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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that people from every section of the society and age group demonstrated unity on Sunday by responding to the Prime Minister '9 pm-9 minute'&nbsp;appeal and strengthened the resolve to the fight against COVID-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-fight-against-coronavirus-sets-distinct-example-for-world-pm-modi-290822" hreflang="en">India's fight against coronavirus sets distinct example for world: PM Modi</a>

"We experienced yesterday at 9 pm, the strength of togetherness of 130 crores people of our country," said PM Modi.

He further praised the citizens of the country for their support to the lockdown imposed across India in the wake of coronavirus threat.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-foreign-missions-enthusiastically-take-part-in-pm-modis-solidarity-call-290734" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Foreign missions take part in Modi's solidarity call</a>

"The maturity shown by the people during the lockdown, in a large country like India, is unprecedented. No one could have imagined that the people will abide by this with such obedience and sense of service," said Prime Minister Modi.

"I state it with full responsibility that this is a long war against coronavirus pandemic. But we do not have to get tired or take a rest in this war. We have to emerge victoriously. Today, the country has only one goal and one resolve - to win this war," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/prime-minister-modi-dials-sonia-gandhi-former-presidents-and-pm-amid-covid-19-spread-290681" hreflang="en">PM Modi dials Sonia Gandhi, former presidents amid COVID-19 spread</a>

The Prime Minister continued saying, that the government has developed an Aarogya Setu app through which one can get information regarding the infected cases around them.

"I request all of you to tell people about it, everyone should make sure that at least 40 others install it. They will get info through it about possibly infected cases around them. In these tough times, we have to ensure this," he added.

The Prime Minister also advised everyone to take necessary preventive measures and stay protected by adopting the mantra of social distancing.

"Always remember, whenever you go out your face should be covered, I say you should keep your face covered even at your homes. The mantra today for the whole world is social distancing and discipline," he added.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the BJP workers and the nation on the occasion of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that people from every section of the society and age group demonstrated unity on Sunday by responding to the Prime Minister '9 pm-9 minute' appeal and strengthened the resolve to the fight against COVID-19.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that people from every section of the society and age group demonstrated unity on Sunday by responding to the Prime Minister '9 pm-9 minute' appeal and strengthened the resolve to the fight against COVID-19. Also read: India's fight against coronavirus sets distinct example for world: PM Modi "We experienced yesterday at 9 pm, the strength of togetherness of 130 crores people of our country," said PM Modi. He further praised the citizens of the country for their support to the lockdown imposed across India in the wake of coronavirus threat. Also read: COVID-19: Foreign missions take part in Modi's solidarity call "The maturity shown by the people during the lockdown, in a large country like India, is unprecedented. No one could have imagined that the people will abide by this with such obedience and sense of service," said Prime Minister Modi. "I state it with full responsibility that this is a long war against coronavirus pandemic. But we do not have to get tired or take a rest in this war. We have to emerge victoriously. Today, the country has only one goal and one resolve - to win this war," he added. Also read: PM Modi dials Sonia Gandhi, former presidents amid COVID-19 spread The Prime Minister continued saying, that the government has developed an Aarogya Setu app through which one can get information regarding the infected cases around them. "I request all of you to tell people about it, everyone should make sure that at least 40 others install it. They will get info through it about possibly infected cases around them. In these tough times, we have to ensure this," he added. The Prime Minister also advised everyone to take necessary preventive measures and stay protected by adopting the mantra of social distancing. "Always remember, whenever you go out your face should be covered, I say you should keep your face covered even at your homes. The mantra today for the whole world is social distancing and discipline," he added. Prime Minister Modi addressed the BJP workers and the nation on the occasion of the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day.

We experienced strength of togetherness of 130 crore Indians yesterday: PM Modi

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities. An official identified him as Shamim Iftekhar Khan, a resident of Qureshi Nagar in Kurla East.

“His Facebook post claimed the virus does not exist and it was a conspiracy to target certain communities by the government. He also asked people not to give information to authorities during surveys in connection with the outbreak,” he said.

He was arrested under sections 188 (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of IPC, and provisions of Disaster Management Act, the Chunabatti police station official said.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities.

A 36-year-old man was arrested in Chunabhatti in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday for allegedly uploading a post on Facebook claiming the novel coronavirus outbreak was a government conspiracy and that people should not reveal information to authorities. An official identified him as Shamim Iftekhar Khan, a resident of Qureshi Nagar in Kurla East. “His Facebook post claimed the virus does not exist and it was a conspiracy to target certain communities by the government. He also asked people not to give information to authorities during surveys in connection with the outbreak,” he said. He was arrested under sections 188 (disobedience of an order promulgated by a public servant) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of IPC, and provisions of Disaster Management Act, the Chunabatti police station official said.

Mumbai man claims coronavirus a govt conspiracy in Facebook post, arrested

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus.&nbsp;

"India's efforts have set an example before the world in tackling Coronavisus Pandemic. India is one of the countries which understood the seriousness of this disease&amp;waged a timely war against it. India took several decisions&amp;tried its best to implement them on the ground. India has worked rapidly with a holistic approach that is being appreciated by not only Indians but also WHO. All countries should come together and fight this, so India had active participation in the meeting of the SAARC countries and the G20 meeting," he said.

PM Modi was speaking on the occasion of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day.&nbsp;

"This foundation day of BJP has come at a time when not only the country but also the world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis, our devotion to service of the country creates our path during this challenging time," &nbsp;he said.

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus.

Amid a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that India has set an example for the world by effectively battling coronavirus. "India's efforts have set an example before the world in tackling Coronavisus Pandemic. India is one of the countries which understood the seriousness of this disease&waged a timely war against it. India took several decisions&tried its best to implement them on the ground. India has worked rapidly with a holistic approach that is being appreciated by not only Indians but also WHO. All countries should come together and fight this, so India had active participation in the meeting of the SAARC countries and the G20 meeting," he said. PM Modi was speaking on the occasion of Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) 40th Foundation Day. "This foundation day of BJP has come at a time when not only the country but also the world is going through a difficult time. Humanity is facing a crisis, our devotion to service of the country creates our path during this challenging time," he said.

India's fight against coronavirus sets distinct example for world: PM Modi

Even as global COVID-19 crisis spread, the UK is all set to evacuate its nationals from India with seven charter flights being announced from Goa, Mumbai and Delhi. While three flights will leave from Goa on April 8 10 and 12 respectively; the other two will leave from Mumbai and Delhi.

The acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson in a statement said, "I hope this announcement will bring relief, especially to those in greatest need. Due to the large numbers of British travellers involved, the scale of this operation is huge. The UK Government continues to work hard with our Indian counterparts in New Delhi and London to arrange a safe journey back for as many people as possible."

Over 20,000 British nationals in India want to leave. An estimated 35,000 British Nationals are present in the country. On Saturday, an Irish flight carrying the vulnerable British nationals left Goa.

Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, British Foreign Office Minister of State had said, "In the absence of commercial flights, these first charter flights from India should provide relief to some of our British travellers who are desperate to return home, especially for the most vulnerable and those in greatest need."

Nationals of several nationalities are leaving India. Many Russian, German, French, Afghans, Israeli nationals have left India over the last few days.&nbsp;

After the global travel restrictions due to COVID-19 crisis, many nationals of foreign countries are stranded in various parts of the world.&nbsp;

India evacuated more than 2500 of its nationals from 4 countries, China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

Even as global COVID-19 crisis spread, the UK is all set to evacuate its nationals from India with seven charter flights being announced from Goa, Mumbai and Delhi.

Even as global COVID-19 crisis spread, the UK is all set to evacuate its nationals from India with seven charter flights being announced from Goa, Mumbai and Delhi. While three flights will leave from Goa on April 8 10 and 12 respectively; the other two will leave from Mumbai and Delhi. The acting British High Commissioner to India Jan Thompson in a statement said, "I hope this announcement will bring relief, especially to those in greatest need. Due to the large numbers of British travellers involved, the scale of this operation is huge. The UK Government continues to work hard with our Indian counterparts in New Delhi and London to arrange a safe journey back for as many people as possible." Over 20,000 British nationals in India want to leave. An estimated 35,000 British Nationals are present in the country. On Saturday, an Irish flight carrying the vulnerable British nationals left Goa. Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, British Foreign Office Minister of State had said, "In the absence of commercial flights, these first charter flights from India should provide relief to some of our British travellers who are desperate to return home, especially for the most vulnerable and those in greatest need." Nationals of several nationalities are leaving India. Many Russian, German, French, Afghans, Israeli nationals have left India over the last few days. After the global travel restrictions due to COVID-19 crisis, many nationals of foreign countries are stranded in various parts of the world. India evacuated more than 2500 of its nationals from 4 countries, China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

UK to evacuate its citizens from India amid COVID-19 spread

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to switch off lights on April 5 at 9 PM IST created panic due to fear of failure in power grid nationwide. The power secretary has assured that there will be no blackouts, all appliances will run usual.

India: Power secretary assures 9-minute blackout will not harm power grid

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. &nbsp;The two leaders spoke on the telephone to assess the situation with respect to the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
The US President Donald Trump said that the Indian administration led by Prime Minister Modi was giving serious consideration to export hydroxy-chloroquine to the US.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-trump-agree-to-deploy-full-strength-of-india-us-partnership-to-fight-covid-19-290605">Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19</a>

Until now, India which manufactures a massive amount of hydroxychloroquine, has put a hold on the export of this drug and its formulations. 
&nbsp; 
Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which is being used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19.

Also read: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic

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The Trump administration has asked for large quantities of this drug, as the combination of it with some anti-viral drugs helped treat close to 1,500 COVID-19 patients in New York.

Trump also went on to say that he would not shy away from taking the tablet himself.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep condolences to people who had lost members of their family to the deadly coronavirus and wished early recovery for those who were still suffering from the disease. 
&nbsp; 
PM Modi also stressed the special relationship between the US and India and reiterated the country's solidarity with the US in fighting this pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
The two leaders exchanged ideas on how to combat the global health crisis and examined methods adopted in each of their countries to effectively reduce the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. 
&nbsp; 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a separate telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to deliberate upon the impact of the novel coronavirus on our lives. 
&nbsp; 
As of now, the lethal coronavirus which reached almost all countries has infected more than one million has killed over 64,000 people worldwide.

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients.

US President Donald Trump has requested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets to the US so that the drug can be used to treat COVID-19 patients. The two leaders spoke on the telephone to assess the situation with respect to the coronavirus pandemic. The US President Donald Trump said that the Indian administration led by Prime Minister Modi was giving serious consideration to export hydroxy-chloroquine to the US. Also read: Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19 Until now, India which manufactures a massive amount of hydroxychloroquine, has put a hold on the export of this drug and its formulations. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug which is being used to treat patients suffering from COVID-19. Also read: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic × The Trump administration has asked for large quantities of this drug, as the combination of it with some anti-viral drugs helped treat close to 1,500 COVID-19 patients in New York. Trump also went on to say that he would not shy away from taking the tablet himself. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed deep condolences to people who had lost members of their family to the deadly coronavirus and wished early recovery for those who were still suffering from the disease. PM Modi also stressed the special relationship between the US and India and reiterated the country's solidarity with the US in fighting this pandemic. The two leaders exchanged ideas on how to combat the global health crisis and examined methods adopted in each of their countries to effectively reduce the economic and financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also had a separate telephonic conversation with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to deliberate upon the impact of the novel coronavirus on our lives. As of now, the lethal coronavirus which reached almost all countries has infected more than one million has killed over 64,000 people worldwide.

Coronavirus: Trump requests PM Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.&nbsp;

More than 10 foreign mission confirmed participation.

The Iconic Nepal embassy at Mandi House in Delhi switched off the light over PM Modi's solidarity call. Nepal Envoy Nilamber Acharya along with other Nepali diplomats light up diyas and candles.

Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran joined in the call and the mission turned off its light to light up diyas.&nbsp;

Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "This is the right time to remember all those great souls and heroes, nurses and the doctors, who are fighting in the front line. Let us all pledge to regard the social distancing and take all right precautions"

Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner who took part in a message she said, "Maldives is fighting COVID-19 alongside our many close friends, such as India."

Outside the mission of neighbouring countries, missions of several countries participated. Vietnam's Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau was part of the solidarity call at the mission along with 30 diplomatic residences and offices of Vietnam who joined Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm sunday night.

Polish Envoy Adam Burakowski had a message of Poland and India friendship. He said,"This is the sign of polish Indian friendship. Poland stand united with India in the fight against coronavirus"

A small polish community of Delhi also joined the call by lighting up diyas.&nbsp;

The solidarity call was celebrated at the Indonesian mission by envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro, by the mexican envoy Federico Salas and Kyrgystan's envoy Asein Isaev.

At UK mission, acting high commissioner Jan Thompson along with other British diplomats took part while at the Australian High Commission families joined India in its efforts to come together for 9 mins at 9pm at their respective households.

Chinese Envoy Sun Weidong posted on twitter page a picture of diya he lit up. in a tweet he said, "Light a Diya to stand in solidarity with people of #India in the fight against #COVID19. Pay tribute to all medical workers. At this difficult time, #Chinese &amp; Indian people are standing together through thick &amp; thin. Wish India an early victory against the epidemic. #9pm9minute"

Indian missions globally also marked it. In Bhutan and Bangladesh, Indian missions switched off lights with Indian envoys Ruchira Kamboj and Riva Ganguly Das led the solidarity call. Members of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan and their families also joined "in demonstrating collective resolve and positivity by lighting diyas and candles.", a tweet by the mission said.

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.

Several foreign missions took part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight. More than 10 foreign mission confirmed participation. The Iconic Nepal embassy at Mandi House in Delhi switched off the light over PM Modi's solidarity call. Nepal Envoy Nilamber Acharya along with other Nepali diplomats light up diyas and candles. Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran joined in the call and the mission turned off its light to light up diyas. Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "This is the right time to remember all those great souls and heroes, nurses and the doctors, who are fighting in the front line. Let us all pledge to regard the social distancing and take all right precautions" Aminath Shabeena Maldivian Acting High Commissioner who took part in a message she said, "Maldives is fighting COVID-19 alongside our many close friends, such as India." Outside the mission of neighbouring countries, missions of several countries participated. Vietnam's Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau was part of the solidarity call at the mission along with 30 diplomatic residences and offices of Vietnam who joined Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm sunday night. Polish Envoy Adam Burakowski had a message of Poland and India friendship. He said,"This is the sign of polish Indian friendship. Poland stand united with India in the fight against coronavirus" A small polish community of Delhi also joined the call by lighting up diyas. The solidarity call was celebrated at the Indonesian mission by envoy Sidharto Suryodipuro, by the mexican envoy Federico Salas and Kyrgystan's envoy Asein Isaev. At UK mission, acting high commissioner Jan Thompson along with other British diplomats took part while at the Australian High Commission families joined India in its efforts to come together for 9 mins at 9pm at their respective households. Chinese Envoy Sun Weidong posted on twitter page a picture of diya he lit up. in a tweet he said, "Light a Diya to stand in solidarity with people of #India in the fight against #COVID19. Pay tribute to all medical workers. At this difficult time, #Chinese & Indian people are standing together through thick & thin. Wish India an early victory against the epidemic. #9pm9minute" Indian missions globally also marked it. In Bhutan and Bangladesh, Indian missions switched off lights with Indian envoys Ruchira Kamboj and Riva Ganguly Das led the solidarity call. Members of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan and their families also joined "in demonstrating collective resolve and positivity by lighting diyas and candles.", a tweet by the mission said.

COVID-19: Foreign missions enthusiastically take part in PM Modi's solidarity call 

Hundreds of officials in Nanjangud, Mysuru are working round the clock. Quarantined persons are receiving calls twice a day, teams are dispatched to check on their status, samples being collected of close to 800 people and the region has been put on complete lockdown, there is no movement into or out of the zone except for essential supplies.&nbsp;

Mysuru is one of the COVID-19 hotspots identified by the Union Health Ministry after one employee of a pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud tested positive on March 26. The patient, P52, is the third positive case from the district and has no travel history or contact history with a positive case. &nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-trump-agree-to-deploy-full-strength-of-india-us-partnership-to-fight-covid-19-290605">Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19</a>

From one case in Nanjangud on March 26, the number has risen to 21 in the cluster(as of April 4) - with most of the infected persons being employees of Jubilant Generics, the company that is engaged in manufacturing ingredients for pharmaceutical companies. The source of the infection continues to evade authorities. The state government has now termed this a "Cluster Containment Area".&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-cases-in-india-rise-to-3113-death-toll-nears-100-mark-290625">COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,113, &nbsp;death toll nears 100-mark</a>

"We have made Nanjangud and surrounding areas a Cluster Containment Area. We don’t call it a red zone. We call it a Cluster Containment area, that is the term we use as per the guidelines of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The Cluster Containment protocol says that the city has to be sealed, entry and exit should be completely barred except for basic essentials like groceries, medicines which go to the city. Nobody leaves, nobody comes in."&nbsp;says Abhiram Shankar, District Commissioner, Mysuru. &nbsp;

The Nanjangud cluster case revolves around Jubilant Generics. P52, is an employee in the quality control section. He was displaying pneumonia-like symptoms and had been admitted to a private hospital. According to the district DC, the private hospital sent his samples to the government lab in Mysore Medical College and the samples tested positive for the virus setting alarm bells ringing.&nbsp;

Watch: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic

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The district administration moved quickly screening all 1000+ employees in the company. So far close to 800 of them have been home quarantined. In all 1623 people have been identified and quarantined in Mysuru district. While a majority of them are in Nanjangud city, the rest are scattered in Mysuru city, HD Kote, parts of rural Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and a few other neighbouring districts.&nbsp;

The region spread across Nanjangud city limits and adjoining residential areas have been put on complete lockdown. Only one highway is open for essential goods with separate entry and exit points.

"The interstate highway that connects Karnataka with Tamil Nadu and Kerala passes through Nanjangud. That is the only highway we have kept open for entry and exits for these essential services. So any vehicle that is travelling from the city to Tamil Nadu has to take a roundabout route of an extra 35kms, circumnavigate the city and exit without entering the city. These measures have been in place since March 27."&nbsp;says Abhiram. &nbsp;

Before the Nanjangud cluster came to light, Mysuru had developed a system to track over 1400 foreign returnees.

The district had set up a call centre with 15 callers, who call each of those under home quarantine twice a day to check on them. If any of the persons fail to answer the call, then a team is dispatched to physically check on them.&nbsp;

‘The same system has been replicated for Nanjangud as almost 800 people are quarantined in the region. We have a call centre opened in Nanjangud with trained persons, who call the isolated persons twice and day and whoever does not respond then a team is dispatched to check on them. The neighbourhood residents have also been told to inform officials if the quarantined persons are seen outside their homes.The district superintendent has also allotted 10-15 quarantined houses to each police constable. The constables are given the responsibility to check on each of the houses every day.’ says the Mysuru DC.

When asked how many officials are working on ground to contain the spread, the DC tells WION that it is hard to put a number to it as the mechanism has been decentralised. Taluk level officials have been decentralised and a Taluk level response team of 5 persons has been formed. The five officials are free to delegate and take any official from any department to carry out the duty. ‘We have hundreds of officers working on the field.’ says Abhiram. &nbsp;

The screening centre and Covid-19 hospital are both based in Mysuru city. Any symptomatic patient is shifted to Mysuru, if found positive they continue to be treated there, if found negative they are shifted back to their homes. The system has worked well so far in containing the spread, and also ensuring that fewer healthcare workers are in need of protective gear like PPE suits.

Another challenge that officials are facing is that of crowd control. Despite the national lockdown and the region sealing off, residents in Mysuru continue to step out every day to visit the vegetable markets. While the awareness is increasing with each passing day, police are often forced to dispatch teams to disperse crowds that gather in the evenings.

But what about the source of the infection? Can this be classified as a case of community transfer? The DC and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Family Welfare continue to assert that this is not a case of community transfer, however the source of the virus is yet to be found. The packaging material of a consignment that had arrived from China to Jubilant Generics has also been tested, but no sign of contamination was found.&nbsp;

But there are also reasons to cheer. The lockdown of the cluster has restricted the positive cases to those under observation, escaping community transfer by just a whisker. ‘People who are already in quarantine are turning positive. It is a good sign that only the primary and secondary contacts of P52 are turning positive. People whom we expect to turn positive are turning positive. There is nothing out of the blue that is happening.’ says the DC.&nbsp;

Hundreds of officials in Nanjangud, Mysuru are working round the clock. Quarantined persons are receiving calls twice a day, teams are dispatched to check on their status, samples being collected of close to 800 people and the region has been put on complete lockdown, there is no movement into or out of the zone except for essential supplies.

Hundreds of officials in Nanjangud, Mysuru are working round the clock. Quarantined persons are receiving calls twice a day, teams are dispatched to check on their status, samples being collected of close to 800 people and the region has been put on complete lockdown, there is no movement into or out of the zone except for essential supplies. Mysuru is one of the COVID-19 hotspots identified by the Union Health Ministry after one employee of a pharmaceutical company in Nanjangud tested positive on March 26. The patient, P52, is the third positive case from the district and has no travel history or contact history with a positive case. Also read: Modi, Trump agree to deploy full strength of India-US partnership to fight COVID-19 From one case in Nanjangud on March 26, the number has risen to 21 in the cluster(as of April 4) - with most of the infected persons being employees of Jubilant Generics, the company that is engaged in manufacturing ingredients for pharmaceutical companies. The source of the infection continues to evade authorities. The state government has now termed this a "Cluster Containment Area". Also read: COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,113, death toll nears 100-mark "We have made Nanjangud and surrounding areas a Cluster Containment Area. We don’t call it a red zone. We call it a Cluster Containment area, that is the term we use as per the guidelines of the Department of Health and Family Welfare. The Cluster Containment protocol says that the city has to be sealed, entry and exit should be completely barred except for basic essentials like groceries, medicines which go to the city. Nobody leaves, nobody comes in." says Abhiram Shankar, District Commissioner, Mysuru. The Nanjangud cluster case revolves around Jubilant Generics. P52, is an employee in the quality control section. He was displaying pneumonia-like symptoms and had been admitted to a private hospital. According to the district DC, the private hospital sent his samples to the government lab in Mysore Medical College and the samples tested positive for the virus setting alarm bells ringing. Watch: PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic × The district administration moved quickly screening all 1000+ employees in the company. So far close to 800 of them have been home quarantined. In all 1623 people have been identified and quarantined in Mysuru district. While a majority of them are in Nanjangud city, the rest are scattered in Mysuru city, HD Kote, parts of rural Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar and a few other neighbouring districts. The region spread across Nanjangud city limits and adjoining residential areas have been put on complete lockdown. Only one highway is open for essential goods with separate entry and exit points. "The interstate highway that connects Karnataka with Tamil Nadu and Kerala passes through Nanjangud. That is the only highway we have kept open for entry and exits for these essential services. So any vehicle that is travelling from the city to Tamil Nadu has to take a roundabout route of an extra 35kms, circumnavigate the city and exit without entering the city. These measures have been in place since March 27." says Abhiram. Before the Nanjangud cluster came to light, Mysuru had developed a system to track over 1400 foreign returnees. The district had set up a call centre with 15 callers, who call each of those under home quarantine twice a day to check on them. If any of the persons fail to answer the call, then a team is dispatched to physically check on them. ‘The same system has been replicated for Nanjangud as almost 800 people are quarantined in the region. We have a call centre opened in Nanjangud with trained persons, who call the isolated persons twice and day and whoever does not respond then a team is dispatched to check on them. The neighbourhood residents have also been told to inform officials if the quarantined persons are seen outside their homes.The district superintendent has also allotted 10-15 quarantined houses to each police constable. The constables are given the responsibility to check on each of the houses every day.’ says the Mysuru DC. When asked how many officials are working on ground to contain the spread, the DC tells WION that it is hard to put a number to it as the mechanism has been decentralised. Taluk level officials have been decentralised and a Taluk level response team of 5 persons has been formed. The five officials are free to delegate and take any official from any department to carry out the duty. ‘We have hundreds of officers working on the field.’ says Abhiram. The screening centre and Covid-19 hospital are both based in Mysuru city. Any symptomatic patient is shifted to Mysuru, if found positive they continue to be treated there, if found negative they are shifted back to their homes. The system has worked well so far in containing the spread, and also ensuring that fewer healthcare workers are in need of protective gear like PPE suits. Another challenge that officials are facing is that of crowd control. Despite the national lockdown and the region sealing off, residents in Mysuru continue to step out every day to visit the vegetable markets. While the awareness is increasing with each passing day, police are often forced to dispatch teams to disperse crowds that gather in the evenings. But what about the source of the infection? Can this be classified as a case of community transfer? The DC and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Family Welfare continue to assert that this is not a case of community transfer, however the source of the virus is yet to be found. The packaging material of a consignment that had arrived from China to Jubilant Generics has also been tested, but no sign of contamination was found. But there are also reasons to cheer. The lockdown of the cluster has restricted the positive cases to those under observation, escaping community transfer by just a whisker. ‘People who are already in quarantine are turning positive. It is a good sign that only the primary and secondary contacts of P52 are turning positive. People whom we expect to turn positive are turning positive. There is nothing out of the blue that is happening.’ says the DC.

Nanjangud- Inside Karnataka's red zone

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation by lighting a lamp after turning off all lights at his residence as people across the country switched off all the lights for 9 minutes at 9 PM on Sunday and lit a candle, 'diya', or flashlight, to mark India's fight against coronavirus.

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शुभं करोति कल्याणमारोग्यं धनसंपदा । 
शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ <a href="https://t.co/4DeiMsCN11">pic.twitter.com/4DeiMsCN11</a>
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Millions of people across the country dutifully obeyed to PM Modi's call and turned off lights.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind also joined the citizens of the country by demonstrating collective solidarity and positivity by lighting candles at 9 pm and expressed his gratitude towards every Indian for showing resolve in the fight against COVID19.

People across the country lit earthen lamps and candles in the balcony of their houses in the national capital and across the country.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat lights up earthen lamps as thousands of others across the country turned off lights as per Modi's appeal&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation by lighting a lamp after turning off all lights at his residence as people across the country switched off all the lights for 9 minutes at 9 PM on Sunday and lit a candle, 'diya', or flashlight, to mark India's fight against coronavirus.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation by lighting a lamp after turning off all lights at his residence as people across the country switched off all the lights for 9 minutes at 9 PM on Sunday and lit a candle, 'diya', or flashlight, to mark India's fight against coronavirus. शुभं करोति कल्याणमारोग्यं धनसंपदा । शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते ॥ pic.twitter.com/4DeiMsCN11 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 5, 2020 × Millions of people across the country dutifully obeyed to PM Modi's call and turned off lights. President Ram Nath Kovind also joined the citizens of the country by demonstrating collective solidarity and positivity by lighting candles at 9 pm and expressed his gratitude towards every Indian for showing resolve in the fight against COVID19. People across the country lit earthen lamps and candles in the balcony of their houses in the national capital and across the country. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat lights up earthen lamps as thousands of others across the country turned off lights as per Modi's appeal

Millions across country heed to PM Modi's blackout call, light diyas  

India shows solidarity against Coronavirus, lights diyas & candles amid COVID-19 outbreak.

India shows solidarity against Coronavirus, lights diyas & candles amid COVID-19 outbreak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to switch off lights on April 5 at 9 PM IST has created panic. Know complete story in this video.

PM Modi's call to switch off lights on Sunday creates panic

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request.

Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19.

US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

India has received US request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. Hydroxychloroquine is an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he had requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." On Saturday, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition on export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under 3 exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. US President Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis, though it is not backed completely by the medical community. India has allowed hydroxychloroquine for medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

India is looking into US request for hydroxychloroquine

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector.&nbsp;

The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients.

Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis.&nbsp;

PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies"

India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered.

US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it."

The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic."

Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community.&nbsp;

In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine &amp; formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception".

In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order. 
&nbsp;

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him.

India has got requests from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug to fight COVID-19. Several world leaders have personally raised the request with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent conversation they had with him. From the US to Latin America to Europe, the request has come from several places which shows India's importance in the global pharma sector. The government officials said while New Delhi is looking into the requests but will review domestic requirements first. Domestically India has allowed the use of hydroxychloroquine by medical and health care workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. Indian PM Modi has spoken to 15 world leaders since the outbreak which includes German German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad al Thani, Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez Perez-Castejon, Saudi Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman. One of the main aims of the conversation is to chalk out a global strategy to deal with the crisis. PM Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have spoken twice in the last few weeks. Readout from the Indian government on April 3rd talks said, "The leaders explored possible collaboration between India and Israel in fighting the pandemic, including by improving availability of pharmaceutical supplies" India has confirmed that it has received American request for hydroxychloroquine and is looking into the request. US President Donald Trump had on Saturday said he has requested India to release hydroxychloroquine it had ordered. US President said, "I called PM Modi of India...they make large amounts of hydroxychloroquine, very large amounts frankly. And I said, they had a hold, they have 1.5 billion people, and I said, I would appreciate it if they would release the amounts we have ordered and they are giving it serious consideration. India makes a lot of it." The Indian read out of PM Modi-US president talks said both leaders "agreed to deploy the full strength of the India – US partnership to resolutely and effectively combat COVID-19" and exchanged notes on the "respective steps taken in each country for mitigating the health and economic impacts of the pandemic." Trump has backed hydroxychloroquine as a solution to the COVID-19 crisis calling it "game-changer", though it is not back completely by the medical community. In an order issued on April 4th, India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade announced the total prohibition of the export of hydroxychloroquine & formulations made of hydroxychloroquine "without exception". In an earlier order issued on March 25th, the DGFT had announced export hydroxychloroquine except under three exceptions which have been deleted in the new order.

WION Exclusive: India gets request from 30 countries for hydroxychloroquine

At least 12.5 lakh people are living in 27,661 relief camps and shelters across India amid the nationwide lockdown, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Punya Salila Srivastava said on Sunday.

"A total of 27,661 relief camps and shelters have been set up in all States across India -- 23,924 by governments and 3,737 by NGOs. 12.5 lakh people are taking shelter there. 19,460 food camps have also been set up-- 9,951 by governments and 9,509 by NGOs," Srivastava told media in Delhi during the daily briefing.

"More than 75 lakh people are being provided with food. As many as 13.6 lakh workers are being provided shelter and food by their employers and industry," she added.

The state governments are following the guidelines under lockdown and the situation of essential goods and services is satisfactory, he further said.

The number of coronavirus cases in India has surged past 3,500 with 505 new cases in the last 24 hours from across the country.

According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country has gone up to 3,577 as on Sunday. So far, 83 people have died of the coronavirus.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

At least 12.5 lakh people are living in 27,661 relief camps and shelters across India amid the nationwide lockdown, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Punya Salila Srivastava said on Sunday.

At least 12.5 lakh people are living in 27,661 relief camps and shelters across India amid the nationwide lockdown, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Punya Salila Srivastava said on Sunday. "A total of 27,661 relief camps and shelters have been set up in all States across India -- 23,924 by governments and 3,737 by NGOs. 12.5 lakh people are taking shelter there. 19,460 food camps have also been set up-- 9,951 by governments and 9,509 by NGOs," Srivastava told media in Delhi during the daily briefing. "More than 75 lakh people are being provided with food. As many as 13.6 lakh workers are being provided shelter and food by their employers and industry," she added. The state governments are following the guidelines under lockdown and the situation of essential goods and services is satisfactory, he further said. The number of coronavirus cases in India has surged past 3,500 with 505 new cases in the last 24 hours from across the country. According to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country has gone up to 3,577 as on Sunday. So far, 83 people have died of the coronavirus.

12.5 lakh people live in 27,661 relief camps across India: Home Ministry

India witnessed sharp surge in COVID-19 cases. According to the governments data, total number of COVID-19 cases across India has risen to 3,113 and the death toll is at 75.

India records sharp surge in positive COVID-19 cases

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The whole world is searching for medicines against coronavirus. Even researchers in India are engaged in this work. However, the biggest and most effective remedy against the coronavirus at this moment is social distancing. Everyone should follow it to keep themselves safe," Vardhan told ANI.

&nbsp;"This lockdown is nothing less than any vaccine. I think people need to understand that and follow the rules," he said.

Earlier in the day, Vardhan visited the AIIMS dedicated centre for coronavirus in Jhajjar, Haryana and interacted with the medical staff deployed in care of the patients.

"There are 162 patients currently here and the condition of all of them is stable. A dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients has been created here in AIIMS, Jhajjar, a total of 310 patients can be treated here," Dr Harsh Vardhan told after his visit.

"I also held talks with two patients through video calling and was happy to see their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the facilities being provided. Their treatment is being done by a very dedicated team of doctors and medical staff in the most scientific manner," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday.

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday. "The whole world is searching for medicines against coronavirus. Even researchers in India are engaged in this work. However, the biggest and most effective remedy against the coronavirus at this moment is social distancing. Everyone should follow it to keep themselves safe," Vardhan told ANI. "This lockdown is nothing less than any vaccine. I think people need to understand that and follow the rules," he said. Earlier in the day, Vardhan visited the AIIMS dedicated centre for coronavirus in Jhajjar, Haryana and interacted with the medical staff deployed in care of the patients. "There are 162 patients currently here and the condition of all of them is stable. A dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients has been created here in AIIMS, Jhajjar, a total of 310 patients can be treated here," Dr Harsh Vardhan told after his visit. "I also held talks with two patients through video calling and was happy to see their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the facilities being provided. Their treatment is being done by a very dedicated team of doctors and medical staff in the most scientific manner," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Social distancing most effective remedy against COVID-19, says Union Health Minister

The total number of COVID-19 cases across India has risen to 3,113 and the death toll is nearing 100-mark, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

ICMR further said that it tested 11,182 samples, of these, 324 were found positive for COVID-19

Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19.

The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee`s centres, where large number of COVID-19 cases are arising.ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities.&nbsp;

Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

"We have identified several hotspot areas where large numbers of COVID-19 cases are cropping up and rapid anti-body test is most suitable to detect whether the disease is spreading in the area or not... Also, rapid antibody test give quick results. Once a person is positive for rapid anti-body test, he or she should be quarantined for 14 days and a RT-PCR test should be done as a confirmatory test," Dr R Ganga Khedkar of ICMR told.

"We have issued fresh guidelines for healthcare workers which say that all healthcare workers who are doing the rapid antibody test should use gloves, mask and headcovers. Healthcare workers collecting throat or nasal swab should follow standard national infection control guidelines," he said.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

The total number of COVID-19 cases across India has risen to 3,113 and the death toll is nearing 100-mark, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ICMR further said that it tested 11,182 samples, of these, 324 were found positive for COVID-19 Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19.

The total number of COVID-19 cases across India has risen to 3,113 and the death toll is nearing 100-mark, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) ICMR further said that it tested 11,182 samples, of these, 324 were found positive for COVID-19 Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19. The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee`s centres, where large number of COVID-19 cases are arising.ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities. Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation. "We have identified several hotspot areas where large numbers of COVID-19 cases are cropping up and rapid anti-body test is most suitable to detect whether the disease is spreading in the area or not... Also, rapid antibody test give quick results. Once a person is positive for rapid anti-body test, he or she should be quarantined for 14 days and a RT-PCR test should be done as a confirmatory test," Dr R Ganga Khedkar of ICMR told. "We have issued fresh guidelines for healthcare workers which say that all healthcare workers who are doing the rapid antibody test should use gloves, mask and headcovers. Healthcare workers collecting throat or nasal swab should follow standard national infection control guidelines," he said. (With inputs from ANI)

COVID-19 cases in India rise to 3,113,  death toll nears 100-mark

India's Home Ministry recently issued an advisory over the usage of face masks. It advised that people may use the homemade masks to prevent the COVID-19's community transmission.

Health Ministry: Mask is a primary line of defence from COVID-19's community transmission

Health Ministry issues advisory, 'says people should use homemade masks to prevent COVID-19'

There are no signs of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases fall short in India as 472 new cases has been reported in last 24 hrs.

No signs of COVID-19 cases reduction in India, 472 cases reported in 24 hrs

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday. 267 persons have recovered, said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry

Aggarwal was addressing the media on behalf of the Union Health Ministry on COVID-19 situation in the country.&nbsp;

India's doubling rate at present is 4.1 days but if additional cases reported due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, had not taken place, then the doubling rate would have been 7.4 days, Aggarwal said.

On Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), he said they are imported so there was a shortage initially in the country but govt started taking action in this regard from January.

''We've discussed this with all Health secretaries, chief secretaries and DMs as this is one of the major issues. We've explained to them that PPEs available with us have been already immediately dispatched to the states based on the case-load basis,'' Aggarwal said.&nbsp;

Domestic manufacturers have started the production, India has also started procuring PPEs from the countries where it is available, he added.

According to Aggarwal, 274 districts across the country have been affected due to coronavirus to date.

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday.

A total of 3374 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in India till now; an additional 472 new cases reported since yesterday. Total 79 deaths reported; 11 additional deaths have been reported since yesterday. 267 persons have recovered, said Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry Aggarwal was addressing the media on behalf of the Union Health Ministry on COVID-19 situation in the country. India's doubling rate at present is 4.1 days but if additional cases reported due to the Tablighi Jamaat event, had not taken place, then the doubling rate would have been 7.4 days, Aggarwal said. On Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), he said they are imported so there was a shortage initially in the country but govt started taking action in this regard from January. ''We've discussed this with all Health secretaries, chief secretaries and DMs as this is one of the major issues. We've explained to them that PPEs available with us have been already immediately dispatched to the states based on the case-load basis,'' Aggarwal said. Domestic manufacturers have started the production, India has also started procuring PPEs from the countries where it is available, he added. According to Aggarwal, 274 districts across the country have been affected due to coronavirus to date.

India's COVID-19 doubling rate now 4.1 days from 7.4 earlier: Health Ministry  

Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.&nbsp;

Indian PM Modi has called for switching off lights for nine minutes at nine pm today as a mark of solidarity as the world fights the challenge of COVID-19.

In the of the South Asian region--Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives missions have confirmed that they will be part of the nationwide solidarity call against COVID-19.

Nepal's envoy Nilamber Acharya told WION, "We, Nepal and India, are all in full solidarity in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic".

"We will participate in the nationwide collective resolve to defeat coronavirus", echoed the sentiment Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran

Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "I will be switching off lights and lighting a candle at 9 pm tonight for 9 minutes to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to showcase our solidarity and our concerted efforts in a battle against the Corona Virus pandemic."

Adding, "Let’s all pledge to diligently maintain social distancing and take right precautions."

Outside the south Asian region, missions and diplomats from Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Israel, German, Tunisia, Mexico have confirmed participation.&nbsp;

German envoy Walter J. Lindner in response to WION question on the mission's participation said, "Will do! Underlining our common effort to get through this together!!&nbsp;

British acting high commissioner Jan Thompson also confirmed to WION that she will take part in PM's solidarity call.

Meanwhile, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski told wion,"Poland stands united with India and with all the World to fight the coronavirus. I am sure that if we all take preventive measures, the threat will be much lower and that we would recover soon. Long live Polish-Indian friendship!"

The Polish community in Delhi will also participate in the event.

Vietnam's Ambassador to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "All our 30 diplomatic residences and offices will join in Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm tonight."

In a tweet, Israeli deputy chief of mission Maya Kadosh said," I gathered all my candle holders and places them out of my windows #9pm9minutes"

Earlier in March, when Indian Prime Minister called for Janta curfew and everyone coming out at 5 pm and ringing bells, missions and foreign diplomats had participated in that too.&nbsp; 
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Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight.

Several foreign missions will be taking part in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity call of switching off lights of the missions and residence of diplomats and lighting up diyas, candles and touches tonight. Indian PM Modi has called for switching off lights for nine minutes at nine pm today as a mark of solidarity as the world fights the challenge of COVID-19. In the of the South Asian region--Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives missions have confirmed that they will be part of the nationwide solidarity call against COVID-19. Nepal's envoy Nilamber Acharya told WION, "We, Nepal and India, are all in full solidarity in this fight against COVID-19 pandemic". "We will participate in the nationwide collective resolve to defeat coronavirus", echoed the sentiment Bangladesh Envoy Mohammad Imran Afghan envoy Tahir Qadiry, who has been very busy leading the evacuation of Afghan nations also enthusiastically supported the call. He said, "I will be switching off lights and lighting a candle at 9 pm tonight for 9 minutes to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to showcase our solidarity and our concerted efforts in a battle against the Corona Virus pandemic." Adding, "Let’s all pledge to diligently maintain social distancing and take right precautions." Outside the south Asian region, missions and diplomats from Vietnam, Japan, Australia, Israel, German, Tunisia, Mexico have confirmed participation. German envoy Walter J. Lindner in response to WION question on the mission's participation said, "Will do! Underlining our common effort to get through this together!! British acting high commissioner Jan Thompson also confirmed to WION that she will take part in PM's solidarity call. Meanwhile, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski told wion,"Poland stands united with India and with all the World to fight the coronavirus. I am sure that if we all take preventive measures, the threat will be much lower and that we would recover soon. Long live Polish-Indian friendship!" The Polish community in Delhi will also participate in the event. Vietnam's Ambassador to India, Pham Sanh Chau said, "All our 30 diplomatic residences and offices will join in Prime Minister Modi’s call to show solidarity in the fight against Coronavirus by lightning up candles at 9:00 pm tonight." In a tweet, Israeli deputy chief of mission Maya Kadosh said," I gathered all my candle holders and places them out of my windows #9pm9minutes" Earlier in March, when Indian Prime Minister called for Janta curfew and everyone coming out at 5 pm and ringing bells, missions and foreign diplomats had participated in that too. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

COVID-19: Foreign missions to participate in PM Modi's solidarity call; to turn off lights, light up candles 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi dial phone call Ex-Presidents, PMs & other senior political leaders to discuss COVID-19. PM Modi also speaks to present Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi on phone call.

PM Modi calls Ex-Presidents, PMs & other senior political leaders to discuss COVID-19

India's Health ministry gave the latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India by briefing the media through press conference.

Health ministry give latest updates on COVID-19 infection status in India

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday. The PM called the opposition leaders and held a discussion on coronavirus which is spreading rapidly in the country.

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He also called up leaders of various political parties like Sonia Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, K Chandrashekar Rao, MK Stalin and Parkash Singh Badal. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F">https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1246720648560414721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Among others, PM Modi also spoke to leaders of various political parties, including, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav; West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee; Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik. &nbsp;The chief minister of Telangana Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's MK Stalin and Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal were also among the list.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with a rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19.

The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where a large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities.&nbsp;

Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday.

In the wake of coronavirus spread, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to opposition leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday. The PM called the opposition leaders and held a discussion on coronavirus which is spreading rapidly in the country. He also called up leaders of various political parties like Sonia Gandhi, Mulayam Singh Yadav, Akhilesh Yadav, Mamata Banerjee, Naveen Patnaik, K Chandrashekar Rao, MK Stalin and Parkash Singh Badal. #Coronavirus https://t.co/V7hL8FIh5F — ANI (@ANI) April 5, 2020 × Among others, PM Modi also spoke to leaders of various political parties, including, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, Samajwadi Party's Mulayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh Yadav; West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee; Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik. The chief minister of Telangana Chandrashekar Rao (Telangana Rashtra Samithi), President of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam's MK Stalin and Shiromani Akali Dal's Parkash Singh Badal were also among the list. The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus. Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with a rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19. The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where a large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities. Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

Prime Minister Modi dials Sonia Gandhi, former presidents and PM amid COVID-19 spread

The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged&nbsp;while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus.

Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uk-to-evacuate-its-citizens-from-india-amid-covid-19-spread-290656">UK to evacuate its citizens from India amid COVID-19 spread</a> 
 
The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities.&nbsp;

Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-trump-requests-pm-modi-to-supply-hydroxychloroquine-tablets-290653">Coronavirus - Trump requests PM Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets</a>

Amid a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Prime Minister Modi on Friday appealed to countrymen to light diyas and candles todau 5 at 9 pm to fight the darkness spread by the pandemic.

He asked the people to turn off all the lights in their homes and stand at doors or balconies and light candles or diyas, torches or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes on April 5.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus.

The total number of confirmed coronavirus case in India rose to 3,374 on Sunday, according to the data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Out of these cases, 3030 are active cases, 267 have been cured or discharged while 77 others have succumbed to the deadly virus. Meanwhile, in a bid to see whether the coronavirus is getting transmitted in the hotspot areas, ICMR has set a fresh protocol for healthcare workers to start with rapid antibody-based blood test for COVID-19. Also read: UK to evacuate its citizens from India amid COVID-19 spread The top medical research body has framed a newer strategy for areas reporting in clusters (containment zone), in large migration gatherings and evacuee's centres, where large number of COVID-19 cases are arising. ICMR stated that cases of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) are to be monitored in health facilities. Any surge in cases are to be monitored and brought to the notice of surveillance officer or chief medical officer for additional investigation. Also read: Coronavirus - Trump requests PM Modi to supply hydroxychloroquine tablets Amid a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Prime Minister Modi on Friday appealed to countrymen to light diyas and candles todau 5 at 9 pm to fight the darkness spread by the pandemic. He asked the people to turn off all the lights in their homes and stand at doors or balconies and light candles or diyas, torches or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes on April 5.

Coronavirus in India: Confirmed cases surge to 3,374; 77 others die

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