#Covid19 guidelines for International travel revised by India

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Covid19 guidelines for International travel revised by India

Covid19 guidelines for International travel revised by India

Covid19 guidelines for International travel revised by India As more countries announce travel restrictions over the detection of new variant of Covid-19 Omicron, the Union Health Ministry revised its guidelines for international arrivals in India. Read also : WHO issues warning for Omicron Variant says risk is ‘very high’ According to the revised rules, travellers from 12 countries at-risk…

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Coronavirus Outbreak LIVE Updates: Odisha confirms 159 COVID-19 cases after two more test positive today; state's recovery rate at 35.2%

08:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

As many as 500 students stranded in Kota arrive at Delhi in 40 buses

Nearly 500 Delhi students stranded at coaching hub Kota in Rajasthan during the lockdown reached Kashmere Gate ISBT in Delhi in 40 buses early Sunday morning.

Delhi's Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the students would be sent to their homes from Kashmere Gate ISBT after medical tests.

Help desks were set up at Kashmere Gate inter state bus terminus (ISBT) where doctors, police personnel, transport, civil defence and other personnel were deployed to assist the students for medical tests and boarding DTC buses for their homes.

08:16 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates

Odisha's COVID-19 recovery rate at 35.2%

Over 2,000 RT-PCR tests were conducted in Odisha in the past 24 hours. Of the 38,658 cumulative tests, 159 COVID-19 patients have tested positive so far in the state.

The number of active cases in the state stood at 102. The recovery rate was 35.2 percent after 56 patients were cured of the infectious disease. While, the virus claimed one life. 

08:09 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates

Two more test positive in Ganjam dist taking confirmed cases in Odisha to 159

Odisha registered 159 COVID-19 cases on Sunday after two more individuals tested positive for the viral disease, according to the latest data released by the state health ministry. Both the cases were reported in Ganjam district.

The total number of districts affected by the novel coronavirus climbed to 16 in the state. 

#BREAKING: #Odisha reports two more #COVID19 cases, positive tally in the State goes up to 159; active cases currently at 102: H&FW dept pic.twitter.com/p0CIUPqFWZ

— OTV (@otvnews) May 3, 2020

08:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Shramik special train, carrying over 800 UP migrant workers, reach Lucknow from Nashik

Over 800 stranded workers hailing from Uttar Pradesh arrived in Lucknow in a special train from Nashik in Maharashtra on Sunday morning amid the ongoing lockdown. This is the first special train to arrive in Uttar Pradesh with stranded migrant workers.

The special train started from Nashik on Saturday morning and reached Lucknow via Jhansi and Kanpur. 

The railways had said that according to Union Home Ministry's guidelines it will start "Shramik Special" trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded in various parts of the country due to the lockdown which came into force from 25 March.

07:56 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates

Tripura govt offices in green and orange zones to function normally from 4 May 

After the issuance of Ministry of Home Affairs order on reopening of districts from 4 May, the Tripura government on Saturday said that there will be no prohibition in the functioning of government offices in green and orange zones. All categories of employees will work from office.

"A separate order will be issued for functioning of schools, colleges, educational/training/coaching institutions," read the state government's order.

The MHA has categorised six districts of Tripura as green zones and two districts as orange zones. 

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Two more test positive in Ganjam dist taking confirmed cases in Odisha to 159 Odisha registered 159 COVID-19 cases on Sunday after two more individuals tested positive for the viral disease, according to the latest data released by the state health ministry. Both the cases were reported in Ganjam district.

The total number of districts affected by the novel coronavirus climbed to 16 in the state.

India on Saturday registered a record jump of 2,411 new coronavirus cases and  71 deaths, taking the total number of infections in the country to 37,776 and the toll to 1,223.

Meanwhile, migrant workers stranded in different states since the imposition of the lockdown began their journey homes in special 'shramik trains'.

Case count surges to 37,776, toll reaches 1,223

According to the 5 pm update issued by the Union health ministry, the number of infections in the country jumped to 37,776 while the toll rose to 1,223. Over 10,000 persons have been cured of the disease and the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country stands at 26,535, it said.

Of the total fatalities, the highest have been reported in Maharashtra (485), followed by Gujarat (236), Madhya Pradesh (145) , Rajasthan (62) and Delhi (61).

Maharashtra continues to have the highest number of infections with 11,506 cases reported from the state. Gujarat has reported a total of 4,721 cases, followed by Delhi (3,738), Madhya Pradesh (2,719) and Rajasthan (2,666).

According to the Uttar Pradesh health department, 127 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Saturday, pushing the number of confirmed cases to 2,455. Forty-three deaths have so far been reported and 656 patients treated and discharged from hospitals. So far, COVID-19 cases have been reported in 64 of the 75 districts in the state, officials said.

In Delhi, 68 more personnel attached to a CRPF battalion tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of those afflicted in the battalion to 122. A total of 127 CRPF personnel have so far contracted the disease, including one death and one recovery, ANI quoted the CRPF as saying.

In Maharashtra, as many as 56 persons were discharged from a civic-run hospital in Thane's Mira Bhayander area at the same time, including a three-year-old girl and three septuagenarians.

Meanwhile, 20 visitors to the Gurdwara Langar Sahib in Nanded tested positive for the disease. The gurdwara had been shut on Friday after several pilgrims from Punjab, who returned to their state after visiting this shrine, tested coronavirus positive, officials had said.

On Saturday, Kerala, too, reported two positive cases — one from Wayanad and one from Kannur — taking the total number of cases in the state to 499. With Wayanad reporting a positive case after a month, the district was moved from the green to the orange zone, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Barber shops, home delivery of non-essential items allowed in green and orange zones, clarifies MHA

A day after issuing fresh guidelines for the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that barber shops and salons will be allowed to open in green and orange zones during the third phase of the lockdown beginning 4 May, besides sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms.

However, barber shops, saloons will continue to be prohibited in red zones and  e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential commodities in such areas, said the ministry.

The MHA on Friday, while extending the lockdown for two more weeks till 17 May, had lifted many restrictions in green and orange zones.

Sale of liquor is allowed in non containment areas of green, orange and red zones through stand alone shops and not in malls or shopping complexes, it further clarified.

In liquor shops, customers will have to maintain minimum six feet distance from each other, and also ensure that not more than five persons are present at one time at the shop.

On allowing domestic maids to work in red zones, a home ministry official said the RWAs should take a call  regarding allowing the movement of outsiders. But health protocols have to be maintained by domestic helps as well as employers, and the responsibility lies with the person who employs maids in case of any mishaps.

According to the home ministry, travel by road (inter-state), rail and air and metro are banned across the country during the lockdown.

The home ministry, however, may give permission in special cases depending on the urgency.

According to ANI, the ministry added that in orange zones, inter-district  and intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited. Taxis and cab aggregators are allowed to ply, with a restriction of two passengers apart from the driver in each vehicle only.  Inter-district movement of private cars in such zones is allowed only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver.

In orange zones, inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four-wheelers: Ministry of Home Affairs. #lockdownextension https://t.co/mjIqgu2kJV

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020

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MMR, Pune 'no-go', says Maharashtra govt

Based on the orders issued by the Centre, states also issued guideline for the third phase on the nationwide lockdown. The Maharashtra government said that in the cities with police commissionerates, a concerned deputy commissioner of police (DCP) will have the power to allow inter-state or inter-district journey. But the movement of people will not be allowed between the areas under Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and other parts of the state during lockdown, it said.

The Karnataka government, too issued revised guidelines which will come into force from 4 May.

Karnataka Government issues revised guidelines on #lockdown measures which will come into effect from May 4 for two weeks in the state. pic.twitter.com/mDdZgytuaX

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020

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Meanwhile, the Delhi government launched an exercise to open liquor shops in the National Capital in accordance with the latest guidelines issued by the home ministry.

The excise department has directed four government-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor in the city, to identify such outlets which fulfil all conditions prescribed by the  MHA.

DCGA extends suspension of flights till 17 May

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)  issued a circular to extend the suspension of domestic and international commercial flight operations till 17 May. However, the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA.

Migrant workers head back in 'shramik trains'

The first 'Shramik Special' train carrying 1,187 stranded migrant labourers from Jaipur reached the Danapur railway station in Patna on Saturday afternoon.

Another special train train carrying over 300 stranded labourers from Nashik in Maharashtra reached Misrod Station on the outskirts of Bhopal.

"We have started screening these passengers brought here from Nashik in the special train. After that, they will be sent to their respective towns in different buses," a district administration officer told PTI.

This is the first special train which reached Bhopal after the Centre's announcement to run such services to facilitate the stranded labourers and workers.

A special train with 847 migrants also departed for Lucknow from Nashik in around 10 am on Saturday, said the Central Railway. Similar 'Shramik trains' are also set to provide connectivity between states such as Gujarat and Uttra Pradesh, Kerala and Jharkhand, among others.

Gujarat: A special train carrying migrant workers left from Sabarmati in Ahmedabad for Agra in Uttar Pradesh, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/DBjPVWwXqV

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020

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However, the problems faced by migrant workers continued to make it to the headlines with a migrant worker cycling from his workplace in Delhi to home in Bihar dying in UP's Saharanpur.

Dharamveer, along with a few other labourers, had started their journey from Delhi to Khagaria district in Bihar on bicycles on 28 April, PTI quotes police as saying.

"On Friday night, they halted on the Delhi-Lucknow highway in Shahjahanpur. When the condition of Dharamveer deteriorated, the labourers took him to the medical college where he was declared brought dead," said Circle Officer (city) Praveen Kumar.

In another case, 18 people, including 14 migrant labourers, were found to be travelling inside a cement mixer from Maharashtra to Uttar Pradesh. "During the routine check-up at Panth Piplai village, about 35 kilometres from Indore, we stopped a truck laden with a cement-mixer on suspicion. After opening the lid, we found 18 people inside," Traffic Police sub-inspector Amit Kumar Yadav told PTI.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for sending "guest workers" in the state to their home states by road or rail. The state government appointed nodal officers in charge of workers for different states and said the the prior approval of recipient states was necessary for sending back the stranded workers.

Modi holds review meeting on agricultural reforms, MSMEs

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  deliberated on ways to reform the agriculture sector with emphasis on agriculture marketing, access of farmers to institutional credit and freeing the sector of various restrictions with appropriate backing of laws.

The government has maintained that the country's farm sector is functioning smoothly despite the COVID-19 lockdown and there will not be much impact on its growth in the current fiscal, unlike other sectors.

The pros and cons of bio-technological developments in crops or enhancement of productivity and reduction in input costs was also deliberated, an official statement said.

Concessional credit flow to strengthen agriculture infrastructure, special Kisan Credit Card saturation drive for PM-Kisan beneficiaries and facilitating inter and intra-state trade of agriculture produce to ensure fairest return to farmers were some of the other important areas covered, the statement said.

Developing eNAM or the National Agriculture Market into a "platform of platforms" to enable e-commerce was one of the important topics of discussion on Saturday.

The prime minister also held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the MSME sector.

Chaired a meeting on strengthening our MSME sector, which plays a pivotal role in economic development. There were extensive discussions on ways to make this sector more vibrant, attractive and ready to embrace new opportunities. pic.twitter.com/b3o9MMZWZj

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2020

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With inputs from agencies

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Coronavirus LIVE Updates: India's COVID-19 recoveries cross 10 lakh mark; US toll surpasses 1.5 lakh

08:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Update

DCGI asks Serum to revise protocol for phase 2, 3 trials of Oxford vaccine

A CDSCO expert panel has sought clarifications from Serum Institute of India (SII) over its application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking permission for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19, reports PTI.

The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 which held its meeting on Tuesday deliberated on the application by SII and asked the Pune-based firm to revise its protocol for the phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, besides seeking some additional information.

08:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates

US Attorney General to be tested for COVID-19 

US Attorney General William Barr will be tested for COVID-19, after coming in close contact with Texas Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert on Tuesday when Barr testified before the House Judiciary Committee, a Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed.

Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec added that Barr already faces routine testing for COVID-19 at the White House, reports Reuters

07:54 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India's recoveries cross 10-lakh mark

The number of recoveries in India crosses the 10-lakh mark, reports ANI citing the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

07:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha LATEST Updates

Over 16,000 prisoners released on parole in Odisha to decongest prisons

As many as 16,789 inmates of different jails in Odisha have been released on parole to decongest prisons in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, reports PTI. Director-General of Prisons SK Upadhay made the announcement while reviewing the progress of implementation of a Supreme Court's order in this regard.

07:48 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Assam reports 4 deaths, over 1,300 new cases

Assam recorded four more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, taking the toll to 92 as 1,348 new cases of the infection pushed the tally in the state to 36,295, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

07:44 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal LATEST Updates

Over 1,500 arrested in Kolkata for defying total lockdown

More than 1,500 people were arrested in Kolkata on Wednesday for defying the total lockdown imposed to check the spread of coronavirus, police said. At least 1,054 people were held for violating restriction orders, while 497 others were prosecuted for not wearing masks, a police officer said.

A total of 38 people were apprehended for spitting in public, he said. Besides, police also impounded 44 vehicles, he added.

07:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates

US toll due to coronavirus hits 1,50,000

The toll from the coronavirus in the US hit 150,000 on Wednesday, by far the highest in the world, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, reports AP.

The bleak milestone comes amid signs that the nation's outbreak is beginning to stabilize in the Sun Belt but heating up in the Midwest, fuelled largely by young adults who are hitting bars, restaurants and gyms again.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The number of recoveries in India has crossed the 10-lakh mark, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

Coronavirus cases in India rose by 48,513 on Wednesday, taking the total tally beyond 15 lakh, while the toll rose to 34,193 with 768 new deaths, the Union health ministry said. The Centre also issued guidelines for 'Unlock 3', which is set to be effective from 1 August.

A total of 15,31,669 cases have been recorded so far, which includes 5,09,447 active cases and 9,88,030 patients who have been cured/discharged/migrated.

Yoga centres, gyms to open as part of Unlock 3 guidelines

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued 'Unlock 3' guidelines easing some restrictions on the movement of individuals during the night (night curfew) and allowing yoga institutes and gyms to open from 5 August while schools, metro and cinema halls will continue to remain closed.

The ministry said that lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till 31 August.

According to the new guidelines, metro rail, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions and other large congregations will continue to remain prohibited.

The MHA added that state governments and Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary.

The ministry said that the new guidelines are based on feedback received from states and UTs and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments.

Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols like wearing masks, the release said.

However, there shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no "separate permission/ approval/ e-permit" will be required for such movements.

"Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of national directives. Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes," it said.

It said international air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. "Further opening-up will take place in a calibrated manner," it said.

Lockdown extended in Maharashtra till 31 Aug

The Maharashtra government extended the lockdown in the state till 31 August in view of rising coronavirus cases.

A notification issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the decision has been taken as an "emergency step to prevent and contain" the spread of COVID-19.

As part of the 'Mission Begin Again' initiative, malls and market complexes without theatres, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from 5 August, the notification said.

The state government had last month extended the lockdown till 31 July amid a steady growth in the COVID-19 cases in the state.

Meanwhile, the Tripura government also extended the "complete lockdown” in the state till 4 August as COVID-19 cases continued to rise.

​“We are going through a phase when only social distancing and masks can protect us. Twenty-one people have regrettably died till now, most of them veterans. The ongoing lockdown that was supposed to continue till Thursday morning would now continue till 5 am on 4 August. All guidelines from the ongoing lockdown would be in force,” Tripura chief minister Biplab Deb said while making the announcement.

India's CFR is lowest since 1 April, says Centre

The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 is fast approaching the 10-lakh mark, while the case fatality rate has been falling progressively due to coordinated implementation of the 'test track treat' strategy by the Centre, states and Union Territories, the health ministry said on Wednesday.

India's COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) is lower than what it is globally. On Wednesday, the CFR stood at 2.23 percent, the lowest since 1 April, the health ministry said in a statement.

"Not only has the CFR been kept low, but successful implementation of effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardised clinical management protocols based on a holistic standard of care approach have in tandem resulted in a consistent trend of more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the sixth consecutive day," it said.

'Baahubali' director SS Rajamouli tests COVID-19 positive

Filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Wednesday said he and his family members have tested positive for coronavirus and are currently quarantined at home.

The director, best known for his epic fantasy hit "Baahubali" series, said they got tested after they developed mild fever recently which subsided by itself.

"My family members and I developed a slight fever few days ago. It subsided by itself but we got tested nevertheless. The result has shown a mild COVID positive today. We have home quarantined as prescribed by the doctors (sic)" he said.

In a subsequent tweet, Rajamouli said he and his kin are asymptomatic and "feeling better". They are, however, following all the precautions and instructions.

"Just waiting to develop antibodies so that we can donate our plasma," he added.

State-wise cases and deaths

Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 9,211 new COVID19 cases 298 deaths. The total number of cases is now at 4,00,651, including 2,39,755 recovered cases, 1,46,129 active cases and 14,463 deaths.

The recovery rate in the state is at 59.84 percent, as per the state health department. Two new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city's Dharavi area, taking the total number of cases in the area to 2,545 including 83 active cases, according to the BMC.

Tamil Nadu reported 6,426 new cases and 82 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 2,34,114. A total of 5,927 patients were discharged, while 57,490 are active cases, according to the state's health department.

Delhi reported 1,035 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The number of patients recovered/discharged in the last 24 hours are 1,126 while 26 deaths were reported in the national capital in the last 24 hours.

The total number of cases in the National Capital is now at 1,33,310, including 1,18,633 recovered/discharged, 10,770 active cases and the death toll is at 3,907, according to state government.

In Delhi, 5,074 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 12,318 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Wednesday.

Andhra Pradesh reported 10,093 COVID-19 cases, 2,784 discharged and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state is now at 1,20,390, including 55,406 discharged, 63,771 active cases, according to the state's COVID Control Room. The toll is at 1,213 in the state.

In Jammu and Kashmir, 540 COVID-19 cases have been reported on Wednesday, 151 from Jammu division and 389 Kashmir division. The total number of cases in the Union Territory is now at 19,419, including 7,749 active cases, 11,322 recovered. The toll is at 348.

Manipur reported 141 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,458. The number of active and recovered cases are 805 and 1,653 respectively, as per the state government.

Goa's COVID-19 tally reached 5,489 with 202 new cases reported. The number of active and recovered cases in the state is 1,666 and 3,784 respectively. The death toll is at 39, according to the state government.

US is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge

Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the US economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about any sustained recovery the rest of the year, AP reported.

A huge plunge in consumer spending, as people stayed home and avoided shopping, travelling or gathering in crowds as the virus raged, is estimated to have sent the economy sinking at a roughly 32 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter.

That would be more than triple the previous worst quarterly economic fall, a 10 percent drop set in 1958. Depressed activity in such areas as business investment, home construction and government spending also likely contributed to the worst quarterly contraction on records dating to 1947.

On Thursday, the government will issue its first of three estimates of economic activity, as measured by the gross domestic product, for the April-June quarter.

Moderna's experimental COVID-19 vaccine induced robust immune response in monkeys

US biotechnology company Moderna's experimental vaccine to prevent COVID-19 induced robust immune response and rapidly controlled the novel coronavirus in the upper and lower airways of monkeys exposed to SARS-CoV-2, according to a study published on Tuesday.

The candidate vaccine, mRNA-1273, was co-developed by scientists at Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the US.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, complements recently reported interim results from an NIAID-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial of mRNA-1273.

On Monday clinics around the US began a Phase 3 trial of the vaccine candidate, with the aim of enrolling 30,000 people to test for safety and effectiveness.

In the latest study, three groups of eight rhesus macaques received two injections of 10 or 100 microgrammes ( g) of mRNA-1273 or a placebo. Injections were spaced 28 days apart.

Vaccinated macaques produced high levels of neutralising antibodies directed at the surface spike protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to attach to and enter cells, the researchers said.

With inputs from agencies

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08:29 (IST) Coronavirus in India LATEST Update DCGI asks Serum to revise protocol for phase 2, 3 trials of Oxford vaccine A CDSCO expert panel has sought clarifications from Serum Institute of India (SII) over its application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) seeking permission for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of the Oxford vaccine candidate for COVID-19, reports PTI. The Subject Expert Committee (SEC) on COVID-19 which held its meeting on Tuesday deliberated on the application by SII and asked the Pune-based firm to revise its protocol for the phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, besides seeking some additional information. 08:01 (IST) Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates US Attorney General to be tested for COVID-19  US Attorney General William Barr will be tested for COVID-19, after coming in close contact with Texas Republican Congressman Louie Gohmert on Tuesday when Barr testified before the House Judiciary Committee, a Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed. Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec added that Barr already faces routine testing for COVID-19 at the White House, reports Reuters 07:54 (IST) Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates India's recoveries cross 10-lakh mark The number of recoveries in India crosses the 10-lakh mark, reports ANI citing the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. 07:52 (IST) Coronavirus in Odisha LATEST Updates Over 16,000 prisoners released on parole in Odisha to decongest prisons As many as 16,789 inmates of different jails in Odisha have been released on parole to decongest prisons in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, reports PTI. Director-General of Prisons SK Upadhay made the announcement while reviewing the progress of implementation of a Supreme Court's order in this regard. 07:48 (IST) Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates Assam reports 4 deaths, over 1,300 new cases Assam recorded four more COVID-19 deaths on Wednesday, taking the toll to 92 as 1,348 new cases of the infection pushed the tally in the state to 36,295, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Himanta Biswa Sarma said. 07:44 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal LATEST Updates Over 1,500 arrested in Kolkata for defying total lockdown More than 1,500 people were arrested in Kolkata on Wednesday for defying the total lockdown imposed to check the spread of coronavirus, police said. At least 1,054 people were held for violating restriction orders, while 497 others were prosecuted for not wearing masks, a police officer said. A total of 38 people were apprehended for spitting in public, he said. Besides, police also impounded 44 vehicles, he added. 07:38 (IST) Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates US toll due to coronavirus hits 1,50,000 The toll from the coronavirus in the US hit 150,000 on Wednesday, by far the highest in the world, according to the tally kept by Johns Hopkins University, reports AP. The bleak milestone comes amid signs that the nation's outbreak is beginning to stabilize in the Sun Belt but heating up in the Midwest, fuelled largely by young adults who are hitting bars, restaurants and gyms again. Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The number of recoveries in India has crossed the 10-lakh mark, according to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Coronavirus cases in India rose by 48,513 on Wednesday, taking the total tally beyond 15 lakh, while the toll rose to 34,193 with 768 new deaths, the Union health ministry said. The Centre also issued guidelines for 'Unlock 3', which is set to be effective from 1 August. A total of 15,31,669 cases have been recorded so far, which includes 5,09,447 active cases and 9,88,030 patients who have been cured/discharged/migrated. Yoga centres, gyms to open as part of Unlock 3 guidelines The Ministry of Home Affairs issued 'Unlock 3' guidelines easing some restrictions on the movement of individuals during the night (night curfew) and allowing yoga institutes and gyms to open from 5 August while schools, metro and cinema halls will continue to remain closed. The ministry said that lockdown shall continue to be implemented strictly in the containment zones till 31 August. According to the new guidelines, metro rail, cinema halls, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, auditoriums, assembly halls, social/political/sports/entertainment/academic/cultural/religious functions and other large congregations will continue to remain prohibited. The MHA added that state governments and Union Territories, based on their assessment of the situation, may prohibit certain activities outside the containment zones or impose such restrictions as deemed necessary. The ministry said that the new guidelines are based on feedback received from states and UTs and extensive consultations held with related central ministries and departments. Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols like wearing masks, the release said. However, there shall be no restriction on inter-state and intra-state movement of persons and goods and no "separate permission/ approval/ e-permit" will be required for such movements. "Shops will need to maintain adequate physical distancing among customers. MHA will monitor the effective implementation of national directives. Vulnerable persons, i.e., persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women, and children below the age of 10 years, are advised to stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements and for health purposes," it said. It said international air travel of passengers has been permitted in a limited manner under the Vande Bharat mission. "Further opening-up will take place in a calibrated manner," it said. Lockdown extended in Maharashtra till 31 Aug The Maharashtra government extended the lockdown in the state till 31 August in view of rising coronavirus cases. A notification issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar said the decision has been taken as an "emergency step to prevent and contain" the spread of COVID-19. As part of the 'Mission Begin Again' initiative, malls and market complexes without theatres, food courts and restaurants will be operational between 9 am and 7 pm from 5 August, the notification said. The state government had last month extended the lockdown till 31 July amid a steady growth in the COVID-19 cases in the state. Meanwhile, the Tripura government also extended the "complete lockdown” in the state till 4 August as COVID-19 cases continued to rise. ​“We are going through a phase when only social distancing and masks can protect us. Twenty-one people have regrettably died till now, most of them veterans. The ongoing lockdown that was supposed to continue till Thursday morning would now continue till 5 am on 4 August. All guidelines from the ongoing lockdown would be in force,” Tripura chief minister Biplab Deb said while making the announcement. India's CFR is lowest since 1 April, says Centre The total number of recoveries from COVID-19 is fast approaching the 10-lakh mark, while the case fatality rate has been falling progressively due to coordinated implementation of the 'test track treat' strategy by the Centre, states and Union Territories, the health ministry said on Wednesday. India's COVID-19 case fatality rate (CFR) is lower than what it is globally. On Wednesday, the CFR stood at 2.23 percent, the lowest since 1 April, the health ministry said in a statement. "Not only has the CFR been kept low, but successful implementation of effective containment strategy, aggressive testing and standardised clinical management protocols based on a holistic standard of care approach have in tandem resulted in a consistent trend of more than 30,000 recoveries per day for the sixth consecutive day," it said. 'Baahubali' director SS Rajamouli tests COVID-19 positive Filmmaker SS Rajamouli on Wednesday said he and his family members have tested positive for coronavirus and are currently quarantined at home. The director, best known for his epic fantasy hit "Baahubali" series, said they got tested after they developed mild fever recently which subsided by itself. "My family members and I developed a slight fever few days ago. It subsided by itself but we got tested nevertheless. The result has shown a mild COVID positive today. We have home quarantined as prescribed by the doctors (sic)" he said. In a subsequent tweet, Rajamouli said he and his kin are asymptomatic and "feeling better". They are, however, following all the precautions and instructions. "Just waiting to develop antibodies so that we can donate our plasma," he added. State-wise cases and deaths Maharashtra on Wednesday reported 9,211 new COVID19 cases 298 deaths. The total number of cases is now at 4,00,651, including 2,39,755 recovered cases, 1,46,129 active cases and 14,463 deaths. The recovery rate in the state is at 59.84 percent, as per the state health department. Two new COVID-19 cases were reported in the city's Dharavi area, taking the total number of cases in the area to 2,545 including 83 active cases, according to the BMC. Tamil Nadu reported 6,426 new cases and 82 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 2,34,114. A total of 5,927 patients were discharged, while 57,490 are active cases, according to the state's health department. Delhi reported 1,035 COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The number of patients recovered/discharged in the last 24 hours are 1,126 while 26 deaths were reported in the national capital in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the National Capital is now at 1,33,310, including 1,18,633 recovered/discharged, 10,770 active cases and the death toll is at 3,907, according to state government. In Delhi, 5,074 RTPCR/CBNAAT/TrueNat tests and 12,318 rapid antigen tests were conducted on Wednesday. Andhra Pradesh reported 10,093 COVID-19 cases, 2,784 discharged and 65 deaths in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state is now at 1,20,390, including 55,406 discharged, 63,771 active cases, according to the state's COVID Control Room. The toll is at 1,213 in the state. In Jammu and Kashmir, 540 COVID-19 cases have been reported on Wednesday, 151 from Jammu division and 389 Kashmir division. The total number of cases in the Union Territory is now at 19,419, including 7,749 active cases, 11,322 recovered. The toll is at 348. Manipur reported 141 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,458. The number of active and recovered cases are 805 and 1,653 respectively, as per the state government. Goa's COVID-19 tally reached 5,489 with 202 new cases reported. The number of active and recovered cases in the state is 1,666 and 3,784 respectively. The death toll is at 39, according to the state government. US is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the US economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about any sustained recovery the rest of the year, AP reported. A huge plunge in consumer spending, as people stayed home and avoided shopping, travelling or gathering in crowds as the virus raged, is estimated to have sent the economy sinking at a roughly 32 percent annual rate in the April-June quarter. That would be more than triple the previous worst quarterly economic fall, a 10 percent drop set in 1958. Depressed activity in such areas as business investment, home construction and government spending also likely contributed to the worst quarterly contraction on records dating to 1947. On Thursday, the government will issue its first of three estimates of economic activity, as measured by the gross domestic product, for the April-June quarter. Moderna's experimental COVID-19 vaccine induced robust immune response in monkeys US biotechnology company Moderna's experimental vaccine to prevent COVID-19 induced robust immune response and rapidly controlled the novel coronavirus in the upper and lower airways of monkeys exposed to SARS-CoV-2, according to a study published on Tuesday. The candidate vaccine, mRNA-1273, was co-developed by scientists at Moderna and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in the US. The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, complements recently reported interim results from an NIAID-sponsored Phase 1 clinical trial of mRNA-1273. On Monday clinics around the US began a Phase 3 trial of the vaccine candidate, with the aim of enrolling 30,000 people to test for safety and effectiveness. In the latest study, three groups of eight rhesus macaques received two injections of 10 or 100 microgrammes ( g) of mRNA-1273 or a placebo. Injections were spaced 28 days apart. Vaccinated macaques produced high levels of neutralising antibodies directed at the surface spike protein used by SARS-CoV-2 to attach to and enter cells, the researchers said. With inputs from agencies

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[brajeshupadhyay]

08:47 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates As many as 500 students stranded in Kota arrive at Delhi in 40 buses Nearly 500 Delhi students stranded at coaching hub Kota in Rajasthan during the lockdown reached Kashmere Gate ISBT in Delhi in 40 buses early Sunday morning. Delhi's Transport minister Kailash Gahlot said the students would be sent to their homes from Kashmere Gate ISBT after medical tests. Help desks were set up at Kashmere Gate inter state bus terminus (ISBT) where doctors, police personnel, transport, civil defence and other personnel were deployed to assist the students for medical tests and boarding DTC buses for their homes. 08:16 (IST) Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates Odisha's COVID-19 recovery rate at 35.2% Over 2,000 RT-PCR tests were conducted in Odisha in the past 24 hours. Of the 38,658 cumulative tests, 159 COVID-19 patients have tested positive so far in the state. The number of active cases in the state stood at 102. The recovery rate was 35.2 percent after 56 patients were cured of the infectious disease. While, the virus claimed one life.  08:09 (IST) Coronavirus in Odisha Latest Updates Two more test positive in Ganjam dist taking confirmed cases in Odisha to 159 Odisha registered 159 COVID-19 cases on Sunday after two more individuals tested positive for the viral disease, according to the latest data released by the state health ministry. Both the cases were reported in Ganjam district. The total number of districts affected by the novel coronavirus climbed to 16 in the state.  #BREAKING: #Odisha reports two more #COVID19 cases, positive tally in the State goes up to 159; active cases currently at 102: H&FW dept pic.twitter.com/p0CIUPqFWZ — OTV (@otvnews) May 3, 2020 08:01 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Shramik special train, carrying over 800 UP migrant workers, reach Lucknow from Nashik Over 800 stranded workers hailing from Uttar Pradesh arrived in Lucknow in a special train from Nashik in Maharashtra on Sunday morning amid the ongoing lockdown. This is the first special train to arrive in Uttar Pradesh with stranded migrant workers. The special train started from Nashik on Saturday morning and reached Lucknow via Jhansi and Kanpur.  The railways had said that according to Union Home Ministry's guidelines it will start "Shramik Special" trains to move migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons stranded in various parts of the country due to the lockdown which came into force from 25 March. 07:56 (IST) Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates Tripura govt offices in green and orange zones to function normally from 4 May  After the issuance of Ministry of Home Affairs order on reopening of districts from 4 May, the Tripura government on Saturday said that there will be no prohibition in the functioning of government offices in green and orange zones. All categories of employees will work from office. "A separate order will be issued for functioning of schools, colleges, educational/training/coaching institutions," read the state government's order. The MHA has categorised six districts of Tripura as green zones and two districts as orange zones.  Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: Two more test positive in Ganjam dist taking confirmed cases in Odisha to 159 Odisha registered 159 COVID-19 cases on Sunday after two more individuals tested positive for the viral disease, according to the latest data released by the state health ministry. Both the cases were reported in Ganjam district. The total number of districts affected by the novel coronavirus climbed to 16 in the state. India on Saturday registered a record jump of 2,411 new coronavirus cases and  71 deaths, taking the total number of infections in the country to 37,776 and the toll to 1,223. Meanwhile, migrant workers stranded in different states since the imposition of the lockdown began their journey homes in special 'shramik trains'. Case count surges to 37,776, toll reaches 1,223 According to the 5 pm update issued by the Union health ministry, the number of infections in the country jumped to 37,776 while the toll rose to 1,223. Over 10,000 persons have been cured of the disease and the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country stands at 26,535, it said. Of the total fatalities, the highest have been reported in Maharashtra (485), followed by Gujarat (236), Madhya Pradesh (145) , Rajasthan (62) and Delhi (61). Maharashtra continues to have the highest number of infections with 11,506 cases reported from the state. Gujarat has reported a total of 4,721 cases, followed by Delhi (3,738), Madhya Pradesh (2,719) and Rajasthan (2,666). According to the Uttar Pradesh health department, 127 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in the state on Saturday, pushing the number of confirmed cases to 2,455. Forty-three deaths have so far been reported and 656 patients treated and discharged from hospitals. So far, COVID-19 cases have been reported in 64 of the 75 districts in the state, officials said. In Delhi, 68 more personnel attached to a CRPF battalion tested positive for the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of those afflicted in the battalion to 122. A total of 127 CRPF personnel have so far contracted the disease, including one death and one recovery, ANI quoted the CRPF as saying. In Maharashtra, as many as 56 persons were discharged from a civic-run hospital in Thane's Mira Bhayander area at the same time, including a three-year-old girl and three septuagenarians. Meanwhile, 20 visitors to the Gurdwara Langar Sahib in Nanded tested positive for the disease. The gurdwara had been shut on Friday after several pilgrims from Punjab, who returned to their state after visiting this shrine, tested coronavirus positive, officials had said. On Saturday, Kerala, too, reported two positive cases — one from Wayanad and one from Kannur — taking the total number of cases in the state to 499. With Wayanad reporting a positive case after a month, the district was moved from the green to the orange zone, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. Barber shops, home delivery of non-essential items allowed in green and orange zones, clarifies MHA A day after issuing fresh guidelines for the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs clarified that barber shops and salons will be allowed to open in green and orange zones during the third phase of the lockdown beginning 4 May, besides sale of non-essential items by e-commerce platforms. However, barber shops, saloons will continue to be prohibited in red zones and  e-commerce companies are allowed to sell only essential commodities in such areas, said the ministry. The MHA on Friday, while extending the lockdown for two more weeks till 17 May, had lifted many restrictions in green and orange zones. Sale of liquor is allowed in non containment areas of green, orange and red zones through stand alone shops and not in malls or shopping complexes, it further clarified. In liquor shops, customers will have to maintain minimum six feet distance from each other, and also ensure that not more than five persons are present at one time at the shop. On allowing domestic maids to work in red zones, a home ministry official said the RWAs should take a call  regarding allowing the movement of outsiders. But health protocols have to be maintained by domestic helps as well as employers, and the responsibility lies with the person who employs maids in case of any mishaps. According to the home ministry, travel by road (inter-state), rail and air and metro are banned across the country during the lockdown. The home ministry, however, may give permission in special cases depending on the urgency. According to ANI, the ministry added that in orange zones, inter-district  and intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited. Taxis and cab aggregators are allowed to ply, with a restriction of two passengers apart from the driver in each vehicle only.  Inter-district movement of private cars in such zones is allowed only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver. In orange zones, inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four-wheelers: Ministry of Home Affairs. #lockdownextension https://t.co/mjIqgu2kJV — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020 // // ]]> MMR, Pune 'no-go', says Maharashtra govt Based on the orders issued by the Centre, states also issued guideline for the third phase on the nationwide lockdown. The Maharashtra government said that in the cities with police commissionerates, a concerned deputy commissioner of police (DCP) will have the power to allow inter-state or inter-district journey. But the movement of people will not be allowed between the areas under Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and other parts of the state during lockdown, it said. The Karnataka government, too issued revised guidelines which will come into force from 4 May. Karnataka Government issues revised guidelines on #lockdown measures which will come into effect from May 4 for two weeks in the state. pic.twitter.com/mDdZgytuaX — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020 // // ]]> Meanwhile, the Delhi government launched an exercise to open liquor shops in the National Capital in accordance with the latest guidelines issued by the home ministry. The excise department has directed four government-run agencies, which are responsible to sell liquor in the city, to identify such outlets which fulfil all conditions prescribed by the  MHA. DCGA extends suspension of flights till 17 May The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)  issued a circular to extend the suspension of domestic and international commercial flight operations till 17 May. However, the restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by the DGCA. Migrant workers head back in 'shramik trains' The first 'Shramik Special' train carrying 1,187 stranded migrant labourers from Jaipur reached the Danapur railway station in Patna on Saturday afternoon. Another special train train carrying over 300 stranded labourers from Nashik in Maharashtra reached Misrod Station on the outskirts of Bhopal. "We have started screening these passengers brought here from Nashik in the special train. After that, they will be sent to their respective towns in different buses," a district administration officer told PTI. This is the first special train which reached Bhopal after the Centre's announcement to run such services to facilitate the stranded labourers and workers. A special train with 847 migrants also departed for Lucknow from Nashik in around 10 am on Saturday, said the Central Railway. Similar 'Shramik trains' are also set to provide connectivity between states such as Gujarat and Uttra Pradesh, Kerala and Jharkhand, among others. Gujarat: A special train carrying migrant workers left from Sabarmati in Ahmedabad for Agra in Uttar Pradesh, amid #CoronavirusLockdown. pic.twitter.com/DBjPVWwXqV — ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2020 // // ]]> However, the problems faced by migrant workers continued to make it to the headlines with a migrant worker cycling from his workplace in Delhi to home in Bihar dying in UP's Saharanpur. Dharamveer, along with a few other labourers, had started their journey from Delhi to Khagaria district in Bihar on bicycles on 28 April, PTI quotes police as saying. "On Friday night, they halted on the Delhi-Lucknow highway in Shahjahanpur. When the condition of Dharamveer deteriorated, the labourers took him to the medical college where he was declared brought dead," said Circle Officer (city) Praveen Kumar. In another case, 18 people, including 14 migrant labourers, were found to be travelling inside a cement mixer from Maharashtra to Uttar Pradesh. "During the routine check-up at Panth Piplai village, about 35 kilometres from Indore, we stopped a truck laden with a cement-mixer on suspicion. After opening the lid, we found 18 people inside," Traffic Police sub-inspector Amit Kumar Yadav told PTI. Meanwhile, the Odisha government issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) for sending "guest workers" in the state to their home states by road or rail. The state government appointed nodal officers in charge of workers for different states and said the the prior approval of recipient states was necessary for sending back the stranded workers. Modi holds review meeting on agricultural reforms, MSMEs Prime Minister Narendra Modi  deliberated on ways to reform the agriculture sector with emphasis on agriculture marketing, access of farmers to institutional credit and freeing the sector of various restrictions with appropriate backing of laws. The government has maintained that the country's farm sector is functioning smoothly despite the COVID-19 lockdown and there will not be much impact on its growth in the current fiscal, unlike other sectors. The pros and cons of bio-technological developments in crops or enhancement of productivity and reduction in input costs was also deliberated, an official statement said. Concessional credit flow to strengthen agriculture infrastructure, special Kisan Credit Card saturation drive for PM-Kisan beneficiaries and facilitating inter and intra-state trade of agriculture produce to ensure fairest return to farmers were some of the other important areas covered, the statement said. Developing eNAM or the National Agriculture Market into a "platform of platforms" to enable e-commerce was one of the important topics of discussion on Saturday. The prime minister also held a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen the MSME sector. Chaired a meeting on strengthening our MSME sector, which plays a pivotal role in economic development. There were extensive discussions on ways to make this sector more vibrant, attractive and ready to embrace new opportunities. pic.twitter.com/b3o9MMZWZj — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 2, 2020 // // ]]> With inputs from agencies

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