Pakistan on Tuesday reported its first death due to novel coronavirus. The patient had returned from Iran and had been quarantined for 14 days at the Iran-Taftan border. Meanwhile, a 64-year-old COVID-19 patient has died in a hospital in Mumbai. With this total death toll to three in India. Kerala on Tuesday reported a fresh COVID-19 cases which has alarmed the state authorities. With this, the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in India has reached 125, according to Ministry of Health. The total number of coronavirus cases in India jumped to 124 on Monday following several fresh cases reported from various states, including Odisha and Maharashtra. The Union Health Ministry also said that fresh COVID-19 cases were reported from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh and Kerala. The government also imposed fresh travel bans, whereby it banned the entry of passengers from the EU countries and the UK from March 18. The COVID-19 virus infection has affected around 1.5 lakh people globally. The death toll has spiked sharply in Italy which is the worst-affected country by the novel coronavirus after China. Iran too is affected a lot as the death toll in the country crossed 700, with nearly 14,000 confirmed cases.
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1.16 pm: Coronavirus outbreak: Pakistan reports first death; patient returned from Iran
Pakistan has reported its first death due to novel coronavirus. The patient had returned from Iran and had been quarantined for 14 days at the Iran-Taftan border.
1.10 pm: Coronavirus update: Delhi govt offers quarantine facilities at three hotels in Aerocity area
The Delhi government has directed three luxury hotels in Aerocity area, near Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport to convert 182 rooms into paid quaratine facilities for people flying in from abroad who need to be isolated.
Read full story here: Coronavirus update: Quarantine facilities available at Rs 3,100 per day in Delhi’s Aerocity
1.05 pm: Coronavirus impact: Qutub Minar shut till March 31; total cases reach 8 in the capital
The authorities have closed Qutub Minar in Delhi till March 31 amid rising COVID-19 cases. The total confirmed cases have reached 8 in the national capital.
Delhi: Qutub Minar has been closed till 31st March due to #Coronavirus. There are total 8 positive cases in the national capital. pic.twitter.com/gnk5wtDD3Y
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
12. 55 pm: Union Minister V Muraleedharan tests negative for COVID-19
Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has tested negative for the novel coronavirus infection. He had gone on a home quarantine as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. He minister had on March 14 attended a meeting in a medical institute in Trivandrum. A doctor of the same medical college had tested positive for novel coronavirus on March 15 after returning from Spain.
Sources: MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan has tested negative for COVID19. https://t.co/5jGnfDALZz
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
12.46 pm: Coronavirus impact: COVID-19 likely to be detrimental for output and prices
The around 30% fall in global crude oil prices can bring the petrol prices down by Rs 12 per litre and diesel prices by Rs 10 per litre in India, according to State Bank of India’s research report titled Ecowrap. The national bank also said in its report that if the Centre and states, if not wanting to slash fuel prices, they must not, in any event, raise the excise duty. “Rather the additional revenue accruing to the Centre can be spent on providing relief to people at the lower strata who will lose income because of shutdown of commercial activity in states as novel coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads,” said the report.
12.33 pm: Coronavirus update: Uttarakhand Congress leader goes on home quarantine
Uttarakhand Congress Vice-President Suryakant Dhasmana has gone on home quarantine for 14 days. The leader has taken the step after he met a suspected COVID-19 patient in the isolation ward of Doon Hospital on Monday.
12.26 pm: Coronavirus in Gurgaon: First confirmed case reported in Haryana
A 29-year-old woman from Gurgaon, Haryana has tested positive for COVID-19, a health official said on Tuesday. The woman is an employee of a Gurgaon-based company and had recently visited Malaysia and Indonesia, the official added.
12.10 pm: Coronavirus in India: Total confirmed cases rise to 126 across the country: Health Ministry
The Union Ministry of Family and Health Welfare on Tuesday said that the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases have risen to 126 in India. The ministry came out with a state-wise list of positive cases across the country. Maharashtra topped the list with 36 positive cases followed by Kerala at 22. Meanwhile, Delhi has 7 positive coronavirus cases presently.
12.00 pm: Coronavirus in India: Maharashtra Health Minister holds urgent meeting
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope is holding an urgent meeting on novel coronavirus. He is meeting leaders from the corporate and health sector; One Covid-19 patient has passed away in Mumbai today.
Mumbai: Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope holds an urgent meeting on #Coronavirus. He is meeting leaders from the corporate and health sector; One Covid-19 patient has passed away in Mumbai today. pic.twitter.com/m7Xva1W1JI
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
11.54 am: Coronavirus in India: Union Minister V Muraleedharan self-quarantines after attending a meeting
Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan has gone on a home quarantine as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. He minister had on March 14 attended a meeting in a medical institute in Trivandrum. A doctor of the same medical college had tested positive for novel coronavirus on March 15 after returning from Spain.
11.48 am: Coronavirus in India: Air India pilots seek urgent financial aid from govt
Air India pilots on Monday sought urgent financial support from the government for the beleaguered carrier amid novel coronavirus pandemic. The global travel bans due to COVID-19 pandemic have lead to many airlines across the world staring at huge losses.
11.42 am: Coronavirus in India: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to meet President Kovind today
Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan will meet President Ram Nath Kovind today at 6 pm to hold discussion on the preparedness to combat the spread of novel coronavirus.
11.37 am: Coronavirus in India: Cabinet secretary calls meeting on COVID-19
The Cabinet Secretary has convened a meeting on novel coronavirus. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) officials are also present in the meeting. Initial talks are on for involving private centres for coronavirus testing from the ICMR side.
11.34 am: Coronavirus in Maharashtra: Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi to shut temple for devotees
Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi has decided to shut the temple for devotes from 3 pm today (Tuesday) till further orders.
11.28 am: Coronavirus in India: No visitors allowed in govt offices, says Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
“No visitor needs to come to Govt offices. Officers will take phone calls during visitor hours. DD Port Blair & Cable TV being advised to telecast interesting programs & movies to encourage people to stay home,” tweeted Chetan Sanghi, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
No visitor needs to come to Govt offices. Officers will take phone calls during visitor hours.
DD Port Blair & Cable TV being advised to telecast interesting programs & movies to encourage people to stay home.#AnazingAndamans#coronavirus
– Chetan Sanghi (@ChetanSanghi) March 17, 2020
11.18 am: Coronavirus outbreak: UN staff member in New York tests positive for COVID-19
A United Nations staffer in New York has been tested positive for novel coronavirus, a top official has said highlighting that the case will not have a “critical impact” on the work of the organisation owing to “strong risk mitigation measures” conducted at the global body. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters at the daily press briefing on Monday that the staffer who tested positive for novel coronavirus, “is well and has not had any contact with any other UN personnel since before the onset of symptoms.”
11.00 am: Coronavirus in India: 64-year-old patient dies in Mumbai hospital
A 64-year-old COVID-19 patient has died in a hospital in Mumbai. With this total death toll to three in India.
10.53 am: Coronavirus outbreak: India has good research capacity, says WHO representative
“We have very good research capacity in India and especially at ICMR & Dept of health research. They have been able to identify the virus, now India will continue to be part of the research community,” says Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India after meeting with ICMR. “The commitment from Indian govt, the Prime Minister’s Office has been enormous, very impressive. It is one of the reasons why India is still doing quite well. I am very impressed that everyone has been mobilized,” he adds.
Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India on meeting with ICMR: We have very good research capacity in India and especially at ICMR & Dept of health research. They have been able to identify the virus, now India will continue to be part of the research community. #Coronaviruspic.twitter.com/3gOd0zn70q
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
Henk Bekedam, WHO Representative to India on #Coronavirus: The commitment from Indian govt, the Prime Minister’s Office has been enormous, very impressive. It is one of the reasons why India is still doing quite well. I am very impressed that everyone has been mobilised. pic.twitter.com/RtNSMTsiag
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
10.46am: Coronavirus in India: Govt bans travel of passengers from Afghanistan, Philippines and Malaysia
The government on Tuesday prohibited passengers travelling from Afghanistan, Philippines, Malaysia to India till 31st March, with immediate effect, reports ANI.
10.42 am: Coronavirus in India: Two tested positive for COVID-19 infection in Noida: Gautam Budh Nagar CMO
Two persons tested positive for COVID-19 infection in Noida on Tuesday. One in Sector 78 and another in Sector 100 with travel history to France. Both are admitted in designated isolation hospital, Gautam Budh Nagar CMO Anurag Bhargav told ANI.
10.37 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Thailand reports 30 new COVID-19 cases, total tally reaches 177
Thailand on Tuesday reported 30 new cases of the novel coronavirus, taking the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases to 177.
10.30 am: Coronavirus in India: Two more people test positive in Noida, family quarantined
Two more people on Tuesday were tested positive for COVID-19 infection in Noida. The authorities have quarantined the whole family.
10.18 am: Coronavirus in India: Mumbai directs offices to keep half of workers at home
The financial hub of Mumbai has directed its offices providing non-essential services to reduce operate at 50% staffing levels to combat the spread of novel coronavirus. Mumbai also allowed hospitals and airport authorities to stamp the wrists of people who have been instructed to self-isolate with indelible ink reading “Home Quarantined”.
10.06 am: Coronavirus outbreak: US begins first human trial for COVID-19 vaccine
The United States (US) has began its first human trial for the novel coronavirus. The first patient has received the trial vaccine for COVID-19. The trial started at the Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) In Seattle.
9.56 am: Coronavirus in India: Kerala reports new COVID-19 case; total tally reaches 125-mark
Kerala on Tuesday reported a fresh COVID-19 cases which has alarmed the state authorities. With this, the total number of confirmed novel coronavirus cases in India has reached 125, according to Ministry of Health.
9.45 am: Coronavirus in India: IIT-Kanpur asks students to vacate campus hostels by March 19
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, after annulling its annual technical festival called “Techkriti” and suspending classes, has now asked the students to vacate the campus hostels by March 19 to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus. “Teh institute administration suspects dat teh spread of teh virus will increase over teh next week or two. To avoid such a scenario in which a large number of students will have to be vacated with shortage of transport facilities, we have sought a gradual reduction of students in teh hostels,” said Prof Manindra Agarwal, Deputy Director, IIT-Kanpur. The directions have been given to the students of all undergraduate, MBA and first year M.Tech courses. Only PhD, second year M.Tech/MDes/MS and fifth year dual degree students are allowed to stay in the hostels after March 19.
9.26 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Cineplex to temporarily close theatres in Canada
Cineplex Inc said on Tuesday that it had temporarily closed its theatres and entertainment spots across Canada. The company said in a statement that it will shut its theatres and hubs from March 16, to April 2.
9.16 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Hong Kong to quarantine people entering the city from Thursday
Hong Kong will quarantine for 14 days all people entering the city starting Thursday as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19, The Asian financial hub’s leader Carrie Lam said on Tuesday.
9.08 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Philippines becomes first country to suspend all financial markets
The Philippine Stock Exchange on Tuesday closed all its financial market for indefinite period to combat COVID-19 outbreak. The currency and bond trading were also suspended with authorities citing threat to the safety of traders.
9.00 am: Coronavirus in India: Govt imposes prohibitory orders in Nagpur to combat COVID-19 spread
Maharashtra government has imposed prohibitory orders in Nagpur in order to avoid public gatherings. “Police imposed prohibitory orders (Section-144 of CrPC) in teh city to avoid gathering of people in a place, in teh wake of coronavirus crisis. Teh order shall remain in force till March 31,” said Ravindra Kadam, Joint Commissioner of Police, Nagpur.
8.45 am: Coronavirus in India: Pune’s Shaniwar Wada Fort shut down temporarily for public
The Maharashtra government has temporarily shut down Pune’s Shaniwar Wada Fort for public amid the rising novel coronavirus cases in the state. A total of 39 cases have been reported so far.
Maharashtra: Pune’s Shaniwar Wada Fort temporarily closed for public, due to #Coronavirus. Maharashtra has a total of 39 positive cases. pic.twitter.com/ohZUtx5v1z
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
8.35 am: Coronavirus in India: Delhi govt pacts with hotels to couple as quarantine facilities
The Delhi government has lined up three hotels in the national capital to couple as “Home Quarantine” for the suspected COVID-19 cases. These hotels are for the people who are not satisfied with the facilities of hospitals or the isolation wards. They can pay to be shifted to a hotel for getting the treatment. The hotels that are coupled as the quarantine of isolation facilities are Ibis, Lemon Tree, and Red Fox Hotel where special arrangements are made as per government instructions.
8.26 am: Coronavirus in India: Health Ministry issued guidelines on use of masks
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Tuesday issued guidelines on use of masks by public to protect themselves against contracting the novel coronavirus infection.
#Coronavirus: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued guidelines on use of masks by public. pic.twitter.com/RnWN4VG93c
– ANI (@ANI) March 17, 2020
8.16 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Europe imposes lock down, Trump cautions of months-long fight ahead
Almost all European countries closed their borders to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic. France is the latest one to joint the fight against COVID-19 even as US President Donald Trump said that his country was preparing itself for a month-long battle to tackle the deadly virus.
8.10 am: Coronavirus outbreak: Tom Hanks released from hospital in Australia
Actor Tom Hanks who was being treated in a hospital in Australia has been released on Monday. Hanks had isolated himself after testing positive for COVID-19, said health officials. Meanwhile, his wife Rita Wilson is still undergoing treatment at the hospital.
8.00 am: Coronavirus in India: Travellers from EU, UK, Turkey banned in India till March 31
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has prohibited airlines from ferrying passengers from the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, the United Kingdom and Turkey to India.
The aviation authority has also mandated that passengers coming from or travelling through UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait will have to remain under compulsory quarantine for 14 days.
Both orders will come into effect from March 18 and continue till March 31. “Both these instructions are temporary… and will be reviewed subsequently,” a DGCA circular on Monday said.