Coronavirus in India
Covid-19 variant 2023: US, UK, 2 other countries detect highly mutated Coronavirus variant. Details here
Covid-19 virus variant has reportedly been detected in the US, the UK, Denmark, and Israel. The coronavirus variant is dubbed as BA.2.86 and informally referred to as Pirola among variant trackers on social platforms.
India adds 1,604 Covid-19 cases, active caseloads fall by 485
According to the health ministry, the active cases comprise 0.04 percent of the total infections, while the national Covid-19 recovery rate was recorded at 98.77 percent. Active Covid-19 caseloads fell by 485 in a span of 24 hours.
Covid-19: Delhi sees an uptick in cases, district officials increase surveillance
The positivity rate in the last five days, between April 10 and April 15, has increased by three times, according to city health department data. The positivity rate on April 10 was 1.29 per cent with 141 cases, and this rose to 3.95 per cent on Friday with 366 cases.
Covid-19: Gujarat sees 11 cases, no death; active tally 154 after 19 recoveries
The adjoining Union Territory of Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu continued to remain coronavirus-free as no case was reported in the last 24 hours, a local official said.
Omicron: Maharashtra records maximum number of cases, India's total tally at 653
India has logged 653 cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus across 21 states and UTs so far out of which 186 have recovered or migrated, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.
Coronavirus continuously evolving, same may have impact on transmission: Govt
A declining trend in COVID-19 cases and deaths has been noted in the last few months, but as the virus is continuously evolving, the same may have an impact on transmission and surge in cases cannot be ruled out, Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.
Over 118 crore Covid vaccine doses administered in India so far, says Health Ministry
The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 with healthcare workers getting inoculated in the first phase. The vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2.
COVID-19 in Delhi: Daily cases count stood in excess of 60 nearly 25 times during July-Oct
Daily cases of COVID-19 in Delhi were reported in excess of 60, nearly 25 times in the four-month period from July to October, according to official data.
Why inoculating all 18+ Indians fully against Covid-19 by December remains a huge challenge
Vaccine supply was smooth over the last two months, with the Centre informing the state in advance how many doses it would get per week and per month. The state targets to give the second dose to every citizen by November 30, a month ahead of the national target.
India reports 38,353 new Covid cases, active cases drop to 140-day low
The active cases comprise 1.21 per cent of the total infections, the lowest since March 2020, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate stands 97.45 per cent, the health ministry said. A decrease of 2,157 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours.
Jharkhand urges Centre to allot 95 per cent of COVID-19 vaccines through govt route
"We have again requested the Centre to reduce the allocation to the private hospitals to 5 per cent as a major constraint in the state is limited availability of private hospitals to cater the rural and tribal population," Additional Chief Secretary Health, Arun Kumar Singh said.
Covid curbs fail to deter weekend rush to the hills
Around 2,500 people found without the necessary documents were sent back from checkposts. “Checkpoints have been set up at all entry points to the town and almost every vehicle was screened to make sure no one entered without the proper documents,” said a police official.
Children orphaned in pandemic stare at uncertain future, scramble for aid
According to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), 3,621 children have been orphaned during the pandemic, and over 26,000 children have lost one parent.
SC sets up a 12-member National Task Force to facilitate public health response to the pandemic
The bench said the Union Cabinet Secretary will be the convenor of the task force and may nominate an officer not below the rank of Additional Secretary to depute for him, when necessary.
Third wave of coronavirus may not happen if strong measures are taken: PSA VijayRaghavan
"The guidance about precautions, about surveillance, about containment, about treatment and about tests. This insidious asymptomatic transmission can be stopped if we follow the guidelines. This sounds difficult, it is difficult and we can and must do it," Principal Scientific Adviser said in a press briefing.
How India crossed the grim milestone of 2-lakh Covid-19 deaths
The total number of people who have died of the Covid-19 virus in the country was 201,187 with 3,293 deaths on Wednesday.
Consumer confidence among urban Indians weakens in April: Survey
PCSI Employment Confidence (Jobs) sub-index is down by 0.6 percentage points, Current Personal Financial Conditions (Current Conditions) sub-index fell 1.5 percentage points, and Investment Climate (Investment) sub-index declined 0.9 percentage points. Economic Expectations sub-index slipped by 0.8 percentage points in the survey.
Explained in 10 charts: How India's second Covid wave is more severe, different than first
The second wave of coronavirus in India is spreading rapidly and is expected to get worse. The recent surge in cases is happening at a pace more rapid than seen during the first wave of the virus. The number of cases is likely to rise further in the wake of relaxed restrictions, festive season and state assembly elections in four states.
‘Lack of fear, pandemic fatigue’? Why Covid cases are rising in Maharashtra
The Centre has said that the surge in Covid-19 cases in Maharashtra could be due to lack of fear of the disease among people and pandemic fatigue, while asking the state not to let its guard down.
COVID-19 caseload in India climbs to 91.77 lakh, 37,975 new cases reported
The total coronavirus cases mounted to 91,77,840 and the death toll climbed to 1,34,218 with 480 new fatalities, including 121 from the national capital alone, the data updated at 8 am showed
Jim O’Neill says his comments on India's response to coronavirus misinterpreted
In mid-March, British economist Jim O’Neill had said he was thankful that the coronavirus pandemic did not start in India.
COVID-19: 27 lakh patients recover in India, recovery rate at 76.61%
India has posted nearly 19.5 lakh (19,48,631) recoveries more than the active cases (765302, which are under active medical care). The active cases continue to decline and currently comprises only 21.60 per cent of the total positive cases.
India's power output rises for the first time in five months in August
Power generation rose 2.6% in the first 15 days of August compared with the same period of last year, a Reuters analysis of daily load despatch data from federal grid operator POSOCO showed, compared with a 1.8% fall in July.
COVID-19 case tally rises to over 26.47 lakh in India, death toll crosses 50,000
According to ICMR, a total of 3,00,41,400 samples have been tested up to August 16 with 7,31,697 samples being tested on Sunday.
Steps being taken to double testing to 10 lakh per day: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Inaugurating three hi-tech testing labs, in Noida (Delhi-NCR), Kolkata, and Mumbai, PM said saying these are centers of economic activity too. “Our deaths are much less compared to other big countries.
With few checks in place for regulation, ambulances fleece desperate COVID-19 patients
A Bangalore resident was charged Rs 15,000 to transport his 54-year-old mother to a private hospital less than 6-km away. In Kolkata, private ambulances are charging Rs 6,000-8,000 for ferrying Covid patients for about 5km.
As demand sputters, ventilator makers want export ban to go
Domestic companies, which have ramped up capacities over the last four months, said supply of ventilators was not the issue. The shortages being faced by the healthcare system were on account of several factors that include lack of intensivists as well as a mismatch in the specifications of the machines and requirements of hospitals.
COVID-19 in India may have originated from EU, Middle East: IISc study
The objective of the study was to determine the genetic diversity among Indian SARS-CoV-2 viral isolates in comparison to the strains that are occurring worldwide.
Scientists estimate Covid may have entered India in November-December
Top scientists in the country have estimated that the ancestor of the novel coronavirus strain from Wuhan was in circulation by Dec 11, 2019. Using a scientific technique called "time to most recent common ancestor", MRCA, scientists estimated the viral strain now circulating in Telangana and other states had originated between Nov 26 and Dec 25, the median being Dec 11.
India Covid numbers continue to surge, case count reaches 2,07,615
As per government data, over 50% of Covid fatalities in India were among the country's elderly (60+) who make up only 10% of the total population. 73% of total deaths were among those who had co-morbidities. The data, made public yesterday, showed that 38% of total deaths were in the 60-74 age group (8% of India's population).
Lockdown led to 30% surge in resumes from job seekers: Recruitment firms
Placement firm TeamLease Services has received 22,367 resumes in May from hospitality sectors alone, up a staggering 444 per cent from 4,109 in the previous month. Professionals who are proactively looking out have either been handed out pink slips or are facing job threats as their companies take the restructuring route, said executives aware of the matter.
8,171 new Covid cases in past 24 hours, India now 7th worst-hit
Even as the number of cases and deaths rose sharply over the past few days, the the fatality rate in India (based on latest figures) fell to 2.83% from 3.3% about a month and a half ago. The recovery rate, on the other hand, has now reached 48.2% amongst patients, up from 38.3% on May 18, from 26.6% on May 3, and from 11.4% on April 15.
Bountiful monsoon rains seen mitigating India’s economic woes
The forecast of a normal monsoon and its timely onset may lessen the severe impact of Covid on the economy.
India's coronavirus death count crosses 4,000
Over the past 24 hours, cases in India jumped by 6,977, the sixth consecutive peak in daily cases. The death toll also rose by 154, a new peak. New cases were reported from 26 states/UTs, compared to 27 a day before.
Rise in coronavirus cases expected to stabilise anytime soon: Niti Aayog member VK Paul
"The rationale (behind extending lockdown till May 17) is that the gains of lockdown need to be consolidated in the country...Real goals of lockdown was to suppress the chain of transmission of the virus. So, we will lose that, if we abruptly end it," Niti Aayog member V K Paul said.
How Covid 19 dashboards are helping people make sense of the pandemic
People are actively seeking information on Covid-19’s impact — to stay updated and avoid panic.
Can you imagine AI’s promise after the coronavirus?
As Covid-19 reshapes the global economic and humanity looks for new ways to collectively respond, technology is naturally at the forefront - but unlike past generations, the increasing penetration of the internet and a new generation of digital natives is reshaping the way in which new technologies are diffused and democratised.
India Covid count, April 29: Death toll crosses 1,000 mark, total cases over 31,000
The global number of cases crossed the 3 million mark to touch 31,13,447 as of morning hours today. 2,16,930 people have died from the disease so far. In US, the most affected country globally, the death toll is steadily inching towards 60,000.
India's Covid-19 death toll rises to 681, cases climb to 21,393
According to the health ministry's data updated in the morning, the highest number of confirmed cases in the country are from Maharashtra at 5,652, followed by Gujarat at 2,407, Delhi at 2,248, Rajasthan at 1,890, Tamil Nadu at 1,629 and Madhya Pradesh at 1,592. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 1,449 in Uttar Pradesh, 945 in Telangana and 813 in Andhra Pradesh.
India Covid numbers, April 21: Cases at 18,601, deaths at 590
Of the 590 deaths, Maharashtra tops the tally with 232, followed by Madhya Pradesh at 74, Gujarat at 71, Delhi at 47, Rajasthan at 25, Telengana at 23 and Andhra Pradesh at 20. 31 deaths were reported since Monday evening — 11 were reported from Rajasthan, nine from Maharashtra, four from Gujarat, two each from Delhi, Telengana and TN and one from UP.
Colour coding to help manage COVID-19 pandemic, says Health Ministry
The health and family welfare ministry, which has come out with a new set of guidelines for the second phase of lockdown till May 3, has identified 170 hotspot districts, 207 non-hotspot districts reporting cases and 359 green zone districts not reporting any cases across the country as of Wednesday.
India's coronavirus numbers surge past 10,000 mark
The latest count of confirmed cases is 10,363. The number of the dead is 339. Maharashtra accounted for most cases by far (2,334 confirmed cases/160 dead), followed by Delhi (1,510/28) and Tamil Nadu (1,173/11). Other states with a high virus hit included Rajasthan (873 cases), Madhya Pradesh (604), Telangana (562), Uttar Pradesh (558), etc.
India's Covid death toll touches 308, confirmed cases at 9,152 now
Maharashtra has by far the highest confirmed cases at 1,985, followed by Delhi (1,154) and Tamil Nadu 1,075, official records showed. The new data comes in the backdrop of an almost confirmed extension of the ongoing pan-India lockdown till the end of this month.
View: Opportunity in the time of crisis
At some point, this Covid threat will pass and immediately after will be the time for the government to dust off its Rs 102 lac crore National Infrastructure Plan and start building with a bang. And there is so much to be done: the Central Vista, joining of the rivers, multiplying our roads and highways, completing the national gas grid and the digital grid.
Coronavirus deteriorates Air India finances but airline manages to keep afloat, says chief
"Air India has been passing through a critical financial condition much before the Covid19 onslaught. The crippling effect of the pandemic, especially in the aviation sector, has further plummeted our finances to a precarious position. In spite of this, your airline has left no stone unturned to continue to remain afloat," Air India chief Rajiv Bansal said.
India's Covid-19 death toll about to touch 200, total case count at 6,412
15 states and Union Territories account for more than 95 pe cent of India's total coronavirus cases. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, where cases are going up faster, account for a third of all detected cases in the country. It essentially means that some of these 15 states/UTs are likely to need stricter lockdowns to flatten the curve.
To help small firms, India seen unveiling second coronavirus stimulus worth $13 billion
India had earlier outlined a Rs-1.7 lakh-crore Covid package for the poorest of poor.
Average age of India’s Covid deaths 60; diabetes, BP common co-ailments
Most common co-morbidities among those who died so far were diabetes and hypertension.
Bengal asks Centre to release Rs 5,013 crore as per revenue deficit grant provided by Finance Commission
West Bengal finance minister Amit Mitra wrote to Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and reiterated demands to ease the fiscal deficit limit under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act to 5% from 3% for the ongoing financial year, release pending goods and service tax compensation and allow states to use interest accruing to the Consolidated Sinking Fund.
View: How India can restart the economy after lockdown
The former RBI boss says what the country faces today is an economic emergency.
Lockdown would have deeper impact, 52% CEOs foresee job losses: CII Snap Poll
On the jobs front, about 52 per cent of the firms foresee job losses in their respective sectors.
View: For India, winning the war against Covid will just be a temporary reprieve
It is now clear that the state’s lack of administrative capacity is complemented by its lack of imaginative ability. The lockdown was bound to have many downstream effects, such as disrupting all supply chains and leaving migrants stranded. The administration did not see it coming — and even if it had, there is little it could have done.
Indian Society of Labour Economics urges govt to give cash transfers, free ration to informal worker household
According to the Indian Society of Labour Economics, assuming that about 20 crore households will require cash assistance, the total quantum of assistance will be about Rs 3,60,000 crores over three months. It has also sought wage compensation to support unorganized sector and the medium and small scale enterprises to tide over the unprecedented crisis.
Government launches dedicated Twitter handle for COVID-19 updates
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Tuesday set up a dedicated Twitter handle for sharing news and updates about the novel coronavirus. The account is named #IndiaFightsCorona and uses the handle @CovidnewsbyMIB.
RC Bhargava gives a peek into Maruti's blueprint for a ventilator assembly line
Maruti is planning to make available as many as 10,000 ventilators per month.
Coronavirus cases rise to 1,071 in India, number of dead at 29
Karnataka has reported 80 cases, Uttar Pradesh 75, Telangana 69, Gujarat 58 and Delhi 53. Other majorly affected states include Rajasthan (57), Tamil Nadu (50) and Haryana (33), among others. Maharashtra has reported the highest statewise death tally at 8, while Gujarat has reported 5 deaths.
Labour Ministry allows EPF withdrawal amid lockdown
The decision is taken in view of lockdown across the country to fight COVID-19. The COVID-19 has been declared pandemic and therefore employees working in establishments and factories across entire India, who are members of the EPF Scheme, 1952 are eligible for the benefits of non-refundable advance.
A step India is taking could make doctor shortage a non-issue in coronavirus battle
The move, currently under discussion at the highest level, is important because it can plug the shortage of specialists. As of now, a shortage of doctors looks like a clear possibility given a highly likely surge of cases in the weeks to come.
Moody’s cuts India growth forecast to 2.5%
The lockdown has resulted in closure of businesses and unemployment for thousands of workers.
Indian Industry seeks 10-point boost plan from govt for the exporters effected by coronavirus
The plan drawn up by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) covers everything from extending the 5% interest subvention scheme to all exporters to one-time extensions of customs duty payments and filing bill of entry. Exporters suggest that consignments which are ready for shipment should be allowed to be transported from the manufacturer’s factory or warehouse to the customs facility.
Vehicles transporting essential services will be allowed to operate in city: Delhi Police
All traffic, picket and beat staff have been briefed to allow the following retailers, operators and online delivery services to operate in Delhi. This comes a day after the Delhi Police held a meeting with representatives of e-commerce websites and assured them help in ensuring smooth movement of essential services.
Eerily on the mark, a gene detective's coronavirus findings raise hope and fear in equal measure
Trevor Bedford started analyzing Covid genomes from China as soon as they went public.
Kashmir reports first death due to coronavirus
"As we share the sad news of our first #Covid19 fatality, my heart goes out to the family of the deceased. We stand with you and share your grief," Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Azim Mattu tweeted. Four people had tested positive for coronavirus in J-K on Wednesday, taking the total number of cases to 11.
Covid-19 to shave Rs 40k cr daily off economy; Q4 growth seen at 1.5-2.5%: Care Ratings
Assuming 300 working days in a year, the daily output comes to Rs 45-50,000 crore which can potentially be lost due to the shutdowns, says the report. Based on this, Q4 growth may not be negative but can go down to 1.5-2.5 per cent. The economy was slated to grow by Rs 1.74 lakh crore in Q4 or by 4.7 per cent.
Shops selling essentials, medicines will remain open throughout 21-day lockdown: Govt
He said there were sufficient legal provisions available to deal with black marketeers and hoarders. He was referring to the lockdown announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Coronavirus: Sit-ups, squats, ‘murga' punishment, police try new ways to keep people at home
From making ‘COVIDIOTS' (a term coined for those flouting restrictions) squat on the road and do sit-ups, to making them pose with pamphlets admitting their fault, police officials have pulled out all the stops from their kitty of creativity to drive home the message.
Pharma companies in panic mode as lockdown hits supply chain
The ban on public transportation is making it difficult for labourers to reach manufacturing plants. All the ancillary goods required for medicine production are getting detained or are shut. Printers that manufacture packaging for medicines are shut, vehicles of suppliers of packaging materials for medicines are getting detained.
Big-ticket expat hirings stuck, all joining dates rescheduled
Expat hiring will get pushed out at least temporarily, including for OCI cardholders, experts say.
Some Indian ports declare force majeure, could delay crude discharge:D ocuments, sources
The federal shipping ministry has issued a letter allowing ports to use the COVID-19 pandemic as valid grounds to declare force majeure clause, according to a notification seen by Reuters. Declaration of force majeure could delay discharge of crude vessels, an Indian refining source told Reuters.
View: Modi's unprecedented gamble could change India irrevocably
The govt was too slow to roll out testing, and the self-quarantine system for travelers had giant holes in it.
Airlines crew member claims neighbours harassing her and mother; cops initiate action
In the video, which went viral on the Internet shortly after it was posted, the woman said people in her locality have labelled her as a Covid-19-infected person. Taking cognisance of the matter, Kolkata Police Commissioner Anuj Sharma said action will be initiated against those found discriminating against "such heroes".
Woman with no history of foreign travel tests positive for coronavirus in Noida
A 47-year-old woman with no recent history of foreign travel has tested positive for COVID-19 in Noida. According to officials, the woman has no history of foreign travel but her husband is an auditor and one of his London-based clients had recently visited him.
Coronavirus: TVS Electronics halts manufacturing operations till March 31
On the impact of the outbreak, the company said: "COVID-19 has affected the supply of some components to our manufacturing facilities and volume of business in 'Servicetec' segment. This is likely to impact our planned production and volume of business in excess of 10 per cent for the month of March."
Odisha extends lockdown to all 30 districts starting Tuesday midnight
Hospitals, clinics, pathlabs, pharmacies, the state police, fire station and all agencies working against corona will be allowed to be open. Banks, advised to work with ten percent of staff, will also be allowed to work as will as ATMs, and basic suppliers such as milk, groceries and other essential service provides.
India has tremendous capacity in eradicating coronavirus pandemic: WHO
The executive director of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Michael Ryan, said India, the world's second most populous country, has a tremendous capacity to deal with the coronavirus outbreak as it has the experience of eradicating the small-pox and polio through targeted public intervention.
India may have 13 lakh confirmed Coronavirus cases by mid-May: Study
The estimates reinforce concerns among some medical officials and experts in India that the country of 1.4 billion people could see coronavirus cases jump sharply in the coming weeks. The scientists said projections could change as the country conducts more testing, while also putting in place stricter restrictions and measures to stem the spread of the virus.
Next 10-15 days crucial in dealing with coronavirus and its economic impact: Dr Sangita Reddy
The FICCI President says appropriate health response, collective public discipline, and acknowledgment of the economic crisis with policy measures is the need of the hour.
Unmake (Covid-19) in India: The fight throughout
The ‘heavy-handed’ pre-emptive approach was right there from the start, when India became among the first few to officially curtail travel to and from China. An upset China officially protested through diplomatic channels, even pressuring New Delhi to reverse its decision. India later faced similar pressure from Seoul when it placed travel restrictions.
Prolonged shutdown risk for jewellers: WHP Jewellers
India is the world’s second largest jewellery consumer after Greater China. Prices of 99.5% purity gold have declined from over Rs 44000 per 10 gm (ex GST) on March 6 to around Rs 40,556 on March 23 as per trade body IBJA . Early March demand slipped by 30-40% because of the rate hike .
Coronavirus: ICMR recommends hydroxychloroquine for high-risk population
This procedure has been okayed by Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for "restricted use in emergency situations". The point to note here is that this recommendation is only for high-risk cases, and not for general use and one must not self-administer. The instructions are clear as to who all can be put under this.
Tamil Nadu announces lockdown; district borders to be shut to combat coronavirus
Making a statement in the assembly on Monday, Chief Minister K Palaniswami said that barring essential and emergency services, public and private transportation will not function till March 31 from 6 PM.
AIIMS to shut down OPD from March 24 till further notice
"It has now been decided that all OPD services including speciality services, all new and follow up patients' registration in AIIMS hospital and all centres will remain closed from March 24 till further orders," the new circular said. On Friday, AIIMS had issued a circular postponing all nonessential elective procedures and surgeries.
Coronavirus cases in Gujarat rise to 30, CM urges people to stay indoors
With this, Ahmedabad now has total 13 cases, Vadodara-six, Surat and Gandhinagar-four each, and Kutch and Rajkot-one each, the health department said. So far, one coronavirus patient has died in the state. The death of a 67-year-old man was reported from Surat on Sunday.
View: Not enough to douse corona fire, govt also needs a roadmap for recovery
It is now clear that unfettered globalisation is not a blessing — its side-effects are simply unacceptable.
Indian Oil initiates rare protocol to keep fuel supplies running amid Coronavirus spread
The company has implemented work from home at non-critical locations and implemented staggered work hours and working on alternate days at others with all precautions. Its consumer facing points such as petrol pumps and LPG delivery services have initiated safeguard protocol with face masks and sanitisers.
Coronavirus: Government offices in Chhattisgarh to remain shut till Mar 31
So far, one confirmed case of coronavirus has been detected in the state, where schools, colleges, universities, anganwadis, public libraries, swimming pools, cinema halls, multiplexes, water parks, malls, coaching centres, clubs, beauty parlour, spa and gyms, have been shut.
Health Ministry says Coronavirus cases rise to 258 in India; but ICMR confirms 271 patients
However, according to ICMR 271 individuals have been confirmed positive among suspected cases and contacts of known positive cases. Among the Health Ministry's 258 figure are 39 foreign nationals, including 17 from Italy, three from the Philippines, two from the UK, one each belonging to Canada, Indonesia and Singapore.
Covid-19 spread: Poor conditions of quarantine facilities come into focus in India
Passengers have uploaded videos of unhygienic quarantine facilities to highlight the collective plight.
Second coronavirus positive case in Bengal, Mamata wants immediate ban on international flights
The 22-year-old resident of Kolkata who is pursing higher studies in the UK had returned on March 13 and was admitted to the Beliaghata ID Hospital here on Thursday with COVID-19 symptoms, health officials said. The officials are now trying to ascertain the number of people who had come in contact with him.
12 fresh positive coronavirus cases in Kerala, over 44K under surveillance
Twelve fresh cases of coronavirus were reported in Kerala on Friday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 37, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. While five cases were confirmed in Ernakulam, six were reported in Kasaragod and one case in Palakkad district, Vijayan told reporters after a COVID-19 review meeting here.
14 firms get license to evaluate COVID-19 tests kits
Roche Diagnostics India and other 13 Indian firms include CoSara Diagnostics from Ahmedabad and CPC Diagnostics from Chennai. All these companies will evaluate the quality of testing kits and submit their data to the Drug Controller General of India.
After retail stores, fashion brands’ online sales drop, too
While ecommerce sales of essentials like foodstuff and personal care items surged amid fears over the spread of the coronavirus, those of fashion and lifestyle goods are taking a beating as fashion brands from jeans to shoes are reporting a 10-20% drop in online sales in the last two weeks.
Coronavirus: Health ministry issues SOP for international passenger movement at Delhi airport
In view of reports about a few incidents of ruckus being created by international passengers at the Delhi airport during the last few days, the ministry stated that people returning from the novel coronavirus-affected countries would be first escorted by airline staff to the health counters for initial thermal screening.
Airlines need up to $200 bn in emergency aid: IATA
Airlines worldwide face an unprecedented existential threat as the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 9,000 people around the world, shuts down global travel. Up to USD 200 billion is needed to rescue the world's airlines during the coronavirus global pandemic.
UGC tells universities to postpone exams, suspend evaluation work due to COVID-19
"All universities and affiliated colleges should postpone exams till March 31 and suspend evaluation work. Further schedule should be decided following a review of the situation," the commission said in an order.
Prices of agricultural commodities drop 20% post COVID-19 outbreak
Traders across the country are struggling to combat rumours about closure of markets and attempts to create artificial shortages. Except chicken, demand for agricultural commodities has not been affected due to coronavirus either in India or in the international market. However, farm-gate prices have fallen due to scare of Covid-19.
Indian Army reports its first case of coronavirus
The soldier is a resident of Chuchot village in Leh. His father had tested positive for coronavirus on March 6 and was isolated at the Sonam Nurboo Memorial (SNM) hospital in Leh, following his return from a pilgrimage in Iran on February 27. That man was quarantined at the Ladakh Heart Foundation two days later.
