Coronavirus news highlights: India reports 3320 fresh cases in the last 24 hours as tally nears 60k; toll at 1981 - MoHFW

Thank you readers for following our live coverage of COVID-19 cases in India. For more latest update and live coverage of novel coronavirus cases in India, follow our instant updates here .

. 3320 cases and 95 deaths reported in the last 24 hours

. 15 countries with the highest number of cases, deaths due to the COVID-19 pandemic

See here

. The death of 16 labourers on railway tracks in Maharashtra is a grim reminder of the messy management of migrant crisis during the COVID-19 enforced lockdown in the nation. Millions are on the move facing a loss of livelihood, many on foot, bicycles and tricycles, death leapt from behind.

. It has not gotten much attention with the world focused on coronavirus, but deforestation has surged in the Amazon rainforest this year, raising fears of a repeat of last year's record-breaking devastation -- or worse.

. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday reported 1,248,040 cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 28,974 cases from its previous count, and said that the number of deaths had risen by 2,180 to 75,477.

. A triple drug combination of antiviral medicines helped relieve symptoms in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection and swiftly reduced the amount of virus in their bodies, according to results of a small trial in Hong Kong.

The trial, which involved 127 patients, compared those given the combination drug - made up of the HIV medicine lopinavir–ritonavir, the hepatitis drug ribavirin, and the multiple sclerosis treatment interferon beta - with a control group given just the HIV drug.

. The United States on Friday recorded its steepest job losses in history over the coronavirus pandemic as Europe, faced with rising deaths, moved to keep its borders shut for another month.

The world's largest economy has suffered the deadliest coronavirus outbreak, with more than 77,000 fatalities and nearly 1.3 million cases.

Mindful of elections in November, President Donald Trump has nonetheless vowed to reopen the country, and a growing number of state governors have already let business resume with precautions.

. The leaders of U.S. congressional foreign affairs committees wrote to nearly 60 countries on Friday asking them to support Taiwan's participation in the World Health Organization, citing the need for the broadest effort possible to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan, which is not a member of the United Nations, has been excluded from the WHO, which is a U.N. agency, due to objections from China.

. A boy from Nepal and an eight-month-old girl were among 24 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Bihar on Friday, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 574 in the state, a top Health department official said.

. Indians are more optimistic than people globally with regard to the COVID-19 crisis as most in the country feel that the pandemic will end sooner locally, by May-end or the end of July, a survey has revealed.

. A total of 698 Indian nationals stranded in the Maldives due to the COVID-19 linked international travel restrictions were evacuated on Friday from the scenic island nation on an Indian Navy warship.

. 30 people, including 25 from BSF's 86th battalion, test positive for COVID-19 in Tripura, state count now 118: CM Biplab Kumar Deb

. 30 new positive cases (Kashmir division) reported today in J&K today, taking the total number of cases to 823: Government of UT of Jammu & Kashmir

. Fresh Cases - 338 Total number of cases - 6318

Deaths reported - 2 Total number of deaths - 68

Discharged - 89 Total recoveries still in hospital - 4230

Total samples tested so far - 81367

. AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleriya and Dr Manish Sureja have left for Ahmedabad by a special IAF flight as per instructions by HM Amit Shah to visit Civil Hospital&SVP hospital to give expert advice to doctors there on COVID19 treatment: Top AIIMS official confirms to ANI

. 152 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in the state today; the total number of cases in the state is now 3579, death toll 103: Rajasthan Health Department

. 22 new COVID-19 positive cases reported today, taking the total number of positive cases to 647: Haryana Government

. "Mumbai police are competent to handle any kind of emergent situation in light of the Corona pandemic or otherwise," Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said.

He added, "All these rumours of the army being called in to handle the situation in Mumbai are false and agenda-driven."

Deshmukh requested citizens not to trust rumours that the army was being called into Mumbai being shared on social media platforms.

"Mumbai police has always been internationally respected for its high professional standards," he reminded and added, "The police have often been at the frontlines in our battle against Covid-19, ensuring law and order is maintained even in high-contagion areas and no one should create unnecessary questions about their commitment, drive or work."

. No success yet in breaking virus `chain', admits Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.

Mismanagement at hospitals will not be tolerated, Maharashtra Chief Minister says referring to video showing patients at Mumbai hospital being treated next to dead bodies.

"Today's accident in Aurangabad was painful. I appeal to the migrant labourers that they should not get restless. We are in touch with various states. Keep your patience for a few more days. Maharashtra govt is with you," saidCM Uddhav Thackeray.

"There has been a rumour for the past 2-3 days that the Army will be deployed in Mumbai. There is no need for army deployment here. Whatever I've done till today I've done by informing citizens. You all should be disciplined&that will be enough. No need to call army here," he said.

"Till now, we have around 18000 positive cases of COVID19. This is a huge number. 3250 patients have been treated and discharged," he said.

"Police force is under tremendous pressure. If we need more forces we will ask for central forces in order to give some rest to our police. But that will not mean that army has been called. It will be done only if needed," the Shiv Sena chief said.

. Number of COVID-19 cases has reached 19063, with 1089 more people reporting positive today. 37 people lost their lives due to the disease in last 24 hours, taking the COVID-19 death toll to 731. Number of recovered/discharged patients stands at 3470: Maharashtra Health Department

. 90 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Madhya Pradesh, taking the total number of cases to 3341 including 1349 recovered and discharged and200 deaths: State Health Department

. With 130 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, the total number of coronavirus cases in West Bengal rises to 1678. 1195 active cases. 88 died solely due to COVID-19 and72 others due to comorbidities.

. * Delhi govt to bear the cost of journey of migrant workers, if their home states don't respond * Most of these states are yet to respond on the matter of bearing the travel costs of these stranded people * Today 1,200 stranded workers left Delhi on a special train for Muzaffarpur, Bihar * Delhi government has made arrangements for tickets, food and water for everyone

. Karnataka government allows Metro Cash & Carry to sell liquor till May 17. Also, wine boutiques can sell wines.

. Gujarat reports 24 more deaths due to coronavirus infection, death toll rises to 449. The state also recorded 390 fresh cases, total rise to 7,403.

"To bring down mortality rate two top doctors including AIIMS, New Delhi, Director Randeep Guleria will be arriving in Ahmedabad in a special Air Force flight tonight. This comes after CM Vijay Rupani's request to Union Home Minister Amit Shah," Health Dept said.

. 25 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Mumbai's Dharavi today, taking the total number of cases to 808, death toll to 26: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)

. Himachal Pradesh Cabinet decides to levy additional license fee (Covid Cess) on sale of liquor in the state. Now Rs 5 per bottle would be charged as 'Covid Cess' on Country Liquor, Rs 10 per bottle on Indian Made Foreign Liquor, Rs 5 per bottle/Can on Beer.

Rs 25 per bottle would be charged as 'Covid Cess' on Foreign Imported Liquor (BIO), Rs 10 per bottle/can on Beer/RTD (BIO), Rs 10 per bottle on Indian wine/cider & Rs 25 per bottle on wine/cider (BIO).

. Restaurants, eateries, ice cream shops, sweet shops and juice shops in the district are allowed to open from 7 am to 7 pm only for home delivery: District Magistrate Ludhiana, Punjab

. A constable posted at Mandir Marg Police station has tested positive for COVID19. He was staying at the barracks of the police station. 12 other police personnel have been quarantined: Delhi Police

. 25 new positive COVID-19 cases reported in the state today; the total number of cases in the state is now 271: Odisha Government

. "600 new COVID-19 positive cases including 399 in Chennai reported in the state today," said Tamil Nadu Health Minister CVijayabaskar

"Number of coronavirus cases has reached 6,009 in Tamil Nadu including 1,605 recovered/discharged & 40 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 4,361," he said.

. Till today, 10 healthcare staff at Delhi's Hindu Rao Hospital & 5 at Kasturba Hospital have been found positive for COVID-19. They have been sent to quarantine. Necessary sanitization has also been undertaken: North Delhi Municipal Corporation

6 more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Bihar, taking the total number of cases to 569: Bihar Principal Health Secretary Sanjay Kumar

87 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in the state today; the total number of positive cases in the state is now 1731: Punjab Government

Number of active cases of coronavirus has decreased to 16 in Uttarakhand . The doubling rate of cases is 96 days & the rate of recovery of COVID-19 patients stands at 74%. There are 7 containment zones in Uttarakhand: State Chief Secretary Utpal Kumar Singh

. India will be expanding scope of countries in the next week of repatriation i.e. May 15. Indians will be repatriated from other countries like Russia, Germany, Thailand, France, Spain, Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan, according to ANI.

State-wise break-up of repatriation requests in descending order - Kerala (25,246), Tamil Nadu (6,617), Maharashtra (4,341), Uttar Pradesh (3,715), Rajasthan (3,320), Telangana (2,796), Karnataka (2,786), Andhra Pradesh (2,445), Gujarat (2,330) and Delhi (2,232), sources said.

As of now, a total of 67,833 requests registered for repatriation, including requests from students, migrant workers, short-term visa holders faced with expiry of visas, those faced with medical emergency or seeking treatment for terminal illness etc, according to ANI.

. NHRC issues notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra and the District Magistrate, Aurangabad over mowing down of 16 migrant workers by a goods train.

. Spoke on phone to Japan’s Defence Minister Taro Kono about challenges arising out of the #COVID19 spread. We discussed ways to fight against this pandemic through cooperation & agreed to work together in this global fight: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

. There are 146 cases of COVID-19 in Chandigarh including 21 recovered/discharged and one death: Health Department, Chandigarh Administration

. 1 COVID-19 positive case reported in Udham Singh Nagar district today, while one more testedpositive in Haridwar district in Uttarakhand. State's coronavirus tally now at 63.

. One fresh case in Kerala today, 10 recover

Total infected so far: 503 Now under treatment: 16 4 died 484 negative so far 10 negative today 1 fresh cases today 19,810 under home observation 347 in hospital observation 35,856 samples tested so far 35,355 negative

. 12 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in the district today, taking the total number of positive cases in the district to 214: District Surveillance Officer, Gautam Budh Nagar in UP.

. A total of 753 COVID-19 positive cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, it includes 30 deaths & 376 discharges.

48 new cases have been confirmed in the state.

Out of 753 cases detected and confirmed in Karnataka so far, 9 cases are transitpassengers of Kerala who have landed in our Airports and being treated in Karnataka.

. Leaders of seven political parties have in a letter addressed to the President of India today raised concerns over the security, welfare,livelihood and future of crores of Indian working class and workingpeople.

The leaders who wrote the letter are Sitaram Yechury (CPIM), D Raja (CPI), Dipankar Bhattacharya (CPIML), Debabrata Biswas (AIFB), Manoj Bhattacharya (RSP), Manoj Jha (RJD) and DrThol. Thirumavalavan (VCK).

. The first batch of Indian nationals who will be brought back from the Maldives under operation Samudra Setu, boarded INS Jalashwa earlier today.

. 3 more persons, who travelled in the bus from Rajasthan in which the Cachar dist COVID-19 positive person travelled, have tested positive, tweeted Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

. "We have to learn to live with the virus. All practices should be implemented as a behavioural change. The challenge is massive, we need everyone's support, said the Health Ministry.

"A revised list of red, orange and green zones will be circulated to the states soon after existing data is analysed," saidav Agrawal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry.

"This is an everyday battle. Even a day's failure impacts the whole effort to fight coronavirus," he said.

. "If we keep following the required dos and don'ts, we won't reach the peak, we will continue to flatten the curve," saidHealth Ministry on AIIMS Director's 'peak expected in June-July' comment.

"Research studies have begun on using Ayurveda as prophylaxis and on using it as additional support against COVID-19," saidLav Agrawal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry.

. In 216 districts in India, no positive cases of COVID-19 have been detected. In 42 districts no new cases have been detected in the last 28 days, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the press briefing.

"Railways has converted 5231 coaches as COVID care centres. They will be placed on 250 identified stations and will be used for treatment of mild&very mild cases while ensuring that different coaches are designated for suspected & confirmed cases," saidLav Agrawal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry.

. The COVID-19 recovery rate in India stands at 29.36%, said Health Ministry in the media briefing today.

"3,390 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported in last 24 hours," saidLav Agrawal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry.

. "Those people who are brought back should follow the protocols and go into institutional quarantine," said MHA in the press briefing today.

"Railways has run 222 Shramik Special Trains for movement of stranded persons, more than 2.5 lakh people have made use of this facility so far," said Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs.

. 35 personnel of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) have been tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Eleven of them were deployed in Mumbai airport, 11 were performing duty with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, 3 were deployed at Delhi airport & 2 were at Mumbai port: CISF (ANI)

. 30 new cases of COVID-19 among BSF personnel (06 fromDelhi & 24 from Tripura) have been reported from different establishments. All of them are under the best available medical care at AIIMS, Jhajjar & at GB Pant Hospital in Agartala: Border Security Force

. The second special train with 1301 migrant labourers left Mohali Railway Station at 10 AM today for Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh: Mohali District Public Relations Office

. A protest by Chenab Textile Mills workers turns violent in Kathua. Workers demand full payment of salaries. SSP Shailendra Mishra says, "They think that payment given by the mill is not sufficient. Also, they want to go home. Injured will be sent to hospital".

. China said on Friday it supports the establishment of a panel led by the World Health Organization to review the global response to the coronavirus pandemic, after facing global pressure to allow an international investigation.

The review should be conducted in an "open, transparent and inclusive manner" at an "appropriate time after the pandemic is over", under the leadership of WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing. (AFP)

. An Indian-American father and daughter, both doctors in New Jersey, have died due to the COVID-19, with Governor Phil Murphy describing their demise as “particularly tough" and hailed them for dedicating their lives for others.

Read more here

. Four top Republican senators have urged President Donald Trump to suspend all new guest worker visas for 60 days and certain categories of new guest worker visas, including the H-1B, for at least a year or until unemployment figures return to normal levels in the US amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Read more here

. Temperature and latitude are not associated with the spread of COVID-19 disease, according to a global study that found school closures and other public health measures are having a positive effect on containing the novel coronavirus.

Read more here

. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Friday the coronavirus pandemic keeps unleashing “a tsunami of hate and xenophobia, scapegoating and scare-mongering.”

The UN chief said, “anti-foreigner sentiment has surged online and in the streets, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories have spread, and COVID-19-related anti-Muslim attacks have occurred.”

Read more here

. IndiGo will be cutting the salaries of senior employees from May onwards and also implement a "limited, graded leave without pay program" for the months of May, June and July, its CEO Ronojoy Dutta said on Friday.

Read more here

. Hundreds of migrant labourers from North India gathered at Mangaluru Central Railway Station on Friday morning after they were misled about trains being operated to their respective states, on social media. (DH Photo)

. The Chinese and Indians are among those most convinced of its protective powers against the novel coronavirus . Several others, including Americans, Brazilians, and Russians, are rapidly embracing it. Even the skeptical Brits will don them in large numbers should their government insist. If these findings from recent Ipsos polls on face masks are to be believed, the world won’t be stepping out unmasked anytime soon.

Read more here

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, along with coronavirus situation in India and Karnataka, DH journalist Sydney Kiran talks to Pankaj Advani, the Billiards player. And Vivek Mysore presents sports updates.

. Deccan Herald's podcasts are now available on your favourite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and many more. Do subscribe to our Podcast there!

Check out our e-paper at www.deccanheraldepaper.com

. All ticket holders for the French Open, postponed from this month until September because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be refunded, the French Tennis Federation announced.

"The current health situation linked to COVID-19 and the extent of this pandemic are causing uncertainty for all events bringing together the public, all over the world," the federation said in a message sent to all people who had bought tickets.

Read more here

. North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un sent a personal message to Chinese President Xi Jinping praising what he described as China's success in getting its coronavirus epidemic under control.

The report by North Korea's state media followed an assessment by South Korea's spy agency that the pandemic is hurting the North's economy, already crippled by decades of policy failures and US-led international sanctions over its nuclear weapons program.

Read more here

. I am pained beyond words to learn about the tragic train accident in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. I have asked our karyakartas to join the rescue operation and provide full support to the administration along with adherence to all health protocols: JP Nadda

. Pained beyond words at the loss of lives due to a rail accident in Maharashtra. I have spoken to Railway Minister Piyush Goyal, concerned authorities in central government andrailway admin to ensure all possible assistance. My condolences with the bereaved families: Home Minister Amit Shah.

. The Rail accident in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district is extremely tragic and unfortunate. My condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in this accident. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. (ANI)

. The coronavirus worry grew in Assam and Tripura after 32 persons tested COVID-19 positive in the past 24-hours.Eight persons in Assam including four in Guwahati tested positive on Thursday taking the total number of cases to 53. One of them is a doctor, who returned from Dubai and is in home quarantine. Four more persons, who returned from Ajmer in Rajasthan, a COVID-19 'Red Zone', tested positive.

Read more here

. President Donald Trump said on Thursday his administration was considering further economic measures, possibly via executive orders, to provide help against the economic fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Read more here

. During early hours today after seeing some labourers on track, loco pilot of goods train tried to stop the train but eventually hit them between Badnapur and Karmad stations in Parbhani-Manmad section. Injured taken to Aurangabad Civil Hospital. Inquiry ordered: Indian Railways. (ANI)

. At least 17 migrant workers were crushed to death by a goods train in Aurangabad city of Maharashtra on Friday morning. As per reports, were sleeping on the track when they were run over by a goods train that was running between Jalna and Aurangabad. The accident happened under the limits of Karmad police station in the city. Top officials in Rail Bhavan rushed its officials to the spot.

. Just when Tamil Nadu was hoping that the worst was over, and the number of coronavirus cases would witness a downslide, there emerged a cluster from the sprawling Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex (KWMC) located in the heart of the state capital.

Read more here

. This data from Worldometer (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/) lists the countries most affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The total number of cases and deaths registered country-wise is updated regularly.

. Five weeks of lockdown has not only failed to protect India’s poorest from the rampaging coronavirus pandemic but made them even more vulnerable by taking away their livelihood means and cutting their access to healthcare, top public health experts have pointed out.

Read more here

. Hundreds of migrant labourers were taking the city’s highways to walk to their homes in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and other states.

Following the state government’s cancellation of inter-state trains, labourers in groups of 20 and 50 began walking from different areas of Mahadevapura, Varthur, Bellandur, Electronics City, Bannerghatta, Konanakunte and other places. They were determined to cover the long distances by foot.

Read more here

. Every week, it seems, the list of coronavirus symptoms -- ranging from disagreeable to the deadly -- grows longer.What began as a familiar flu-like cluster of chills, headaches and fever has rapidly expanded over the last three months into a catalogue of syndromes affecting almost all the body's organs, from the brain to the kidneys.

Read more here

. Fresh cases: 448 (highest in a single day)

On May 6:428 cases

Total Cases: 5980

Toll: 66

Discharges: 389

Total discharges: 1931

Still in hospital 3983

Total samples tested: 77,234

. 43 deaths today Total deaths: 694

New cases: 1216 Total cases: 17974

Discharged today: 207 Total discharged: 3301

. The first flight under the Vande Bharat Mission to evacuate NRIs landed at the Nedumbassery airport in Kochi with 181 passengers, including 49 pregnant woman and four children, from Abu Dhabi at around 10:15 pm.

. The first Air India Express flight carrying 177 passengers from Abu Dhabi to Kochi took off at 5.07 pm (local time). Few minutes later, the Dubai-Kozhikode flight took off at 5.46 pm (local time) as part of the massive repatriation exercise named 'Vande Bharat Mission.'

Read more here.

. "There is no doubt that patients are increasing but at the same time, the number of patients being treated and going home too is increasing. We also would like to share thatMaharashtrahascrossedtwolakhtests," said Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Rajesh Tope.

Read more here.

. The Navy said the ship has extensive medical facilities and is ideally suited to undertake humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Read more here.

. 72 inmates & 7 staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai's Arthur Road prison.

All positive inmates will be shifted to GT Hospital & St George Hospital in guarded vehicles tomorrow morning while staff members will be shifted separately, saidMaharashtra Jail Authorities.

. Death toll from coronavirus in Gujarat crosses 400-mark with 29 fresh casualties reported in past 24 hours.

This takes the toll to425, second highest casualty after the neighbouring state of Maharashtra.

Gujarat also reported 388 new COVID-19 positive cases, total confirmed cases mounting to7,013.

. Total infected so far: 502

Now under treatment : 25

Deaths:4

Negative: 474

Negative today: 5

0 fresh cases today

16,383 in home observation

310 in hospital observation

35,171 samples tested so far

34,519 negative

. Staff at the Simhachalam north railway station, which is near the chemical plant LG Polymers started feeling suffocated and burning sensation in the eyes soon after the leak.

Trains crossing the railway station stopped from 8:35 am to 12 noon. This affected movement of a number of trains, including 24 goods trains in 'Up' direction and 12 trains in the 'Down' direction.

Read more here.

. Trains carrying migrant workers stranded in Karnataka are likely to resume on Friday.

After coming under fire for cancelling inter-state 'Shramik Special Trains', the Karnataka government has now written to the state governments in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and other states in north India, seeking their coordination in receiving the labourers.

. 45 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of cases stands at 3400 in the state; death toll at 95. Active cases in the state are 1565: State Health Department

. Shops used to remain open from 8 am to 10 pm earlier. We have made amendments in the Establishment Act due to which shops & establishments can stay open from 6 am to 12 am now. Due to COVID-19, workers in factories can now work up to 12 hours instead of 8 hours: MP CM SS Chouhan

. 8 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Karnataka from 5 PM yesterday to 12 noon today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 701 including 30 deaths and 363 cured/discharged: State Health Department

. About 250 police personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Mumbai. The number of symptomatic cases is very low and none of them are in ICU: Mumbai Commissioner of Police Param Bir Singh

. 56 new positive cases &2 deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of positive cases to 1833. Total 51 persons have been discharged in the past 24 hours, the total discharged are 780 till date. The death toll stands at 38: State COVID-19 Nodal Officer

. After a gap of four days, Belagavi district of Karnataka recorded another COVID-19 positive case increasing the tally to 74 on Thursday with minor testing positive.

. An average of 80,000 COVID-19 cases were reported each day in April to the World Health Organization, the top UN health agency has said, noting that South Asian nations like India and Bangladesh are seeing a spike in the infections while the numbers are declining in regions such as Western Europe.

. Scientists have uncoveredhowbatscancarrythe MERScoronaviruswithoutgettingsick, shedding light on what triggerscoronaviruses, including the one behind the COVID-19 pandemic, to jump to humans.

. 2 deaths and 38 new Coronavirus positive cases reported in Rajasthan today. The total number of cases stands at 3355 in the state; death toll at 95: State Health Department

. During this difficult time of coronavirus lockdown, there are several ppl around us who are working 24 hours to help others, to maintain law& order, to cure infected persons & to maintain cleanliness, by sacrificing their own comforts. All such people deserve appreciation & honour: PM

. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has issued an order stating that all the inter-state boundaries of the state will be sealed with immediate effect to prevent the entry of unauthorized persons from the inter-state boundaries of the state.

. 20 new Coronavirus positive cases reported in Odisha, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 205 including 142 active cases, 2 deaths and 61 cured/discharged: State Health Department

. After being shut for nearly 45 days, factories, and companies in parts of Tamil Nadu upped their shutters on Wednesday following the state government's directive to restart economic activity in “non-containment zones.”

. Telangana CM has instructed officials that in Hyderabad & its surrounding places where there is more spread of COVID-19, strict regulations should be maintained &implemented. Along with Hyderabad, officials should be alert at villages neighbouring Kurnool & Guntur districts: Telangana CMO

. During last 24 hours, Odisha Police has registered 3 cases against returnees for violating quarantine norms or absconding from quarantine centres: Odisha Police Public Relations Officer

. Delhi on Wednesday recorded 428 COVID-19 cases, the highest for a single day, on Wednesday as the total number rose to 5,532.

. A 31-year-old Constable, who died after falling sick, has become the first victim of COVID-19 in Delhi Police.

. Fresh Cases 428 Total 5532

Deaths 1 Total 65

Discharged 74 Total Recoveries 1542

Still in Hospital 3925

. 8 people in Kalaburagi have been booked for violating home quarantine: N Sateesh Kumar, Kalaburagi Commissioner of Police

. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated a multi-center clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma to limit COVID-19 associated complications in moderate disease, says the organisation.

. Air India opens bookings for those passengers who meet eligibility criteria and wish to travel from India to London, Singapore & select destinations in the USA on flights operating between 8th May to 14th May: Air India (ANI)

. 34 deaths recorded today Total deaths 651

New cases today 1233 Total cases 16756

275 discharged today Total patients discharged 3094

. This is worse than treating them as bonded labour. Does the Indian constitution exist? Are there any laws in the country? This BJP state government is throwing us back to medieval barbarism. This will be stoutly resisted, says CPIM Gen Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Karnataka cancelling special trains for migrant workers.

. With Indians stranded abroad starting to fly back homefrom Thursday, MHA asks states to ensure that adequate quarantine centres are set up. States have been shared details of arriving passengers.

. Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla writes to states: Stranded Indians brought from abroad should be put on institutional quarantine for 14 days. Such centres should be near district headquarters as much as possible.

. Total COVID-19 cases in West Bengal reaches 1,456. Active cases in the state are at 1,047. Death toll due to COVID-19 including comorbid cases at 144. Total discharged 265. 4.83% positive cases out of samples tested states

. Public transport services may resume operations soon and the government is formulating guidelines for safe usage adhering to social distancing norms to check the spread of coronavirus, Union Minister NitinGadkarisaid on Wednesday.

. Shops will be allowed to remain open from 7 am to 3 pm in the state. Respective district authorities shall ensure that there is no overcrowding and that social distancing is maintained as already advised, says Punjab Home Department

. Mortality rate due to COVID-19 in West Bengal by far the highest for any state, says MHA.

Ministry of Home Affairs Secy Ajay Bhalla has written to West Bengal Chief Secy Rajiv Sinha saying,"Response to COVID19 in West Bengal is characterized by very low rate of testing in proportion to population&very high rate of mortality of 13.2% by far highest of any state".

. Export of alcohol-based sanitizers has been prohibited by Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce & Industry (ANI)

. Summer vacation in govt and govt aided schools shall be observed as usual from 11th May to 30th June for students. However, keeping in view COVID-19, students shall not be called to schools for any teaching-learning activity during summer vacation: Delhi Directorate of Education

. All shops except those providing milk and medicines in Ahmedabad to remain closed from 12 am on 7th May to 6 am on 15th May: Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation Commissioner (ANI)

. No COVID-19 testing laboratories should accept samples with manually filled SRFs (Specimen Referral Forms), only samples filled on RT-PCR app should be accepted. If any lab accepts samples with manually filled SRFs, disciplinary action will be taken against them: Karnataka Govt

. 5 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Odisha, taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 185 including 122 active cases, 2 deaths and 61 recovered/discharged.

. Stopping the consumption of alcohol without medical advice can be dangerous. These times provide golden opportunity for ppl who want to quit alcohol. I advise such people to seek medical assistance&quit alcohol:Dr Atul Ambekar of Delhi AIIMS' National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre

. Total COVID-19 cases in the state are 555, it includes 289 active cases, 260 recovered, and 6 deaths, said Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.

Our situation is better than Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, & Uttar Pradesh. We are surrounded by them from all sides, we have become stricter at our borders so that nobody brings #COVID19 here. Even then, our situation over last few days has become concerning, CM said.

. All Nizamuddin Markaz/Tablighi Jamaat attendees who were kept in different quarantine facilities including positive patients who have now recovered should be allowed to go home. Police should take action against those who have cases against them: Delhi Health Ministry

. Karnataka's coronavirus tally rises to 693, including29 deaths & 354 discharges in the state, as of May 6, 2020.

Out of 693 cases detected and confirmed in Karnataka so far, 9 cases are transitpassengers of Kerala who have landed in our Airports and being treated in Karnataka.

. Total infected so far: 502 Now under treatment: 30 3 died 469 negative so far 0 fresh cases today 14,402 under home observation 268 in hospital observation 34,599 samples tested so far 34,063 negative

. CITU said thatthe entire exercise is also a reflection of utter hypocrisy.

"The BJP Govt at the centre, after lot of pressure, has ultimately agreed to run to Shramik Special trains for return of migrant workers and after lot of bungling agreed to bear the 85% cost of journey by Indian Railways. Now, the BJP Govt of Karnataka refuses to send the migrant workers back home, at the dictates of the capitalist lobby. Aren’t the reluctance and the refusal part of a single," it said.

. 17 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Nepal today; the highest spike in number of cases in a day in the country. Total number of positive cases stands at 99: Nepal Health Ministry

. 15 laboratories in West Bengal, 10 government and 5 private, are conducting tests for COVID-19. Tests are being conducted every day at an average of 2500, said Alapan Bandyopadhyay, West Bengal Home Secretary.

112 coronavirus positive cases reported today, taking the total cases in the state to 1456. 4 deaths also reported in the last 24 hours, total deaths due to coronavirus in the state now at 72, he said.

. Congress questions the secrecy behind the amount collected, auditors, fund details and the purpose for which the funds will be used which is collected under the PM CARES Fund.

"Why so much secrecy around PM Cares fund?" the party asked on twitter.

. Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa provides financial support for construction workers.

"We have decided to provide construction workers with a financial support of Rs.3000 to each of 15.80 lakh registered building workers in the state. This is over and above the Rs.2000 that is already being transferred to their accounts," he said.

. Karnataka CM B S Yediyurappa releases reliefto electricity consumers:

1. Reduction in the interest for the delayed payment, Incentive to those who pay bills in advance.

2. Electricity connection will not be disconnected till 30-06-2020 for consumers who have not paid the balance amount of electricity bill.

. A Delhi Police constable whose COVID-19 test result was awaited and was brought dead at RML hospital yesterday, has tested positive for coronavirus in his report that came today: Delhi Police

. Retired Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadav, who was sentenced to death bya Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism, asks people to stay at home to control the spread of coronavirus, the Pakistan Air Force tweeted.

. "Spoke with Hon’ble CM Sri BS Yediyurappa about the 300 fishermen from Srikakulam dist stranded on the coast of Malpe village. He responded very positively & assured me to offer them immediate help," tweetsN Chandrababu Naidu.

Our team is also contacting Andhra Pradesh authorities to safely bring them back to the state, he said.

. Delhi Government has issued guidelines 'for the handling of the passengers coming from abroad and landing at Delhi Airport in view of the planned phased return of Indians stranded abroad by the Ministry of External Affairs'.

. While performing operational and essential duties, 85 more Border Security Forcepersonnel have been infected with COVID-19. It's reiterated that in each establishment of BSF, SOPs are strictly being followed. Instructions of MoHFW are enforced & religiously followed to check the spread of pandemic: BSF

. The untold story of the sanitation sector amidst COVID-19

This episode focuses on COVID-19 situation in India and Karnataka. And DH journalist Varsha Gowda brings out the untold story of Indian sanitation sector in COVID-19 era, by talking to Srinivas Chary, Director, Centre for Energy, Environment, Urban Governance and Infra Development at Administrative Staff College of India, Nirmala Gowda, a trustee of Bangalore Environment Trust and C S Sharada Prasad, a WaSH consultant and researcher focussing on sanitation sector, among others.

. "I think this matter should be handed to scientists and medical professionals, and not politicians, who lie for their own domestic political ends," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying at a regular press briefing.

. What liquor prices today in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Chandigarh

. Two days after assuring migrant workers of arranging transport to facilitate travel to their home towns in other states, the state government made a U-turn and cancelledtrain services it had requested.

Read here

. VAT has been increased by Rs 2 per litre on petrol and Rs 1 per litre on diesel. New prices will be applicable from today midnight: UP Finance Minister Suresh Khanna

. Addressing a meeting of chief ministers of states where the Congress is in power, Sonia Gandhi asked "what after May 17?." The third phase of the lockdown ends on May 17.

. Read here

. The Indian Railways said itran38 Shramik special trains on Tuesday. 42 more trains are likely to run on Wednesday to ferry more migrants.

Since May 1, the Railways have operated 115 special trains to ferry stranded migrants to their homes.

. The Maharashtra government has sought clarity from the Railways over whether it is bearing 85 per cent of the transport cost of migrant workers heading home amid the lockdown, state Home Minister said on Wednesday.

. Delhi government has launched a Twitter handle @DelhiVsCorona to ensure authentic information about the disease

The Twitter handle @DelhiVsCorona will be a one-stop solution for all the COVID-19 related queries & complaints

CM Arvind Kejriwal sets up a team of representatives to monitor this Twitter handle @DelhiVsCorona and to ensure speedy solutions

This team will gather the live status of the situation in the govt hospitals and provide authentic information on COVID-19

The team will respond and solve the issues of patients and doctors in the Delhi govt hospitals

. (ANI tweet)

. A total of just 62 “root” COVID-19 positive patients have been responsible for infecting 426 others in the state. In simpler terms, this means that every single “root” COVID-19 positive patient infected 6.87 others.

Infographic: Ramu Mastiah

. he office of the country's Chief Labour Commissioner (CLC) does not have data about migrant workers stranded due to Covid-19 lockdown despite an official survey was commissioned in early April with strict instructions to complete in three days, according to the response to a Right to Information (RTI) query.

Chief Labour Commissioner Rajan Verma had on April 8 wrote to heads of its 20 Regional Offices across the country to collect data on relief camps and migrant workers district-wise and state-wise within three days. Day to day progress should be intimated to him, the letter had said.

. The situation in Maharashtra is certainly a matter of concern right now as 34 out of 36 districts are affected by COVID-19.I will hold a meeting with CM as well to discuss further course of action to control spread of the virus in state: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

. 19 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka from 5 pm yesterday till 12 pm today. Total number of positive cases in the state is now at 692, including 345 discharges & 29 deaths: State Health Department

. Until extensive stimulus package is given, how will states, country run? We lost Rs 10,000 cr revenue:Raj CM Ashok Gehlot at Cong CMs meeting What after May 17, what criteria is Centre using to judge how long lockdown will continue: Sonia Gandhi at meeting with Congress CMs

. We have sent around 1 lakh people in 3500 buses and trains, back to their home towns. I have also appealed to the migrant workers to stay as the construction work has resumed now: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa.

Key Highlights:

* Special economic package of ₹1,610 crore announced to help those affected by the lockdown.

* 60,000 washermen, 2.30 lakh barbers and 7.75 lakh auto rickshaw and taxi drivers to get ₹5,000 as a one-time compensation.

* ₹25,000 per hectare compensation for flower growers. Totally, flowers grown on 11,687 hectares have suffered due to lockdown.

* Horticulture farmers to also get a package, but government is still studying this.

* The fixed monthly charge on the electricity bills of MSMEs to be waived for two months. Electricity bill payments for Large industries to be deferred for two months.

* Construction labourers to get an additional ₹3,000. They’ve already been given ₹2,000.

* A new Nekaar Samman Yojana under which weavers will get ₹2,000 financial aid every year.

* Liquor to get costlier. Govt hikes excise duty by 11%, in addition to the 6% that was announced in the budget.

. Maharashtra: A 'Sharmik special train' carrying 839 migrant workers departs from Nashik Road railway station for Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh (ANI)

. 60 new COVID-19 cases&2 deaths reported in Andhra Pradesh today, 12 of them are from Gujarat&1 from Karnataka. Total positive cases in state increases to 1777, of which 1012 are active cases. 729 persons have been discharged till date. Death toll stands at 36: State Health Dept

. The total number of positive cases in Delhi stands at 5104, of which 206 cases were reported yesterday. Total 1468 patients have recovered, while 17 are on ventilator. The doubling rate of #COVID19 in Delhi is 11 days now: Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain

. 35 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 1 death have been reported in Rajasthan today. Total number of cases rise to 3193 with increase in death toll to 90. 1131 people have been cured/discharged till now. Total active cases stands at 1567: State Health Department

. Gilead Sciences Inc said on Tuesday it was in discussions with chemical and drug manufacturers to produce its experimental COVID-19 drug remdesivir for Europe, Asia and the developing world through at least 2022.

. If smartphone users do not have Aarogya Setu App installed on their phones, while out in a public place, then this will be punishable offence for the violation of lockdown norms: Ashutosh Dwivedi, Gautam Buddh Nagar Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), in an order dated 03.05

(ANI)

. Section 144 CrPC to remain imposed in Ghaziabad district till 31st May 2020. This period can be reduced or cancelled as per the situation: District Magistrate Ajay Shankar Pandey

. With many economists estimating a one-monthlockdowncould hit a 2 percentage point blow to the economy, the extension of thelockdownin May will turn India’s 1% growth forecast for 2020-21 to 1% contraction.

. The global lockdown caused by COVID-19 risks a "devastating" surge in tuberculosis cases, with nearly 1.4 million additional deaths from the world's biggest infectious killer by 2025, new research showed Wednesday.

TB, a bacterial infection that normally attacks patients' lungs, is largely treatable yet still infects an estimated 10 million people every year.

In 2018, it killed around 1.5 million people, according to the World Health Organization, including more than 200,000 children.

. President Donald Trump on Tuesday made his first major foray out of the White House since the coronavirus lockdown began, pushing for the US economy to reopen as Britain became the country with the second most deaths.

"We can't keep our country closed for the next five years," Trump said on a trip to a mask-making factory in Arizona, conceding that some people would be "badly affected."

He urged US states to ease restrictions as he attempts to fire up the world's biggest economy before the November presidential election, when the high death toll and millions of lost jobs could cost him dearly.

The US registered 2,333 more deaths over the 24-hours to Tuesday evening, according to a tally by Johns Hopkins University, with some scientific models suggesting the figure will rise to 3,000 a day by June.

. The Air India aircraft may take onboard some Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), who live and work overseas, but currently stuck in India, when they will fly out to foreign destinations to bring back citizens stranded abroad.

. Lockdown in Telangana is extended till May 29, chief minister Chandrasekhar Rao has announced, after a special cabinet meeting to take stock of the COVID-19 situation.

. The US food and drug regulatory body has allowed the emergency use of an investigational anti-viral vaccine to treat COVID-19 patients after some researches, including one led by an Indian-American physician, found that the drug helped recover some of the infected cases faster. (PTI)

. One person from Kokrajhar district with a travel history of Cooch Behar in West Bengal, has tested positive for COVID-19. Total positive cases in Assam now stands at 44: Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam Minister

. Delhi Govt issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the screening of stranded people, moving out of Delhi or into Delhi from other states.

. 'COVID Cess' will be Rs 5 per quart in case of Country Liquor, Rs 20 per quart in case of Indian-made foreign liquor, Rs. 5 in case of strong beer and Rs 2 in case of other beer and Rs.50 per pack greater than 375 ML in case of Imported Foreign Liquor, with effect from tomorrow: Haryana Govt

. In municipal towns, 50 percent shops allowed to be open on one day and other 50 percent shops the next day, said Telangana CM K Chandrasekar Rao. Registrar, RTA etc offices would function fully from tomorrow, he said.

We will conduct remaining SSC exams, as per the high court orders, in May, said CM KCR.

This coronavirus is not going to end tomorrow or day after, he said.

We have to learn live together with it.It will keep hunting us down if we don't have a plan to evade it, he said. The migrant trains to Bihar will also bring rice mill etc workers in return, he said.

. A 26-year-old female from Bhilai has tested positive for COVID-19. She will be admitted in AIIMS Raipur: All India Institute of Medical Science, Raipur.

. A New York City nursing home on Friday reported the deaths of 98 residents believed to have had thecoronavirus— a staggering death toll that shocked public officials. (AP)

. 1 new death has been reported in HP today taking the death toll to 2. The number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 2 in Himachal Pradesh. The total 34 people have been cured/discharged: State Health Department

. Lockdown in Telangana till May 29, CM K Chandrasekhar Rao announced after a cabinet meeting Night curfew from 7 pm till morning to continue, he said.

By August, September vaccines possible according to Shanta Biotech's Vara Prasad Reddy, said KCR

Biological Evans and Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad are also working towards developing a vaccine, the CM said. Except for essential supplies and construction, electrical, agriculture-related material shops, no other shops will be allowed, he said.

After witnessing Delhi, Bangalore scenes yesterday we did not want to have similar scenes here. Will wait till May 15 to assess the situation, he said.

. Karnataka govt issues orders to permitmovement of migrant workers, pilgrims, tourists, students and other persons who are stranded and also those people who want to go to their residence as a one-time measure from district to district with one-time, one day, one-way passes.

. Non essential shops in Mumbai to shut. Only essential item stores like grocery shops and medical stores/chemist shops will be allowed to be open: BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) Commissioner (ANI)

Municipal Commissioner orders liquor shops to be shut in Mumbai from tomorrow because of large crowds and flouting of social distancing norms.

. Till today, 1096 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in the state, of which 628 patients were discharged. Today 11 new positive cases have been reported. There are 439 active cases in the state now: Telangana CM KChandrashekar Rao

. 97 new positive cases of COVID-19 and 12 deaths have been reported in Rajasthan today. Total number of cases rise to 3158 with death toll at 89. 1120 people have been cured/discharged till now: State Health Department

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the task force on coronavirus vaccine Development and took a detailed review of the current status of India’s efforts in vaccine development, drug discovery, diagnosis and testing.

Indian vaccine companies have come across as innovators in early stage vaccine development research.Similarly,Indian academia&start-ups have also pioneered in this area. Over 30 Indian vaccines are in different stages of vaccine development,with few going on to trial stages, according to PMO.

. Govt of Haryana has decided to open retail liquor vends from tomorrow,except areas demarcated from time to time as 'Containment Zones'. Operational hours of retail liquor vends shall be observed from 7 am to 7 pm, in both Urban&Rural areas: Excise&Taxation Commissioner, Haryana

. Fresh cases 206 Total Cases 5106 (crosses 5000-mark)

No deaths reported for 2nd consecutive day today Toll remains at 64

Discharged 37 Total recoveries 1468

Still in hospital 3572

. 841 new COVID-19 positive cases & 34 deaths reported in Maharashtra today, taking the total number of cases to 15525: State Health Department

. If we had done things in a different way, we would have lost much more lives, much more than 2 million people. We did it the right way, we did everything right but now it's time to go back to work, says US President Donald Trump in Washington DC

. 107 more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh taking the total number of cases in the state to 3049. Death toll stands at 176: State Health Department

. 635 new COVID-19 positive cases, 26 deaths recorded in Mumbai today, taking the total number of positive cases to 9758, death toll 387: Municipal Corporation Greater Mumbai

. Punjab's Excise and Taxation Department proposes home delivery of liquor between 1 pm to 6 pm to avoid rush at vends amid coronavirus outbreak; state cabinet to take final decision: Officials (PTI)

. 118 new patients have been confirmed as COVID-19 positive since last evening taking the total number of positive cases to 2880. Out of the total cases, 987 patients have been discharged while 56 others lost their lives: Directorate of Health Services, Uttar Pradesh

. Two more zones in Delhi have been de-contained today; total number of containment zones in the national capital now stands at 88. No New addition in containment zones today.

. More than 10000 Indians have tested coronavirus positive in Gulf countries, 84 have died till now: Sources (ANI)

. In last 24 hours, 49 deaths and 441 new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Gujarat. 39 deaths and 349 new cases are from Ahmedabad. Total positive cases stand at 6245 and death toll is at 368: Health Department, Gujarat

. External Affairs Minister took video conference with heads of missionin UAE/Singapore/Maldives/USA today. MEA has formed a coordination committee, Joint secretary and Additional secretary for each state for seamless flow: Sources. (ANI)

. 31 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Haryana today; taking the total number of positive cases to 548: Health Department, Govt of Haryana

15 new coronaviruspositive cases have been reported in Jammu and Kashmir today; 1 from Jammu division and 14 from Kashmir division. Total positive cases in the Union Territory stand at 741, including 413 active cases: Govt of Jammu and Kashmir

One person from Goalpara has tested positive for COVID-19. Total positive cases in Assam now stands at 43; active cases are at 10: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

One person from Rourkela has tested positive for corornavirus; taking the total number of positive cases to 174 in the state: Information & Public Relations Department, Government of Odisha.

Three more COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Jharkhand. All are from Hindpiri area of Ranchi. Total positive cases in Jharkhand is 122 now: Nitin Madan Kulkarni, State Health Secretary

350 COVID-19 patients have been recovered and discharged today, of which 165 patients are from Mumbai. This is the highest discharge number in a single day in Maharashtra. Total number of discharged patients in the state is 2465 till today: Health Department, Maharashtra

Dharavi slum sprawl reports 33 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total count to 665: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation official

508 new coronavirus positive cases have been reported in Tamil Nadu today; taking the total number of positive cases to 4058. Two deaths have been reported today; death toll is at 33: Health Department, Tamil Nadu

. Two floors of BSF headquarters closed for sanitization after a staff member tested COVID-19 positive, will be opened from tomorrow. Total cases in BSF is 69: Border Security Force (BSF)

. 13 new positive cases ofCOVID-19 have been reported in Chandigarh today. Total number of cases rise to 115 and 1 death: Chandigarh Health Department

. Even as Karnataka recorded alcohol sales in excess of Rs 45 crore on the first day of liquor shops' reopening since the coronavirus lockdown was imposed in March, at least two liquor outlets in Bengaluru have come under the Excise Department radar for selling more than the permitted quantity of liquor to a single person.

. By Andy Mukherjee India is reopening, but apart from tipplers who were a little too thrilled about buying their first liquor in 43 days, a partial end to the world’s harshest coronavirus lockdown is failing to bring cheer. Anxiety still clouds the outlook amid a lack of meaningful fiscal help for workers and companies.

. The Central Bureau of Investigation has alerted state police organisations of the country about fake COVID-19 testing kits circulating in the international market after an intimation from the Interpol in this regard, sources said.

. The global death toll from the coronavirus pandemic topped a quarter of a million on Tuesday, with the US government predicting a further surge in fatalities as an international vaccine drive garnered $8 billion in pledges.

. Four new COVID-19 positive cases recorded in Jharkhand today; all 4 are from Hindpiri area of Ranchi. There are 119 total positive cases in the state now: State Health Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni

. All existing visas granted to foreigners, except certain categories, to remain suspended till the prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted by Government of India, saysSpokesperson of Ministry of Home Affairs.

Right of Multiple entry long term Visa facility for visiting India for any purpose, granted to OCI Cardholders, to remain in abeyance till prohibition on international air travel of passengers from/to India is lifted by Government of India, says MHA.

. Number of active COVID-19 cases stands at 2 in Himachal Pradesh. 1 death has been reported in the state till now. Total 34 people have been cured/discharged: State Health Department

. COVID-19 situation in the state is under control as compared to other states. Due to this, travel of migrant workers was prohibited. Now, trade, construction and industrial activities need to restart, except in the red zones, says Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

Directions given to ministers to convince workers to not return to their native states. Builders will provide workers with necessary facilities as construction activities will resume. They should not pay heed to rumours& avoid unnecessary travel, he said.

. 64 flights will be operated from 7th May to 13th May to bring back stranded Indians from different countries.

Here is the flight plan for the week 7th May to 13th May to bring back stranded Indians from different countries.

. 99 new COVID-19 cases have been reported today, total positive cases in the district stand at 2202. Till date, 553 patients were cured and discharged, saidDeepak Mhaisekar, Divisional Commissioner of Pune.

. Total infected so far: 502 Now under treatment: 37 3 died 462 negative so far 0 negative today 3 fresh cases today 21,034 under home observation 308 in hospital observation 33,800 samples tested so far 33,265 negative

. In the last 24 hours, West Bengal reported 85 new cases, taking the total tally to 1,344. Of which, 264 have been discharged, 68 died and 940 cases are active.

. A total of 98 personnel of the three services including serving, retired and dependent family members are admitted in hospitals after being tested positive. 42 defence personnel and their dependents have already been discharged after treatment, said Col Aman Anand, Army Spokesperson. (ANI)

. The Health Ministry in its briefing today said that SoPs will be made public today for the evacuation of Indians from May 7.Offices have to make available adequate masks and sanitisers, it said. Companies have to ensure social distancing and enough gap between shifts, the ministry said. Lunch in offices to be staggered and registration of all on ArogyaSetuApp is responsibility of institution, the Health ministry said.

"In the last 24 hours, 3,900 cases were reported bringing total cases to 46,433. There have been 105 deaths so far taking total to 1,568. This is the highest single-day spike in both deaths and number of cases," said Luv Aggarwal, Health Ministry's Joint Secretary.

To maintain social distancing, gathering of not more than 50 persons are allowed at wedding functions and not more than 20 persons at last rites of deceased persons, said Punya Salila Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs at the briefing.

"We persuaded certain states as we were not receiving reports of cases/deaths on time from them, after which the cases have been reported and we have seen a spike in death cases today," said Lav Aggarwal.

Health has to be on radar just as much as economy, govt has to do balancing act, said Health Minister Vardhan on extension of lockdown, earlier today.

We must weigh every decision and predict consequences to ensure there is no spike in cases, he said.

. Twenty-four people, including serving and retired armed forces personnel test positive for COVID-19 in Army's RR hospital in Delhi: Officials (PTI)

. 64 flights to be operated from May 7 to May 13 to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, says Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

Out of 64 flights to bring back stranded Indians from abroad, 11 from nine countries will land in Tamil Nadu, he said.

Those arriving by repatriation flights to be screened, put under 14-day quarantine, says Aviation Minister.

The 64 flights include-UAE- 10 flights, Qatar- 2, Saudi Arabia- 5, UK- 7, Singapore- 5, United States-7, Philippines- 5, Bangladesh- 7, Bahrain - 2, Malaysia-7, Kuwait-5, and Oman-2, says Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri.

. 2 Air India flights to bring back stranded Indians will operate on May 7.The 1st flight will fly from Abu Dhabi to Kochi, while the 2nd one will fly from Dubai to Kozhikode, according to reports.

. First Shramik Express train carrying 1,200 stranded migrant workers leaves for Daltonganj in Jharkhand from Jalandhar railway station in Punjab: Officials

. Maharashtra:3 new deaths including an 11-year-old child have been reported in Pune district today. Total active cases of COVID-19 stands at 2,132 with rise in death toll to 118, says Health Official, Pune.

. Delhi: Office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Vasant Vihar has issued show cause notice to the Manager of 'Govt Wine & Beer Delhi Tourism Shop', shop no. C-5, C Block, Vasant Vihar II, after a large number of people gathered at the shop violating social distancing norms yesterday. (ANI)

. 45 Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel have tested positive for coronavirus so far- 43 of those deployed for Internal Security duties in Delhi and 2 of those deployed for Law and Order duty with Delhi Police: ITBP

. We'vedemanded from govt to provide migrant labourers at least 3 month's salary. If they return to their home states now when work is resuming, it will be a huge problem: US Ahuja, President,Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertaking, Ludhiana, Punjab

. Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi to hold meeting via video conference with Chief Ministers of the Congress-ruled states tomorrow, over situation due to coronavirus lockdowns

. 66 new positive COVID-19 cases and 5 deaths reported today in the state. Total number of cases rise to 3,127 with 82 deaths. Actives cases in the state are 1,581: Rajasthan Health Department

. Delhi AAP MP ND Gupta has written a letter to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying, 'private hospitals may be directed to reserve at least 50% beds for COVID-19 patients'.

. Nearly 80,000 migrant labourers, mostly from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, have registered themselves with the Goa government to return to their native places, according to official figures.

However, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged them to stay back as the coastal state will require manpower for the economic revival once the lockdown is lifted.

. The Central government is likely to operate 64 flights from May 7 to 13 to bring home around 14,800 Indian nationals stranded abroad because of the coronavirus lockdown, said senior government officials on Tuesday.

These special flights would be operated by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express to repatriate Indians from 12 countries -- the UAE, the UK, the US, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman, said the officials.

. Chennai: Koyambedu wholesale market has been temporarily shut after it emerged as the latest hotspot for COVID-19. The wholesale market will now be shifted to Thirumazhisai.

. Decision will be taken soon on the pending Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10th & 12th board exams: Ramesh Pokhriyal, Union Human Resource Development Minister

. The Maharashtra government and Mumbai's civic body havestarted massive preparations to tackle any possible big spike in Covid-19 cases in India's financial capital on the second fortnight of May.

. 8 more COVID-19 cases reported in Karnataka between yesterday 5 pm and 12 pm today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 659, including 324 discharged & 28 deaths: State Health Department

. Andhra Pradesh Government hikes liquor prices by 50%, taking the total overall hike in price of liquor to 75%. The revised rates will come into effect from today afternoon. Price hike imposed to discourage alcohol consumption: Chief Minister's Office

. As governments around the world weigh the pros and cons of reopening their economies before the novel coronavirus has been contained or cured, individualpopulations are debating how confident they are leaving their lockdowns.

. In the first phase in March, between 27th & 29th we brought back more than 6.5 lakhs migrant workers & made arrangements for their treatment & food. In the second phase, in the last 3 days, more than 50,000 migrant workers have been brought back: UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

. 67 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Andhra Pradesh in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the state to 1717, death toll 34: Andhra Pradesh Health Department

. India's gold imports plunged 99.9% year-on-year in April to their lowest in nearly three decades as air travel was banned and jewellery shops were closed amid a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, a government source said.

. The World Health Organization's emergencies chief said Monday that it has received no evidence from the US government to back up allegations by President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that the coronavirus could have originated at a laboratory in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

“From our perspective, this remains speculative,” Michael Ryan told reporters in Geneva.

. Give temporary ration cards to everybody; use those for transferring money, wheat and rice to them: Banerjee to Rahul

Aadhaar-based claims for PDS would have saved a lot of misery for poor; bunch of poor still not in system: Banerjee to Rahul

We should take a cue from US by pumping in more money in the hands of people to revive demand: Banerjee to Rahul

We need to be aware of disease's path before taking decision on lifting lockdown: Banerjee to Rahul

There're 2 concerns,one is how to avoid chain of bankruptcies,may be writing off lot of debts...Second is demand shortfall,&getting some cash into hands of people is the best way to kick start the economy

. 38 more COVID-19 cases & 5 deaths reported in Rajasthan today. Total number of cases in the state is now at 3099, including 1577 active cases & 82 deaths: State Health Department

(ANI)

. The Trump administration is "turbocharging" an initiative to remove global industrial supply chains from China as it weighs new tariffs to punish Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak, according to officials familiar with U.S. planning.

. The fight againstmalariahas shown us that research is a helpful ally in defeating microorganisms. Themalariaparasite is remarkably resilient. Still, many countries, including India, are gaining ground. Research has helped us develop a better understanding of the parasite, and that has been critical to our unprecedented gains.

Similarly, developing a better understanding ofSARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19,can help us keep our head above the water. Read more

. Novel coronavirus deaths in the United States rose by 1,015 in the past 24 hours, a tally by Johns Hopkins University showed Monday -- the lowest one-day figure in a month.

. India has sent three naval ships to evacuate its citizens stranded in the Maldives and UAE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a defence spokesperson said in the early hours on Tuesday.

. North America and European countries accounted for most of the new deaths and cases reported in recent days, but numbers were rising from smaller bases in Latin America, Africa and Russia.

Globally, there were 3,914 new deaths and 75,646 new cases over the past 24 hours, taking total deaths to 250,152 and cases to 3.59 million. At least 1.1 million people have recovered from the illness, according to available official data.

. From laptops to apparels, people logged on to e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Paytm Mall and Snapdeal on Monday to place orders for non-essential items but lack of adequate manpower amid the lockdown could delay deliveries, according to industry executives.

. Chief Minister Chandrashekhar Rao said that to send the migrant labour in Telangana to their native states, from Tuesday onwards for one-week, 40 special trains per day would be operated. CM instructed the officials to organise travel of migrant labours on behalf of the state government. These trains would run from various stations in Hyderabad and from Warangal, Khammam, Damaracharla to Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal and other States.

. Total Cases:

Tripura 24 Delhi 41 Kolkata 1 On Leave 1

. Liquor will cost more in the national capital from Tuesday with the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government deciding to impose a 70% 'Special Corona Fee' on the maximum retail price of all categories of alcohol.

. "The figures mentioned in the press not is correct.Yesterday the total was 12974. We have added today's total of 771 and the figure comes to 13745. The 796 addition in ICMR portal is based on cases in cooperationthat came to be confirmed today and hence the total is 14541"

. Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao declared that to send the migrant labourers in state to their native states, from Tuesday onwards for one-week, 40 special trains per day would be operated: State Chief Minister's Office

. 35 deaths and 771 new COVID-19 positive cases recorded in Maharashtra today, taking the total number of cases in the state to 14541. Death toll due to Coronavirus stands at 583 in the state: Maharashtra Health Department

. 349 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Delhi today, taking the total number of cases to 4898; no deaths due to Coronavirus recorded in the state in the last 24 hours: State Health Department

. With further extension of the nationwide lockdown, the RBI is considering a proposal for extending the moratorium on bank loans by another three months to help people and industry impacted by the ongoing lockdown to contain COVID-19.

. The movement of migrant labourers from Karnataka to other states has stopped temporarily, as few North Indian states are yet to giveconsent.

. World leaders on Monday pledged billions of euros for research to find a vaccine against the new coronavirus, but warned that it is just the start of an effort that must be sustained over time to beat the disease.

. "Sh. @RahulGandhi in conversation with Nobel Laureate, Prof. Abhijit Banerjee discussing the critical issues of COVID-19 & its economic impact. Please tune in tomorrow at 9 AM to watch this inspiring conversation aimed at providing the way ahead," tweets Congress.

. Liquor shops in Madhya Pradesh -- except those in Bhopal, Indore and Ujjain falling under red zone -- to reopen tomorrow: Govt

. 6 deaths and 175 new coronavirus positive cases reported in Rajasthan taking the total number of cases in the state to 3061; 77 deaths recorded in the state so far: Sate Health Department

. 106 more persons have tested positive for coronavirus in Madhya Pradesh taking the total number of cases in the state to 2942: State Health Department

. "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," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 'Non-Alignment' Movement Summit via video conferencing.

"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.

"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 & vaccines," he said.

"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 said.

"To counter COVID-19 we've promoted coordination in our immediate neighbourhood&we're organising online training to share India's medical expertise with many others. Despite our own needs we've ensured medical supplies to over 123 partner countries," he said.

"Coronavirus has shown us the limitation of the existing international system. In the post-COVID-19 world, we need a new template of globalisation based on fairness, equality & humanity. We need international institutions that are more representative of today's world," said PM Narendra Modi at NAM summit.

"India is regarded as 'pharmacy of world'; we have sent medicines to over 120 countries in wake of COVID-19," he said.

"NAM has been world's moral voice; it must remain inclusive," he said.

. Maharashtra: 18 deaths due to coronavirus recorded in Mumbai today. The total number of deaths in the city rises to 361. Thetotal number of COVID-19 positive cases at 11,900.

. Only 3 new positive cases today in Telangana, and all the cases are reported from Hyderabad. The state's total at 1085 as of May 4.

. 132 new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Punjab, taking total number of cases to 1232 out of which 1081 cases are active. 23 patients have lost their lives due to the infection. Three patients are on ventilator support, accordingto Punjab Health Department .

75 more people have tested positive for coronavirus in Haryana, taking the total number of cases in the state to 517, said the Haryana Health Department .

One more person tested positive for coronavirus in Mandi district today, taking total number of active cases to 2 in Himachal Pradesh , State Special Health Secretary Nipun Jindal said.

25 new COVID-19 positive cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir today-1 from Jammu and 24 from Kashmir. Total cases in the Union Territory stands at 726 including 415 active cases, said Department of Information and Public Relations, Government of Jammu & Kashmir

376 new COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in last 24 hours in Gujarat, taking the total number of cases in the state to 5804. 1195 people have been cured/discharged and 319 deaths have been reported so far, said Gujarat Health Department .

61 new coronavirus positive cases reported in West Bengal today, taking the total number of cases to 1259, saidWest Bengal Health Department.

No COVID-19 positive case reported in Jharkhand for the second consecutive day today; total number of cases stands at 115 including 85 active cases and 27 discharged/cured, said State Health Department

. Odisha govt modifies it's earlier order to allow plying of buses on intra-district & inter district routes in green zones. The buses will ply with passengers up to 50 per cent of their seating capacity. (ANI)

. 42 more test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai's slum colony Dharavi, taking tally of cases to 632: BMC official. (PTI)

. "COVID19 Update | May 4 Well, the curve has flattened. No new cases. 61 recoveries. Active cases down at 34. No new hotspots 21,724 under observation 33,010 samples tested; 32,315 -ve 2431 samples covered in sentinel surveillance"

--- tweets Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

. Helpline numbers 18002339008 & 07926440626 have been issued for the migrant workers in Ahmedabad who want to return to native places: Ahmedabad District Collector KK Nirala, Gujarat

. Delhi: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection tower for rapid and chemical-free disinfection of high infection-prone areas. (ANI)

. Tamil Nadu records all-time high COVID-19 cases of 527 in a single day; Tally rises to 3,550. One death reported, according to theGovt bulletin.

. 11 people died of COVID-19 in West Bengal in last 24 hours, death toll rises to 61, says state Chief Secretary Rajiva Sinha.

. "Such news came from some places today that Social Distancing is not being followed. Please follow Social Distancing otherwise I will have to seal the whole area, Iwill be left with no other option," says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on people crowding in front of shops and markets in the city.

We cannot stay in lockdown forever, hence we must take responsibility for the health and safety of our family and our the city, said CM Kejriwal.

"I have pride over my people of Delhi, I have a belief that we are capable of achieving greater things. We defeated dengue when the entire world was battling against it, now we will defeat coronavirus," says Delhi CM.

. 2573 new cases and 83 deaths reported in last 24 hours. Total number of COVID-19 positive cases in India rises to 42836 including 29685 active cases, 11762 cured/discharged/migrated and 1389 deaths: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

. "Some relaxations have been given in Delhi as per guidelines of Central govt. But please follow social distancing, wear masks and sanitize your hands frequently for your own safety," says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

. "Government alone cannot defeat coronavirus, unless we get people's support," says Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

"COVID-19 lockdown: Starting today, we have allowed all activities which were permitted by centre," says Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

"We have to defeat coronavirus; I appeal to people to wear masks, maintain social-distancing, sanitise hands," he said.

"It's sad that people were not following social-distancing norms at some shops today; request everyone to not take any risk," CM said.

"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," he said.

"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," he said.

"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,"Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

. No new COVID-19 cases reported in Kerala today. The total number of positive cases in the state is 499 including 34 active cases: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends 'Non-Aligned Movement' Summit via video conferencing.

. COVID-19 curve relatively flat as of now; if we work collectively peak may not come, but if we fail we may see spike in cases, says Health Ministry.

. 5 new COVID-19 cases reported in Chandigarh, taking the total number of positive cases to 102: Chandigarh Health Department

. States must ensure that there are no issues in inter state cargo movement. MHA Control Room Number 1930 & NHAI helpline number 1033 may be used by drivers/transporters to lodge any complaint pertaining to lockdown, says MHA Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava.

Till now, 11,706 people have been cured. In the last 24 hours, 1074 people have been cured.This is the highest number in terms of cured patients noted till date. Our recovery rate is now 27.52%. Total number of COVID19 cases is now 42533, says Lav Agrawal, Joint Secy, Health Ministry during the press briefing today.

As of now, there are about 610 cases of coronavirusin 112 aspirational districts which is considered fairly low at less than 2 per cent of the national level of infections. Of these, six districts have reported first case after April 21, says Amitabh Kant, Chairman of Empowered Group 6, during the presser.

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, says Union Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agrawal.

. Gujarat: A clash erupts between migrant workers & police in Surat. The workers are demanding that they be sent back to their native places.

. Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2020 scheduled to be held on May 31 has been deferred. New dates will be announced after a review of the situation on May 20: Union Public Service Commissior

. Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) leader Apurva Chandra in his letter on the team’s last day in West Bengal accused the state government of taking an “antagonistic view” to the Central team. Chandra on Monday stated that the state government has not supported the IMCT in performing its duties.

Read more here

. People purchase alcohol from a wine shop after authorities allowed the sale of liquor with certain restrictions, during the ongoing COVID-19 nationwide lockdown, in Lucknow, Monday, May 4, 2020. (PTI Photo/Nand Kumar)

. A day after CRPF headquarters was closed, the BSF headquarters on Monday was sealed for sanitisation after one of its personnel tested positive for COVID-19 . A BSF spokesperson said a Head Constable tested positive for the virus infection on Monday night following which the first two floors of the building in CGO Complex in south Delhi's Lodhi Colony was sealed for sanitisation.

Read more here

. Three men including a father-son duo were arrested here when they were allegedly found preparing grape wine and another gruel-based intoxicant at their home here, police said on Monday.

Know more here

. Booze lovers ushered in the resumption of liquor sales in a spirited fashion in Karnataka on Monday thronging stores hours before shutters went up at several places and made no secret of their celebratory mood.At some places, they flocked liquor shops even before day-break and performed "special prayers" with flowers, coconuts, incense sticks, camphor and crackers in front of the stores.

Read more here

. With fares fixed for Shramik Special trains to transport stranded people amidst lockdown to contain COVID-19 , the Indian Railways has said that those states sending passengers have to pay a consolidated fare to the Railways.Since passengers can't travel without a ticket, the states sending them should take the responsibility of paying money to the Railways, the Railways said.

To know more, click here

. Nearly 4,800 Indian nationals, most of whom are living in dormitories for foreign workers, have been tested positive with the novel coronavirus in Singapore till the end of April, the Indian High Commissioner here said on Monday.

Read more here

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation . In this episode, host Akash Sriram and DH technology correspondent Rohit KVN discuss the boom in video conference apps, work from home technology, and video streaming platforms in the COVID-19 lockdown. Samiksha Goel from DH Business explains the shortage of medical equipment in the system that currently focuses on COVID-19. We also have DH Fact Check.

.Deccan Herald's podcasts are now available on your favourite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and many more. Do subscribe to our Podcast there!

. Hundreds of people are rolling up their sleeves in countries across the world to be injected with experimental vaccines that might stop COVID-19, spurring hope — maybe unrealistic — that an end to the pandemic may arrive sooner than anticipated.

To readmore, click here

. Following a relaxation in lockdown to contain COVID-19 in Karnataka, the traffic wasback on Bengaluru roads and long queues were seen at liquor outlets on Monday morning.Most people were not wearing masks or maintaining social distance. Police, including the traffic cops, were hardly seen at signals and checkpoints after the lockdown was lifted in non-containment areas.

Read more here

. Goa Police used drones to keep an eye on lockdown violators in some densely populated and slum areas of the coastal state.This was done after the police got to know that people were gathering at a volleyball ground and some open areas in South Goa district, but running away when the security personnel reached there, Superintendent of Police (South) Arvind Gawas said on Sunday.

Read more here

. India is likely to evacuate 200 of its nationals stranded in Maldives due to lockdown to contain COVID-19 by a ship within a week.The High Commission of India in Male stated that a ship would evacuate 200 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Maldives due to the restrictions imposed on international travels in both the nations to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more here

. The year 2020 began on a sad note for the world. Covid-19, the pandemic, has engulfed almost all the countries with over 33.59 lakh cases and 2,38,000 deaths as of the evening of May 2. India is not spared, but compared to many other countries, the pandemic is under control here.

Read more here

. US officials believe China covered up the extent of the coronavirus outbreak — and how contagious the disease is — to stock up on medical supplies needed to respond to it, intelligence documents show.Chinese leaders “intentionally concealed the severity” of the pandemic from the world in early January, according to a four-page Department of Homeland Security report dated May 1 and obtained by The Associated Press.

Read more here

. India is likely to evacuate 200 of its nationals stranded in Maldives due to lockdown to contain COVID-19 by a ship within a week.The High Commission of India in Male stated that a ship would evacuate 200 Indian citizens, who were stranded in Maldives due to the restrictions imposed on international travels in both the nations to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read more here

. D-Street takes a hit as Sensex was down over 1,300 points at open and extends losses. The impact of lockdown 3.0, till May 17, weighs on Indian stocks this morning as the country faces a staggering easing of restrictions, on the back of an economic slump that may take years to recover.

Follow DH Markets Live Blog For All The Updates

. Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday said the party’s state units will bear the cost of rail travel of every needy migrant worker stranded across the country.In a statement here, Gandhi likened the plight of the stranded migrant workers to the troubles faced during the Partition and slammed the Modi government for charging them for their rail tickets in this "hour of crisis".

Read more here

. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Sunday said "enormous evidence" showed the new coronavirus originated in a lab in China, further fueling tensions with Beijing over its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.

Read more here

. The government, on Friday, announced that the coronavirus lockdown will be extended for two weeks beyond May 4, but with some easing of restrictions.The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that in view of "significant gains in the COVID-19 situation", areas with few or no cases would see "considerable relaxations".

Read more here

. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Sunday reported 1,122,486 U.S. cases of the new coronavirus, an increase of 29,671 cases from its previous count, and said the number of deaths had risen by 1,452 to 65,735.

The CDC reported its tally of cases of the respiratory illness known as COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus, as of 4 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT) on Saturday, compared with its count a day earlier.

The CDC figures do not necessarily reflect cases reported by individual states. The tally reported over the weekend is preliminary and will be updated on Monday. (Reuters)

. The government, on Friday, announced that the coronavirus lockdown will be extended for two weeks beyond May 4, but with some easing of restrictions.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement that in view of "significant gains in the COVID-19 situation", areas with few or no cases would see "considerable relaxations".

Read more here

. India expects bad debts at its banks could double after the coronavirus crisis brought the economy to a sudden halt, a senior government official and four top bankers told Reuters.

Read more here

. India on Sunday witnessed the biggest increase in COVID-19 cases in a single day as 2,487 fresh infections took the total confirmed cases past the 40,000-mark, even as testing for the virus crossed the one million landmark.

Read more here

. Karnataka has just three red zones in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Mysuru even though there are districts in the state with a high number of cases and doubling rates higher than all the three.On Sunday, the government notified the new red zones following central guidelines besidesdowngrading many to “orange” and “green”, even though several of these districts have more than 10-15 active COVID cases.

Read more here

. Concerned over scores of frontline security personnel catching the COVID-19 disease, the Centre has suggested to states to prepare an effective second line of defence by deploying home guards, civil defence andNCCcadets among others wherever feasible to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

Read more here

. The COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent lockdowns have ratcheted up anxiety and depression worldwide in recent months. People are apprehensive about contracting infection. Testing positive is triggering alarm as many are wrongly interpreting this as a death sentence.

Read more here

. Karnataka has just three red zones in Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Mysuru even though there are districts in the state with a high number of cases and doubling rates higher than all the three.

. Fresh scientific evidence has come up to suggest that underlying cardiovascular diseases are associated with an increased risk of in-hospital death among patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

. E-commerce companies are geared up to start shipping non-essential items to customers in orange and green zones from Monday, but sales could be impacted as metros and many large cities are in red zones.

. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said 12 persons from BSF's 138 unit at Ambassa in Dhalai district tested COVID-19 positive on Sunday.

Read more here.

. May 1 -- 223

May 2 -- 384

May 3 -- 427

. Maharashtra – Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Gujarat – Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara Madhya Pradesh - Indore, Bhopal Rajasthan - Jaipur, Jodhpur Tamil Nadu - Chennai Telangana - Hyderabad Uttar Pradesh - Agra, Lucknow West Bengal - Kolkata Andhra Pradesh - Kurnool, Guntur, Krishna UT of Delhi - Delhi (South East), Delhi (Central)

. Gujarat reports 374 new coronavirus positive cases in a 24 hours, highest single-day spike, total swells to 5,428.

28 more patients have died of which 24 were comorbid, death toll rises to 290.

147 patients discharged in the state. A total of 1042 have recovered.

. - 40 buses were sent to bring back students stuck in Kota, Rajasthan during the lockdown

- After the medical check-up, the students were sent to their respective homes in DTC buses

. Fear gripped Davangere district on Sunday as it recorded 21 COVID-19 positive cases in a single day.

Speaking to mediapersons, Deputy Commissioner Mahantesha Beelagi said with this, the number of COVID-19 cases to 29 and one death.

. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the lockdown has impacted the revenue of Delhi government. While it used to collected Rs 3000 crore usually in April, this time it could collect only Rs 300 crore. Several people have lost jobs, industries are affected, traders are affected.

"We have appealed to Centre declare the areas in capital outside containment zones as green zones. We are prepared to open the city. There may be some rise in cases but the government has made preparations to deal with it," said Kejriwal.

. From the 126 batallionBSF Company deployed with the Delhi Police, in Jama Masjid area, 25 more BSF personnel have been tested COVID-19 positive today.

This company has a strength of 94.

Out of these, results of 9 personnel tested came yesterday, 6 were positive.

Today results of 80 personnel tested came, 25 are positive.

Results of the remaining 5 personnel is awaited.

Total of COVID-19 positive cases from 126 battalion company stands at 31.

Rest 58 are COVID-19 negative.

Overall COVID-19 positive cases in BSF as of today 42

. Total infected so far: 499 Now under treatment : 95

No fresh cases today Deaths: 4 Negative so far: 401 1 negative today 21,332 in home observation 388 in hospital observation 32,217 samples tested so far 31,611 negative

. National Commission for Women receives 315 domestic violence complaints in April, highest since last August. The complaints include a girl being physically abused to get married & a man seeking protection for her sister, who was being beaten at her in-laws' home.

. There is sufficient stock of medicines in the country and people should not indulge in panic buying amid the coronavirus outbreak, said All India Chemists and Druggists Association president Jagannath Shinde on Sunday.

Read more here

. Donald Trump will wrap himself in the mantle of America's arguably greatest president with a television extravaganza Sunday at the Lincoln Memorial meant to leave the coronavirus crisis behind and relaunch his election campaign.

The businessman Republican is doing poorly in most polls ahead of the November presidential contest with his Democratic challenger Joe Biden, who remains shuttered in his Delaware home.

Read more here

. A major COVID-19 hotbed Kurnool continued to be a cause for worry as it contributed 30 out of the 58 fresh cases reported in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday as the state's aggregate rose further to 1,583.

The latest health department bulletin said 47 patients got discharged from hospitals in different districts and there was no fresh death reported in the state where the toll remained at 33.

With this, the total number of those discharged in the state went up to 488 and the active cases stood at 1,062. COVID-19 cases kept mounting in Kurnool district, touching 466, as local transmission of the virus continued. (PTI)

. From the United States to Europe and Asia, people in many parts of the world are emerging from their homes as virus-related restrictions begin to ease and springtime temperatures climb.

Chinese were flocking to tourist spots, many newly reopened, after a relaxation of domestic travel restrictions ahead of a five-day holiday that runs through Tuesday.

Read more here

. Mulayam Singh Yadav was among the first to get off the special train as it arrived at platform number 1 of the Lucknow railway station, where health officials, policemen and news photographers waited for them.

The 02121 Shramik Special carried over 800 others from Maharashtra's Nashik, all stranded there for weeks after a lockdown to fight coronavirus was imposed nationwide.

Read more here

. Jet fuel (ATF) prices have been slashed by a steep 23 per cent in line with a slump in international oil prices and it now costs about one-third of petrol and diesel whose rates continue to be frozen for the 50th day on Sunday.

Read more here

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, we speak to Maharashtra legislative council member Akhil Katgill to gauge the situation in the state and discuss in detail the economic impact of the pandemic.

.Deccan Herald's podcasts are now available on your favourite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and many more. Do subscribe to our Podcast there!

. A driver posted at the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) headquarters in Delhi has tested positive for coronavirus , prompting the authorities to send 40 officers and staff, including a Special Director General and a Deputy Inspector General on home quarantine, officials said on Sunday.

Read more here

. Today more than 10,000 COVID19 patients have been discharged. Those still admitted at hospitals are on the road to recovery. If in the last 14 days doubling rate was 10.5 days, then today it's around 12 days.Our mortality rate of 3.2% is the lowest in the world: Union Health Minister.

. Photo credit: ANI

. Rajasthan recorded two more coronavirus deaths on Sunday, while 31 people tested positive for the virus, officials said.

The deaths were reported in Jaipur, taking the total number of fatalities in the state to 70, including 40 alone in Jaipur.

Of the 31 fresh cases, 9 are from Jodhpur, 8 from Jaipur, 5 from Udaipur, 3 from Chittorgarh, 2 each in Ajmer and Pratapgarh and one each from Kota and Dungarpur, according to an official of the state government.

With this, the total number of positive cases in the state has climbed to 2,803. (PTI)

. After a staff of one of the top officers of CRPF tested COVID-19 positive, CRPF Headquarters in Delhi will be sealed for sanitisation till further orders. No one will be allowed to enter the building: Central Reserve Police Force

. In a sudden spurt, Ladakh Union Territory (UT) reported 18 COVID-19 positive cases on Sunday taking the total number of active positive cases in the UT to 24.

Reports said all the 18 new coronavirus cases were detected from the Chuchot-Yokma area of Ladakh.

Read more here

. In my 20s, I naively thought I could control my life and it would turn out how I envisaged. However, it turned out I was wrong. Life had something very different in store for me. A series of unplanned events propelled me to take a leap of faith into the unfamiliar, where I often felt like I was being guided by a powerful intangible force -- a force that I hadn’t known existed.

Read more here

. Stuck within the four walls of home amid the coronavirus-triggered lockdown, lakhs of people, in search of some solace, have logged in to the social media pages of Patna zoo over the past week to take a virtual tour of the menagerie, which houses at least 800 animals and birds.

Read more here

. China has published a short animation titled "Once Upon a Virus" mocking the U.S. response to the new coronavirus using Lego-like figures to represent the two countries.

Washington and Beijing are locked in a war of words over the origins of the disease, which emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has grown into a global pandemic.

Read more here

. If Gabriel Garcia Márquez were to be alive today, he would probably be rapidly filling up journals with his observations. Who knows, the world would perhaps have been gifted with a sort of sequel to his iconic 'Love in the time of Cholera'. Since he isn't around, for now, we are having to make do with Hrithik Roshan's too-earnest-to-digest Instagram commendation to his ex-wife Sussanne who moved in with him to co-parent their sons during the lockdown.

Staid his writing may be, but Hrithik certainly made a valid point about how separated parents were finding it tough to handle the lockdown.

. Researchers have shown that the novel coronavirus can infect and multiply in cells of the human intestine, a finding that could explain why many COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea.

Read more here

. US President Donald Trump said Saturday he was "glad" about the reappearance of Kim Jong Un and that the North Korea leader is apparently healthy.

"I, for one, am glad to see he is back, and well!" Trump tweeted, following Kim's first public appearance in nearly three weeks after intense speculation that he was seriously ill or possibly dead.

Read more here

. An Indian-American physician in Kansas City has begun a study to find if something called “remote intercessory prayer” might initiate God to heal those infected with the coronavirus.

Dhanunjaya Lakkireddy launched the four-month prayer study on Friday, which involves 1,000 coronavirus patients who are in intensive care.

Read more here

. For the first time, a cancer patient in the city succumbed to coronavirus on Saturday.

The patient, P557, was a 63-year-old man with diabetes, hypertension, hypothyroidism, renal failure and multiple myeloma. He was admitted with complaints of breathlessness on April 30 and died on May 2 at Victoria Hospital.

Read more here

. Holding the Tablighi Jamaat responsible for the spread of COVID-19, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that being infected with a virus is not a crime but to hide it is definitely a crime.Speaking at a programme of a news channel, Adityanath said, "The role of Tablighi Jamaat was most condemnable.

Read more here

. At long last, the return of migrant workers to their home states is underway. It is indeed a big relief to them. But it is not the end of the story as far as they are concerned. In fact, it is just the beginning as far as their home states go. After they have returned to their homes, their states will have to work out plans for their livelihood.

Read more here

. It was mid-morning. I was glued to Doordarshan channel, watching the great archer Arjuna, for now all feminine and with red painted lips as Brihannala, teaching delicate dance moves to princess Uttara; and He-Man Bheema come out of a palace kitchen with a ladle in his hand.

What happened next? Find out here

. The spread of COVID-19 and the resultant lockdown have caused a widespread disruption in the global economy, the sheer scale of which is unprecedented in recent history. Over 190 million people across industries and sectors may lose jobs globally, nearly one-third of this is in India.

Read more here

. The Union government’s decision to classify the entire Bengaluru Urban district as a red zone is beingcontested by the Karnataka government, which is itching torestart economic activities in the cityto fill-up its empty coffers.

Read more here

. The government is spending between Rs 1.40 and Rs 2.8 lakh for the treatment of a single Covid-19 patient in the state, experts said.The pricevariation is due to the diverse range of Covid-19 treatments, explained senior doctors across a variety of Covid-designated hospitals contacted byDH.

Read more here

. Domestic helps are allowed to work across the country during the COVID-19 lockdown but authorities have curiously left it to resident welfare associations (RWA) to decide whether to permit them in their localities.

. The railways reiterated on Saturday night that it was ferrying only those authorised by state governments in its special trains for people stranded during the lockdown, following reports of unauthorised travel and crowding at some stations.

. The Union government has decided to allow marriage functions during the two-week lockdown which will begin from May 4. But there’s a catch: you cannot invite more than 50 for the function. And you will have to ensure social distancing.

. The government is spending between Rs 1.40 and Rs 2.8 lakh for the treatment of a single Covid-19 patient in the state, experts said.The pricevariation is due to the diverse range of Covid-19 treatments, explained senior doctors across a variety of Covid-designated hospitals contacted by DH.

. The number of RT-PCR test for detection of COVID-19 conducted in India crossed the one million mark on Saturday, ICMR officials said, as the total novel coronavirus infections rose to37,776.

. 4 ships of Southern Naval Command were illuminated today at The Anchorage in Ernakulam channel in Kochi as part of rehearsals for "India Salutes Corona Warriors" campaign being organised tomorrow to honour the efforts of frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19. (ANI)

. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a series of meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, MSME Minister Nitin Gadkari, and officials of economic ministries to firm up the second stimulus package.

Read more here.

. The 62-year-old former Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court had tested positive for the virus infection last month and was admitted to the AIIMS.

Read more here.

. The COVID-19 death toll in Maharashtra crossed 500 on Saturday, reporting a total of 36 deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest so far in one day in the state.

Read more here.

. The death toll due to COVID-19 has climbed up to 1,223, an increase of 70 in a single day. But, the mortality rate appears to be flat with 3.23% of the total infected persons succumbing to the disease.

Read more here.

. Liquor sale will be allowed only in areas that are outside COVID-19 containment zones. Shops have been allowed to sell liquorbetween 9 am and 7 pm.

Read more here.

. Gujarat records 26 more deaths from coronavirus, highest in 24 hours, raising the toll to 262.

With 333 new positive cases, number of infected persons has passed the 5000-mark with the total tally standing at 5054. 1

60 persons discharged, total stands at 896.

. “We welcome the Government's efforts in progressively charting out an exit plan from the lockdown and allowing e-commerce to serve consumers in the Orange and Green zones by fulfilling their products needs, in addition to serving essentials/grocery in Red zone through a safe supply chain and SOPs.

As a marketplace e-commerce player, we at Flipkart believe that it is our responsibility to enable sellers and the MSME community to bounce back and facilitate economic activity. We're fully aware that e-commerce can further strengthen 'social distancing' by safe, contactless deliveries through a sanitized supply chain and help Governments at the center and states fight this battle effectively.

We are working with lakhs of sellers and MSMEs across India and helping them prepare their businesses and workforce to make products available for consumers in this time of need. Our seller support team is providing constant online counsel and support to sellers on our platform to help them resume operations over the next couple of days complying with the government directives. We continue to maintain an intense focus on safety and health procedures at our facilities, and for our supply chain and delivery staff that will support the safe movement of goods in a sanitized and healthy manner.”

. The government on Friday said that e-commerce companies will be allowed to deliver non-essential items like laptops, books and electrical appliances in the green and orange zones during the COVID-19 lockdown from May 4 while delivery of only essentiaial items would be allowed in the red zone.

Read more here.

. PM laid special emphasis on technological intervention in agri sector in order to unlock entire value chain benefitting the farmers.

. 12 new COVID-19 cases have been confirmedin Karnataka between 1st May, 5:00 pm and 2nd May, 5 pm. Three deaths have also been reported in last 24 hours. Total 601 positive cases have been confirmed in the state: Helath Department, Government of Karnataka.

. Total infected so far: 499

Fresh cases today: 2 Now under treatment : 96

Total deaths: 4 Negative so far: 400 Negative today: 8 In home observation: 21,494 In hospital observation: 410 Samples tested so far: 31,183 Negative: 30,358

. Nation shall witness tomorrow flypasts by fighter & transport aircraft of Indian Air Force at multiple locations. These aircraft will cover major towns starting Srinagar to Thiruvanathapuram & from Dibrugarh to Kutch, said Colonel Aman Anand, PRO, Indian Army.

The helicopters from IAF (Indian Air Force ) & Indian Navy will fly over hospitals treating Corona patients in the cities and shower petals as a tribute to the efforts and sacrifice of Corona warriors, he added.

. In orange zones, in addition to the activities prohibited throughout the country, inter-district & intra-district plying of buses remains prohibited. Taxis & cab aggregators are permitted, with one driver & two passengers only, said theMinistry of Home Affairs.

Inter-district movement of individuals and vehicles is allowed, only for permitted activities, with maximum two passengers, besides the driver, in four-wheelers, added MHA.

. The infant, whose sample was taken for testing when she was only nine days old, returned home on Friday night after recovering from the deadly infection, a district official said.

Read more here.

. Delhi High Court's Administrative and General Supervision Committee in its meeting held today, through video conferencing, has decided to extend the suspension of the functioning of the Delhi High Court and its subordinate courts till May 17. (ANI)

. Around 1,000 migrant labourers, mostly from northern parts of India, came on to the streets in Maharashtra's Chandrapur on Saturday to demand that arrangements be made for their return to the native places, police said.

Read more here

. A 12-day-old baby girl, who had tested positive for COVID-19, was discharged following recovery from a hospital in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal city, an official said on Saturday.

The infant, whose sample was taken for testing when she was only nine days old, returned home on Friday night after recovering from the deadly infection, a district official said.

Read more here

. The US government has given a grace period of 60 days to H-1B visa holders and Green Card applicants, who have been served notices for submission of various documents, in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Read more here

. The World Health Organisation has praised China for handling the coronavirus pandemic and said that the countries need to learn from Wuhan on how the epicentre of the virus was bringing the society back to normal, a day after US President Donald Trump likened the global health body to a public relations agency for Beijing.

Read more here

. The number of coronavirus - positive personnel in a Delhi-based battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, the country's largest paramilitary, has risen to 122, officials said on Saturday.

The men belong to the 31st battalion of the paramilitary, based in Mayur Vihar Phase-III area of the national capital, that has been entirely sealed after the huge numbers of the COVID-19 infection started building up over the last few days.

Read more here

. An 82-year-old man (P590) who died on April 28, found positive for the virus on Saturday in Bidar, Karnataka. With this, Bidar district recorded first death due to COVID-19.

The deceased, who was a resident of Bidar, wasadmitted to the designated hospital on April 27 evening withsevere acute respiratory infections (SARI). (DHNS)

. Desperate to marry your heartthrob this COVID-19 season?

It's easy now with the government allowing marriage functions during the lockdown from May 4 but you cannot invite more than 50 for the function.

The new guidelines for the lockdown, which is extended till May 17, has allowed marriage related gatherings where the families should ensure social distancing.

Read more here

. When the first special train carrying around 1,200 migrant workers from Telangana chugged into Hatia railway station, near Ranchi, at 11.20 pm on Friday midnight, history was created. Jharkhand became the first state where a passenger train reached itsdestination after five weeks of lockdown.

Read more here

. Deccan Herald’s Pandemic Podcast focuses on the COVID-19 situation. In this episode, we focus on explaining coronavirus and its genes - what are its different strains and whether certain strains are more problematic than others.

.Deccan Herald's podcasts are now available on your favourite podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , and many more. Do subscribe to our Podcast there!

Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases

. Pop diva Madonna has revealed that she has tested positive for the COVID-19 anitbodies.

The singer shared the news in the 14th edition of her “Quarantine Diary” on Instagram TV.

Read more here

Coronavirus news highlights: India reports 3320 fresh cases in the last 24 hours as tally nears 60k; toll at 1981 - MoHFW

India's tally of coronavirus cases at 59,662, death toll at 1981 according to data from MoHFW

Country-wise update: Coronanavirus Tracker

Where we stand: state-wise number of coronavirus cases and deaths in India

Migrants accident: Maharashtra tragedy just a tip of an iceberg

Follow us on :

Follow Us