<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102">Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138688-trump-reuters.jpg?itok=YZZiy1Tk" />Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-worse-than-pearl-harbor-911-for-us-says-trump-297102">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-out-of-five-children-in-us-left-hungry-since-virus-crisis-study-297103">Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since virus crisis: Study</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/04/30/138687-usa-corona-reuters.jpg?itok=7_Lr0eXU" />

Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-one-out-of-five-children-in-us-left-hungry-since-virus-crisis-study-297103">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations against it</a> 
 
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The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-lambasts-us-for-coercing-countries-to-plant-covid-19-accusations-against-it-297110">READ MORE</a> 
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Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

Coronavirus 'worse' than Pearl Harbor, 9/11 for US, says Trump Renewing his criticism of China on Wednesday over the global coronavirus pandemic and said it has been worse for the United States than Pearl Harbor and 9/11. READ MORE Nearly one out of five children in US left hungry since virus crisis: Study Nearly a fifth of young children in the United States are not getting enough to eat since the coronavirus pandemic erupted, according to research out Wednesday highlighting the broader health impact of the crisis. READ MORE China lambasts US for coercing countries to plant COVID-19 accusations against it The United States is pressuring its allies and trying to coerce other countries to help it plant accusations against China on issues concerning COVID-19 responsibility, said a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: China lambasts US, Covid-19 'worse' than 9/11 and more

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.&nbsp;

1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. 
&nbsp; 
India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process.

Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK.&nbsp;

Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu &amp; NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&amp;K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1.

Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers.

The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 
&nbsp; 
7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port.

Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship."

INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs.

The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability.

This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can."

The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country.

Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. 
&nbsp; 
"State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said.

The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed.

The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it.&nbsp;

After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period.

Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy.

2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back.

The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back thousands of thousands of its stranded nationals from abroad has started with the first flight to land in Kerala in the night. 1st flight with 175 stranded Indians from abroad will land in Kochi from Abu Dhabi at around 2140 hrs. The Air India Express flight will leave UAE at 1615 local time. The second flight will also be to Kerala, having 175 stranded Indians. It will come from Dubai and land in Kozhikode at around 2230 hr. India will be bringing back around 14600 of its citizens in 64 flights in the first week of the repatriation process. Flights will get back stranded Indians from 12 countries—6 from the Gulf, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, 3 from ASEAN--Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, 1 from the neighbourhood which is Bangladesh and US, UK. Maximum flights will be to Kerala at 15, followed by Tamil Nadu & NCR at 11, Maharashtra and Telangana at 7, Gujarat at 5, Karnataka and J&K at 3 and Punjab and UP at 1. Focus remains on the gulf where 3 lakh people have registered for repatriation. Of the 64, 25 flights will be coming from the gulf, and of the gulf, 10 flights will come from UAE, which hosts the largest number of Indians globally, many of them blue-collared workers. The first flight from Saudi Arabia is scheduled to operate from Riyadh to Kozhikode on May 08, 2020, and the other 4 flights would operate on Riyadh-Delhi; Dammam-Kochi; Jeddah-Kochi and Jeddah-Delhi sectors. 7 flights will come each from Bangladesh, UK, Malaysia, US, 5 from Singapore, Philipines, Saudi Arabia, 4 from Kuwait, 2 each from Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Meanwhile, Indian Navy's Operation Samudra Setu to evacuate Indians from the Maldives will begin from tomorrow and ahead of that INS Jalashwa has entered Male port. Indian envoy to Maldives Sunjay Sudhir speaking to WION exclusively on the operation said, "Around midday of 8th of May, the first group of about 700 Indians will set sail back home, back to Kochi, that will be the first lot. After that, we are planning a few other evacuations though Navy ship." INS Jalashwa Indian Navy's largest Amphibious platform (Landing Platform Dock) can carry 1000 troops. With the current social distancing, norms can carry 500-700 people. The repatriation will be in 2 phases via 2 ships with the first group being taken to Kochi, then Tuticorin. Priority will be given to medical cases, women and those who lost jobs. The French embassy in a statement said, "During this period of a public health crisis, the Indian and the French navies are fully engaged in the Samudra Setu and Resilience operations respectively to aid people facing the ordeal of the COVID-19 epidemic." Last year the 17th edition of Varuna, the Indo-French naval exercise saw both the Navies reaching a decisive phase in interoperability. This is Independent India's largest repatriation mission to bring back its citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19 pandemic. India will be getting back 1,92,000 people in the first phase of the mammoth exercise with the focus on the Gulf. On Monday India's envoy to UAE Pavan Kapoor speaking exclusively to WION said, "I am glad that we are starting this process of repatriation for those who urgently need to return to India. We look forward to working closely with the UAE authorities to make this process as smooth and efficient as we can." The largest-ever evacuation carried out by India was the 1990 airlift of Indians from Kuwait during the Gulf War in which 170,000 Indian expatriates were from the west Asian country. Around 11,000 stranded Indians have registered with Indian mission in Moscow, 1200 in New Zealand, 390 Indian nationals with High Commission of Nairobi, 265 at the Indian mission in Mexico, 2000 at India's mission in Canada and five Indians in Somalia have also registered so that they can get back home. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel and Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for the process had been prepared in this regard. "State Governments are being advised to make arrangements, including for testing, quarantine and onward movement of the returning Indians in their respective States.", MHA in a statement said. The facilitation will only be on "compelling grounds" and will be done via planes and naval ships on payment basis and non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. During the process of getting back, all health protocols like social distancing norms will have to be followed. The evacuees after reaching the destination would have to register on the Indian government's Aarogya Setu app which has been developed to alert about COVID-19 crisis and alerts regarding it. After being medically screened, they will be quarantined for 14 days in a hospital or an institutional quarantine on payment-basis by the State governments which will be followed by COVID test at the end of the given period. Earlier this year, India brought back approximately 2500 of its citizens and 48 foreign nationals from China, Japan, Iran and Italy. 2015 Operation Raahat saw India bringing back around 4600 of its citizens while Operation Sankat Mochan of 2016 saw India bringing back 600 of its nationals from South Sudan. 2011 Operation Safe Homecoming to bring back Indians from war-torn Libya saw 15000 Indian nationals being brought back. The first decade of the century saw Operation Sukoon in which Indian Navy got back 1764 Indians and was the largest evacuation operations conducted by the Navy since World War II.

India's mega repatriation plan to bring back stranded citizens begins; first flight to reach Kerala in night

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/05/06/139411-south-china-sea-reuters.jpg?itok=EcgVyXm1" />

The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-accuses-beijing-of-aggressive-behaviour-in-south-china-sea-296896">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/03/29/134781-untitled-design-10.jpg?itok=VPq0koyE" />

The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-makes-significant-breakthrough-in-developing-antibodies-for-covid-19-296897">READ MORE</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting</a> 
 
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The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-hail-victory-as-sudan-moves-to-ban-genital-cutting-296915">READ MORE</a> 
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US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000.

US accuses Beijing of aggressive behaviour in South China Sea The novel coronavirus that broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019 has infected more that 3.5 million in the world, and killed 2,50,000. READ MORE Israel makes 'significant breakthrough' in developing antibodies for COVID-19 The researchers have wrapped up the development phase and moved to patent and mass produce the potential treatment. READ MORE Women hail victory as Sudan moves to ban genital cutting The practice has long been viewed, especially in rural communities, as a "rite of passage" for girls and a way to preserve their chastity. READ MORE

Morning News Brief: Israel develops key Covid antibody, Sudan bans female genital mutilation and more

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. 
&nbsp; 
“The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. 
&nbsp; 
A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. 
&nbsp; 
The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. 
&nbsp; 
Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests.

The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday.

A day after a driver from the Border Security Force (BSF), South Bengal Frontier headquartered in Kolkata attached to the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) convoy tested positive, five more BSF personnel tested positive on Tuesday. “The five personnel were escorted to the Central team. They were tested Coronavirus positive today. They have been admitted in MR Bangur Hospital,” said a senior official of BSF South Bengal Frontier. A day ago, the BSF driver tested positive, later as many as 50 personnel from the unit had been quarantined. Of those 50, 18 personnel were tested. Their reports arrived on Tuesday which revealed that five of them have tested positive. The driver had reported fever and was immediately removed on April 30, 2020, and sent into quarantine. Later, he tested positive for Covid-19. Sources reveal that the other remaining personnel will also undergo tests. The BSF pilot car and personnel were attached to the convoy of Inter-Ministerial Central Team which had been camping in Kolkata for two weeks for on-spot assessment of lockdown violations, violence against frontline healthcare workers and state government’s preparedness to tackle Covid-19.

Five BSF jawans attached to IMCT convoy in Kolkata test positive for Covid-19

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.&nbsp;

The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month.

The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place.

A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March.&nbsp;

During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff.&nbsp;

The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces.

There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy.

A Civilian staff working in the kitchen at the Indian Army Officer’s Training Academy(OTA) in Chennai has tested positive for Coronavirus and the individual’s contacts have been quarantined said a statement from the Academy. The individual was admitted to a government hospital on May 3rd after complaining of chest congestion and the individual tested positive on Monday. People who came in contact with the said individual have been placed under quarantine as a precaution. WION has learnt that that said staffer who tested positive had been reporting for work for nearly all of last month. The statement from the Academy said that the Academy has been functioning with minimal staff and that adequate precautionary measures are in place. A source from the Academy revealed to WION that there are no cadets presently in the Academy as one batch had completed their 11-month training and passed out in the second week of March, while the present batch had gone on their term break just after the passing out parade. So the cadets haven’t returned to the academy on account of the lockdown that has been effective since the last week of March. During the routine functioning of the academy, there are over 200 cadets in the academy and also several serving Officers of the Army and large teams of support staff. The passing out parade at the academy is a grand event that takes place twice a year- in March and September. About 200 cadets(including foreign cadets) pass out of the Academy as Officers. The event is open to family members, media fraternity and veteran and serving Officers from the Armed forces. There were 136 Gentlemen cadets and 31 Lady cadets who passed out of the Academy this March, in addition to 11 cadets from friendly foreign countries such as Bhutan, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. The parade was reviewed by Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff. The 11-month training at the Academy is offered to candidates aged 21-18 who clear the SSB exam and related interviews. The Academy trains cadets to join the Army as Commissioned Officers under the Short Service Commission(SSC).

Civilian staff at Army Officer’s Training Academy in Chennai tests Covid-19 positive

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said.

The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others.

According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection.&nbsp;

The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. 
 
(With inputs from PTI)

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin.

India's coronavirus count crept closer to 50,000 mark with 2,958 new cases and 126 new fatalities till Wednesday morning. The total number of coronavirus cases in India stood at 49,391, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in its May 6 health bulletin. Of the total cases, 33,514 are active cases while 14,182 individuals have been cured and discharged from the hospitals. The death toll has mounted to 1694 while one person has migrated to another country, according to the data released by the Health Ministry. Meanwhile, Coronavirus has infected around 548 doctors, nurses and paramedics across the country so far, according to data maintained by the Centre, official sources said. The figure does not include field workers, ward boys, sanitation workers, security guards, lab attendants, peons, laundry and kitchen staff among others. According to an official source, it has not been ascertained from where these doctors, nurses and paramedic staff have acquired the infection. The figure includes doctors, nurses and paramedics from Centre-run and state government-run facilities across states and union territories. (With inputs from PTI)

India's COVID-19 count rises to 49,391, death toll mounts to 1,694

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-250000-die-of-coronavirus-worldwide-confirmed-recoveries-near-12-lakh-296685">Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh</a> 
 
The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths.

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According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths.

According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766).

The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal.

It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana.

(With inputs from agencies)

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India climbed to 46,433 on Tuesday with 3,900 people testing positive for COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Also read: More than 250,000 die of coronavirus worldwide; confirmed recoveries near 12 lakh The country has recorded 195 new fatalities in the last 24 hours. This is the biggest single-day spike in the number of positive cases and deaths. According to the data published by the ministry on its portal, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 46433 including 32134 active cases, 12727 cured/discharged/migrated and 1568 deaths. According to the health ministry data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra (14,541), followed by Gujarat (5,804), Delhi (4,898), Tamil Nadu (3,550), Rajasthan (3,061), Madhya Pradesh (2,942) and Uttar Pradesh (2,766). The number of confirmed cases has gone up to 1,650 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,259 in West Bengal. It has risen to 1,233 in Punjab, 1,085 in Telangana, 726 in Jammu and Kashmir, 651 in Karnataka, 528 in Bihar and 517 in Haryana. (With inputs from agencies)

195 die and 3,900 test positive for coronavirus in India in last 24 hours; sharpest single-day spike

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue.

The state government concerned can also pay for the tickets, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

He said the Madhya Pradesh government is doing so and asked Rahul Gandhi to tell the Congress-ruled states to follow suit.

He was responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's attack on the railways for charging poor migrant labourers ticket fare, even as it donated over Rs 151 crore to the PM-CARES Fund.

"Rahul Gandhi ji, I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that ''No tickets to be sold at any station''. Railways has subsidised 85% &amp; state govt to pay 15%. The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh's BJP govt is paying). Ask Cong state govts to follow suit," Patra tweeted.

The BJP leader further clarified that for each ''Shramik Express'', special trains being run for migrants, about 1,200 tickets to the destination are handed by the railways to the state government concerned.

State governments are supposed to clear the ticket price and hand over the tickets to workers, he said.

Seeking to corner the central government, the Congress on Monday said its state units will bear the cost of rail travel of needy migrant workers and labourers stranded at their workplaces due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced the party's decision and said this would be the Congress' humble contribution in standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers.

In a tweet, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy claimed that migrant workers returning home will not have to pay money as the rail travel will be free from now onwards.

Mr Swamy, in a tweet, said, "Talked to Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and the State Govt 15%. Migrant labour will go free. The Ministry will clarify with an official statement."

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue.

The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 per cent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 per cent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue. The state government concerned can also pay for the tickets, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. He said the Madhya Pradesh government is doing so and asked Rahul Gandhi to tell the Congress-ruled states to follow suit. He was responding to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's attack on the railways for charging poor migrant labourers ticket fare, even as it donated over Rs 151 crore to the PM-CARES Fund. "Rahul Gandhi ji, I have attached guidelines of MHA which clearly states that ''No tickets to be sold at any station''. Railways has subsidised 85% & state govt to pay 15%. The state govt can pay for the tickets (Madhya Pradesh's BJP govt is paying). Ask Cong state govts to follow suit," Patra tweeted. The BJP leader further clarified that for each ''Shramik Express'', special trains being run for migrants, about 1,200 tickets to the destination are handed by the railways to the state government concerned. State governments are supposed to clear the ticket price and hand over the tickets to workers, he said. Seeking to corner the central government, the Congress on Monday said its state units will bear the cost of rail travel of needy migrant workers and labourers stranded at their workplaces due to the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced the party's decision and said this would be the Congress' humble contribution in standing shoulder to shoulder with these workers. In a tweet, BJP MP Subramanian Swamy claimed that migrant workers returning home will not have to pay money as the rail travel will be free from now onwards. Mr Swamy, in a tweet, said, "Talked to Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and the State Govt 15%. Migrant labour will go free. The Ministry will clarify with an official statement."

Railways has subsidised 85% fare of special trains for migrants: BJP

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world. He also talked about how the mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in the country, many of the tourist and short term visitors.

WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country?

Pranay Verma: COVID pandemic has impacted lives and travel all over the world. Our Embassy and consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City have actively been reaching out to Indian nationals who are held up in Vietnam in the wake of travel restrictions. Most people who are stranded in Vietnam are tourists and business travellers or short term visitors who could not return to India before the travel restrictions came up. We have extensively used social media tools to inform all our Indian nationals in Vietnam including community members who live in Vietnam as well as those who are visiting Vietnam and are held up about our 24*7 emergency coordinates. We have launched an online drive to register Indian Nationals in Vietnam. We are encouraging them to contact us for any assistance from Visa extension, any logistics or subsistence needs that are required to make their extended stay in Vietnam manageable. At the same time, the Indian community in Vietnam and the community organisation like the Indian business chamber have been extremely helpful in playing a proactive role in establishing contacts through social media networks within the larger community to ensure that any person in need is quickly identified and reached out to. We are also in touch with the Vietnamese authorities to seek assistance in making sure those currently held back in Vietnam do not face any undue hardships. Thankfully, we have had no cases of Indian nationals in Vietnam catching the COVID virus infection. In short, other than return to India, which is not something which we can control from here, we stand ready to extend and are extending all possible assistance to make the stay of our stranded citizens in Vietnam as convenient as practically possible.

WION: How are India and Vietnam cooperating on COVID pandemic? Are we sending HCQ or importing kits or anything?

Pranay Verma: India and Vietnam have maintained close contact during the fight against COVID 19. PM Modi spoke telephonically to Vietnamese PM on April 13th and discussed the situation arising out of the pandemic and the steps our two countries are taking to address the challenge. We are also engaged via diplomatic channels, exchanging information on best practices. India traditionally plays the role of a major provider of pharmaceuticals to Vietnam and this engagement has continued during COVID 19 outbreak. If you look at the way both India and Vietnam have approached the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many similarities in terms of early and precise actions taken, including travel restrictions, containment strategies- quarantine and social distancing enforcements, contact tracing etc. while ensuring at the same time significant ramping up of medical preparedness. Largely as a result of these actions, one can say, both countries have been able to witness among the lowest per capita incidence of infections.&nbsp;

WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Vietnam's containment model?

Pranay Verma: As I said, we are closely engaged with Vietnam, by exchanging information and best practices and prevention and containment strategies. We are providing detailed briefings to the Vietnamese side on actions India is taking. The Vietnamese side has appreciated the enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown. Similarly, we are also regularly updating authorities in India about developments in Vietnam, their best practices, achievements including indigenous development of testing kits, use of technology in contact tracing, enforcing social distancing and the overall success in managing the pandemic.

WION: How has the ground situation in Vietnam changed, how are Indian diplomats faring?

Pranay Verma: As of date, COVID situation in Vietnam appears to have been largely contained. Vietnam has reported 271 total positive cases since the first case was reported in late January. Vietnam has not seen any case of community transmission since around the middle of April. Thanks for inquiring about the well being of our diplomats and our officials. &nbsp;Throughout social distancing restrictions that were put in place in Vietnam since April 1, the embassy and our consulate general has remained open, though with reduced staff strength. We have been particularly alert that our consular services are not disrupted and that we are actively able to extend consular assistance to Indian nationals throughout this period. With social distancing norms now relaxed since April 22nd, life seems to be gradually coming back to normal, schools have reopened from this week and we are also back to work in full strength and all our diplomats, officials and local staffs are in good spirits.

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world.

Vietnam has appreciated the scale of action taken in India on lockdown and social distancing norms, India's Envoy to Vietnam Pranay Verma said. Speaking exclusively to Our Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Hanoi, Pranay Verma said both the countries have had similar approaches in dealing with the crisis and currently both "have among the lowest per capita incidents of infections" in the world. He also talked about how the mission is reaching out to Indians stranded in the country, many of the tourist and short term visitors. WION: How is the Indian mission reaching to stranded Indians in the country? Pranay Verma: COVID pandemic has impacted lives and travel all over the world. Our Embassy and consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City have actively been reaching out to Indian nationals who are held up in Vietnam in the wake of travel restrictions. Most people who are stranded in Vietnam are tourists and business travellers or short term visitors who could not return to India before the travel restrictions came up. We have extensively used social media tools to inform all our Indian nationals in Vietnam including community members who live in Vietnam as well as those who are visiting Vietnam and are held up about our 24*7 emergency coordinates. We have launched an online drive to register Indian Nationals in Vietnam. We are encouraging them to contact us for any assistance from Visa extension, any logistics or subsistence needs that are required to make their extended stay in Vietnam manageable. At the same time, the Indian community in Vietnam and the community organisation like the Indian business chamber have been extremely helpful in playing a proactive role in establishing contacts through social media networks within the larger community to ensure that any person in need is quickly identified and reached out to. We are also in touch with the Vietnamese authorities to seek assistance in making sure those currently held back in Vietnam do not face any undue hardships. Thankfully, we have had no cases of Indian nationals in Vietnam catching the COVID virus infection. In short, other than return to India, which is not something which we can control from here, we stand ready to extend and are extending all possible assistance to make the stay of our stranded citizens in Vietnam as convenient as practically possible. WION: How are India and Vietnam cooperating on COVID pandemic? Are we sending HCQ or importing kits or anything? Pranay Verma: India and Vietnam have maintained close contact during the fight against COVID 19. PM Modi spoke telephonically to Vietnamese PM on April 13th and discussed the situation arising out of the pandemic and the steps our two countries are taking to address the challenge. We are also engaged via diplomatic channels, exchanging information on best practices. India traditionally plays the role of a major provider of pharmaceuticals to Vietnam and this engagement has continued during COVID 19 outbreak. If you look at the way both India and Vietnam have approached the COVID 19 pandemic, there are many similarities in terms of early and precise actions taken, including travel restrictions, containment strategies- quarantine and social distancing enforcements, contact tracing etc. while ensuring at the same time significant ramping up of medical preparedness. Largely as a result of these actions, one can say, both countries have been able to witness among the lowest per capita incidence of infections. WION: Have we shared any Indian containment model or anything to learn from Vietnam's containment model? Pranay Verma: As I said, we are closely engaged with Vietnam, by exchanging information and best practices and prevention and containment strategies. We are providing detailed briefings to the Vietnamese side on actions India is taking. The Vietnamese side has appreciated the enormity and scale of action taken in India to enforce social distancing through the lockdown. Similarly, we are also regularly updating authorities in India about developments in Vietnam, their best practices, achievements including indigenous development of testing kits, use of technology in contact tracing, enforcing social distancing and the overall success in managing the pandemic. WION: How has the ground situation in Vietnam changed, how are Indian diplomats faring? Pranay Verma: As of date, COVID situation in Vietnam appears to have been largely contained. Vietnam has reported 271 total positive cases since the first case was reported in late January. Vietnam has not seen any case of community transmission since around the middle of April. Thanks for inquiring about the well being of our diplomats and our officials. Throughout social distancing restrictions that were put in place in Vietnam since April 1, the embassy and our consulate general has remained open, though with reduced staff strength. We have been particularly alert that our consular services are not disrupted and that we are actively able to extend consular assistance to Indian nationals throughout this period. With social distancing norms now relaxed since April 22nd, life seems to be gradually coming back to normal, schools have reopened from this week and we are also back to work in full strength and all our diplomats, officials and local staffs are in good spirits.

India's scale of action on COVID-19 containment appreciated by Hanoi: Indian envoy to Vietnam

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places.

As spring slipped into summer and the lockdown, which began on March 25, continued, people waited eagerly for electricians to service air-conditioners, plumbers to repair washing machines and broken taps, domestics to get back for the deep cleaning that never did get done and a host of other urgent jobs.

On the other end of the spectrum were the band of workers, trained in myriad necessary jobs that keep the household machine going smoothly, who found themselves without jobs and money.

Many of them, like Manoj Koli, an electrician for over 20 years, said they were reduced to scrambling for food and the lifting of some lockdown restrictions will hopefully mean a semblance of normalcy.

"I haven't earned a single rupee since March 21. It will be difficult to get back to work until electrical shops selling spare parts like wires and sockets also open. It is still too early to tell," Mr Manoj told PTI.

"With some electrical shops now open, that problem should hopefully be resolved. But I should get some work before all of that," the electrician, who lives in south Delhi's Dakshinpuri locality with his parents, wife and children, added.

The lockdown, to curtail the spread of coronavirus, has been extended for two weeks till at least May 17. Several restrictions have been lifted and several remain.

Declaring that the time had come to reopen Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday evening, "Self-employed people like technicians, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, sanitation workers, domestic helps, and people involved with laundry and ironing are allowed to work."

Navigating the coronavirus crisis, which has pushed Indians into the four walls of their homes, has been traumatic for everybody, but most of all perhaps for those like Manoj who depend on their everyday work to make a living.

He said the pandemic could not have come at a worse time.

Every April, he would be flooded with calls for AC servicing and repairs from his clients and could manage to make as much as Rs 40,000 a month.

This year, the calls didn't come and neither did the money.

There are lakhs of people like Mr Manoj.

According to Rajesh Kumar of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), the Delhi government does not have any official records of the numbers of unorganised skilled labour, including plumbers, electricians and carpenters. But it could be as high as six-seven lakh.

"The government should have created a record of these people before announcing a lockdown. It is understandable that the lockdown has been extended, but the government should have also been prepared with solutions for the problems of all kinds of people in the state," the IFTU general secretary said.

Subhash Mohanty, a plumber, said he is grateful he could procure the Delhi government's rations soon after the lockdown was announced.

"There has been no work for the last one month. I got some calls for work in the last few days, but I had to turn them down because there is a coronavirus case in my area, and I cannot step out of here," Mohanty, who stays in Tughlakabad Extension with his wife and two children, said.

Bikram Kumar, who works as a carpenter in south Delhi localities, said surviving the lockdown is getting more difficult each day and he can't wait to get back to work.

On a good month, he would make between Rs 10-20,000 a month, a part of which he would send to his home in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district where his wife and four children live. Since the lockdown, he has barely managed to make enough to feed himself and said he has been surviving on biscuits and water.

"Had there been public transport, I would have gone back home. At least, we have produce from farms. Now crops are also getting spoilt because nobody is there to harvest them," Bikram, who lives with his nephew in Lal Kuan area near Okhla industrial estate, said.

The last few weeks have been an emotional and financial drain for those like Kobita who came back to work on Monday to clean and cook in homes.

"During the lockdown period, I tried to go to some of my employers' houses to collect my salary but was stopped by police. Today, many junctions opened up, and it was a relief. I was getting worried that many of my employers won't call me back at all," said Kobita, who works in Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi.

With no public transport, she now has to walk about 30 minutes from her home but is not complaining.

"At least I have work," she said.

If Kobita, Manoj, Subhash and Bikram are desperate to get back to work, homemakers like Lata Srinivasan are equally anxious for them to attend to long pending jobs.

Almost every house is in need of an electrician who can service their ACs, but most are wary about inviting any outsider into their homes for fear of contracting the disease that has infected over 42,000 people in India and killed at least 1,373.

The total number of cases in Delhi has crossed 4,500 with 64 fatalities.

Srinivasan (68), is stuck with two unserviced ACs and a broken refrigerator in this heat and could not do anything about it because her society was not letting any service personnel in.

Her 10 year-old fridge finally gave up three days into the lockdown, and since then she has been figuring out ways to prevent her perishable food from going bad.

"I was buying vegetables once in two days, and keeping them in the open under the fan," Ms Srinivasan, who lives in an apartment complex in IP Extension in east Delhi, said.

Her society allowed electricians and plumbers to work from Monday but with strict instructions.

"We need to buy masks, gloves, and sanitisers for the technicians. They need to fill up a form giving their personal details at the society office, where their tools will be sanitised, and then the employers need to escort them to and from their houses so they don't go anywhere else," she said.

With the lockdown being relaxed somewhat, she is hoping day-to-day life will become smoother.&nbsp;

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places.

Electricians, plumbers, part-time house helps and other workers took tentative steps back to work on Monday as large parts of India, including the national capital, entered the third phase of the lockdown with curbs eased in some places. As spring slipped into summer and the lockdown, which began on March 25, continued, people waited eagerly for electricians to service air-conditioners, plumbers to repair washing machines and broken taps, domestics to get back for the deep cleaning that never did get done and a host of other urgent jobs. On the other end of the spectrum were the band of workers, trained in myriad necessary jobs that keep the household machine going smoothly, who found themselves without jobs and money. Many of them, like Manoj Koli, an electrician for over 20 years, said they were reduced to scrambling for food and the lifting of some lockdown restrictions will hopefully mean a semblance of normalcy. "I haven't earned a single rupee since March 21. It will be difficult to get back to work until electrical shops selling spare parts like wires and sockets also open. It is still too early to tell," Mr Manoj told PTI. "With some electrical shops now open, that problem should hopefully be resolved. But I should get some work before all of that," the electrician, who lives in south Delhi's Dakshinpuri locality with his parents, wife and children, added. The lockdown, to curtail the spread of coronavirus, has been extended for two weeks till at least May 17. Several restrictions have been lifted and several remain. Declaring that the time had come to reopen Delhi, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday evening, "Self-employed people like technicians, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, sanitation workers, domestic helps, and people involved with laundry and ironing are allowed to work." Navigating the coronavirus crisis, which has pushed Indians into the four walls of their homes, has been traumatic for everybody, but most of all perhaps for those like Manoj who depend on their everyday work to make a living. He said the pandemic could not have come at a worse time. Every April, he would be flooded with calls for AC servicing and repairs from his clients and could manage to make as much as Rs 40,000 a month. This year, the calls didn't come and neither did the money. There are lakhs of people like Mr Manoj. According to Rajesh Kumar of the Indian Federation of Trade Unions (IFTU), the Delhi government does not have any official records of the numbers of unorganised skilled labour, including plumbers, electricians and carpenters. But it could be as high as six-seven lakh. "The government should have created a record of these people before announcing a lockdown. It is understandable that the lockdown has been extended, but the government should have also been prepared with solutions for the problems of all kinds of people in the state," the IFTU general secretary said. Subhash Mohanty, a plumber, said he is grateful he could procure the Delhi government's rations soon after the lockdown was announced. "There has been no work for the last one month. I got some calls for work in the last few days, but I had to turn them down because there is a coronavirus case in my area, and I cannot step out of here," Mohanty, who stays in Tughlakabad Extension with his wife and two children, said. Bikram Kumar, who works as a carpenter in south Delhi localities, said surviving the lockdown is getting more difficult each day and he can't wait to get back to work. On a good month, he would make between Rs 10-20,000 a month, a part of which he would send to his home in Uttar Pradesh's Azamgarh district where his wife and four children live. Since the lockdown, he has barely managed to make enough to feed himself and said he has been surviving on biscuits and water. "Had there been public transport, I would have gone back home. At least, we have produce from farms. Now crops are also getting spoilt because nobody is there to harvest them," Bikram, who lives with his nephew in Lal Kuan area near Okhla industrial estate, said. The last few weeks have been an emotional and financial drain for those like Kobita who came back to work on Monday to clean and cook in homes. "During the lockdown period, I tried to go to some of my employers' houses to collect my salary but was stopped by police. Today, many junctions opened up, and it was a relief. I was getting worried that many of my employers won't call me back at all," said Kobita, who works in Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi. With no public transport, she now has to walk about 30 minutes from her home but is not complaining. "At least I have work," she said. If Kobita, Manoj, Subhash and Bikram are desperate to get back to work, homemakers like Lata Srinivasan are equally anxious for them to attend to long pending jobs. Almost every house is in need of an electrician who can service their ACs, but most are wary about inviting any outsider into their homes for fear of contracting the disease that has infected over 42,000 people in India and killed at least 1,373. The total number of cases in Delhi has crossed 4,500 with 64 fatalities. Srinivasan (68), is stuck with two unserviced ACs and a broken refrigerator in this heat and could not do anything about it because her society was not letting any service personnel in. Her 10 year-old fridge finally gave up three days into the lockdown, and since then she has been figuring out ways to prevent her perishable food from going bad. "I was buying vegetables once in two days, and keeping them in the open under the fan," Ms Srinivasan, who lives in an apartment complex in IP Extension in east Delhi, said. Her society allowed electricians and plumbers to work from Monday but with strict instructions. "We need to buy masks, gloves, and sanitisers for the technicians. They need to fill up a form giving their personal details at the society office, where their tools will be sanitised, and then the employers need to escort them to and from their houses so they don't go anywhere else," she said. With the lockdown being relaxed somewhat, she is hoping day-to-day life will become smoother.

Lockdown restrictions eased, electricians, house helps take steps back to work

In a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the Bengal’s capital city of Kolkata, Police have formulated guidelines to prevent people from spitting at public places. 
&nbsp; 
According to sources in the Kolkata Police, a person who is caught spitting might invite arrest with a case being registered against him and can be charged a fine between Rs.2,000-Rs.5,000 as per the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking &amp; Spitting &amp; Protection of Health of Non-Smokers &amp; Minors Act. 
&nbsp; 
Sources reveal top brass of Kolkata Police have asked the field officers to prosecute those who are caught spitting in place of public work or use as per the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking &amp; Spitting &amp; Protection of Health of Non-Smokers &amp; Minors Act. 
&nbsp; 
“This Act allows a person to be prosecuted who spits in place of public work or use like - auditoriums, hospital buildings, health institutions, educational institutions, libraries, court buildings, public offices and public conveyances including Railways,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police. 
&nbsp; 
He further added, “In case of a person is caught spitting in thoroughfares or open maidan, he will be prosecuted under the Calcutta Police Act or the Disaster Management Act.” 
&nbsp; 
Kolkata Police on Wednesday registered the first case under the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking &amp; Spitting &amp; Protection of Health of Non-Smokers &amp; Minors Act in the lockdown period. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;A 55-year-old Kumar Gourisaria was prosecuted by New Alipore Police Station on Wednesday for spitting in a public place.

In a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the Bengal’s capital city of Kolkata, Police have formulated guidelines to prevent people from spitting at public places.

In a bid to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the Bengal’s capital city of Kolkata, Police have formulated guidelines to prevent people from spitting at public places. According to sources in the Kolkata Police, a person who is caught spitting might invite arrest with a case being registered against him and can be charged a fine between Rs.2,000-Rs.5,000 as per the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking & Spitting & Protection of Health of Non-Smokers & Minors Act. Sources reveal top brass of Kolkata Police have asked the field officers to prosecute those who are caught spitting in place of public work or use as per the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking & Spitting & Protection of Health of Non-Smokers & Minors Act. “This Act allows a person to be prosecuted who spits in place of public work or use like - auditoriums, hospital buildings, health institutions, educational institutions, libraries, court buildings, public offices and public conveyances including Railways,” said a senior official of Kolkata Police. He further added, “In case of a person is caught spitting in thoroughfares or open maidan, he will be prosecuted under the Calcutta Police Act or the Disaster Management Act.” Kolkata Police on Wednesday registered the first case under the West Bengal Prohibition of Smoking & Spitting & Protection of Health of Non-Smokers & Minors Act in the lockdown period. A 55-year-old Kumar Gourisaria was prosecuted by New Alipore Police Station on Wednesday for spitting in a public place.

Coronavirus: Spitting in public places in Kolkata might invite arrest by police

Two days after cops were attacked in Howrah’s Tikiapara area, the main instigators were arrested on Thursday. 
&nbsp; 
Two main instigators were identified and arrested by Howrah City Police, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 12. 
&nbsp; 
On Tuesday evening, police officers from Howrah City Police got information that some people were were violating the lockdown and were out on the streets. 
&nbsp; 
Immediately a team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other officers from Tikiapara Police Out Post were rushed to the spot. However, suddenly the gathering grew bigger with people stepping out of their homes. 
&nbsp; 
Immediately the RAF team and other officers were pushed to a cornered and the locals began chasing them. In no time, the locals started pelting stones and hurled bottles at them. Two police vehicles were vandalised, ransacked and the Tikipara Police Out Post was attacked too. 
&nbsp; 
As many as three police officials suffered injuries. 
&nbsp; 
Three FIRs were registered and ten persons involved in the attack on cops were arrested on Wednesday.

Two days after cops were attacked in Howrah’s Tikiapara area, the main instigators were arrested on Thursday. Two main instigators were identified and arrested by Howrah City Police, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 12.

Two days after cops were attacked in Howrah’s Tikiapara area, the main instigators were arrested on Thursday. Two main instigators were identified and arrested by Howrah City Police, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 12. On Tuesday evening, police officers from Howrah City Police got information that some people were were violating the lockdown and were out on the streets. Immediately a team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and other officers from Tikiapara Police Out Post were rushed to the spot. However, suddenly the gathering grew bigger with people stepping out of their homes. Immediately the RAF team and other officers were pushed to a cornered and the locals began chasing them. In no time, the locals started pelting stones and hurled bottles at them. Two police vehicles were vandalised, ransacked and the Tikipara Police Out Post was attacked too. As many as three police officials suffered injuries. Three FIRs were registered and ten persons involved in the attack on cops were arrested on Wednesday.

Attack on police in Bengal's COVID hotspot Howrah: Main instigators nabbed

As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story.

According to official figures released, 73 people have died in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-us-body-for-accusing-it-of-violating-religious-freedom-295443">Also read: India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom</a>

According to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, as much as 1,007 people have died of coronavirus in the country and 31,332 cases have been reported so far.&nbsp;

While the plasma therapy is giving some hope to the citizens, ICMR has said that currently there are no approved, definitive therapies for coronavirus. The government has also announced plasma therapy is still in an experimental stage and can even prove life-threatening for a patient.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-activates-currency-swap-to-help-the-maldives-amid-covid-19-295380">Also read: India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19</a>

In India, Maharashtra is still the worst-affected state as more than 729 new cases were reported taking the total toll to 9,318, and the death toll to nearly 400 as the state reported its highest single-day death count of 31.

Delhi has recorded a total of 3,108 positive cases as a CRPF battalion in Delhi has reported 47 cases of coronavirus, including one jawan who died yesterday. Following this news, the entire battalion of nearly 1,000 personnel has been quarantined.

Tamil Nadu, too, has been fighting its battle by implementing a four-day intense lockdown in Chennai and Coimbatore, and a three-day lockdown in &nbsp;Salem and Tirupur, which ended last night. Coronavirus cases in the state crossed the 2,000-mark, with 25 reported deaths.

As people wait for a decision on the extension or lifting up of the lockdown, there has been no official word from the government yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Chief Ministers on a video meeting. It is being speculated that the lockdown could continue beyond May 3 in parts of the country which have been worst affected by the pandemic.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday, said that the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases has slowed to 10.9, with a recovery rate of 24.56 per cent.

As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story.

As the lockdown 2.0 is coming close to its end date, people are wondering if the lockdown will be lifted this time, or will it be extended for a lockdown 3.0. While it is being believed that the lockdown has helped India get control of the situation, the number of positive cases that are on a rise tell a scary story. According to official figures released, 73 people have died in the last 24 hours, recording the biggest jump in the number of deaths in a day. The number of positive coronavirus cases as well as the death count has doubled in the past 10 days. Also read: India slams US body for accusing it of violating religious freedom According to the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, as much as 1,007 people have died of coronavirus in the country and 31,332 cases have been reported so far. While the plasma therapy is giving some hope to the citizens, ICMR has said that currently there are no approved, definitive therapies for coronavirus. The government has also announced plasma therapy is still in an experimental stage and can even prove life-threatening for a patient. Also read: India activates currency swap to help the Maldives amid COVID-19 In India, Maharashtra is still the worst-affected state as more than 729 new cases were reported taking the total toll to 9,318, and the death toll to nearly 400 as the state reported its highest single-day death count of 31. Delhi has recorded a total of 3,108 positive cases as a CRPF battalion in Delhi has reported 47 cases of coronavirus, including one jawan who died yesterday. Following this news, the entire battalion of nearly 1,000 personnel has been quarantined. Tamil Nadu, too, has been fighting its battle by implementing a four-day intense lockdown in Chennai and Coimbatore, and a three-day lockdown in Salem and Tirupur, which ended last night. Coronavirus cases in the state crossed the 2,000-mark, with 25 reported deaths. As people wait for a decision on the extension or lifting up of the lockdown, there has been no official word from the government yet. Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the Chief Ministers on a video meeting. It is being speculated that the lockdown could continue beyond May 3 in parts of the country which have been worst affected by the pandemic. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday, said that the doubling rate of COVID-19 cases has slowed to 10.9, with a recovery rate of 24.56 per cent.

Coronavirus deaths cross the 1,000 mark in India, biggest jump in last 24 hours

Kerala's village Alappuzha has found a unique way with a very basic tool for social distancing in their fight against coronavirus. The villagers will be using an umbrella for social distancing.

Kerala's village Alappuzha has found a unique way with a very basic tool for social distancing in their fight against coronavirus. The villagers will be using an umbrella for social distancing. The panchayat authorities of the tourist destination will ensure that umbrellas are available to all. According to panchayat officials of Thanneermukkom, Kerala's Finance Minister Thomas Isaac came up with this unique idea to promote social distancing. Why an umbrella? Umbrellas are basic and cheap tool found in almost every household in the state, a gap between two people holding an umbrella will ensure at least a one-metre gap to ensure enough distance. The minister took to Twitter to share the picture of people practising physical distancing in the village, he said: "To enforce physical distancing, Thaneermukkom GP in Alappuzha, mandates that everyone hold the umbrella when they go out of houses. Two opened umbrellas, not touching each other, will ensure a minimum distance of one meter from one another. Umbrellas distributed at a subsidized rate." To enforce physical distancing, Thaneermukkom GP in Alappuzha, mandates that everyone hold umbrella when they go out of houses. Two opened umbrellas, not touching each other, will ensure minimum distance of one meter from one another. Umbrellas distributed at subsidized rate. pic.twitter.com/6qir4KXPSL — Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) April 26, 2020 × Kerala has 480 coronavirus cases including four deaths. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country has risen to 29,974 with 1,594 new cases and 51 deaths reported in the last 24 hours, India's health ministry said on Tuesday. The death toll due to the virus has now climbed to 937, the health ministry said. There are 22,010 active COVID-19 cases with 7,027 patients cured of the virus

One man one umbrella, Kerala's village finds a unique way to promote social distancing

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 29,435 on Tuesday with 62 deaths and 1543 new cases in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.&nbsp;

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday reported that the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 29435 including 21632 active cases, 6868 cured/discharged, 934 deaths and 1 migrated.

Maharashtra continued to be the worst-hit state with the total number of COVID-19 cases at 8,590.

Meanwhile, the overall number of COVID-19 cases worldwide increased to 2,878,196 and the death count reached 198,668. There are 1,359,380 confirmed cases and 124,525 deaths in Europe. The number of cases in the Americas total 1,140,520, with 58,492 deaths.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 29,435 on Tuesday with 62 deaths and 1543 new cases in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 29,435 on Tuesday with 62 deaths and 1543 new cases in the last 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday reported that the total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 29435 including 21632 active cases, 6868 cured/discharged, 934 deaths and 1 migrated. Maharashtra continued to be the worst-hit state with the total number of COVID-19 cases at 8,590. Meanwhile, the overall number of COVID-19 cases worldwide increased to 2,878,196 and the death count reached 198,668. There are 1,359,380 confirmed cases and 124,525 deaths in Europe. The number of cases in the Americas total 1,140,520, with 58,492 deaths.

India sees sharpest death count rise; total Covid-19 cases 29,435

The inter-ministerial central teams on COVID-19 assessment in West Bengal on Monday toured several areas of East Midnapore and Jalpaiguri districts to take stock of the situation at hospitals and oversee the implementation of lockdown norms.

The team in Kolkata, led by senior bureaucrat Apurba Chandra, went to Tamluk, Haldia and Paskura in East Midnapore district. It visited the Baroma Covid Hospital, Paskura, District Hospital in Tamluk and S D Hospital in Haldia.

“At all the three hospitals, the team met senior officials and hospital superintendents. They took stock of the situation, inquired about minute details and data of the patients,” a state government official said.

In Jalpaiguri district, the central team led by senior official Vineet Joshi visited various hospitals and quarantine centres.

“They visited COVID-19 hospitals at Rajganj and Biswa Bangla Sports Centre and a few quarantine centres,” another official said.

Joshi, while speaking to reporters, later, said in several areas, people were not adhering to lockdown norms.

There has been a war of words between the West Bengal government and the Centre over the arrival of the two central teams in the state to assess the coronavirus situation. The teams have visited several hospitals and hotspot areas in the past couple of days to look into the state’s preparedness for tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.

The inter-ministerial central teams on COVID-19 assessment in West Bengal on Monday toured several areas of East Midnapore and Jalpaiguri districts to take stock of the situation at hospitals and oversee the implementation of lockdown norms.

The inter-ministerial central teams on COVID-19 assessment in West Bengal on Monday toured several areas of East Midnapore and Jalpaiguri districts to take stock of the situation at hospitals and oversee the implementation of lockdown norms. The team in Kolkata, led by senior bureaucrat Apurba Chandra, went to Tamluk, Haldia and Paskura in East Midnapore district. It visited the Baroma Covid Hospital, Paskura, District Hospital in Tamluk and S D Hospital in Haldia. “At all the three hospitals, the team met senior officials and hospital superintendents. They took stock of the situation, inquired about minute details and data of the patients,” a state government official said. In Jalpaiguri district, the central team led by senior official Vineet Joshi visited various hospitals and quarantine centres. “They visited COVID-19 hospitals at Rajganj and Biswa Bangla Sports Centre and a few quarantine centres,” another official said. Joshi, while speaking to reporters, later, said in several areas, people were not adhering to lockdown norms. There has been a war of words between the West Bengal government and the Centre over the arrival of the two central teams in the state to assess the coronavirus situation. The teams have visited several hospitals and hotspot areas in the past couple of days to look into the state’s preparedness for tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.

COVID-19: Central teams visit East Midnapore, Jalpaiguri to asses situation

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.&nbsp;

BJP state chief K Surendran said while the whole country was fighting the pandemic together, it was “inappropriate” on part of the Kerala chief minister to miss the meeting.

“Kerala chief minister said he had attended the last meeting and hence he did not attend today’s meeting. However, most of the chief ministers, who attended the last meeting, had attended Monday’s meeting. While the whole country is fighting the pandemic together, his absence cannot be justified,” Surendran said in a statement.

However, Vijayan, in his daily COVID-19 evaluation press meet, said the Union cabinet secretary had on Sunday informed that only a few chief ministers will have a chance to speak at the video conference.

“We were asked to share the topics which we would like to share in the video conference. We had informed the cabinet secretary about it on Sunday itself. The cabinet secretary had informed us that only a few chief ministers will get a chance to speak during the conference,” Vijayan said.

Only nine chief ministers got the chance to speak during the video conference called by the prime minister. Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose participated in the conference.

Kerala had informed the cabinet secretary about the concerns of the state government on Sunday itself. Vijayan said the state government had said that the lockdown could be extended partially till May 15.

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

The Kerala BJP on Monday criticised Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not participating in the video conference called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country. BJP state chief K Surendran said while the whole country was fighting the pandemic together, it was “inappropriate” on part of the Kerala chief minister to miss the meeting. “Kerala chief minister said he had attended the last meeting and hence he did not attend today’s meeting. However, most of the chief ministers, who attended the last meeting, had attended Monday’s meeting. While the whole country is fighting the pandemic together, his absence cannot be justified,” Surendran said in a statement. However, Vijayan, in his daily COVID-19 evaluation press meet, said the Union cabinet secretary had on Sunday informed that only a few chief ministers will have a chance to speak at the video conference. “We were asked to share the topics which we would like to share in the video conference. We had informed the cabinet secretary about it on Sunday itself. The cabinet secretary had informed us that only a few chief ministers will get a chance to speak during the conference,” Vijayan said. Only nine chief ministers got the chance to speak during the video conference called by the prime minister. Kerala Chief Secretary Tom Jose participated in the conference. Kerala had informed the cabinet secretary about the concerns of the state government on Sunday itself. Vijayan said the state government had said that the lockdown could be extended partially till May 15.

‘Cannot be justified’: BJP slams Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan for skipping PM Modi’s COVID-19 meet with chief ministers

The extension of lockdown in the country was discussed in the video-conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of nine states on Monday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/coronavirus-cases-in-india-rise-to-27892-with-872-deaths-click-for-state-wise-status-294960">Coronavirus cases in India rise to 27,892 with 872 deaths | click for state-wise status</a> 
 
PM Modi assured the states that the economy is in good shape and there is no need to worry.

The chief ministers who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conrad Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh).

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pm-modi-to-cms-in-video-conference-nationwide-lockdown-in-india-helping-alot-to-contain-coronavirus-spread-295038/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the reports more than seven states have asked for lockdown extension. Few CMs wanted lockdown should be eased in non-corona zones and economic activities be allowed.

Odisha has requested for one more month of lockdown and Bihar has asked more PPE kits.

"I have demanded that lockdown should continue otherwise we can't face these things in Odisha. Let it be one month more, then, we will see what is going on," Odisha Health Minister Naba Das, who was present along with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the video conference, said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
This was the fourth such interaction since March 22 when he first spoke to them on the pandemic, Modi also highlighted the importance for states to enforce prescribed guidelines strictly in the coronavirus hotspots zones, the government said in a statement.

What PM Modi said in the meeting?

<ul>
	<li>Lockdown has yielded positive results, the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past 1.5 months.</li>
	<li>Our aim must be the rapid response, need to follow the mantra of ‘do gaz doori’.</li>
	<li>PM said that efforts of states should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones.</li>
	<li>We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens.</li>
	<li>We have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against covid-19.</li>
	<li>Impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months, masks and face covers will be part of our life.</li>
	<li>CMs provide feedback, suggest measures to meet economic challenges and boost health infrastructure.</li>
</ul>

 
Today's meeting comes just a week ahead of the scheduled ending of the nationwide lockdown. On March 24, the Prime Minister had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3.

(With inputs from agencies)

The extension of lockdown in the country was discussed in the video-conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of nine states on Monday.

The extension of lockdown in the country was discussed in the video-conference between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Ministers of nine states on Monday. Coronavirus cases in India rise to 27,892 with 872 deaths | click for state-wise status PM Modi assured the states that the economy is in good shape and there is no need to worry. The chief ministers who attended the meeting included Arvind Kejriwal (Delhi), Uddhav Thackeray (Maharashtra), E K Palaniswami (Tamil Nadu), Conrad Sangma (Meghalaya) Trivendra Singh Rawat (Uttarakhand) and Yogi Adityanath (Uttar Pradesh). According to the reports more than seven states have asked for lockdown extension. Few CMs wanted lockdown should be eased in non-corona zones and economic activities be allowed. Odisha has requested for one more month of lockdown and Bihar has asked more PPE kits. "I have demanded that lockdown should continue otherwise we can't face these things in Odisha. Let it be one month more, then, we will see what is going on," Odisha Health Minister Naba Das, who was present along with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the video conference, said. This was the fourth such interaction since March 22 when he first spoke to them on the pandemic, Modi also highlighted the importance for states to enforce prescribed guidelines strictly in the coronavirus hotspots zones, the government said in a statement. What PM Modi said in the meeting? Lockdown has yielded positive results, the country has managed to save thousands of lives in the past 1.5 months. Our aim must be the rapid response, need to follow the mantra of ‘do gaz doori’. PM said that efforts of states should be directed towards converting the red zones into orange and thereafter to green zones. We have to be brave and bring in reforms that touch the lives of common citizens. We have to give importance to the economy as well as continue the fight against covid-19. Impact of coronavirus will remain visible in the coming months, masks and face covers will be part of our life. CMs provide feedback, suggest measures to meet economic challenges and boost health infrastructure. Today's meeting comes just a week ahead of the scheduled ending of the nationwide lockdown. On March 24, the Prime Minister had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3. (With inputs from agencies)

Lockdown has yielded positive results, says PM; States want extension with relaxations

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-positive-cases-near-3-million-mark-globally-death-toll-passes-2-lacs-294998">Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs</a> 
 
​​​​​​​According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1,396 new cases of coronavirus and 48 deaths were reported. The total number of cases in Maharashtra, the worst affected state by Covid-19, has risen to 8068 with 342 deaths.

Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said.

The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that a total of 280 government laboratories in the country are conducting tests for Covid-19. ICMR also released a list of 90 private labs which will conduct the testing.

Here is the total coronavirus cases in India, state-wise

Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 33

Andhra Pradesh - 1097

Arunachal Pradesh - 1

Assam - 36

Bihar - 274

Chandigarh - 30

Chhattisgarh - 37

Delhi - 2918

Goa - 7

Gujarat - 3301

Haryana - 289

Himachal Pradesh - 40

Jammu and Kashmir - 523

Jharkhand -82

Karnataka - 503

Kerala - 458

Ladakh - 20

Madhya Pradesh - 2096

Maharashtra - 8068

Manipur - 2

Meghalaya - 12

Mizoram - 1

Odisha - 103

Puducherry - 7

Punjab - 7

Rajasthan - 2185

Tamil Nadu - 1885

Telangana - 1002

Tripura - 2

Uttarakhand - 50

Uttar Pradesh - 1868

West Bengal - 649

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers of all states today amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Meanwhile, the Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday reported that countrywide COVID-19 death toll has reached 872 while the number of cases climbed to 27892. Also read: COVID-19 positive cases near 3-million mark globally; death toll passes 2 lacs According to the available data, the total cases in the country reached 27892, including 6184 cured/discharged/migrated and 872 deaths. In the past 24 hours, 1,396 new cases of coronavirus and 48 deaths were reported. The total number of cases in Maharashtra, the worst affected state by Covid-19, has risen to 8068 with 342 deaths. Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, the Government of India is taking several steps along with the states/UTs for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level, the ministry said. The Indian Council of Medical Research has said that a total of 280 government laboratories in the country are conducting tests for Covid-19. ICMR also released a list of 90 private labs which will conduct the testing. Here is the total coronavirus cases in India, state-wise Andaman and Nicobar Islands - 33 Andhra Pradesh - 1097 Arunachal Pradesh - 1 Assam - 36 Bihar - 274 Chandigarh - 30 Chhattisgarh - 37 Delhi - 2918 Goa - 7 Gujarat - 3301 Haryana - 289 Himachal Pradesh - 40 Jammu and Kashmir - 523 Jharkhand -82 Karnataka - 503 Kerala - 458 Ladakh - 20 Madhya Pradesh - 2096 Maharashtra - 8068 Manipur - 2 Meghalaya - 12 Mizoram - 1 Odisha - 103 Puducherry - 7 Punjab - 7 Rajasthan - 2185 Tamil Nadu - 1885 Telangana - 1002 Tripura - 2 Uttarakhand - 50 Uttar Pradesh - 1868 West Bengal - 649 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with the Chief Ministers of all states today amid the coronavirus lockdown. Meanwhile, the Indian government is planning to evacuate the countrymen stranded in different countries after the nationwide lockdown is lifted. Indian missions in different countries are laying the groundwork for the same and holding consultations with authorities. Earlier this week, India's Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba held a video conference with chief secretaries of all states and union territories on the situation on lockdown in the country and resumption of economic activities.

Coronavirus cases in India rise to 27,892 with 872 deaths | click for state-wise status

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people.

Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-1990-new-cases-india-witnesses-highest-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hour-period-294814">Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period</a>

It was decided earlier this month that this year's festival will be held without gathering of people.

The main attraction of Thrissur Pooram, which showcases fireworks and parading of elephants falls on May 3. But this year it has also been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19.&nbsp;

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people. Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines.

For the first time in its history, the flag hoisting of Thrissur Pooram, the annual temple festival, was held without the participation of people. Only five people participated at the flag hoisting ritual held here on Sunday at Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples due to the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines. Also read: With 1,990 new cases, India witnesses highest coronavirus cases in 24-hour period It was decided earlier this month that this year's festival will be held without gathering of people. The main attraction of Thrissur Pooram, which showcases fireworks and parading of elephants falls on May 3. But this year it has also been cancelled in the wake of COVID-19.

Flag-hoisting at Thrissur Pooram festival held without mass gathering

Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that 1490 new cases and 56 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours.

India's total number of coronavirus positive cases has crossed 24,942 (including 18,953 active cases, 5210 cured/discharged/migrated and 779 deaths), according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.&nbsp;

Seven new cases of coronavirus were reported from Kerala on Saturday taking the total number of infected persons in the state to 457 and seven people were cured, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Meanwhile, four more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Ranchi on Saturday, said Ranchi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) director Dr DK Singh.

Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that 1490 new cases and 56 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. India's total number of coronavirus positive cases has crossed 24,942 (including 18,953 active cases, 5210 cured/discharged/migrated and 779 deaths), according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that 1490 new cases and 56 deaths recorded in the last 24 hours. India's total number of coronavirus positive cases has crossed 24,942 (including 18,953 active cases, 5210 cured/discharged/migrated and 779 deaths), according to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Seven new cases of coronavirus were reported from Kerala on Saturday taking the total number of infected persons in the state to 457 and seven people were cured, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Meanwhile, four more persons tested positive for COVID-19 in Ranchi on Saturday, said Ranchi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) director Dr DK Singh.

COVID-19 death toll touches 779 as number of cases rises to 24,942 in India

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi&nbsp;to intervene in bringing back bodies of the Keralites who died in Gulf countries of reasons other than COVID-19 infection.

"I would like to draw your attention to the grievances received from Non-resident Keralites Associations (NRKs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on the delay caused in bringing home the mortal remains of NRKs who had expired due to reasons other than the COVID-19 infection," read the letter by the CM.

"It is learnt that a clearance certificate&nbsp;from the Indian Embassies is required to process the application of bringing home the mortal remains of the dead. The Embassies are insisting on the production of a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi," it read.

The letter also pointed out that according to a notification by the government, no such certificate is needed to bring back&nbsp;the mortal remains of the deceased who died due to reasons other than coronavirus.

"To enable to bring back the bodies of the NRIs whose deaths occurred due to reasons other than COVID-19 infection, without necessary procedural hassles, I request your kind intervention," read the letter further.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-government-takes-30-per-cent-cut-in-salary-to-overcome-covid-19-induced-financial-crisis-294132">Also read:&nbsp;Kerala government takes 30 per cent cut in salary to overcome COVID-19-induced financial crisis</a>

The bodies are now being brought back to the country in cargo planes as passenger flights have been halted due to lockdown restrictions.

"They are already under tremendous stress and anxiety due to the lockdown imposed in those countries and the consequent stoppage of international flights", he said.

Meanwhile, 324 out of a total of 447 coronavirus cases have recovered, with only three reported deaths. The chief minister has asked the health officials to conduct more tests in the state.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in bringing back bodies of the Keralites who died in Gulf countries of reasons other than COVID-19 infection.

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in bringing back bodies of the Keralites who died in Gulf countries of reasons other than COVID-19 infection. "I would like to draw your attention to the grievances received from Non-resident Keralites Associations (NRKs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on the delay caused in bringing home the mortal remains of NRKs who had expired due to reasons other than the COVID-19 infection," read the letter by the CM. "It is learnt that a clearance certificate from the Indian Embassies is required to process the application of bringing home the mortal remains of the dead. The Embassies are insisting on the production of a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), New Delhi," it read. The letter also pointed out that according to a notification by the government, no such certificate is needed to bring back the mortal remains of the deceased who died due to reasons other than coronavirus. "To enable to bring back the bodies of the NRIs whose deaths occurred due to reasons other than COVID-19 infection, without necessary procedural hassles, I request your kind intervention," read the letter further. Also read: Kerala government takes 30 per cent cut in salary to overcome COVID-19-induced financial crisis The bodies are now being brought back to the country in cargo planes as passenger flights have been halted due to lockdown restrictions. "They are already under tremendous stress and anxiety due to the lockdown imposed in those countries and the consequent stoppage of international flights", he said. Meanwhile, 324 out of a total of 447 coronavirus cases have recovered, with only three reported deaths. The chief minister has asked the health officials to conduct more tests in the state.

Kerala CM requests PM to help bring back the remains of NKRs who died due to non-COVID reasons in Gulf countries

As novel coronavirus cases continue to grow in India, a 93-year-old man has brought cheers to many faces as he got discharged from a government hospital.

Kerala government said that India's oldest COVID-19 survivor and his wife were discharged after they got recovered in a hospital in Kottayam.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kids-in-gujarat-join-coronavirus-relief-fight-with-donations-from-piggy-bank-290384">Kids in Gujarat join coronavirus-relief fight with donations from piggy bank</a>

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also said the state confirmed nine new coronavirus cases today, taking the state tally to 295.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/647-confirmed-cases-linked-to-tablighi-jamaat-in-14-states-says-health-ministry-290401">647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry</a>

The state has received praises for controlling the number of coronavirus deaths, even though it ranks third in the list of the highest number of cases in Indian states. At least three people have died in Kerala, so far.&nbsp;

As many as 206 infected patients have a history of travelling abroad &amp; seven people are foreigners and 14 people have recovered, Vijayan said.&nbsp;

The chief minister also added that out of the nine new positive cases, three people had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at&nbsp;Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi,

Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim group, held a religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz on March 13 where more than 3,000 people participated, including foreign nationals. The event has become a major COVID-19 hotspot in India with a large number of attendees and people who came into contact with them getting affected by the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Earlier today, the Ministry of Health said in the last two days around 647 new coronavirus cases in 14 states were found that are linked to Tablighi Jamaat.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in India stands at 2301 with 56 deaths, as per the latest figures. At least 157 people have recovered from COVID-19 in India.&nbsp;

As novel coronavirus cases continue to grow in India, a 93-year-old man has brought cheers to many faces as he got discharged from a government hospital. Kerala government said that India's oldest COVID-19 survivor and his wife were discharged after they got recovered in a hospital in Kottayam.

As novel coronavirus cases continue to grow in India, a 93-year-old man has brought cheers to many faces as he got discharged from a government hospital. Kerala government said that India's oldest COVID-19 survivor and his wife were discharged after they got recovered in a hospital in Kottayam. Also read | Kids in Gujarat join coronavirus-relief fight with donations from piggy bank Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan also said the state confirmed nine new coronavirus cases today, taking the state tally to 295. Also read | 647 confirmed cases linked to Tablighi Jamaat in 14 states, says Health Ministry The state has received praises for controlling the number of coronavirus deaths, even though it ranks third in the list of the highest number of cases in Indian states. At least three people have died in Kerala, so far. As many as 206 infected patients have a history of travelling abroad & seven people are foreigners and 14 people have recovered, Vijayan said. The chief minister also added that out of the nine new positive cases, three people had attended the Tablighi Jamaat event at Nizamuddin Markaz in New Delhi, Tablighi Jamaat, a Muslim group, held a religious congregation at Nizamuddin Markaz on March 13 where more than 3,000 people participated, including foreign nationals. The event has become a major COVID-19 hotspot in India with a large number of attendees and people who came into contact with them getting affected by the coronavirus. Earlier today, the Ministry of Health said in the last two days around 647 new coronavirus cases in 14 states were found that are linked to Tablighi Jamaat. Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in India stands at 2301 with 56 deaths, as per the latest figures. At least 157 people have recovered from COVID-19 in India.

93-year-old discharged from Kerala hospital after he defeated coronavirus

An IAS officer in Kerala has 'skipped' home quarantine after his return from Singapore nearly ten days ago and seems to have left for Bengaluru to be with his brother, prompting the state government to seek an explanation from him, a top district official said on Friday.

Kollam Sub-Collector Anupam Mishra had returned to the state on March 19 from Singapore and was advised to remain under home quarantine, as per the protocol for overseas returnees in the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak, District Collector B Abdul Nasser said.

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>

The bureaucrat from Uttar Pradesh was on leave after his marriage and had taken permission to travel to Malaysia and Singapore.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/odisha-govt-issues-guidelines-for-smooth-distribution-of-newspapers-during-lockdown-288801" hreflang="en">Odisha govt issues guidelines for smooth distribution of newspapers during lockdown</a>

"On his return I advised him to remain under home quarantine. Seems like he left to be with his family at Bengaluru," Nasser told PTI.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/no-need-to-panic-indian-banks-are-safe-and-stable-says-rbi-governor-shaktikanta-das-288832" hreflang="en">No need to panic, Indian banks are safe and stable, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das</a>

He said the state government has sought an explanation in this regard.

"We have asked him to provide his current address and travel details to Bengaluru. On his return to Kerala from the foreign trip, he had undergone, medical examination and did not show symptoms. His close family and personal staff, including gunman, are under observation," the collector said.

He, however, did not share any detail about other family members of the officer and whether they too had been put under home quarantine.

Local media reports said people in Mishra's neighbourhood informed officials after noticing no movement in his home for quite some time. 
Incidentally, Kollam, is the only district in the state, which has not reported any positive case of COVID-19 so far.

An IAS officer in Kerala has 'skipped' home quarantine after his return from Singapore nearly ten days ago and seems to have left for Bengaluru to be with his brother, prompting the state government to seek an explanation from him, a top district official said on Friday.

An IAS officer in Kerala has 'skipped' home quarantine after his return from Singapore nearly ten days ago and seems to have left for Bengaluru to be with his brother, prompting the state government to seek an explanation from him, a top district official said on Friday. Kollam Sub-Collector Anupam Mishra had returned to the state on March 19 from Singapore and was advised to remain under home quarantine, as per the protocol for overseas returnees in the backdrop of coronavirus outbreak, District Collector B Abdul Nasser said. Also read: India records five new COVID-19 cases today, total now shoots up to 735 The bureaucrat from Uttar Pradesh was on leave after his marriage and had taken permission to travel to Malaysia and Singapore. Also read: Odisha govt issues guidelines for smooth distribution of newspapers during lockdown "On his return I advised him to remain under home quarantine. Seems like he left to be with his family at Bengaluru," Nasser told PTI. Also read: No need to panic, Indian banks are safe and stable, says RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das He said the state government has sought an explanation in this regard. "We have asked him to provide his current address and travel details to Bengaluru. On his return to Kerala from the foreign trip, he had undergone, medical examination and did not show symptoms. His close family and personal staff, including gunman, are under observation," the collector said. He, however, did not share any detail about other family members of the officer and whether they too had been put under home quarantine. Local media reports said people in Mishra's neighbourhood informed officials after noticing no movement in his home for quite some time. Incidentally, Kollam, is the only district in the state, which has not reported any positive case of COVID-19 so far.

Coronavirus: IAS officer 'skips' home quarantine in Kerala

Twelve more people have tested positive for coronavirus -- six in Kerala and three each in Karnataka and Pune, state authorities said on Tuesday as the total cases went up to 59.

Twelve more people have tested positive for coronavirus -- six in Kerala and three each in Karnataka and Pune, state authorities said on Tuesday as the total cases went up to 59. The health ministry said the total number of confirmed cases has risen to 50, adding the rest are being retested for confirmation. Once the fresh cases declared by the state governments are taken into account, the figure will go up to 59. In Karnataka, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said four persons have been confirmed for coronavirus, including three new cases. In Pune also, three persons tested positive, a day after two cases were reported. Announcing the latest cases in Kerala at a media interaction in Thiruvananthapuram after a special cabinet meeting held to discuss the coronavirus situation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at least 1,116 people are under observation -- 149 in isolation wards of various hospitals and 967 under home quarantine. The fresh cases are friends and relatives of an Italy-returned couple and their son who had on Saturday tested positive for the deadly virus along with two other kin staying with them at their home in Rane in Pathanamthitta district, Health Minister K K Shailaja, who was also present, said. The aged parents of the couple are among the six latest positive cases, she said. In Karnataka, a software engineer who returned from the US on March 1 tested positive on Monday, becoming the first COVID-19 patient in the state. According to health department officials, his wife and daughter too tested positive for the virus on Tuesday. Another person, who had travelled from America via London and arrived in Bengaluru on March 8, also tested positive, they said. State Health Minister Sriramulu said the family members of the four persons have been quarantined. Using a hashtag of #CoronaVirusOutBreak, the minister said, "I appeal to the people to make sure that this disease does not spread further."

12 more COVID-19 cases in Kerala, Karnataka, Pune; total cases in India jumps to 59 

Health minister Harsh Vardhan has said that more than 25 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in India. Later giving a breakup of those who tested positive for the virus, the minister said out of the total 28 COVID-19 cases in India, one person was from Delhi, six of his relatives in Agra, 16 Italians and their Indian driver, one in Telangana and the three earlier cases in Kerala.

Health Minister Harsh Vardhan: 28 positive coronavirus cases in India

India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan PC on Coronavirus, 28 people infected

As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus. &nbsp;

According to reports, the test of Thrissur medical student came clean of any infection. The student will still be kept under observation and if the next test also comes negative, the patient will be considered fully recovered.&nbsp;

The patient, a medical student who returned from Wuhan, China, was confirmed with the virus on January 30.

The medical student's fifth swab sample came out negative. The patient will be considered completely&nbsp;cured if the next sample also turns out negative.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-world-news-coronavirus-chinese-doctor-who-exposed-sars-epidemic-is-under-house-arrest-279781">Coronavirus - Chinese doctor who exposed SARS epidemic under house arrest</a>

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Kerala had declared coronavirus a state disaster after three people from the state tested positive of the virus.

At present, as per reports, over 200 people are under quarantine in Thrissur and more than 3,000 people across the state are under observation.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China has shot up to over 900. For the past week, China has been reporting over 70 deaths almost daily.

More than 40,000 are infected in the mainland, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-chinas-coronavirus-crosses-900-as-who-sends-team-to-investigate-279657">Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate</a>

China's health commission said at least 97 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours mainly in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus.

A team of international experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) left for China to help investigate the coronavirus epidemic.

In a tweet, Director-General of WHO Tedros said, "400 of the world’s leading experts will gather this week at the WHO HQ in Geneva to prioritise work on all the tools we need, including rapid diagnostics, a vaccine &amp; effective treatments."&nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus.

As China struggles to contain the deadly coronavirus outbreak, India on Monday reported that its first confirmed case of the infection in Kerala is getting better and has now tested negative for the virus. According to reports, the test of Thrissur medical student came clean of any infection. The student will still be kept under observation and if the next test also comes negative, the patient will be considered fully recovered. The patient, a medical student who returned from Wuhan, China, was confirmed with the virus on January 30. The medical student's fifth swab sample came out negative. The patient will be considered completely cured if the next sample also turns out negative. Also read: Coronavirus - Chinese doctor who exposed SARS epidemic under house arrest × Kerala had declared coronavirus a state disaster after three people from the state tested positive of the virus. At present, as per reports, over 200 people are under quarantine in Thrissur and more than 3,000 people across the state are under observation. Meanwhile, the coronavirus death toll in China has shot up to over 900. For the past week, China has been reporting over 70 deaths almost daily. More than 40,000 are infected in the mainland, overtaking the global fatalities in the 2002-03 SARS epidemic. Also read: Death toll in China's coronavirus crosses 900 as WHO sends team to investigate China's health commission said at least 97 new deaths were reported in the last twenty-four hours mainly in Hubei province which is the epicentre of the virus. A team of international experts led by the World Health Organization (WHO) left for China to help investigate the coronavirus epidemic. In a tweet, Director-General of WHO Tedros said, "400 of the world’s leading experts will gather this week at the WHO HQ in Geneva to prioritise work on all the tools we need, including rapid diagnostics, a vaccine & effective treatments."

India's first coronavirus patient on path to recovery, tests negative for infection

China's deadly coronavirus has claimed more than 300 lives. In India, 3 citizens from Kerala have been tested positive. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how India is fighting the Wuhan virus.

Gravitas: China's deadly virus, 3 Indian citizens infected

Protesters clashed with the police in Indonesia's Natuna island as nationals evacuated from Wuhan arrived to be quarantined on Sunday. 
&nbsp; 
Three military planes brought 241 evacuees to the quarantine facility, designed for 300 people on the rear of the Indonesian military base at Ranai, a coastal area far from settlements.

However, the government's decision to isolate Indonesian nationals on the island to prevent the possible spread of a deadly new virus has surprisingly sparked anger among residents.

Protests broke out in the capital Ranai about a few kilometres from the heavily guarded military base against the decision to quarantine the evacuees.

Indonesian leaders and health officials have urged calm and explained that the evacuees were healthy and had passed health screening by the Chinese authorities before returning home, but had to be quarantined following WHO guidelines.

Protesters clashed with the police in Indonesia's Natuna island as nationals evacuated from Wuhan arrived to be quarantined on Sunday. Three military planes brought 241 evacuees to the quarantine facility, designed for 300 people on the rear of the Indonesian military base at Ranai, a coastal area far from settlements.

Protesters clashed with the police in Indonesia's Natuna island as nationals evacuated from Wuhan arrived to be quarantined on Sunday. Three military planes brought 241 evacuees to the quarantine facility, designed for 300 people on the rear of the Indonesian military base at Ranai, a coastal area far from settlements. However, the government's decision to isolate Indonesian nationals on the island to prevent the possible spread of a deadly new virus has surprisingly sparked anger among residents. Protests broke out in the capital Ranai about a few kilometres from the heavily guarded military base against the decision to quarantine the evacuees. Indonesian leaders and health officials have urged calm and explained that the evacuees were healthy and had passed health screening by the Chinese authorities before returning home, but had to be quarantined following WHO guidelines.

As Indonesian evacuees return from Wuhan, locals protest against the move to quarantine them

Two persons, who returned from coronavirus-hit China two weeks ago, have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital here for symptoms of cough and cold, government officials said here on Monday.

Health workers who reached the house of the two for a routine check-up for the virus found them with the symptoms and took them to the hospital, the officials said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/latest-coronavirus-news-update-India-confirms-third-coronavirus-case-in-Kerala">India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala</a>

Samples taken from the patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha, for testing, they added.

India has so far reported three cases of the novel coronavirus, all of them from Kerala.

Two persons, who returned from coronavirus-hit China two weeks ago, have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital here for symptoms of cough and cold, government officials said here on Monday.

Two persons, who returned from coronavirus-hit China two weeks ago, have been admitted to the isolation ward of the Government Medical College Hospital here for symptoms of cough and cold, government officials said here on Monday. Health workers who reached the house of the two for a routine check-up for the virus found them with the symptoms and took them to the hospital, the officials said. Also read: India confirms third coronavirus case in Kerala Samples taken from the patients have been sent to the National Institute of Virology, Alappuzha, for testing, they added. India has so far reported three cases of the novel coronavirus, all of them from Kerala.

Two hospitalised for symptoms of coronavirus in Kottayam

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