Coronavirus news highlights: Fresh ICMR guidelines on RT-PCR tests issued

The daily Covid-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,57,229 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 2,02,82,833, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The Centre has said that cases in some states have shown signs of plateauing, while the Supreme Court has asked states to consider a lockdown.

Fresh ICMR guidelines on RT-PCR tests

No repeat RT-PCR test if a person found positive in Rapid Antigen test or RT-PCR test.No need for RT-PCR test on discharge from hospital. RT-PCR tests for inter-state domestic travel no more mandatory.

The Punjab government on Tuesday allowed liquor vends and shops selling fertilisers, grocery, and hardware to open till 5 pm during weekdays amid restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus, officials said. (PTI)

Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa declared journalists in the state as front-line Covid-19 workers.

Maharashtra govt has writtento the Centre for enhancement of quota of medical oxygen.

JEE Main exam postponed due to Covid-19

The Ministry of Education on Monday announced that the JEE (Main) exam, scheduled to be held later this month, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more

Free vaccination for all beneficiaries including those above 18 years: V P Singh Badnore, Chandigarh Administrator

(ANI)

Delhi government to give free ration for two months to 72 lakh ration card holders: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

(PTI)

Delhi High Court issues notice to Delhi government, municipal corporations on a plea seeking an urgent increase in the number of cremation grounds/burial sites in the national capital

(ANI)

Bihar govt imposes Covid-19 lockdown till May 15

Amid the spiralling Covid-19 cases in Bihar, coronavirus lockdown has been imposed in the state till May 15, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced.

Read more

PM Modi & UK PM Boris Johnson to announce £1 billion in new UK-India trade & investment during a virtual meeting today. This will include over £533 million of new Indian investment into the UK, in vital & growing sectors such as health & technology.

(ANI)

India's Covid-19 tally crosses 2 crore-mark with over 3.5 lakh new cases

The daily Covid-19 cases in India showed a slight dip with 3,57,229 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, taking the total tally of cases to 2,02,82,833, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

Read more

Mumbai prepares for third wave, to set up Pediatric Covid Care Ward

Launching preparations for the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, a new Pediatric Covid Care Ward is being set up in the financial capital of Mumbai.

Read more

Fifth consignment carrying 545 oxygen concentrators arrives from US

(ANI)

Fauci's advice to India: Clamp nationwide lockdown, go for massive vaccination drive

Expressing concern over surging coronavirus cases in India, America’s top public health expert and White House Chief Medical Adviser Dr Anthony Fauci on Monday recommended a nationwide lockdown, massive vaccination drive and the construction of a large number of makeshift hospitals.

Read more

Partial 'corona curfew' imposed in Uttar Pradesh extended till 7 am on May 6.

(ANI)

Australia sees remote chance of jail for India travel ban offenders

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday said it was "highly unlikely" travellers from COVID-ravaged India would face the maximum penalties of five years jail and a A$66,000 fine for breaking border rules as he faces pressure to overturn them.

Australia last week banned all travellers from India, including its own citizens, entering the country until May 15 due to the surge in Covid-19 cases there, and warned offenders will be prosecuted and penalised.

"I don't think it would be fair to suggest these penalties in their most extreme forms are likely to be placed anywhere, but this is a way to ensure we can prevent the virus coming back," he said. (Reuters)

Good morning, readers! Welcome to the live coverage of coronavirus news.