COVID-19 cases cross 20,000-mark in India; PM to address nation on April 26
The total number of COVID-19 cases in India crossed the 20,000-mark with over 652 deaths on Wednesday (April 22), according to the health ministry’s latest data.
Maharashtra reported the highest number, with 6,191 cases and 251 deaths.
Gujarat is the second-worst hit state with 2,178 active cases, followed by Delhi with 2,156 cases. The spread of COVID-19 has declined in Odisha and Kerala and so far, Goa and Manipur are out of danger with zero positive COVID-19 cases. Here are the latest updates on COVID-19 in India.
COVID spreads to 430 districts
As on Wednesday (April 22), COVID-19 cases have been reported from 430 districts, implying that the number has doubled since April 2. Six major cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Indore, Pune, Jaipur) which have registered over 500 cases so far, account for about 45 per cent of the total cases in India.
However, NITI Aayog member Dr V. K. Paul said in a interview with Indian Express on Wednesday (April 22) that the lockdown has paid off as it has helped the country in flattening the coronavirus curve.
4 lakh beds in 400 districts
To contain the spread of the deadly COVID-19 in India, hospitals, guesthouses, and hostels have been converted into three-layer coronavirus healthcare centres in more than 400 districts in India, according to India Today.
Around four lakh beds for isolation have been set up in these healthcare centres. One-third of these beds are in the worst-affected state of Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
Related news | 4 journos isolated for dining with quarantined MLA in Telangana
New ordinance to curb attacks on health workers
As attacks on healthcare staff and ASHA workers continue to break out across the country, Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday (April 22) announced a new ordinance wherein attackers can be sentenced to seven years of imprisonment and pay a penalty of up to ₹5 lakh.
“Health workers who are trying to save the country from this epidemic are unfortunately facing attacks. No incident of violence or harassment against them will be tolerated. An ordinance has been brought in, it will be implemented after the President’s sanction,” Javadekar said.
PM’s ‘COVID-19 Mann ki baat’ on Sunday
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the nation regarding the country’s progress in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic via his monthly radio address “Mann ki Baat” on Sunday (April 26).
All India Radio (AIR) said the Mann Ki Baat, a broadcast to the people by Modi, is scheduled for 11 am on April 26.
PM-CMs video conference on April 27
Modi is also likely to hold a video conference with all Chief Ministers of states on April 27 to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country, according to media reports.
Related news | Govt adds new exemptions: Know what’s allowed during lockdown