Paper-based device to detect Covid-19 in wastewater of communities: Study

The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, noted that rapid testing kits using paper-based devices could be used on-site at wastewater treatment plants.

Researchers are working on a test to detect the novel coronavirus in the wastewater of communities infected with the virus, a development that can help curtail COVID-19 spread via contaminated water sources.According to the scientists, including those from the Cranfield Water Science Institute in the UK, this approach may provide an effective way to predict the potential spread of the virus by picking up signatures of it in faeces and urine from disease carriers that enter water systems.The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, noted that rapid testing kits using paper-based devices could be used on-site at wastewater treatment plants.It said such kits can be applied to trace sources and determine whether there are potential Covid-19 carriers in local areas.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: 17 new cases in Andhra, 14 were at Nizamuddin in Delhi“

In the case of asymptomatic infections in the community or when people are not sure whether they are infected or not, real-time community sewage detection through paper analytical devices could determine whether there are COVID-19 carriers in an area to enable rapid screening, quarantine, and prevention,” said Zhugen Yang, study co-author from the Cranfield Water Science Institute.According to the scientists, the wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) approach can help monitor COVID-19 at an early stage in communities, enabling public health authorities to take effective intervention as early as possible to restrict the movements of that local population..Read More

From ventilators to testing kits, IITs step up to fight Covid-19 outbreak

IIT Guwahati, which is set to get a Technology Innovation Hub at the campus, has developed a mask in line with World Health Organization guidelines, and plans to 3D print about 100 of these

IITs across the country have joined the fight against Covid-19, activating their incubation centres to develop solutions that could help contain the virus. While some researchers are developing prototypes for ventilators to overcome their shortage, others have teamed up to develop testing kits.

A team of innovators from IIT Kanpur’s incubator company Nocca Robotics has developed a ventilator prototype, currently in the testing phase. “Our next step is to test the prototype and get it validated with the doctors to fine-tune the design, which will take at least two more weeks. Once the testing is over, we will begin mass-scale manufacturing,” said Abhay Karandikar, director of IIT Kanpur.

Given that almost all components are locally sourced, the price will be much less compared to imported ones that cost over ~4 lakh, he added. IIT Guwahati, which is set to get a Technology Innovation Hub at the campus, has developed a mask in line with World Health Organization guidelines, and plans to 3D print about 100 of these. A team of researchers at the campus is also trying to develop a vaccine. It is currently analysing the sequence of the virus from samples collected from Kerala and China. Besides, IIT Guwahati students have also developed sanitisers on a World Health Organization (WHO) formulation…Read More

Covid-19 Factoid: France and Iran face similar fight, Germany stands out

Around 20 cases are being registered and at least two people are losing their lives almost every minute due to coronavirus across the globe.

The number of Covid-19 positive cases in India stands at 1,071, and globally the tally has crossed 735,000. The US registered more than 20,000 cases in a day, taking the tally to over 140,000. The US is followed by Italy, a tad below 100,000-cases mark. Spain has overtaken China to become the third most affected country from coronavirus, going by the number of cases registered.

On an average, around 20 cases are being registered and at least two people are losing their lives almost every minute due to coronavirus across the globe. There is a rapid dissemination of information flowing around the Covid-19 pandemic.

1. Challenging time ahead for France and Iran

Both France and Iran have more than 40,000 Covid-19 cases registered so far. While around 30,000 cases in France are still active, out of which more than 12 per cent of the cases are in critical condition, highest among all countries. Similarly, 8 per cent of the active cases in Iran are critically ill. Both these countries have this far witnessed a higher death rate and might witness more fatalities in coming days. On the other hand, the US, which has the most number of cases tested positive for Covid-19, has much lower share of critical cases, and it also has a low death rate. Italy, Spain and the UK have a death rate on the higher side but few cases are in critical condition as on date…Read Full Source

Covid-19: Telangana govt announces up to 75% salary cuts for its employees

The meeting was held at Pragathi Bhavan in view of the State’s economic situation which has been affected adversely due to the coronavirus scare.

In a high-level review meeting conducted in the wake of State’s financial situation amid coronavirus outbreak, the Telangna government on Monday decided a huge pay cut for its employees ranging from 10 per cent to 75 per cent. The meeting was held at Pragathi Bhavan in view of the State’s economic situation which has been affected adversely due to the coronavirus scare. It was decided that there will be a 75 per cent cut in the salaries of the Chief Minister, State cabinet, MLCs, MLAs, State Corporation Chairpersons and Local Bodies representatives.

Whereas, there will be a 60 per cent salary cut of IAS, IPS IFS and other such Central Services Officer and for all other category of employees, there will be 50 per cent salary cut. For the Class IV, outsourcing and contract employees, there will be 10 per cent cut in the salary while for all category of pensioners there will be 50 per cent cut.

There will be a 10 per cent cut in the calary for the Class IV retired employees and for all the Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), Institutions that are receiving the government grants employees, like the government employees and retirees, there will be cut in their salaries as well. There are 71 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the State, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday.Meanwhile, the death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 32 and the number of total coronavirus cases reached 1,251 on Monday. There are 1,117 active cases in the country, said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare…Read More

Nizamuddin Covid-19 shock: Crisis for govt as 6 die in Telangana, 1 in J&K

More than 2,000 people from all over India and some from abroad attended a Tableeghi Jamat congregation in the Nizamuddin area in Delhi. Seven are now reported dead and over 1,500 are in quarantine

A religious congregation of 2,000 people at a mosque in Delhi’s Nizamuddin area, which has thrown up several corona positive cases maybe a ticking time bomb as six of the persons who returned to Telangana after attending the congregation have died from the virus and positive cases are emerging from at least five other regions including J&K, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

Over 1,500 people have been quarantined in the Markaz itself. A facility is coming up for these people in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, according to several reports. Even on Tuesday morning, people continue to board buses in the Nizammudin area in order to be taken to different hospitals for a checkup.

• Number of infected cases in Delhi shoot up to 97 by Monday evening from 72 on Sunday
• Six people from Telangana who attended the congregation died
• 1 who attended from Kashmir dies
• 253 admitted to hospitals, 24 test positive
• Around 800 people went to different states, police begin the search for those people

Such is the magnitude of this incident….

Coronavirus outbreak: US teen charged for ‘prank’ coughing on groceries

The incident took place at a time when confirmed cases of novel coronavirus are on the rise in Houston area. As of Sunday noon, COVID-19 cases in the area have climbed to 928.

A 14-year-old boy was charged over a prank in which he allegedly coughed on produce at a grocery store in northwest Harris County, amid the coronavirus scare in the US, officials said on Sunday. The grocer called 911 and reported a disturbance, following which the deputies arrived the store, they said. In a Facebook post, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the deputies responded to the disturbance call at the Food City. He said the teen “intentionally coughed on produce”.

“Apparently it was a prank,” wrote Gonzalez. “Not a very funny one. The teen was charged with Tampering with Consumer Products.” The incident took place at a time when confirmed cases of novel coronavirus are on the rise in Houston area. As of Sunday noon, COVID-19 cases in the area have climbed to 928. An estimated 58 people in the area who have tested positive for the virus have recovered, according to reports from a number of health officials. Meanwhile, Governor Greg Abbott is tightening travel to Texas by ordering some motorists from Louisiana to self-quarantine for two weeks.

The new travel restrictions come as Louisiana’s status as a novel coronavirus hotspot grew Sunday to more than 3,500 positive cases statewide. Abbott said drivers with commercial, medical, emergency response, military or critical infrastructure purposes for entering Texas would be exempted.State troopers will enforce the order at checkpoints at major roadways along the border. Those asked to quarantine will be required to provide an address for where they plan to hold up in Texas, either for two weeks or until their return to Louisiana, whichever comes first.

Read our full coverage on Coronavirus

New York state’s coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,000 in 16 days

The virus and the disease it causes, coronavirus, has torn through New York with frightening speed.

New York state’s death toll from the coronavirus outbreak climbed Sunday above 1,000, less than a month after the first known infection in the state. Most of those deaths have come in just the past few days. New York City reported in the evening that its toll had risen to 776. The total number of statewide deaths isn’t expected to be released until Monday, but with at least 250 additional deaths recorded outside the city as of Sunday morning, the state’s total fatalities was at least 1,026.

The virus and the disease it causes, COVID-19, has torn through New York with frightening speed. The first known infection in the state was discovered March 1 in a health care worker who recently returned from Iran. Two days later, the state got its second case, a lawyer from the suburb of New Rochelle.

March 10, Gov. Andrew Cuomo had declared a containment area in New Rochelle that shuttered area schools and houses of worship. That same day, the metropolitan area saw its first fatality: a man who worked at a harness track in Yonkers and lived in New Jersey. By March 12, the state had banned all gatherings of more than 500 people, darkening Broadway theaters and sports arenas. A day later, the first New York resident died, an 82-year-old woman with emphysema...

Delhi police detects fake UPI ID created to cheat PM CARES donors; blocked

Anyesh Roy, DCP (cybercrime) said in a tweet that the fake UPI was created with the ID pmcare@sbi, which is similar to the correct ID pmcares@sbi.

Delhi police’s cybercrime unit has detected a fake Unified Payments Interface (UPI) ID created with a motive to cheat the donors of the newly launched PM CARES Fund to fight the coronavirus outbreak, a senior official said on Sunday. Anyesh Roy, DCP (cybercrime) said in a tweet that the fake UPI was created with the ID pmcare@sbi, which is similar to the correct ID pmcares@sbi.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: Punjab records another death; global toll hits 33,965

The State Bank of India has also been briefed about the fake ID and the bank has blocked it, another official said. The matter is under investigation and efforts are being made to identify the accused, he added. PM Narendra Modi announced the constitution of the PM’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM-CARES) fund last week. The fund is dedicated for dealing with any kind of emergency or distress situation, like the coronavirus pandemic. He also urged people to donate in the fund to fight the battle against coronavirus. The pandemic has claimed at least 21 lives in India and over 1000 people has been tested positive so far.

World Coronavirus Dispatch: Iran sees Covid-19 scare lasting 1-2 years

From a prisoners’ riot in Thailand to Iran’s fears and China’s comfort – here’s a digest of international reports on Covid-19 to bring you up to speed with what’s happening around the world

Europe is botched up, with deaths and new coronavirus cases continuing to rise. Spain on Sunday recorded 838 fatalities, bringing its toll to 6,528 – second only to Italy, which had on Friday confirmed a one-day record of 969. The US, too, seems far from recovery. The number of cases in that country climbed to 8,238 overnight. President Donald Trump has said he is considering putting the New York region under quarantine, along with New Jersey and Connecticut. Meanwhile, South Africa, the epicentre of the virus spread in the continent, is now under a lockdown. Most of the 59 million people in the country will self-isolate for the coming three weeks. Also, New Zealand has reported its first coronavirus death.

Let’s take a look at the global statistics (at 10 pm IST on March 29):

Total confirmed cases: 685,623

Change over the previous day: 39,266

Total deaths: 32,137

Total recovered: 149,215

Nations with most cases: US (125,313), Italy (92,472), China (82,122), Spain (78,797), and Germany (58,247)

Prisoners’ riot in Thailand: On Sunday, prisoners at a facility in northern Thailand rioted and set on fire parts of the complex over concerns that they might catch the coronavirus due to proximity with inmates. The prison houses 2,000. Read more here. Outbreak could last 1-2 years: Iran, which has seen its death toll rise sharply to 2,640, might not see complete recovery from the coronavirus anytime soon. President Hassan Rouhani said the spread of coronavirus had slowed in some provinces, “but the country may have to learn to live with the disease for one or two years”. Read more here. No domestic transmission in China: The national health ministry of China, where the coronavirus originated, has said that “domestic transmission has basically been stopped”. There were only 45 new cases reported on Saturday, down from 54 the previous day. Parts of Wuhan, where the virus originated, have also been opened for travel. Read more here

Indian IT firms unlikely to lay off employees amid coronavirus lockdown

With high employee utilisation level and low bench strength, Indian IT companies are in a better position to absorb the adverse impact on cost for now

Despite the grim business outlook owing to the global spread of coronavirus (Covid-19), Indian information technology (IT) services firms are unlikely to resort to any major staff retrenchment, given the sensitivity of the issue.

Though this approach is in line with big US firms such as Salesforce and Morgan Stanley, whose chief executive officers have taken the public stand of not laying off employees, Indian IT firms, however, are not expected to take such a pledge publicly. This is primarily because unlike many US firms, Indian IT firms never had any layoff policy owing to its political sensitivities though employee retrenchment due to “under performance” is common. Globally, the chief executive officers of prominent companies such as Salesforce, Visa, Morgan Stanley, Citigroup, Bank of America, and FedEx have taken the pledge not to pursue any significant layoffs in 2020.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: India toll 27, cases 1024; global deaths top 33,000

Even Cognizant, which has Indian roots with 65 per cent of its employees in India, has announced paying an additional 25 per cent of the basic pay to most of its staffers in India. “Indian IT services firms are not likely to take any public stand on layoffs like many US firms. But firing staffers owing to business disruption and consequent demand slowdown is not likely to happen in big way,” said a source familiar with the thought process. “Increments, bonuses, and variable payouts are going to be on hold for the middle and senior managements.”

Many large corporations, including Bajaj Auto, the Vedanta group, and the Essar group have stated not to reduce their headcount. As far as Indian IT services firms are concerned, 55-60 per cent of their operating expenses comprise wages. So, any decision not to reduce the staff base can adversely impact their cost structure.

US overtakes China with 82,000 Covid-19 cases; toll crosses 2,000 in Iran

It is, however, important to note that the US has been testing people at a much larger scale, when compared with other countries that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic

United States has now surpassed China in the number of Covid-19 cases around the world, with at least 82,404 people are known to have been infected with the deadly coronavirus, the Johns Hopkins University real-time Covid-19 tracker said on Thursday. It is, however, important to note that the US has been testing people at a much larger scale, when compared with other countries that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We now have 370,000 tests that have been done. The majority of those — over 220,000 in the last eight days, which, those of you who have been tracking the South Korea numbers, put us equivalent to what they did in eight weeks that we did in eight days,” Dr Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, told reporters on Thursday. Although the US has surpassed China’s 81,782 mark, the Covid-19-related death toll in the country is still lower than China, with 1,178 Americans having died as opposed to the 3,291 Chinese fatalities. At least 160 million Americans have been ordered to stay home as schools are closed, restaurants and bars have been closed in hope of the curtail spread of the lethal virus, The New York Times reported.

New York City is among the worst-hit cities as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city has reached 38,000 and 281 have died. On Wednesday, US Senate leaders and Trump Administration had reached an agreement regarding a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from the coronavirus wrath, paving the way for swift passage of the legislation from both the chambers of Congress. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus-related deaths worldwide exceeded 20,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

US overtakes China with 82,000 Covid-19 cases; toll crosses 2,000 in Iran

It is, however, important to note that the US has been testing people at a much larger scale, when compared with other countries that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic

United States has now surpassed China in the number of Covid-19 cases around the world, with at least 82,404 people are known to have been infected with the deadly coronavirus, the Johns Hopkins University real-time Covid-19 tracker said on Thursday. It is, however, important to note that the US has been testing people at a much larger scale, when compared with other countries that have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

“We now have 370,000 tests that have been done. The majority of those — over 220,000 in the last eight days, which, those of you who have been tracking the South Korea numbers, put us equivalent to what they did in eight weeks that we did in eight days,” Dr Deborah Birx, the White House’s coronavirus response coordinator, told reporters on Thursday. Although the US has surpassed China’s 81,782 mark, the Covid-19-related death toll in the country is still lower than China, with 1,178 Americans having died as opposed to the 3,291 Chinese fatalities. At least 160 million Americans have been ordered to stay home as schools are closed, restaurants and bars have been closed in hope of the curtail spread of the lethal virus, The New York Times reported.

New York City is among the worst-hit cities as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in the city has reached 38,000 and 281 have died. On Wednesday, US Senate leaders and Trump Administration had reached an agreement regarding a $2 trillion package to rescue the economy from the coronavirus wrath, paving the way for swift passage of the legislation from both the chambers of Congress. Meanwhile, the number of coronavirus-related deaths worldwide exceeded 20,000, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

Coronavirus impact: GDP likely to fall to a three-decade low, say analysts

Total loss in output is estimated to be around Rs 6 trillion based on estimated GDP at current prices for FY20

With the nation under a lockdown because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, analysts suggest that the impact on various Indian industries could cost the economy around 3 per cent of GDP. There has been around 40 per cent decline in economic activity after the lockdown, as only essential manufacturing (food & pharma) and services (grocery trade, health & public services) are functioning. This, analysts say, could shave-off 1.5 per cent from India’s projected economic growth in financial year 2020-21 (FY21).

India’s GDP growth at constant prices is now likely to be at a three-decade low of 3.5 per cent in FY21. In January, World Bank lowered India’s GDP growth to 5 per cent in FY21 from earlier estimates of 6 per cent. The calculation is based on industry or activity-based gross value added for FY20 as presented by Central Statistics Office (CSO). Total loss in output is estimated to be around Rs 6 trillion based on estimated GDP at current prices for FY20. According to CSO, India’s GDP was expected to grow at 7.5 per cent at current prices in FY20 to Rs 204 trillion. “The base case scenario is a minimum 30-35 per cent decline in economic activity with many estimates putting loss at around 50 per cent. Anyhow we are staring at a significant downgrade in GDP growth estimate for June 20 quarter (Q1FY21) and FY21,” says Devendra Pant head economist India Ratings.

For example, in the manufacturing sector, output is expected to decline by about 70 per cent as only food-processing, and drugs and pharma industries are allowed to operate while other segments, such as engineering and metals, have shut operations. Food, beverages and tobacco, however, only account for 10 per cent of manufacturing output. Machinery and equipment — which includes automobiles, consumer durables and capital goods — is the biggest component of manufacturing, and accounted for around 20 per cent of the sector in FY19, and 3.7 per cent share in overall GDP. Overall, manufacturing accounted for 16.1 per cent of country’s GDP in FY19…Read More

1 in 50 coronavirus tests in India are positive compared to Italy’s 1 in 4

As the disease spreads in India, the percentage of tests coming out positive may increase

About one in every 50 tests conducted for Covid-19 in India as of March 25, 2020, have returned positive. In comparison, about a quarter of all tests in Italy, about a sixth in Austria and a tenth in the UK were positive, our analysis of data shows.

This could be due to varying testing criteria in different countries, experts said. As the disease spreads in India, the percentage of tests coming out positive may increase, they said. India tested 25,254 samples as of 8 p.m. on March 25, of which 581 (2.3 per cent) were positive, according to the latest update from the Indian Council of Medical Research. This proportion is comparable with South Korea’s (3per cent) and higher than Taiwan’s (1 per cent).

In comparison, 74,386 of 324,445 tests (23 per cent) in Italy, 6,001 of 35,995 tests (16.7 per cent) in Austria, 65,497 of 484,062 tests (13.5 per cent) in the US and 9,529 of 97,019 tests (10 per cent) in the UK were positive. Data for the US are from The COVID Tracking Project, an independent project run by journalists with volunteers including scientists, visualisation specialists, designers and project managers. Testing figures cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are incomplete, and therefore, lower…Read More

RBI follows global central banks, cuts repo by 75 bps to fight coronavirus

The move comes after the global central banks have been cutting rates to help shore up the economy amid coronavirus pandemic

Following in the footsteps of global central banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday lowered the key repo rate by 75 basis points (bps) to 4.4 per cent, to help arrest the economic slowdown in the wake of the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. The reverse repo rate now stands at 4 per cent, down 90 bps.

Repo rate is the rate at which a country’s central bank lends money to commercial banks, and reverse repo rate is the rate at which it borrows from them. MPC voted 4-2 in favour of the reduction of the repo rate by 75 bps, RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said in an address to media. The governor informed that the members of the MPC met on March 24, 25 and 27. “It is our effort to ensure normal functioning of the market,” Das said. The governor further said that the economic growth and inflation projection would be highly contingent depending on the duration, spread and intensity of the pandemic. “Need of the hour is to shield the economy from the pandemic,” Das added.

Meanwhile, liquidity adjustment facility (LAF) has been reduced by 90 bps to 4 per cent while cash reserve ratio (CRR) has been slashed by 100 bps to 3 per cent. Earlier, the US Federal Reserve had lowered the interest rates, bringing it near zero, in another emergency move to help shore up the US economy amid the rapidly escalating global coronavirus pandemic. The Fed had cut interest rates by half a percentage point on March 3, too, in its first emergency cut since the financial crisis of 2008.

70-yr-old Covid-19 patient dies in Guj, state’s toll at 3; new cases emerge

The 70-year-old man died at a government hospital in Bhavnagar

A 70-year-old COVID-19 patient died in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district early Thursday morning, a health department officials said. With this, the total number of deaths due to coronavirus inthe state has gone up to three, they said. “The 70-year-old man died at a government hospital in Bhavnagar,” state principal secretary (health) Jayanti Ravi said. Earlier, one patient each from Ahmedabad and Surat had succumbed to the viral infection, she said. Four new COVID-19 cases reported in Lucknow Four new COVID-19 cases have been reported in Lucknow, taking the total tally of coronavirus cases in the state to above 40 on Thursday.

A 21-year-old woman, whose parents had tested positive, a 32-year-old man with travel history to Dubai, a 33-year-old woman and a 39-year-old man tested positive for coronavirus, confirmed Dr. Sudhir Singh, Incharge, Isolation Ward, King George’s Medical University in Lucknow. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 positive cases have risen to 649 in India (including 593 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people) and 13 deaths.

Coronavirus cases rises to 649 in India, 13 dead, The total number of people who have been confirmed positive for COVID-19 in India has risen to 649 in India, including 593 active cases and 42 people who have been cured or discharged from hospitals, according to the recent update by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on Thursday morning.

Covid-19 relief package: FM announces Rs 1.7 trn plan for poor and migrants

Package announced includes both food security and cash transfer components

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today announced a relief package for the poor and migrants in the country in light of the 21-day lockdown in the country to tackle the challenge posed by the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The Prime Minister Gareeb Kalyan scheme worth Rs 1.7 trillion will have two parts — cash transfer and food security, said the Finance Minister. Covid-19 package to take care of the welfare concerns of the poor and migrant workers who have been suffering because of a nationwide lockdown

The FM also announced a medical insurance scheme for health workers. This Rs 50 lakh per individual insurance plan would be applicable to all health workers that includes sanitation and ASHA workers, paramedics, doctors, nurses. Two million health workers will benefit from this scheme, informed the minister.

The PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme will have two components

1. The Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana:

Under this plan, 800 million poor people in the country will get 5 kg of rice or wheat per month free of cost, in addition to the 5 kg they already get. In addition to rice or wheat, each household will get 1 kg of preferred dal for free for the next three months.

2. Cash transfer scheme:

• Farmers will get the first instalment of the PM-KISAN payment of Rs 2,000 soon. This move will benefit 87 million farmers across the country.
• MGNREGS: Wage increased from Rs 182 to Rs 202 per day. This wage increase will benefit 50 million families, as their income will increase by nearly Rs 2,000
• Poor widows, aged, and divyang: Ex-gratia transfer of Rs 1,000 for the next three months, in two instalments. 30 million people will benefit and the transfers will be done through direct benefits transfer (DBT)
• Women with Jan Dhan Yojana accounts: 200 million such account holders will benefit from Rs 500 ex-gratia for the next three months.

Coronavirus: Delhi mohalla clinic doctor tests positive, 800 quarantined

According to the Delhi Health Department, 800 people have been quarantined for 14 days

As many as 800 people have been quarantined for 14 days after they came in contact with a mohalla clinic doctor in Delhi, who was tested positive for the lethal infection, said the state’s Health Minister Satyendar Jain. The Minister informed that a mohalla clinic doctor and four others have tested positive after they came in contact with a woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor’s wife and daughter have also tested positive for lethal infection.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Delhi HC suspends hearings till April 15 amid lockdown

“Covid-19 cases in Delhi have risen to 36. A mohalla clinic doctor and four others have been tested positive after they came in contact with an infected woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor’s wife and daughter have also tested positive,” Jain told media. According to the Delhi Health Department, 800 people have been quarantined for 14 days as they came in contact with mohalla clinic doctor.”A total of 800 people who came in contact with the mohalla clinic doctor have been quarantined for 14 days,” he said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday assured people that the supply of essential commodities will not be hampered at any cost and added that personnel manning shops and engaged in other essential services would be issued E-passes promptly to facilitate their movement in the national capital during the 21-day lockdown period.

Coronavirus lockdown: Rs 60k-crore income support plan for poor in works

The scheme could mean transferring Rs 5,000-6,000 into the bank accounts of 80-100 million poor families, Business Standard has learnt

The Narendra Modi government is said to be considering an income support scheme for those worst hit by the slump in economic activity owing to the coronavirus pandemic and the resultant nationwide lockdown. The scheme could mean transferring Rs 5,000-6,000 into the bank accounts of 80-100 million poor families, Business Standard has learnt. A one-time transfer of Rs 6,000 each into 100 million accounts will cost the exchequer Rs 60,000 crore. However, given how dynamic the situation is, officials are not yet willing to give the monetary size of the package.

ALSO READ: Coronavirus LIVE: Over 3 bn in lockdown as global toll tops 20,000

There are also discussions on allowing a deferment of equated monthly instalments (EMIs) for targeted individuals, and loan repayments for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). But this will require providing some support to the banking system as well, sources said. These measures are likely to be part of a comprehensive economic package to fight the downturn in the country, which is currently locked down to contain the spread of coronavirus. The package can be announced any day now.

News agency Reuters reported that the size of the economic package could be anywhere between Rs 1.5 trillion and Rs 2.3 trillion. Any stimulus package will not only include the monetary component of an income support scheme, but also for MSMEs and others. As of Wednesday, COVID-19 had infected 440 ,321 people globally and over 606 in India.“Economic activity has come to a near halt. Work in factories, workshops, farms, the services sector, and other labour-intensive sectors has just stopped. The poorest families, especially those dependent on daily wages, will not be able to survive the lockdown,” said a person aware of the deliberations in the COVID-19 economic response task force.

Covid-19 impact: Amazon won’t require sellers to repay loans until April 30

Merchants of popular items from toys to apparel have worried that the temporary ban on stocking goods in Amazon warehouses

Amazon.com Inc on Wednesday said it temporarily would not require sellers in its marketplace to repay loans it had made to them, as merchants confront the prospect of declining sales during the coronavirus pandemic. The world’s largest online retailer notified sellers that its programme known as Amazon Lending would pause repayments beginning Thursday until April 30. Interest would not accrue during that period, it said.

The programme has offered sums between $1,000 (846.5 pounds) and $750,000 to merchants looking for capital to acquire inventory, expand their product lines and advertise on Amazon. “Loan repayments will restart on May 1, 2020 … You will have the same number of remaining payments once repayment resumes,” Amazon said in a seller message obtained by Reuters.

More than 20,000 merchants have gotten loans from Amazon, the company said in 2017. By the end of 2019, Amazon stood to receive $863 million from sellers to whom it provided financing through the lending program, according to a company filing. The loans’ terms range from three to 12 months, carrying interest rates from 6 per cent to 19.9 per cent.

ALSO READ: Covid-19 impact: Amazon temporarily suspends sale of non-essentials

As Americans turn to online shopping while quarantined, many online sellers, who are small and medium-sized businesses, are facing cash flow constraints amid supply chain and logistics issues caused by the outbreak. EBay Inc , another major online marketplace, said on Wednesday it will defer most selling fees for merchants for 30 days.

Coronavirus: Trump signs executive order to prevent hoarding as toll rises

Till Monday, more than 43,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in the United States

US president Donald Trump has signed an executive order to prevent hoarding of vital medical supplies and personal protective equipment as the country for the first time registered over 130 deaths in a day due to coronavirus. Till Monday, more than 43,700 confirmed cases of coronavirus were reported in the United States. Of these, over 10,000 were added in one day, according to Worldometer, a website which compiles COVID-19 cases. With 139 deaths, the number of fatalities crossed 550 by Monday night.

Signing the executive order, Donald Trump said his government would take action against hoarding and excessive pricing of vital medical and personal protective equipment as well as supplies such as hand sanitisers and face masks. “Very simply, we will not allow anyone to exploit the suffering of American citizens for their own profit,” he asserted, adding the Department of Justice will aggressively prosecute fraudulent schemes related to the pandemic.

New York State, in particular New York City, emerged as the hotspot of one of the worst public health crisis in the United States in recent memory. Nearly one in every two Americans infected by novel coronavirus are from New York City which reported 5,085 news cases on Monday taking the total to 20,875. As many as 157 residents of New York, a city which has one of the highest concentration of people in the country, have died of coronavirus so far. Of the total deaths in the city so far, 43 were reported on Monday…

Covid-19: FIR against Coca Cola plant in Himachal for flouting lockdown

Operation of all units barring those manufacturing essential commodities has been banned during the lockdown, they added

A case has been registered against a Coca Cola plant in Himachal Pradesh, operated by a separate entity, for running its factory in violation of an lockdown order issued to check the spread of coronavirus, officials said on Tuesday. Operation of all units barring those manufacturing essential commodities has been banned during the lockdown, they added.

The Coca Cola factory in Nalagarh falling under Baddi police district of Solan, operated by Krish Flexipacks, was found operational during a surprise check on Monday night, Baddi Superintendent of Police Rohit Malpani said. An FIR was registered against the factory and its owners under section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Nalagarh police station, he added.

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There was no immediate reaction from the company to the official action. There is a provision of six-month jail and/or fine of Rs 1000 under Section 188 of the IPC. In his order, Solan deputy commissioner-cum-district magistrate K C Chaman banned operation of all units in the district during the lockdown period, barring those manufacturing essential commodities including pharmaceutical, medical devices, soaps, hand cleaners. The managements of all non-essential industries are directed to shut their units immediately failing which strong action will be taken against concerned starting registration of cases under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897, as well as other relevant laws, the order stated.

Coronavirus lockdown: Police vacate Shaheen Bagh protesters after 3 months

The women agitators have been on a sit-in at Shaheen Bagh for over three months, protesting the newly amended Citizenship Act

Protestors against the citizenship law at Shaheen Bagh were vacated by the Delhi Police amid coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday morning, officials said. The women agitators have been on a sit-in at Shaheen Bagh for over three months, protesting the newly amended Citizenship Act. Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) R P Meena said people at the protest venue in Shaheen Bagh were requested to vacate the site as lockdown has been imposed due to coronavirus outbreak.

A total of nine protesters including six women were detained and taken to a nearby police station, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southeast) R P Meena said. Meena speaking to PTI said that the action was taken as a result of the protesters flouting lockdown norms and assembling in large numbers. About 50 protesters including men were at the venue when it was vacated.

The move comes a day after an unidentified man allegedly hurled petrol bomb near the site. However, no one sustained any injuries. On Sunday, during the ‘Janta curfew’, only five women were at the site while others had left their slippers as a symbol of solidarity. The women were taking all precautions amid the coronavirus outbreak and sanitisers had been arranged at the venue to ensure utmost hygiene, the agency reported quoting anonymous sources.

Meanwhile, advocate Amit Sahni, who filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking clearance of the anti-CAA protest site in Shaheen Bagh welcomed the move and said that it has come as a great relief. “It is a great relief for lakhs of commuters from Noida, Faridabad and Delhi. The intervention by the authorities came quite late, and perhaps it was one of the reasons for Delhi riots,” said Sahni to PTI. He added, “Protesters were not moving from their place despite the directions of the authorities so as to prevent the spread of Covid-19. No one should be permitted to block public roads which cause inconvenience to the public.”.