23:17 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tripura Latest Updates

Tripura CM in self-islolation after family members test positive

Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb announces on Twitter that he underwent COVID-19 test, the result for which is awaited after two members of his family tested positive. He is in self-isolation.

22:49 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Chhattisgarh Latest Updates

Police distribute 12 lakh face masks in Chhattisgarh district

Police in Raigarh distributes over 12 lakh face masks on Rakshabandhan under ‘Raksha Sutra Mask’ campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic. SP Raigarh says, "Other organisations are also contributing in our campaign. In between 12 to 15 lakh masks have been distributed till now."

 

22:15 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy Latest Updates

Italy reports 200 new COVID-19 cases today

The number of new confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Italy fell below 200 for the first time in a week, with 159 cases registered on Monday, according to Health Ministry figures. That brings the total number of cases in Italy to 248,229 and deaths to 35,166.

Lazio, the central region that includes Rome, now has the highest number of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in Italy's 20 regions. Health officials said nine of the region's new cases were brought by travellers from Romania, Ukraine, the Dominican Republic, Iran, India and Bangladesh.

Two clusters of infections have also been traced to popular seaside areas near Rome. Monday figures tend to be lower since they often don't include tallies from the weekend.

21:30 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

8,968 new COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra today

Maharashtra reported 8,968 COVID-19 cases, 10,221 recoveries and 266 deaths on Monday, taking total cases to 4,50,196 including 2,87,030 recoveries and 15,842 deaths. Number of active cases stands at 1,47,018 out of which 41,664 cases are in  Pune, the state health department said.

20:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in West Bengal Latest Updates

Bengal govt revises August dates for statewide lockdown

The West Bengal government on Monday revised the dates for the statewide lockdown. The complete shutodown will now be observed on 5, 8, 20, 21, 27, 28, and 31 August.

Meanwhile, the state BJP took a swipe at the Bengal government for "deliberately selecting" August 5 for Covid-19 lockdown when the 'bhoomi pujan' (groundbreaking rituals) in Ayodhya for the construction of Ram temple is scheduled. It demanded the TMC ministry to shift the date like it did for the Eid festival, PTI reported.

20:07 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Madhya Pradesh Latest Updates

Shivraj Singh Chouhan tests positive on 10th day of hospitalisation

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday tested positive for COVID-19 on the tenth day of his admission to hospital. His health is stable, the hospital's medical bulletin said.

19:47 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

962 new COVID-19 cases in Kerala today

Kerala reported 962 fresh cases, including 15 health workers on Monday, taking the total infection tally to 26,867 while the death toll climbed to 84 with two more fatalities. As many as 11,484 people are presently under treatment and 15,278 have recovered, including 815 discharged today, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters.

While 801 people were infected through contact, the source of infection of 40 people is not yet known, he said. Of the positive cases, 55 had come from abroad and 85 from other states.

19:17 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

List of activities permitted in Mumbai by BMC:

BMC eases restrictions for phased opening of lockdown under 'Mission Begin Again'. 

Malls/market complexes allowed from 9 am-7 pm from 5 August without theatres/food courts/restaurants. Kitchen of restaurant allowed in malls where only home delivery via aggregators will be done.

18:58 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Tamil Nadu Latest Updates

Total recoveries in Tamil Nadu cross 2 lakh

Maintaining its robust recovery of COVID-19 patients, Tamil Nadu on Monday saw the cumulative discharges crossing the two lakh milestone while the daily
deaths breached the 100 mark for the first time. The state recorded 5,609 fresh cases, taking the overall infection count to 2,63,222, a health department bulletin said.

As many as 109 people succumbed to the coronavirus as the death toll mounted to 4,241, it said.

On the positive side, a total of 5,800 people were discharged, eclipsing the new cases on Monday and taking the total recoveries to 2,02,283. Active cases in Tamil Nadu stood at 56,698.

18:49 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

Manipal Hospital says Yediyurappa is 'clinically stable'

The hospital where Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa has been admitted after testing positive for coronavirus, was quoted by News18 as saying that he is "doing well and is clinically stable".

The statement by the Manipal Hospital said, "Honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka Shri BS Yediyurappa  was admitted to Manipal Hospitals at around 11 pm on 2nd August with mild symptoms of COVID 19. At present, he is doing well and is clinically stable. Appropriate treatment has been initiated as per current  protocols. He is being treated and monitored closely by a multidisciplinary team of doctors."

18:13 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

BMC may open malls in Mumbai on 5 Aug

The BMC on Monday said that all shops in Mumbai will be allowed to remain open on all days of the week, on both sides of the road, The Indian Express reported. The BMC was also quoted as saying that "malls will also be open for the public from 5 August from 9 am to 7 pm".

17:43 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Maharashtra Latest Updates

Maharashtra govt says won't let vendors work again

The Maharashtra government on Monday told the Bombay High Court that "it does not intend to permit street vendors and hawkers to conduct their businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic as it is not possible to regulate them," News18 reported.

"The government filed an affidavit in response to a public interest litigation filed by one Manoj Oswal, raising concerns of street vendors being without income due to the COVID-19 lockdown," the report said.

17:11 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

There may never be 'silver bullet' for COVID-19, says WHO

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday said that while several COVID-19 vaccines are in the phase 3 trial, "there may be a silver bullet for COVID-19".

He said, "Number of cases globally has increased more than 5-fold to 17.5 million and the number of deaths has more than tripled to 6,80,000 since WHO's emergency committee on COVID-19 last met 3 months ago.

"A number of vaccines are now in phase-3 clinical trials & we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment & there might never be."

16:59 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Karnataka Latest Updates

BS Yediyurappa's daughter, six staffers test COVID-19 positive

A day after Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa tested positive for coronavirus, his daughter and six members of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) have also tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

"Six staff members at Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa's office test positive for COVID19. One of his daughters has also tested positive for the infection," the CMO said in a statement.

Issuing a statement from his hospital bed, the CM said, "After being hospitalised on the advice of doctors, I am in good spirits with mild symptoms. I am grateful for all your good wishes and blessings and will get back to my duties soon. I urge everyone to wear masks, maintain social distance and take all precautions to fight Corona."

16:41 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak Latest Updates

Outbreak hits Norway cruise ship, could spread along coast

A Norwegian cruise ship line halted all trips and apologized on Monday for procedural errors after an outbreak of coronavirus on one ship infected at least four passengers and 36 crew members. The 40 people on the MS Roald Amundsen who tested positive have been admitted to the University Hospital of North Norway in Tromsoe, north of the Arctic Circle, where the ship currently is docked.

"A preliminary evaluation shows that there has been a failure in several of our internal procedures," Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam said was quoted as saying by AP. He added the company that sails along Norway's picturesque coast between Bergen in the south and Kirkenes in the north is "now in the process of a full review of all procedures, and all aspects of our own handling." 

16:32 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Kerala Latest Updates

Pinarayi Vijayan says surge in cases due to 'complacency'

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday said that people’s “complacency” had caused the surge in the COVID-19 cases and "emphasised on the need to maintain physical distancing and quarantine measures as the battle against the virus continues," News18 reported.

Vijayan said, “After a point, there has been complacency in our part that has led to the spread of the virus.

"There has been some compromise or some complacency in some places. We are bringing a change to that. Stringent measures will be implemented. There will be some complaints but to control the pandemic it is very important to take precaution so that the spread does not happen."

16:13 (IST)

Coronavirus Outbreak in Uttar Pradesh Latest Updates

'Main focus is on COVID-19', says Adityanath over Ram Temple event prep

"We've made all arrangements to ensure that there is no laxity on any count. Main focus is on COVID-19. The protocol has to be enforced very strictly. Only those who are invited should come here. All devotees want to come but PM will represent all of them," said Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath as the government made preparations for the bhoomi pujan or groundbreaking ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

He added, "To witness this historic moment, it's essential that we light earthen lamps at our homes on 4th & 5th August, religious leaders decorate temples, organise 'deepotsav' & 'akhand Ramayan Path' at temples, and remember their ancestors who sacrificed themselves for Ram Temple."

15:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

Will soon get back to work after recovery, no need to worry: BS Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who is currently undergoing treatment for COVID-19 at a hospital here, on Monday said there was no need for anyone to worry and he will soon get back to work after recovery.

In a video released by his office, the Chief Minister said the health of the people of the state was his priority and requested them to follow measures like maintaining distance and wearing masks to control the spread of virus.

15:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Over 50,000 Indians repatriated from Oman since May due to COVID-19: Report

More than 50,000 Indians living in Oman have been flown home on repatriation and chartered flights in the last three months after the oil-rich Gulf nation was hit by the coronavirus outbreak, a media report said on Monday.

Since May, when the cases of coronavirus in Oman started surging, a total of 198 chartered planes were arranged by companies and social organisations in Oman, taking home 35,000 Indian nationals, the Times of Oman reported, citing a statement from the Indian Embassy in Muscat.

15:07 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala LATEST Updates

Kerala High Court extends ban on protests till 31 August

Kerala High Court extends ban on all protests in public places until 31 August, in view of COVID-19 pandemic and the guidelines issued by the Union Government. On 15 July, the Court had banned all public protests until 31 July, reports ANI.

14:50 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

MHA issues SOPs for reopening of gyms, yoga centres from 5 Aug

The Union Health Ministry on Monday released the standard operating procedure for reopening gyms and yoga centres from 5 August. The new guidelines include spacing out equipment, staggering fitness sessions and disinfection of the premises.

14:43 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Why has Shah chosen to admit himself in a private hospital, asks Shashi Tharoor

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Monday asked why Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who tested positive for coronavirus on Sunday, has been admitted to a private hospital.

"Wonder why our Home Minister, when ill, chose not to go to AIIMS but to a private hospital in a neighbouring state,” he tweets. “Public institutions need the patronage of the powerful if they are to inspire public confidence.”

According to media reports, Shah has been admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

14:32 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Update

Congress leader tests positive after returning from Bengaluru

Congress leader R Prasanna Kumar tests positive for COVID19 after returning from Bengaluru, reports ANI. He had attended a party program at Bengaluru on 27 July. He says, "I don't have symptoms. Those who came in contact with me should get tested." 

14:24 (IST)

Coronavirus in UK LATEST Update

UK rolls out 2 new rapid COVID-19 tests

Two new tests, both able to detect the novel coronavirus in just 90 minutes, will be rolled out to hospitals, care homes and laboratories across the UK to increase testing capacity and distinguish between COVID-19 and winter flu in the coming months, reports PTI.

One of the tests, the 90-minute LamPORE swab tests, will be supplied by Oxford Nanopore, an Oxford University spin-off co-founded by Indian-origin CEO Gordon Sanghera, who believes it also offers an "accessible global testing solution".

14:18 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Update

Search on for 2,300 COVID patients who gave false information in Lucknow

About 2,300 people, who tested positive for COVID-19 here, had given false information pertaining to their names, mobile numbers and addresses, a health official said on Monday. While 1,171 people out of those who gave false information have been tracked, a hunt is on for the others.

"2,290 people who had undergone COVID-19 tests at various private and government laboratories between 23 July and 31 July had given false names, mobile numbers and addresses. This came to the fore when our department could not contact them. We have informed the police about it," a senior health official said.

These people are not only from Lucknow but other cities also who were tested in the state capital, he said.

13:55 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Update

Ravi Shankar Prasad self-isolates 

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday went into self-isolation as he met had met home minister Amit Shah on Saturday evening. His health, however, is fine, reports ANI quoting Ravi Shankar Prasad's Office. The Home Minister had announced yesterday that he tested positive for COVID-19.

13:52 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kerala LATEST Update

Complacency led to COVID-19 surge in Kerala, says CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday blamed people’s “complacency” for the sudden surge in the COVID 19 cases in the state and emphasised on the need to maintain physical distancing and quarantine measures as the battle against the virus continues, reports News18

Speaking at the inauguration of 102 online family health centres in the state, Vijayan said, “After a point, there has been complacency in our part that has led to the spread of the virus,” urging people to strictly follow the quarantine measures and physical distancing to control the pandemic.

13:37 (IST)

Coronavirus in Telangana LATEST Update

Telangana reports over 900 new cases, 11 deaths in past 24 hrs

Telangana reported 983 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally of positive cases in the state to 67,660. With 11 more deaths, the coronavirus toll in the state rose to 551, a state government bulletin said on Monday, providing data as of 8 pm on 2 August.

13:21 (IST)

Coronavirus in Tripura LATEST Updates

Tripura registers 141 new COVID-19 cases today

Tripura's COVID-19 caseload shot up to 5,392 on Monday with the detection of 141 fresh infections, while four more fatalities pushed its coronavirus death toll to 27, reports PTI. The new infections have taken the number of active cases in the state to 1,742.

13:04 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

BS Yediyurappa's daughter tests COVID-19 positive

After Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa testing COVID-19 positive, now his daughter has tested positive for COVID19. She has been admitted to the hospital, reports ANI quoting Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru.

12:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in Pakistan LATEST Updates

Pakistan reports 330 new cases, takes total to 2,80,027

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan reached 280,027 on Monday after 330 new infections were detected in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

Eight people died during the period, taking the total number of COVID-19 fatalities in the country to 5,984, the Ministry of National Health Services said. The number of new cases is the lowest since April 14 when 280 infections were detected, it said.

The national tally of COVID-19 cases has reached 280,027.

12:36 (IST)

Coronavirus in Maharashtra LATEST Updates

Bihar cop quarantined under state govt norms: BMC

The decision to quarantine a Bihar Police officer, who reached Mumbai to supervise the probe being conducted by that state's police into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, is as per the Maharashtra governments directives, the city civic body said on Monday.

The officer will have to make a formal request to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) authorities for relaxing the necessary quarantine period, it said.

12:10 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir LATEST Updates

Restrictions imposed in Kashmir Valley, markets shut

Restrictions were imposed in the Kashmir valley on Monday, with officials saying that the curbs have been enforced as part of efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

The restrictions come two days ahead of the first anniversary of the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status. No movement of people, except essential services and medical emergencies, was being allowed, the officials said.

The authorities sealed most of the roads and market places and sought the cooperation of the public to make the lock down a success.

11:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

Yediyurappa may have to remain in hospital for 8 to 10 days: Medical Education Minister

All those who met Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa, who has tested positive for COVID-19, in the last three-four days will have to be quarantined, Medical Education Minister Sudhakar K said on Monday. He also said those who came in contact with Yediyurappa in a couple of programmes in the past week are being traced.

Sudhakar, a medical doctor himself, said Yediyurappa has "very mild cough and his chest is clear." "I think eight to ten days," he told PTI when asked how long the Chief Minister would have to remain in hospital. Sudhakar said he is also getting himself tested as a few of his office staff had tested positive.

11:38 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Karti Chidambaram tests positive for COVID-19

Congress MP and son of former union minister P Chidambaram, Karti P Chidambaram took to Twitter on Monday to announce that he had tested positive for COVID-19. "I have just tested positive for COVID. My symptoms are mild and as per medical advice I am under home quarantine," he said.

11:34 (IST)

Coronavirus in india LATEST Updates

India's fatality rate due to COVID-19 now at 2.13%

There are 5,79,357 active cases at present in #India while the recoveries have increased to 11,86,203. India's recovery rate rises to 65.44% and fatality at 2.13% with 38,135 deaths.

11:32 (IST)

Coronavirus in Arunachal Pradesh LATEST Updates

26 test positive in Arunachal, takes total to 1,698

Twenty-six more people, including two health workers, have tested positive for COVID- 19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the northeastern state's virus count to 1,698 on Monday, reports PTI.

11:06 (IST)

Coronavirus in Rajasthan LATEST Updates

Rajasthan reports over 500 new cases

Rajasthan reports 565 COVID-19 cases, 242 recovered and 9 deaths today, as of 10:30 am. The total number of cases in the state is now at 44,975, including 12,802 active cases and 715 deaths.

10:53 (IST)

Coronavirus in Odisha LATEST Updates

Odisha reports over 1,300 new cases in past 24 hours

Odisha on Monday reported 1384 new positive cases in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cases in the state to 36,297 including 14,095 active cases and 21,954 recovered cases, reports ANI quoting state health department.

10:50 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

Heartning to be back from hospital, praying for Abhishek: Amitabh Bachchan

Megastar Amitabh Bachchan says he has immense gratitude for the doctors who provided him with medical care for COVID-19 and feels overwhelmed to be free of the virus finally. Amitabh, on Sunday, tested negative for the novel coronavirus and was discharged from hospital.

10:16 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India crosses 2 cr tests, recovery rate at 65.4%

India crosses 2 crore tests. Tests per million population is about 14.6 lakh with 3.81 lakh tests conducted on Sunday. India's recovery rate rises to 65.8%.

10:08 (IST)

Coronavirus in US LATEST Updates

Eagles coach Doug Pederson tests positive for COVID-19

Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson has tested positive for COVID-19, reports AP. The Eagles released a statement Sunday night saying Pederson hasn't experienced any symptoms, is feeling well and under self-quarantine.

The team also said any person who was in close contact with Pederson has been notified and will be tested daily.

09:57 (IST)

Coronavirus in Kosovo LATEST Updates

Kosovo PM tests positive for COVID-19

Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti has said that he has contracted the coronavirus and will self-isolate for two weeks, reports AFP. “I have no signs [of the disease], except a very mild cough,” says Hoti.

09:54 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

India reports over 52,000 new cases, 771 deaths in past 24 hrs

India reported a single-day spike of 52,972 positive cases and 771 deaths in India in the last 24 hours. India's COVID-19 tally rises to 18,03,696 including 5,79,357 active cases, 1,186,203 cured/discharged/migrated and 38,135 deaths, according to the latest update from the Health Ministry.

09:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

Uma Bharti says she will avoid ground-breaking ceremony of Ayodhya temples

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Uma Bharti said that she would travel to Ayodhya city in Uttar Pradesh, but avoid the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of the Ram temple on Wednesday as a precaution against the coronavirus. Bharti says she would visit the site of the temple only after everyone left.

“I will leave Bhopal this evening and until I reach Ayodhya tomorrow evening, I may be exposed to the infection,” she tweets. “In this situation, I will stay away from the place where Prime Minister Modi and others will be present. I will reach there only after everyone has left the spot.”

09:22 (IST)

Coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh LATEST Updates

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra says COVID-19 situation worsening in UP

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has said that though she had alerted the Uttar Pradesh government of the worsening coronavirus situation in the state, the Yogi Adityanath government failed to act on time.

“People don’t get their test reports even after a week of giving samples and those who are infected don’t get hospital beds,” she tweeted on Sunday. Vadra also tagged a news report that claimed infected doctors were also not getting beds to get treated.

08:34 (IST)

Coronavirus in Jharkhand LATEST Updates

3 more patients die in Jharkhand; another MLA tests positive

Three persons succumbed to novel coronavirus infection in Jharkhand on Sunday taking the death toll to 118, while 371 new positive cases raised the states tally to 12,559, a government bulletin said. AJSU party MLA Lambodar Mahto tested positive to COVID-19.

The number of active cases now stood at 7,759 and a total of 4,682 patients have recovered from the disease, the bulletin said.

08:01 (IST)

Coronavirus in Karnataka LATEST Updates

BS Yediyurappa admitted to hospital for observation after testing positive

Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa has been admitted to the hospital for observation. He is doing well, is clinically stable and will be monitored closely by our team, reports ANI quoting Manipal Hospital Karnataka. The  Chief Minister tested positive for COVID19 yesterday.

07:51 (IST)

Coronavirus in Assam LATEST Updates

Another Assam MLA tests COVID-19 positive

Congress MLA Rakibul Hussain on Sunday became the seventh legislator in Assam to contract coronavirus infection. Hussain, the MLA from Samaguri in Central Assam and a former state minister, said in a Facebook post that he tested positive for the virus along with his wife Nazreen Hussain.

07:47 (IST)

Coronavirus in India LATEST Updates

DCGI gives nod to Serum Institute for phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has given nod to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for conducting phase 2 and 3 human clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by the University of Oxford, in the country.

Government officials told PTI that the approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials by the SII was granted by DCGI Dr V G Somani late Sunday night after a thorough evaluation based on the recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19.

Coronavirus LATEST Updates: BMC eases restrictions for phased opening of lockdown under 'Mission Begin Again'.

Malls/market complexes allowed from 9 am-7 pm from 5 August without theatres/food courts/restaurants. Kitchen of restaurant allowed in malls where only home delivery via aggregators will be done.

The BMC on Monday said that all shops in Mumbai will be allowed to remain open on all days of the week, on both sides of the road, The Indian Express reported. The BMC was also quoted as saying that "malls will also be open for the public from 5 August from 9 am to 7 pm".

Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organisation (WHO) on Monday said that while several COVID-19 vaccines are in the phase 3 trial, "there may be a silver bullet for COVID-19".

He said, "Number of cases globally has increased more than 5-fold to 17.5 million and the number of deaths has more than tripled to 6,80,000 since WHO's emergency committee on COVID-19 last met 3 months ago.

"A number of vaccines are now in phase-3 clinical trials & we all hope to have a number of effective vaccines that can help prevent people from infection. However, there’s no silver bullet at the moment & there might never be."

The Union Health Ministry released the standard operating procedure for reopening gyms and yoga centres from 5 August. The new guidelines include spacing out equipment, staggering fitness sessions and disinfection of the premises.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan blamed people’s 'complacency' for the sudden surge in the COVID 19 cases in the state and emphasised on the need to maintain physical distancing

Congress MP and son of former union minister P Chidambaram, Karti P Chidambaram took to Twitter on Monday to announce that he had tested positive for COVID-19

There are 5,79,357 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country at present while the recoveries have increased to 11,86,203

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has been admitted to the hospital for observation. He is doing well, is clinically stable, reports ANI quoting Manipal Hospital Bengaluru.

As India's coronavirus case count crossed 17 lakh on Sunday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he has tested positive for the infection —  the first Indian Cabinet minister to contract the novel coronavirus.

The viral infection also reached other top political leaders from the BJP, including Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa and Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit. Uttar Pradesh BJP president Swatantra Dev Singh and the states Jal Shakti minister Mahendra Singh also contracted the virus while Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister for Technical Education Kamal Rani Varun succumbed to the disease.

India's 54,735 new cases were down from the previous day's record 57,118 but raised the total to 17,50,723 and toll from the virus to 37,364 with 853 fatalities reported on Sunday.

The month of July, according to AP, accounted for more than 11 lakh of those cases. Seeing the rising cases, the Indian Premier League (IPL) Governing Council announced on Sunday that the IPL 2020 will be held in the UAE between 19 September and 10 November, while allowing unlimited replacements due to the precarious health situation. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a statement said that the Women's T20 challenge too will be held in the UAE.

BJP leaders including Shah, Yediyurappa test positive

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he has tested negative for the virus and will be admitted to a hospital on doctor's advice even though his health was fine. A close confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, 55-year-old Shah made the announcement on Twitter.

The home minister also requested those who had come in contact with him in the last few days to get tested for coronavirus and isolate themselves. It was not officially disclosed where Shah was admitted but reports said that Shah had been admitted to the Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

The last known public function which Shah attended was on Saturday at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) where he addressed a webinar on the occasion of the 100th death anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak. About 50 people were physically present at the event. Government sources told new agency PTI that the home minister was also present at the last meeting of the Union Cabinet held on Wednesday.

Union minister Babul Supriyo said that he was going into self-isolation as he had met Shah.

Late at night, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said that he has also tested positive for the virus and is being hospitalised on doctor's advice although the infection is mild.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh minister Mahendra Singh also tested positive for COVID-19, a state government official told PTI. "He tested positive for COVID-19 around two-three days ago," he said.

The chief of Uttar Pradesh's BJP unit, Swatantra Dev Singh, also said he has tested positive for COVID-19 and has quarantined himself at his home as per doctors' advice.

On Sunday, Kamal Rani Varun, the only woman cabinet minister in the Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to COVID-19 at a hospital in Lucknow. She was 62. The Technical Education minister, who tested positive for COVID-19 on 18 July, breathed her last at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPIMS). She had comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension and hyperthyroidism, a senior doctor at the hospital told PTI.

Tamil Nadu governor tests positive

In Chennai, the Kauvery Hospital in a bulletin said that Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit (also a former BJP MP) has tested positive for COVID-19, but has been advised home isolation since his infection is mild.

The 80-year old Purohit was on self-isolation since July 29 after three people in the Raj Bhavan tested positive for the coronavirus.

Purohit "tested positive for COVID-19," hospital executive director Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said in the bulletin.

"He is asymptomatic and clinically stable," it said, adding the governor underwent further tests and assessment at the hospital located at Alwarpet area of the city.

"As the infection is mild, he has been advised home isolation and will be monitored by the medical team of Kauvery Hospital," it added.

Amitabh Bachchan discharged

Meanwhile, megastar Amitabh Bachchan said that he has tested negative for COVID-19 and will be quarantined at home.

The 77-year-old actor was admitted to Mumbai's Nanavati hospital along with son Abhishek after testing positive for COVID-19 on 11 July. Abhishek, however, said he is still COVID-19 positive and will remain under medical care.

India reports 54,735 new cases, 853 deaths

India's COVID-19 tally reached 17.5 lakh on Sunday, just two days after it went past 16 lakh. As many as  54,735 new cases and 853 fatalities were recorded in the 24 hours ending 8 am on Sunday.

This is the fourth consecutive day that COVID-19 cases have increased by more than 50,000

But recoveries also rose to over 11 lakh day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated in the morning. There are 5,67,730 active cases of coronavirus infection in the country at present.

The recovery rate among COVID-19 patients has risen to 65.44 percent while the fatality rate has further dropped to 2.13 percent, said the health ministry.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,98,21,831 samples have been tested up to 1 August with, 4,63,172 samples being tested on Saturday.

Of the 853 fresh deaths reported on Sunday, 322 are from Maharashtra, 99 from Tamil Nadu, 98 from Karnataka, 58 from Andhra Pradesh, 48 from West Bengal, 47 from Uttar Pradesh, 26 from Delhi, 23 from Gujarat, 19 from Punjab, 16 from Rajasthan, 13 from Bihar, 11 each from Telangana and Jammu and Kashmir and 10 from Odisha.

Of the total 37,364 deaths, Maharashtra has reported the maximum at 15,316 followed by 4,034 in Tamil Nadu, 3,989 in Delhi, 2,464 in Gujarat, 2,412 in Karnataka, 1,677 in Uttar Pradesh, 1,629 in West Bengal, 1,407 in Andhra Pradesh and 876 in Madhya Pradesh.

The health ministry stressed that more than 70 percent of the deaths occurred due to comorbidities.

Mizoram, Goa see record jumps in new cases

During the day, many states including Mizoram, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra reported new cases and deaths

Mizoram reported its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 with 55 people being infected with the deadly virus, taking the northeastern
state's caseload to 468. Goa too reported a record spike of 337 COVID-19 cases, propelling the infection count in the coastal state to 6,530, while the death of five people increased the toll to 53.

With the addition of 9,509 cases, Maharashtra's COVID-19 case count reached 4,41,228 on Sunday while the toll rose to 15,576 with 260 people succumbing to the infection during the day.

Tamil Nadu recorded 5,875 new COVID-19 cases taking the aggregate total to 2.57 lakh till date, while 98 more people succumbed to the virus on Sunday. Andhra Pradesh saw a marginal dip in its numbers. Against the 9,276 cases on Saturday after three days of 10,000 odd infections, fresh infections in the state further slid to 8,555, taking the overall count to 1.58 lakh.

The toll mounted to 1,474 with 67 new casualties in the last 24 hours while 6,272 more coronavirus patients recovered, the latest government bulletin said.

IPL 2020 to take place in UAE

As cases continued to spike, the Indian Premier League's Governing Council on Sunday decided to hold the  IPL 2020 in UAE and approved COVID-19 substitutions for the event. The tournament will be played from 19 September to 10  November at three venues in the UAE — Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi —subject to government approval, which is expected in the next couple of days.

"The 53-day tournament will witness 10 afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST," stated a release from the BCCI.

In another major decision, the IPL GC also approved the women's IPL.

"Women's T20 Challenge will also take place in the UAE and will comprise three teams with four matches to be played during the IPL Playoff week," stated the Board's press release.

Health ministry issues fresh guidelines for international travelers flying to India

In another development, the health ministry issued revised guidelines for international travellers arriving in India. According to the new guidelines, passengers flying to India from 8 August can skip institutional quarantine if they submit COVID-19 negative test reports. The RT-PCR test should have been conducted within 96 hours prior to undertaking the journey.

The test report should be uploaded on the portal www.newdelhiairport.in for consideration, the guidelines stated.

According to the guidelines, all passengers are required to submit an undertaking on www.newdelhiairport.in that they are willing to undergo seven days mandatory institutional quarantine at their own expense, followed by seven days home quarantine.

"If they wish to seek such exemption, they shall apply on the online portal at least 72 hours before boarding. The decision taken by the government as communicated on the portal will be final," it said.

Each passenger shall also submit a declaration with respect to authenticity of the report and will be liable for criminal prosecution, if found otherwise. The test report could also be produced upon arrival at the point of entry at airport in India, it said.

The guidelines also included rules to be followed while boarding and de-boarding as well as during the travel.

With inputs from PTI



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