281. 11:03 PM, March 20, 2020
A Breakdown of the coronavirus cases in India as on March 20, 2020
CONFIRMED CASES – 251
HOSPITALIZED CASES – 222
CASES IN INTENSIVE CARE – 2
RECOVERED CASES – 23
DEATHS – 4
280. 10:52 PM, March 20, 2020
Coronavirus: IndiGo says due to reduction in demand, it is trimming its domestic flights by 25 per cent for now.
IndiGo says it will operate only 60 per cent of its domestic flights on Sunday when ‘Janta curfew’ is in force
279. 10:50 PM, March 20, 2020
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS): All non-essential elective procedures and surgeries are to be postponed and only emergency life-saving surgeries will be taken up in various Operation Theaters (OTs) of AIIMS. #Coronavirus
278. 10:47 PM, March 20, 2020
Total number of coronavirus cases in national capital climbs to 20: Delhi Health Department
277. 10:37 PM, March 20, 2020
GoAir says it is voluntarily suspending all flights on Sunday when Janta curfew will be in force. (Source: Press Trust of India)
276. 10:32 PM, March 20, 2020
Meghalaya announces 24-hour shutdown beginning midnight; CM Conrad Sangma says Saturday will be observed as ‘coronavirus awareness day’
275. 10:30 PM, March 20, 2020
Govt of Jammu and Kashmir | In wake of the #CoronaVirus outbreak, it is hereby ordered that the govt employees shall attend their offices on alternate weeks except those who are associated with the Coronavirus control efforts & essential services. (Source: ANI)
274. 10:29 PM, March 20, 2020
The US is recommending the use of a drug called Chloroquine to treat coronavirus infection even as health experts are talking about the serious side effects of this drug.
273. 10:20 PM, March 20, 2020
SAARC Conference | Bhutan has welcomed the establishment of the #COVID19 emergency fund as proposed by India at SAARC video conference and has decided to make an initial contribution of 100,000 US Dollars: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bhutan.
Previously, Nepal confirmed it would be committing 100 million rupees to #SAARC fund set by the PM Narendra Modi to fight #Coronavirus: KP Sharma Oli, Nepal Prime Minister. (Source: All India Radio News)
272. 10:16 PM, March 20, 2020
Jamia Millia Islamia: All the teaching staff of the various faculties and department will work from their home henceforth and they are directed to provide reading materials etc for the assignment of each unit on time. This arrangement is up to March 31, 2020.
271. 10:08 PM, March 20, 2020
Kaushal Raj Sharma, Varanasi District Magistrate: Kashi Vishwanath Temple to remain closed for devotees from tomorrow till March 24, in the wake of #CoronaVirus outbreak. However, routine prayers by priests would continue. (Source: ANI)
270. 10:04 PM, March 20, 2020
Gujarat | Two more persons reported positive for #Covid19, with this, the total number of corona infected people rises to 7 in the state. (Source: All India Radio News)
269. 10:02 PM, March 20, 2020
The markets in Delhi will remain closed on 21, 22 and 23 March. Trade leaders will review the situation on the evening of 23 March and decide actions for the future. This was communicated by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal. (Source: The Quint)
268. 10:00 PM, March 20, 2020
Contact tracing of over 6,000 people underway to contain the spread of coronavirus: Health Ministry (Source: Health Ministry)
267. 09:58 PM, March 20, 2020
India has a total of 243 cases now and 4 deaths from the coronavirus outbreak in the country.
However, the Shaheen Bagh-inspired sit-in protest led by women in Mumbai has still decided to continue the protest, albeit with fewer people and more precautions. It is also in light of the shocking ongoing protests in Shaheen Bagh, Lucknow and Chennai against CAA amid the coronavirus scare in the country.
266. 09:52 PM, March 20, 2020
Two Indonesian nationals have tested positive for #COVID19 in Telangana. The total number of positive cases in the sate has reached 19: Dr Shankar, Superintendent, Government Fever Hospital. (Source: ANI)
265. 09:48 PM, March 20, 2020
Delhi govt to pay salaries to daily wage staff, guest teachers employed at places that have been closed due to COVID-19: Dy CM Manish Sisodia. (Source: Press Trust of India)
264. 09:47 PM, March 20, 2020
Madhya Pradesh sees first Covid-19 cases; four tests positive for novel coronavirus in Jabalpur
263. 09:21 PM, March 20, 2020
What is the incubation period of coronavirus and what is the prescribed time of self-isolation?
The incubation period, as stated by the Health Ministry and & international organisations like WHO and CDC is 2 weeks. If any person catches #COVID19, symptoms will be seen within a maximum time period of 2 weeks. So, 2 weeks is the prescribed period for #SelfIsolation. (Source: PIB)
262. 09:18 PM, March 20, 2020
Kanika Kapoor’s recklessness bears bad results for her. Lucknow DM has now ordered an FIR against her, and the report will be submitted to the Uttar Pradesh Home Dept. (Source: Republic TV)
261. 09:14 PM, March 20, 2020
Ministry of Health: There will be universal screening for all passengers coming from Australia, the United Kingdom & USA and risk profiling them for either quarantine or isolation based on risk assessment. (Source: ANI)
260. 09:12 PM, March 20, 2020
#Nepal has committed 100 million rupees to #SAARC fund set by the PM Narendra Modi to fight #Coronavirus: KP Sharma Oli, Nepal Prime Minister (Source: All India Radio News)
259. 08:52 PM, March 20, 2020
The Prime Minister took to Twitter to update the country that a video conference was organised to discuss on coronavirus in India with the chief ministers of the states. He said,
“Today, via video conferencing, had an extensive interaction with Chief Ministers of various states to discuss ongoing efforts towards tackling COVID-19 menace. Discussed ways to curtail the spread and ensure our citizens are healthy.”
258. 08:40 PM, March 20, 2020
DELHI METRO ADVISORY ON COVID–19
In view of the COVID–19 pandemic, the metro authorities have issued information for travellers about following certain measures being taken by DMRC to counter its spread. Click here for the measures.
257. 08:31 PM, March 20, 2020
Vasundhara Raje took to Twitter to communicate she and her son got in contact with singer Kanika Kapoor who has tested positive with coronavirus after her recent UK travel. Here is what she wrote:
“While in Lucknow, I attended a dinner with my son Dushyant & his in-laws. Kanika, who has unfortunately tested positive for #Covid19 was also a guest.
As a matter of abundant caution, my son & I have immediately self-quarantined and we’re taking all necessary precautions.”
256. 08:27 PM, March 20, 2020
On-board catering services in mail or express trains to be closed until further advice. Food plazas, refreshment rooms, Jan aahars, & cell kitchens will also be closed: Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC). (Source: ANI)
255. 08:24 PM, March 20, 2020
The PIB has tweeted about the protocols that health officials must follow with regards to Kidney patients.
The tweet says that kidney patients are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infections.
Management of patients on dialysis must be according to strict protocols to minimize risk
Click here for the guidelines.
254. 08:20 PM, March 20, 2020
India continues to be in Phase II of transmission of Coronavirus. Phase III – Community Transmission has not been able to take over so far – ICMR
Shri Piyush Goyal clarified in Parliament that the professionals rendering following services do qualify under Essential Services:
- Parliamentarians
- Doctors
- Para-medics
253. 08:14 PM, March 20, 2020
Indian Air Force: Due to #COVID19, all Services Selection Board (SSB) interviews for selecting officers planned from 23rd March onwards at Air Force Selection Boards have been cancelled till further orders. Fresh dates would be intimated in due course of time. (Source: ANI)
252. 08:00 PM, March 20, 2020
Ladakh Government informs airlines to ensure they don’t bring to Leh any passengers other than:
- Residents
- Civilian Officers
- Uniformed forces serving in Ladakh.
251. 07:00 PM, March 20, 2020
The closure list just became longer. Lucknow District Administration Uttar Pradesh just announced the closure of all:
- Bars
- Cafes
- Saloons
- Beauty Parlours
- Lawns
250. 06:00 PM, March 20, 2020
The annual festival at Sabrimala would begin as scheduled on March 29, 2020. However, public participation is planned at zero and only rites during the festival will be performed. This, temple management sources say is due to Coronavirus spread.
249. 05:00 PM, March 20, 2020
248. 04:02 PM, March 20, 2020
The new COVID-19 guidelines for India are as follows:
* India bans entry of all international commercial passenger flights from March 22 to March 29.
* States are being requested to enforce work from home for the private sector. (Source: Indian Express)
247. 03:43 PM, March 20, 2020
Bengal govt creating state emergency relief fund to collect aid from those who wish to donate: CM Mamata Banerjee on COVID-19 pandemic. Rice distributed via PDS for Rs 2 per kg will be free for the next 6 months: Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee on COVID-19 crisis. (Source: Press Trust of India)
246. 03:40 PM, March 20, 2020
Coronavirus: DMRC says Delhi metro services will be closed on Sunday in view of Janata curfew
245. 03:38 PM, March 20, 2020
Sensex zooms 1,627.73 pts to end at 29,915.96; Nifty rallies 482 pts to 8,745.45
244. 03:18 PM, March 20, 2020
Uttarakhand bans entry of all tourists(domestic & Foreign) till further orders. (Source: All India Radio)
243. 02:45 PM, March 20, 2020
Ministry of health is regularly fact-checking some of the shared information around Covid-19, the most commonly believed one is: One should avoid eating eggs or any other meat to prevent Coronavirus.
The fact check the Ministry has published is: Consume only thoroughly cooked food including meat, poultry, fish and eggs.
242. 02:23 PM, March 20, 2020
Rishikesh | All river rafting and bungy jumping activities have been closed till March 31. (Local Newspaper)
241. 02:16 PM, March 20, 2020
Singer Kanika Kapoor tests positive for #COVID19.
241. 02:13 PM, March 20, 2020
Aaditya Thackeray took to tweeting to announce CM Uddhav Thackeray’s steps in view of the prevailing situation of Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra.
He has tweeted, “CM Uddhav Thackeray announced that from this Midnight, all workplaces will remain closed till 31st March. This is applicable in Mumbai, MMR Region, Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and Nagpur. Govt offices to operate at 25% attendance. Essential services shall operate, any other services important to operate, the collectors shall specify from time to time. Groceries, milk and other day-to-day items shall be available. Citizens are req to reduce unnecessary movement.”
241. 02:03 PM, March 20, 2020
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: In view of the prevailing situation, we are closing down all Malls (except grocery, pharmacy and vegetable shops in them).
240. 01:43 PM, March 20, 2020
Foreign Secretary HV Shringla conducted a teleconference with world leaders on coronavirus in India.
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla today participated in a telephonic conference call initiated by U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Stephen Biegun for discussions among some countries in the Indo-Pacific region on issues related to countering COVID-19.
Foreign Secretary HV Shringla briefed the participants on the proactive steps taken by India both nationally and in the region. He conveyed India’s desire to regularly share its perspectives with partners in the region and to work together with others to counter this challenge.
The teleconference included senior representatives from Australia, the Republic of Korea, Vietnam, New Zealand, and Japan. The participants shared their assessments of the current situation with respect to COVID-19,&discussed ways to synergize their efforts to counter its spread. (Source: ANI)
239. 01:35 PM, March 20, 2020
“Nature is reminding us to acknowledge, with humility, our quintessential equality and interdependence. “ — President Kovind on coronavirus.
238. 01:34 PM, March 20, 2020
Assam: Kamakhya Devi shrine closed as a precautionary measure to prevent #COVID19, till further orders. (Source: All India Radio News)
237. 01:00 PM, March 20, 2020
As a reportage on Republic TV, Delhi’s Shaheenbagh anti-CAA protest organiser Tabrez Khan has tested positive with Coronavirus. His sister had returned from Saudi Arabia recently. The family has also been also infected.
236. 12:55 PM, March 20, 2020
Maharashtra: Wholesale fruits and vegetable market in Pune’s Gultekdi closed, due to coronavirus.
235. 12:34 PM, March 20, 2020
India’s total confirmed cases have reached 201 with 175 cases in hospitals under treatment.
234. 12:27 PM, March 20, 2020
The central government and state governments are moving ahead against coronavirus in India with financial plans.
~ To fight COVID-19, the Telangana Health Minister Etela Rajendra has announced a budget of Rs 100 Cr and urged people to not panic.
~ Kerala government is also leading in announcing a budget to fight the coronavirus spread in India. It has announced ₹20,000 Cr economic package. The package includes funds to clear various dues the government owes individuals and institutions, ₹2,000 Cr in consumer loans, ₹1,320 Cr to disburse two months’ welfare pension in advance, and a health package of ₹500 Cr.
~ The central government is also working on a financial package to fight Covid-19 in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is heading an Economic Response Task Force initiated by the Prime Minister to work on affected areas of the economy.
233. 12:01 PM, March 20, 2020
India Death Toll Rises to 5 | The first foreign national death due to coronavirus has happened in India. The news has been reported from Rajasthan, where a 69-year-old Italian citizen has died while undergoing treatment at the Fortis Hospital in Jaipur. He had apparently previously ‘recovered’ from the disease but died later. (Source: News18)
232. 11:33 AM, March 20, 2020
BREAKING | Uttar Pradesh government has announced that the Ram Navami celebrations in Ayodhya have been cancelled due to Covid-19.
231. 11:30 AM, March 20, 2020
Andhra Pradesh Health Minister: A man who had recently returned from Saudi Arabia has tested positive for COVID-19 in Visakhapatnam; Total number of positive cases in the state is now 3. (Source: ANI)
Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Gujarat: 2 people from Ahmedabad and 1 from Vadodara have tested positive for #Coronavirus. The person in Vadodara has a history of travel to Spain, the 2 people in Ahmedabad had travelled to Finland & New York. (Source: ANI)
230. 11:15 AM, March 20, 2020
Manjit Singh, Mohali Civil Surgeon, #Punjab: A 69-year-old woman from Mohali has been tested positive for #Coronavirus; the total number of positive cases in the state rises to 3. (Source: ANI)
228. 11:09 AM, March 20, 2020
Uber is doing 70 per cent fewer trips in cities hit hard by the coronavirus. This was highlighted in a conference call with analysts on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at 5:30 a.m. Pacific Time (8:30 a.m. Eastern Time) to discuss the state of the business considering COVID-19, and what the company is doing to respond.
To flatten the curve of community spread in the affected cities, it is suspending the Pool option in the US, Canada, London, and Paris. However, Uber Pool is still available in India.
227. 10:58 AM, March 20, 2020
Fitch Ratings, an international credit rating agency based out of New York City and London, has cut India’s growth forecast to 5.1% from 5.6% due to coronavirus outbreak.
226. 10:51 AM, March 20, 2020
In reports confirmed by Firstpost, the government has announced a total ban on the export of all ventilators, surgical/disposable masks and textile raw material used for making masks and coveralls with immediate effect in wake of the coronavirus outbreak. This move has been made to ensure India has enough stock while fighting coronavirus.
225. 10:39 AM, March 20, 2020
Karnataka: The Bangalore Wholesale Cloth Merchants Association will keep shops and establishments closed from 22nd March to 25th March, due to Coronavirus. (Source: ANI)
225. 10:32 AM, March 20, 2020
The Rajasthan government has instructed the banks in the state to provide hand sanitisers at all ATM kiosks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Currently, the state has a total of 7 confirmed coronavirus cases.
