LIVE: 25 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in India, says Health Ministry

File photo

NEW DELHI: The nation on Wednesday (March 4, 2020) woke up to several developments and we at Zee News will bring you the top news throughout the day. Stay tuned.

This Zee News live blog brings to you the latest news from across India and the world. Stay tuned.

04 March 2020

16:42 IST

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan chairs high level meeting on COVID-19; Dr. Satyendra Jain, Delhi Health Minister, and top govt officials also present.   

14:45 IST

South American countries Argentina and Chile have reported their first case of Coronavirus.

14:31 IST

Among the 25, one confirmed case is from Delhi while six others from Agra have reported of high viral fever. The one confirmed case had a travel history to Italy, it is reported that he has been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Reports also suggest that the six people from Agra are the same people who were in contact with the COVID-19 patient from New Delhi. All the six people have been kept in isolation and their samples have been sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for confirmation. 

14:29 IST

Seventeen people from Jaipur (a group of 16 Italians and 1 Indian) have been put in ITBP camp for quarantine. The Italian group had come to India on February 21, Italy wasn't a part of the universal screening at airports that point of time. One of the tourists was found positive in Jaipur, they wanted to go back but they were put in isolation at the ITBP camp and placed them in quarantine.

It is believed that the infected person gave the infection to his wife who has also tested positive. Out of the group, 14 more people were found positive. Their Indian driver has also been found positive for coronavirus. A total of 17 people from that group. The Home Ministry stated in a release.

14:17 IST

President Ram Nath Kovind rejects mercy petition of Nirbhaya gangrape-murder convict Pawan Gupta.

13:14 IST

In a press conference, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said, "We have requested Delhi govt to remain fully prepared if the cases increases and to develop high-quality isolation wards if needed in future. Our health officials have visited and reviewed the facilities anticipating the outbreak." He said that 19 more laboratories have been established making it a total of 34 functional laboratories.

13:10 IST

Precautions to be taken:
* Coronavirus spreads through droplet infection so avoid handshakes, use Namastey.
* Discard tissues while coughing and sneezing.
* Mortality is only 2%.
* Simple precautions can be taken with proper rest.

13:01 IST

Total 25 confirmed Coronavirus cases in India, says Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. One each in Delhi and Hyderabad, six from Agra and 17 people from Jaipur (a group of 16 Italians and 1 Indian driver).

12:44 IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not to participate in any Holi Milan programme in the backdrop of Coronavirus scare in India. In a tweet, the PM wrote: "Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme."

Experts across the world have advised to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Hence, this year I have decided not to participate in any Holi Milan programme.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2020

10:02 IST

Ahead of the March 26 Rajya Sabha biennial polls, Kamal Nath-led Madhya Pradesh government appears to be facing a political crisis with Congress party alleging that BJP leaders are hatching a conspiracy to topple the state government. Four Independent MLAs and four Congress MLAs are held hostage in Haryana, confirmed MP Finance Minister Tarun Bhanot. Read more here

09:56 IST

Uttar Pradesh government medical bulletin on Coronavirus:

* Total number of samples sent to NIV Pune for testing -- 131 

* Total number of samples found negative -- 109; Result awaited -- 22 

* Total travellers screened at airports -- 7437 

* Total travellers screened at border check posts -- 9, 59, 954 (These are all travellers and not suspects )

* 820 beds have been reserved across state for travellers returning from China and other affected countries 

* Helpline number at the state headquarters is 1800-180-15145

09:36 IST

Statement by Gautam Buddhanagar District Magistrate on Coronavirus:

Dear Residents, samples taken from six contacts in Noida have tested negative but they will need to be under home quarantine for the next 14 days and if symptoms develop, can be retested again. Government and administration is keeping a watch. No need to panic. The administration has not given any school closure order.

09:30 IST

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held the meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Health Minister Satyendar Jain and other officials on the preparations undertaken by the state for the prevention of an outbreak. Read more here

09:29 IST

The meeting will be presided by Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan at 11 am in Nirman Bhavan. After the meeting, the media will be informed about the preparations undertaken by the government.