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Coronavirus May 28 Highlights: Delhi sees highest single-day spike, Haryana tightens borders

With over 6,566 fresh cases, the COVID tally in India reached 1,58,333 on Thursday with as many as 4,531 fatalities.

By: Express Web Desk
New Delhi | Updated: May 29, 2020 10:00 IST
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Home Minister Amit Shah Thursday spoke to chief ministers of states to ascertain their views on the coronavirus crisis, its containment strategies and the fifth phase of the nationwide lockdown that starts June 1.

In Delhi, 1024 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 16,281 in the city. Death toll in the city stands at 316.

The government Thursday said there are about 30 groups in India, big industry to individual academics, who are trying to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus. Dr K Vijayraghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India, said it takes a long time to develop a vaccine but since we need to develop it in one year, the world is investing in over a 100 vaccines at the same time. The entire process will cost 2-3 billion dollars.

With India reporting 6,566 coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the total tally in the country reached 1,58,333 on Thursday including 4,531 deaths and the 67,691 people who have been treated and discharged so far.

On the global front, the United States has surpassed a jarring milestone in the coronavirus pandemic: 100,000 deaths. That number is the best estimate and most assuredly an undercount. But it represents the stark reality that more Americans have died from the virus than from the Vietnam and Korea wars combined. As many as 5,695,155 people have been infected worldwide so far. While the death toll stood at 355,688, at least 2,380,088 have recovered, according to a tally by John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.

Live Blog

Coronavirus India pdates: India's cases touches 1,58,333, death toll at 4,531; US toll crosses 1 lakh-mark. Follow to get all the latest updates from across the world here. Read in Malayalam, Tamil

23:37 (IST)28 May 2020
Mumbai: Fireman dies due to COVID-19

A 58-year-old fireman, identified as Rafiq Shaikh, died due to COVID-19 on Thursday.Shaikh was posted at the Goregaon Fire Station and is the second fire fighter to die from COVID-19 in last one week. He was due for retirement next month.

According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade, he was ill and was suffering from cold, fever and breathlessness. His test result of novel coronavirus came positive on May 21 and was later admitted to Agarwal Hospital in Virar. However, on Thursday he suffered a heart attack and passed away.

Chief Fire Officer PS Rahangdale said, "He was retiring next month. So far 41 fire brigade personals are found positive of COVID-19."

Earlier, a fireman attached with Gowalia Tank died on Sunday. His COVID-19 test results came positive after his death. Officials said that out of 41 fire brigade personals infected four are in ICU and three have been recovered and discharged. Recently, municipal commissioner I S Chahal had reveal that over 1500 municipal staff are infected and 25 succumbed to COVID-19. (ENS Mumbai)

23:35 (IST)28 May 2020
Except Niwari, COVID 19 infection reaches 51 out of 52 MP districts

As Madhya Pradesh reported 192 more positive cases in the last 24 hours on Thursday, the novel coronavirus infection reached 51 out of 52 districts in the second largest state in the country.

Newly created Niwari is the only district that has not reported any positive case so far. Located on the border of Uttar Pradesh, as many as 16,220 people were screened on the district’s border and kept in quarantine. Out of them 13,668 have completed 28 days in quarantine.

Of the 45 samples collected from the district, 38 have tested negative. While three samples were rejected, results of four are still awaited. Hoshangabad, Agar Malwa, Anuppur and Alirajpur districts reported positive cases in the past but have no active cases now.

Meanwhile, Indore reported 78 new cases taking the count of positive cases to 3260 so far, out of them 1583 active. Bhopal’s count with 17 new cases mounted to 1373. Ujjain reported 25 cases to take its count to 639. The death toll respectively in Indore, Bhopal and Ujjain is 122,51 and 54. Neemuch on Rajasthan border reported 34 cases to take its count to 149. Burhanpur on Maharashtra reported has so far reported 293 cases.

--Milind Ghatwai reports from Bhopal

22:17 (IST)28 May 2020
Tripura: Two more test positive, state's tally at 224

Two more persons tested positive with the novel coronavirus in Tripura on Thursday, raising the state's total COVID-19 tally to 244. However, 167 among them have recovered so far and were discharged from hospital while 74 are active cases.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said "1050 samples have been tested today for COVID-19, out of which 2 people detected positive. Both of them have returned from Maharashtra. Positive Cases: 244. Active Cases: 74. Discharged: 167. Migrated: 03."

21:56 (IST)28 May 2020
Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to CMs

Home Minister Amit Shah Thursday spoke to Chief Ministers of all States to ascertain their views on the current coronavirus crisis, its containment and the next phase of lockdown that starts June 1.Home Minister Amit Shah speaks to Chief Ministers of all States to ascertain their views on current #COVID19 crisis, its containment and the next phase of lockdown.

21:53 (IST)28 May 2020
With 68 new cases, Gurgaon crosses 400-mark

Gurgaon has crossed the 400-mark, with 68 new cases of Coronavirus reported today. Total count now 405, of who 3 have succumbed to the infection.

21:24 (IST)28 May 2020
Plea before Bombay HC challenging state’s decision to take over 80% beds in private hospitals

The Bombay High Court heard a petition seeking to set aside the state government’s May 21 notification stipulating taking over 80 per cent beds in private hospitals and nursing homes across the state. The petitioner has also sought free-of-cost Covid-19 treatment at all hospitals, including private institutions, across Maharashtra.

The plea filed by educationist and social worker Sagar Jondhale, through advocate Anand Jondhale, said the rates of private hospitals would amount to a bill of nearly Rs 1 lakh to a Covid-19 patient admitted at a general ward of any hospital in the state. It also stated that the notification had wrongly permitted private hospitals to charge separately for pharmacy and pathology services. (ENS Mumbai)

21:04 (IST)28 May 2020
Delhi reports over 1,000 Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours

In Delhi, 1024 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of confirmed cases to 16,281 in the city. Death toll in the city stands at 316.

20:47 (IST)28 May 2020
Manipur Covid-19 positive cases rise to 55

The total number of Covid-19 positive cases in Manipur has reached 55 with 11 more tested positive on Thursday.

Manipur Health department said nine of the 11 cases were men and 2 women taking total active cases to 50. While the conditions of the 11 patients were stable, they have been shifted to COVID care facilities at JNIMS and RIMS hospital, the department said.

The department further informed that one of the COVID-19 positive cases lodged at JNIMS hospital have been recovered and discharged on Thursday bringing the recovered cases to five.

20:45 (IST)28 May 2020
Covid-19 update: Tripura accepts 125 persons who returned from Bangladesh, turns down 4 others

Tripura allowed entry to 125 persons who returned from different parts of Bangladesh through Akhaura International Check Post (ICP) on Thursday.

At least 235 Indians from Tripura, Assam, Manipur and Meghalaya stranded in Bangladesh since lockdown was imposed were evacuated through border check posts today. Among them, 129 were from Tripura.

However, the ICP authorities allowed 125 and returned four since their passports were found to have address and spelling discrepancies.

'We have kept all of them under quarantine. Five persons weren't allowed to enter due to passport discrepancies,' Tripura Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath told a press conference this evening.

Tripura reported 242 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday.

Meanwhile, people of the state stuck at Bangalore, Chennai, Trivandrum, Kolkata and Delhi are en route back home Shramik Special trains, buses etc.

According to latest reports, 17867 out of 28,081 persons placed under surveillance in the state have completed 14 days observation period and were discharged. 343 persons are still housed in different quarantine centers and 4871 are under home quarantine. 24,126 samples were tested as per COVID control room reports, out of which 242 tested positive with the virus. However, 165 have already recovered and two persons were transferred to other states.

20:28 (IST)28 May 2020
J&K: 115 new Covid-19 cases detected, tally rises to 2,036

In Jammu and Kashmir, 115 new COVID-19 cases detected, tally rises to 2,036.

20:13 (IST)28 May 2020
Surge in COVID-19 cases in Kerala: 84 fresh cases, tally now 1088

In the biggest single day spike, Kerala reported 84 COVID-19 cases on Thursday taking the infection tally to 1,088, while a man hailing from Telangana, who reached here from Rajasthan and tested positive, succumbed to the virus.

The deceased had boarded the Jaipur-Thiruvananthapuram special train on May 22 and along with his family reached here without the requisite documents.

The man, who was under observation and later admitted to the general hospital here after heshowed symptoms of the virus, died on Wednesday, a government press release said. His sample result was received today. It is not clear if the Telangana man's death would be added to the state's tally.

Six people have died of the infection in the state. (PTI)

20:05 (IST)28 May 2020
NHRC notices to Union Home Secy, Rlys, Guj and Bihar govts over migrants hardships in trains

The NHRC has send notices to the Union Home Secretary, the Railways and the governments of Gujarat and Bihar over hardships faced by migrants onboard trains due to delay in services and lack of food and water allegedly leading to sickness and death of some of them, officials said on Thursday.

In a statement, the National Human Rights Commission observed that the "state has failed to protect the lives of the poor labourers onboard the trains".

The NHRC has taken suo motu cognisance of media reports that the trains which are ferrying migrant labourers are not only starting late but are taking many additional days to reach destination, it said.

"In one of the reports, it is alleged that many migrant labourers lost lives during their journey by train due to longer duration and no arrangements for drinking water and food etc," the statement said. (PTI)

20:04 (IST)28 May 2020
Not complete ban but will allow lesser air traffic from five states, Karnataka govt clarifies

Karnataka government has clarified earlier announcement regarding banning flights from five states. State Minister J C Madhuswamy says that the state had not announced a complete ban on flights from five states, but to "lessen (incoming) air traffic" from these states.

18:46 (IST)28 May 2020
Restrictions imposed in MP Governor's residence after peon and five others test positive

Declaring the residence and office of Governor Lalji Tandon as inner zone, sealing off two of the three entry gates and restricting the entry of visitors are among the steps taken in the wake of six residents of employees' quarters in Raj Bhavan, Bhopal, testing positive.

There are 64 staff quarters on the sprawling premises. The employees and their family members living in quarters will not be allowed to leave the campus for three days, except for medical emergency.

Five members of the family of a cleaner and a peon have tested positive so far. The governor has again tested negative. His ADC and OSD are among key persons who also tested negative. The 85-year-old governor was tested for the first time after a senior bureaucrat in the health department had tested positive weeks ago.

The peon who tested positive had entered the main Raj Bhavan. The quarters where the infected persons lived have been declared containment zones and employees ordered to work from home.

The health of those working in the kitchen and other attendants will be monitored daily. Gate numbers 1 and 3 have been sealed. Governor's Secretary Manohar Dubey said all precautions have been taken and the situation will be reviewed from time to time.

18:29 (IST)28 May 2020
Covid-19 cases in Mumbai Dharavi slum rise to 1,675

Tally of Covid-19 cases in Mumbai's Dharavi slum rises to 1,675 with 36 new patients; death toll remains unchanged at 61, reports PTI.

18:27 (IST)28 May 2020
Tamil Nadu reports 827 new Covid-19 cases, tally nears 20,000 mark

Tamil Nadu reported 827 new Covid-19 positive cases today, taking the total cases to 19,372.

18:24 (IST)28 May 2020
Karnataka suspends arrival of trains, flights from five states

Karnataka bans flights from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan in view of COVID-19 cases increasing from these states, govt decides in a Cabinet meeting. Incoming passengers by rail/road from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat also banned.

18:16 (IST)28 May 2020
Mumbai: Firefighter succumbs to Covid-19

A 58-year-old fireman succumbed to COVID-19 on Thursday. He is second staff from Mumbai Fire brigade who died due to infection. He was posted at Goregaon Fire Station and due for retirement next month. So far 40 fire fighters have been infected.

18:07 (IST)28 May 2020
Passengers test positive on domestic flights

Three flyers of IndiGo's Delhi-Jammu flight 6E955 on Tuesday have tested positive for COVID-19, the airline said. Six more passengers on IndiGo's Bengaluru-Coimbatore flight and 2 on Delhi-Coimbatore flight on Wednesday test positive for COVID-19. (PTI)

17:59 (IST)28 May 2020
Coronavirus India LIVE updates: Vadodara reports 28 new cases, tally at 951

Vadodara on Thursday reported 28 new coronavirus cases, taking its overall tally to 951. While the death toll in the district stands at 42, total 548 people have been discharged after recovery.

17:43 (IST)28 May 2020
S Korea virus cases make biggest jump in 50 days

South Korea on Thursday reported its biggest jump in coronavirus cases in more than 50 days a setback that could erase some of its hardwon gains Health officials warned that the resurgence is getting harder to track and social distancing and other steps need to be taken.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 67 of the 79 new cases reported were from the Seoul metropolitan area where about half of South Koreas 51 million people live.

Health Minister Park Neunghoo called for residents in the metropolitan area to avoid unnecessary gatherings and urged companies to keep sick employees off work.

At least 69 infections so far have been linked to workers at a massive warehouse operated by local ecommerce giant Coupang Hundreds of other infections have been linked to nightclubs and other entertainment venues which saw huge crowds in early May after officials relaxed social distancing guidelines. (AP)

17:17 (IST)28 May 2020
Centre, state govts have no concern for migrants: Mayawati

BSP president Mayawati on Thursday said the plight of migrant workers and reports of their deaths while trying to return to their homes reflected lack of concern on the part of the Centre and state governments.

"The manner in which the bitter truth of the sorry state of migrant labourers forced to return home and their deaths on the way are coming before the country and the world through the media, re-establish that the central and state governments have no concern for them, this is very sad," she said in a tweet.

Nine migrants have been found dead in Shramik trains since Monday.

"On the 65th day of lockdown today, this news gives some relief that the hon'ble courts have started questioning the central and state governments about the malfunctioning in government hospitals in testing and treatment of coronavirus, neglect of private hospitals, plight of migrant labourers and deaths," she added. (PTI)

16:54 (IST)28 May 2020
Eight vaccine candidates in world, four in advanced stage: Govt

Dr V K Paul, member, Niti Aayog: "We are trying many drugs, including Favipiravir, one indigenous phytopharmecutical ACQH, BCG vaccine, Tocilizumab, convalescent plasma, arbidol, hydroxychloroquine, remdesivir."

"Eight vaccine candidates in the world, of which four are in relatively advanced stages."

16:47 (IST)28 May 2020
Benefits of hydroxychroloquine outweighs risks: Niti Aayog

On the use of hydroxychroloquine, Dr V K Paul, member of Niti Aayog said, "Hydroxychroloquine is used for long periods. Research will reveal new things. We have examined this. The way it make the cell alkaline and stops the virus is well known."

"We think that benefits of hydroxychroloquine outweighs risks if any. We want it to be used as per recommendations made by the scientific community," he added.

16:45 (IST)28 May 2020
No Indian companies or collaborations in clinical trial stage for vaccines yet: Govt

Dr K Vijayraghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India: No Indian companies or collaborations are in the clinical trial stage for vaccines yet.

He also said while a vaccine is coming, social distancing will help us live with not just this virus but others too.

16:38 (IST)28 May 2020
Not ready to start food stalls on platforms: Food Vendors Association to Railway Board chairman

The Railway Food Vendors Association has told the Railway Board chairman that they are not ready to start food stalls on platforms, adding that most vendors have gone back to villages amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"With train services yet to normalise, there are hardly any passengers to avail vending services on platforms," PTI reported the association as saying.

They also highlighted that no arrangement has been made to protect vendors while Shramik train passengers loot, vandalise platform stalls that have opened.

"Train passengers are not strictly following social distancing norms, are crowding platform stalls," they added.

16:28 (IST)28 May 2020
Vaccine is not a switch that it will be available to everyone from Day 1: Govt scientific adviser

Dr K Vijayraghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India: "Vaccine is not a switch that it will be available to everyone from Day 1. In this disease everybody will need it. So access is a big challenge."

On the development of Covid-19 drug, Raghavan said a drug designed to attack the virus has to attack only its unique parts so that it doesn't start affecting our body cells. Remdesivir works on virus replication, there are other drugs that change the pH of the cell.

"Designing new drugs is a big challenge. In India CSIR and AICTE have started a high end hackathon where students are trained in drug designing," he said. "RT-PCR tests for virus genetic material, a second test in the offing to check for virus particles. There are variations of RT-PCR, IIT Delhi developed one," he added.

16:20 (IST)28 May 2020
Some companies in late pre-clinical stage of developing Covid-19 vaccine: Govt

Dr K Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India: "Four categories of vaccines - mRNA vaccines, attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, adjuvant vaccines. Some companies in late pre-clinical stage, some others in February 2021."

16:19 (IST)28 May 2020
At least 30 groups in India trying to develop Covid-19 vaccine, govt says

Dr K Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India: "There are about 30 groups in India, big industry to individual academics, are trying to develop a vaccine."

16:14 (IST)28 May 2020
World is investing in over a 100 vaccines: Govt

Dr K Vijay Raghavan, principal scientific advisor to Government to India: "To develop a vaccine it takes at least 10 years. Because we have to do it in one year, the world is investing in over a 100 vaccines. The entire process will cost 2-3 billion dollars. Instead of working on one vaccine, we have to do parallel testing. We have to invest on a hundred vaccines at the same time."

"Our vaccine manufacturing is very good. Every third vaccine provided to a child in the world is made in India." 

16:07 (IST)28 May 2020
Niti Aayog: Fight against coronavirus will be won through vaccine and drug

VK Paul, Member, Health, Niti Aayog: "The fight against Coronavirus will be won through vaccine and drugs. Our country's science and technology institutions and pharma industry are very strong."

16:02 (IST)28 May 2020
SG targets 'prophets of doom', says they 'only spread negativity'

The SG called the people questioning the government's handling of the pandemic as “prophets of doom”, saying they “only spread negativity”. 'State governmentss and ministers are working overnight. None of these people acknowledge that... These arm chair intellectuals do not recognise the nation's effort,' he said.

He also said that people in the country, from the safai karamcharis to the prime minister, are working tirelessly. 'Don’t allow this to become a platform for political speeches,' he told the bench.

15:24 (IST)28 May 2020
Ludhiana: RPF head constable dies of Covid-19

Railway Protection Force (RPF) head constable posted at Ludhiana dies of coronavirus. He was 49. Native of Jalandhar. He was on ventilator at Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH). So far, 57 RPF men including those from Delhi have tested positive in Ludhiana.

15:10 (IST)28 May 2020
How much time do you need to shift the migrants: Supreme Court asks govt

Supreme Court: "Destination state can't give food till they get there. It would have to be origin state or centre. Who is giving them food?..we need to ensure that till the time migrants are transported back to their homes, their food & other essentials should be taken care of. Look into the future. How much time do you need to shift the migrants...? What will be monitoring mechanism to ensure food & basic necessities are taken care of...It’s not that govt is not doing anything but looking at number of stranded, some concrete steps needed."

Solicitor General: "States would be in a better position to estimate that."

15:05 (IST)28 May 2020
Govt is providing food, taking unprecedented measures: SG Tushar Mehta to SC

On migrants, Supreme Court says "We accept it's not possible to transport everyone at same time. But food and shelter must be given till they can get transport."

To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says, "Govt is providing food...This is an unprecedented crisis and we are taking unprecedented measures."

14:47 (IST)28 May 2020
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hospitalised after Covid-19 symptoms
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra. (File)

BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra has been admitted to a private hospital in Gurgaon after he showed symptoms of COVID-19, sources said. He is admitted to the Medanta hospital in Gurgaon, hospital sources said on Thursday. The BJP leader has shown symptoms of COVID-19, a source said.

14:45 (IST)28 May 2020
Panic grips Bishanpura village in UP after bats found dead

Panic gripped Bishanpura village after some bats were found dead during the past few days, officials said on Thursday. According to news agency PTI, the villagers complained of incidents of bats falling from trees and dying in the Maniyar police station area. Teams of health, forest and veterinary doctors reached the village on Wednesday to take the samples for testing.

14:44 (IST)28 May 2020
Chennai returnee tests positive in Arunachal

Arunachal Pradesh reported its third case after a 19-year-old student, who recently returned to the state from Chennai in a Shramik Special train, tested positive, a senior official said on Thursday. The student had returned on May 24 and was placed under institutional quarantine, he said.

“The person is asymptomatic and has been shifted from a quarantine facility to a COVID care centre. His test reports arrived on Wednesday night, Health Secretary P Parthiban was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

14:43 (IST)28 May 2020
China approves Hong Kong security legislation, defying Trump

Chinese lawmakers approved a proposal for sweeping new national security legislation in Hong Kong, defying a threat by US President Donald Trump to respond strongly to a measure that democracy advocates say will curb essential freedoms in the city.

14:39 (IST)28 May 2020
Maharashtra police COVID-19 count crosses 2,000 mark
A police official directs migrant labourers outside the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus in Mumbai on May 15, 2020. Thousands of workers had rushed to CSMT to board Special Shramik trains to Uttar Pradesh. (Express Photo: Prashant Nadkar)

The number of COVID-19 positive cops in Maharashtra police force crossed the 2,000 markon Thursday as the tally reached 2,095 among the two lakh strong force. An addition of 131 positive cases were found among cops the previous day.

As per the numbers shared by officials from the Maharashtra police headquarters, among the 2,095 cases, 236 are officers and 1,859 are constables. Of these, a total of 897 — 75 officers and 822 constables — have recovered. Till date, 22 police personnel have died due to the disease. Cases among cops are around 3.6 per cent of total Maharashtra count which is nearing 57,000 as on Thursday.

14:33 (IST)28 May 2020
Tickets cannot be centralised at the central level: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to SC

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says, "Tickets cannot be centralised at the central level. That’s why railways decided it will be left to the state govts... a decision was taken that rail fare will be paid by originating state or receiving state but the migrant workers will not be burdened with it."

14:12 (IST)28 May 2020
Needs clarity with respect to who will pay the fare of migrant workers: SC

During the hearing, the Supreme Court said the court needs clarity with respect to who will pay the fare of migrant workers. To this, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta says, "Some originating state pays, some receiving state paying. Some states are reimbursing... Food and drinking water provided by railways free of cost. The first meal is provided by state govt. Incr the train starts, the food is provided by the rail ministry. Indian railways has given 84 lakh meals... For 80% plus migrants state of Destination is UP or Bihar."

13:38 (IST)28 May 2020
SC begins hearing matter of plight of the migrant labourers

Supreme Court starts hearing the matter of plight of the migrant labourers, of which it had taken the suo motu cognisance earlier.

13:35 (IST)28 May 2020
Air passenger who took Bengaluru-Madurai flight tests positive for COVID-19

An asymptomatic passenger who took an IndiGo Bengaluru-Madurai flight on Wednesday was found positive for COVID-19 during mandatory testing on the same day at a quarantine facility in Madurai, the airline said on Thursday. Domestic passenger flights resumed in India from Monday. Since then, five passengers of three different airlines have tested positive for COVID-19. "An asymptomatic passenger who travelled on IndiGo on 6E 7214 from Bangalore to Madurai on May 27, 2020 was discovered to be COVID-19 positive during the mandatory testing at the quarantine facility in Madurai on 27th May," the airline said in its statement. The passenger had observed all precautionary measures, including wearing face mask, face shield and gloves, like other passengers on the aircraft, IndiGo added.

13:33 (IST)28 May 2020
P Chidambaram attacks govt for discontinuing RBI Bonds scheme

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday hit out at the government for discontinuing the RBI Bonds scheme, saying it is another "cruel blow" to the citizens. He said the government has dealt another blow to the citizens who save, especially senior citizens, as it has discontinued the 7.75 per cent RBI Bonds. Deploring the government action, he urged people to demand from the government that the RBI Bond be restored immediately. "After lowering the interest rates in PPF and small savings instruments, the abolition of the RBI Bond is another cruel blow," he said on Twitter. "All citizens must demand that the RBI Bond must be restored immediately," the former finance minister said. Chidambaram said the government did this once before in January 2018.

13:32 (IST)28 May 2020
Sonia Gandhi asks Centre to unlock coffers to help needy

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday asked the central government to unlock its coffers and help the needy affected by the coronavirus-induced lockdown. In a video message posted as part of the Congress' 'Speak Up India' campaign, she lamented that even though the country is passing through a serious economic crisis with loss of livelihood due to the pandemic and the lockdown, the central government has not heard the cries of pain and trauma of people. "We again urge the Centre to unlock its coffers and help the needy. Put direct cash of Rs 7,500 per month in the account of every family for the next six months and provide Rs 10,000 immediately; ensure safe and free travel of labourers back home, employment opportunity and rations; and also increase the number of work days under MNREGA to 200 days to facilitate jobs in villages," Gandhi said. "Instead of loans, provide financial relief to small and medium industry so that crores of jobs are saved and the country progresses," she said in her video message on the party's social media handles.

13:24 (IST)28 May 2020
Karnataka reports 75 new COVID-19 cases; total 2,493 now

Karnataka reports 75 new COVID-19 cases. 46 of these are Maharashtra returnees, 7 cases in Bengaluru (6 are contacts of P-1240, a 30-yr-old female patient from a Containment Zone). Total cases: 2,493.

13:06 (IST)28 May 2020
About to board Shramik train, woman goes into labour, gives birth to a boy
Gena was rushed to a hospital where she delivered a baby boy. Express Photo.

A pregnant woman, who was to board a Shramik Special train to Sultanpur in UP, was rushed to Mani Majra civil hospital from Chandigarh Railway Station half an hour before the train started on Thursday, as she complained of acute labour pain.

The woman delivered a baby boy. Doctors said, the condition of the two is stable. The woman, Gena and her husband, Pawan Kumar, were medically screened at the holding centre at CCET in Sector 26.

12:55 (IST)28 May 2020
After row, Kerala govt says will pay quarantine expenses for those who can’t afford it
Passengers arrive from Dubai by an Air India flight at Kochi International Airport, as part of an evacuation operation due to closure of commercial air services amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, in Kochi, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. (PTI Photo)

A day after the Kerala government asked migrants returning to the state from abroad to pay for institutional quarantine, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Wednesday clarified that the state would support those who couldn’t afford it. The decision had triggered widespread protests from the opposition and expat organisations.

“The poor would not face any trouble. The state government would ensure their protection. It seems the direction to levy the quarantine expenses from those who come from abroad has created misunderstanding. The government stand is to charge the quarantine fee from those who can afford it,” Vijayan said.

12:50 (IST)28 May 2020
Boeing cuts 12,000 jobs, resumes production of grounded jet
Boeing, one of the nation’s biggest manufacturers, said it will lay off 6,770 US employees this week. (Photographer: Luke MacGregor /Bloomberg)

Boeing is cutting more than 12,000 US jobs through layoffs and buyouts as the coronavirus pandemic seizes the travel industry. And the aircraft maker says more cuts are coming. Shortly after disclosing the job cuts, Boeing announced Wednesday that it has resumed production of the grounded 737 Max jetliner. Two deadly crashes of Max jets pushed Boeing into a financial crisis months before the coronavirus squeezed global air travel to a trickle. Boeing, one of the nation’s biggest manufacturers, said it will lay off 6,770 US employees this week, and another 5,520 workers are taking buyout offers to leave voluntarily in the coming weeks.

12:37 (IST)28 May 2020
Around 122 million Indians forced out of jobs in April: Think Tank

Abdul Kareem was forced out of school and into a life of odd jobs like repairing bicycles before he finally managed to pull his family out of abject poverty transporting goods across the Indian capital in a mini truck. The job, and the slim financial security that came with it, was the first stepping stone to a better life.

All that is now gone as India reels under the economic impact of its protracted coronavirus lockdown. Kareem’s out of a job and stranded in his village in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh with his wife and two children. Their minuscule savings from his 9,000 rupees ($119) a month job have been exhausted, and the money he saved for books and school uniforms is spent. Read the full story here

12:35 (IST)28 May 2020
Kins’ ordeal in Ahmedabad, Vadodara hospitals: Pumping of air for dying patient to changing diapers
Asked about standard operating procedures for patients from red zones, Dr Prabhakar said, “There are patients who come directly and second are those who are brought by the 108 ambulance service.” (Express file photo by Amit Mehra)

Two days after the Gujarat government assured the Gujarat High Court that protocols were in place to attend to patients and keep relatives informed about the developments at the state’s largest Covid hospital, nothing seemed to have changed on ground. Hardik Valera, a resident of Dani Limda, a containment zone, lost his 81-year-old grandmother Naniben, who complained of weakness, 12 hours after she was taken to Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Tuesday evening. Read more

12:30 (IST)28 May 2020
BevQ app reduces queues at Kerala liquor shops, but users report glitches
A man buying alcohol at one of the BEVCO stores in Kerala. (Express photo by Nitin RK)

Ending a two-month wait for tipplers in the state, Kerala Thursday began dispensing liquor through the state-run BEVCO outlets and bar counters. But the sale of liquor is restricted to those who place orders in advance through a newly-launched mobile application named BevQ.

For those without smartphones, SMS’es can be sent to a specified number in response to which virtual token numbers will be issued with details of the liquor store and the time at which the customer needs to arrive. The Kerala government devised the virtual queue system as a way of selling liquor after it saw the massive crowds that emerged when liquor shops re-opened in other states.

12:29 (IST)28 May 2020
Explained: The state of international air travel in India and the world

The aviation sector has been among the worst-hit during the coronavirus pandemic. However, while easing lockdowns, several countries have resumed air travel but with restrictions to curb the spread of the virus. India is yet to resume international flights, but has already released guidelines for passengers arriving in the country from abroad. Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently said it could be before August. “We will try to start a good percentage of international passenger flights before August,” he told reporters last Saturday.

Other than India, countries with complete air travel restrictions include Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Ukraine and Argentina, among others.

12:20 (IST)28 May 2020
PM Modi reviews power sector, says state-specific solutions needed
PM Modi emphasised that equipment used in power sector be made in India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised on the need to enhance consumer satisfaction while increasing operational efficiency and improving financial sustainability of the power sector. Reviewing the work of Power, and New and Renewable Energy ministries on Wednesday evening, Modi pointed out that the problems in the power sector, especially of electricity distribution segment, vary across regions and states. “Instead of looking for a one-size-fits-all solution, the ministry should put in place state-specific solutions to incentivise each state to improve its performance,” an official statement issued on Thursday said.

12:11 (IST)28 May 2020
Migrants stranded in Bapu Dham buffer zone being sent back to native states

Migrants stranded in the buffer zone of Bapu Dham Colony, Sector 26, a Covid-19 hotspot, are being evacuated and sent to their native states over the last two days. As many as 817 migrants of UP, Bihar, Jammu and UT Kashmir have been sent back to their natives places since May 26. The development came after residents highlighted what they called glaring gaps in the steps taken by the Chandigarh administration to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak in the colony.

12:06 (IST)28 May 2020
Pune: Undertrial comes out of prison as part of COVID-19 decongestion, murdered within an hour

A 24-year-old undertrial in a case of attempt to murder, who came out of Yerawada Prison in Pune as part of the ongoing decongestion of jails due to COVID-19, was hacked to death within an hour after his release as a fallout of past enmity. This is the second such murder of an inmate upon emergency release in the city. Nitin Shivaji Kasabe (24), who was facing a trial in case of an attempt to murder, came out from Yerawada Central Prison at 9.30 pm on Wednesday on temporary bail and was attacked with sharp weapons by a group of at least eight persons, in Yerawada area around 10.30 pm.

11:44 (IST)28 May 2020
Delhi overtakes Gujarat to reclaim 3rd position in list of states with maximum caseload

Delhi, which reported 792 new infections on Wednesday, its highest single-day rise so far, has now overtaken Gujarat to reclaim the number three position in the list of states with maximum caseload. Delhi now has 15,257 confirmed infections, while Gujarat, which has been growing at a very slow pace for the last two weeks, has 15,195. Gujarat, however, has many more deaths. So far, 938 people have died in the state due to the disease, while Delhi has seen 303 deaths. Tamil Nadu, which has a slightly higher caseload, has recorded only 133 deaths till now.

 
11:43 (IST)28 May 2020
170 to 774 in a week: Assam's cases growing faster than Kerala right now

Assam, which has seen its infections increase from 170 to 774 in the last one week, is showing a similar trend, growing even faster than Kerala right now. The fastest growing number, however, is not in any state. It is the number of people who are currently classified as ‘unassigned’ to any state. These are the people who have tested positive but are not being owned up by any state right now, mainly because they have been on the move, or have been infected at places other than their usual place of residence. This number is more than 4,000 right now, and growing at a very fast pace. They will eventually be assigned to one or the other state, and it will show up in their numbers. But right now, states are reluctant to own them up, for fear of inflating their numbers.

11:42 (IST)28 May 2020
Top ten states with maximum caseload

Top ten states with maximum caseload

STATE TOTAL POSITIVE NEW CASES TOTAL RECOVERIES

DEATHS

Maharashtra 56,948 2,190 17,918 1,897
Tamil Nadu 18,575 847 9,909 133
Delhi 15,257 792 7,264 303
Gujarat 15,195 366 7,549 938
Rajasthan 7,703 280 4,457 173
Madhya Pradesh 7,261 237 3,927 313
Uttar Pradesh 6,991 267 3,991 182
West Bengal 4,192 183 1,578 289
Bihar 3,036 68 918 15
Andhra Pradesh 2760 41 1,913 58

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Coronavirus India News Live Updates:

The Indian Express scrutinised detailed bills of six Covid patients admitted in top private hospital chains in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata and found two striking trends: those with comorbidities end up with heftier bills; and, second, with no specific treatment or drug available, the cost of drugs and PPE of staff constitute the biggest variable. The bills range from Rs 2.6 lakh for a six-day stay to Rs 16.14 lakh for almost a month – in all these cases, except one, all patients recovered.

As a share, the number of Covid patients needing treatment may still be low but the concern is a growing one — paying private hospital bills amid looming economic distress and uncertainty over course of treatment.

As of last week, less than 15 per cent of active Covid cases required hospitalisation. Of those in hospital, just 2.25 per cent needed admission in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU); 1.91 per cent required oxygen, and just 0.004 per cent required ventilatory support. But these numbers will rise as the case load moves up and in cities, especially hotspots, more patients knock on doors of private hospitals.

Himachal BJP chief resigns amid Covid ‘bribe’ probe

Leaving the ruling BJP red-faced in Himachal Pradesh, the party’s state president, Dr Rajeev Bindal, resigned from the post Wednesday, “on the basis of high moral grounds”, amid a corruption probe into the procurement of medical supplies by the government for the Covid pandemic.

Bindal, 65, was Speaker of the State Assembly until January, when he was picked by BJP national president J P Nadda to head the party in the state. His resignation comes a week after the vigilance and anti-corruption bureau arrested the director of health services, Dr A K Gupta, following a probe into an audio clip in which two men are purportedly heard discussing the handover of Rs 5 lakh.

Biden says nation grieves for 100,000 US coronavirus victims

Joe Biden has released a video marking the grim US milestone of 100,000 Americans killed by the coronavirus, saying somberly, “To all of you hurting so badly, I’m so sorry for your loss” and “This nation grieves with you.”

In the video released on Wednesday evening, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee directly addresses those who have lost relatives and friends. Evoking the personal tragedies he’s faced in his own life, Biden said, “I think I know what you’re feeling.”

“You feel like you’re being sucked into a black hole in the middle of your chest,” said Biden, who lost his first wife and young daughter in a 1972 car crash and an adult son to cancer in 2015.

 

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First uploaded on: 27-05-2020 at 08:51 IST
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