On Monday, while addressing a press conference Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry said that India is in the 'local transmission stage' of coronavirus. On Tuesday, the total number of coronavirus positive cases in India reached 1,397.
In a shocking incident, BMC workers of Malad P/North ward were busy painting highlighters on the roads instead of cleaning the streets, spraying antibiotic chemical on the roads, and residential colonies amid the outbreak. BMC workers were seen painting highlighter colours on the roads near Adarsh Nagar, Orlem Church, Mithchowki junction, and Jankalyan Nagar in Malad.
While the number of coronavirus cases are on the rise, Maharashtra still remains one of the worst-hit states in the country with 248 confirmed cases and over 10 deaths. On Wednesday, 18 new cases were reported in the state and the total cases now stands at 320.
On Tueday, Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif and veteran singer Lata Mangeshkar came foward and pledged to donate to PM-CARES Fund and Maharashtr's CM relief fund in order to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. While Vicky donated Rs 1 crore, Lata Mangeshkar donated Rs 25 lakh. Other noted celebrities who have donated are Akshay Kumar, Kapil Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Allu Arjun and Prabhas.
In photo: Mumbai police personnel with the help of an NGO Roti Bank distribute food packets to the poor and the needy at a slum in Sion Koliwada.
Amid the 21-day nationwide lockdown, smokers and drinkers in Mumbai are paying thousands of rupees to trusted bootleggers, sources, and neighbourhood paanwallahs for their daily fix of nicotine and alcohol. While speaking to mid-day, a Ghatkopar resident said that he bought cigarettes worth Rs 52,000 so far during the 21-day lockdown from one of the local shops.
On Monday, the Central government said that there was no immediate plan to extend the 21-day lockdown. Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba also said the central government has directed states to make arrangements for shelter and food for the migrant workers.
Providing a huge relief to thousands of MNREGA workers in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi Adityanath, on Monday said that Rs 611 crore has been deposited into the bank accounts of around 27.15 lakh beneficiaries of the scheme in the state.
The Central government also asked automobile manufacturers such as Maruti, Tata, Mahindra and Mahindra to use their facilities to make ventilators to boost the country's capacity of such machines in view of the rising number of coronavirus cases across the country.
In photo: People stand in a long queue in order to withdraw money from an ATM on Day seven of the 21-day nationwide lockdown.
Over seven lakh migrant power loom workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Andhra Pradesh have been stuck in Mumbai's Bhiwandi area due to the 21-day nationwide lockdown called by PM Narendra Modi. While speaking to midday, the labourers claimed that no help has arrived from the government and no relief centre has been set up as yet. They said that it is the locals and NGOs who are providing them with food once a day amidst the total lockdown across the country.
In an unprecedented move, over 80,000 people were stuck in Mumbai's Worli area after the area was sealed off when seven people tested positive for coronavirus and four others were suspected to have contracted it. While none of the patients have travel history, the health department has not been able to trace the origin of transmission in most cases. Most of the people of Worli koliwada, which is part of minister Aaditya Thackeray’s constituency, live in chawls and small houses.
In order to combat the novel coronavirus, Mumbai's Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-Bombay) has prepared face masks and portable UV sanitisers that can sanitise wallets, purses and other small items. The institute made 40 masks in 16 hours and are planning to make a 1,000 more. The masks will be given to IIT Bombay security and hospital staff. Besides making face mask and sanitisers, the university staff has also pledged a day's salary to the Chief Minister Relief fund to fight the spread of coronavirus.
On Monday, the Maharashtra government issued a circular stating that schools cannot ask for fees from students until the 21-day nationwide lockdown is lifted. The state government circular has been sent to the education boards, directors of education and all collector offices. The announcement comes as a major sigh of relief after several parents from different pockets of the city had complained regarding circulars issued by the schools asking them to pay fees.
In photo: Police authorities sealed off the area in Worli-Koliwada after coronavirus positive cases were confirmed from Worli.
By the end of Day 7 of the 21-day nationwide lockdown, as many as 59 cases of coronavirus were reported from Mumbai, thereby taking the state toll to 302. Three COVID-19 positive cases from Nagpur, and two each from Pune, Thane, Kalyan-Dombivli, Navi Mumbai and Vashi Virar were reported. While addressing the media, state official said that this was the largest increase in the number of cases within a day probably in the country.
Later in the day, Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari said that all visits to Maharashtra's Raj Bhavan have been suspended till April 30.
Busting rumours that Maharashtra Government will be cutting salaries, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said, "I want to clarify that we will not cut anyone's salaries, we will be paying it phase-wise." Uddav also said that he spoke to the doctors and staff of the Naidu Hospital, Pune and the sight of them wearing a PPE kit and masks reminded him of soldiers at war.
In photo: A father carries his son on his shoulders on Day 7 of the 21-day nationwide lockdown.
Speaking about migrant workers and labourers leaving the state, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray said that the state government has launched about 1,000 centres to provide meals to around 2 to 2.25 lakh workers regardless of whether they have cards or not. Uddhav also urged citizens across the state to not run away from the situation or ignore the symptoms.
Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday confirmed the first COVID-19 case of the state. While speaking to ANI, he said that a 52-year-old person has been found positive for the coronavirus. Sarma also said that the patient is undergoing treatment at Silchar Medical College and his condition is stable.
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