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Experts say social distancing is the definitive way to contain the Wuhan coronavirus. But, will the Coronavirus lockdown be extended to places of worship? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Wuhan Coronavirus, Religion and Social distancing

Gautam Budh Nagar(Noida) today reported two new cases of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-govt-orders-municipal-corporation-commissioners-to-set-up-mobile-washbasins-286755">coronavirus</a> as the number of confirmed cases continued to rise in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/64-year-old-dies-in-mumbai-third-death-due-to-coronavirus-in-india-286873">Also Read:&nbsp;64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India</a>

Anurag Bhargav, CMO, Gautam Budh Nagar said: "Two persons test positive for Coronavirus; one in Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France."

Both patients have been moved to designated isolation hospital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-125-in-india-286872">Also Read:&nbsp;Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India</a>

Meanwhile, in Karantaka, Sharat B, deputy commissioner, Kalaburagi said that the 63-year-old doctor who treated the 76-yr-old man who died due to coronavirus has tested positive.

"He along with his family has been kept in quarantine at his home. He will be sent to isolation ward today," the Kalaburagi deputy commissioner said.

According to India's health ministry, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125.

The highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected.

Gautam Budh Nagar(Noida) today reported two new cases of coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases continued to rise in the country. Also Read: 64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India Anurag Bhargav, CMO, Gautam Budh Nagar said: "Two persons test positive for Coronavirus; one in Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France.

Gautam Budh Nagar(Noida) today reported two new cases of coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases continued to rise in the country. Also Read: 64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India Anurag Bhargav, CMO, Gautam Budh Nagar said: "Two persons test positive for Coronavirus; one in Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France." Both patients have been moved to designated isolation hospital. Also Read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India Meanwhile, in Karantaka, Sharat B, deputy commissioner, Kalaburagi said that the 63-year-old doctor who treated the 76-yr-old man who died due to coronavirus has tested positive. "He along with his family has been kept in quarantine at his home. He will be sent to isolation ward today," the Kalaburagi deputy commissioner said. According to India's health ministry, the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125. The highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected.

Two new cases of coronavirus in Noida in Sector 78 and Sector 100

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel.

But each test for Covid-19 virus comes at a cost and it's not cheap. There is the infrastructure needed for testing so many people.

India so far has tested the lowest number of people per million.

But it can take a cue from South Korea the world leader in covid-19 testing.

But the high cost of testing is making it extremely difficult. Especially for middle and low-income countries.The WHO has urged world nations to increase the number of people being tested.

But not all nations have been able to scale up testing. India's efforts to carry out covid-19 tests have lagged far behind. The cost of a test on average is Rs 5000-6000.

Apart from its sheer size, India's is also facing a challenge in the density of its population. 420 people live on each square kilometre. That's nearly three times more than that of China.

With just 6 tests per 1 million people, India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world. Italy which is the worst-hit nation outside of China is testing over 1400 per million people. China is testing over 2800 people.

Countries like South Korea and Bahrain are currently doing the maximum number of tests. Clocking about 5000- 6000 per million people.

India has tested over 11000 people while it has 3 lakh diagnostic kits.&nbsp;

India's testing capabilities are underutilised. Only 3% of equipment is being used. Lack of voluntary testing and exclusion of private hospitals are also blamed for the low number of tests.

The central government of India has decided to allow accredited private labs to test for Covid-19.&nbsp;

But there are only about 50 to 60 private labs approved by the national accreditation board for laboratories.

How do we test enough number of people in a population of 1.3 billion? What should India do?&nbsp;

It can take a cue from South Korea which has one of the world's best testing models.

The country's government scaled up its testing services as soon as the outbreak started.&nbsp;

At least, 12,000 people are being tested daily. Not just that The government is even tracking potential carriers using satellite technology.

'Drive-thru' testing facilities have been set up across the country.&nbsp;

Testing takes 10 minutes and people receive test results within a few hours.&nbsp;

South Korea's daily testing rate is higher than India's total number of tests so far. The next 10 days are the most crucial. India faces the threat of being the next Covid-19 hotspot.

And the only way it can limit the damage is if it can find ways to test more and more people as soon as possible.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged the nations to ramp up testing to contain the spread of coronavirus as more governments impose lockdown, stop travel. But each test for Covid-19 virus comes at a cost and it's not cheap. There is the infrastructure needed for testing so many people. India so far has tested the lowest number of people per million. But it can take a cue from South Korea the world leader in covid-19 testing. But the high cost of testing is making it extremely difficult. Especially for middle and low-income countries.The WHO has urged world nations to increase the number of people being tested. But not all nations have been able to scale up testing. India's efforts to carry out covid-19 tests have lagged far behind. The cost of a test on average is Rs 5000-6000. Apart from its sheer size, India's is also facing a challenge in the density of its population. 420 people live on each square kilometre. That's nearly three times more than that of China. With just 6 tests per 1 million people, India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world. Italy which is the worst-hit nation outside of China is testing over 1400 per million people. China is testing over 2800 people. Countries like South Korea and Bahrain are currently doing the maximum number of tests. Clocking about 5000- 6000 per million people. India has tested over 11000 people while it has 3 lakh diagnostic kits. India's testing capabilities are underutilised. Only 3% of equipment is being used. Lack of voluntary testing and exclusion of private hospitals are also blamed for the low number of tests. The central government of India has decided to allow accredited private labs to test for Covid-19. But there are only about 50 to 60 private labs approved by the national accreditation board for laboratories. How do we test enough number of people in a population of 1.3 billion? What should India do? It can take a cue from South Korea which has one of the world's best testing models. The country's government scaled up its testing services as soon as the outbreak started. At least, 12,000 people are being tested daily. Not just that The government is even tracking potential carriers using satellite technology. 'Drive-thru' testing facilities have been set up across the country. Testing takes 10 minutes and people receive test results within a few hours. South Korea's daily testing rate is higher than India's total number of tests so far. The next 10 days are the most crucial. India faces the threat of being the next Covid-19 hotspot. And the only way it can limit the damage is if it can find ways to test more and more people as soon as possible.

Coronavirus outbreak: In a series of shifting epicentres, India needs to improve testing facility to limit the threat

India's health ministry informed today the number of confirmed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-first-covid-19-patient-recovers-successfully-hails-medical-facilities-as-best-286739">coronavirus</a> cases in India has shot up to 125.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-reports-two-new-coronavirus-cases-286859">Also Read: Karnataka reports two new coronavirus cases</a>

According to government data, the highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected.

In Kerala, 22 confirmed cases have been reported with twelve in Uttar Pradesh. The government said fourteen foreign nationals were detected with the virus in Haryana.

The government data said thirteen people have been discharged after being quarantined. There have been two deaths due to the virus in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-govt-orders-municipal-corporation-commissioners-to-set-up-mobile-washbasins-286755">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi govt orders municipal corporation commissioners to set up mobile washbasins</a>

Uttar Pradesh government said today two people tested positive for the virus in Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar.

A person belonging to Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France were detected with the virus and moved to designated isolation hospital, state government official said.

India's health ministry informed today the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125. Also Read: Karnataka reports two new coronavirus cases According to government data, the highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected.

India's health ministry informed today the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125. Also Read: Karnataka reports two new coronavirus cases According to government data, the highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected. In Kerala, 22 confirmed cases have been reported with twelve in Uttar Pradesh. The government said fourteen foreign nationals were detected with the virus in Haryana. The government data said thirteen people have been discharged after being quarantined. There have been two deaths due to the virus in the country. Also Read: Delhi govt orders municipal corporation commissioners to set up mobile washbasins Uttar Pradesh government said today two people tested positive for the virus in Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar. A person belonging to Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France were detected with the virus and moved to designated isolation hospital, state government official said.

Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India

The Wuhan Coronavirus outbreak has triggered panic buying. People around the world are stocking up on essential supplies. But, panic buying could create more trouble.

Global Pandemic: Stores run out of supplies in India

Religious places like temple, gurudwara, church and masjid are getting shut down due to novel corona. Delhi's Bangla sahib, Siddhivinayak and the golden temple has been shut.

Religious places impose restrictions due to Coronavirus

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic.&nbsp;

India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency.

It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens.

January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported.&nbsp;

Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330.&nbsp;

All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region.

Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India.&nbsp;

Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries.&nbsp;

In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action.&nbsp;

India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home.&nbsp;

Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well.&nbsp;

Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches.

The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran.

An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast.&nbsp;

Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus.

The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2.&nbsp;

Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china.&nbsp;

Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well.

As the world is facing the worst coronavirus outbreak—India has emerged strongly in responding to the crisis so far. Till now, the government of India has rescued 1,497 people, which includes 55 foreign nationals as well. The deadly coronavirus has crippled large parts of the world, infecting over 1,69,000 and killing more than 6,500 people, mostly in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Porous borders, shortage of medical supplies and lack of awareness have made people more vulnerable to the lethal virus—forcing most countries to respond with strong measures to tackle the pandemic. India has been highly vigilant and proactive in fighting this global health emergency. It has managed to keep up its efforts in not just controlling the virus spread, but has also carried out timely rescue and evacuation of stranded citizens. January 28, 2020. India was one of the first countries to initiate evacuation processes after the news of the virus outbreak in Hubei was reported. Within a few days, 653 Indians and 7 Maldivians were brought back from Wuhan in two batches of 323 and 330. All of those rescued were monitored in quarantine either at ITBP Chhawla camp or at Manesar facility in the national capital region. Neighbourhood first policy has always remained important for India. Unlike, Pakistan which refused to bring back its own citizens from Wuhan, India has rescued both—its own citizens and nationals from countries. In its third leg of operations, India brought back 36 nationals belonging to 7 different countries. Bangladesh, Myanmar, Maldives, China, South Africa, USA and Madagascar expressed their gratitude for Delhi's humanitarian action. India has a massive diaspora. More than 30 million of them living in different continents away from home. Among them were fisherman from Kerala stranded in Iran, a huge community of labourers in West Asia and Arabia as well. Collaborating with Tehran, minister of external affairs S Jaishankar and ambassador Dhamu Gaddam evacuated 389 people from Iran — in four batches. The latest ones to be evacuated were 52 students and a teacher from Tehran. An Air India flight in Delhi also landed from Tokyo carrying 119 Indians and 5 nationals from Sri Lanka, Nepal, South Africa and Peru—who were earlier quarantined on board the diamond princess, a cruise ship off the Japanese coast. Another 211 students and 7 foreign nationals were brought to Delhi from Italy—the second most affected country by a novel coronavirus. The government of India has responded swiftly and effectively in dealing with the first signs of the infection, which has, so far, affected more than 110 people and killed 2. Apart from carrying out rescue operations, India has also provided 15 tonnes of medical and relief consignment to china. Prime minister Narendra Modi has interacted with leaders of SAARC countries through a video conference. Allocating an initial fund of $10 million, PM Modi has called for setting up a rapid response team of doctors and experts to fight the coronavirus outbreak which is still in its benign, early stages in India.

Coronavirus outbreak: India emerges as a proactive nation in fighting global health emergency

Karnataka reported two new cases of coronavirus with the number of confirmed cases in the state rising to ten.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-first-covid-19-patient-recovers-successfully-hails-medical-facilities-as-best-286739">Also Read: Delhi's first covid-19 patient recovers successfully, hails medical facilities as 'best'</a>

A 20-year-old woman with travel history to the UK and a 60-year-old person, who was reportedly in contact with the deceased Kalaburagi COVID-19 patient were detected with the virus.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-world-leaders-laud-pm-modis-effort-on-coronavirus-crisis-286820/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In Mumbai, the municipal corporation said 2.46 lakh travellers have been screened at the Mumbai airport with fourteen people having been tested positive for the virus.

The municipal corporation said six people belonged to Mumbai and eight were from outside from those detected with the virus.

Meanwhile, Director General Medical Services (Army) Lieutenant General RS Grewal said: "Quarantine facilities have been set up in Jaisalmer, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gorakhpur, Chennai, Surat, Jhansi, Jodhpur and other places with the help of Navy &amp; Air Force."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-delhi-govt-orders-municipal-corporation-commissioners-to-set-up-mobile-washbasins-286755">Also Read:&nbsp;Delhi govt orders municipal corporation commissioners to set up mobile washbasins</a>

In Delhi, a help desk has been set up at the New Delhi railway station to screen passengers for coronavirus.

Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said: "Travellers from the European Union, Turkey and the United Kingdom are prohibited from March 18. This will be reviewed again."&nbsp;

Karnataka reported two new cases of coronavirus with the number of confirmed cases in the state rising to ten. Also Read: Delhi's first covid-19 patient recovers successfully, hails medical facilities as 'best' A 20-year-old woman with travel history to the UK and a 60-year-old person, who was reportedly in contact with the deceased Kalaburagi COVID-19 patient were detected with the virus.

Karnataka reported two new cases of coronavirus with the number of confirmed cases in the state rising to ten. Also Read: Delhi's first covid-19 patient recovers successfully, hails medical facilities as 'best' A 20-year-old woman with travel history to the UK and a 60-year-old person, who was reportedly in contact with the deceased Kalaburagi COVID-19 patient were detected with the virus. Watch Video: In Mumbai, the municipal corporation said 2.46 lakh travellers have been screened at the Mumbai airport with fourteen people having been tested positive for the virus. The municipal corporation said six people belonged to Mumbai and eight were from outside from those detected with the virus. Meanwhile, Director General Medical Services (Army) Lieutenant General RS Grewal said: "Quarantine facilities have been set up in Jaisalmer, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gorakhpur, Chennai, Surat, Jhansi, Jodhpur and other places with the help of Navy & Air Force." Also Read: Delhi govt orders municipal corporation commissioners to set up mobile washbasins In Delhi, a help desk has been set up at the New Delhi railway station to screen passengers for coronavirus. Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry said: "Travellers from the European Union, Turkey and the United Kingdom are prohibited from March 18. This will be reviewed again."

Karnataka reports two new coronavirus cases

With seven new cases, the number of infections in Sri Lanka has spiked to 19. As a precautionary measure, Srilankan airlines have asked passengers to carry their own blankets and headphones.

Coronavirus cases on the rise in South Asia

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus.

The ministry also updated guidelines on clinical management and dead body management.

The ministry also released an advisory, citing preventive measures to be taken by all employees of ministries and departments to control the spread of COVID-19.&nbsp;

A few pointers are listed below:

Offices should install thermal scanners at entry of government building as feasible. Mandatorily place hand sanitisers at entry points. Those found with flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc. They should discourage, to the maximum extent possible, entry of visitors to the office complex.

Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing and meetings involving large number of people should be avoided. Non-essential official travel should also be avoided.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-outbreak-health-ministry-issues-travel-advisory-bans-passengers-from-afghanistan-and-malaysia-287037">Also read: Health ministry issues travel advisory, bans travel from Afghanistan and Malaysia</a>

Essential correspondence should be undertaken on official email and sending files and documents to other offices should be avoided to the extent possible.

Proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces should be ensured.

All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions.

In India, the toll has touched 137 -- with Maharashtra emerging as the new epicentre. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council for Medical Research appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/can-doctors-predict-how-long-it-would-take-for-a-patient-to-recover-from-covid-19-286972">Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?</a>

 
&nbsp;

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday asked individuals to practise social physical distancing, as well as raise awareness level and follow steps undertaken by the government to check the spread of the dreaded novel coronavirus. The ministry also updated guidelines on clinical management and dead body management. The ministry also released an advisory, citing preventive measures to be taken by all employees of ministries and departments to control the spread of COVID-19. A few pointers are listed below: Offices should install thermal scanners at entry of government building as feasible. Mandatorily place hand sanitisers at entry points. Those found with flu-like symptoms may be advised to take proper treatment/quarantine etc. They should discourage, to the maximum extent possible, entry of visitors to the office complex. Meetings, as far as feasible, should be done through video conferencing and meetings involving large number of people should be avoided. Non-essential official travel should also be avoided. Also read: Health ministry issues travel advisory, bans travel from Afghanistan and Malaysia Essential correspondence should be undertaken on official email and sending files and documents to other offices should be avoided to the extent possible. Proper cleaning and frequent sanitisation of the workplace, particularly of the frequently touched surfaces should be ensured. All employees who are at higher risk i.e. older employees, pregnant employees and employees who have underlying medical conditions, should take extra precautions. In India, the toll has touched 137 -- with Maharashtra emerging as the new epicentre. Earlier in the day, the Indian Council for Medical Research appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost. Also read: Can doctors predict how long it would take for a patient to recover from COVID-19?

COVID-19: Sanitisation, social distancing among health ministry's measures to control spread in offices

India has been taking strict precautionary measures to keep the spread of COVID-19 in the country in check, in the wake of the WHO declaring it as a pandemic.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare put up travel advisories on March 11 and 16, and the land borders of the country have also been being monitored. In continuation with these efforts, the ministry on Tuesday issued another advisory.

A few pointers have been listed below:

Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India is prohibited with immediate effect. No flight shall take off from these countries to India after 3 pm (IST) on Tuesday. The airline shall enforce this at the port of initial departure. This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till March 31, 2020 and will be reviewed subsequently.

ICMR, Delhi will share the SOPs for laboratory testing and provide positive controls for establishing the test as soon as the concerned private laboratory has procured the primers, probes and reagents as per SOPs, adoption of commercial kits for testing should be based on validations conducted by the institute.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-taj-mahal-shut-down-amid-virus-concern-286929">Also read: Taj Mahal shut down amid virus concern</a>

Appropriate biosafety and biosecurity precautions should be ensured while collecting samples from a suspect patient. Alternatively, a disease specific separate collection site may be created.

All the private testing laboratories to ensure immediate/real-time reporting to the State officials of IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Program of Govt. of India) and ICMR HQ for timely initiation of contact tracing and research activities.

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&nbsp;

In addition to this, ICMR has appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Secretary also reviewed the level of preparedness to contain the coronavirus threat with states bordering Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. He also held a video conference with Chief Secretaries/Additional Chief Secretaries and DsGP/Additional DsGP of States viz., Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, besides Secretary Border Management and DsG of BSF, SSB and Assam Rifles.

The states said that regular screening was being done by doctors at various transit points and the community in border areas has been sensitised in respect of precautions to be taken to avoid getting infected by the virus, through gram sabhas.

The Home Secretary urged all the officials to ensure that round the clock deployment of doctors, with requisite testing kits and other medical supplies, be done so that hundred percent screening is done without fail.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-125-in-india-286872">Also read:&nbsp;Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India</a>

 
&nbsp;

India has been taking strict precautionary measures to keep the spread of COVID-19 in the country in check, in the wake of the WHO declaring it as a pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare put up travel advisories on March 11 and 16, and the land borders of the country have also been being monitored.

India has been taking strict precautionary measures to keep the spread of COVID-19 in the country in check, in the wake of the WHO declaring it as a pandemic. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare put up travel advisories on March 11 and 16, and the land borders of the country have also been being monitored. In continuation with these efforts, the ministry on Tuesday issued another advisory. A few pointers have been listed below: Travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to India is prohibited with immediate effect. No flight shall take off from these countries to India after 3 pm (IST) on Tuesday. The airline shall enforce this at the port of initial departure. This instruction is a temporary measure and shall be in force till March 31, 2020 and will be reviewed subsequently. ICMR, Delhi will share the SOPs for laboratory testing and provide positive controls for establishing the test as soon as the concerned private laboratory has procured the primers, probes and reagents as per SOPs, adoption of commercial kits for testing should be based on validations conducted by the institute. Also read: Taj Mahal shut down amid virus concern Appropriate biosafety and biosecurity precautions should be ensured while collecting samples from a suspect patient. Alternatively, a disease specific separate collection site may be created. All the private testing laboratories to ensure immediate/real-time reporting to the State officials of IDSP (Integrated Disease Surveillance Program of Govt. of India) and ICMR HQ for timely initiation of contact tracing and research activities. LIVE Now Media briefing on the actions taken, preparedness and updates on #COVID19 at the National Media Centre in #NewDelhi Watch on #PIB's YouTube: https://t.co/KOZi9huHM9 Facebook: https://t.co/p9g0J6q6qv#IndiaFightsCorona #CovidIndia https://t.co/blrvJQiYd2 — PIB India (@PIB_India) March 17, 2020 × In addition to this, ICMR has appealed that private laboratories should offer COVlD-19 diagnosis at no cost. Meanwhile, the Union Home Secretary also reviewed the level of preparedness to contain the coronavirus threat with states bordering Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. He also held a video conference with Chief Secretaries/Additional Chief Secretaries and DsGP/Additional DsGP of States viz., Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland and Meghalaya, besides Secretary Border Management and DsG of BSF, SSB and Assam Rifles. The states said that regular screening was being done by doctors at various transit points and the community in border areas has been sensitised in respect of precautions to be taken to avoid getting infected by the virus, through gram sabhas. The Home Secretary urged all the officials to ensure that round the clock deployment of doctors, with requisite testing kits and other medical supplies, be done so that hundred percent screening is done without fail. Also read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India

Coronavirus outbreak: Health ministry issues travel advisory, bans passengers from Afghanistan and Malaysia

Union Minister of state for External Affairs V Muraleedharan reports negative for novel coronavirus infection. Muraleedharan had put himself under self-quarantine. The doctor said, no need to worry, he has to take precaution

Breaking: Union Minister tests negative for Covid -19

ICMR holds a press conference to tell Indian people that they should not worry much. India yet not reach to the 3rd stage. Dr Balram Bhargava says, India will get test kits soon from WHO.

ICMR press briefing: India gets 1 million test kits from WHO soon

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the decision was taken as part of his government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.&nbsp;

“The regulation will be in force till 15th April which may be extended based on the situation. Appeal everyone to comply with the regulation and be part of Odisha’s efforts in protecting the people of the state from #COVID19,” the chief minister tweeted.

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Appeal everyone who comes to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Odisha?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Odisha</a> from abroad to register themselves through toll free number (104) or online portal <a href="https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV">https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV</a> to be part of Odisha’s effort in preventing spread of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirus</a>. It will help us in protecting you &amp; your family from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. <a href="https://t.co/DtgmSz8Ih7">pic.twitter.com/DtgmSz8Ih7</a>
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) <a href="https://twitter.com/Naveen_Odisha/status/1239553532170080256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The government had on March 13 ordered the closure of all educational institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools and gymnasiums over the coronavirus threat. Officials said people were hoarding essential items, as administration in several districts has asked shopping malls and retail stores to down shutters. Sudhansu Sarangi, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, however, appealed to people to refrain from panic-buying as small shops and grocery stores will remain open.

Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have come into force in several districts of the state, including Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Angul and parts of Khurda and Puri, to prevent mass gathering of people, the officials said. Tourists have been discouraged from visiting popular destinations, with several shrines, including Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, restricting entry of visitors, they added.

All companies, including IT firms, have been asked to adopt special safeguards. According to a notification issued to IT companies by the Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, employees who have been to a foreign country will have to be quarantined for 14 days, during which they may work from home or avail leave as per company policies.

Also, if any employee has family members who have recently travelled to a foreign destination, he or she would have to submit a declaration and stay home for 14 days.

The notification will come into effect from March 17, 2020, Sarangi said, adding that any firm failing to comply with the orders shall be liable for prosecution under section 100 of Odisha Urban Police Act. The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was reported in Odisha on Monday after a researcher who recently returned from Italy tested positive for it. The 33-year-old is being treated at Capital Hospital here.

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state.

The Odisha government on Tuesday extended the period of all regulations in force over the Covid-19 threat from March 31 to April 15, prompting panic-buying of essential items across the state. Taking to Twitter, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said the decision was taken as part of his government’s efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. “The regulation will be in force till 15th April which may be extended based on the situation. Appeal everyone to comply with the regulation and be part of Odisha’s efforts in protecting the people of the state from #COVID19,” the chief minister tweeted. Appeal everyone who comes to #Odisha from abroad to register themselves through toll free number (104) or online portal https://t.co/dAGGzSp7jV to be part of Odisha’s effort in preventing spread of #CoronaVirus. It will help us in protecting you & your family from #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/DtgmSz8Ih7 — Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 16, 2020 × The government had on March 13 ordered the closure of all educational institutes, cinema halls, swimming pools and gymnasiums over the coronavirus threat. Officials said people were hoarding essential items, as administration in several districts has asked shopping malls and retail stores to down shutters. Sudhansu Sarangi, Commissioner of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, however, appealed to people to refrain from panic-buying as small shops and grocery stores will remain open. Prohibitory orders under section 144 of CrPC have come into force in several districts of the state, including Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jagatsinghpur, Angul and parts of Khurda and Puri, to prevent mass gathering of people, the officials said. Tourists have been discouraged from visiting popular destinations, with several shrines, including Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, restricting entry of visitors, they added. All companies, including IT firms, have been asked to adopt special safeguards. According to a notification issued to IT companies by the Commissionerate of Police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack, employees who have been to a foreign country will have to be quarantined for 14 days, during which they may work from home or avail leave as per company policies. Also, if any employee has family members who have recently travelled to a foreign destination, he or she would have to submit a declaration and stay home for 14 days. The notification will come into effect from March 17, 2020, Sarangi said, adding that any firm failing to comply with the orders shall be liable for prosecution under section 100 of Odisha Urban Police Act. The first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was reported in Odisha on Monday after a researcher who recently returned from Italy tested positive for it. The 33-year-old is being treated at Capital Hospital here.

Covid-19 scare: Odisha govt extends regulation period from March 31 to April 15

Civic polls in West Bengal, including for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), have been postponed “for the time being” in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said on Monday.

The decision was taken at an all-party meeting called to decide the dates for the elections, State Election Commissioner Sourav Das said.

“We have decided to defer the civic polls for the time being because of the coronavirus outbreak. We will again hold a meeting to take a call on the matter after 15 days,” he said.

The ruling TMC had appealed to the SEC on Sunday to defer the polls, a demand that also had the backing of opposition parties.

Elections to 107 municipal bodies of the state and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are being viewed as a litmus test for the TMC and the BJP, a year ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.

Civic polls in West Bengal, including for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), have been postponed “for the time being” in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said on Monday.

Civic polls in West Bengal, including for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), have been postponed “for the time being” in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said on Monday. The decision was taken at an all-party meeting called to decide the dates for the elections, State Election Commissioner Sourav Das said. “We have decided to defer the civic polls for the time being because of the coronavirus outbreak. We will again hold a meeting to take a call on the matter after 15 days,” he said. The ruling TMC had appealed to the SEC on Sunday to defer the polls, a demand that also had the backing of opposition parties. Elections to 107 municipal bodies of the state and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation are being viewed as a litmus test for the TMC and the BJP, a year ahead of the crucial Assembly polls.

West Bengal civic polls deferred amid coronavirus scare

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 does not violate any fundamental right. The central government, in its 129-page affidavit in response to the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of CAA, termed the legislation legal and asserted that there was no question of it violating constitutional morality.

It also said CAA does not confer any arbitrary and unguided powers on the executive as the citizenship to the persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh would be granted in a manner as specified under the law governing grant of citizenship. The affidavit has been filed by BC Joshi, Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Supreme Court on December 18 last year had decided to examine the constitutional validity of the CAA but had refused to stay its operation. The newly amended law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014.

The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), one of the petitioners out of over 100 pleas which have challenged the CAA, has said in its plea that it violates the fundamental Right to Equality and intends to grant citizenship to a section of illegal immigrants by making an exclusion on the basis of religion.

A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, had earlier issued notice to the Centre and sought its response on the batch of pleas, including those filed by the IUML and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, challenging the CAA.

The bench had also agreed to the submission of lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay that common people should be made aware about the aim, objects and the contents of the CAA and had asked Attorney General K K Venugopal, representing the Centre, to consider using audio-visual medium to make citizens aware of the legislation.

Venugopal had agreed to the suggestion and said the needful would be done by the government.

Parliament had cleared the Act, which grants citizenship rights to religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists, who have come to India on or before December 31, 2014. President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12 last year, turning it into an Act.

The plea by IUML, filed through advocate Pallavi Pratap, had sought an interim stay on the operation of CAB and the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015. The petition has alleged that the government’s CAB was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intended to explicitly discriminate against Muslims as the Act extended benefits only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians.

The plea filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, has said that the Act is a “brazen attack” on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats “equals as unequal”. In his petition, Ramesh has said that substantial questions of law, including whether religion can be a factor to either acquire or deny citizenship in India, arises for consideration of the court as it is a “patently unconstitutional” amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955.

“The impugned Act creates two classifications, viz, classification on basis of religion and the classification on the basis of geography and both the classifications are completely unreasonable and share no rational nexus to the object of the impugned Act i.e., to provide shelter, safety and citizenship to communities who in their native country are facing persecution on grounds of religion,” the plea has said.

Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA including by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, CPI, NGOs ‘Rihai Manch’ and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act.

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 does not violate any fundamental right. The central government, in its 129-page affidavit in response to the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of CAA, termed the legislation legal and asserted that there was no question of it violating constitutional morality.

The Centre Tuesday told the Supreme Court that the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019 does not violate any fundamental right. The central government, in its 129-page affidavit in response to the pleas challenging the constitutional validity of CAA, termed the legislation legal and asserted that there was no question of it violating constitutional morality. It also said CAA does not confer any arbitrary and unguided powers on the executive as the citizenship to the persecuted minorities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh would be granted in a manner as specified under the law governing grant of citizenship. The affidavit has been filed by BC Joshi, Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Supreme Court on December 18 last year had decided to examine the constitutional validity of the CAA but had refused to stay its operation. The newly amended law seeks to grant citizenship to non-Muslim migrants belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi communities who came to the country from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before December 31, 2014. The Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), one of the petitioners out of over 100 pleas which have challenged the CAA, has said in its plea that it violates the fundamental Right to Equality and intends to grant citizenship to a section of illegal immigrants by making an exclusion on the basis of religion. A bench, comprising Chief Justice S A Bobde and Justices B R Gavai and Surya Kant, had earlier issued notice to the Centre and sought its response on the batch of pleas, including those filed by the IUML and Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, challenging the CAA. The bench had also agreed to the submission of lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay that common people should be made aware about the aim, objects and the contents of the CAA and had asked Attorney General K K Venugopal, representing the Centre, to consider using audio-visual medium to make citizens aware of the legislation. Venugopal had agreed to the suggestion and said the needful would be done by the government. Parliament had cleared the Act, which grants citizenship rights to religious minorities such as Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Parsis, Jains and Buddhists, who have come to India on or before December 31, 2014. President Ram Nath Kovind gave assent to the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 on December 12 last year, turning it into an Act. The plea by IUML, filed through advocate Pallavi Pratap, had sought an interim stay on the operation of CAB and the Foreigner Amendment (Order), 2015 and Passport (Entry Into Rules), Amendment Rules, 2015. The petition has alleged that the government’s CAB was against the basic structure of the Constitution and intended to explicitly discriminate against Muslims as the Act extended benefits only to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians. The plea filed by Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, has said that the Act is a “brazen attack” on core fundamental rights envisaged under the Constitution and treats “equals as unequal”. In his petition, Ramesh has said that substantial questions of law, including whether religion can be a factor to either acquire or deny citizenship in India, arises for consideration of the court as it is a “patently unconstitutional” amendment to the Citizenship Act, 1955. “The impugned Act creates two classifications, viz, classification on basis of religion and the classification on the basis of geography and both the classifications are completely unreasonable and share no rational nexus to the object of the impugned Act i.e., to provide shelter, safety and citizenship to communities who in their native country are facing persecution on grounds of religion,” the plea has said. Several petitions have been filed challenging the constitutional validity of the CAA including by RJD leader Manoj Jha, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi. Other petitioners include Muslim body Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, All Assam Students Union (AASU), Peace Party, CPI, NGOs ‘Rihai Manch’ and Citizens Against Hate, advocate M L Sharma, and law students have also approached the apex court challenging the Act.

CAA does not violate fundamental rights, Centre tells Supreme Court

The Rajasthan government on Tuesday banned all gatherings at public places exceeding 50 people till March 31 to fight the coronavirus outbreak, said an official statement.

The ban was imposed as per directions of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who decided to resort to the precautionary measure after a high-level meeting on late Monday night to take stock of the situation, the statement added.

The ban will be in force till March 31 after which the situation will be reviewed and an appropriate decision taken, it added.

Prevention of infection is the best protection against the disease, the statement quoted Gehlot as saying after the meeting.

The chief minister also called for large-scale public awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

He said the state government is constantly monitoring the situation and is taking all precautionary steps to keep it under control.

He said the government has decided to ban gatherings of people in all tourist spots, museums, historical buildings, forts, public fairs, animal hats, parks, sports grounds and other public places in the state.

At the meeting, the officials apprised the chief minister of the situation at present, as per which COVID-19 spread is under control at present and continuous steps are being taken to prevent it.

Those present in the meeting included Medical and Health Minister Raghu Sharma, Minister of State for Medical and Health Subhash Garg, Chief Secretary D B Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary (Medical Education) Vaibhav Galaria and other officials.

The Rajasthan government on Tuesday banned all gatherings at public places exceeding 50 people till March 31 to fight the coronavirus outbreak, said an official statement.

The Rajasthan government on Tuesday banned all gatherings at public places exceeding 50 people till March 31 to fight the coronavirus outbreak, said an official statement. The ban was imposed as per directions of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot who decided to resort to the precautionary measure after a high-level meeting on late Monday night to take stock of the situation, the statement added. The ban will be in force till March 31 after which the situation will be reviewed and an appropriate decision taken, it added. Prevention of infection is the best protection against the disease, the statement quoted Gehlot as saying after the meeting. The chief minister also called for large-scale public awareness campaigns to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. He said the state government is constantly monitoring the situation and is taking all precautionary steps to keep it under control. He said the government has decided to ban gatherings of people in all tourist spots, museums, historical buildings, forts, public fairs, animal hats, parks, sports grounds and other public places in the state. At the meeting, the officials apprised the chief minister of the situation at present, as per which COVID-19 spread is under control at present and continuous steps are being taken to prevent it. Those present in the meeting included Medical and Health Minister Raghu Sharma, Minister of State for Medical and Health Subhash Garg, Chief Secretary D B Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rohit Kumar Singh, Secretary (Medical Education) Vaibhav Galaria and other officials.

Coronavirus outbreak: Rajasthan bans all 50-plus gathering in public places till March 31, says official

India's health minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan while making a statement in Rajya Sabha lauded doctors across the country working to beat the coronavirus outbreak.

We are using retrovirus drugs on some patients: Health minister Harsh Vardhan

The&nbsp;UNESCO World Heritage Site&nbsp;Taj Mahal has joined the list of attractions around the world that are closing their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-prohibits-passengers-from-afghanistan-philippines-and-malaysia-over-coronavirus-286890">India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus</a>

The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel on Twitter.&nbsp;

"All the ticketed monuments and all other museums have been directed to be closed until March 31, 2020," he wrote.

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कोरोना वायरस <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> को ध्यान में रखते हुए <a href="https://twitter.com/MinOfCultureGoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MinOfCultureGoI</a> ने <a href="https://twitter.com/ASIGoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ASIGoI</a> के सभी टिकिट वाले स्मारक एवं अन्य सभी,संग्रहालय आगामी ३१मार्च२०तक बंद रखने के निर्देश दिए हैं।संबंधित अधिकारियों से तत्परता एवं सावधानी बरतने की अपेक्षा है <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4MP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BJP4MP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/tourismgoi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@tourismgoi</a>
— Prahlad Singh Patel (@prahladspatel) <a href="https://twitter.com/prahladspatel/status/1239570675280404480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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India has reported 126 cases of infection and three deaths due to coronavirus.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/64-year-old-dies-in-mumbai-third-death-due-to-coronavirus-in-india-286873">64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India</a>

Earlier, a 64-year-old man died in the Maharashtra which is the hardest-hit state in the country with more than 30 confirmed cases.

India has suspended issuing any new tourist visas and has imposed a two-week quarantine on all travellers, including returning Indian nationals, who are arriving from or have visited China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Spain.

It has prohibited travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to the country till March 31 amid the coronavirus outbreak. 
&nbsp;

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Taj Mahal has joined the list of attractions around the world that are closing their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel on Twitter.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Taj Mahal has joined the list of attractions around the world that are closing their doors amid the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: India prohibits passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia over coronavirus The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel on Twitter. "All the ticketed monuments and all other museums have been directed to be closed until March 31, 2020," he wrote. कोरोना वायरस #IndiaFightsCorona को ध्यान में रखते हुए @MinOfCultureGoI ने @ASIGoI के सभी टिकिट वाले स्मारक एवं अन्य सभी,संग्रहालय आगामी ३१मार्च२०तक बंद रखने के निर्देश दिए हैं।संबंधित अधिकारियों से तत्परता एवं सावधानी बरतने की अपेक्षा है @PMOIndia @BJP4India @BJP4MP @tourismgoi — Prahlad Singh Patel (@prahladspatel) March 16, 2020 × India has reported 126 cases of infection and three deaths due to coronavirus. Also read: 64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India Earlier, a 64-year-old man died in the Maharashtra which is the hardest-hit state in the country with more than 30 confirmed cases. India has suspended issuing any new tourist visas and has imposed a two-week quarantine on all travellers, including returning Indian nationals, who are arriving from or have visited China, France, Germany, Iran, Italy, South Korea and Spain. It has prohibited travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia to the country till March 31 amid the coronavirus outbreak.

COVID-19: Taj Mahal shut down amid virus concern

Even as the World Health Organization urges world nations to increase coronavirus testing, India's efforts to carry out tests remain far behind.

Why is India not carrying out enough tests?

A 64-year-old male patient died to coronavirus in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital today.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/confirmed-coronavirus-cases-rise-to-125-in-india-286872">Also Read:&nbsp;Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India</a>

It is the third death due to COVID-19 in India and the first death due to the virus in Maharashtra.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/global-pandemic-stores-run-out-of-supplies-in-india-286866/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rajesh Tope, minister of public health &amp; family welfare, Maharashtra, said: "He was admitted at Kasturba Hospital on March 5 and&nbsp;he had hidden some details from us, including that he had come from Dubai. But we grew suspicious on March 13."

"We sent his samples for test which turned out to be positive. He died at 7am today," the minister added. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, India's health ministry informed today the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125.

According to government data, the highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected.

In Kerala, 22 confirmed cases have been reported with twelve in Uttar Pradesh. The government said fourteen foreign nationals were detected with the virus in Haryana.

A 64-year-old male patient died to coronavirus in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital today. Also Read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India It is the third death due to COVID-19 in India and the first death due to the virus in Maharashtra.

A 64-year-old male patient died to coronavirus in Mumbai's Kasturba hospital today. Also Read: Confirmed coronavirus cases rise to 125 in India It is the third death due to COVID-19 in India and the first death due to the virus in Maharashtra. Watch Video: Rajesh Tope, minister of public health & family welfare, Maharashtra, said: "He was admitted at Kasturba Hospital on March 5 and he had hidden some details from us, including that he had come from Dubai. But we grew suspicious on March 13." "We sent his samples for test which turned out to be positive. He died at 7am today," the minister added. Meanwhile, India's health ministry informed today the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India has shot up to 125. According to government data, the highest number of cases was recorded in Maharashtra where 36 people have been affected. In Kerala, 22 confirmed cases have been reported with twelve in Uttar Pradesh. The government said fourteen foreign nationals were detected with the virus in Haryana.

64-year-old dies in Mumbai, third death due to coronavirus in India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-pays-tribute-to-bangabandhu-on-bangladeshs-49th-victory-day-268627">Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day</a>

The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-pm-postpones-visit-to-japan-over-coronavirus-outbreak-285463">Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak</a>

"Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress.

"This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. 
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975.

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Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. 
 
This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. <a href="https://t.co/uqAxL0h4F6">pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1239766264156803072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday paid tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary and hailed his contributions towards Bangladesh's progress. Modi will participate in the birth centenary celebrations of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh on Tuesday via video link. Also read: Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day The year-long celebrations were scheduled to open amid festivities at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on Tuesday and were expected to be attended by several foreign dignitaries, including Modi. But it will be without any public gatherings due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Bangladesh PM postpones visit to Japan over coronavirus outbreak "Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh's progress. "This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu's 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh," Modi said in a tweet. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the first president of Bangladesh and later as the prime minister of Bangladesh from April 17, 1971, until his assassination on August 15, 1975. Tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary. He is remembered for his courage and indelible contribution to Bangladesh’s progress. This evening, via video link, will address Bangabandhu’s 100th Birth Anniversary celebrations being held in Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/uqAxL0h4F6 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2020 × He is considered to be the driving force behind the independence of Bangladesh and has been given the title of "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal). His daughter, Sheikh Hasina, is the current prime minister of Bangladesh.

PM Modi pays tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary

As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-must-act-succeed-together-pm-modi-at-saarc-conference-286516">'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference</a>

Speaking to leaders of other countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in a video conference, PM Narendra Modi said said "any of us" can use the fund for "immediate actions" to deal with the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collective-response-needed-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak-saarc-leaders-286546">Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders&nbsp;</a>

PM&nbsp; Modi also said that India would offer rapid response teams of experts and specialists to member nations, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He also suggested of creating&nbsp;a common research platform "to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within our South Asian region". He said Indian Council of Medical Research could offer help in coordinating such association.&nbsp;

"We have set up an Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers and the people they contacted. We could share this Disease Surveillance software with SAARC partners," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;

PM Modi in its message to SAARC leaders said, "We must all act together, we must all succeed together". The other SAARC nations also agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak.&nbsp;

The SAARC, which didn't gain much success in recent years, was revived recently when PM Modi on Friday proposed a video-conference of SAARC members to chalk out a "strong strategy" to fight the pandemic.&nbsp;

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As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going.

As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going. Also read | 'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference Speaking to leaders of other countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in a video conference, PM Narendra Modi said said "any of us" can use the fund for "immediate actions" to deal with the pandemic. Also read | Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders PM Modi also said that India would offer rapid response teams of experts and specialists to member nations, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also suggested of creating a common research platform "to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within our South Asian region". He said Indian Council of Medical Research could offer help in coordinating such association. "We have set up an Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers and the people they contacted. We could share this Disease Surveillance software with SAARC partners," the Indian prime minister said. PM Modi in its message to SAARC leaders said, "We must all act together, we must all succeed together". The other SAARC nations also agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak. The SAARC, which didn't gain much success in recent years, was revived recently when PM Modi on Friday proposed a video-conference of SAARC members to chalk out a "strong strategy" to fight the pandemic.

Emergency fund, rapid response team: All what India offered to SAARC

India reported three more&nbsp;coronavirus-infected late on Sunday, taking the day's tally to 26 and total infections to 110, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.&nbsp;

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Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: A total of 110 confirmed <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> cases reported across India, including 17 foreign nationals, as of 11:30 pm, 15th March. <a href="https://t.co/UdaxIw5H2D">pic.twitter.com/UdaxIw5H2D</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1239258585281884160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also, COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra's Pune rose to 16, news agency ANI reported. However, the infected numbers in Pune have not been confirmed by the government yet.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collective-response-needed-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak-saarc-leaders-286546">Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders&nbsp;</a>

PM Narendra Modi, in a bid to bring SAARC countries closer to fight the outbreak proposed an emergency fund. He also said that India could begin with a contribution of&nbsp;10 million USD which can be used by the SAARC nations.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier on Friday, Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health said now there are 107 COVID-19 cases in India. The new case includes "17 from Maharashtra, two from Telangana, one from Rajasthan &amp; three from Kerala," Kumar said.&nbsp;

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Sanjeeva Kr, Special Secy, Ministry of Health: 23 new cases have been detected since the last update - 17 from Maharashtra, 2 from Telangana, 1 from Rajasthan &amp; 3 from Kerala. There are now 107 confirmed cases of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in the country, including 9 discharged cases &amp; 2 deaths. <a href="https://t.co/wLoeMeoExY">pic.twitter.com/wLoeMeoExY</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1239134297161752576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He also said that nine people have been discharged.&nbsp;

Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja also confirmed two more positive cases in the state, taking the infected toll in Kerala to 21. She said one new case is a UK citizen and the other patient is a doctor who had travel history abroad.&nbsp;

Kumar also said that the third batch of 236 people have been evacuated from coronavirus-hit Iran and reached India today. He said that the evacuees are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer.&nbsp;

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Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health: The third batch of 236 evacuees from Iran has arrived today and are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer. All are reported to be asymptomatic at present. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronavirus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronavirus</a> <a href="https://t.co/74iHVNiPn2">pic.twitter.com/74iHVNiPn2</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1239133826787373057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As per sources, India has evacuated 766 people from China, 336 from Iran, 218 from Italy and 124 from Japan.&nbsp;

In Telangana, two more coronavirus cases were reported, the state's officials said. It also said that the first COVID-19 case has recovered and been discharged from the hospital.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier today, Madhya Pradesh became the latest Indian state to shut down schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls, among others. Assam also announced the closure of educational institutions, gyms, cinema halls till March 29.&nbsp;

India also suspended most land border crossing points with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar from March 15 midnight amid COVID-19 outbreak. &nbsp;

 
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India reported three more coronavirus-infected late on Sunday, taking the day's tally to 26 and total infections to 110, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

India reported three more coronavirus-infected late on Sunday, taking the day's tally to 26 and total infections to 110, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare: A total of 110 confirmed #COVID19 cases reported across India, including 17 foreign nationals, as of 11:30 pm, 15th March. pic.twitter.com/UdaxIw5H2D — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2020 × Also, COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra's Pune rose to 16, news agency ANI reported. However, the infected numbers in Pune have not been confirmed by the government yet. Also read: Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders PM Narendra Modi, in a bid to bring SAARC countries closer to fight the outbreak proposed an emergency fund. He also said that India could begin with a contribution of 10 million USD which can be used by the SAARC nations. Earlier on Friday, Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health said now there are 107 COVID-19 cases in India. The new case includes "17 from Maharashtra, two from Telangana, one from Rajasthan & three from Kerala," Kumar said. Sanjeeva Kr, Special Secy, Ministry of Health: 23 new cases have been detected since the last update - 17 from Maharashtra, 2 from Telangana, 1 from Rajasthan & 3 from Kerala. There are now 107 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in the country, including 9 discharged cases & 2 deaths. pic.twitter.com/wLoeMeoExY — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2020 × He also said that nine people have been discharged. Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja also confirmed two more positive cases in the state, taking the infected toll in Kerala to 21. She said one new case is a UK citizen and the other patient is a doctor who had travel history abroad. Kumar also said that the third batch of 236 people have been evacuated from coronavirus-hit Iran and reached India today. He said that the evacuees are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer. Sanjeeva Kumar, Special Secretary, Ministry of Health: The third batch of 236 evacuees from Iran has arrived today and are being quarantined at the Army facility in Jaisalmer. All are reported to be asymptomatic at present. #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/74iHVNiPn2 — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2020 × As per sources, India has evacuated 766 people from China, 336 from Iran, 218 from Italy and 124 from Japan. In Telangana, two more coronavirus cases were reported, the state's officials said. It also said that the first COVID-19 case has recovered and been discharged from the hospital. Earlier today, Madhya Pradesh became the latest Indian state to shut down schools, colleges, libraries, cinema halls, among others. Assam also announced the closure of educational institutions, gyms, cinema halls till March 29. India also suspended most land border crossing points with Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar from March 15 midnight amid COVID-19 outbreak.

Coronavirus in India: With 3 new cases, infected toll jumps to 110

Pakistan's attempt to politicise a humanitarian issue by its "unwarranted" statement on Kashmir during the SAARC nations video conference on coronavirus reflected "very poorly" on it, government sources said on Sunday.

Pakistan tried to politicise COVID-19 by raising Kashmir at SAARC event

All leaders in the 8-nation regional grouping (SAARC) welcomed PM Modi’s suggestion and agreed to join the conference, except Pakistan PM Imran Khan, who has deputed his special advisor on health to participate in.

Coronavirus Pandemic: SAARC Nations come together to fight virus

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