India’s tally of confirmed novel coronavirus cases passed the 90,000-mark on Sunday with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare a total of 90,927 cases across the country. As many as 34,108 recoveries, 2,872 casualties and 53,946 active cases add up to this figure.
With over 30,000 cases, Maharashtra continues to lead with the most number of infected patients followed by Gujarat (10,988), Tamil Nadu (10,585) and Delhi (9,333). The state of Maharashtra has also recorded the most casualties at 1,135, followed by Gujarat (625), Madhya Pradesh (243), and West Bengal (232).
By means of an order issued under Section 6 (2) (i) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Sunday extended the nationwide lockdown till May 31. The order added that the extension is subject to change in guidelines to be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Both the MHA and the MoFHW issued subsequent orders detailing the guidelines that will remain in force till the end of May.
Lockdown 4.0
By issue of an order, the MHA’s new guidelines will come into effect starting Monday. As per the order, all shops and markets with the exception of malls will be allowed to reopen for business (not in containment zones). Delivery of non-essentials by e-commerce websites is now allowed, except in containment zones.
Inter-state and intra-state bus and train movement has also been given the green signal subject to consent by various state governments.
Hotels and restaurants, schools and colleges, cinema halls, gyms, bars and other such public places will remain closed. Similar prohibitions will apply to air travel and metro rail services at least till May 31. The MHA has also reiterated that places of worship will not be open to the public as of yet and any other form of gathering will also remain suspended until further notice.
Maharashtra decongests prisons
Taking a cue from the Supreme Court’s suggestion and reports of Covid-19 coming to light from Mumbai’s Arthur Road jail and other prisons, officials in Maharashtra decided to release over 7,200 prisoners on Sunday. In a bid to contain overcrowding of jails, prison authorities in the state are likely to release another 10,000 prisoners soon.
These inmates have been released either on temporary bail or parole. Maharashtra has 60 prison complexes.
Covid-19 patient’s body found at bus stand
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Sunday ordered an inquiry into the death of a coronavirus patient who was found dead under mysterious circumstances. Aged 67, Chhagan Makwana was admitted to the Ahmedabad civil hospital after he had trouble breathing. He later tested positive for Covid-19.
However, Makwana’s body was found by the Ahmedabad Police lying unclaimed at the BRTS bus stand in Danilimda on Saturday night. His family members said they were under the assumption that he was undergoing treatment at the civil hospital where they left him.
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