#bengal govt. appoints nodal officer to tackle COVID-19

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Bengal govt. appoints senior bureaucrats to tackle COVID-19

Bengal govt. appoints senior bureaucrats to tackle COVID-19

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West Bengal on Monday appointed four senior IAS officers as nodal officers for the “supervision and coordination” of different activities to control the spread of COVID-19 in the State.

Nodal officers for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Howrah were appointed after an order from Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha.

State Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay has been appointed…

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Bengal govt. appoints senior bureaucrats to tackle COVID-19

Bengal govt. appoints senior bureaucrats to tackle COVID-19

West Bengal on Monday appointed four senior IAS officers as nodal officers for the “supervision and coordination” of different activities to control the spread of COVID-19 in the State.

Nodal officers for Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Howrah were appointed after an order from Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha.

State Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay has been appointed the…

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Coronavirus Outbreak Updates: Delhi govt imposes 70% tax on MRP of liquor starting tomorrow, to curb overcrowding in shops

23:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates

Telangana govt says 40 special trains per day to transport migrants back to native states

Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday said that to send migrant labourers in Telangana back to their native states, from Tuesday onwards for one week, 40 special trains per day will be operated.

23:31 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi govt imposes 70% tax on MRP of liquor

The Delhi government on Monday imposed a 'Special Corona Fees' — a 70 percent tax on Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the liquor. It will be applicable from Tuesday

23:09 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

771 new COVID-19 cases, 35 deaths reported in Maharashtra today

The Maharashtra health department said that 35 deaths and 771 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14,541. The toll due to xoronavirus stands at 583 in the state.

23:03 (IST)

Coronavirus Pandemic Latest Updates

UN says 'dangerous outbreak' of misinformation

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday said that in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, "the world is today seeing a dangerous outbreak of misinformation about harmful health advice, hate speech and wild conspiracy theories, and antidote to this pandemic of misinformation is fact-based news and analysis."

22:50 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tripura Latest Updates

13 more people test positive for COVID-19 in Tripura

Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that 12 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state. This includes two children, he said.​

Alert! More 13 persons including two kids of 138th-Bn #BSF Ambassa found #COVID19 positive. Total #COVID19 positive cases in #Tripura stands at 29 (2 already discharged, so active cases : 27). Don't panic, follow the Govt guidelines and Stay at Home.#TripuraCOVID19Count

— Biplab Kumar Deb (@BjpBiplab) May 4, 2020

22:41 (IST)

Coronavirus in Ladakh Latest Updates

Results of samples from Leh, Kargil test negative

Rigzin Samphel, Ladakh commissioner and secretary of health, son Monday said that the results of 205 samples, 201 from Leh and four from Kargil have been received. All are negative, he added.

22:30 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Delhi health bulletin today:

349 new coronavirus cases on Monday 69 recoveries in last 24 hours No deaths in last 24 hours 90 containment zones Total active cases - 3,403 Total number of cases - 4,898 Toll - 69

(Credit: India Today)

22:23 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Bengaluru restaurants face 80% reduction in business due to lockdown

Restaurants are facing problems in Bengaluru amid continuing the coronavirus lockdown, ANI reported. Sayyed Jameel, owner of Deagh Restaurants, said, "Our business is down by about 80 percent. Customers are also not visiting our outlets as people do not have money to dine in restaurants".

Karnataka: Restaurants face problems in Bengaluru amid continuing #lockdown. Sayyed Jameel, owner of Deagh Restaurants, says, "Our business is down by about 80 per cent. Customers are also not visiting our outlets as people do not have money to dine in restaurants". pic.twitter.com/8VetA3Mv8o

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2020

22:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

MP reports 106 new COVID-19 cases today

The Madhya Pradesh health department said that 106 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 2,942.

22:15 (IST)

Coronavirus in Rajasthan Latest Updates

175 new cases, 6 deaths reported in Rajasthan today

The Rajasthan health department said that 175 new coronavirus and six deaths were reported in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3,061.

77 deaths have been recorded in the state so far.

22:03 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

Bengal govt allows opening of salons, private offices outside containment zones

The West Bengal government on Monday allowed the opening of salons in green zones, operation of private offices between 10 am and 6 pm with upto 25 percent strength outside containment zones and the resumption of intra-district bus services in green zones with 20 passengers or upto 50 percent seating capacity, whichever is less.

21:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

FIR filed against 400 unidentified migrants for stone pelting in MP

ANI reported that an FIR has been lodged against over 400 unidentified migrant workers for stone pelting at police in Sendhwa area of Barwani, Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. At least 3 police personnel had received injuries in the incident, said Rajendra Solanki, Sub-Inspector at Sendhwa Rural Police Station.

21:40 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Firozpur divisional railway manager appointed as nodal officer for migrants' movement

The Punjab information and public relations department said that Divisional Railway Manager Firozpur, Rajesh Aggarwal has been designated as nodal officer for movement of migrant labourers, tourists, students and others back to their home states.

21:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Doubling time of COVID-19 infections is not 12 days

The Indian Express reported that the doubling time of coronavirus infections in the country is now 12 days.

21:27 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

IGNOU postpones June exams 

IGNOU VC said that the university has postponed the June, 2020 Term End Examinations,which were originally scheduled from 1 June 2020, in the wake of the lockdown due to COVID-19. The new revised set of dates for exams will be decided later, he added.

21:13 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

India has ensured medical supplies to 123 partner countries, says Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said, "Despite our own needs, we have ensured medical supplies to our 123 partner countries including 59 members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines.

"Even as the world fights COVID-19, some people are busy spreading some other deadly viruses such as terrorism, fake news and doctored videos to divide communities and countries."

He added, "To counter COVID-19 we've promoted coordination in our immediate neighbourhood and we're organising online training to share India's medical expertise with many others."

21:05 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Modi says NAM must 'remain inclusive' to fight COVID-19

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 'Non-Aligned movement' on Monday said that the platform must "promote global solidarity".

"Today, humanity faces its most serious crisis in many decades. At this time, NAM can help promote global solidarity. NAM has often been the world's moral voice. To retain this role, NAM must remain inclusive.

"During this crisis we have shown how democracy, discipline and decisiveness can come together to create a genuine people's movement. Indian civilization sees whole world as one family. As we care for our own citizens, we're also extending help to other countries," he said.

20:58 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

Karnataka govt says Rs 45 cr worth of liquor sales recorded

Liquor sales of Rs 45 crores recorded on the first day of opening of liquor shops, said the Karnataka Excise Department

20:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

IMCT says mortality rate is highest in West Bengal

The Inter-ministerial central team in-charge of inspecting the COVID-19 situation in West Bengal reportedly said that the mortality rate due to coronavirus in the state "is the highest in the country at 12.8 percent and reflects "low testing and weak surveillance" while tackling the pandemic".

News18 reported that the IMCT also accused the state's TMC government of being "antagonistic" to the panel.

20:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates

No new COVID-19 case reported in Jharkhand today

No new coronavirus case was reported in Jharkhand for the second consecutive day on Monday, the state health department said. The total number of cases stands at 115, including 85 active cases and 27 discharged/cured.

20:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Mumbai reports 510 new cases, 18 deaths today

The MCGM said that 510 new COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths were recorded in Mumbai on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 9,123 and the toll 361.

20:28 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

List of COVID-19 zones in Jammu and Kashmir:

Red zone

All 10 districts of Kashmir Kathua Samba Jammu

Orange zone

Rajouri Reasi Udhampur Ramban

Green zone

Poonch Doda Kishtwar

20:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh latest Updates

121 new COVID-19 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh health department said that 121 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state on Monday, taking total number of cases to 2,766. 754 patients have recovered from the disease while 50 others lost their lives.

20:08 (IST)

Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates

Infections in Gujarat surge to 5,804

  376 new infections have been reported in last 24 hours in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases in the state to 5,804, reports ANI quoting the state health department. 1,195 people have been cured/discharged and 319 deaths have been reported so far.

20:00 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Confirmed cases in Chhattisgarh rise to 58

  A 24-year-old man has tested coronavirus positive in Raipur, taking total number of cases in Chhattisgarh to 58, reports ANI quoting AIIMS Raipur. This figure  includes 22 active cases and 36 cured/discharged.

19:54 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates

Jammu and Kashmir reports 25 new cases

  Twenty-five more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, taking the number of cases in the Union territory to 726, PTI quotes officials as saying. Of the fresh cases, 24 are in Kashmir and one in Jammu region, they added.  Of the total number of cases reported so far in the Union territory, 664 are from Kashmir and 62 from Jammu. While 303 patients have recovered, eight people have died of the disease so far. There are 415 active cases at present, the officials said.

19:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

42 new coronavirus cases reported in Dharavi today

The BMC on Monday said that 42 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai's Dharavi, taking the total number of cases in the densely-populated area to 632, including 20 deaths.

19:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Chennai's Koyembedu market shut after rise in COVID-19 cases

India Today reported that the Koyembedu market in Chennai is likely to be shut temporarily from Tuesday due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the state on Monday. "Market operation have been shifted to Thirumailisai in Thiruvallur district from Thursday," the report said.

19:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates

75 new COVID-19 cases reported in Haryana today

The Haryana health department said that 75 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 517.

19:08 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi latest Updates

Eight SSB jawans test positive for COVID-19

Eight jawans of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have tested COVID-19 positive on Monday in Delhi, an SSB statement said.

"These jawans were deployed in security of different government installations. The total count of COVID-19 positive cases rises to 13 in SSB," the statement added.

18:58 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Kejriwal appeals for use of masks, sanitisers, maintaining social distancing

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, addressing a virtual press conference on Monday, said that people must ensure they follow three measures of protection against coronavirus, even as the lockdown restrictions were partially eased by the Centre from Monday.

#WATCH I appeal to people of Delhi to ensure three things- wear masks when you step outdoors, practice social distancing and sanitize/wash your hands frequently: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/XbFSQ6xC0t

— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2020

18:45 (IST)

Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates

West Bengal COVID-19 cases rise to 1,259

The West Bengal government said that 61 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 1,259.

The toll also rose by 11 on Monday, taking the total to 61 in the state.

18:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Bombay HC to continue working limited hours

Reports said that the Bombay High Court will continue working limited hours as the coronavirus lockdown was extended for two weeks starting from Monday. The court is also likely to work with restricted benches "to hear only extremely urgent matters via video conference until further orders following extension of the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak," News18 reported.

18:29 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Chhattisgarh govt says admin at fault in areas with lockdown violations

Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo said that the administration "is at fault" where lockdown violations were recorded on Monday, after the Centre's revised guidelines, with a few relaxations, came into effect.

"There must be some sort of action to ensure that it does not recur. A lot of people are against the opening of liquor shops in Chhattisgarh but they have been opened as there is a government order. Centre should not allow opening of the liquor shops in these times. The decision should be reconsidered," he added.

18:19 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 

Centre to facilitate return of Indians stranded abroad

The Centre on Monday said that it will be "facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner." The proccess is set to begin from 7 May, a press release said.

"The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard. Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel.

Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the protocols, such as the Health Protocols, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation," the statement said.

18:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

2,573 new COVID-19 cases, 83 deaths reported in last 24 hours, says Centre

In its 5 pm update, the Union health ministry said that 2,573 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths were reported across the nation in last 24 hours.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 42,836 including 29,685 active cases, 11,762 cured/discharged/migrated and 1,389 deaths.

18:04 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

BJP responds to criticism over special trains' fare

The BJP was quoted by PTI as saying that the railways has subsidised 85 percent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 percent, 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. 

(PTI)

17:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates

Kejriwal says relaxations will be revoked in areas where social distancing being violated

"It was unfortunate that chaos was seen at some shops today in Delhi. If we come to know about violations of social distancing and other norms from any area, then we will have to seal the area and revoke the relaxations there," said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday.

"Shop owners will have to take the responsibility, if the norms of social distancing are violated outside a shop then the shop will be shut," he added.

17:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Tamil Nadu sees highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases

The Tamil Nadu health department on Monday said that 527 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3,550.

17:39 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

85% of railway fare to be borne by Centre, says health ministry

"We have only permitted special trains for those states that have raised requests for particular cases. We have never said that we want to charge from any workers. 85 per cent cost will be borne by Central government and 15 per cent to be borne by the state governments. Except one or two states, all are cooperating with us in this process," the Union health ministry was quoted as saying by India Today during the routine coronavirus press briefing on Monday.

17:33 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala latest Updates

Kerala reports highest single-day COVID-10 recoveries

Kerala on Monday reported the highest increase in recoveries in a day, The Indian Express reported. Additionally, no new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state.

"A total of 61 people tested negative in the last 24 hours, taking the number of active cases from 95 down to 34," the report said.

17:26 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates

37 new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka

The Karnataka health department, in its 5 pm update, said that 37 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the state in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state stands at 651.

17:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

18 new COVID-19 cases reported in Firozabad today

Reports said that 18 new coronavirus cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad on Monday, taking the total tally in the city to 157. Out of the 18 new cases, 12 are police personnel.

17:14 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Nashik liquor shops shut due to overcrowding

Liquor shops in Maharashtra's Nashik have been shut due to "heavy" overcrowding, India Today reported.

Liquor shops were allowed to open on Monday under the partial roll backs in lockdown restrictions issued by the MHA. The Centre also extended the lockdown over the pandemic for two weeks starting on Monday.

17:03 (IST)

Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates

Social distancing norms flouted in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor

#CoronavirusLockdown: Social distancing rules were flouted after a crowd gathered in #AndhraPradesh's Chittoor today as liquor shops opened across the country. Follow LIVE updates on #CoronavirusPandemic: https://t.co/5SLpM9YVRZ pic.twitter.com/BuN3cVDfHW

— Firstpost (@firstpost) May 4, 2020

17:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates

Amarinder Singh writes to Amit Shah over special trains to transport migrants

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his intervention to arrange special trains for the next 10-15 days, beginning 5 May, for transporting migrant labourers stranded in Punjab to their home states.

16:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

Noida admin to charge fine for spitting in public places

The Noida administration on Monday said that spitting or spitting of tobacco products at public places is prohibited in the district. A fine of Rs 500 will be charged from 1st time offenders and Rs 1000 from 2nd time offenders.

16:42 (IST)

Coronavirus in India latest Updates

610 COVID-19 cases in 112 aspirational districts, says Centre

Amitabh Kant, chairman of Empowered Group 6, on Monday said in the press briefing, "As of now, there are about 610 cases of COVID-19 in 112 aspirational districts, which is considered fairly low at less than 2 percent of the national level of infections. Of these, six districts have reported first case after 21 April."

16:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in India Latest Updates

Centre says is social distancing isn't followed, transmission can increase 'rapidly'

Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal said that it social distancing is not followed despite the relaxations in lockdown restrictions, "chances of disease transmission increase rapidly".

He said, "In pandemics such as COVID-19, historically it has been noted that if social distancing is not respected when social mobility is allowed, chances of disease transmission increase rapidly once restrictions are eased."

16:31 (IST)

Coronavirus in Chandigarh Latest Updates

80 active COVID-19 cases in Chandigarh so far

The Chandigarh administration on Monday said that there are 80 active cases of coronavirus in the union territory and 21 patients have cured/discharged.

Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The Maharashtra health department said that 35 deaths and 771 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14,541. The toll due to coronavirus stands at 583 in the state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said, "Despite our own needs, we have ensured medical supplies to our 123 partner countries including 59 members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines.

"Even as the world fights COVID-19, some people are busy spreading some other deadly viruses such as terrorism, fake news and doctored videos to divide communities and countries."

He added, "To counter COVID-19 we've promoted coordination in our immediate neighbourhood and we're organising online training to share India's medical expertise with many others."

The Centre on Monday said that it will be "facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner." The proccess is set to begin from 7 May, a press release said.

"The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard. Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel.

Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the protocols, such as the Health Protocols, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation," the statement said.

In its 5 pm update, the Union health ministry said that 2,573 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths were reported across the nation in last 24 hours.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 42,836 including 29,685 active cases, 11,762 cured/discharged/migrated and 1,389 deaths.

The Union health ministry, in the 4 pm press briefing said that so far, 11,706 people have been cured.

"In the last 24 hours, 1,074 people have been cured.This is the highest number in terms of cured patients noted till date. Our recovery rate is now 27.52 percent. Total number of COVID-19 cases is now 42,533," said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry.

The Jharkhand government will not implement any of the relaxations granted by the Centre from Monday and has decided to extend the 'total' lockdown in the state for two more weeks till 17 May. The Ministry of Home Affairs has given considerable relaxations for the third phase of the lockdown beginning Monday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday made it clear that no fare will be charged from students returning to the state by special trains while migrant workers will be reimbursed the expenses incurred, besides getting additional assistance, after they complete the mandatory 21-day quarantine.

The IMCT has advised the West Bengal government to report the COVID-19 transparently and consistently, rather than downplaying the spread of the virus.

After a staff member of Border Security Force (BSF) working in the headquarters at eight-storeyed CGO Complex in Delhi tested positive for COVID-19, the building's first and second floors were been closed for sanitisation.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared the entire Kashmir valley and three districts of Jammu region as "red zone" based on the overall assessment of the coronavirus situation and expected movement of stranded persons to the union territory.

The Congress on Monday termed historic party president Sonia Gandhi's decision asking PCCs to bear the cost of the train fare of migrant workers returning home, and said its state units will work out the modalities of paying the Railways after coordinating with chief secretaries.

People were seen today standing in a queue outside liquor shops in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala. The order to reopen liquor shops is applicable to only standalone shops and malls or shopping complexes will continue to remain closed. The government has also asked shopkeepers to ensure that customers maintain a two-meter distance.

Maharashtra government has said that it is allowing standalone shops, including liquor shops, to open in Red Zones from 4 May, though they cannot be opened in containment zones. Only five non-essential shops can be opened in each lane, but the number is not restricted for essential shops, the state government has said.

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

Out of the total 1,373 fatalities in India so far, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of deaths at 548. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav​ Thackeray has requested the Centre not to charge any amount from migrant labourers for travelling by train to their native places during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

BJP leader Subramanian Swamy took to Twitter to lash out at the Centre for charging migrant labourers for their ride back home. 'How moronic of the Government of India to charge steep rail fares from the half-starved migrant labourers! Indians stranded abroad were brought back free by Air India. If Railways refuse to budge then why not make PM CARES pay instead?'

Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 42,533, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The toll in India due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has risen to 1,373. The reported active COVID-19 cases in India now stand at 29,453 and as many as 11,707 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far according to the Union Health Ministry.

Sonia Gandhi today attacked the government over migrants stranded by the nationwide coronavirus lockdown being asked to pay for their train ride home and has announced that the Congress would pay the train fare for them.

The first day of India's third lockdown extension has begun, with eased restrictions to facilitate the economy. Around 150 liquor shops located outside containment zones in Delhi are likely to open from Monday as the Delhi government.

India registered a record jump of 83 deaths and 2,487 cases in 24 hours as the number of COVID-19 fatalities rose to 1,306 and total cases climbed to 40,263 on Sunday, according to the Union health ministry.

The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 28,070, while 10,886 people have recovered, even as the country prepares for the third phase of the lockdown.

However, health minister Harsh Vardhan sought to strike a reassuring note, saying that over 10,000 COVID-19 patients were discharged across the nation and that those admitted at hospitals are on the road to recovery. He also claimed that India's mortality rate was the lowest across the world at 3.2 percent.

Meanwhile, several states issued zone-wise guidelines on permissible activities and inter-district. The Karnataka government has issued guidelines for inter-district travel within the state for permitted activities between 7 am and 7 pm. A pass shall have to be obtained for the same from Deputy Commissioners of districts or from DCPs for travel between any districts, except for movement between Bengaluru Rural, Urban, Chikkaballarpur, Ramnagara and Kollar districts which shall be treated as one unit, said the order.

The Maharashtra government has issued a list of guidelines listing out what will be allowed and not allowed in different zones of the state.

State-wise cases

According to the health ministry data, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country is from Maharashtra at 12,296, followed by Gujarat at 5,055, Delhi 4,122, Madhya Pradesh 2,846, Rajasthan 2,772, Tamil Nadu 2,757 and Uttar Pradesh 2,626.

The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 1,583 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,063 in Telangana. It has risen to 922 in West Bengal, 772 in Punjab, 666 in Jammu and Kashmir, 606 in Karnataka, 500 in Kerala and 482 in Bihar.

Haryana has reported 394 coronavirus cases, while Odisha has 160 cases. A total of 115 people have been infected with the virus in Jharkhand and 94 in Chandigarh. Uttarakhand has reported 59 cases, Assam and Chhattisgarh have 43 cases each, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have registered 40 cases so far.

Thirty-three COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meghalaya has reported 12 cases, Puducherry eight, while Goa has seven COVID-19 cases.

Tripura has registered four cases, while Manipur has two cases. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have reported a case each.

"Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR," the health ministry said on its website, adding state-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation.

Of the 83 deaths reported since Saturday evening, 36 were from Maharashtra, 26 from Gujarat, 11 from Madhya Pradesh, three each from Rajasthan and Delhi, two from Telangana and one each from Tamil Nadu and Bihar.

With 521 fatalities, Maharashtra accounts for the maximum of the nationwide 1,306 deaths. Gujarat comes second with 262 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh 156, Rajasthan 65, Delhi 64, Uttar Pradesh 43, and West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh 33 each.

The death toll reached 29 in Tamil Nadu, 28 in Telangana, while Karnataka has reported 25 fatalities due to the respiratory disease. Punjab has registered 20 COVID-19 deaths, Jammu and Kashmir eight, Kerala, Bihar and Haryana have reported four deaths each. Jharkhand has recorded three COVID-19 fatalities.

Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Assam have reported one fatality each, according to the ministry data. The health ministry''s Saturday evening update had put the death toll at 1,223 and the number of cases at 37,776 in the country.

Lockdown relaxations

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the state government will implement the Centre's latest guidelines on lockdown relaxation and allow government and private offices to open from Monday but the suspension of travel by flight, metro and bus will continue.

Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said delivery of essential goods through e-commerce portals will continue in the national capital.

The chief minister said that Delhi goverment offices engaged in essential services will function with full strength while private offices can operate with up to 33 percent strength.

The Maharashtra government also issued guidelines listing out permissible activities in different zones of the state.

As per the guidelines, only five non-essential shops, including liquor shops, can be opened in each lane. However, there is no restriction on the number of shops selling essential items.

A similar decision had already been announced for the COVID-19 green and orange zones, and such shops in these two zones were scheduled to open from Monday.

The state government, however, has created a separate category for Mumbai, Pune and Malegaon and will implement harsher restrictions there than other red zones in the state. According to the guidelines, private offices in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune Metropolitan Region and Malegaon will not be allowed to open from Monday. In other red zones in the state, they will be allowed to open with 33 percent staff strength.

Health minister urges people to follow restrictions

Harsh Vardhan urged people to observe the curbs extended till 17 May in the letter and spirit, and treat it as an effective intervention to cut the chain of transmission of the virus.

"We are on the path of success. We will win this war against COVID-19," he said after visiting the Lady Hardinge Medical College Hospital (LHMC) in Delhi to review the status of COVID-19 management.

He said around 10,000 people have been cured of the disease so far.

"We have crossed over 10 lakh tests and are performing over 74,000 tests in a day presently," he said.

The government has distributed around 20 lakh PPE kits all over India and supplied medicines, both hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol (PCM), to more than 100 countries, Vardhan added.

He said India is on a "better footing" compared to other nations in managing the pandemic, adding that with more than 2.5 lakh beds in dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and health centres, the country is capable of pulling off any eventuality.

The health minister urged people not to ostracise doctors treating COVID-19 patients or stigmatise those who have survived the deadly disease.

Centre to send teams to 20 districts to help with containment measures

The Centre will send public health teams to 20 districts with heavy case load of COVID-19 to help states in implementation of containment measures, an official press release said.

#IndiaFightsCorona :

20 Central Public Health Teams from @MoHFW_INDIA have been formed and are being sent to the 20 districts that are reporting maximum number of #COVID19 cases in the country

The teams will support states in fighting #COVID19

📒 https://t.co/UbNSx4QsGT pic.twitter.com/XIUyA9tEgU

— MIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe (@MIB_India) May 3, 2020

"These teams will support the States in implementation of containment measures for COVID-19 in the affected areas within these districts/cities," the press release said.

With inputs from PTI

via Blogger https://ift.tt/3didZeK

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23:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Telangana Latest Updates Telangana govt says 40 special trains per day to transport migrants back to native states Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Monday said that to send migrant labourers in Telangana back to their native states, from Tuesday onwards for one week, 40 special trains per day will be operated. 23:31 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Delhi govt imposes 70% tax on MRP of liquor The Delhi government on Monday imposed a 'Special Corona Fees' — a 70 percent tax on Maximum Retail Price (MRP) of the liquor. It will be applicable from Tuesday 23:09 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 771 new COVID-19 cases, 35 deaths reported in Maharashtra today The Maharashtra health department said that 35 deaths and 771 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14,541. 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At least 3 police personnel had received injuries in the incident, said Rajendra Solanki, Sub-Inspector at Sendhwa Rural Police Station. 21:40 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates Firozpur divisional railway manager appointed as nodal officer for migrants' movement The Punjab information and public relations department said that Divisional Railway Manager Firozpur, Rajesh Aggarwal has been designated as nodal officer for movement of migrant labourers, tourists, students and others back to their home states. 21:38 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Doubling time of COVID-19 infections is not 12 days The Indian Express reported that the doubling time of coronavirus infections in the country is now 12 days. 21:27 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates IGNOU postpones June exams  IGNOU VC said that the university has postponed the June, 2020 Term End Examinations,which were originally scheduled from 1 June 2020, in the wake of the lockdown due to COVID-19. The new revised set of dates for exams will be decided later, he added. 21:13 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates India has ensured medical supplies to 123 partner countries, says Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said, "Despite our own needs, we have ensured medical supplies to our 123 partner countries including 59 members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines. "Even as the world fights COVID-19, some people are busy spreading some other deadly viruses such as terrorism, fake news and doctored videos to divide communities and countries." He added, "To counter COVID-19 we've promoted coordination in our immediate neighbourhood and we're organising online training to share India's medical expertise with many others." 21:05 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Modi says NAM must 'remain inclusive' to fight COVID-19 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the 'Non-Aligned movement' on Monday said that the platform must "promote global solidarity". "Today, humanity faces its most serious crisis in many decades. At this time, NAM can help promote global solidarity. NAM has often been the world's moral voice. To retain this role, NAM must remain inclusive. "During this crisis we have shown how democracy, discipline and decisiveness can come together to create a genuine people's movement. Indian civilization sees whole world as one family. As we care for our own citizens, we're also extending help to other countries," he said. 20:58 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates Karnataka govt says Rs 45 cr worth of liquor sales recorded Liquor sales of Rs 45 crores recorded on the first day of opening of liquor shops, said the Karnataka Excise Department 20:55 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates IMCT says mortality rate is highest in West Bengal The Inter-ministerial central team in-charge of inspecting the COVID-19 situation in West Bengal reportedly said that the mortality rate due to coronavirus in the state "is the highest in the country at 12.8 percent and reflects "low testing and weak surveillance" while tackling the pandemic". News18 reported that the IMCT also accused the state's TMC government of being "antagonistic" to the panel. 20:45 (IST) Coronavirus in Jharkhand Latest Updates No new COVID-19 case reported in Jharkhand today No new coronavirus case was reported in Jharkhand for the second consecutive day on Monday, the state health department said. The total number of cases stands at 115, including 85 active cases and 27 discharged/cured. 20:33 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Mumbai reports 510 new cases, 18 deaths today The MCGM said that 510 new COVID-19 cases and 18 deaths were recorded in Mumbai on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 9,123 and the toll 361. 20:28 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates List of COVID-19 zones in Jammu and Kashmir: Red zone All 10 districts of Kashmir Kathua Samba Jammu Orange zone Rajouri Reasi Udhampur Ramban Green zone Poonch Doda Kishtwar 20:19 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh latest Updates 121 new COVID-19 cases reported in Uttar Pradesh The Uttar Pradesh health department said that 121 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state on Monday, taking total number of cases to 2,766. 754 patients have recovered from the disease while 50 others lost their lives. 20:08 (IST) Coronavirus in Gujarat Latest Updates Infections in Gujarat surge to 5,804   376 new infections have been reported in last 24 hours in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases in the state to 5,804, reports ANI quoting the state health department. 1,195 people have been cured/discharged and 319 deaths have been reported so far. 20:00 (IST) Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates Confirmed cases in Chhattisgarh rise to 58   A 24-year-old man has tested coronavirus positive in Raipur, taking total number of cases in Chhattisgarh to 58, reports ANI quoting AIIMS Raipur. This figure  includes 22 active cases and 36 cured/discharged. 19:54 (IST) Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir Latest Updates Jammu and Kashmir reports 25 new cases   Twenty-five more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, taking the number of cases in the Union territory to 726, PTI quotes officials as saying. Of the fresh cases, 24 are in Kashmir and one in Jammu region, they added.  Of the total number of cases reported so far in the Union territory, 664 are from Kashmir and 62 from Jammu. While 303 patients have recovered, eight people have died of the disease so far. There are 415 active cases at present, the officials said. 19:43 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates 42 new coronavirus cases reported in Dharavi today The BMC on Monday said that 42 new coronavirus cases were reported in Mumbai's Dharavi, taking the total number of cases in the densely-populated area to 632, including 20 deaths. 19:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates Chennai's Koyembedu market shut after rise in COVID-19 cases India Today reported that the Koyembedu market in Chennai is likely to be shut temporarily from Tuesday due to the spike in coronavirus cases in the state on Monday. "Market operation have been shifted to Thirumailisai in Thiruvallur district from Thursday," the report said. 19:19 (IST) Coronavirus in Haryana Latest Updates 75 new COVID-19 cases reported in Haryana today The Haryana health department said that 75 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 517. 19:08 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi latest Updates Eight SSB jawans test positive for COVID-19 Eight jawans of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) have tested COVID-19 positive on Monday in Delhi, an SSB statement said. "These jawans were deployed in security of different government installations. The total count of COVID-19 positive cases rises to 13 in SSB," the statement added. 18:58 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Kejriwal appeals for use of masks, sanitisers, maintaining social distancing Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, addressing a virtual press conference on Monday, said that people must ensure they follow three measures of protection against coronavirus, even as the lockdown restrictions were partially eased by the Centre from Monday. #WATCH I appeal to people of Delhi to ensure three things- wear masks when you step outdoors, practice social distancing and sanitize/wash your hands frequently: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pic.twitter.com/XbFSQ6xC0t — ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2020 18:45 (IST) Coronavirus in West Bengal Latest Updates West Bengal COVID-19 cases rise to 1,259 The West Bengal government said that 61 new coronavirus cases were reported in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases to 1,259. The toll also rose by 11 on Monday, taking the total to 61 in the state. 18:38 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Bombay HC to continue working limited hours Reports said that the Bombay High Court will continue working limited hours as the coronavirus lockdown was extended for two weeks starting from Monday. The court is also likely to work with restricted benches "to hear only extremely urgent matters via video conference until further orders following extension of the lockdown due to the novel coronavirus outbreak," News18 reported. 18:29 (IST) Coronavirus in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates Chhattisgarh govt says admin at fault in areas with lockdown violations Chhattisgarh health minister TS Singh Deo said that the administration "is at fault" where lockdown violations were recorded on Monday, after the Centre's revised guidelines, with a few relaxations, came into effect. "There must be some sort of action to ensure that it does not recur. A lot of people are against the opening of liquor shops in Chhattisgarh but they have been opened as there is a government order. Centre should not allow opening of the liquor shops in these times. The decision should be reconsidered," he added. 18:19 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates  Centre to facilitate return of Indians stranded abroad The Centre on Monday said that it will be "facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner." The proccess is set to begin from 7 May, a press release said. "The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard. Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the protocols, such as the Health Protocols, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation," the statement said. 18:06 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 2,573 new COVID-19 cases, 83 deaths reported in last 24 hours, says Centre In its 5 pm update, the Union health ministry said that 2,573 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths were reported across the nation in last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 42,836 including 29,685 active cases, 11,762 cured/discharged/migrated and 1,389 deaths. 18:04 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates BJP responds to criticism over special trains' fare The BJP was quoted by PTI as saying that the railways has subsidised 85 percent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 percent, 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.  (PTI) 17:53 (IST) Coronavirus in Delhi Latest Updates Kejriwal says relaxations will be revoked in areas where social distancing being violated "It was unfortunate that chaos was seen at some shops today in Delhi. If we come to know about violations of social distancing and other norms from any area, then we will have to seal the area and revoke the relaxations there," said Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday. "Shop owners will have to take the responsibility, if the norms of social distancing are violated outside a shop then the shop will be shut," he added. 17:47 (IST) Coronavirus in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates Tamil Nadu sees highest single-day rise in COVID-19 cases The Tamil Nadu health department on Monday said that 527 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in the state in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the state to 3,550. 17:39 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates 85% of railway fare to be borne by Centre, says health ministry "We have only permitted special trains for those states that have raised requests for particular cases. We have never said that we want to charge from any workers. 85 per cent cost will be borne by Central government and 15 per cent to be borne by the state governments. Except one or two states, all are cooperating with us in this process," the Union health ministry was quoted as saying by India Today during the routine coronavirus press briefing on Monday. 17:33 (IST) Coronavirus in Kerala latest Updates Kerala reports highest single-day COVID-10 recoveries Kerala on Monday reported the highest increase in recoveries in a day, The Indian Express reported. Additionally, no new coronavirus cases have been reported in the state. "A total of 61 people tested negative in the last 24 hours, taking the number of active cases from 95 down to 34," the report said. 17:26 (IST) Coronavirus in Karnataka Latest Updates 37 new COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka The Karnataka health department, in its 5 pm update, said that 37 new coronavirus cases have been confirmed in the state in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases in the state stands at 651. 17:21 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates 18 new COVID-19 cases reported in Firozabad today Reports said that 18 new coronavirus cases were reported in Uttar Pradesh's Firozabad on Monday, taking the total tally in the city to 157. Out of the 18 new cases, 12 are police personnel. 17:14 (IST) Coronavirus in Maharashtra Latest Updates Nashik liquor shops shut due to overcrowding Liquor shops in Maharashtra's Nashik have been shut due to "heavy" overcrowding, India Today reported. Liquor shops were allowed to open on Monday under the partial roll backs in lockdown restrictions issued by the MHA. The Centre also extended the lockdown over the pandemic for two weeks starting on Monday. 17:03 (IST) Coronavirus in Andhra Pradesh Latest Updates Social distancing norms flouted in Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor #CoronavirusLockdown: Social distancing rules were flouted after a crowd gathered in #AndhraPradesh's Chittoor today as liquor shops opened across the country. Follow LIVE updates on #CoronavirusPandemic: https://t.co/5SLpM9YVRZ pic.twitter.com/BuN3cVDfHW — Firstpost (@firstpost) May 4, 2020 17:01 (IST) Coronavirus in Punjab Latest Updates Amarinder Singh writes to Amit Shah over special trains to transport migrants Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Monday wrote to Home Minister Amit Shah seeking his intervention to arrange special trains for the next 10-15 days, beginning 5 May, for transporting migrant labourers stranded in Punjab to their home states. 16:51 (IST) Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates Noida admin to charge fine for spitting in public places The Noida administration on Monday said that spitting or spitting of tobacco products at public places is prohibited in the district. A fine of Rs 500 will be charged from 1st time offenders and Rs 1000 from 2nd time offenders. 16:42 (IST) Coronavirus in India latest Updates 610 COVID-19 cases in 112 aspirational districts, says Centre Amitabh Kant, chairman of Empowered Group 6, on Monday said in the press briefing, "As of now, there are about 610 cases of COVID-19 in 112 aspirational districts, which is considered fairly low at less than 2 percent of the national level of infections. Of these, six districts have reported first case after 21 April." 16:37 (IST) Coronavirus in India Latest Updates Centre says is social distancing isn't followed, transmission can increase 'rapidly' Health ministry joint secretary Lav Aggarwal said that it social distancing is not followed despite the relaxations in lockdown restrictions, "chances of disease transmission increase rapidly". He said, "In pandemics such as COVID-19, historically it has been noted that if social distancing is not respected when social mobility is allowed, chances of disease transmission increase rapidly once restrictions are eased." 16:31 (IST) Coronavirus in Chandigarh Latest Updates 80 active COVID-19 cases in Chandigarh so far The Chandigarh administration on Monday said that there are 80 active cases of coronavirus in the union territory and 21 patients have cured/discharged. Coronavirus Outbreak LATEST Updates: The Maharashtra health department said that 35 deaths and 771 new coronavirus cases have been recorded in the state on Monday, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14,541. The toll due to coronavirus stands at 583 in the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said, "Despite our own needs, we have ensured medical supplies to our 123 partner countries including 59 members of Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). We are active in global efforts to develop remedies and vaccines. "Even as the world fights COVID-19, some people are busy spreading some other deadly viruses such as terrorism, fake news and doctored videos to divide communities and countries." He added, "To counter COVID-19 we've promoted coordination in our immediate neighbourhood and we're organising online training to share India's medical expertise with many others." The Centre on Monday said that it will be "facilitating the return of Indian nationals stranded abroad on compelling grounds in a phased manner." The proccess is set to begin from 7 May, a press release said. "The travel would be arranged by aircraft and naval ships. The Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) has been prepared in this regard. Indian Embassies and High Commissions are preparing a list of distressed Indian citizens. This facility would be made available on payment-basis. Non-scheduled commercial flights would be arranged for air travel. Medical screening of passengers would be done before taking the flight. Only asymptomatic passengers would be allowed to travel. During the journey, all these passengers would have to follow the protocols, such as the Health Protocols, issued by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Civil Aviation," the statement said. In its 5 pm update, the Union health ministry said that 2,573 new coronavirus cases and 83 deaths were reported across the nation in last 24 hours. The total number of COVID-19 cases in India rises to 42,836 including 29,685 active cases, 11,762 cured/discharged/migrated and 1,389 deaths. The Union health ministry, in the 4 pm press briefing said that so far, 11,706 people have been cured. "In the last 24 hours, 1,074 people have been cured.This is the highest number in terms of cured patients noted till date. Our recovery rate is now 27.52 percent. Total number of COVID-19 cases is now 42,533," said Lav Agrawal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry. The Jharkhand government will not implement any of the relaxations granted by the Centre from Monday and has decided to extend the 'total' lockdown in the state for two more weeks till 17 May. The Ministry of Home Affairs has given considerable relaxations for the third phase of the lockdown beginning Monday. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday made it clear that no fare will be charged from students returning to the state by special trains while migrant workers will be reimbursed the expenses incurred, besides getting additional assistance, after they complete the mandatory 21-day quarantine. The IMCT has advised the West Bengal government to report the COVID-19 transparently and consistently, rather than downplaying the spread of the virus. After a staff member of Border Security Force (BSF) working in the headquarters at eight-storeyed CGO Complex in Delhi tested positive for COVID-19, the building's first and second floors were been closed for sanitisation. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared the entire Kashmir valley and three districts of Jammu region as "red zone" based on the overall assessment of the coronavirus situation and expected movement of stranded persons to the union territory. The Congress on Monday termed historic party president Sonia Gandhi's decision asking PCCs to bear the cost of the train fare of migrant workers returning home, and said its state units will work out the modalities of paying the Railways after coordinating with chief secretaries. People were seen today standing in a queue outside liquor shops in Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala. The order to reopen liquor shops is applicable to only standalone shops and malls or shopping complexes will continue to remain closed. The government has also asked shopkeepers to ensure that customers maintain a two-meter distance. Maharashtra government has said that it is allowing standalone shops, including liquor shops, to open in Red Zones from 4 May, though they cannot be opened in containment zones. Only five non-essential shops can be opened in each lane, but the number is not restricted for essential shops, the state government has said. The BJP said on Monday the railways has subsidised 85 percent of ticket fare for special trains being run to transport migrant workers and the state government has to pay the remaining 15 percent, soon after the Congress attacked the central government over the issue. Out of the total 1,373 fatalities in India so far, Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of deaths at 548. Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav​ Thackeray has requested the Centre not to charge any amount from migrant labourers for travelling by train to their native places during the coronavirus-enforced lockdown. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy took to Twitter to lash out at the Centre for charging migrant labourers for their ride back home. 'How moronic of the Government of India to charge steep rail fares from the half-starved migrant labourers! Indians stranded abroad were brought back free by Air India. If Railways refuse to budge then why not make PM CARES pay instead?' Total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India have risen to 42,533, according to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Monday. The toll in India due to the novel coronavirus pandemic has risen to 1,373. The reported active COVID-19 cases in India now stand at 29,453 and as many as 11,707 COVID-19 patients have been cured and discharged so far according to the Union Health Ministry. Sonia Gandhi today attacked the government over migrants stranded by the nationwide coronavirus lockdown being asked to pay for their train ride home and has announced that the Congress would pay the train fare for them. The first day of India's third lockdown extension has begun, with eased restrictions to facilitate the economy. Around 150 liquor shops located outside containment zones in Delhi are likely to open from Monday as the Delhi government. India registered a record jump of 83 deaths and 2,487 cases in 24 hours as the number of COVID-19 fatalities rose to 1,306 and total cases climbed to 40,263 on Sunday, according to the Union health ministry. The number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 28,070, while 10,886 people have recovered, even as the country prepares for the third phase of the lockdown. However, health minister Harsh Vardhan sought to strike a reassuring note, saying that over 10,000 COVID-19 patients were discharged across the nation and that those admitted at hospitals are on the road to recovery. He also claimed that India's mortality rate was the lowest across the world at 3.2 percent. Meanwhile, several states issued zone-wise guidelines on permissible activities and inter-district. The Karnataka government has issued guidelines for inter-district travel within the state for permitted activities between 7 am and 7 pm. A pass shall have to be obtained for the same from Deputy Commissioners of districts or from DCPs for travel between any districts, except for movement between Bengaluru Rural, Urban, Chikkaballarpur, Ramnagara and Kollar districts which shall be treated as one unit, said the order. The Maharashtra government has issued a list of guidelines listing out what will be allowed and not allowed in different zones of the state. State-wise cases According to the health ministry data, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country is from Maharashtra at 12,296, followed by Gujarat at 5,055, Delhi 4,122, Madhya Pradesh 2,846, Rajasthan 2,772, Tamil Nadu 2,757 and Uttar Pradesh 2,626. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 1,583 in Andhra Pradesh and 1,063 in Telangana. It has risen to 922 in West Bengal, 772 in Punjab, 666 in Jammu and Kashmir, 606 in Karnataka, 500 in Kerala and 482 in Bihar. Haryana has reported 394 coronavirus cases, while Odisha has 160 cases. A total of 115 people have been infected with the virus in Jharkhand and 94 in Chandigarh. Uttarakhand has reported 59 cases, Assam and Chhattisgarh have 43 cases each, while Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh have registered 40 cases so far. Thirty-three COVID-19 cases have been reported from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Meghalaya has reported 12 cases, Puducherry eight, while Goa has seven COVID-19 cases. Tripura has registered four cases, while Manipur has two cases. Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh have reported a case each. "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR," the health ministry said on its website, adding state-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation. Of the 83 deaths reported since Saturday evening, 36 were from Maharashtra, 26 from Gujarat, 11 from Madhya Pradesh, three each from Rajasthan and Delhi, two from Telangana and one each from Tamil Nadu and Bihar. With 521 fatalities, Maharashtra accounts for the maximum of the nationwide 1,306 deaths. Gujarat comes second with 262 deaths, followed by Madhya Pradesh 156, Rajasthan 65, Delhi 64, Uttar Pradesh 43, and West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh 33 each. The death toll reached 29 in Tamil Nadu, 28 in Telangana, while Karnataka has reported 25 fatalities due to the respiratory disease. Punjab has registered 20 COVID-19 deaths, Jammu and Kashmir eight, Kerala, Bihar and Haryana have reported four deaths each. Jharkhand has recorded three COVID-19 fatalities. Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Odisha and Assam have reported one fatality each, according to the ministry data. The health ministry''s Saturday evening update had put the death toll at 1,223 and the number of cases at 37,776 in the country. Lockdown relaxations Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said the state government will implement the Centre's latest guidelines on lockdown relaxation and allow government and private offices to open from Monday but the suspension of travel by flight, metro and bus will continue. Addressing an online media briefing, Kejriwal said delivery of essential goods through e-commerce portals will continue in the national capital. The chief minister said that Delhi goverment offices engaged in essential services will function with full strength while private offices can operate with up to 33 percent strength. The Maharashtra government also issued guidelines listing out permissible activities in different zones of the state. As per the guidelines, only five non-essential shops, including liquor shops, can be opened in each lane. However, there is no restriction on the number of shops selling essential items. A similar decision had already been announced for the COVID-19 green and orange zones, and such shops in these two zones were scheduled to open from Monday. The state government, however, has created a separate category for Mumbai, Pune and Malegaon and will implement harsher restrictions there than other red zones in the state. According to the guidelines, private offices in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune Metropolitan Region and Malegaon will not be allowed to open from Monday. In other red zones in the state, they will be allowed to open with 33 percent staff strength. Health minister urges people to follow restrictions Harsh Vardhan urged people to observe the curbs extended till 17 May in the letter and spirit, and treat it as an effective intervention to cut the chain of transmission of the virus. "We are on the path of success. We will win this war against COVID-19," he said after visiting the Lady Hardinge Medical College Hospital (LHMC) in Delhi to review the status of COVID-19 management. He said around 10,000 people have been cured of the disease so far. "We have crossed over 10 lakh tests and are performing over 74,000 tests in a day presently," he said. The government has distributed around 20 lakh PPE kits all over India and supplied medicines, both hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and paracetamol (PCM), to more than 100 countries, Vardhan added. He said India is on a "better footing" compared to other nations in managing the pandemic, adding that with more than 2.5 lakh beds in dedicated COVID-19 hospitals and health centres, the country is capable of pulling off any eventuality. The health minister urged people not to ostracise doctors treating COVID-19 patients or stigmatise those who have survived the deadly disease. Centre to send teams to 20 districts to help with containment measures The Centre will send public health teams to 20 districts with heavy case load of COVID-19 to help states in implementation of containment measures, an official press release said. #IndiaFightsCorona : 20 Central Public Health Teams from @MoHFW_INDIA have been formed and are being sent to the 20 districts that are reporting maximum number of #COVID19 cases in the country The teams will support states in fighting #COVID19 📒 https://t.co/UbNSx4QsGT pic.twitter.com/XIUyA9tEgU — MIB India 🇮🇳 #StayHome #StaySafe (@MIB_India) May 3, 2020 "These teams will support the States in implementation of containment measures for COVID-19 in the affected areas within these districts/cities," the press release said. With inputs from PTI

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