India's COVID-19 count rises to 2,547, toll at 62 on Day 10 of lockdown
India’s COVID-19 numbers stand at 2,547 cases and 62 deaths, according to the Union health ministry, on Friday, the Day 10 of nationwide lockdown. To display the country’s collective resolve to defeat the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now made a special appeal for the citizens.
India’s COVID-19 numbers stand at 2,547 cases and 62 deaths, according to the Union health ministry, on Friday (April 3), the Day 10 of nationwide lockdown. To display the country’s collective resolve to defeat the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now made a special appeal for the citizens.
Read the latest updates from the day:
COVID-19 count: India has reported a total of 2,547 cases and 62 deaths due to COVID-19 so far, according to the latest health ministry updates. However, a PTI tally places the count at 2,891 cases and 68 deaths, which is based on the information provided by state governments till 8:30 pm. In its daily briefing, the ministry said 336 cases and 12 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.
An appeal from PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to switch off the lights at their homes and light up lamps, candles or mobile phone torches for nine minutes at 9 pm on April 5 to display the country’s “collective resolve” to defeat coronavirus. In a video message, he asked people to maintain social distancing by staying indoors and not gather in groups during the exercise.
₹11,092 crore for states: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved release of ₹11,092 crore to all states under the State Disaster Risk Management Fund for setting up quarantine facilities and other infrastructure. The ministry said the fund was approved following assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to chief ministers during his video conference on Thursday.
647 cases linked to Jamaat: In the last two days, 647 cases were found that are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation that was held last month in Delhi, said the government. It said such cases have been reported from 14 states so far. A home ministry official said blacklisting proceedings have been started against 360 foreigners who participated in the Jamaat and had left India thereafter.
No shortage of medicines: The Indian government has asserted that there is no shortage of medicines in the country and it is taking steps to ensure all medical supplies are in place to fight the pandemic. The government is also paying full attention to the manufacturing and distribution of essential drugs as well as hospital devices, Union minister DV Sadanada Gowda said on Friday.
Management of waste: The management of waste from COVID-19 isolation wards and quarantine camps is now part of “essential services”. Central pollution watchdog CPCB has included the services of common biomedical waste treatment and disposal facilities associated with management of waste from COVID-19 isolation wards and quarantine camps under “essential services”.
Uber offers free rides: Ride-hailing platform Uber has partnered with National Health Authority to provide transport service to frontline healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients. It said it will initially provide 150 cars free of cost to support medical facilities in New Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Lucknow, Prayagraj and Patna through its recently launched UberMedic service.
India’s oldest survivor: A 93-year old man, India’s oldest COVID-19 survivor, and his wife were discharged from a government hospital in Kerala’s Kottayam on Friday, days after they fully recovered, in what is being dubbed by the medical community as a “miracle cure”. Thomas Abraham and Mariyamma, 88, were hospitalised on March 9, said the state health department officials.
China’s day of mourning: China will observe a national day of mourning on April 4 for martyrs, including “whistleblower” Dr Li Wenliang, who sacrificed their lives in the fight against the coronavirus and the over 3,300 people who died of the infection. Fourteen frontline workers in Hubei Province, including Dr Li, were identified as martyrs on Thursday for sacrificing their lives.
Global toll crosses 50,000: The number of coronavirus deaths crossed past the 50,000 mark on Friday, while real time trackers placed the toll above 55,000. The US accounts for around a quarter of confirmed cases, but Europe is far from being out of danger: Spain reported over 900 deaths in 24 hours on Friday. Italy still leads the world in fatalities with nearly 14,000 deaths.