India witnessed another huge spike in daily coronavirus count with 9,983 people testing positive for the virus in last 24 hours. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country zoomed to 256,611.

Delhi may cross 1 lakh COVID-19 cases by June end

COVID-19: 9,983 new cases in India in last 24 hours

The Chief Minister of Delhi, India has begun self-isolating at home after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief has fever and also claims to have a sore throat, two of the key symptoms of coronavirus.

According to media reports, his symptoms began showing on Sunday, and has since then cancelled all his meetings and addresses.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/delhi-govt-and-private-hospitals-to-be-reserved-only-for-patients-from-national-capital-cm-kejriwal-304009" hreflang="en">Delhi govt and private hospitals to be reserved only for patients from national capital: CM Kejriwal</a>

On Sunday, Kejriwal appeared at a meeting to discuss coronavirus in Delhi and announced that all Delhi government hospitals along with a few private hospitals will now treat only residents of the city. Central hospitals may treat anyone, he added.

Delhi is the third-hardest hit state in the country, after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Until now, the city has over 28,000 positive cases and has recorded over 800 deaths.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/india-news/kejriwal-launches-mobile-app-for-updates-on-vacant-beds-in-hospitals-for-covid-19-patients-302589" hreflang="en">Kejriwal launches mobile app for updates on vacant beds in hospitals for COVID-19 patients</a>

Kejriwal is set to get tested for COVID-19 soon.

Meanwhile, India witnessed the highest spike ever in the number of reported cases today, and has moved to the fifth spot globally in terms of the number of cases, leaving behind Spain and Italy, that were once epicentres of the pandemic in Europe.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, India has begun self-isolating at home after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief has fever and also claims to have a sore throat, two of the key symptoms of coronavirus.

The Chief Minister of Delhi, India has begun self-isolating at home after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief has fever and also claims to have a sore throat, two of the key symptoms of coronavirus. According to media reports, his symptoms began showing on Sunday, and has since then cancelled all his meetings and addresses. Also read: Delhi govt and private hospitals to be reserved only for patients from national capital: CM Kejriwal On Sunday, Kejriwal appeared at a meeting to discuss coronavirus in Delhi and announced that all Delhi government hospitals along with a few private hospitals will now treat only residents of the city. Central hospitals may treat anyone, he added. Delhi is the third-hardest hit state in the country, after Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. Until now, the city has over 28,000 positive cases and has recorded over 800 deaths. Also read: Kejriwal launches mobile app for updates on vacant beds in hospitals for COVID-19 patients Kejriwal is set to get tested for COVID-19 soon. Meanwhile, India witnessed the highest spike ever in the number of reported cases today, and has moved to the fifth spot globally in terms of the number of cases, leaving behind Spain and Italy, that were once epicentres of the pandemic in Europe.

Delhi CM Kejriwal quarantines himself after exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday.

The authorities have, however, denied the charges.

The woman, Amarpreet Kaur, took to Twitter earlier in the day, saying, "My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi and they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi &amp; they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help <a href="https://twitter.com/raghav_chadha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@raghav_chadha</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ArvindKejriwal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ArvindKejriwal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a>
— Amarpreet (@amar_hrhelpdesk) <a href="https://twitter.com/amar_hrhelpdesk/status/1268374863351173120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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An hour later, she again tweeted, saying, "He is no more. The govt failed us."

Her tweets were widely circulated on social media.

The authorities at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, denied the charge, saying the patient was "brought dead".

According to information shared by the hospital, the 68-year-old man, who also had asthma, died at 7:37 am.

"According to a report from the emergency department, the man was tested for COVID-19 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and the report came on June 1, in which he was found positive for coronavirus infection," a senior official said.

He was sent to home quarantine from there.

On Thursday, he was brought to the casualty department of the hospital in an "unconscious state" and with a flat ECG line, and declared "brought dead".

Amarpreet Kaur lives in Gurgaon with her husband Mandeep Singh, who said the family members rushed to the hospital after getting to know about his father-in-law's condition.

"My father-in-law was taken in a car by my wife's brother and a cousin, accompanied by my mother-in-law," Singh said, and alleged that the LNJP Hospital staff "were not willing to see my father-in-law, even as he fainted in the car".

"They are saying he was brought dead, but was he even attended to.&nbsp;The staff kept saying go to Ganga Ram Hospital. We were just at a loss," he alleged, the charge again denied by the LNJP Hospital authorities.

Singh also alleged that the family "never received any call" from the SGRH on the positive COVID-19 status of his father-in-law.

A spokesperson of the SGRH denied the charge, saying, "There is no truth in these allegations. However, we sympathise with the family for their loss."

Singh also claimed that the family had approached three-four other private and government hospitals a few days ago, but "could not get admission" in any of those facilities, adding that they found out that beds were available at the LNJP Hospital, so he was taken there.

Later, in a statement, the LNJP Hospital rejected the claims of the family as "incorrect and false", saying the man was brought to the hospital between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, was "not refused admission and examined by a doctor".

It also claimed that the first tweet was put up by&nbsp;Kaur at 8:05 am and subsequently, she sent out another tweet, saying her father died at 9:08 am, but he died at 7:37 am.

Singh responded to it and claimed that the tweets were "put out from his wife's account by a friend of hers", as she was scrambling to get her father medical attention and hence, there could have been a delay.

Asked if the man's family was made to wait at the hospital, a source said, the LNJP Hospital, being a dedicated facility, sees a "lot of rush" of patients.

"Also, there are four doctors in the casualty department, who can attend to only four patients at a time following all social-distancing and other safety guidelines. But the triage team looks out for any person in the queue, who needs immediate medical attention," the source said.

The woman later tweeted seeking COVID-19 tests for all family members.

"I lost my father today morning to COVID we want other family members to get tested today only. which labs are not doing they are in danger.&nbsp;We are trying since morning. My mother, brother, his wife and two kids. Pls help (sic)," she said.

(with inputs from PTI)

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday.

A woman has alleged that her father, who had tested positive for coronavirus, was not admitted in time by a Delhi government hospital -- due to which he died on Thursday. The authorities have, however, denied the charges. The woman, Amarpreet Kaur, took to Twitter earlier in the day, saying, "My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi and they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help." My dad is having high fever. We need to shift him to hospital. I am standing outside LNJP Delhi & they are not taking him in. He is having corona, high fever and breathing problem. He won't survive without help. Pls help @raghav_chadha @ArvindKejriwal @SatyendarJain — Amarpreet (@amar_hrhelpdesk) June 4, 2020 × An hour later, she again tweeted, saying, "He is no more. The govt failed us." Her tweets were widely circulated on social media. The authorities at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital, a dedicated COVID-19 facility, denied the charge, saying the patient was "brought dead". According to information shared by the hospital, the 68-year-old man, who also had asthma, died at 7:37 am. "According to a report from the emergency department, the man was tested for COVID-19 at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) and the report came on June 1, in which he was found positive for coronavirus infection," a senior official said. He was sent to home quarantine from there. On Thursday, he was brought to the casualty department of the hospital in an "unconscious state" and with a flat ECG line, and declared "brought dead". Amarpreet Kaur lives in Gurgaon with her husband Mandeep Singh, who said the family members rushed to the hospital after getting to know about his father-in-law's condition. "My father-in-law was taken in a car by my wife's brother and a cousin, accompanied by my mother-in-law," Singh said, and alleged that the LNJP Hospital staff "were not willing to see my father-in-law, even as he fainted in the car". "They are saying he was brought dead, but was he even attended to. The staff kept saying go to Ganga Ram Hospital. We were just at a loss," he alleged, the charge again denied by the LNJP Hospital authorities. Singh also alleged that the family "never received any call" from the SGRH on the positive COVID-19 status of his father-in-law. A spokesperson of the SGRH denied the charge, saying, "There is no truth in these allegations. However, we sympathise with the family for their loss." Singh also claimed that the family had approached three-four other private and government hospitals a few days ago, but "could not get admission" in any of those facilities, adding that they found out that beds were available at the LNJP Hospital, so he was taken there. Later, in a statement, the LNJP Hospital rejected the claims of the family as "incorrect and false", saying the man was brought to the hospital between 7:10 am and 7:30 am, was "not refused admission and examined by a doctor". It also claimed that the first tweet was put up by Kaur at 8:05 am and subsequently, she sent out another tweet, saying her father died at 9:08 am, but he died at 7:37 am. Singh responded to it and claimed that the tweets were "put out from his wife's account by a friend of hers", as she was scrambling to get her father medical attention and hence, there could have been a delay. Asked if the man's family was made to wait at the hospital, a source said, the LNJP Hospital, being a dedicated facility, sees a "lot of rush" of patients. "Also, there are four doctors in the casualty department, who can attend to only four patients at a time following all social-distancing and other safety guidelines. But the triage team looks out for any person in the queue, who needs immediate medical attention," the source said. The woman later tweeted seeking COVID-19 tests for all family members. "I lost my father today morning to COVID we want other family members to get tested today only. which labs are not doing they are in danger. We are trying since morning. My mother, brother, his wife and two kids. Pls help (sic)," she said. (with inputs from PTI)

Delhi woman alleges coronavirus positive father died due to delay in treatment

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday.

Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-maharashtra-records-2560-cases-death-toll-in-delhi-rises-to-606-303063">COVID-19: Maharashtra records 2,560 cases; death toll in Delhi rises to 606</a>

According to the police complaint, the accused broke the windows of the car using rods, robbed his belongings, and took away the cash that he was carrying. They also hit the pilot with a pistol grip and attacked him with a knife, which left him bleeding.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-lg-anil-baijal-approves-release-of-manu-sharma-in-jessica-lal-murder-case-302674">Delhi LG Anil Baijal approves release of Manu Sharma in Jessica Lal murder case</a>

After the accused left, the pilot called the cops and a case of robbery was registered.&nbsp;

The police said that Tewatia received "minor injuries", the driver is unhurt and the accused are yet to be nabbed.&nbsp;

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was patrolling the area near IIT flyover, where the incident occurred and they spotted the vehicle after getting an alert.&nbsp;

"The ERV chased the bikers till Mehrauli, which is quite a distance. We are evaluating all the footage from CCTV cameras from the flyover to the place in Mehrauli, and are in the process of identifying the accused," the DCP said, reported The Indian Express.

Arya also said that the registration number of the bikes have been noted down by the ERV officials.&nbsp;

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday. Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car.

A pilot of SpiceJet airlines was looted in the middle of the night at gunpoint, attacked by a knife in the national capital Delhi on Wednesday. Yuvraj Tewatia was in his office cab and on the way to Indira Gandhi International airport from his house in Faridabad at around 1:00 am IST when a group of masked men in motorcycles blocked his way and forcibly stopped his car. Also read | COVID-19: Maharashtra records 2,560 cases; death toll in Delhi rises to 606 According to the police complaint, the accused broke the windows of the car using rods, robbed his belongings, and took away the cash that he was carrying. They also hit the pilot with a pistol grip and attacked him with a knife, which left him bleeding. Also read | Delhi LG Anil Baijal approves release of Manu Sharma in Jessica Lal murder case After the accused left, the pilot called the cops and a case of robbery was registered. The police said that Tewatia received "minor injuries", the driver is unhurt and the accused are yet to be nabbed. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southwest) Devender Arya said Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) was patrolling the area near IIT flyover, where the incident occurred and they spotted the vehicle after getting an alert. "The ERV chased the bikers till Mehrauli, which is quite a distance. We are evaluating all the footage from CCTV cameras from the flyover to the place in Mehrauli, and are in the process of identifying the accused," the DCP said, reported The Indian Express. Arya also said that the registration number of the bikes have been noted down by the ERV officials.

Delhi: SpiceJet pilot robbed at gunpoint, attacked by knife

Delhi on Tuesday recorded its highest temperature of the season as the mercury crossed 47 degrees Celsius-mark in Palam area, the India Meteorological Department said.

Hottest day in Delhi in 18 years: Recorded temperature 47 degree celsius

An IPS officer who has been posted to Rashtrapati Bhavan tests positive for Coronavirus. After confirmation, the officer along with his staff has been sent into total quarantine

IPS officer posted at Rashtrapati Bhavan tests positive for COVID-19

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.&nbsp;

On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral.&nbsp;

The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened.&nbsp;

The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented.

The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. &nbsp;

“Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted.&nbsp;

On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”.

However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?”&nbsp;

While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government.

State-run TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation) liquor outlets falling under Chennai-city Police limits will not open on May 7th and has been deferred until further notice, read a statement from the Tamil Nadu Government. On Monday, when the state witnessed its highest-ever surge in coronavirus cases, the Government announced its decision to open state-run liquor outlets (does not include bars) across the state starting May 7th. Ironically, the state had seen 527 new Covid-19 cases on Monday, of which 266 cases were in the capital city Chennai alone. The announcement to open liquor outlets came in the evening, long after the videos of serpentine queues outside liquor shops in other states went viral. The State government had mentioned that the decision to open liquor stores was taken after noting that people living in the border areas were travelling in large numbers to neighbouring states of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, where liquor stores have already opened. The announcement to open liquor stores also came with guidelines on a 6-feet distance between customers, a limit on 5 customers at a time, and that shops can deploy more workforce to avoid crowding. Going by the crowds witnessed in other states across India, it is needless to talk about how well these rules can be implemented. The Tamil Nadu governments decision to open liquor shops at a time when the state was seeing a nearly three-fold rise in daily Covid-19 cases drew a lot of flak. Leaders from across the spectrum lashed out at the government. Tamil Nadu has recorded a total of 3550 Covid-19 cases, of which 2107 are active cases. 1438 of the active cases are in the state's capital city Chennai, which has a high population density. “Doesn’t the government realize that it’s every mistake is taking away lives. After failing to protect the Koyambedu market the government wants to open liquor shops” Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan tweeted. On the decision to not open shops within Chennai Police limits alone, Political analyst and senior journalist Dr Sumanth C Raman told WION, “it makes no sense, as people can always go to the nearby districts and buy liquor. This would mean that people travel long distances and that crowding would be much more in stores that are open. People would also buy in bulk from elsewhere and start selling it in black in Chennai”. However, Dr Raman also added that “Liquor brings in about 90crores per day in Tamil Nadu and its been shut during the lockdown. The state government has no money, and are left with no option. They haven’t received the GST dues from the Central Government, so can the state do away with welfare schemes or hike prices of milk and bus fares and electricity rates? The opposition will lash out at the ruling party for opening liquor shops, but they don’t offer solutions either. Can opposition parties close down the breweries owned by their leaders ?” While Tamil Nadu has deferred the opening of liquor shops within Chennai City Police limits, the state-run TASMAC outlets will remain open in other parts of the state. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu would also hike the price of liquor by including an additional cess in the liquor prices. So far, Delhi has announced a 70% increase in prices of liquor, due to a new ‘Corona tax’. It remains to be seen if Tamil Nadu and other states where liquor sales are permitted will follow suit.

Facing flak, Tamil Nadu defers opening of state-run liquor stores in Chennai; stores open in other districts from May 7

The government's nod to open state-run liquor shops from Monday saw people lining up in large numbers outside outlets, with police personnel struggling to manage the crowd.

According to an official, about 150 government-run liquor shops have been allowed to open from 9 am to 6.30 pm in accordance with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

DELHI

On Monday, liquor shops opened in the national capital after 42 days. The shops were closed due to lockdown restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. In several areas like Burari, Mayur Vihar, Gandhi Vihar, Rohini and Janakpuri, a large number of people had lined up outside outlets.

Police personnel were seen trying to manage the crowd outside many outlets where more than five people are not allowed at a given time. A shop had to be be closed in Mayur Vihar in east Delhi as people failed to maintain social distancing.

The government has directed four state-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor, to deploy adequate marshals at these shops.

There are around 850 liquor shops in Delhi, including those run by government agencies and private individuals.

In an order on Sunday night, the excise department also directed officials to identify liquor shops, which are being run by private individuals (L-7 licensee) and fulfil conditions laid down by the MHA. 
The officials have been asked them to submit a report within three days.

The government has so far allowed only those liquor shops (L-6 and L-8) to operate which are being run by four state-run agencies responsible for liquor sale in the national capital.

The department has asked agencies to coordinate with the local administration and police to maintain law and order.

According to the order, bonded warehouses have also been allowed to resume operation from 7 am to 6.30 pm.

The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited and the Delhi Consumers Cooperative Wholesale Store have been given the permission to open liquor shops in public places, except malls and market complexes.

The agencies will have to give an undertaking stating that liquor shops being allowed to open will fulfil all MHA guidelines, according to the excise department.&nbsp;

LUCKNOW

Long queues were seen outside liquor shops across Uttar Pradesh since Monday morning as people lined up to purchase liquor.

The queues were seen from as early as 7 am in some parts of the state capital. Some liquor outlets made circles outside the shops to ensure social distancing.

Liquor shops located in the hotspot zones, however, remained shut.

BENGALURU

At some places in the city, people flocked liquor shops even before day-break and performed "special prayers" with flowers, coconuts,incense sticks, camphor and crackers in front of the stores.

Liquor outlets had been shut in the State from March 25 following the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

About 4,500 standalone liquor outlets (CL-2 and CL- 11 licence holders), which comprise wine stores and those owned bystate-run Mysore Sales International Limited, outside containment zones were allowed to be opened from Monday from 9 am to 7 pm withsome restrictions.

These include customers compulsorily wearing of facemasks andmaintaining social distancing with not more than five people inside liquor shops.

Many customers were indeed well-prepared.

At many places, they came with umbrella, raincoat, newspapers and books and queued up as early as 3 am.

At a liquor shop in Salegame Road in Hassan, the tipplers lit the traditional lamp and incense sticks, performed 'aarati' with camphor and decorated the store with the garland of flowers.

With folded hands, they all performed 'special prayers'.

In Mandya, the tipplers queued up before Martaanda liquorshop before dawn.

An hour before the sales were to resume, a fewpeople burst crackers in celebration.

Some tipplers in Belagavi were more "enterprising."

They went to a liquor store on Sunday night itself, performed special prayers and placed their "representatives" in the form of slippers, bags and stones in the "social distancing boxes" they themselves had drawn sothat they don't have to stand in queue in the morning.

An elderly woman Dakamma was the centre of attraction in Shivamogga.&nbsp;

The bent body did not bend the determination of this spirited lady, claimed to be 96-year-old, who was heard saying "liquor is good for health."

At the taluk headquarters town of Brahmavara in the coastal Udupidistrict, the queue of the booze lovers was reported to be almosthalf-a-kilometre.

Long queues were seen at liquor stores at Mariyappana Palyaand K R Puram, among others, in Bengaluru.

The store managers too were no less cautious while dealing with customers in the COVID era.

They let the customers enter after spraying sanitisers in their hands, and allowed only those who had worn masks and maintained social distancing.

To maintain law and order, authorities had deployed policemen in good numbers at these stores and they were seen on duty ensuring that customers maintained social distancing.

(compiled from agencies)

The government's nod to open state-run liquor shops from Monday saw people lining up in large numbers outside outlets, with police personnel struggling to manage the crowd.

The government's nod to open state-run liquor shops from Monday saw people lining up in large numbers outside outlets, with police personnel struggling to manage the crowd. According to an official, about 150 government-run liquor shops have been allowed to open from 9 am to 6.30 pm in accordance with the latest lockdown relaxations given by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). DELHI On Monday, liquor shops opened in the national capital after 42 days. The shops were closed due to lockdown restrictions imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus. In several areas like Burari, Mayur Vihar, Gandhi Vihar, Rohini and Janakpuri, a large number of people had lined up outside outlets. Police personnel were seen trying to manage the crowd outside many outlets where more than five people are not allowed at a given time. A shop had to be be closed in Mayur Vihar in east Delhi as people failed to maintain social distancing. The government has directed four state-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor, to deploy adequate marshals at these shops. There are around 850 liquor shops in Delhi, including those run by government agencies and private individuals. In an order on Sunday night, the excise department also directed officials to identify liquor shops, which are being run by private individuals (L-7 licensee) and fulfil conditions laid down by the MHA. The officials have been asked them to submit a report within three days. The government has so far allowed only those liquor shops (L-6 and L-8) to operate which are being run by four state-run agencies responsible for liquor sale in the national capital. The department has asked agencies to coordinate with the local administration and police to maintain law and order. According to the order, bonded warehouses have also been allowed to resume operation from 7 am to 6.30 pm. The Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation, the Delhi State Civil Supplies Corporation Limited and the Delhi Consumers Cooperative Wholesale Store have been given the permission to open liquor shops in public places, except malls and market complexes. The agencies will have to give an undertaking stating that liquor shops being allowed to open will fulfil all MHA guidelines, according to the excise department. LUCKNOW Long queues were seen outside liquor shops across Uttar Pradesh since Monday morning as people lined up to purchase liquor. The queues were seen from as early as 7 am in some parts of the state capital. Some liquor outlets made circles outside the shops to ensure social distancing. Liquor shops located in the hotspot zones, however, remained shut. BENGALURU At some places in the city, people flocked liquor shops even before day-break and performed "special prayers" with flowers, coconuts,incense sticks, camphor and crackers in front of the stores. Liquor outlets had been shut in the State from March 25 following the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. About 4,500 standalone liquor outlets (CL-2 and CL- 11 licence holders), which comprise wine stores and those owned bystate-run Mysore Sales International Limited, outside containment zones were allowed to be opened from Monday from 9 am to 7 pm withsome restrictions. These include customers compulsorily wearing of facemasks andmaintaining social distancing with not more than five people inside liquor shops. Many customers were indeed well-prepared. At many places, they came with umbrella, raincoat, newspapers and books and queued up as early as 3 am. At a liquor shop in Salegame Road in Hassan, the tipplers lit the traditional lamp and incense sticks, performed 'aarati' with camphor and decorated the store with the garland of flowers. With folded hands, they all performed 'special prayers'. In Mandya, the tipplers queued up before Martaanda liquorshop before dawn. An hour before the sales were to resume, a fewpeople burst crackers in celebration. Some tipplers in Belagavi were more "enterprising." They went to a liquor store on Sunday night itself, performed special prayers and placed their "representatives" in the form of slippers, bags and stones in the "social distancing boxes" they themselves had drawn sothat they don't have to stand in queue in the morning. An elderly woman Dakamma was the centre of attraction in Shivamogga. The bent body did not bend the determination of this spirited lady, claimed to be 96-year-old, who was heard saying "liquor is good for health." At the taluk headquarters town of Brahmavara in the coastal Udupidistrict, the queue of the booze lovers was reported to be almosthalf-a-kilometre. Long queues were seen at liquor stores at Mariyappana Palyaand K R Puram, among others, in Bengaluru. The store managers too were no less cautious while dealing with customers in the COVID era. They let the customers enter after spraying sanitisers in their hands, and allowed only those who had worn masks and maintained social distancing. To maintain law and order, authorities had deployed policemen in good numbers at these stores and they were seen on duty ensuring that customers maintained social distancing. (compiled from agencies)

Long queues at liquor shops, authorities struggle to maintain social distancing

As India reports more cases of COVID-19 the Ministry of Home Affairs has ruled out an easing of restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic. However, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal announced that restrictions for the state of Delhi will not be eased. Watch report.

Isolation Measures To Remain In Place : Home ministry

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives. Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the government will assess the situation again after one week. According to an order issued by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government will review the situation on April 27.

Delhi CM Kejriwal rules out relaxation of lockdown in Delhi-NCR

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives.

Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the government will assess the situation again after one week. 
According to an order issued by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government will review the situation on April 27.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-jump-to-15712-more-than-500-dead-293348">Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead</a>

"Many people are facing difficulties due to ongoing lockdown... We too want to relax the lockdown which is an easy task. But if we give relaxations and if there is a shortage of ICU, ventilators, oxygen in hospitals and people lose their lives, we wouldn't be able to forgive us. Hence, the decision to not relax lockdown was taken today," Kejriwal said.

As the virus has started spreading at a faster pace, containment zones have been increased, he said, but assured the situation is under control. 
 
In Delhi, there are 11 districts which have hotspot areas and relaxation cannot be given there according to central government's revised guidelines.

Kejriwal also said that there have been instances where people who did not show symptoms were found infected by COVID-19. Out of 736 samples collected recently, 186 people were found to be infected by COVID-19 on Saturday and all of them were asymptomatic, he said, adding they didn't even know they have been infected by the virus.

"When we talked to one of them, he said he was engaged in serving food at a government-run food centre set up during the lockdown. I have ordered for rapid testing of all those who had visited this centre. We will also conduct rapid testing of all people engaged in food distribution at government-run centres across the city," the chief minister said.

He has previously said his government has been serving food to around 10 lakh people daily in the national capital. 
On Sunday, Kejriwal said Delhi has 2 per cent of the country's population but 12 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases.

He cited the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin last month and a major inflow of travellers from other countries as the reason for the spread of the virus in Delhi.

"Delhi is fighting a difficult battle these days. Being the national capital of country, there was a major inflow of travellers from other countries. Delhi bore the brunt of maximum travellers from other countries. Delhi also bore the brunt due to an incident in the markaz," he said.

Kejriwal said Delhi has reported 1,893 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths, adding that there are currently 26 people in ICU and six on ventilator support. Of the 43 fatalities, 24 were aged above 60.

"If there had been no lockdown, the situation here would have been similar to Italy and Spain," he said.

The Delhi government has declared 76 areas as containment zones to control the further spread of the highly contagious virus.

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives.

The Delhi government has decided to not relax the ongoing lockdown as of now as the coronavirus appears to be spreading at a "faster pace" in the national capital, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday, asserting that the decision is aimed at saving lives. Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said the government will assess the situation again after one week. According to an order issued by Delhi Chief Secretary Vijay Dev, the government will review the situation on April 27. Also read | Coronavirus cases in India jump to 15,712; more than 500 dead "Many people are facing difficulties due to ongoing lockdown... We too want to relax the lockdown which is an easy task. But if we give relaxations and if there is a shortage of ICU, ventilators, oxygen in hospitals and people lose their lives, we wouldn't be able to forgive us. Hence, the decision to not relax lockdown was taken today," Kejriwal said. As the virus has started spreading at a faster pace, containment zones have been increased, he said, but assured the situation is under control. In Delhi, there are 11 districts which have hotspot areas and relaxation cannot be given there according to central government's revised guidelines. Kejriwal also said that there have been instances where people who did not show symptoms were found infected by COVID-19. Out of 736 samples collected recently, 186 people were found to be infected by COVID-19 on Saturday and all of them were asymptomatic, he said, adding they didn't even know they have been infected by the virus. "When we talked to one of them, he said he was engaged in serving food at a government-run food centre set up during the lockdown. I have ordered for rapid testing of all those who had visited this centre. We will also conduct rapid testing of all people engaged in food distribution at government-run centres across the city," the chief minister said. He has previously said his government has been serving food to around 10 lakh people daily in the national capital. On Sunday, Kejriwal said Delhi has 2 per cent of the country's population but 12 per cent of the total COVID-19 cases. He cited the Tablighi Jamaat congregation in Nizamuddin last month and a major inflow of travellers from other countries as the reason for the spread of the virus in Delhi. "Delhi is fighting a difficult battle these days. Being the national capital of country, there was a major inflow of travellers from other countries. Delhi bore the brunt of maximum travellers from other countries. Delhi also bore the brunt due to an incident in the markaz," he said. Kejriwal said Delhi has reported 1,893 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths, adding that there are currently 26 people in ICU and six on ventilator support. Of the 43 fatalities, 24 were aged above 60. "If there had been no lockdown, the situation here would have been similar to Italy and Spain," he said. The Delhi government has declared 76 areas as containment zones to control the further spread of the highly contagious virus.

Arvind Kejriwal says no to easing coronavirus relaxations in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal briefed media today (March 29). Delhi CM talked on mass exodus mainly by migrant workers in the country, this is after India is under lockdown for 21 days to combat the lethal coronavirus.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on mass exodus in Delhi

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal briefed media. Delhi CM appreciated PM Modi's step to impose lockdown in the country. Arvind Kejriwal urged people to stay at home and follow guidelines.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal briefs on coronavirus outbreak

Migrant workers crowd Anand Vihar bus terminus to return to their hometowns The nationwide lockdown has rendered them unemployed and subsequently, they are desperate to return to their native places despite being informed about the danger the country faces due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Migrant workers crowd Anand Vihar bus terminus to return to their hometowns

Delhi's Anand Vihar crowded by migrant workers amid lockdown fears The nationwide lockdown has rendered them unemployed and subsequently, they are desperate to return to their native places despite being informed about the danger the country faces due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Delhi's Anand Vihar crowded by migrant workers amid lockdown fears

In the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown, the Centre has come up with a Rs 1.70 lakh crore relief package for the daily wage earners, women workers, and migrant workers as the country remains in a 21-day lockdown period.

Coronavirus Lockdown: India’s FM says 'No one will go hungry'

Health Ministry of India is planning to enhance the capacity for diagnosis and detection of novel coronavirus and has decided to allow accredited private labs to conduct the tests across the country.

India plans to boost Covid-19 testing

A vaccine row has erupted between the United States and Germany. Berlin has hit back at Donald Trump over allegations that the US President had tried to purchase exclusive rights of possible coronavirus vaccine.

Coronavirus: German firm is developing a possible vaccine

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

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

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

Coronavirus Pandemic: SAARC Nations come together to fight virus

The number of coronavirus infection in South Asia continues to rise. India has confirmed at least 110 COVID-19 cases.

South Asia: Coronavirus cases continue to rise

The underlying message of the video conference was unitedly taking on the virus, but Pakistan used the occasion to raise the Kashmir issue, calling for immediate lifting of the "lockdown" there to allow disease containment measures.

Coronavirus SAARC Meet: Pakistan's attempt to belittle India?

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that religious, social, cultural and political ceremonies, as well as protests by more than 50 people, would not be allowed until 31 March in view of the outbreak of coronavirus in the national capital.

Delhi CM Kejriwal takes measures to contain COVID-19 outbreak, stoppage on public gatherings!

In this video, WION exclusively speaks to Dr Sanjeev Choubey, Medical Director at St. Michel Hospital who stayed back in Wuhan to help COVID-19 patients day-night.

LIVE : Doctor who stayed back in Wuhan to help COVID-19 patients day-night!

In this video, WION tries to give the answers to some basic and important questions on Coronavirus (COVID-19) that is spreading across the globe and has been emerged as a 'pandemic' by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

WION answers the top-5 questions on 'pandemic' COVID-19

The White House confirmed that after testing the US President Donald Trump for Coronavirus (COVID-19), he has tested negative.

US President Donald Trump tests negative for Coronavirus

The Union Health Ministry said the number of novel Coronavirus cases in the country rose to 93 on Sunday, including one each from Delhi and Karnataka.

COVID-19 cases rise up to 93 in India as 9 more people tests positive

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