Coronavirus Latest Updates
India has reported 75 positive cases of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, with authorities taking emergency measures to contain its spread like shutting down schools, colleges and cinema halls in the national capital and some other places. Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus crisis in India and other parts of the world on Friday.
First case of coronavirus in Kenya
Second coronavirus death in Indonesia
European stock-markets rebound, posting gains of over 2%
PM Modi calls SAARC leadership to 'chalk out strong strategy' to curtail outbreak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday proposed that the leadership of SAARC nations could chalk out a joint strategy to fight coronavirus and set an example for the world. "I would like to propose that the leadership of SAARC nations chalk out a strong strategy to fight Coronavirus. We could discuss, via video conferencing, ways to keep our citizens healthy. Together, we can set an example to the world, and contribute to a healthier planet," Modi tweeted.
All schools, colleges, universities in Uttar Pradesh to remain shut till 22 March
Bhutan's Prime Minister praises Narendra Modi for proposing a SAARC meetingto discuss coronavirus
UEFA postpones all club competitions matches scheduled for next week
44 Indians evacuated from Iran to arrive at a Jaislamer army camp
According to the Rajasthan health secretary, all the peole have tested negative. They will be kept in isolation at the Army Hospital for 14 days.
"The Jaisalmer collector has been provided with all requisite support and logistics by us," he added.
Reported by Sangeeta Pranvendra
Cinema halls in Bihar to remain closed till March 31
Uddhav Thackeray announces closure of 1 to 9 standard schools in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad
These schools will be closed until further orders. 10th and 12th standard exams will continue. Schools in Mumbai will remain operational.
All gyms and movie theatres in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur to be shut
Foreign nationals will not be allowed to enter India from Pakistan through Attari-Wagah border from Friday evening, says BSF official
India vs South Africa ODI matches in Lucknow and Kolkata called off, say BCCI sources
Coronavirus cases rise to 81, which include 16 Italians and one Canadian: Health Ministry officials
India vs South Africa ODI series rescheduled; S Africa to visit India at a later date to play 3 one-day internationals
Coronavirus Fact Check: Don't believe WhatsApp, Modi govt hasn't declared holidays in Maharashtra, Gujarat, UP and Sikkim
MP Govt orders closure of cinema halls till March 31 in view of coronavirus situation
Three more people test positive for the virus in Kerala
Government to send Air India flight to evacuate Indians stuck in Milan tomorrow afternoon
The lone Coronavirus patient from the Telangana has recovered and is going to be discharged from the hospital soon
Karnataka govt: 30 high-risk contacts of Coronavirus patient who died yesterday have been identified
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur suspends all academic activities till March 31
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur | wikimedia.com
Uttar Pradesh cabinet has passed Recovery of Damage to Public Properties ordinance
Jair M. Bolsonaro: DON'T BELIEVE IN THE MEDIA FAKE NEWS!
Director-General, WHO: Our message to countries continues to be - you must take a comprehensive approach. Not testing alone
President of Brazil Jair Bolsonaro says has tested negative for Coronavirus
Jair Bolsonaro | ANI
All education institutions closed in Pakistan till April
Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday ordered the closure of all education institutions in the country till April 5 in view of the coronavirus outbreak which has claimed over 5,000 lives globally.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, attended by key minister, services chiefs and other senior officials.
Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood tweeted, "It has been decided to close all educational institutions in the country till April 5. This includes all schools and universities, public and private, vocational institutions and madaris." He said the decision to close educational institutions would be reviewed by the Ministry of Education on March 27.
Earlier, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial administration had announced that all educational institutions would remain closed for 15 days.
The provincial cabinet had ordered the evacuation of students from hostels and postponing of examinations, among other official events and festivals.
The KP cabinet also banned public gatherings and urged the people to reduce number of wedding events.
Educational institutions were already closed in Sindh and Balochistan provinces as well as Gilgit-Baltistan region.
Also on Friday, the National Assembly prorogued its session for indefinite period due to concerns raised by the treasury and opposition members over coronavirus.
Pakistan has also decided to let around 2,000 pilgrims to leave the quarantine facility in Taftan near the Iranian border after completing the mandatory 14-day isolation period.
So far, no coronavirus related death has been reported in Pakistan. One of the COVID-19 patients in Karachi has recovered and was allowed to go home on Saturday last week.
The virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 5,000 lives and infected more than 130,000 across 101 nations and territories.
The World Health Organisation called the virus a global pandemic on Wednesday.
No decision on shutting schools, colleges yet, says Gujarat government
Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel | ANI
Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government on Friday said as of now it does not have any plans to close schools and colleges like some other states due to the coronavirus threat.
No confirmed coronavirus case has been found in Gujarat so far, and all 68 samples of suspected cases collected so far came out negative, an official release said.
"We are taking all necessary steps to stop the spread of the virus. Till now not a single case of coronavirus has been found. We do not have any immediate plans to shut schools, colleges and markets," Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel told reporters here.
"The Central government has issued guidelines, asking all the states to avoid organizing seminars and other large gatherings....we will hold a meeting with Chief Minister Vijay Rupani to decide on restrictions which are needed to contain the virus," Patel added.
Over 28,000 passengers arriving from other countries have been screened at the Ahmedabad international airport so far.
Similarly, over 2,400 crew members on board 68 ships have been screened at the 17 ports in Gujarat to date.
As many as 572 isolation beds and 204 ventilators have been kept ready at government hospitals, an official release said.
Air India has cancelled flights to Kuwait & Italy
Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal not to take part in any public program till March 31
Europe now 'epicentre' of COVID-19 pandemic: WHO
World Health Organization says 'impossible' to say when COVID-19 pandemic will peak
TN govt announces that pre-kindergarten, LKG, UKG classes will remain shut up to March 31
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today joined the mass handwashing program
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik | ANI
Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles trips hit by virus outbreak
London, Mar 13 (AFP) Queen Elizabeth II and heir to the throne Prince Charles both postponed upcoming engagements in Britain and abroad on Friday because of the coronavirus outbreak, the royal household said.
The 93-year-old monarch had been due to visit Cheshire in northwest England, and Camden, in north London, from next week, while her son, 71, was set to tour Bosnia, Cyprus and Jordan.
Buckingham Palace said the queen's diary commitments had been changed "as a sensible precaution and for practical reasons in the current circumstances".
"In consultation with the Medical Household and Government, Her Majesty's forthcoming visits to Cheshire and Camden will be rescheduled," it said in a statement.
"Audiences will continue as usual. Other events will be reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with the appropriate advice."
The queen -- Britain's longest-serving monarch -- turns 94 on April 21. She also has a second birthday party in June, which is marked with a public parade.
The announcement came as the English Premier League suspended all fixtures until April 4 in a wave of postponements and cancellations of public events in Britain and around the world.
The British government said Thursday it would not ban mass gatherings as scientific advice indicated there was less risk of transmitting the virus than in smaller venues.
But as the number of confirmed cases in the country jumped to 798, with 10 deaths, a string of events were cancelled, from rugby matches to London's annual St Patrick's Day celebrations.
Thousands of people typically turn out to greet the queen on royal visits.
Earlier, Prince Charles' office at Clarence House said it had postponed his planned eight-day trip to Bosnia, Cyprus and Jordan.
He had been due to begin the tour on Wednesday, with his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, 72, joining him on the last two legs.
Clarence House said the decision was taken "owing to the unfolding situation with the coronavirus pandemic".
British media said there was no concern for Charles and Camilla's health, and the tour may be replaced with domestic engagements, although not ones involving large crowds.
The queen no longer undertakes overseas visits but has carried out engagements in Britain since the start of the outbreak, including investiture ceremonies at Buckingham Palace.
Her most recent made headlines because she wore gloves but there was no official reason for her wearing them, and she has previously been pictured in them.
Health Secretary Preeti Sudan: An over 65-year-old Coronavirus patient passes away at a Delhi hospital
Health Secretary Preeti Sudan |
Chhattisgarh: All high schools and universities in the State to remain closed till 31st March
The total number of confirmed Coronavirus cases across India is 82.
After patient admitted to private hospital in Mumbai tested positive for Coronavirus
Isolation bed facility in Mumbai:
- Kasturba Hospital 78 Beds
- HBT Hospital 20 Beds
- Kurla Bhabha Hospital 10 Beds
- Bandra Bhabha Hospital 10 Beds
- Rajawadi Hospital 20 Beds
- Fortis Hospitals 15 Beds
- BPT Hospital 50 Beds
- Babasaheb Ambedkar Central Railway Hospital 30 Beds
TOTAL 233 Beds
Quarantine centre for 300 people and Isolation facility of 30 Beds at Sevenhills Hospital IS being prepared.
(Press Note by MCGM)
