Here's a Bollywood villain who is a real-life hero. Amid nationwide lockdown, actor Sonu Sood has been relentlessly working hard and arranging buses for migrants in Mumbai to reach their homes in other parts of the country. 
 
The actor has been hailed by one and all, including Union Minister Smriti Irani, for this goodwill gesture. 
 
In an exclusive conversation with Zee News recently, Sonu revealed that he plans to do the work until he is able to send all the migrants to their homes and it gives him immense satisfaction to see these people reunite with their families. 
 
“I will be on the roads until all the workers reach home. I am not concerned about the hard work it takes, I am determined to send them to their families. My phone rings constantly, my social media accounts are flooded with messages. I try to reach out to everyone possible,” said the 46-year-old actor. 
 
The actor has been responding to several messages on Twitter assuring many that they will get to go home. 
 
When asked what made him take up this good cause, the actor stated that the migrant labourers form an important part of our society and they need help at this hour of crisis. 
 
“It was difficult initially to arrange everything, but I was determined to do so. I coordinated for their travels, took permissions from different states,” Sonu added. 
 
Sonu admitted that the paperwork process of the migrants was time-consuming and required much labour. 
 
“I took the responsibility of sending them homes as I didn’t want any of the children to remember this difficult situation in their life anytime,” Sonu said.

Not only has the actor been arranging for transport but earlier in April, he offered his hotel in Mumbai for healthcare workers. He has also distributed food among the underprivileged during Ramzan.

Here's a Bollywood villain who is a real-life hero. Amid nationwide lockdown, actor Sonu Sood has been relentlessly working hard and arranging buses for migrants in Mumbai to reach their homes in other parts of the country.

Here's a Bollywood villain who is a real-life hero. Amid nationwide lockdown, actor Sonu Sood has been relentlessly working hard and arranging buses for migrants in Mumbai to reach their homes in other parts of the country. The actor has been hailed by one and all, including Union Minister Smriti Irani, for this goodwill gesture. In an exclusive conversation with Zee News recently, Sonu revealed that he plans to do the work until he is able to send all the migrants to their homes and it gives him immense satisfaction to see these people reunite with their families. “I will be on the roads until all the workers reach home. I am not concerned about the hard work it takes, I am determined to send them to their families. My phone rings constantly, my social media accounts are flooded with messages. I try to reach out to everyone possible,” said the 46-year-old actor. The actor has been responding to several messages on Twitter assuring many that they will get to go home. When asked what made him take up this good cause, the actor stated that the migrant labourers form an important part of our society and they need help at this hour of crisis. “It was difficult initially to arrange everything, but I was determined to do so. I coordinated for their travels, took permissions from different states,” Sonu added. Sonu admitted that the paperwork process of the migrants was time-consuming and required much labour. “I took the responsibility of sending them homes as I didn’t want any of the children to remember this difficult situation in their life anytime,” Sonu said. Not only has the actor been arranging for transport but earlier in April, he offered his hotel in Mumbai for healthcare workers. He has also distributed food among the underprivileged during Ramzan.

Sonu Sood on arranging travel for migrants: Will be on the roads until all the workers reach home

A team of researchers in Chennai’s NHHID have come up with a Bluetooth-based thermometer that can not only detect fever but also communicate with a smartphone App and share the location.

It is meant to aid authorities in identifying and isolating clusters of cases where fever is prevalent. After development, prototyping, and preliminary testing, the initial batch of 1000 thermometers will be&nbsp;manufactured.&nbsp;

“With increasing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-recovered-covid-19-patients-donate-plasma-in-lucknow-298214">COVID-19 </a>cases the door-to-door screening campaigns become less practical and that’s where the smart thermometer comes into play. We can monitor the temperature of individuals and plan for further measures without any external help. On switching it on, it gets linked to the phone’s Bluetooth and the location will also show up on the App. Just like any thermometer, one can self-examine and the results would show on the smartphone, and if&nbsp;in case there is a fever the data and location is sent to the server” Dr. Senthilvelan an Orthopedic Surgeon who is behind this concept told WION.&nbsp;

The team of eight developers at Chennai’s National Hub for Healthcare Instrumentation Development, Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University(NHHID) have partnered with a Bengaluru-based firm Triphase technology for the manufacturing, following which extensive filed trials would be conducted.

According to the developers, the utility of this product must be seen even beyond the current COVID-19 situation, as there have always been such infections that result in fever as one of the major symptoms.

Dr. Senthilvelan added that this specific prototype could have been in the form of a watch or a bracelet or a necklace, but it was a conscious decision to shape it like a thermometer and recommend that the temperature be recorded from the axilla (armpit) due to the variations in skin temperature at different parts of the body.

“COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle&nbsp;and the future will become more online-oriented. We see this as an opportunity to enhance digitization in biomedical gadgets and develop apps for them as well. The patient can monitor the temperature and the doctor can consult based on the available information, while being far apart. We are also working on another bio-medical device prototype that can monitor vital signs and share the data to the server, thus enabling near-live consultancy” Prof S.Muttan, Coordinator, NHHID, Anna University told WION.&nbsp;

This development gains significance as states in India are recommending home-quarantine of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients, for optimal utilization of hospital beds for the critical patients.

With the all-India COVID-19 figures surpassing the 70,000-mark and most densely populated cities being among the worst hit, the fever tracker could prove to be a tool that enables more centralized, app-based fever tracking among users.

The current version of the thermometer is dependent on smartphones and the App is supported on both major mobile platforms, the developers said.

Prof Sankaran , Professor of Eminence, Anna University believes that internet-of-things concepts can be integrated with medical technology, it would go a long way in studying, identifying disease control measures.

“Since all major diseases are accompanied by a fever, the pattern can be used to understand the doctors can decide what fever pattern corresponds to which disease. While the initial unit cost is Rs.350, mass manufacturing can bring down the unit cost to about Rs.100-150. For the cost of the normal thermometer we hope to provide a remote temperature monitoring tool for households” he said.

A team of researchers in Chennai’s NHHID have come up with a Bluetooth-based thermometer that can not only detect fever but also communicate with a smartphone App and share the location.

A team of researchers in Chennai’s NHHID have come up with a Bluetooth-based thermometer that can not only detect fever but also communicate with a smartphone App and share the location. It is meant to aid authorities in identifying and isolating clusters of cases where fever is prevalent. After development, prototyping, and preliminary testing, the initial batch of 1000 thermometers will be manufactured. “With increasing COVID-19 cases the door-to-door screening campaigns become less practical and that’s where the smart thermometer comes into play. We can monitor the temperature of individuals and plan for further measures without any external help. On switching it on, it gets linked to the phone’s Bluetooth and the location will also show up on the App. Just like any thermometer, one can self-examine and the results would show on the smartphone, and if in case there is a fever the data and location is sent to the server” Dr. Senthilvelan an Orthopedic Surgeon who is behind this concept told WION. The team of eight developers at Chennai’s National Hub for Healthcare Instrumentation Development, Centre for Biotechnology, Anna University(NHHID) have partnered with a Bengaluru-based firm Triphase technology for the manufacturing, following which extensive filed trials would be conducted. According to the developers, the utility of this product must be seen even beyond the current COVID-19 situation, as there have always been such infections that result in fever as one of the major symptoms. Dr. Senthilvelan added that this specific prototype could have been in the form of a watch or a bracelet or a necklace, but it was a conscious decision to shape it like a thermometer and recommend that the temperature be recorded from the axilla (armpit) due to the variations in skin temperature at different parts of the body. “COVID-19 has changed our lifestyle and the future will become more online-oriented. We see this as an opportunity to enhance digitization in biomedical gadgets and develop apps for them as well. The patient can monitor the temperature and the doctor can consult based on the available information, while being far apart. We are also working on another bio-medical device prototype that can monitor vital signs and share the data to the server, thus enabling near-live consultancy” Prof S.Muttan, Coordinator, NHHID, Anna University told WION. This development gains significance as states in India are recommending home-quarantine of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive patients, for optimal utilization of hospital beds for the critical patients. With the all-India COVID-19 figures surpassing the 70,000-mark and most densely populated cities being among the worst hit, the fever tracker could prove to be a tool that enables more centralized, app-based fever tracking among users. The current version of the thermometer is dependent on smartphones and the App is supported on both major mobile platforms, the developers said. Prof Sankaran , Professor of Eminence, Anna University believes that internet-of-things concepts can be integrated with medical technology, it would go a long way in studying, identifying disease control measures. “Since all major diseases are accompanied by a fever, the pattern can be used to understand the doctors can decide what fever pattern corresponds to which disease. While the initial unit cost is Rs.350, mass manufacturing can bring down the unit cost to about Rs.100-150. For the cost of the normal thermometer we hope to provide a remote temperature monitoring tool for households” he said.

COVID-19: Researchers develop Bluetooth-based thermometer for fever monitoring

No source of income, but many mouths to feed is a painful situation faced by the lesser fortunate sections of society, but when it comes to transgenders living in the&nbsp;periphery, it only gets even more worrisome.

However, the transgender community in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tamil-nadu-government-announces-complete-lockdown-in-five-cities-including-chennai-and-coimbatore-294568">Chennai</a> and other parts of Tamil Nadu have ensured that they combine their efforts and resources to ensure that they safely tide over the present crisis.&nbsp;

"In our community, we have hardly any savings and don’t think much about the future needs, but now amid the lockdown, the sources of income have vanished and we can’t&nbsp;even seek alms, but we have managed so far with the largesse of many well-wishers, corporates and NGOs” Jaya, General manager of Sahodaran, an organization that works for the LGBTIQ community told WION.&nbsp;

The transgender community has over 2,000 members across Chennai city and have been sourcing and distributing the available resources, relief material among themselves,&nbsp;while also donating a considerable bit of it to the needy and homeless.&nbsp;

“With the support of the police department, we have been able to reach out across the city and distribute over 300 bags of essentials that include rice, oil, sugar, pulses&nbsp;and also soaps. There were few drivers who volunteered to help with logistics, while our sister organization Thozhi provided us a vehicle for free and another for a very low cost. Beyond Chennai, we have also been asking our friends to provide succor in cash&nbsp;or kind to our community who are living in other districts of the state.” Jaya added.&nbsp;

When most ration card holders get their share of essentials and a small dole in cash, many in the transgender community don’t get it as they&nbsp;do not possess ration cards.

“I requested various government officials and highlighted the plight of our community, after which they offered to provide the essentials and Rs.1000 in cash for everyone with a transgender card. We also use the supplies to prepare&nbsp;food and share it with the needy and homeless who have no place to go” Radha, a transgender who contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election from Central Chennai constituency told WION.&nbsp;

Transgenders Durga Sri and Maya Sri saw an opportunity in adversity with the government’s door-to-door surveillance effort to contain COVID-19. They work&nbsp;for a little over five hours every morning, covering about 160 homes and checking for coronavirus symptoms and assessing the condition of the aged and the vulnerable groups.&nbsp;

“We get to earn Rs.15,000 a month, thanks to a police official who suggested that we take up this opportunity offered by the civic body in Chennai. This work is temporary&nbsp;would last only about two months, but they provide us PPEs and fresh meals. I have been involved in social work and this campaign is a blessing in disguise. I’m born and raised here and the people accept us for who we are and cooperate with us, we would be&nbsp;grateful if we get permanent jobs” Durga Sri told WION.

No source of income, but many mouths to feed is a painful situation faced by the lesser fortunate sections of society, but when it comes to transgenders living in the periphery, it only gets even more worrisome.

No source of income, but many mouths to feed is a painful situation faced by the lesser fortunate sections of society, but when it comes to transgenders living in the periphery, it only gets even more worrisome. However, the transgender community in Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu have ensured that they combine their efforts and resources to ensure that they safely tide over the present crisis. "In our community, we have hardly any savings and don’t think much about the future needs, but now amid the lockdown, the sources of income have vanished and we can’t even seek alms, but we have managed so far with the largesse of many well-wishers, corporates and NGOs” Jaya, General manager of Sahodaran, an organization that works for the LGBTIQ community told WION. The transgender community has over 2,000 members across Chennai city and have been sourcing and distributing the available resources, relief material among themselves, while also donating a considerable bit of it to the needy and homeless. “With the support of the police department, we have been able to reach out across the city and distribute over 300 bags of essentials that include rice, oil, sugar, pulses and also soaps. There were few drivers who volunteered to help with logistics, while our sister organization Thozhi provided us a vehicle for free and another for a very low cost. Beyond Chennai, we have also been asking our friends to provide succor in cash or kind to our community who are living in other districts of the state.” Jaya added. When most ration card holders get their share of essentials and a small dole in cash, many in the transgender community don’t get it as they do not possess ration cards. “I requested various government officials and highlighted the plight of our community, after which they offered to provide the essentials and Rs.1000 in cash for everyone with a transgender card. We also use the supplies to prepare food and share it with the needy and homeless who have no place to go” Radha, a transgender who contested in the 2019 Lok Sabha Election from Central Chennai constituency told WION. Transgenders Durga Sri and Maya Sri saw an opportunity in adversity with the government’s door-to-door surveillance effort to contain COVID-19. They work for a little over five hours every morning, covering about 160 homes and checking for coronavirus symptoms and assessing the condition of the aged and the vulnerable groups. “We get to earn Rs.15,000 a month, thanks to a police official who suggested that we take up this opportunity offered by the civic body in Chennai. This work is temporary would last only about two months, but they provide us PPEs and fresh meals. I have been involved in social work and this campaign is a blessing in disguise. I’m born and raised here and the people accept us for who we are and cooperate with us, we would be grateful if we get permanent jobs” Durga Sri told WION.

Transgender community helps the needy during extended lockdown in Chennai

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/21797-covid-19-cases-in-india-confirmed-says-icmr-5-lakh-samples-tested-294152"> coronavirus </a>in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-takes-30-per-cent-cut-in-salary-to-overcome-covid-19-induced-financial-crisis-294132">Also Read:&nbsp;Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis</a>

As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937.

Twenty-seven people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan.

Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during COVID-19 pandemic.

The state saw the number of COVID-19 cases rise to 270 including 24 linked to foreign nationals. Three people have lost their lives due to the virus, Haryana health Department said.

The finance ministry announced today that Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will be continued to be paid even as the government asked the defence forces to put the acquisition process on hold due to the pandemic.

The Karnataka government said 16 new coronavirus cases have been reported taking the number of cases to 443. Seventeen people have died in the state due to the virus.

Amid the escalting infections, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that 5,00,542 samples from 4,851,72 individuals have been tested with 21797 samples found to be COVID-19 positive.

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893. Also Read: Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937.

Andhra Pradesh on Thursday reported 80 more cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours taking the number of cases to 893. Also Read: Kerala govt takes 30% cut in salary to overcome COVID-19 crisis As the virus continued to spread, Rajasthan recorded 49 new cases of COVID-19 with the total number of cases climbing to 1,937. Twenty-seven people have died due to the virus in Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced insurance of Rs 10 lakh each to all journalists who are reporting during COVID-19 pandemic. The state saw the number of COVID-19 cases rise to 270 including 24 linked to foreign nationals. Three people have lost their lives due to the virus, Haryana health Department said. The finance ministry announced today that Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief at current rates will be continued to be paid even as the government asked the defence forces to put the acquisition process on hold due to the pandemic. The Karnataka government said 16 new coronavirus cases have been reported taking the number of cases to 443. Seventeen people have died in the state due to the virus. Amid the escalting infections, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said today that 5,00,542 samples from 4,851,72 individuals have been tested with 21797 samples found to be COVID-19 positive.

Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka record more COVID-19 cases

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily.&nbsp;

As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3870.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-coronavirus-cases-pass-25-million-death-toll-rises-to-177415-293909">Also read: Global coronavirus cases pass 2.5 million; death toll rises to 177,415</a>

In the last 24 hours, the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients jumped to 1383 and fatalities to 50. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-faulty-test-kits-deal-a-body-blow-to-indias-fight-against-wuhan-virus-293858">Also read: China's faulty test kits deal a body blow to India's fight against Wuhan virus</a> 
 
Maharashtra reported 6191 cases of the coronavirus disease, including 722 discharges and 251 deaths. Gujarat has now become the second-worst hit state with 2178 active cases and Delhi follows with 2156 infections. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-treatment-chloroquine-and-hydroxychloroquine-can-cause-heart-problems-292401">COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems</a>

Globally, COVID-19 has now infected 2,563,384 people worldwide and 177,415 people have been killed due to this pandemic.

Around 681,477 people of that tally have recovered.

A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 28th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 19,984 and the death toll is 640. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3870. Also read: Global coronavirus cases pass 2.5 million; death toll rises to 177,415 In the last 24 hours, the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients jumped to 1383 and fatalities to 50. Also read: China's faulty test kits deal a body blow to India's fight against Wuhan virus Maharashtra reported 6191 cases of the coronavirus disease, including 722 discharges and 251 deaths. Gujarat has now become the second-worst hit state with 2178 active cases and Delhi follows with 2156 infections. COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems Globally, COVID-19 has now infected 2,563,384 people worldwide and 177,415 people have been killed due to this pandemic. Around 681,477 people of that tally have recovered. A few days ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) had claimed how lifting lockdowns too early could lead to a second wave and would be a catastrophe.

India's coronavirus case tally nears 20,000; death toll reaches 640

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 27th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 18,601 and the death toll is 590.

The nationwide lockdown has entered the 27th day even as the number of Coronavirus positive cases continues to rise daily. As per the latest data released by the Union Health Ministry, the total COVID-19 cases in India stand at 18,601 and the death toll is 590. The tally of those cured, discharged from hospital stands at 3251. While Gujarat, at over 1,800, has the third-highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in India at present — the first two being Maharashtra and Delhi — Tamil Nadu is seeing some plateauing in the number of new cases. Globally, 2,481,287 people have been infected and 170,436 have died so far, according to Worldometer. During yesterday’s press briefing, the Health Ministry claimed that at least 80 per cent of the coronavirus positive cases have no or very mild symptoms. "Based on the worldwide analysis, out of 100 coronavirus patients, 80 per cent are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms," said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health and Family Welfare. “Around 15 per cent patients turn into severe cases and five per cent cases turn into the critical case”, he further added. “80 out of 100 people do not show symptoms and therefore chances are that they test positive”, echoed Raman Gangakhedkar, head infectious disease and epidemiology at the Indian Council of Medical Research.

Total COVID-19 cases in India rise to 18,601; 590 dead

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-lockdown-restrictions-a-complete-list-of-activities-permitted-after-april-20-293785">coronavirus </a>cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/explained-can-mobile-apps-aid-the-fight-against-coronavirus-293804">Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus?</a>

Our recovery percentage to 17.48 per cent," health ministry official Lav Agrawal said.

The health ministry informed that sixty-one additional districts from 23 States and Union Territories have not reported any fresh cases in the last 14 days. Four new districts have been included in the list which includes -Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Washim in &nbsp;Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that 4,49,810 samples have been tested so far with 35,852 samples test on Monday.

"It is a new disease, in the last three and half months science has progressed and developed PCR tests, five vaccines have gone into human trial phase out of 70 vaccine candidates," ICMR's R Gangakhedkar said.

"States have been advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days. A lot of variations, kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days," Gangakhedkar asserted.

Rajasthan health minister said earlier that,&nbsp;"We didn't leave any procedural loophole. We kept in mind ICMR guidelines for testing. Still, it didn't meet the standards, so we stopped the rapid tests."

"We've written to ICMR that we won't conduct it as the accuracy is questionable. We're waiting for a reply," the minister added.

"Its accuracy was supposed to be 90 per cent but it turned out to be 5.4 per cent," he asserted.&nbsp;

The government informed that covidwarriors.gov.in has been created as a "master database" of healthcare professionals and volunteers with details of 1.24 crore human resources of various kinds been added to it already.

Details of coronavirus warriors in 20 categories and 49 sub-categories who can contribute to cCOVID-19 management efforts are available to states and union territories on the portal, it informed.

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 coronavirus cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours.

India's health ministry said today that there are 18,601 coronavirus cases in the country with 3,252 people having recovered from the virus including 705 people who recovered in the last 24 hours. Explained: Can mobile apps aid the fight against coronavirus? Our recovery percentage to 17.48 per cent," health ministry official Lav Agrawal said. The health ministry informed that sixty-one additional districts from 23 States and Union Territories have not reported any fresh cases in the last 14 days. Four new districts have been included in the list which includes -Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Washim in Maharashtra. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) said that 4,49,810 samples have been tested so far with 35,852 samples test on Monday. "It is a new disease, in the last three and half months science has progressed and developed PCR tests, five vaccines have gone into human trial phase out of 70 vaccine candidates," ICMR's R Gangakhedkar said. "States have been advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days. A lot of variations, kits will be tested and validated by on-ground teams and we will give advisory in the next two days," Gangakhedkar asserted. Rajasthan health minister said earlier that, "We didn't leave any procedural loophole. We kept in mind ICMR guidelines for testing. Still, it didn't meet the standards, so we stopped the rapid tests." "We've written to ICMR that we won't conduct it as the accuracy is questionable. We're waiting for a reply," the minister added. "Its accuracy was supposed to be 90 per cent but it turned out to be 5.4 per cent," he asserted. The government informed that covidwarriors.gov.in has been created as a "master database" of healthcare professionals and volunteers with details of 1.24 crore human resources of various kinds been added to it already. Details of coronavirus warriors in 20 categories and 49 sub-categories who can contribute to cCOVID-19 management efforts are available to states and union territories on the portal, it informed.

States advised not to use rapid testing kits for two days, need to be validated: Government

The health ministry said today that the total number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/80-out-of-100-people-show-mild-to-no-symptoms-of-coronavirus-health-ministry-293610">coronavirus </a>cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/districts-with-no-covid-19-cases-last-14-days-has-increased-to-59-goa-is-coronavirus-free-health-ministry-293580">Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry</a>

There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said.

Kerala recorded 6 new coronavirus cases&nbsp; - all from Kannur.&nbsp;

"There was a time when the situation in Kerala could have gone out of hand but with proper contact tracing, we were able to contain and overcome it," chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

"The mortality rate in the world is 5.75, it is 2.83 in India and 0.58 in Kerala. We are carrying out testing aggressively," the Kerala CM added.

Meanwhile, one new coronavirus case was reported in Bokaro, taking the total number of cases in the state to 42.

In Karnataka, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 408 with 18 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the state health department said.

West Bengal reported 54 more coronavirus cases with Maharashtra reporting 283 more COVID-19 cases, taking total positive cases in the state to 4,483. There were 187 new cases reported in Mumbai today.

The health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths. Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said.

The health ministry said today that the total number of coronavirus cases had risen to 17,656 in India with 559 deaths. Also Read: Goa is coronavirus free, says India's health ministry There are 14,255 active COVID-19 cases with 282 people cured of the virus, the health ministry said. Kerala recorded 6 new coronavirus cases - all from Kannur. "There was a time when the situation in Kerala could have gone out of hand but with proper contact tracing, we were able to contain and overcome it," chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. "The mortality rate in the world is 5.75, it is 2.83 in India and 0.58 in Kerala. We are carrying out testing aggressively," the Kerala CM added. Meanwhile, one new coronavirus case was reported in Bokaro, taking the total number of cases in the state to 42. In Karnataka, the number of coronavirus cases rose to 408 with 18 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, the state health department said. West Bengal reported 54 more coronavirus cases with Maharashtra reporting 283 more COVID-19 cases, taking total positive cases in the state to 4,483. There were 187 new cases reported in Mumbai today.

Coronavirus cases rise to 17,656 in India; 559 dead

The number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-reinfections-surface-across-countries-what-threats-do-such-lapses-pose-293577">coronavirus</a> cases in India shot up 1,553 in the last 24 hours with 36 deaths reported, the health ministry informed on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-asks-states-uts-to-strictly-comply-with-covid-19-lockdown-guidelines-not-dilute-them-293503">Also Read:&nbsp;Also Read: Centre asks states, UTs to strictly comply with COVID-19 lockdown guidelines</a>

The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has now reached 17,265.

"The COVID-19 recovery rate has increased,"&nbsp;it said, while adding that social distancing was the only vaccine.

As far as the cases are concerned, the health ministry said that India's doubling rate of COVID-19 cases before the lockdown was 3.4 days, it has now improved to 7.5 days.&nbsp;

"As per data on April 19, in 18 states, the rate is better than the national average," it added.

"Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand have not reported any coronavirus cases in last 28 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said.

"The number of districts where no case has been reported in last 14 days has increased to 59. Goa is now coronavirus free," health ministry, Lav Agarwal said.

The number of coronavirus cases in India shot up 1,553 in the last 24 hours with 36 deaths reported, the health ministry informed on Monday. Also Read: Also Read: Centre asks states, UTs to strictly comply with COVID-19 lockdown guidelines The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has now reached 17,265.

The number of coronavirus cases in India shot up 1,553 in the last 24 hours with 36 deaths reported, the health ministry informed on Monday. Also Read: Also Read: Centre asks states, UTs to strictly comply with COVID-19 lockdown guidelines The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country has now reached 17,265. "The COVID-19 recovery rate has increased," it said, while adding that social distancing was the only vaccine. As far as the cases are concerned, the health ministry said that India's doubling rate of COVID-19 cases before the lockdown was 3.4 days, it has now improved to 7.5 days. "As per data on April 19, in 18 states, the rate is better than the national average," it added. "Mahe in Puducherry, Kodagu in Karnataka and Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand have not reported any coronavirus cases in last 28 days," health ministry official Lav Agarwal said. "The number of districts where no case has been reported in last 14 days has increased to 59. Goa is now coronavirus free," health ministry, Lav Agarwal said.

Districts with no COVID-19 cases last 14 days has increased to 59, Goa is coronavirus free: Health ministry

Telangana on Tuesday reported 52 new<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1036-people-have-been-cured-of-the-virus-indias-health-ministry-292457"> coronavirus</a> cases with the total number of cases rising to 644.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-mumbai-reports-204-cases-11-deaths-in-one-day-292480">Also Read: Mumbai reports 204 cases, 11 deaths in one day</a>

Eighteen people have died due to the virus in Telangana, with 110 patients cured.

Meanwhile, in Assam, a woman from Dhubri tested positive for coronavirus.

"She is the wife of a coronavirus patient who is connected both with Nizamuddin Markaz and the Athgaon Kabristan congregation in Guwahati," Assam health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

The number of coronavirus patients in the state has now risen to 32 in the state.

Meanwhile, the Railways announced today that all passenger train services will remain cancelled&nbsp;across the country till May 3 after PM Modi declared an extension of the lockdown in the country.

There is no plan to run any special train to clear the passenger rush, the railway ministry declared.

In Maharashtra, police registered cases against &nbsp;800-1000 unidentified people in connection with the incident of gathering in Bandra.

The people were booked under Section 3 of the Epidemic Act.&nbsp;

Telangana on Tuesday reported 52 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 644. Also Read: Mumbai reports 204 cases, 11 deaths in one day Eighteen people have died due to the virus in Telangana, with 110 patients cured.

Telangana on Tuesday reported 52 new coronavirus cases with the total number of cases rising to 644. Also Read: Mumbai reports 204 cases, 11 deaths in one day Eighteen people have died due to the virus in Telangana, with 110 patients cured. Meanwhile, in Assam, a woman from Dhubri tested positive for coronavirus. "She is the wife of a coronavirus patient who is connected both with Nizamuddin Markaz and the Athgaon Kabristan congregation in Guwahati," Assam health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said. The number of coronavirus patients in the state has now risen to 32 in the state. Meanwhile, the Railways announced today that all passenger train services will remain cancelled across the country till May 3 after PM Modi declared an extension of the lockdown in the country. There is no plan to run any special train to clear the passenger rush, the railway ministry declared. In Maharashtra, police registered cases against 800-1000 unidentified people in connection with the incident of gathering in Bandra. The people were booked under Section 3 of the Epidemic Act.

Police registers cases against 'unidentified' people over gathering at Bandra

India's home ministry said today that it has identified 146 hotspots in 15 districts affected by coronvirus.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-19-cases-rise-to-9152-308-deaths-reported-292179">Also Read:&nbsp;India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported</a>

"62 hotspots have been identified in the other 25 districts. 1,62,664 houses have been identified with the presence of 9,50,828 people in these areas. 80 positive cases found in these areas," Home affairs official Awanish K Awasthi.

"There are 1,71,232 houses there with 9,78,055 people have been affected," the home ministry official said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;"146 hotspots have been identified in 15 districts. There are 1,71,232 houses there with 9,78,055 people. Barricading has been done at all these areas, sanitisation has been done here. 401 positive cases found here," MHA's Awanish K Awasthi said.

"Barricading has been done at all these areas, sanitization has been done here. 401 positive cases have been found," the MHA official said.

The Tamil Nadu chief minister's office said that lockdown in Tamil Nadu has been extended till April 30.

Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) Raman R Gangakhedkar, the first consignment of coronavirus kits from China will arrive in India on April 15.

"We conducted 2,06,212 coronavirus tests. Also, there is no need to worry, the pace at which we are conducting tests today, we have a stock with which we can conduct tests for next 6 weeks easily," Gangakhedkar added.

(ANI inputs)

India's home ministry said today that it has identified 146 hotspots in 15 districts affected by coronvirus. Also Read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported "62 hotspots have been identified in the other 25 districts.

India's home ministry said today that it has identified 146 hotspots in 15 districts affected by coronvirus. Also Read: India's COVID-19 cases rise to 9152; 308 deaths reported "62 hotspots have been identified in the other 25 districts. 1,62,664 houses have been identified with the presence of 9,50,828 people in these areas. 80 positive cases found in these areas," Home affairs official Awanish K Awasthi. "There are 1,71,232 houses there with 9,78,055 people have been affected," the home ministry official said. "146 hotspots have been identified in 15 districts. There are 1,71,232 houses there with 9,78,055 people. Barricading has been done at all these areas, sanitisation has been done here. 401 positive cases found here," MHA's Awanish K Awasthi said. "Barricading has been done at all these areas, sanitization has been done here. 401 positive cases have been found," the MHA official said. The Tamil Nadu chief minister's office said that lockdown in Tamil Nadu has been extended till April 30. Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) Raman R Gangakhedkar, the first consignment of coronavirus kits from China will arrive in India on April 15. "We conducted 2,06,212 coronavirus tests. Also, there is no need to worry, the pace at which we are conducting tests today, we have a stock with which we can conduct tests for next 6 weeks easily," Gangakhedkar added. (ANI inputs)

Tamil Nadu extends lockdown till April 30 as government identifies 146 hotspots in India

There are innumerable instances amid busy workdays and lethargic weekends when we find solace in food and drinks from our favorite restaurants.&nbsp;

When we needed them, the restaurants came to our rescue and provided us with a sumptuous meal, but amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-community-transmission-of-coronavirus-in-the-country-yet-india-health-ministry-291803">lockdown</a>, these very restaurants are taking a beating with no business, mounting rents and salaries to pay. At this time of need, why not pitch in and help those that have always served us?&nbsp;

This was the idea behind Helprestaurant.in which is powered by a company Where’s The Food(WTF), and a group of volunteers.&nbsp;

“We work closely with restaurants to help them improve efficiency and processes. Our website was launched on April 2 after we decided that, amid the lockdown and job cuts in restaurants worldwide, we need to give back to our favorite restaurants to help them tide over the current crisis and ensure that they are back in business soonest”, Sadagoban the founder of WTF told WION.&nbsp;

“The main challenges that small and medium restaurants face is the lack of cash flow, which cripples them. Our website lists out our partner restaurants and allows patrons to digitally buy a ‘Foodie Card’, costing anywhere between 170 and 800 Rupees. Once the card is bought by a customer, he/she receives an SMS with a unique code. Our team then credits the amount to the restaurant, without charging any fee. The restaurants can use this income to meet their expenses and stay afloat, as business resumes, people can redeem the Foodie cards. The cards offer lifetime validity and customers can avail anywhere between 5-15 per cent discounts at these restaurants using their unique codes” Sadagoban added.

Helprestaurant.in team says, over 50 restaurants spread across Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Gurgaon have joined them, among others. Currently, the website provides the option for restaurateurs to enlist and also allows volunteers to add their favorite restaurants and help in reaching out to more eateries.&nbsp;

“We are almost losing 5-6 lakhs of money this month, and our stock is going to expire. Besides the room rent and staff salary that we have to pay a lot of other payments also are pending. Even once the lockdown ends, we would need a huge sum of money to re-start the business. The Foodie cards seem to be a good idea, we’ll have to see how it works with our patrons”, Yasmin who owns the Orange Wok Restaurant outlet in Chennai told WION.

The team at Helprestaurant.in includes 11 staff and 22 volunteers, who are also supported by food bloggers to take this initiative far and wide. While the techies in the team worked on getting the website ready, the others reached out to restaurants in the small and medium category.

“As food bloggers we are a part of this community and can reach out to our subscribers on social media and tell them to consider this option. During the lockdown we can connect better to the audience, as they would be glued to social media” Nancy, a food blogger told Wion.

The Helprestaurant.in team hopes to reach out to the larger Foodie community to ensure that their ‘Foodie cards’ would aid small and medium restaurants to get back in action once normalcy resumes.&nbsp;

There are innumerable instances amid busy workdays and lethargic weekends when we find solace in food and drinks from our favorite restaurants. When we needed them, the restaurants came to our rescue and provided us with a sumptuous meal, but amid the lockdown, these very restaurants are taking a beating with no business, mounting rents and salaries to pay.

There are innumerable instances amid busy workdays and lethargic weekends when we find solace in food and drinks from our favorite restaurants. When we needed them, the restaurants came to our rescue and provided us with a sumptuous meal, but amid the lockdown, these very restaurants are taking a beating with no business, mounting rents and salaries to pay. At this time of need, why not pitch in and help those that have always served us? This was the idea behind Helprestaurant.in which is powered by a company Where’s The Food(WTF), and a group of volunteers. “We work closely with restaurants to help them improve efficiency and processes. Our website was launched on April 2 after we decided that, amid the lockdown and job cuts in restaurants worldwide, we need to give back to our favorite restaurants to help them tide over the current crisis and ensure that they are back in business soonest”, Sadagoban the founder of WTF told WION. “The main challenges that small and medium restaurants face is the lack of cash flow, which cripples them. Our website lists out our partner restaurants and allows patrons to digitally buy a ‘Foodie Card’, costing anywhere between 170 and 800 Rupees. Once the card is bought by a customer, he/she receives an SMS with a unique code. Our team then credits the amount to the restaurant, without charging any fee. The restaurants can use this income to meet their expenses and stay afloat, as business resumes, people can redeem the Foodie cards. The cards offer lifetime validity and customers can avail anywhere between 5-15 per cent discounts at these restaurants using their unique codes” Sadagoban added. Helprestaurant.in team says, over 50 restaurants spread across Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi and Gurgaon have joined them, among others. Currently, the website provides the option for restaurateurs to enlist and also allows volunteers to add their favorite restaurants and help in reaching out to more eateries. “We are almost losing 5-6 lakhs of money this month, and our stock is going to expire. Besides the room rent and staff salary that we have to pay a lot of other payments also are pending. Even once the lockdown ends, we would need a huge sum of money to re-start the business. The Foodie cards seem to be a good idea, we’ll have to see how it works with our patrons”, Yasmin who owns the Orange Wok Restaurant outlet in Chennai told WION. The team at Helprestaurant.in includes 11 staff and 22 volunteers, who are also supported by food bloggers to take this initiative far and wide. While the techies in the team worked on getting the website ready, the others reached out to restaurants in the small and medium category. “As food bloggers we are a part of this community and can reach out to our subscribers on social media and tell them to consider this option. During the lockdown we can connect better to the audience, as they would be glued to social media” Nancy, a food blogger told Wion. The Helprestaurant.in team hopes to reach out to the larger Foodie community to ensure that their ‘Foodie cards’ would aid small and medium restaurants to get back in action once normalcy resumes.

How foodies are helping their favourite restaurants amid lockdown