In the last 24 hours, 106 new COVID-19 positive cases and 6 deaths have been reported, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Sunday.

In the last 24 hours, 106 new COVID-19 positive cases and 6 deaths have been reported, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Sunday. ''Till now there have been 979 COVID-19 confirmed cases in the country, including 25 deaths. In the last 24 hours, 106 new positive cases & 6 deaths have been reported,'' he said. Agarwal said this during the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare briefing on COVID-19 situation in the country. When asked about the number of patients on the ventilator, he said data was being monitored at the state level. × ''High-risk cases, which include age/contact history as criteria & which are found serious are monitored. Figures not available with me right now,'' he said. Under Indian Railways, 1.25 lakh wagons transporting essential commodities, such as food grains, sugar, salt, coal, petroleum, etc, have been operated in the last 5 days, he further said. On testing, he said ''till today we have conducted 34,931 tests''. Capacity utilization in the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) network is around 30 per cent. ''We have increased some labs, 113 have been made functional & 47 private labs have been given approval,'' he added.

106 new COVID-19 positive cases, 6 deaths in last 24 hours: MoHFW

Spain on Sunday announced another 838 deaths in 24 hours from coronavirus on Sunday, a new daily record bringing the total number of deaths to 6,528, according to health ministry figures.

Spain on Sunday announced another 838 deaths in 24 hours from coronavirus on Sunday, a new daily record bringing the total number of deaths to 6,528, according to health ministry figures. The number of confirmed cases in Spain has now reached 78,797 -- after the one-day increase of 9.1 per cent -- as the country battles the world's second most deadly outbreak after Italy, according to AFP. Except for a brief lull recorded on Thursday, Spain's death toll has been rising daily. However, the officials have expressed hope that the peak of the outbreak was approaching officials due to the slower growth rate for both deaths and confirmed cases. Spain also reported Sunday that 14,709 people had been cured of COVID-19, a rise of 19.7 per cent in 24 hours. Like Italy, Spain on Saturday tightened measures to contain the outbreak, ordering a halt to all "non-essential" activities. "All workers in non-essential economic activities must stay at home for two weeks," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said. (With inputs from AFP)

Spain announces record 838 coronavirus deaths in 24 hours

Ever since the coronavirus broke out, the most hackneyed debate has taken over — yet again. The one on ‘Science vs Religion’.

While Science is doing its best — in the form of the medical staff working day and night to save the lives of many, religion has been losing ground. Commentators are at a loss of words — and they certainly don’t know how to define their mission.

More than 566,000 people are known to have been infected globally, and roughly 25,000 have died.&nbsp;

And while the hospitals remain open in the time of crisis, it’s the doors of temples, mosques, and churches that have been closed. From the Vatican to Mecca-Medina, the most sacrosanct religious sites have shut their doors for the common public.

Yet for some, communal worship is a norm. Take Brazil for example.&nbsp;

Presdident Jair Bolsonaro has given in to the church and decreed places of worship as essential services. For all his promises of aggressive containment measures, Bolsonaro has exempted churches from coronavirus confinement orders.

In fact, his decree permits religious activities of any kind. And this is happening in Brazil — which has recorded close to 3,000 cases and 77 deaths due to COVID-19.

In Pakistan too, hardline clerics are still being allowed to summon their followers to mosques....

In addition, the Imran Khan government is yet to formally ban friday prayers. In fact two weeks back, a religious congregation with 50,000 people in attendance took place in Lahore.

This was on March 11 — Pakistan witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases then.

There were present delegations from over 90 countries at the event.

The result — two Palestinian nationals tested positive for the virus upon returning home.

So did some participants from Malaysia. And at least seven Pakistani citizens were infected.

The area is now under lockdown.

The Pakistan government is struggling to trace those who attended it.

This has not been the case with India — as social gatherings are being totally avoided.

Even the most religious sects are following the government's decision for a complete nationwide lockdown.

But this does call for a debate — when Science is supporting the survival amid a global health scare, isn’t religion putting in a grave danger of perhaps losing your life?

Who wins, then?

Ever since the coronavirus broke out, the most hackneyed debate has taken over — yet again. The one on ‘Science vs Religion’. While Science is doing its best — in the form of the medical staff working day and night to save the lives of many, religion has been losing ground.

Ever since the coronavirus broke out, the most hackneyed debate has taken over — yet again. The one on ‘Science vs Religion’. While Science is doing its best — in the form of the medical staff working day and night to save the lives of many, religion has been losing ground. Commentators are at a loss of words — and they certainly don’t know how to define their mission. More than 566,000 people are known to have been infected globally, and roughly 25,000 have died. And while the hospitals remain open in the time of crisis, it’s the doors of temples, mosques, and churches that have been closed. From the Vatican to Mecca-Medina, the most sacrosanct religious sites have shut their doors for the common public. Yet for some, communal worship is a norm. Take Brazil for example. Presdident Jair Bolsonaro has given in to the church and decreed places of worship as essential services. For all his promises of aggressive containment measures, Bolsonaro has exempted churches from coronavirus confinement orders. In fact, his decree permits religious activities of any kind. And this is happening in Brazil — which has recorded close to 3,000 cases and 77 deaths due to COVID-19. In Pakistan too, hardline clerics are still being allowed to summon their followers to mosques.... In addition, the Imran Khan government is yet to formally ban friday prayers. In fact two weeks back, a religious congregation with 50,000 people in attendance took place in Lahore. This was on March 11 — Pakistan witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases then. There were present delegations from over 90 countries at the event. The result — two Palestinian nationals tested positive for the virus upon returning home. So did some participants from Malaysia. And at least seven Pakistani citizens were infected. The area is now under lockdown. The Pakistan government is struggling to trace those who attended it. This has not been the case with India — as social gatherings are being totally avoided. Even the most religious sects are following the government's decision for a complete nationwide lockdown. But this does call for a debate — when Science is supporting the survival amid a global health scare, isn’t religion putting in a grave danger of perhaps losing your life? Who wins, then?

How coronavirus outbreak triggered another debate on ‘Science vs Religion’

Maldives Parliament will become the first parliament in the world to conduct its proceedings via video conference as social distancing becomes norm&nbsp;to fight COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The rehearsals for the same was held on Saturday during which the Speaker of the House Mohamed Nasheed participated.&nbsp;

The actual sessions will start from Monday and will continue till health emergency is lifted.

Nasheed speaking to WION from Male said, "One-quarter of humanity under de facto house arrest or some other form of isolation, including countless lawmakers. But the world’s parliaments cannot just stop representing their people during this crisis. The institutions of democracy must continue to function. The Maldivian parliament will go on, meeting online, and all its work will continue unimpeded."

&nbsp;"The crisis will change the world order; how we live; and how we produce and consume goods and services" and his country "has always managed to overcome challenges, no matter how big," adding that he is "confident we will emerge from this one, and prosper once more," he added.

Director of Media and Communications of the Maldives Parliament, Hassan Ziyau elaborating further said, " Despite Members not being physically present in the parliamentary chambers, the work of the parliament will continue as normal, with all parliamentary functions, such as votes, debates, and committee meetings, taking place online.”

Last week leaders of the 20 biggest economies--the G20 meet virtually and discussed a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus crisis. Before that PM Modi had proposed a SAARC summit to deal with COVID crisis.

Maldives Parliament will become the first parliament in the world to conduct its proceedings via video conference as social distancing becomes norm to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

Maldives Parliament will become the first parliament in the world to conduct its proceedings via video conference as social distancing becomes norm to fight COVID-19 pandemic. The rehearsals for the same was held on Saturday during which the Speaker of the House Mohamed Nasheed participated. The actual sessions will start from Monday and will continue till health emergency is lifted. Nasheed speaking to WION from Male said, "One-quarter of humanity under de facto house arrest or some other form of isolation, including countless lawmakers. But the world’s parliaments cannot just stop representing their people during this crisis. The institutions of democracy must continue to function. The Maldivian parliament will go on, meeting online, and all its work will continue unimpeded." "The crisis will change the world order; how we live; and how we produce and consume goods and services" and his country "has always managed to overcome challenges, no matter how big," adding that he is "confident we will emerge from this one, and prosper once more," he added. Director of Media and Communications of the Maldives Parliament, Hassan Ziyau elaborating further said, " Despite Members not being physically present in the parliamentary chambers, the work of the parliament will continue as normal, with all parliamentary functions, such as votes, debates, and committee meetings, taking place online.” Last week leaders of the 20 biggest economies--the G20 meet virtually and discussed a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus crisis. Before that PM Modi had proposed a SAARC summit to deal with COVID crisis.

Maldives Parliament goes virtual as social distancing becomes norm to fight coronavirus 

The number of coronavirus deaths in Britain jumped by 260 in one day to pass 1,000, official data showed Saturday, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself tested positive, reported news agency AFP.

The number of coronavirus deaths in Britain jumped by 260 in one day to pass 1,000, official data showed Saturday, the day after Prime Minister Boris Johnson himself tested positive, reported news agency AFP. At 5:00pm (1700 GMT) on Friday, the death toll was 1,019, up from 759 at the same time on Thursday, the health ministry figures showed. As of 9:00am on Saturday, a total of 120,776 people in Britain had been tested, of whom 17,089 were confirmed positive. Johnson and his health minister, Matt Hancock, were confirmed on Friday to be among those infected, although both said they had only mild symptoms. Their cabinet colleague, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, revealed on Saturday that he too had developed mild symptoms and was self-isolating, but had not been tested. In a video message on Friday from Downing Street, where he lives and works, Johnson said he would continue to lead the government's response to the outbreak. Media reports suggest his pregnant partner, Carrie Symonds, who normally lives with him in Downing Street, moved several days ago to the couple's south London home to self-isolate there. England's chief medical officer Chris Whitty, another key player in the UK's response, also said Friday that he was in self-isolation after experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Britain coronavirus deaths pass 1,000: Official

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Saturday said it was focusing on high disease-burden hotspots and working in tandem with states to implement rigorous contact-tracing, community surveillance and containment strategies as the number of novel coronavirus cases crossed the 900-mark in the country.

The number of coronavirus cases climbed to 918 in India on Saturday, while the death toll remained at 19. As many as 149 new COVID-19 cases, including two deaths, have been reported since Friday.

“Combined efforts are on to ensure 100 per cent lockdown and that social distancing gets implemented,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, said at a press briefing in New Delhi.

The government is working with states on health infrastructure preparedness and the focus is on having dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and blocks in every state.

Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the ICMR Raman R Gangakhedkar said all patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) are being tested for the coronavirus infection, according to the revised?guidelines of COVID-19.

Refuting the possibility of community transmission, Gangakhedkar said that they have just started testing SARI cases.

"There are some sporadic instances where people are not revealing their?exposure history but their numbers are not significant that we take it that the virus is spreading rapidly," Gangakhedkar said.

"Till the time we see a significant number of cases to indicate community transmission, let us not over interpret things, he said. ? Over India's testing capacity, he said said 111 government laboratories are currently functional across the country and with the private sector being roped in, it has been increased.

Agarwal said arrangements were being made to ramp up isolation and Intensive Care Unit beds and other required logistics.

The joint secretary said 17 states have so far started work on this and doctors are being provided online training by their counterparts at the AIIMS New Delhi on the management of COVID-19 patients.

"A series of online trainings for nursing officers will be conducted by AIIMS in the next 5-7 days.This includes training in caring for patients and suspected cases of COVID-19," he said.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday inaugurated a 24x7 national tele-consultation centre at the AIIMS through which doctors in other hospitals and medical colleges will be provided clinical guidance on managing COVID-19 patients.

"We have been pre-emptive and graded in our approach and had anticipated the situation much before, and went for a lockdown when we were getting limited cases of local transmission while other countries took steps much later," he said, adding that results will be known only after a few days.

(with quotes from PTI, ANI)

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Saturday said it was focusing on high disease-burden hotspots and working in tandem with states to implement rigorous contact-tracing, community surveillance and containment strategies as the number of novel coronavirus cases crossed the 900-mark in the country.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Saturday said it was focusing on high disease-burden hotspots and working in tandem with states to implement rigorous contact-tracing, community surveillance and containment strategies as the number of novel coronavirus cases crossed the 900-mark in the country. The number of coronavirus cases climbed to 918 in India on Saturday, while the death toll remained at 19. As many as 149 new COVID-19 cases, including two deaths, have been reported since Friday. “Combined efforts are on to ensure 100 per cent lockdown and that social distancing gets implemented,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, MoHFW, said at a press briefing in New Delhi. The government is working with states on health infrastructure preparedness and the focus is on having dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and blocks in every state. Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the ICMR Raman R Gangakhedkar said all patients with severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) are being tested for the coronavirus infection, according to the revised?guidelines of COVID-19. Refuting the possibility of community transmission, Gangakhedkar said that they have just started testing SARI cases. "There are some sporadic instances where people are not revealing their?exposure history but their numbers are not significant that we take it that the virus is spreading rapidly," Gangakhedkar said. "Till the time we see a significant number of cases to indicate community transmission, let us not over interpret things, he said. ? Over India's testing capacity, he said said 111 government laboratories are currently functional across the country and with the private sector being roped in, it has been increased. Agarwal said arrangements were being made to ramp up isolation and Intensive Care Unit beds and other required logistics. The joint secretary said 17 states have so far started work on this and doctors are being provided online training by their counterparts at the AIIMS New Delhi on the management of COVID-19 patients. "A series of online trainings for nursing officers will be conducted by AIIMS in the next 5-7 days.This includes training in caring for patients and suspected cases of COVID-19," he said. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday inaugurated a 24x7 national tele-consultation centre at the AIIMS through which doctors in other hospitals and medical colleges will be provided clinical guidance on managing COVID-19 patients. "We have been pre-emptive and graded in our approach and had anticipated the situation much before, and went for a lockdown when we were getting limited cases of local transmission while other countries took steps much later," he said, adding that results will be known only after a few days. (with quotes from PTI, ANI)

Coronavirus: Working to implement rigorous contact-tracing, containment strategies, says health ministry

The Television Academy announced changes to the awards-season calendar for the Primetime Emmys on Friday &nbsp;with the coronavirus pandemic having brought TV production to a near standstill. The new schedule shifts deadlines back roughly 1-3 weeks and condenses the voting periods. 
 
According to news agency, the deadline for submissions moved to June 5 from May 11. The first-round voting period will now take place July 2-13, back from June 15-29; nominations will be announced July 28 rather than July 14. 
 
Round two of voting will take place Aug. 21-31 instead of Aug. 17-31, as originally planned.No changes have been made by the Academy to the date of the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, which is still scheduled to take place September 20, or the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony, still slated for September 12 and 13. 
 
Likewise, the cut off for Emmy eligibility remains May 31, the same date by which a series must premiere to be considered for this year's Emmys. 
 
However, the Academy has added a bit of flexibility. For series, so-called 'hanging episodes'&nbsp;-- episodes that debut after the May 31 deadline -- must air by June 30. 
 
For the limited series category, the show must premiere by May 31, and all episodes must air by June 30 for the limited series to be eligible this year. If any episode debuts after June 30, the limited series will move into eligibility for next year`s Emmys. 
 
The changes in the calendar shorten the voting periods by five days in phase one and four days in phase two, and follow calls this week between Academy officials and execs at the major networks, studios and streamers, in which the latter group pushed for a plan to move the calendar later in the year. 
 
The hope is that pushing deeper into late spring and summer will allow awards marketers the opportunity to more effectively campaign, as concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak have effectively ended the ability to put on the live events that are the staples of awards season.

The Television Academy announced changes to the awards-season calendar for the Primetime Emmys on Friday with the coronavirus pandemic having brought TV production to a near standstill.

The Television Academy announced changes to the awards-season calendar for the Primetime Emmys on Friday with the coronavirus pandemic having brought TV production to a near standstill. The new schedule shifts deadlines back roughly 1-3 weeks and condenses the voting periods. According to news agency, the deadline for submissions moved to June 5 from May 11. The first-round voting period will now take place July 2-13, back from June 15-29; nominations will be announced July 28 rather than July 14. Round two of voting will take place Aug. 21-31 instead of Aug. 17-31, as originally planned.No changes have been made by the Academy to the date of the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast, which is still scheduled to take place September 20, or the Creative Arts Emmy ceremony, still slated for September 12 and 13. Likewise, the cut off for Emmy eligibility remains May 31, the same date by which a series must premiere to be considered for this year's Emmys. However, the Academy has added a bit of flexibility. For series, so-called 'hanging episodes' -- episodes that debut after the May 31 deadline -- must air by June 30. For the limited series category, the show must premiere by May 31, and all episodes must air by June 30 for the limited series to be eligible this year. If any episode debuts after June 30, the limited series will move into eligibility for next year`s Emmys. The changes in the calendar shorten the voting periods by five days in phase one and four days in phase two, and follow calls this week between Academy officials and execs at the major networks, studios and streamers, in which the latter group pushed for a plan to move the calendar later in the year. The hope is that pushing deeper into late spring and summer will allow awards marketers the opportunity to more effectively campaign, as concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak have effectively ended the ability to put on the live events that are the staples of awards season.

Emmys FYC calendar gets pushed by TV Academy due to COVID-19 pandemic

Steven Soderbergh's 2011 movie 'Contagion' that showed us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cities-facing-major-coronavirus-equipment-shortages-285-million-masks-needed-289072">coronavirus outbreak</a> years back has now been on everyone's watchlist ever since the actual pandemic broke out. Now the film's cast have come together to raise awareness for the Covid-19.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/doctor-who-made-contagion-look-real-now-has-coronavirus-if-it-can-hit-me-it-can-hit-anybody-288593">Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody&nbsp;</a> 
 
Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle, have collaborated with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health to offer individual homemade videos with advice and a message of unity.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/scared-of-coronavirus-here-are-7-hollywood-films-on-other-deadly-diseases-278381" hreflang="en">7 films in Hollywood that were made on deadly diseases</a> 
 
The videos were dropped by the Columbia Public Health on their Youtube channel.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b9gRf3L5QMU" width="560"></iframe>

Matt Damon who has played the role of a man who survived the disease, ''A few years ago a bunch of us did this movie called 'Contagion' which we've noticed is creeping its way back up on the charts on iTunes for obvious reasons," Damon said in the video.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GJ53Ju0tLDM" width="560"></iframe>

 
Damon talked about the precautions like washing hands, staying away from each other and maintaining social distancing.&nbsp; 
 
Kate Winslet who played the role of Epidemiologist who tried to stop the spread of the deadly virus in the film, remembers the time when she was preparing for the role of the movie, she spent time with some of the medical experts who taught her one thing, '' wash your hands like your life depend on it''.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rgBvI1jZOWc" width="560"></iframe>

Meanwhile, Laurence Fishburne who had essayed the role of a doctor and head of a medical department in the film urged to help medical staff dealing with the coronavirus. 
 
“If we can slow this thing down, it will give our doctors and our nurses in our hospitals a fighting chance to help us all get through this thing together,” he says.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ePLpSE-Hmrw" width="560"></iframe>

Jennifer Ehle who played the role of Dr Ally Hextall a virologist who was a creator of the MEV-1 vaccine asked people to listen to the scientist and wash hands and take precautions to keep safe.&nbsp; 
 
Coronavirus is now have spread more than 199 countries and has affected more than 600,834 people around the globe.

Steven Soderbergh's 2011 movie 'Contagion' that showed us coronavirus outbreak years back has now been on everyone's watchlist ever since the actual pandemic broke out.

Steven Soderbergh's 2011 movie 'Contagion' that showed us coronavirus outbreak years back has now been on everyone's watchlist ever since the actual pandemic broke out. Now the film's cast have come together to raise awareness for the Covid-19. Also read: Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Ehle, have collaborated with Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health to offer individual homemade videos with advice and a message of unity. In pics: 7 films in Hollywood that were made on deadly diseases The videos were dropped by the Columbia Public Health on their Youtube channel. Matt Damon who has played the role of a man who survived the disease, ''A few years ago a bunch of us did this movie called 'Contagion' which we've noticed is creeping its way back up on the charts on iTunes for obvious reasons," Damon said in the video. Damon talked about the precautions like washing hands, staying away from each other and maintaining social distancing. Kate Winslet who played the role of Epidemiologist who tried to stop the spread of the deadly virus in the film, remembers the time when she was preparing for the role of the movie, she spent time with some of the medical experts who taught her one thing, '' wash your hands like your life depend on it''. Meanwhile, Laurence Fishburne who had essayed the role of a doctor and head of a medical department in the film urged to help medical staff dealing with the coronavirus. “If we can slow this thing down, it will give our doctors and our nurses in our hospitals a fighting chance to help us all get through this thing together,” he says. Jennifer Ehle who played the role of Dr Ally Hextall a virologist who was a creator of the MEV-1 vaccine asked people to listen to the scientist and wash hands and take precautions to keep safe. Coronavirus is now have spread more than 199 countries and has affected more than 600,834 people around the globe.

'Contagion' movie cast shared awareness video-message on COVID-19

The Tata Trusts on Saturday announced a donation of Rs 500 crore to fight the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country.

Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan N Tata said that the current situation in India and across the world was of grave concern and needed immediate action. He also made a pledge to protect and empower all affected communities with a commitment of Rs 500 crore for waging the "war against virus".

"In this exceptionally difficult period, I believe that urgent emergency resources need to be deployed to cope with the needs of fighting the COVID-19 crisis, which is one of the toughest challenges the human race will face," Tata said.

The amount would be used for personal protective equipment for the medical personnel on the frontlines, respiratory systems for treating increasing cases, testing kits to increase per capita testing, setting up modular treatment facilities for infected patients, and knowledge management and training of health workers plus the general public.

Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and Tata Group companies are joined by committed local and global partners and the government to fight this crisis on a united public health collaboration platform which will strive to reach sections that are underprivileged and deprived.

"We are deeply grateful and have immense respect for every person of member organisations who have risked their lives and safety to fight this pandemic," Tata said in a statement.

The Tata Trusts on Saturday announced a donation of Rs 500 crore to fight the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country. Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan N Tata said that the current situation in India and across the world was of grave concern and needed immediate action.

The Tata Trusts on Saturday announced a donation of Rs 500 crore to fight the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country. Tata Trusts Chairman Ratan N Tata said that the current situation in India and across the world was of grave concern and needed immediate action. He also made a pledge to protect and empower all affected communities with a commitment of Rs 500 crore for waging the "war against virus". "In this exceptionally difficult period, I believe that urgent emergency resources need to be deployed to cope with the needs of fighting the COVID-19 crisis, which is one of the toughest challenges the human race will face," Tata said. The amount would be used for personal protective equipment for the medical personnel on the frontlines, respiratory systems for treating increasing cases, testing kits to increase per capita testing, setting up modular treatment facilities for infected patients, and knowledge management and training of health workers plus the general public. Tata Trusts, Tata Sons and Tata Group companies are joined by committed local and global partners and the government to fight this crisis on a united public health collaboration platform which will strive to reach sections that are underprivileged and deprived. "We are deeply grateful and have immense respect for every person of member organisations who have risked their lives and safety to fight this pandemic," Tata said in a statement.

Tata Trusts announces Rs 500 crore to fight COVID-19 menace

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world has now passed 600,000, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. With many countries, including the UK, now only testing the most serious cases, however, the true extent of infections is likely to be much greater, according to reports.

The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus around the world has now passed 600,000, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. With many countries, including the UK, now only testing the most serious cases, however, the true extent of infections is likely to be much greater, according to reports. × According to the university’s interactive map, 601,478 people had been confirmed as infected with Covid-19, and 27,862 deaths attributed to the disease. At least 131,826 people have recovered after falling ill. The US has the highest number of confirmed infections with 104,837, followed by Italy with 86,498 and China with 81,948. Spain reports 832 deaths Spain has reported 832 deaths from Covid-19 since yesterday, bringing the total death toll in the country to 5,690. The Spanish health ministry also reported 8,189 new confirmed coronavirus infections. The total number of cases in the country is now 72,248. Spain has the second-highest Covid-19 death toll and the fourth-highest number of confirmed cases. Meanwhile, Italy has recorded its single biggest leap in coronavirus deaths, announcing that 969 people have died from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours.

COVID-19: Global cases rise past 600,000, says Johns Hopkins University

The government on Saturday refuted report&nbsp;that said&nbsp;India had entered Stage 3 of COVID-19 pandemic — propagated by an online news portal earlier in the day.

The news portal had quoted Dr Girdhar Gyani — an engineer who holds a PhD in Quality Management, saying they were calling it Stage 3.

“Officially we may not call it — but it is the beginning of Stage 3,” Dr Gyani, the convenor of a task force on COVID-19 hospitals, had said in an interview to the news portal.

The PIB, however, quashed this report, saying the headline was blown out of proportion.

The&nbsp;headline of the said story was: "India May be in Stage 3: COVID-19 Hospital Task Force Convener"

“If cases increase exponentially then only we can call it community transmission. That situation hasn’t come till now. The numbers are increasing artihmetically,” the PIB said, in a post on Twitter, adding, “Dr Gyani meant we should be prepared if we enter Stage 3. He did not mean we are already in Stage 3.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIBFactcheck?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIBFactcheck</a> : An online news portal has carried an interview with DG, AHPI claiming that India is in Stage 3 i.e. community transmission stage of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID2019india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID2019india</a> . It is clarified that this is misleading and has been denied by the concerned person himself <a href="https://t.co/O0ZftC0f2F">https://t.co/O0ZftC0f2F</a>
— PIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India/status/1243830331830124548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

For the unversed, Stage 3 of a pandemic refers to community transmission. In it, it gets difficult to trace the original source of transmission, and the number of cases rise exponentially.

Dr Gyani’s NGO – the Association of Healthcare Providers –&nbsp;advises the government with policy-making around healthcare. The NGO was also a part of a video conference of healthcare professionals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24. He is also designated as DG, AHPI.

COVID-19 has till now claimed 19 lives in India, with the total number of cases shooting upto 873.

The government on Saturday refuted report that said India had entered Stage 3 of COVID-19 pandemic — propagated by an online news portal earlier in the day. The news portal had quoted Dr Girdhar Gyani — an engineer who holds a PhD in Quality Management, saying they were calling it Stage 3.

The government on Saturday refuted report that said India had entered Stage 3 of COVID-19 pandemic — propagated by an online news portal earlier in the day. The news portal had quoted Dr Girdhar Gyani — an engineer who holds a PhD in Quality Management, saying they were calling it Stage 3. “Officially we may not call it — but it is the beginning of Stage 3,” Dr Gyani, the convenor of a task force on COVID-19 hospitals, had said in an interview to the news portal. The PIB, however, quashed this report, saying the headline was blown out of proportion. The headline of the said story was: "India May be in Stage 3: COVID-19 Hospital Task Force Convener" “If cases increase exponentially then only we can call it community transmission. That situation hasn’t come till now. The numbers are increasing artihmetically,” the PIB said, in a post on Twitter, adding, “Dr Gyani meant we should be prepared if we enter Stage 3. He did not mean we are already in Stage 3.” #PIBFactcheck : An online news portal has carried an interview with DG, AHPI claiming that India is in Stage 3 i.e. community transmission stage of #COVID2019india . It is clarified that this is misleading and has been denied by the concerned person himself https://t.co/O0ZftC0f2F — PIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe (@PIB_India) March 28, 2020 × For the unversed, Stage 3 of a pandemic refers to community transmission. In it, it gets difficult to trace the original source of transmission, and the number of cases rise exponentially. Dr Gyani’s NGO – the Association of Healthcare Providers – advises the government with policy-making around healthcare. The NGO was also a part of a video conference of healthcare professionals with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24. He is also designated as DG, AHPI. COVID-19 has till now claimed 19 lives in India, with the total number of cases shooting upto 873.

India not in Stage 3 of COVID-19 pandemic, confirms Centre

Looks like there could be another reason why Daniel Craig starrer ‘No Time To Die’, the 25th James Bond film has been postponed and it’s not just coronavirus scare.&nbsp;

Reports suggest that the makers had the film shown in test screenings -- and surprisingly met with negative reactions. As per the Express UK report, "Sources have informed Midnight’s Edge that a recent test screening of No Time To Die did not go well. Though we don’t have any specifics about what was ill-received by test audiences, we are being told they are scheduling two pieces of reshoots to last 12 to 14 days."&nbsp;

The source further added, "They are using the outbreak as cover to avoid bad publicity. With a very public and problematic history of the film, it would be very easy to believe that an extensive delay would be more than likely due to issues with the film itself than the current global health threat."&nbsp;

‘No Time To Die’ is directed by Cary Fukunaga and also features Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, and Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz in key roles.&nbsp;

The film also has Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek who plays the lead antagonist.

The James Bond film is now scheduled to release on November 12, 2020.&nbsp;

Looks like there could be another reason why Daniel Craig starrer ‘No Time To Die’, the 25th James Bond film has been postponed and it’s not just coronavirus scare.

Looks like there could be another reason why Daniel Craig starrer ‘No Time To Die’, the 25th James Bond film has been postponed and it’s not just coronavirus scare. Reports suggest that the makers had the film shown in test screenings -- and surprisingly met with negative reactions. As per the Express UK report, "Sources have informed Midnight’s Edge that a recent test screening of No Time To Die did not go well. Though we don’t have any specifics about what was ill-received by test audiences, we are being told they are scheduling two pieces of reshoots to last 12 to 14 days." The source further added, "They are using the outbreak as cover to avoid bad publicity. With a very public and problematic history of the film, it would be very easy to believe that an extensive delay would be more than likely due to issues with the film itself than the current global health threat." ‘No Time To Die’ is directed by Cary Fukunaga and also features Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, Lea Seydoux, and Jeffrey Wright and Christoph Waltz in key roles. The film also has Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek who plays the lead antagonist. The James Bond film is now scheduled to release on November 12, 2020.

Is this why Daniel Craig's 'No Time To Die' was postponed and not COVID-19?

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said that Indian banking sector is safe and deposit of bank customers is safe. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-announces-coronavirus-stimulus-package-promises-cash-transfer-food-provision-288637">Also read: Centre announces coronavirus stimulus package; promises cash transfer, food provision</a> 
 
"Public should not worry about their deposit in private sector banks, they should not resort to panic withdrawal," said RBI governor.

Here are the top highlights of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's press conference

<ul>
	<li>RBI cuts repo rate by 75 bps to 4.4% from 5.15%. It cuts reverse repo rates by 90 basis points.</li>
	<li>Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by 1% to 3%.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Minimum daily CRR maintenance will be 80%</li>
	<li>All Banks, HFCs, NBFCs allowed 3 months moratorium for EMI</li>
</ul>

On Thursday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package under Garib Kalyan Yojana — in the wake of the lockdown imposed due to the spurt in coronavirus cases in the country. The tally now stands at&nbsp;735 — with 17 deaths.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown to stem the growth of coronavirus in the country.

Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service on Friday slashed its estimate of India's GDP growth during the 2020 calendar year to 2.5 per cent from an earlier estimate of 5.3 per cent, on account of the rising economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

This compares to 5 per cent growth in 2019.

Moody's said, at the 2020 estimated growth rate, a sharp fall in incomes in India is likely, further weighing on domestic demand and the pace of recovery in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said that Indian banking sector is safe and deposit of bank customers is safe.

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday said that Indian banking sector is safe and deposit of bank customers is safe. Also read: Centre announces coronavirus stimulus package; promises cash transfer, food provision "Public should not worry about their deposit in private sector banks, they should not resort to panic withdrawal," said RBI governor. Here are the top highlights of RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das's press conference RBI cuts repo rate by 75 bps to 4.4% from 5.15%. It cuts reverse repo rates by 90 basis points. Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) cut by 1% to 3%. Minimum daily CRR maintenance will be 80% All Banks, HFCs, NBFCs allowed 3 months moratorium for EMI On Thursday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package under Garib Kalyan Yojana — in the wake of the lockdown imposed due to the spurt in coronavirus cases in the country. The tally now stands at 735 — with 17 deaths. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a 21-day lockdown to stem the growth of coronavirus in the country. Meanwhile, Moody's Investors Service on Friday slashed its estimate of India's GDP growth during the 2020 calendar year to 2.5 per cent from an earlier estimate of 5.3 per cent, on account of the rising economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic. This compares to 5 per cent growth in 2019. Moody's said, at the 2020 estimated growth rate, a sharp fall in incomes in India is likely, further weighing on domestic demand and the pace of recovery in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

No need to panic, Indian banks are safe and stable, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das

China and the United States should "unite to fight" the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe, said President Xi Jinping in a call with his US counterpart on Friday, according to state media.

The two countries have clashed in recent weeks over the virus, but Xi told Trump China "wishes to continue sharing all information and experience with the&nbsp;US," as per media reports.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-chinese-virus-or-wuhan-virus-only-coronavirus-china-288816" hreflang="en">Not the 'Chinese virus' or 'Wuhan virus', only coronavirus: China</a>

Trump also tweeted about the conversation, saying he and Xi were "working closely together."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tops-world-in-virus-cases-overtaking-china-and-italy-288788" hreflang="en">US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy</a>

"China has been through much and has developed a strong understanding of the virus," he said,&nbsp;notably omitting the term "China virus," which he has used several times in the past week.

Earlier at a press conference, Trump&nbsp;had mentioned&nbsp;he was due to speak with Xi, but took a more cautious tone. “Number one, you don’t know what the numbers are in China,” he said of the case numbers, which have dropped dramatically in the past few weeks.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tops-world-in-virus-cases-overtaking-china-and-italy-288788">US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy</a> 
 
COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-testing-kits-and-ventilators-are-they-the-difference-between-life-and-death-288763" hreflang="en">Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death?</a>

According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pandemic-will-cut-global-investment-flows-more-than-feared-un-288745">Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says&nbsp;UN</a>

In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan.

China and the United States should "unite to fight" the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe, said President Xi Jinping in a call with his US counterpart on Friday, according to state media.

China and the United States should "unite to fight" the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has ravaged the globe, said President Xi Jinping in a call with his US counterpart on Friday, according to state media. The two countries have clashed in recent weeks over the virus, but Xi told Trump China "wishes to continue sharing all information and experience with the US," as per media reports. Also read: Not the 'Chinese virus' or 'Wuhan virus', only coronavirus: China Trump also tweeted about the conversation, saying he and Xi were "working closely together." Also read: US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy "China has been through much and has developed a strong understanding of the virus," he said, notably omitting the term "China virus," which he has used several times in the past week. Earlier at a press conference, Trump had mentioned he was due to speak with Xi, but took a more cautious tone. “Number one, you don’t know what the numbers are in China,” he said of the case numbers, which have dropped dramatically in the past few weeks. Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. Also read: US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. Also read: Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death? According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. Also read: Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says UN In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan.

Jinping says China and US must 'unite to fight coronavirus'

American actor Mark Blum known for work in theatre as well as in films like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Crocodile Dundee'&nbsp;and the Netflix series `You,` is dead at age 69 due to complications from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-the-chinese-virus-or-wuhan-virus-only-coronavirus-china-288816">COVID-19.</a>

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/8-new-web-shows-films-to-watch-as-you-quarantine-at-home-287555" hreflang="en">8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home</a> 
 
According to news agency, Blum's widow, Janet Zarish confirmed reports of Blum's death in an email and said, "My husband passed away yesterday, March 25th, from complications from the Corona Virus. He died at New York-Presbyterian Hospital."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It is with such deep sorrow that I’m writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, <a href="https://t.co/aA3yPfOwh7">pic.twitter.com/aA3yPfOwh7</a>
— Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) <a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccaDamonNYC/status/1243201318786936835?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Rebecca Damon also confirmed the news on Twitter, noting that he was previously on the organization's board.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/initiatives-taken-by-global-icons-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-287487" hreflang="en">Initiatives taken by global icons&nbsp;to combat coronavirus pandemic</a> 
 
"It is with such deep sorrow that I'm writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, a passionate champion for the merger, and a tireless advocate for members. Those of us lucky enough to have known him will treasure our memories of a gifted actor, a master teacher, a loyal friend, and a beautiful human."

Damon continued: "On a personal note--I always appreciated Mark's clear perception of complex situations. He always spoke the truth and did a great service in informing members of our community about the ins and outs of the union whenever he had the opportunity. Mark was smart, funny, and a true actor's actor. He will be deeply missed. Thinking of you all. Please #stayhome. #COVID19."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/netflix-south-korean-drama-my-secret-terrius-predicted-coronavirus-pandemic-in-2018-288811" hreflang="en">Netflix' South Korean drama 'My Secret, Terrius' predicted coronavirus pandemic in 2018</a> 
 
Playwrights Horizons, the New York City-based group also tweeted about Blum's death, writing, "With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theatre, and to theatres and audiences across the world. We will miss you."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you. <a href="https://t.co/NMVZFB5hPb">pic.twitter.com/NMVZFB5hPb</a>
— Playwrights Horizons (@phnyc) <a href="https://twitter.com/phnyc/status/1243191131137064968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Blum was a fixture of the New York theatre community, and appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon's 'Lost in Yonkers',&nbsp;Gore Vidal's 'The Best Man'&nbsp;and many more, reported the news agency. 
 
In 1970s, the New Jersey-born actor reportedly got his start and then he made the transition to the big screen. 
 
He debuted with a role in the 1983 film 'Lovesick',&nbsp;followed by 'St. Elsewhere'&nbsp;the following year.In the 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan',&nbsp;Blum starred alongside Rosanna Arquette. 
 
She told to the news agency, "I`m sad about this. He was really very kind, was always supportive and funny, a gentleman and a great actor who loved the work. I'm so sad for his family and all the people who love him. This is a tragedy on so many levels. Rest in peace and power Mark Blum." 
 
Blum played Union Bob on the Amazon series 'Mozart in the Jungle'&nbsp;and Mr Mooney in the Netflix drama 'You',&nbsp;recently.

American actor Mark Blum known for work in theatre as well as in films like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Crocodile Dundee' and the Netflix series `You,` is dead at age 69 due to complications from COVID-19.

American actor Mark Blum known for work in theatre as well as in films like 'Desperately Seeking Susan', 'Crocodile Dundee' and the Netflix series `You,` is dead at age 69 due to complications from COVID-19. In pics: 8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home According to news agency, Blum's widow, Janet Zarish confirmed reports of Blum's death in an email and said, "My husband passed away yesterday, March 25th, from complications from the Corona Virus. He died at New York-Presbyterian Hospital." It is with such deep sorrow that I’m writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, pic.twitter.com/aA3yPfOwh7 — Rebecca Damon (@RebeccaDamonNYC) March 26, 2020 × SAG-AFTRA executive vice president Rebecca Damon also confirmed the news on Twitter, noting that he was previously on the organization's board. In pics: Initiatives taken by global icons to combat coronavirus pandemic "It is with such deep sorrow that I'm writing to share the news that our friend and former board member Mark Blum has passed away as a result of complications from the coronavirus. Mark was a dedicated Screen Actors Guild and SAG-AFTRA board member serving from 2007-2013, a passionate champion for the merger, and a tireless advocate for members. Those of us lucky enough to have known him will treasure our memories of a gifted actor, a master teacher, a loyal friend, and a beautiful human." Damon continued: "On a personal note--I always appreciated Mark's clear perception of complex situations. He always spoke the truth and did a great service in informing members of our community about the ins and outs of the union whenever he had the opportunity. Mark was smart, funny, and a true actor's actor. He will be deeply missed. Thinking of you all. Please #stayhome. #COVID19." Also read: Netflix' South Korean drama 'My Secret, Terrius' predicted coronavirus pandemic in 2018 Playwrights Horizons, the New York City-based group also tweeted about Blum's death, writing, "With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theatre, and to theatres and audiences across the world. We will miss you." With love and heavy hearts, Playwrights Horizons pays tribute to Mark Blum, a dear longtime friend and a consummate artist who passed this week. Thank you, Mark, for all you brought to our theater, and to theaters and audiences across the world. We will miss you. pic.twitter.com/NMVZFB5hPb — Playwrights Horizons (@phnyc) March 26, 2020 × Blum was a fixture of the New York theatre community, and appeared on Broadway in Neil Simon's 'Lost in Yonkers', Gore Vidal's 'The Best Man' and many more, reported the news agency. In 1970s, the New Jersey-born actor reportedly got his start and then he made the transition to the big screen. He debuted with a role in the 1983 film 'Lovesick', followed by 'St. Elsewhere' the following year.In the 1985 film 'Desperately Seeking Susan', Blum starred alongside Rosanna Arquette. She told to the news agency, "I`m sad about this. He was really very kind, was always supportive and funny, a gentleman and a great actor who loved the work. I'm so sad for his family and all the people who love him. This is a tragedy on so many levels. Rest in peace and power Mark Blum." Blum played Union Bob on the Amazon series 'Mozart in the Jungle' and Mr Mooney in the Netflix drama 'You', recently.

Actor Mark Blum dies at 69 due to COVID-19 complications

Large apartment complexes and gated communities see hundreds of service providers&nbsp;walking in everyday to cater to the needs of thousands of residents. But amid the 21-day lockdown, residents are constantly working on ways to minimise the risk of exposure while also not affecting the amenities being provided to fellow residents.&nbsp;

Many resident welfare associations have been actively following the evolving coronavirus situation for a while and ensuring that measures are ratcheted up on a regular basis.&nbsp;

“Weeks before the government imposed restrictions, we ensured that food delivery agents wouldn’t be allowed inside the complex. Instead we would go collect it at the gate. All the guards were provided sanitiser and masks. Thermal screening and hand wash were made mandatory for everyone entering the society. As each of our nine buildings have 18 floors, the maintenance team sanitises the lift buttons a few times everyday, besides replacing the protective film,” Ashish Kamdar, President of TVH Lumbini Residents Association told WION.

“After the Janata curfew was announced, we decided the domestic helps, cooks would not be allowed, whereas only those who supply milk, water cans and newspapers would be allowed into the society. Now during the 21-day lockdown, we have also started a new kitchen within our campus that prepares food for our maintenance staff and senior citizens, who are dependent on their cooks. We have also tied up with the local pharmacies to ensure that they can home deliver as required,” Kamdar added.&nbsp;

“The swimming pool, gym and other amenities are closed down, and even when people step out for a walk around the complex, we take adequate steps to ensure that a sufficient distance is maintained. The security staff have also been instructed to strictly enforce the rules and restrict people from gathering bat the common spaces,” Sanjay Bhansali, a resident told WION.

In order to reduce the need to step out of the community, some apartments have even sought the services of their regular vegetable vendors and store managers to be stationed at the apartment for longer hours.&nbsp;

“People are used to buying from the regular vendor, but this time around there is a one meter gap that has to be maintained between every customer in the queue,” said Thenappan Ramanthan a resident of Ceebros Boulevard.

With almost all residents working from home, many are volunteering to do their bit towards the community. “When there are many technicians and support staff working hard to serve the residents, we residents are playing a small part and reciprocating by providing them home-cooked meals thrice a day. Many more people are joining in and are helping out by providing meals and hot beverages to support the staff and appreciate their service” said Shobana, a college professor residing in Jayaram gardens.&nbsp;

Large apartment complexes and gated communities see hundreds of service providers walking in everyday to cater to the needs of thousands of residents. But amid the 21-day lockdown, residents are constantly working on ways to minimise the risk of exposure while also not affecting the amenities being provided to fellow residents.

Large apartment complexes and gated communities see hundreds of service providers walking in everyday to cater to the needs of thousands of residents. But amid the 21-day lockdown, residents are constantly working on ways to minimise the risk of exposure while also not affecting the amenities being provided to fellow residents. Many resident welfare associations have been actively following the evolving coronavirus situation for a while and ensuring that measures are ratcheted up on a regular basis. “Weeks before the government imposed restrictions, we ensured that food delivery agents wouldn’t be allowed inside the complex. Instead we would go collect it at the gate. All the guards were provided sanitiser and masks. Thermal screening and hand wash were made mandatory for everyone entering the society. As each of our nine buildings have 18 floors, the maintenance team sanitises the lift buttons a few times everyday, besides replacing the protective film,” Ashish Kamdar, President of TVH Lumbini Residents Association told WION. “After the Janata curfew was announced, we decided the domestic helps, cooks would not be allowed, whereas only those who supply milk, water cans and newspapers would be allowed into the society. Now during the 21-day lockdown, we have also started a new kitchen within our campus that prepares food for our maintenance staff and senior citizens, who are dependent on their cooks. We have also tied up with the local pharmacies to ensure that they can home deliver as required,” Kamdar added. “The swimming pool, gym and other amenities are closed down, and even when people step out for a walk around the complex, we take adequate steps to ensure that a sufficient distance is maintained. The security staff have also been instructed to strictly enforce the rules and restrict people from gathering bat the common spaces,” Sanjay Bhansali, a resident told WION. In order to reduce the need to step out of the community, some apartments have even sought the services of their regular vegetable vendors and store managers to be stationed at the apartment for longer hours. “People are used to buying from the regular vendor, but this time around there is a one meter gap that has to be maintained between every customer in the queue,” said Thenappan Ramanthan a resident of Ceebros Boulevard. With almost all residents working from home, many are volunteering to do their bit towards the community. “When there are many technicians and support staff working hard to serve the residents, we residents are playing a small part and reciprocating by providing them home-cooked meals thrice a day. Many more people are joining in and are helping out by providing meals and hot beverages to support the staff and appreciate their service” said Shobana, a college professor residing in Jayaram gardens.

How gated societies are tackling the Covid-19 challenge amid lockdown

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. 
 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tops-world-in-virus-cases-overtaking-china-and-italy-288788">US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy</a> 
 
COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-testing-kits-and-ventilators-are-they-the-difference-between-life-and-death-288763" hreflang="en">Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death?</a>

According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pandemic-will-cut-global-investment-flows-more-than-feared-un-288745">Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says&nbsp;UN</a>

In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-bumps-china-with-most-number-of-cases-more-than-85000-covid-cases-288793/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Outside of China, where the virus emerged in December, Italy has the most number of deaths with nearly 8,215.

"We are waging war on this virus using every financial, scientific, medical, pharmaceutical and military resource, to halt its spread and protect our citizens," US President Donald Trump said.

Meanwhile, the G20 leaders pledged a "united front" against the novel coronavirus on Thursday after a video conference to discuss the action to combat the global crisis. The leaders also vowed to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the impact of the crisis.

The meeting was attended by various G20 leaders including, US President Donald Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a joint statement, the leaders vowed "robust" support for developing nations.

Over 3 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America.

Cases of infections of the deadly coronavirus surpassed 530,000 worldwide on Friday and global deaths rose past 24,000, as COVID-19 spreads across Europe and North America. Also read: US tops world in virus cases, overtaking China and Italy COVID-19 has now infected more than 350,536 people, according to Johns Hopkins University, and killed at least 15,328 people. Around 122,203 people of that tally have recovered, according to Hopkins. Also read: Coronavirus testing kits and ventilators, are they the difference between life and death? According to the news reports, The United States has taken the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment. Also read: Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says UN In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan. Outside of China, where the virus emerged in December, Italy has the most number of deaths with nearly 8,215. "We are waging war on this virus using every financial, scientific, medical, pharmaceutical and military resource, to halt its spread and protect our citizens," US President Donald Trump said. Meanwhile, the G20 leaders pledged a "united front" against the novel coronavirus on Thursday after a video conference to discuss the action to combat the global crisis. The leaders also vowed to inject $5 trillion into the global economy to counter the impact of the crisis. The meeting was attended by various G20 leaders including, US President Donald Trump, Russia's Vladimir Putin, China's Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In a joint statement, the leaders vowed "robust" support for developing nations. Over 3 billion people have been asked to stay at home as governments across the world tackle the World Health Organisation recognised 'pandemic'. (With inputs from agencies)

Coronavirus outbreak: Global cases cross 530,000; death toll rises to 24,070

Anyone caught breaking Singapore’s social distancing rules can land themselves in prison from Friday after the city-state made it an offence for a person to intentionally stand close to another person as part of its coronavirus defence. 
 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-emerges-as-virus-hotspot-as-infections-unemployment-soar-288755">US emerges as virus hotspot as infections, unemployment soar</a> 
 
Singapore has won international praise for its fastidious approach in tackling the virus, which has included using police investigators and security cameras to help track suspected carriers. 
 
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With some of the world’s highest population densities, the city-state this week announced more stringent social distancing measures such as shutting bars, limiting gatherings to up to 10 people outside work and school as well as a ban on large events. 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/pandemic-will-cut-global-investment-flows-more-than-feared-un-288745">Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says&nbsp;UN</a>

Under updates to its powerful infectious diseases law, anyone who intentionally sits less than 1 meter away from another person in a public place or on a fixed seat demarcated as not to be occupied, or who stands in a queue less than a meter away from another, will be guilty of an offence.

Offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 ($6,990), jailed for up to six months, or both.

The rules, in place until April 30, can be applied to individuals and businesses.

Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet.

Some countries including Italy, Britain and New Zealand have gone into complete lockdown, but Singapore has avoided the move. Authorities have said more drastic measures may be needed if locals do not take social distancing seriously.

Singapore’s number of coronavirus cases rose by 52 to 683 infections on Thursday, and two people have died.

Anyone caught breaking Singapore’s social distancing rules can land themselves in prison from Friday after the city-state made it an offence for a person to intentionally stand close to another person as part of its coronavirus defence.

Anyone caught breaking Singapore’s social distancing rules can land themselves in prison from Friday after the city-state made it an offence for a person to intentionally stand close to another person as part of its coronavirus defence. Also read: US emerges as virus hotspot as infections, unemployment soar Singapore has won international praise for its fastidious approach in tackling the virus, which has included using police investigators and security cameras to help track suspected carriers. Also read: Twitter roasts Jeff Bezos after he asks for public donations in Amazon relief fund With some of the world’s highest population densities, the city-state this week announced more stringent social distancing measures such as shutting bars, limiting gatherings to up to 10 people outside work and school as well as a ban on large events. Also read: Pandemic will cut global investment flows more than feared, says UN Under updates to its powerful infectious diseases law, anyone who intentionally sits less than 1 meter away from another person in a public place or on a fixed seat demarcated as not to be occupied, or who stands in a queue less than a meter away from another, will be guilty of an offence. Offenders can be fined up to S$10,000 ($6,990), jailed for up to six months, or both. The rules, in place until April 30, can be applied to individuals and businesses. Singapore is well known for its strict rules: fines can be doled out for everything from feeding birds to forgetting to flush a public toilet. Some countries including Italy, Britain and New Zealand have gone into complete lockdown, but Singapore has avoided the move. Authorities have said more drastic measures may be needed if locals do not take social distancing seriously. Singapore’s number of coronavirus cases rose by 52 to 683 infections on Thursday, and two people have died.

Fighting coronavirus: Singapore's social distancing rules could lead to prison

India has asked its citizens to stay put in Iran wherever they are as the situation remains precarious in the west Asian country. Iran along with Spain and Italy remains the epicentre of the corona crisis, which began in China.

Sources told WION, while the Indian mission is in touch with Indians in across Iran since sampling facility is not present in Tehran, swab samples cant be collected to check if they are COVID positive. The swab samples are tested for COVID-19 by ICMR in India, and only those Indian nationals who test negative finally board specially arranged flights to India.&nbsp;

Number of Indians are stranded in Kish island is affected by the virus but the situation in Tehran is far worse. While Indian government beliefs that keeping them at a specific location is not a solution but circumstances are completely adverse on the ground. &nbsp;

219 Indian students in Iran, primarily from Tehran and Shiraz, have already returned to India. India plans to evacuate another batch of more than 200 Indians from Iran on March 28.&nbsp;

New Delhi has evacuated more than 1700 of its citizens from China, Japan, Iran and Italy since the pandemic began. This includes 48 foreign citizens.

India has asked its citizens to stay put in Iran wherever they are as the situation remains precarious in the west Asian country. Iran along with Spain and Italy remains the epicentre of the corona crisis, which began in China.

India has asked its citizens to stay put in Iran wherever they are as the situation remains precarious in the west Asian country. Iran along with Spain and Italy remains the epicentre of the corona crisis, which began in China. Sources told WION, while the Indian mission is in touch with Indians in across Iran since sampling facility is not present in Tehran, swab samples cant be collected to check if they are COVID positive. The swab samples are tested for COVID-19 by ICMR in India, and only those Indian nationals who test negative finally board specially arranged flights to India. Number of Indians are stranded in Kish island is affected by the virus but the situation in Tehran is far worse. While Indian government beliefs that keeping them at a specific location is not a solution but circumstances are completely adverse on the ground. 219 Indian students in Iran, primarily from Tehran and Shiraz, have already returned to India. India plans to evacuate another batch of more than 200 Indians from Iran on March 28. New Delhi has evacuated more than 1700 of its citizens from China, Japan, Iran and Italy since the pandemic began. This includes 48 foreign citizens.

Situation in Iran remains precarious, India asks citizens to stay put

Speaking at the virtual G20 summit on Thursday, Indian PM Modi has said that the world has taken time to respond to the Coronavirus crisis even as he has called on a new concept of globalisation in which collective well-being of humankind is the focus.&nbsp;

"Even 3 months after the crisis, we are trying to find a coordinated response," PM Said, saying "G20 meeting shows international community has come together" but it has "taken some time to respond to the crisis with this magnitude and dimension".

Sources said PM's focus was the need to "look at the collective interest of all humankind" and "human aspects of our global collective conscious has been subsumed by economic and financial focus".

Calling COVID crisis "challenge and an opportunity for the grouping to look at a new concept of globalisation which looks at humanity and collective interest of all humankind".

PM noted the "alarming social and economic costs of the pandemic". 90% of the COVID-19 cases and 88% of deaths are from G20 countries.

India also called for reform of the world health organisation (WHO) at the G20 virtual summit that took place on Thursday evening.&nbsp;

Sources said, "PM highlighted that International Organizations like WHO need to be strengthened and reformed. WHO initially did not have the mandate to deal with the pandemic of this sort, which is why empowering of WHO is necessary be it in terms of its capacity of early warning or development of effective vaccines, or capacity building." 
&nbsp; 
New Delhi also called for the need to "freely and openly share" the benefits of medical research and development and "develop adaptive, responsive and humane health care systems".

Sources said "the fact that leaders met is significant" and the "inspiration for the global collective response to the COVID crisis came from India and PM Modi in particular"

This is for the first time G20 summit took place on issues which are not economic but humanitarian. &nbsp;G20, formed after the 2008 financial crisis, has 20 of the world's largest economies and contributed 80% of the world's GDP and 60% of the world population.&nbsp;

Speaking at the virtual G20 summit on Thursday, Indian PM Modi has said that the world has taken time to respond to the Coronavirus crisis even as he has called on a new concept of globalisation in which collective well-being of humankind is the focus.

Speaking at the virtual G20 summit on Thursday, Indian PM Modi has said that the world has taken time to respond to the Coronavirus crisis even as he has called on a new concept of globalisation in which collective well-being of humankind is the focus. "Even 3 months after the crisis, we are trying to find a coordinated response," PM Said, saying "G20 meeting shows international community has come together" but it has "taken some time to respond to the crisis with this magnitude and dimension". Sources said PM's focus was the need to "look at the collective interest of all humankind" and "human aspects of our global collective conscious has been subsumed by economic and financial focus". Calling COVID crisis "challenge and an opportunity for the grouping to look at a new concept of globalisation which looks at humanity and collective interest of all humankind". PM noted the "alarming social and economic costs of the pandemic". 90% of the COVID-19 cases and 88% of deaths are from G20 countries. India also called for reform of the world health organisation (WHO) at the G20 virtual summit that took place on Thursday evening. Sources said, "PM highlighted that International Organizations like WHO need to be strengthened and reformed. WHO initially did not have the mandate to deal with the pandemic of this sort, which is why empowering of WHO is necessary be it in terms of its capacity of early warning or development of effective vaccines, or capacity building." New Delhi also called for the need to "freely and openly share" the benefits of medical research and development and "develop adaptive, responsive and humane health care systems". Sources said "the fact that leaders met is significant" and the "inspiration for the global collective response to the COVID crisis came from India and PM Modi in particular" This is for the first time G20 summit took place on issues which are not economic but humanitarian. G20, formed after the 2008 financial crisis, has 20 of the world's largest economies and contributed 80% of the world's GDP and 60% of the world population.

World took time to respond to corona crisis, says PM Modi

China's role, when it comes Coronavirus crisis was not discussed at the G20 virtual summit that took place on Thursday evening.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/g20-nations-to-inject-5-trillion-into-global-economy-as-they-pledge-united-front-against-coronavirus-threat-288725">Also read: G20 nations to inject $5 trillion into global economy as they pledge 'united front' against coronavirus threat</a> 
 
A source who was present at the meet, when asked if G20 countries, questioned China said, "spirit of the meet was cooperative, did not see reference to origin or crisis and who was responsible, but on mitigating the hardship due to crisis."

The first case of the coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province. In a matter of 3 months, more than 5 lac people globally have got the coronavirus infection.

The source said, " No effort to blame" anyone but to "deal with the issue". Adding, "individual leaders spoke but spoke in one voice."

China is being criticised for cover-ups initially that led things to go out of control. China has been miffed over the use of the word "Chinese virus", made more popular by US President who has been using the term in his twitter posts.&nbsp; 
 
The G20 countries met on Thursday evening for the first time via video conference to come up with a joint action plan to deal with the coronavirus issue. During the emergency meeting, it was decided that G20 countries will inject $5 trillion into the global economy to deal with the social, economic and financial impacts of the crisis.

China's role, when it comes Coronavirus crisis was not discussed at the G20 virtual summit that took place on Thursday evening. Also read: G20 nations to inject $5 trillion into global economy as they pledge 'united front' against coronavirus threat A source who was present at the meet, when asked if G20 countries, questioned China said, "spirit of the meet was cooperative, did not see reference to origin or crisis and who was responsible, but on mitigating the hardship due to crisis.

China's role, when it comes Coronavirus crisis was not discussed at the G20 virtual summit that took place on Thursday evening. Also read: G20 nations to inject $5 trillion into global economy as they pledge 'united front' against coronavirus threat A source who was present at the meet, when asked if G20 countries, questioned China said, "spirit of the meet was cooperative, did not see reference to origin or crisis and who was responsible, but on mitigating the hardship due to crisis." The first case of the coronavirus was reported in Wuhan, the capital of China's Hubei province. In a matter of 3 months, more than 5 lac people globally have got the coronavirus infection. The source said, " No effort to blame" anyone but to "deal with the issue". Adding, "individual leaders spoke but spoke in one voice." China is being criticised for cover-ups initially that led things to go out of control. China has been miffed over the use of the word "Chinese virus", made more popular by US President who has been using the term in his twitter posts. The G20 countries met on Thursday evening for the first time via video conference to come up with a joint action plan to deal with the coronavirus issue. During the emergency meeting, it was decided that G20 countries will inject $5 trillion into the global economy to deal with the social, economic and financial impacts of the crisis.

Coronavirus crisis: China's role at G20 emergency summit not raised

There is no evidence to suggest that countries with malaria are at lower risk of getting new coronavirus cases, nor has it been proved that people living in these countries have developed any `herd immunity` against the disease, health experts have stressed.

One theory doing the rounds on some media platforms is that coronavirus cases and fatality rates have been relatively lower in Asian and African countries that have higher malaria burden.

Moreover, some anti-malarial compounds have shown promise in fighting COVID-19 in experiments, leading some people to say that people in countries with malaria might have `herd immunity` against COVID-19.

By analysing COVID-19 cases reported by countries across the world as well as the incidence of malaria cases as of 2017, a former NASA scientist wrote in his personal blog last week that the results suggested that "those countries with malaria have virtually no COVID-19 cases, and those countries with many COVID-19 cases have little to no malaria".

The findings were based on the total number of COVID-19 cases as of March 17, 2020 as tallied by the WHO, Roy Spencer wrote in the blog published at www.drroyspencer.com.

Doctors in India, however, said that the country is no less vulnerable to COVID-19 because the malaria burden is high in the country.

"This is not true at all. India is a prime example as it is a malaria endemic country. It is just that our entry into this pandemic is slightly late. Additionally we have only tested 25,000 samples till date," Rajesh Gupta, Additional Director, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Fortis Hospital Noida, told IANS.

India has so far reported over 700 coronavirus positive cases.

"In the next month or so, the cases will peak. Now in the coming months, we will begin testing a lot and then we will find out the extent of the infection spread. Ultimately, COVID-19 will be dealt with herd immunity only. But no, there is no evidence that people in malaria-infected countries have already developed herd immunity," Gupta elaborated.

The WHO has urged countries to ensure the continuity of malaria services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Do not scale back your planned malaria prevention, diagnostic and treatment activities. If someone living in a place with malaria develops a fever, he or she should seek diagnosis and care as soon as possible," Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Ensuring access to core malaria prevention measures is an important strategy for reducing the strain on health systems; these include vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, as well as chemoprevention for pregnant women and young children (intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy, intermittent preventive treatment in infants and seasonal malaria chemoprevention), the WHO said.

Additional special measures could ease the burden on health systems in the context of COVID-19, such as presumptive malaria treatment and mass drug administration, it added.

In the WHO African region, a cumulative total of 1,716 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 countries in the region as of March 25.

"Whether population in counties where malaria is endemic has some herd immunity due to usage of chloroquine in their communities is a million dollar question. It requires detailed scientific population studies to arrive at such a conclusion," said R.K. Singhal, Principal Consultant &amp; Director and Coordinator of Medical &amp; Allied Services, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi.

The doctors also cautioned against use and hoarding of anti-malarial drugs for preventing coronavirus by the general population.

"Several countries in Asia and Africa are indeed malaria prone but it cannot be said, in the absence of adequate empirical evidence or trials, that anti-malaria drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can treat Covid-19," said Charu Goel Sachdeva, Head of Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, New Delhi.

"In these countries also cases of Covid-19 are rising and they are also adopting quarantine, social distancing, and lockdowns measures," she said, adding that more studies and trials are needed to conclude that anti-malarial drugs can help in treating this infection.

"Some trials were done in France, but it is still inconclusive and we need a very large number population for trial," Sachdeva added.

Experts have warned that these anti-malarial drugs have several side effects and can lead to cardiac arrest, irritation and other problems.

"The general public should avoid taking it as a precautionary medicine as that would lead to a shortage of this drug for those who require it the most. The best we can do is maintain social distancing, wash our hands frequently as there is no vaccine and drug for COVID-19 yet," Sachdeva told IANS

There is no evidence to suggest that countries with malaria are at lower risk of getting new coronavirus cases, nor has it been proved that people living in these countries have developed any `herd immunity` against the disease, health experts have stressed.

There is no evidence to suggest that countries with malaria are at lower risk of getting new coronavirus cases, nor has it been proved that people living in these countries have developed any `herd immunity` against the disease, health experts have stressed. One theory doing the rounds on some media platforms is that coronavirus cases and fatality rates have been relatively lower in Asian and African countries that have higher malaria burden. Moreover, some anti-malarial compounds have shown promise in fighting COVID-19 in experiments, leading some people to say that people in countries with malaria might have `herd immunity` against COVID-19. By analysing COVID-19 cases reported by countries across the world as well as the incidence of malaria cases as of 2017, a former NASA scientist wrote in his personal blog last week that the results suggested that "those countries with malaria have virtually no COVID-19 cases, and those countries with many COVID-19 cases have little to no malaria". The findings were based on the total number of COVID-19 cases as of March 17, 2020 as tallied by the WHO, Roy Spencer wrote in the blog published at www.drroyspencer.com. Doctors in India, however, said that the country is no less vulnerable to COVID-19 because the malaria burden is high in the country. "This is not true at all. India is a prime example as it is a malaria endemic country. It is just that our entry into this pandemic is slightly late. Additionally we have only tested 25,000 samples till date," Rajesh Gupta, Additional Director, Pulmonology and Critical Care, Fortis Hospital Noida, told IANS. India has so far reported over 700 coronavirus positive cases. "In the next month or so, the cases will peak. Now in the coming months, we will begin testing a lot and then we will find out the extent of the infection spread. Ultimately, COVID-19 will be dealt with herd immunity only. But no, there is no evidence that people in malaria-infected countries have already developed herd immunity," Gupta elaborated. The WHO has urged countries to ensure the continuity of malaria services in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Do not scale back your planned malaria prevention, diagnostic and treatment activities. If someone living in a place with malaria develops a fever, he or she should seek diagnosis and care as soon as possible," Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Programme, said in a statement on Wednesday. Ensuring access to core malaria prevention measures is an important strategy for reducing the strain on health systems; these include vector control measures, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, as well as chemoprevention for pregnant women and young children (intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy, intermittent preventive treatment in infants and seasonal malaria chemoprevention), the WHO said. Additional special measures could ease the burden on health systems in the context of COVID-19, such as presumptive malaria treatment and mass drug administration, it added. In the WHO African region, a cumulative total of 1,716 confirmed cases have been reported across 38 countries in the region as of March 25. "Whether population in counties where malaria is endemic has some herd immunity due to usage of chloroquine in their communities is a million dollar question. It requires detailed scientific population studies to arrive at such a conclusion," said R.K. Singhal, Principal Consultant & Director and Coordinator of Medical & Allied Services, BLK Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi. The doctors also cautioned against use and hoarding of anti-malarial drugs for preventing coronavirus by the general population. "Several countries in Asia and Africa are indeed malaria prone but it cannot be said, in the absence of adequate empirical evidence or trials, that anti-malaria drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine can treat Covid-19," said Charu Goel Sachdeva, Head of Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, New Delhi. "In these countries also cases of Covid-19 are rising and they are also adopting quarantine, social distancing, and lockdowns measures," she said, adding that more studies and trials are needed to conclude that anti-malarial drugs can help in treating this infection. "Some trials were done in France, but it is still inconclusive and we need a very large number population for trial," Sachdeva added. Experts have warned that these anti-malarial drugs have several side effects and can lead to cardiac arrest, irritation and other problems. "The general public should avoid taking it as a precautionary medicine as that would lead to a shortage of this drug for those who require it the most. The best we can do is maintain social distancing, wash our hands frequently as there is no vaccine and drug for COVID-19 yet," Sachdeva told IANS

No evidence to show countries with malaria are at lower risk of contracting coronavirus

India is likely to participate in the WHO's "solidarity trial" for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. At a press briefing on coronavirus, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said 75 new cases of coronavirus and four deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

"We are soon likely to participate in the WHO solidarity trial for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. Earlier we did not do it because our numbers were small and our contribution would have looked minuscule," Raman R Gangakhedkar, Head of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at ICMR, said.

Agarwal added that a PSU was ordered to provide 10,000 ventilators while Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was requested to purchase 30,000 additional ventilators in one-two months amidst a shortage of the machines in the country.

Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), said that states and union territories (UTs) have been requested to make arrangements for food, water and sanitation for migrant labourers. Hotels and rented accommodation should stay open and functional.

She, however, ruled out any plan to ferry stranded migrants from across cities or states, saying that the whole idea of a lockdown was to ensure no movement of people from their present places.

Agarwal also said that keeping in mind that hospital OPDs are being shut, the government has issued national telemedicine guidelines.

"This facilitates the process wherein doctors sitting at their homes can provide services to the patients. We urge and request citizens to take advantage of it and doctors to utilise this," he said.&nbsp;

Agarwal further said that the health ministry has issued national telemedicine guidelines.

"We have issued national telemedicine guidelines. This facilitates the process wherein doctors sitting at their homes can provide services to the patients. We urge and request citizens to take advantage of it and doctors to utilise this,” he said.

A total of 735 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India, while the death toll stands at 16.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a pan-India 21-day lockdown, saying that "social distancing" was the only option to deal with the disease.

India is likely to participate in the WHO's "solidarity trial" for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. At a press briefing on coronavirus, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said 75 new cases of coronavirus and four deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

India is likely to participate in the WHO's "solidarity trial" for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. At a press briefing on coronavirus, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, said 75 new cases of coronavirus and four deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. "We are soon likely to participate in the WHO solidarity trial for developing potential drugs for COVID-19. Earlier we did not do it because our numbers were small and our contribution would have looked minuscule," Raman R Gangakhedkar, Head of Epidemiology and Communicable diseases at ICMR, said. Agarwal added that a PSU was ordered to provide 10,000 ventilators while Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was requested to purchase 30,000 additional ventilators in one-two months amidst a shortage of the machines in the country. Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), said that states and union territories (UTs) have been requested to make arrangements for food, water and sanitation for migrant labourers. Hotels and rented accommodation should stay open and functional. She, however, ruled out any plan to ferry stranded migrants from across cities or states, saying that the whole idea of a lockdown was to ensure no movement of people from their present places. Agarwal also said that keeping in mind that hospital OPDs are being shut, the government has issued national telemedicine guidelines. "This facilitates the process wherein doctors sitting at their homes can provide services to the patients. We urge and request citizens to take advantage of it and doctors to utilise this," he said. Agarwal further said that the health ministry has issued national telemedicine guidelines. "We have issued national telemedicine guidelines. This facilitates the process wherein doctors sitting at their homes can provide services to the patients. We urge and request citizens to take advantage of it and doctors to utilise this,” he said. A total of 735 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in India, while the death toll stands at 16. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a pan-India 21-day lockdown, saying that "social distancing" was the only option to deal with the disease.

India to participate in WHO 'solidarity trial' for developing potential COVID-19 drugs

The outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-announces-coronavirus-stimulus-package-promises-cash-transfer-food-provision-288637">COVID-19 pandemic </a>has affected more than billions of lives not just physically but also monetarily. Due to lockdown in several cities in India, the livelihood of scores of people has been drastically affected and the Indian government has decided to give financial aid to daily wage earners and those in need of it.

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The government has also urged the people of India to contribute to rehabilitating the poor whose livelihood has gotten affected due to the lockdown.&nbsp;

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South Indian superstars like Pawan Kalyan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj have come forward and pledged their support in this critical situation. 
 
Telugu star Pawan Kalyan has donated a total of Rs 2 crore to the government's relief fund. The actor took to Twitter to announce that he would donate Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds. He would also donate Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister's Relief Fund.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I will be donating Rs.1 crore to PM relief fund to support our <a href="https://t.co/83OmZ9biYX">https://t.co/83OmZ9biYX</a> Sri <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji,in turbulent times like this. His exemplary and inspiring leadership would truly bring our country from this Corona pandemic.
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawanKalyan/status/1243023427750875138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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I will be donating Rs.50 Lakhs each to both AP and Telangana CM relief funds to fight against Corona pandemic.
— Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) <a href="https://twitter.com/PawanKalyan/status/1243013014762094592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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taking inspiration from his uncle Pawan Kalyan, Telugu superstar, Ram Charan also came forward to donate towards relief activities. The actor who made his re-entry to the social world on Thursday, took to Instagram to announce the donation. " Inspired by Pawan Kalyan Garu's tweet, I would like to contribute Rs 70 lakh towards the center and states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh relief fund in this moment of crisis'', the post read.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/8-new-web-shows-films-to-watch-as-you-quarantine-at-home-287555" hreflang="en">8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home</a> 
 
''I would like to applaud the commendable efforts of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Honourable Chief Ministers of our respective states KCR Garu and Jagan Mohan Reddy Garu in curtailing the vast effects of the pandemic COVID 19.As a responsible citizen, I encourage all to strictly abide by their rules and recommendations. Jai Hind."

In pics:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-films-to-stream-while-youre-stuck-at-home-286733" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-films-to-stream-while-youre-stuck-at-home-286733&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj584XRnrjoAhUTyzgGHZLuBekQFjABegQICBAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw0jfsa81DyL7RCGvU_pw4HD" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/indian-films-to-stream-while-youre-stuck-at-home-286733" target="_blank">Indian films to stream while you're stuck at home, Entertainment ...</a> 
 
South star Mahesh Babu also tweeted that he would be donating Rs 1 crore to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

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Let's battle the COVID-19 as a nation! I urge everyone to follow the rules put forth by our Government. My deepest gratitude for all your efforts <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TelanganaCMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelanganaCMO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/KTRTRS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KTRTRS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AndhraPradeshCM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndhraPradeshCM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ysjagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ysjagan</a>. 🙏🙏 Humanity will rise and we will win this war! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeStaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeStaySafe</a> <a href="https://t.co/csfdtaZPWy">pic.twitter.com/csfdtaZPWy</a>
— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) <a href="https://twitter.com/urstrulyMahesh/status/1243112570849865729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Let's battle the COVID-19 as a nation! I urge everyone to follow the rules put forth by our Government. My deepest gratitude for all your efforts @PMOIndia @TelanganaCMO @KTRTRS @AndhraPradeshCM @ysjagan Humanity will rise and we will win this war! #StayHomeStaySafe," he wrote.

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In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak,I'd like to do my bit fr d country's safety. I wish to make a donation of ₹10 lakhs fund to <a href="https://twitter.com/TelanganaCMO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TelanganaCMO</a> n another ₹10 lakhs to <a href="https://twitter.com/AndhraPradeshCM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AndhraPradeshCM</a> fr d equipment needed to combat this epidemic. We can fight this together. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StayHomeStaySafe?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StayHomeStaySafe</a>
— nithiin (@actor_nithiin) <a href="https://twitter.com/actor_nithiin/status/1242074957032476674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Actor Nithiin also donated Rs 10 lakh each to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana CM Relief funds respectively. 
 
The actor took to his twitter as he wrote, "In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, I'd like to do my bit fr d country's safety. I wish to make a donation of Rs 10 lakhs fund to@TelanganaCMO n another &nbsp;Rs 10 lakhs to @AndhraPradeshCM fr d equipment needed to combat this epidemic. We can fight this together. #StayHomeStaySafe"

Allu Arjun has also donaated Rs 1.25 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala Chief Minister 's Relief Fund to combat the coronavirus crisis.The actor shared a video urging people to stay indoors.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-OfNWXHuRk/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">‪The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many lives . In these difficult times with humility I would like to donate One Crore twenty five lakhs to the People of Andhra Pradesh , Telangana &amp; Kerala .‬ ‪I am hopeful together we will fight &amp; end this pandemic soon . ‬#stayhome</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alluarjunonline/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Allu Arjun</a> (@alluarjunonline) on <time datetime="2020-03-27T06:06:48+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 26, 2020 at 11:06pm PDT</time>
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Baahubali actor&nbsp;Prabhas&nbsp;also came forward to donate for the cause to fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

The actor donated Rs 4 crore for the cause. from which&nbsp;Rs 3 crore is being given to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while Rs 50 lakh each go to the Chief Minister Relief Funds of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

South film industry big names such as&nbsp;Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj, Suriya along with brother Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi, and many others have also contributed to the relief fund initiated for daily wage earners of the film fraternity.&nbsp; 
 
As Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Directors Association RK Selvamani has also urged Kollywood actors to come out and extend their help for the workers.&nbsp;

Entire world&nbsp;is dealing with a deadly virus, as&nbsp;488,328 peoples have been affected from the virus so far.&nbsp;

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than billions of lives not just physically but also monetarily. Due to lockdown in several cities in India, the livelihood of scores of people has been drastically affected and the Indian government has decided to give financial aid to daily wage earners and those in need of it.

The outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic has affected more than billions of lives not just physically but also monetarily. Due to lockdown in several cities in India, the livelihood of scores of people has been drastically affected and the Indian government has decided to give financial aid to daily wage earners and those in need of it. Also read: Netflix, Amazon, Zee5 and all OTT platforms to suspend HD streaming on cellular networks in India The government has also urged the people of India to contribute to rehabilitating the poor whose livelihood has gotten affected due to the lockdown. In pics: 7 best quarantine reads that you can choose to pass your time South Indian superstars like Pawan Kalyan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj have come forward and pledged their support in this critical situation. Telugu star Pawan Kalyan has donated a total of Rs 2 crore to the government's relief fund. The actor took to Twitter to announce that he would donate Rs 50 lakh each to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Chief Minister Relief Funds. He would also donate Rs 1 crore to Prime Minister's Relief Fund. I will be donating Rs.1 crore to PM relief fund to support our https://t.co/83OmZ9biYX Sri @narendramodi ji,in turbulent times like this. His exemplary and inspiring leadership would truly bring our country from this Corona pandemic. — Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) March 26, 2020 × I will be donating Rs.50 Lakhs each to both AP and Telangana CM relief funds to fight against Corona pandemic. — Pawan Kalyan (@PawanKalyan) March 26, 2020 × taking inspiration from his uncle Pawan Kalyan, Telugu superstar, Ram Charan also came forward to donate towards relief activities. The actor who made his re-entry to the social world on Thursday, took to Instagram to announce the donation. " Inspired by Pawan Kalyan Garu's tweet, I would like to contribute Rs 70 lakh towards the center and states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh relief fund in this moment of crisis'', the post read. In pics: 8 new web shows, films to watch as you quarantine at home ''I would like to applaud the commendable efforts of our Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji and Honourable Chief Ministers of our respective states KCR Garu and Jagan Mohan Reddy Garu in curtailing the vast effects of the pandemic COVID 19.As a responsible citizen, I encourage all to strictly abide by their rules and recommendations. Jai Hind." In pics: Indian films to stream while you're stuck at home, Entertainment ... South star Mahesh Babu also tweeted that he would be donating Rs 1 crore to fight the coronavirus pandemic. Let's battle the COVID-19 as a nation! I urge everyone to follow the rules put forth by our Government. My deepest gratitude for all your efforts @PMOIndia @TelanganaCMO @KTRTRS @AndhraPradeshCM @ysjagan. 🙏🙏 Humanity will rise and we will win this war! #StayHomeStaySafe pic.twitter.com/csfdtaZPWy — Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) March 26, 2020 × "Let's battle the COVID-19 as a nation! I urge everyone to follow the rules put forth by our Government. My deepest gratitude for all your efforts @PMOIndia @TelanganaCMO @KTRTRS @AndhraPradeshCM @ysjagan Humanity will rise and we will win this war! #StayHomeStaySafe," he wrote. In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak,I'd like to do my bit fr d country's safety. I wish to make a donation of ₹10 lakhs fund to @TelanganaCMO n another ₹10 lakhs to @AndhraPradeshCM fr d equipment needed to combat this epidemic. We can fight this together. #StayHomeStaySafe — nithiin (@actor_nithiin) March 23, 2020 × Actor Nithiin also donated Rs 10 lakh each to the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana CM Relief funds respectively. The actor took to his twitter as he wrote, "In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, I'd like to do my bit fr d country's safety. I wish to make a donation of Rs 10 lakhs fund to@TelanganaCMO n another Rs 10 lakhs to @AndhraPradeshCM fr d equipment needed to combat this epidemic. We can fight this together. #StayHomeStaySafe" Allu Arjun has also donaated Rs 1.25 crore to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala Chief Minister 's Relief Fund to combat the coronavirus crisis.The actor shared a video urging people to stay indoors. View this post on Instagram ‪The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many lives . In these difficult times with humility I would like to donate One Crore twenty five lakhs to the People of Andhra Pradesh , Telangana & Kerala .‬ ‪I am hopeful together we will fight & end this pandemic soon . ‬#stayhome A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) on Mar 26, 2020 at 11:06pm PDT × Baahubali actor Prabhas also came forward to donate for the cause to fight against the coronavirus pandemic. The actor donated Rs 4 crore for the cause. from which Rs 3 crore is being given to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund, while Rs 50 lakh each go to the Chief Minister Relief Funds of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. South film industry big names such as Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj, Suriya along with brother Karthi, Vijay Sethupathi, and many others have also contributed to the relief fund initiated for daily wage earners of the film fraternity. As Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Directors Association RK Selvamani has also urged Kollywood actors to come out and extend their help for the workers. Entire world is dealing with a deadly virus, as 488,328 peoples have been affected from the virus so far.

Allu Arjun, Ram Charan and Prabhas come forward to fight against COVID-19

All domestic flights will remain suspended till April 14, aviation regulator the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Friday, amid a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

DGCA extended the ban on all international commercial passenger flights till April 14, on Thursday — in the wake of the 21-day pan-India lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second address to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic.

"All domestic operators engaged in scheduled, non-scheduled and private aircraft operations in India shall ensure strict compliance of the order," DGCA said in a statement on Friday.

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Regarding the international flights, DGCA tweeted on Thursday: “In continuation of circular-II dated 19.3.2020 issued on the subject cited-above, it has been decided that all scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 1830 hrs GMT (0000 hrs of Indian Standard Time) of April 14, 2020," the aviation regulator said.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-india-extends-ban-on-international-passenger-flights-till-april-14-288738">Also read: India extends ban on international passenger flights till April 14</a>

There are 735 coronavirus positive cases in the country and 16 people have died due to it till now, according to the Union health ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that this was necessary for a decisive battle against the coronavirus.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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All domestic flights will remain suspended till April 14, aviation regulator the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Friday, amid a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.

All domestic flights will remain suspended till April 14, aviation regulator the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) announced on Friday, amid a nationwide lockdown to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. DGCA extended the ban on all international commercial passenger flights till April 14, on Thursday — in the wake of the 21-day pan-India lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his second address to the nation on the coronavirus pandemic. "All domestic operators engaged in scheduled, non-scheduled and private aircraft operations in India shall ensure strict compliance of the order," DGCA said in a statement on Friday. pic.twitter.com/ZsrnFBb5Ft — DGCA (@DGCAIndia) March 27, 2020 × pic.twitter.com/rvdmSeUOd6 — DGCA (@DGCAIndia) March 27, 2020 × Regarding the international flights, DGCA tweeted on Thursday: “In continuation of circular-II dated 19.3.2020 issued on the subject cited-above, it has been decided that all scheduled international commercial passenger services shall remain closed till 1830 hrs GMT (0000 hrs of Indian Standard Time) of April 14, 2020," the aviation regulator said.” Also read: India extends ban on international passenger flights till April 14 There are 735 coronavirus positive cases in the country and 16 people have died due to it till now, according to the Union health ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a complete lockdown across the country for 21 days from Tuesday midnight, asserting that this was necessary for a decisive battle against the coronavirus.

All domestic flights suspended in India till April 14 amid coronavirus lockdown

A prisoner under trial in Kerala's Palakkad jail died after drinking sanitiser in a bizarre case of a suspected 'suicide'.

The prisoner allegedly confused sanitiser to be alcohol and was later on admitted to the hospital after he was found unconscious in his prison cell.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-five-new-covid-19-cases-today-total-now-shoots-up-to-735-288845" hreflang="en">India records five new COVID-19 cases today, total now shoots up to 735</a>

However, he did not respond well to the treatment in the hospital and died soon after he was admitted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-took-time-to-respond-to-corona-crisis-says-pm-modi-288785" hreflang="en">World took time to respond to corona crisis, says PM Modi</a>

"Ramankutty was taken into custody by the police in a theft case on February 18 and was lodged in a jail near here. The incident took place on Monday and after that he was moved&nbsp;to a hospital. He passed away today," said the prison officials in a statement.

The jail inmates were&nbsp;engaged in the preparation of masks, amid coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the police has launched a probe to find out if it was a case of suicide or if he had consumed the sanitiser, as it had alcohol contents.

A prisoner under trial in Kerala's Palakkad jail died after drinking sanitiser in a bizarre case of a suspected 'suicide'. The prisoner allegedly confused sanitiser to be alcohol and was later on admitted to the hospital after he was found unconscious in his prison cell.

A prisoner under trial in Kerala's Palakkad jail died after drinking sanitiser in a bizarre case of a suspected 'suicide'. The prisoner allegedly confused sanitiser to be alcohol and was later on admitted to the hospital after he was found unconscious in his prison cell. Also read: India records five new COVID-19 cases today, total now shoots up to 735 However, he did not respond well to the treatment in the hospital and died soon after he was admitted. Also read: World took time to respond to corona crisis, says PM Modi "Ramankutty was taken into custody by the police in a theft case on February 18 and was lodged in a jail near here. The incident took place on Monday and after that he was moved to a hospital. He passed away today," said the prison officials in a statement. The jail inmates were engaged in the preparation of masks, amid coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, the police has launched a probe to find out if it was a case of suicide or if he had consumed the sanitiser, as it had alcohol contents.

Drinking sanitiser kills! Man dies in Kerala after ingesting hand-cleansing solution

Speaking about Delhi State's preparation to fight the coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the government will test all medical officials and health workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

The decision was taken by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday after a mohalla clinic worker tested positive for coronavirus.

"We will continue to conduct the test on doctors, paramedical staff who are engaged in treating COVID-19 patients," the chief minister said.

He said despite a Mohalla Clinic doctor and his family testing positive for coronavirus, the centres will not be closed and all precautions are being taken.

The Delhi government authorities have quarantined the worker and 800 others who came in contact with him.

The Delhi government has also arranged to serve lunch and dinner to the needy in 325 schools in Delhi, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday amid reports of people going hungry without access to food during the ongoing nationwide lockdown.

From Saturday, arrangements will be put in place to feed about four lakh people daily at different centres across Delhi, he said addressing the media.

(With inputs from agencies)

Speaking about Delhi State's preparation to fight the coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the government will test all medical officials and health workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients.

Speaking about Delhi State's preparation to fight the coronavirus outbreak, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the government will test all medical officials and health workers involved in the treatment of coronavirus patients. The decision was taken by the Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday after a mohalla clinic worker tested positive for coronavirus. "We will continue to conduct the test on doctors, paramedical staff who are engaged in treating COVID-19 patients," the chief minister said. He said despite a Mohalla Clinic doctor and his family testing positive for coronavirus, the centres will not be closed and all precautions are being taken. The Delhi government authorities have quarantined the worker and 800 others who came in contact with him. The Delhi government has also arranged to serve lunch and dinner to the needy in 325 schools in Delhi, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday amid reports of people going hungry without access to food during the ongoing nationwide lockdown. From Saturday, arrangements will be put in place to feed about four lakh people daily at different centres across Delhi, he said addressing the media. (With inputs from agencies)

Delhi government to test all medic for coronavirus: Arvind Kejriwal

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday asked all lending institutions to allow a three-month moratorium on EMI payments to infuse liquidity into the system as the economy grapples with COVID-19 challenges.

The RBI Governor in a press conference announced that all non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs) have been permitted to allow a moratorium of 3 months on repayment of term loans outstanding on March 1, 2020.

It has also allowed banks for deferment of interest on working capital loans for the next three months - until June 2020.

"These are extraordinary circumstances, and unprecedented measures are required to support the sagging economy as all the economic activities have come to a halt," Governor Shaktikanta Das said in the press conference.

The liquidity measures announced by the RBI will make available a total Rs 3,74,000 crore to the country's financial system.

&nbsp;Das said that the deferment on loan and interest repayments will not be classified as defaults and will not impact the credit history of borrowers.

(with inputs from agencies)

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday asked all lending institutions to allow a three-month moratorium on EMI payments to infuse liquidity into the system as the economy grapples with COVID-19 challenges.

A day after Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharman announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package for the poor of the country, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday asked all lending institutions to allow a three-month moratorium on EMI payments to infuse liquidity into the system as the economy grapples with COVID-19 challenges. The RBI Governor in a press conference announced that all non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and housing finance companies (HFCs) have been permitted to allow a moratorium of 3 months on repayment of term loans outstanding on March 1, 2020. It has also allowed banks for deferment of interest on working capital loans for the next three months - until June 2020. "These are extraordinary circumstances, and unprecedented measures are required to support the sagging economy as all the economic activities have come to a halt," Governor Shaktikanta Das said in the press conference. The liquidity measures announced by the RBI will make available a total Rs 3,74,000 crore to the country's financial system. Das said that the deferment on loan and interest repayments will not be classified as defaults and will not impact the credit history of borrowers. (with inputs from agencies)

Reserve Bank of India asks lending firms to allow 3-month moratorium on EMI payments to offset coronavirus impact

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice.&nbsp;

About 30% of Field Hospitals have been put on standby for constructing COVID-19 hospitals in coronavirus hotspots. These are part of the Indian army's measures to deal with the crisis, which is a global pandemic.&nbsp;

Speaking in response to several media questions via emails, Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane &nbsp;said, "Next few weeks will be crucial to prevent negative effects of this deadly mutant virus."

He said that the Covid crisis in a preparatory stage in India and the Indian army has the "inherent capability to rise to various emergency situations by virtue of organizational structure and training."

Army's QuickReaction Medical Teams (QRMTs) will be ready to mobilize at six hours notice to meet the requirements of the hospitals/ civil administration.&nbsp;

COAS also said, "There is likely to be an increase in demand for medical services for both infected/ suspected cases within the Indian Army as also requisition from civil administration in the coming days. Necessary instructions have been passed to Command Headquarters to augment medical facilities"

Army has established quarantine facilities at Manesar, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur for the evacuees from China, Italy and Iran and additional four locations have been earmarked for setting up of wellness/ quarantine facilities. Till now 372 evacuees have been treated at Manesar and currently, 82 are under quarantine. At Jaisalmer 484 citizens who were evacuated from Iran are under quarantine and another 277 at Jodhpur.

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice.

Indian army's field hospitals have been instructed by the Army Chief to be ready to set up a 45-bed isolation facility and create 10 bed ICU facility exclusively forCOVID patients at six hours notice. About 30% of Field Hospitals have been put on standby for constructing COVID-19 hospitals in coronavirus hotspots. These are part of the Indian army's measures to deal with the crisis, which is a global pandemic. Speaking in response to several media questions via emails, Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane said, "Next few weeks will be crucial to prevent negative effects of this deadly mutant virus." He said that the Covid crisis in a preparatory stage in India and the Indian army has the "inherent capability to rise to various emergency situations by virtue of organizational structure and training." Army's QuickReaction Medical Teams (QRMTs) will be ready to mobilize at six hours notice to meet the requirements of the hospitals/ civil administration. COAS also said, "There is likely to be an increase in demand for medical services for both infected/ suspected cases within the Indian Army as also requisition from civil administration in the coming days. Necessary instructions have been passed to Command Headquarters to augment medical facilities" Army has established quarantine facilities at Manesar, Jaisalmer and Jodhpur for the evacuees from China, Italy and Iran and additional four locations have been earmarked for setting up of wellness/ quarantine facilities. Till now 372 evacuees have been treated at Manesar and currently, 82 are under quarantine. At Jaisalmer 484 citizens who were evacuated from Iran are under quarantine and another 277 at Jodhpur.

Field hospitals can create 10 bed ICU facility in 6-hour notice: Indian Army chief

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time.&nbsp;

Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear.&nbsp;

The singer shared a video on his Twitter account, ''Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs &amp; Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against <a data-focusable="true" dir="ltr" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hashtag_click" role="link">#COVID19</a>. Full video..''

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs &amp; Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a>. Full video.. <a href="https://t.co/6ea3shezSs">pic.twitter.com/6ea3shezSs</a>
— BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) <a href="https://twitter.com/HEBobiwine/status/1242850597067542531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The singer is also known as Robert Kyagulanyi and&nbsp;with fellow artist Nubian Li tune he has come together to teach people&nbsp;about the importance of personal hygiene&nbsp;throught East Africa's signature rhumba melodies.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PUHrck2g7Ic" width="560"></iframe>

In the song, he is&nbsp;talking about the deadly virus, "The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim," Kyagulanyi says in the lyrics. "But the good news is that everyone is a potential solution." and also urge people to regularly wash hands, keep a distance and look out for symptoms like fever and cough. 
 
Uganda has confirmed 14&nbsp;cases of COVID-19 so far, and as a precautions, they have sealed borders and banned public gatherings to contain the outbreak.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/doctor-who-made-contagion-look-real-now-has-coronavirus-if-it-can-hit-me-it-can-hit-anybody-288593">Also read:&nbsp;Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody</a>

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time. Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear.

Music has no boundaries and there are ample examples of this that we can see in today's time. Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine recently wrote a new track on coronavirus pandemic and this is something that you have to hear. The singer shared a video on his Twitter account, ''Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs & Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against #COVID19. Full video..'' Since morning we have received numerous requests for written authorization to play this song on TVs & Radio stations. Please go ahead and use it! It's not ours anymore but for the world. We're only trying to add our voice to the many ongoing efforts against #COVID19. Full video.. pic.twitter.com/6ea3shezSs — BOBI WINE (@HEBobiwine) March 25, 2020 × The singer is also known as Robert Kyagulanyi and with fellow artist Nubian Li tune he has come together to teach people about the importance of personal hygiene throught East Africa's signature rhumba melodies. In the song, he is talking about the deadly virus, "The bad news is that everyone is a potential victim," Kyagulanyi says in the lyrics. "But the good news is that everyone is a potential solution." and also urge people to regularly wash hands, keep a distance and look out for symptoms like fever and cough. Uganda has confirmed 14 cases of COVID-19 so far, and as a precautions, they have sealed borders and banned public gatherings to contain the outbreak. Also read: Doctor who made 'Contagion' look real now has coronavirus: If it can hit me, it can hit anybody

Watch: Ugandan pop star Bobi Wine's new viral song on coronavirus pandemic

World leaders are to hold online crisis talks Thursday on the coronavirus pandemic that has forced three billion people into lockdown and claimed more than 21,000 lives.

With the disease tearing around the globe at a terrifying pace, warnings are multiplying over its economic consequences, with experts saying it could cause more damage than the Great Depression.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-coronavirus-cases-near-70000-more-than-1000-dead-288573" hreflang="en">US coronavirus cases near 70,000, more than 1,000 dead</a>

And amid squabbling between the leaders of China and the US over who is to blame, UN&nbsp;Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for the world to act together to halt the menace.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-requests-virus-test-kits-from-south-korea-seoul-288559" hreflang="en">Trump requests virus test kits from South Korea: Seoul</a>

"COVID-19 is threatening the whole of humanity -- and the whole of humanity must fight back," Guterres said, launching an appeal for $2 billion to help the world's poor.

"Global action and solidarity are crucial," he said. "Individual country responses are not going to be enough."

The death toll from the virus, which emerged in China late last year, continued to grow, with the&nbsp;US becoming the sixth country to hit four figures.&nbsp;

At least 1,041 people are now known to have died in the United States, with almost 70,000 confirmed infections, a tally by Johns Hopkins University showed, while globally the number of infections is closing in on half a million.

World leaders are to hold online crisis talks Thursday on the coronavirus pandemic that has forced three billion people into lockdown and claimed more than 21,000 lives.

World leaders are to hold online crisis talks Thursday on the coronavirus pandemic that has forced three billion people into lockdown and claimed more than 21,000 lives. With the disease tearing around the globe at a terrifying pace, warnings are multiplying over its economic consequences, with experts saying it could cause more damage than the Great Depression. Also read: US coronavirus cases near 70,000, more than 1,000 dead And amid squabbling between the leaders of China and the US over who is to blame, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for the world to act together to halt the menace. Also read: Trump requests virus test kits from South Korea: Seoul "COVID-19 is threatening the whole of humanity -- and the whole of humanity must fight back," Guterres said, launching an appeal for $2 billion to help the world's poor. "Global action and solidarity are crucial," he said. "Individual country responses are not going to be enough." The death toll from the virus, which emerged in China late last year, continued to grow, with the US becoming the sixth country to hit four figures. At least 1,041 people are now known to have died in the United States, with almost 70,000 confirmed infections, a tally by Johns Hopkins University showed, while globally the number of infections is closing in on half a million.

World leaders to hold crisis talks as virus toll tops 21,000

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