Coronavirus News LIVE Updates: Today is the 126th day since India implemented a nationwide lockdown, to help curb the novel coronavirus pandemic. So far, India has recorded 14,35,453 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 32,771 deaths. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, infections are rising rapidly in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Yet, India’s recovery rate continues to rise and now stands at 63.9 percent. Globally, there have been over 1.6 crore confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 6.4 lakh people have died so far. Catch the latest updates here:
Swiggy to lay off 350 employees due to COVID-19 pandemic
Food ordering and delivery platform Swiggy on Monday said it is laying off 350 employees as part of the realignment exercise it started in May on account of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Swiggy in May had laid off 1,100 employees across grades and functions in cities and head office as part of its exercise to realign resources to create capacity in higher potential areas with the optimism of the business attaining pre-COVID levels in the near-term.
"However, with the industry still only having recovered to about 50 percent of its peak, we have to, unfortunately, go ahead with this final realignment exercise, which will result in the net loss of 350 jobs," Swiggy said in a statement.
The company is concluding the exercise it began late May and there are no plans for any further restructuring.
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Coronavirus LIVE updates:
Global coronavirus death toll passes 650,000, according to AFP tally
Coronavirus LIVE updates:
Germany to impose coronavirus tests on travellers from risk zones. (AFP)
White House says Donald Trump not at risk of coronavirus after security adviser tests positive
US President Donald Trump's national security adviser Robert O'Brien has tested positive for the novel coronavirus, but there is no risk of exposure to Trump or Vice President Mike Pence, the White House said in a statement.
"He has mild symptoms and has been self-isolating and working from a secure location off site. There is no risk of exposure to the President or the Vice President. The work of the National Security Council continues uninterrupted," according to the statement.
The White House has said staff is regularly tested for the virus, and O'Brien is the most senior official to be found positive amid the pandemic.
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Coronavirus in West Bengal LIVE updates:
West Bengal's COVID-19 case tally rises to 60,830 with 2,112 fresh cases today. The total number of active and discharged cases in the state is 19,502 and 39,917 respectively; death toll 1,411.
Coronavirus in Mumbai LIVE updates | BMC:
1,033 COVID-19 cases and 39 deaths reported in Mumbai today; 1,706 patients recovered and discharged. Total positive cases rise to 1,10,129 including 81,944 patients recovered and discharged and6,129 deaths.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Andaman reported its first COVID-19 death. Mr Alphonse a r/o junglighat revenue field staffs diedof corona. He diedat GB Panth Hospital in Port Blair today.
Coronavirus in Gujarat LIVE updates:
22 deaths and 1,052 COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours. Gujarat's case tally rises to 56,874 including 13,146 active cases 41,380 cured/discharged and 2,348 deaths.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra LIVE updates:
227 deaths and 7,924 fresh COVID-19 cases reported in the state today. The total number of positive cases in the state is now 3,83,723 including 2,21,944 recovered cases and 1,47,592 active cases.
Google may allow employees to work from home till July 2021
Tech giant Google is planning to keep the work-from-home option open for its employees till as late as July next year, The Wall Street Journal has reported quoting sources.
This comes at a time when the number of coronavirus cases across the world continue to surge, especially in the United States, where around 70,000 new infections are being recorded daily.
Earlier this year, CEO Sundar Pichai had said the company would gradually resume work at its various offices, on a rotation basis, starting July. He had said, "Beginning July 6, assuming external conditions allow, we’ll start to open more buildings in more cities.
This will give Googlers who need to come back to the office—or, capacity permitting, who want to come back—the opportunity to return on a limited, rotating basis (think: one day every couple of weeks, so roughly 10 percent building occupancy)."
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Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
India is often referred to as ‘the pharmacy of the world’ and this has been proved true especially in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic when India continued to export critical life-saving medicines to the countries.
Three bulk drug parks will be developed in the country in partnership with the states at Rs 3,000 crores. 4 medical device parks will also be developed with a government grant of Rs. 100 crores for one park,Minister of State for Chemicals andFertilizers Mansukh Mandviya added.
Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh LIVE updates:
9 deaths and789 new COVID-19 cases reported today, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 28,589 including 19,791 recovered cases and 7978 active cases.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | South Eastern Railway:
Due to complete lockdown in West Bengal on 29th July, it has been decided that Howrah-Mumbai CSMT special which was earlier rescheduled to leave Howrah on 29th July will short originate from Rourkela at 2:11 am on 30th July.
Coronavirus LIVE updates | BREAKING:
US President Donald Trump's National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien has tested positive for coronavirus (Reuters)
Coronavirus in Karnataka LIVE updates:
Karnataka reports 5,324 new COVID-19 cases and 75 deaths today. The total number of cases in the state stands at 1,01,465 including 61,819 active cases and 1,953 deaths.
Now, a device to kill coronavirus — this Bengaluru manufacturer gets approval from FDA, EU
Scalene Hypercharge Corona Canon (Shycocan), a device with the ability to contain the spread of coronavirus, has received approvals from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union (EU). It is developed by a Bengaluru-based organisation called De Scalene.
Shycocan is built like a small drum that can be fit into offices, schools, malls, hotels, airports, or any closed area for disinfecting surfaces. It is proven to be 99.9 percent effective in neutralising the Spike-Protein or S-protein that are present in coronavirus.
While it cannot cure an infected person, it is highly effective in containing the spread of the deadly virus.
The device floods a room or any indoor place with hundreds of electrons. So even if an infected individual were to walk into the room, these electrons would neutralise the potency of the virus present in aerosols while sneezing or coughing.
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Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu LIVE updates:
6,993 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths reported in Tamil Nadu in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 2,20,716.
5,723 patients were discharged today. 54,896 cases still active in the state.
Coronavirus in Kerala LIVE updates | Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan:
2 deaths and 702 new COVID-19 cases reported in the state today. The total number of cases is now 19,727. There are 495 COVID-19 hotspots in the state.
The COVID-19 situation in the state capital continues to be serious with seven large community clusters. A committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been asked to submit a report on whether any relaxations should be given in the existing lockdown.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Human clinical trial of anti-COVID vaccine 'Covaxin' commences at Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM hospital in Bhubaneswar. (PTI)
COVID-19 confirmed in pet cat in the UK
The UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer has confirmed that the virus responsible for COVID-19 has been detected in a pet cat in the UK. The infection was confirmed following tests at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) laboratory in Weybridge on Wednesday 22 July.
Although this is the first confirmed case of an animal infection with the coronavirus strain in the UK, there is no evidence to suggest that the animal was involved in transmission of the disease to its owners or that pets or other domestic animals are able to transmit the virus to people.
All available evidence suggests that the cat contracted the coronavirus from its owners who had previously tested positive for COVID-19. The cat and its owners have since made a full recovery and there was no transmission to other animals or people in the household.
Coronavirus in West Bengal LIVE updates:
I request Centre to clear state's financial dues to help it effectively fight COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | PM Modi:
In January, we had only one centre for COVID-19 testing; now there are about 1,300 labs operating in country.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | PM Modi:
These labs will not remain restricted to testing of COVID-19 but will be expanded for testing of many other diseases including Hepatitis B andC, HIV, andDengue in future, thePM saidat the virtual launch of 3 new high-throughput labs of ICMR at Noida, Kolkata andMumbai.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | PM Modi:
Today, there are more than 11,000 COVID-19 facilities and more than 11 lakh isolation beds in the country. We also have nearly 1300 testing labs in the country and more than 5 lakh tests are being conducted daily, the PM said at the launch of high throughput COVID-19 testing facilities in 3 cities.
Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh LIVE updates | State Minister Ravindra Choubey:
State Cabinet in its meeting today has taken a decision to extend lockdown till August 6 in the districts most-affected due to COVID19.
Virus vaccine put to final test in thousands of volunteers
The world’s biggest COVID-19 vaccine study got underway Monday with the first of 30,000 planned volunteers helping to test shots created by the U.S. government -- one of several candidates in the final stretch of the global vaccine race.
There’s still no guarantee that the experimental vaccine, developed by the National Institutes of Health and Moderna Inc., will really protect.
The needed proof: Volunteers won’t know if they’re getting the real shot or a dummy version. After two doses, scientists will closely track which group experiences more infections as they go about their daily routines, especially in areas where the virus still is spreading unchecked.
“Unfortunately for the United States of America, we have plenty of infections right now” to get that answer, NIH’s Dr. Anthony Fauci recently said.
–Associated Press
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Health Ministry:
India's COVID-19 fatality rate is progressively falling, andis currently at 2.28%, while therecovery rate has reached 64%.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, her daughter Aaradhya test negative for COVID-19; discharged from the hospital.Abhishek Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan to remain under medical observation.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | SC reserves order on plea for transferring funds collected in PM CARES to NDRF
The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a plea, which said all the money collected under the PM CARES Fund for the COVID-19 pandemic should be transferred to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, told the bench that the PM CARES Fund is a "voluntary fund" while funds to the NDRF and SDRF are made available through budgetary allocations.
Coronavirus News LIVE updates | Confirmed cases in ASEAN countries
> Brunei: 141 cases (includes recoveries and deaths)
> Cambodia: 225 cases
> Indonesia: 98,778 cases
> Laos: 20 cases
> Malaysia: 8,897 cases
> Myanmar: 349 cases
> Philippines: 80,448 cases
> Singapore: 50,370 cases
> Thailand: 3,291 cases
> Vietnam: 418 cases
(Source: News reports and Reuters tracker, as of 3.35 pm IST on July 27)
Coronavirus LIVE updates |
A 57-year-old grandfather in the city of Danang in Vietnam, with no history of travel, tested positive for COVID-19 and has been hospitalised. Health officials are tracing his contacts.
Read: Vietnam, lauded in coronavirus fight, reports first local case in 100 days
Coronavirus News LIVE updates | Confirmed cases in SAARC countries
> India: 12,87,945 confirmed cases (includes recoveries and deaths)
> Afghanistan: 36,263 cases
> Bangladesh: 2,23,453 cases
> Bhutan: 92 cases
> Maldives: 3,252 cases
> Nepal: 18,613 cases
> Pakistan: 2,74,289 cases
> Sri Lanka: 2,770 cases
(Source: MoHFW India, news reports and Reuters tracker, as of 3.00 pm IST on July 27)
Coronavirus in Pakistan LIVE updates |
Total confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pakistan have risen to 2,74,289, according to Dawn. This figure includes patients who have recovered (2,41,026) and the death toll in the country which stands at 5,842.
While Punjab province has reported 92,073 cases so far, Sindh has reported 1,18,311 cases.
Coronavirus in Maharashtra LIVE updates | Maharashtra Police:
One death and 101 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in the police force. Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the department have risen to 8,584, including 6,538 recoveries and 94 deaths.
Unlock 3.0 | Will schools, cinema halls, international flights restart? Here's what FICCI recommends
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has recommended easing the prohibitions on sectors such as aviation, sports, educational institutes, tourism and entertainment during Unlock 3.0 -- a calibrated exit from the COVID-19 induced lockdown. Unlock 2.0 ends on July 31.
Coronavirus impact | Pilgrims arrive in Mecca for downsized Hajj amid pandemic
Muslim pilgrims have started arriving in Mecca for a drastically scaled-down Hajj as Saudi authorities balance the kingdom’s oversight of one of Islam’s key pillars and the safety of visitors in the face of a global pandemic.
The Hajj, which begins on July 29, normally draws around 2.5 million people for five intense days of worship in one of the world’s largest gatherings of people from around the world.
This year, Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Ministry has said between 1,000 and 10,000 people already residing in the kingdom will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage. (Input from AP)
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates:
Supreme Court seeks reply from University Grants Commission (UGC) on a batch of pleas challenging its circular andseeking cancellation of final term examination in view of COVID-19. UGC to file reply by July 29. Matter to be heard on July 31.
Coronavirus in Himachal Pradesh LIVE updates | Health Department:
Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state have risen to 2,187. This includes 955 active cases, 1,203 recoveries and 12 deaths.
Coronavirus LIVE updates | Hong Kong extends restrictions to ban gatherings of more than two people
Hong Kong has announced further restrictions to curb a surge in coronavirus cases, including a ban on gatherings of more than two people, a total bar on restaurant dining and mandatory face masks in all public places, including outdoors.
Since late January, more than 2,600 people have been infected in Hong Kong, 20 of whom have died.
Coronavirus in Telangana LIVE updates | State government:
1,473 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths have been reported in Telangana today. Total confirmed cases in the state have risen to 55,532, including 42,106 recoveries and 471 deaths.
Coronavirus in Odisha LIVE updates |
Over 1,500 new cases push Odisha's COVID-19 tally to 26,892; death toll climbs to 147
Odisha's COVID-19 tally shot up to 26,892 with 1,503 new cases, while the death toll rose to 147 as seven more people succumbed to the disease, a health department official said today.
The state now has 9,918 active COVID-19 cases, the official said, adding that 16,794 people have recovered from the disease so far in the state. (Input from PTI)
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates | Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal:
As of now, there is an arrangement of 15,500 beds at hospitals in Delhi. Only 2,800 COVID-19 patients remain at these hospitals. About 12,500 beds are vacant. In June, we were at second position in the country as far as states with the highest cases were concerned. Today we are tenth.
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates | Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal:
Delhi government is starting a portal -- jobs.delhi.gov.in. Those who are looking to recruit people for jobs can go to the website and update their requirement. Job seekers can also go there and update their qualification, experience and requirement. It will be a 'rozgar bazar'.
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates | Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal:
There was no need to impose a second lockdown in Delhi. This is a matter of satisfaction.
Coronavirus in Delhi LIVE updates | Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal:
There is improvement in the COVID-19 situation in Delhi. The ‘Delhi model’ is being discussed in India and across the world. Today the recovery rate in Delhi is 88 percent, only 9 percent of the people are ill now and 2-3 percent of the people have died. There is a decline in the number of deaths.
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Vadodara Police arrested 13 people yesterday for blocking the path of an ambulance that was carrying a heart patient back home from an imaging centre.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Vande Bharat Mission Phase 5 to start from August 1: Air India
Air India has announced that the fifth phase of the ‘Vande Bharat Mission’, which is slated to begin from August 1, 2020, will see Indian carriers open up to many more international destinations.
Notably, the phase five will commence on a day the country will also enter ‘Unlock’ phase three.
Coronavirus in Rajasthan LIVE updates | Health Department:
448 new COVID-19 cases and seven deaths have been reported in the state. The total confirmed cases in the state stand at 36,878, including 10,124 active cases and 631 deaths.
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Parsi quota for COVID-19 vaccine: Adar Poonawalla to keep ‘more than enough' as Ronnie Screwvala suggests so
Adar Poonawalla, while responding to a tweet from Ronnie Screwvala, said Serum Institute of India's "production capacity of just one day will be enough to cover every Parsi on the planet".
Coronavirus in India LIVE updates | Once considered COVID-19 hotspots, Delhi and Mumbai are flattening the curve
Over the last month, Delhi and Mumbai have shown a significant drop in new COVID-19 cases being reported every day. The doubling rate in both cities, once considered India's largest hotspots, is now well over two months.
