lab told Reuters, adding that there were still no conclusive answers as to where the disease started.
Conspiracy theorists have claimed that SARS-CoV-2, now responsible for more than 2.1 lakh deaths globally, was synthesised by the Wuhan Institute of Virology, based in Wuhan where the disease was first identified.
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Confirmed cases in ASEAN countries
> Brunei: 138 cases (including recoveries and deaths)
> Cambodia: 122 cases
> Indonesia: 9,096 cases
> Laos: 19 cases
> Malaysia: 5,820 cases
> Myanmar: 146 cases
> Philippines: 7,958 cases
> Singapore: 14,951 cases
> Thailand: 2,938 cases
> Vietnam: 270 cases
(Source: News reports and Johns Hopkins University CSSE, as of 2.40 pm IST on April 28)
Responses to the question: "Is the government handling the coronavirus well?"
(Image: News18 Creative)
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan:
We will be able to produce RT-PCR and antibody test kits in India by May. All processes are in advanced stage and production will start after getting approval from ICMR. It will help us in meeting our target of 1 lakh tests per day by May 31
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates:
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is holding a review meeting via video conference with LG-Delhi, Delhi Health Minister, MCD Commissioners, DMs and DCPs of all districts of Delhi and Central/State and District surveillance officers and heads of government hospitals.
Coronavirus in Japan LIVE Updates | Japan would 'scrap' Olympic Games if not held next year: Tokyo 2020 chief
Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori has said that the Olympic Games, already postponed to 2021, would be "scrapped" if they could not take place then.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Japanese government had in March postponed the summer Games until July 2021 due to the impact of the outbreak. With the worldwide infection rate climbing and experts suggesting a vaccine is still a long way off, questions are being asked about whether the huge event may have to be delayed further. (Input from Reuters)
Coronavirus News LIVE Updates | Confirmed cases in SAARC countries
> India: 29,435 confirmed cases (includes recoveries and deaths)
> Afghanistan: 1,703 cases
> Bangladesh: 5,913 cases
> Bhutan: 7 cases
> Maldives: 226 cases
> Nepal: 52 cases
> Pakistan: 13,965 cases
> Sri Lanka: 588 cases
(Source: News reports and Johns Hopkins University CSSE, as of 1.45 pm IST on April 28)
Coronavirus in Karnataka LIVE Updates |
Eight new cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Karnataka, taking the total number of infections in the state to 520.
Read | 120 million blue-collar workers go without pay: Report
Around 100-120 million blue-collar workers have reportedly not received pay in the past month amid the nationwide lockdown, a report suggests.
Additionally, jobs are expected to decline sharply in the next few quarters unless demand resumes by the October-November festive season.
Project lockdown: Severity of restrictions in selected countries
(Image: News18 Creative)
Read | ‘It was just too much’: How remote learning is breaking parents
For the adults in the house, trying to do their own jobs while helping children with school work has become a trying aspect of the pandemic.
Read: Researchers exploring sewage sample tests to detect COVID-19 cases
In a bid to adopt a method that would help conduct community surveillance for COVID-19 cases in a non-invasive way, a team of experts from the COVID Action Collab (CAC) is exploring ways to treat sewage water to detect traces of the pathogen.
