<p>Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday made a "fervent" appeal to the people of the country to confine themselves to homes on Sunday during 'Janata curfew' to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/precautions-not-panic-pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-follow-doctors-authorities-advice-over-coronavirus-287780">'Precautions not panic': PM Modi urges citizens to follow doctors, authorities advice over coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for observing 'Janata curfew' this Sunday, he said since the virus spreads through physical contact, social distancing is an effective measure to contain its spread by avoiding contact during the incubation period of the virus.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indian-states-are-gearing-up-for-janta-curfew-tomorrow-287729">How Indian states are gearing up for Janta curfew tomorrow</a></strong></p>

<p>Naidu said in effect it means 'caring for yourself and others' through social distancing which is being principally advocated by the medical experts and WHO.</p>

<p>The vice president urged the political parties, civil society organisations and others to rise to the occasion to collectively combat the challenge posed to the nation by the pandemic.</p>

<p>He said it is the responsibility of every citizen to educate and motivate others towards meeting the challenge.</p>

<p>"I fervently appeal to the people of the country not to venture out of their homes tomorrow as it will go a long way in checking the spread of the virus which is proving to be an unprecedented challenge to the governments and the people across the globe," Naidu added.&nbsp;</p>


Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday made a "fervent" appeal to the people of the country to confine themselves to homes on Sunday during 'Janata curfew' to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday made a "fervent" appeal to the people of the country to confine themselves to homes on Sunday during 'Janata curfew' to effectively contain the spread of coronavirus. Also read: 'Precautions not panic': PM Modi urges citizens to follow doctors, authorities advice over coronavirus Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for observing 'Janata curfew' this Sunday, he said since the virus spreads through physical contact, social distancing is an effective measure to contain its spread by avoiding contact during the incubation period of the virus. Also read: How Indian states are gearing up for Janta curfew tomorrow Naidu said in effect it means 'caring for yourself and others' through social distancing which is being principally advocated by the medical experts and WHO. The vice president urged the political parties, civil society organisations and others to rise to the occasion to collectively combat the challenge posed to the nation by the pandemic. He said it is the responsibility of every citizen to educate and motivate others towards meeting the challenge. "I fervently appeal to the people of the country not to venture out of their homes tomorrow as it will go a long way in checking the spread of the virus which is proving to be an unprecedented challenge to the governments and the people across the globe," Naidu added.

Vice-president Naidu urges people to follow 'Janata curfew' on Sunday

<p>A total of 12 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state today.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-over-100-labs-made-functional-retails-prices-for-sanitisers-fixed-at-rs-100-per-200-ml-287794">Coronavirus in India: Over 100 labs made functional; retails prices for sanitisers fixed at Rs 100 per 200 ml</a></strong></p>

<p>"8 cases are from Mumbai, 2 from Pune, 1 from Yavatmal and 1 from Kalyan. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 64," Public Health Department of the government of Maharashtra informed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-planning-to-get-testing-kits-from-south-korea-287795">Coronavirus: India planning to get testing kits from South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that a total of 298 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country.</p>

<p>Out of the total number, four people have died and 22 others have recovered.</p>


A total of 12 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state today. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Over 100 labs made functional; retails prices for sanitisers fixed at Rs 100 per 200 ml "8 cases are from Mumbai, 2 from Pune, 1 from Yavatmal and 1 from Kalyan.

A total of 12 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state today. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Over 100 labs made functional; retails prices for sanitisers fixed at Rs 100 per 200 ml "8 cases are from Mumbai, 2 from Pune, 1 from Yavatmal and 1 from Kalyan. The total number of positive cases in the state now stands at 64," Public Health Department of the government of Maharashtra informed. Also read: Coronavirus: India planning to get testing kits from South Korea Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that a total of 298 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country. Out of the total number, four people have died and 22 others have recovered.

12 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Maharashtra

<p>Pakistan on Saturday suspended all international flight operations for two weeks in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the civil aviation authority said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/for-pakistan-coronavirus-pandemic-is-an-excuse-to-beg-for-money-287452">For Pakistan, Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money</a></strong></p>

<p>"The Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend the operation of all international passenger, chartered and private flights to Pakistan, effective from 21st March 2020&nbsp;to 4th April 2020," it said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-lack-healthcare-facilities-would-be-devastated-if-swamped-by-covid-19-imran-khan-287033"><strong>We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan</strong></a></p>

<p>Cargo and diplomatic flights are exempted.</p>

<p>Pakistan has reported three deaths and 481 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.</p>


Pakistan on Saturday suspended all international flight operations for two weeks in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the civil aviation authority said.

Pakistan on Saturday suspended all international flight operations for two weeks in a bid to contain the coronavirus pandemic, the civil aviation authority said. Also read: For Pakistan, Coronavirus pandemic is an excuse to beg for money "The Government of Pakistan has decided to suspend the operation of all international passenger, chartered and private flights to Pakistan, effective from 21st March 2020 to 4th April 2020," it said in a statement. Also read: We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan Cargo and diplomatic flights are exempted. Pakistan has reported three deaths and 481 confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

Pakistan suspends international flights for two weeks to contain COVID-19

<p>Cuba announced on Friday the closure of its borders to non-residents due to the coronavirus pandemic, having previously tried to remain open to keep its key tourism industry alive.</p>

<p>"We're going to regulate the entry at the country's borders, allowing only Cuban residents to enter," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel after updating Cuba's number of confirmed cases to 21, with one Italian tourist having died.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: V<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-juan-guaido-meets-emmanuel-macron-on-charm-offensive-276546">enezuela's Juan Guaido meets Emmanuel Macron on charm offensive</a></strong></p>

<p>Diaz-Canel said Cubans abroad could come home and foreigners in Cuba would be allowed to leave.</p>

<p>Economically crippled by US sanctions, Cuba is largely dependent on its tourism revenue.</p>

<p>The measure will come into effect on Tuesday and will last for 30 days. There are 60,000 tourists currently in Cuba.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-not-invincible-who-warns-young-people-on-coronavirus-287708">'You are not invincible': WHO warns young people on coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>"Next week no tourists" will enter the country, said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, adding that almost all hotels on the island would close.</p>

<p>Until now, Cuba had bucked the regional trend of closing its borders to foreigners.</p>

<p>That generated heavy criticism from a worried population where 20 percent are over 60 and there are often cuts in the water supply and a lack of soap.</p>

<p>Washing hands regularly is one of the main pieces of advice that health authorities have given people to help them avoid contracting the virus.</p>


Cuba announced on Friday the closure of its borders to non-residents due to the coronavirus pandemic, having previously tried to remain open to keep its key tourism industry alive.

Cuba announced on Friday the closure of its borders to non-residents due to the coronavirus pandemic, having previously tried to remain open to keep its key tourism industry alive. "We're going to regulate the entry at the country's borders, allowing only Cuban residents to enter," said President Miguel Diaz-Canel after updating Cuba's number of confirmed cases to 21, with one Italian tourist having died. Also read: Venezuela's Juan Guaido meets Emmanuel Macron on charm offensive Diaz-Canel said Cubans abroad could come home and foreigners in Cuba would be allowed to leave. Economically crippled by US sanctions, Cuba is largely dependent on its tourism revenue. The measure will come into effect on Tuesday and will last for 30 days. There are 60,000 tourists currently in Cuba. Also read: 'You are not invincible': WHO warns young people on coronavirus "Next week no tourists" will enter the country, said Prime Minister Manuel Marrero, adding that almost all hotels on the island would close. Until now, Cuba had bucked the regional trend of closing its borders to foreigners. That generated heavy criticism from a worried population where 20 percent are over 60 and there are often cuts in the water supply and a lack of soap. Washing hands regularly is one of the main pieces of advice that health authorities have given people to help them avoid contracting the virus.

Cuba closes borders to non-residents over virus: President Diaz-Canel

<p>Veteran actor Anupam Kher who returned from New York to Mumbai after four months on Friday, decided to keep himself in self-isolation as a precautionary measure amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-billion-people-confined-to-homes-globally-to-curb-virus-28779">coronavirus pandemic</a>.<br />
<br />
The 65-year-old actor who is quite active on social media took to Instagram and shared the face-time video he had with his mother. He has decided not to meet her for a few days.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_EHptADoP/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">In normal circumstances when I return from abroad before coming to my house I go to my neighbour &amp; best friend @anilskapoor ‘s house. But things are different nowadays. It is important to observe social distance. Hopefully he will come out to show me his face soon. 🤓😬😎 #SelfQuarantine</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anupampkher/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Anupam Kher</a> (@anupampkher) on <time datetime="2020-03-21T06:29:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 20, 2020 at 11:29pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>In the video, his mother is initially seen getting angry at him for not meeting her despite being in India, but later understands his stance.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9_MZ8vgU4-/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Thank you dear @anilskapoor for coming to your house gate and singing our childhood time song to me. Very nice of you. I just know. This too shall pass. Till then. Jai Ho!! 😍😎 #SocialDistancing</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/anupampkher/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Anupam Kher</a> (@anupampkher) on <time datetime="2020-03-21T07:35:16+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 21, 2020 at 12:35am PDT</time></p>
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<p>"Mom facetime: As a precaution, I decided not to visit Mom after coming back from NY. So face-timed her instead. initially, she got angry but soon understood the importance of social distance. In this case mother-son distance. Both of us felt bad. Par kya kare? Aajkal ke mahol me yeh zaroori hai. But #DulariiRocks...Always," the caption read.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/watch-amitabh-bachchan-akshay-kumar-other-b-town-stars-urge-fans-to-win-waragainstvirus-287690" hreflang="en"> Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar &amp; other B-Town stars urge fans to win #waragainstvirus</a><br />
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Earlier on Friday, the actor took to Instagram and updated about his journey to India.In the video, he gave a detailed view of the activities happening inside the Mumbai airport and lauded the authorities for their responsible acts with `strictness and cleanliness`.<br />
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"The kind of arrangements, the kind of strictness that is followed, whether you are a known person or not, is really amazing," he said."I`m relieved people are following rules," he added.<br />
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Self-isolation is adopted by many as a precautionary measure to help check the spread of COVID-19.</p>


Veteran actor Anupam Kher who returned from New York to Mumbai after four months on Friday, decided to keep himself in self-isolation as a precautionary measure amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Veteran actor Anupam Kher who returned from New York to Mumbai after four months on Friday, decided to keep himself in self-isolation as a precautionary measure amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 65-year-old actor who is quite active on social media took to Instagram and shared the face-time video he had with his mother. He has decided not to meet her for a few days. View this post on Instagram In normal circumstances when I return from abroad before coming to my house I go to my neighbour & best friend @anilskapoor ‘s house. But things are different nowadays. It is important to observe social distance. Hopefully he will come out to show me his face soon. 🤓😬😎 #SelfQuarantine A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) on Mar 20, 2020 at 11:29pm PDT × In the video, his mother is initially seen getting angry at him for not meeting her despite being in India, but later understands his stance. View this post on Instagram Thank you dear @anilskapoor for coming to your house gate and singing our childhood time song to me. Very nice of you. I just know. This too shall pass. Till then. Jai Ho!! 😍😎 #SocialDistancing A post shared by Anupam Kher (@anupampkher) on Mar 21, 2020 at 12:35am PDT × "Mom facetime: As a precaution, I decided not to visit Mom after coming back from NY. So face-timed her instead. initially, she got angry but soon understood the importance of social distance. In this case mother-son distance. Both of us felt bad. Par kya kare? Aajkal ke mahol me yeh zaroori hai. But #DulariiRocks...Always," the caption read. Watch: Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar & other B-Town stars urge fans to win #waragainstvirus Earlier on Friday, the actor took to Instagram and updated about his journey to India.In the video, he gave a detailed view of the activities happening inside the Mumbai airport and lauded the authorities for their responsible acts with `strictness and cleanliness`. "The kind of arrangements, the kind of strictness that is followed, whether you are a known person or not, is really amazing," he said."I`m relieved people are following rules," he added. Self-isolation is adopted by many as a precautionary measure to help check the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 : Anupam Kher opts for self-isolation after returning from New York

<p>Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who went into self-isolation after attending a party with singer Kanika Kapoor in Lucknow, has tested negative for coronavirus.</p>

<p>On Friday, Vasundhara Raje, along with her son Bharatiya Janata Party MP Dushyant Singh, went into self-isolation,&nbsp;after Kanika&nbsp;whom they had met in Lucknow tested&nbsp;positive for COVID-19.</p>

<p>Her son has also tested negative for the deadly virus.</p>

<p>However, the mother-son duo will continue to be in isolation for 15 days.</p>

<p>After their reports came on Sunday, Vasundhara took to Twitter to share the news and wrote:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">After conducting a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Covid19</a> test, I’m happy to inform you that the results came back negative. However, as a preventive measure, my son and I will continue to be in isolation for 15 days.</p>
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VasundharaBJP/status/1241333692766621696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A lot of you checked up on me and I appreciate your concern. I want to thank you for your prayers &amp; good wishes. They are what keep me going!</p>
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) <a href="https://twitter.com/VasundharaBJP/status/1241333789634134016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kanika, who recently returned from London, announced on Friday she has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that she and her family are under quarantine.</p>

<p><strong>Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/high-profile-people-who-are-now-in-self-quarantine-post-coming-in-contact-with-singer-kanika-kapoor-287677">High profile people who are in self-quarantine post coming in contact with singer Kanika Kapoor</a></strong></p>

<p>Several media reports have alleged Kanika hid her travel history from airport authorities and dodged the screening procedure and an FIR has been also filed against the singer for not following government advisory.</p>

<p>Dushyant Singh, who was present at the dinner party with Kanika, had also joined President Ram Nath Kovind and a host of Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for breakfast on March 17, as per a tweet shared on President of India handle.</p>

<p>''President Kovind hosted Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for breakfast at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning," the tweet read.&nbsp;</p>


Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who went into self-isolation after attending a party with singer Kanika Kapoor in Lucknow, has tested negative for coronavirus.

Former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who went into self-isolation after attending a party with singer Kanika Kapoor in Lucknow, has tested negative for coronavirus. On Friday, Vasundhara Raje, along with her son Bharatiya Janata Party MP Dushyant Singh, went into self-isolation, after Kanika whom they had met in Lucknow tested positive for COVID-19. Her son has also tested negative for the deadly virus. However, the mother-son duo will continue to be in isolation for 15 days. After their reports came on Sunday, Vasundhara took to Twitter to share the news and wrote: After conducting a #Covid19 test, I’m happy to inform you that the results came back negative. However, as a preventive measure, my son and I will continue to be in isolation for 15 days. — Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) March 21, 2020 × A lot of you checked up on me and I appreciate your concern. I want to thank you for your prayers & good wishes. They are what keep me going! — Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) March 21, 2020 × Kanika, who recently returned from London, announced on Friday she has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus and that she and her family are under quarantine. Also see: High profile people who are in self-quarantine post coming in contact with singer Kanika Kapoor Several media reports have alleged Kanika hid her travel history from airport authorities and dodged the screening procedure and an FIR has been also filed against the singer for not following government advisory. Dushyant Singh, who was present at the dinner party with Kanika, had also joined President Ram Nath Kovind and a host of Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for breakfast on March 17, as per a tweet shared on President of India handle. ''President Kovind hosted Members of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan for breakfast at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning," the tweet read.

Vasundhara Raje, son test negative for coronavirus

<p>Three more positive cases of COVID-19 surfaced in Mohali today; in all, there are now 4 confirmed cases at Mohali.</p>

<p>All the affected patients are contacts of previously confirmed cases or with travel history to the UK.</p>

<p>All of them are under hospital quarantine and their contacts are under isolation and observation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-indian-states-are-gearing-up-for-janta-curfew-tomorrow-287729">How Indian states are gearing up for Janta curfew tomorrow</a></strong></p>

<p>A 74-year-old woman, sister of the previous 69-year-old woman who tested positive had returned from the UK, is in isolation at Fortis Hospital.</p>

<p>The second case is of a 28-year-old woman, a contact of a positive case of Chandigarh and employee of four-wheeler Agency. She is admitted in Civil Hospital Phase 6, Mohali.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/precautions-not-panic-pm-modi-urges-citizens-to-follow-doctors-authorities-advice-over-coronavirus-287780">'Precautions not panic': PM Modi urges citizens to follow doctors, authorities advice over coronavirus</a></strong></p>

<p>The third case is of a 42-year-old woman who is a resident of sector 69 who is admitted to GH-16 Chandigarh. She had also returned from the UK on March 12.</p>

<p>Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that a total of 298 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country. Out of the total number, four people have died and 22 others have recovered.</p>


Three more positive cases of COVID-19 surfaced in Mohali today; in all, there are now 4 confirmed cases at Mohali. All the affected patients are contacts of previously confirmed cases or with travel history to the UK.

Three more positive cases of COVID-19 surfaced in Mohali today; in all, there are now 4 confirmed cases at Mohali. All the affected patients are contacts of previously confirmed cases or with travel history to the UK. All of them are under hospital quarantine and their contacts are under isolation and observation. Also read: How Indian states are gearing up for Janta curfew tomorrow A 74-year-old woman, sister of the previous 69-year-old woman who tested positive had returned from the UK, is in isolation at Fortis Hospital. The second case is of a 28-year-old woman, a contact of a positive case of Chandigarh and employee of four-wheeler Agency. She is admitted in Civil Hospital Phase 6, Mohali. Also read: 'Precautions not panic': PM Modi urges citizens to follow doctors, authorities advice over coronavirus The third case is of a 42-year-old woman who is a resident of sector 69 who is admitted to GH-16 Chandigarh. She had also returned from the UK on March 12. Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that a total of 298 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country. Out of the total number, four people have died and 22 others have recovered.

Three more COVID-19 positive cases surface in Punjab's Mohali

Coronavirus pandemic: 'Super-spreaders' across the globe

<p>The Central government is in touch with South Korean companies to import testing kits in the wake of the global coronavirus scare.</p>

<p>The administration has been keeping a close watch on the preparedness of the health facilities in the wake of the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) presided over a video conferencing with the state governments and discussed the critical care units being established across the country.</p>

<p>The scarcity of testing kits, hence, can prove to be a major roadblock on India’s road to recovery.</p>

<p>South Korea, on the other hand, has tested the highest number of people in the world — an approximately 3 lakh. The country has over 650 testing centres nationwide and given its size, this is equivalent to over 20,000 testing centres in India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talks, thereby, are on, and South Korea is likely to sign on the dotted line — provided it has enough surplus.</p>

<p>In South Korea, more than 8,000 people are reported to have been infected with the novel coronavirus. Death toll has risen to 80.</p>

<p>India tested 14,811 people till Saturday. As of Saturday morning, 271 people were tested positive for the virus. Four have been declared dead.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)&nbsp;said it revised its strategy to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. It said all hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infection. The new&nbsp;ICMR&nbsp;guidelines also said asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in his/her contact.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reworks-testing-strategy-to-combat-coronavirus-spread-287758"><strong>Also read: India reworks testing strategy to combat coronavirus spread</strong></a></p>

<p>The MoHFW added the health facilities and services were being amped up. As many as 111 labs have been made functional.</p>

<p>India has so far witnessed cases of COVID-19 mostly related to travel and local transmission from imported cases. Community transmission of the disease has not been documented till now.</p>

<p>Maharashtra remains the worst-hit with 52 positive cases, followed by Kerala which has 40 cases of COVID-19 including 3 students from Wuhan who recovered last month.</p>

<p>26 confirmed cases -- including 3 patients who have now recovered -- in Delhi-NCR region.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-in-india-over-100-labs-made-functional-retails-prices-for-sanitisers-fixed-at-rs-100-per-200-ml-287794"><strong>Also read: Coronavirus in India: Over 100 labs made functional; retails prices for sanitisers fixed at Rs 100 per 200 ml</strong></a></p>


The Central government is in touch with South Korean companies to import testing kits in the wake of the global coronavirus scare. The administration has been keeping a close watch on the preparedness of the health facilities in the wake of the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The Central government is in touch with South Korean companies to import testing kits in the wake of the global coronavirus scare. The administration has been keeping a close watch on the preparedness of the health facilities in the wake of the rising number of confirmed cases of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) presided over a video conferencing with the state governments and discussed the critical care units being established across the country. The scarcity of testing kits, hence, can prove to be a major roadblock on India’s road to recovery. South Korea, on the other hand, has tested the highest number of people in the world — an approximately 3 lakh. The country has over 650 testing centres nationwide and given its size, this is equivalent to over 20,000 testing centres in India. Talks, thereby, are on, and South Korea is likely to sign on the dotted line — provided it has enough surplus. In South Korea, more than 8,000 people are reported to have been infected with the novel coronavirus. Death toll has risen to 80. India tested 14,811 people till Saturday. As of Saturday morning, 271 people were tested positive for the virus. Four have been declared dead. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said it revised its strategy to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. It said all hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for COVID-19 infection. The new ICMR guidelines also said asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in his/her contact. Also read: India reworks testing strategy to combat coronavirus spread The MoHFW added the health facilities and services were being amped up. As many as 111 labs have been made functional. India has so far witnessed cases of COVID-19 mostly related to travel and local transmission from imported cases. Community transmission of the disease has not been documented till now. Maharashtra remains the worst-hit with 52 positive cases, followed by Kerala which has 40 cases of COVID-19 including 3 students from Wuhan who recovered last month. 26 confirmed cases -- including 3 patients who have now recovered -- in Delhi-NCR region. Also read: Coronavirus in India: Over 100 labs made functional; retails prices for sanitisers fixed at Rs 100 per 200 ml

Coronavirus: India planning to get testing kits from South Korea

<p>The show must go on, they said. In life or face of death, they did not. But that did not stop a couple from getting married in Naples in Italy — which has become the new global epicentre of COVID-19.</p>

<p>The novel coronavirus broke out in China’s Wuhan, but spread to different parts of world, and concentrated to a great extent in Italy.</p>

<p>Now when two people get married in the West, they kiss to seal the ceremony. The newly married couple found a “novel” way to steal a kiss. Diego Fernandes, 46 and Deni Salgado, 30, wore surgical masks, and shared a kiss to celebrate their special day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But sadly, there was no crowd&nbsp;of cheering guests.</p>

<p>The two held their wedding ceremony with only witnesses since public gatherings are banned as part of Italy's lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease.</p>

<p><img alt="Love in the times of coronavirus" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb463d9-2f94-47b8-bc46-5ad01419f4cf" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/kiss2.jpg" /></p>

<p>They were escorted by a solitary dog walker when they stepped out of the chapel.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in Italy has leapt by 627 in one day, taking the total to 4,032.</p>

<p>This has been the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the virus emerged a month ago.</p>

<p>China, since the outbreak, has never reported more than 150 deaths in a single day.</p>

<p>In Italy, the hardest-hit northern region of Lombardy remains in a critical situation, with 2,549 deaths and 22,264 cases.</p>


The show must go on, they said. In life or face of death, they did not. But that did not stop a couple from getting married in Naples in Italy — which has become the new global epicentre of COVID-19.

The show must go on, they said. In life or face of death, they did not. But that did not stop a couple from getting married in Naples in Italy — which has become the new global epicentre of COVID-19. The novel coronavirus broke out in China’s Wuhan, but spread to different parts of world, and concentrated to a great extent in Italy. Now when two people get married in the West, they kiss to seal the ceremony. The newly married couple found a “novel” way to steal a kiss. Diego Fernandes, 46 and Deni Salgado, 30, wore surgical masks, and shared a kiss to celebrate their special day. But sadly, there was no crowd of cheering guests. The two held their wedding ceremony with only witnesses since public gatherings are banned as part of Italy's lockdown measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease. They were escorted by a solitary dog walker when they stepped out of the chapel. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in Italy has leapt by 627 in one day, taking the total to 4,032. This has been the largest daily rise in absolute terms since the virus emerged a month ago. China, since the outbreak, has never reported more than 150 deaths in a single day. In Italy, the hardest-hit northern region of Lombardy remains in a critical situation, with 2,549 deaths and 22,264 cases.

Love in the times of coronavirus: Newlyweds kiss in Italy through protective masks 

<p>The&nbsp;Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)&nbsp;has, in the wake of increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, revised its strategy to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. It said all hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;infection.</p>

<p>The new&nbsp;ICMR&nbsp;guidelines also said asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in his/her contact.</p>

<p>The apex body for biomedical research revised its strategy in view of a spurt in coronavirus cases in the country this week. The new strategy aims to contain the spread of infection more effectively and to provide reliable diagnosis to all individuals meeting the inclusion criteria of COVID-19 testing.</p>

<p>All asymptomatic individuals who undertook international travel in the last 14 days and developed symptoms, all symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases and all symptomatic health care workers were being tested for the infection as per the guidelines. The coronavirus cases rose to 258 on Saturday in India with fresh cases being reported from various parts of the country.</p>

<p>India has so far witnessed cases of COVID-19 mostly related to travel and local transmission from imported cases. Community transmission of the disease has not been documented till now.</p>

<p>Once community transmission is documented, the above testing strategy will undergo changes to evolve into stage-appropriate testing strategy, ICMR said. Advisory for testing are being reviewed and updated periodically.</p>

<p>The testing strategy is reviewed by the National Task Force constituted by Secretary DHR &amp; DG, ICMR and Chaired by VK Paul, a member of the&nbsp;NITI Aayog.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs from PTI)</strong></em></p>


The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has, in the wake of increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, revised its strategy to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has, in the wake of increasing number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, revised its strategy to fight the spread of the novel coronavirus. It said all hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory illness, shortness of breath and having fever and cough will now be tested for COVID-19 infection. The new ICMR guidelines also said asymptomatic direct and high-risk contacts of a confirmed case should be tested once between day 5 and day 14 of coming in his/her contact. The apex body for biomedical research revised its strategy in view of a spurt in coronavirus cases in the country this week. The new strategy aims to contain the spread of infection more effectively and to provide reliable diagnosis to all individuals meeting the inclusion criteria of COVID-19 testing. All asymptomatic individuals who undertook international travel in the last 14 days and developed symptoms, all symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed cases and all symptomatic health care workers were being tested for the infection as per the guidelines. The coronavirus cases rose to 258 on Saturday in India with fresh cases being reported from various parts of the country. India has so far witnessed cases of COVID-19 mostly related to travel and local transmission from imported cases. Community transmission of the disease has not been documented till now. Once community transmission is documented, the above testing strategy will undergo changes to evolve into stage-appropriate testing strategy, ICMR said. Advisory for testing are being reviewed and updated periodically. The testing strategy is reviewed by the National Task Force constituted by Secretary DHR & DG, ICMR and Chaired by VK Paul, a member of the NITI Aayog. (with inputs from PTI)

India reworks testing strategy to combat coronavirus spread

<p>In the wake of the global coronavirus scare, the entire world has gone into a lockdown, forcing people to stay indoors. People are hence in a mad rush -- they have been storming supermarkets, and hoarding goods and commodities of daily use.</p>

<p>India has also been witnessing serpentine queues at shopping malls and complexes.</p>

<p>And it's not just for soaps and hand sanitisers.</p>

<p>People are even hoarding floor cleaners, milk cartons, rice, flour, oil, immunity-boosting products such as chyawanprash and honey.</p>

<p>It's said shopkeepers and retailers are not even able to cope up with it.</p>

<p>The administration has, however, taken cognisance of the situation, and regular meetings are being held to take stock of the situation.</p>

<p>A few retailers have chosen to increase the prices of the commodities. Online grocery apps have till now managed to keep the prices in check.</p>

<p>Since social distancing has been supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the exercise to physically go to a stores is anyway in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In addition, these online stores have been discouraging cash-on-delivery too -- because that itself can be a carrier of the virus.</p>

<p>What people need to do here is stop panicking, and understand if others fall sick due to lack of basic necessities, the situation will anyway worsen.</p>

<p>The state governments have been in contact with the retailers, and measures are being taken to meet the shortage.</p>


In the wake of the global coronavirus scare, the entire world has gone into a lockdown, forcing people to stay indoors. People are hence in a mad rush -- they have been storming supermarkets, and hoarding goods and commodities of daily use.

In the wake of the global coronavirus scare, the entire world has gone into a lockdown, forcing people to stay indoors. People are hence in a mad rush -- they have been storming supermarkets, and hoarding goods and commodities of daily use. India has also been witnessing serpentine queues at shopping malls and complexes. And it's not just for soaps and hand sanitisers. People are even hoarding floor cleaners, milk cartons, rice, flour, oil, immunity-boosting products such as chyawanprash and honey. It's said shopkeepers and retailers are not even able to cope up with it. The administration has, however, taken cognisance of the situation, and regular meetings are being held to take stock of the situation. A few retailers have chosen to increase the prices of the commodities. Online grocery apps have till now managed to keep the prices in check. Since social distancing has been supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, the exercise to physically go to a stores is anyway in check. In addition, these online stores have been discouraging cash-on-delivery too -- because that itself can be a carrier of the virus. What people need to do here is stop panicking, and understand if others fall sick due to lack of basic necessities, the situation will anyway worsen. The state governments have been in contact with the retailers, and measures are being taken to meet the shortage.

Panic buying due to coronavirus scare: Why it should be avoided

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Sonal Gera

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