Global cases near a million; UK deaths rise by 569 to 2,921
Confirmed coronavirus cases across the world is approaching one million. Since emerging in China in December, COVID-19 has infected more than 950,000 people — including at least 500,000 in Europe — and claimed more than 48,000 lives, according to John Hopkins tracker. Spain said on Thursday it had suffered a record 950 deaths in 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10,003.
Meanwhile, 328 coronavirus cases have been reported in the last 24 hours in India, taking the overall infections to 2069, whereas the toll stood at 53. The Home Ministry directed states and Union Territories to book under relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Disaster Management Act, 2005 people who violate lockdown rules or make false claims.
With the Tablighi Jamaat’s Markaz in Nizamuddin West in Delhi emerging as a hotspot of coronavirus, the Home Ministry has cancelled the visas of 960 Tablighi Jamaat foreigners and blacklisted them. Earlier, an MHA official said about 9,000 Tablighi Jamaat members and their primary contacts have been quarantined till now in the country.
In his meeting with chief ministers of various states on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in the next few weeks testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine should remain the focus areas. “Imperative to work on a war footing, identify COVID-19 hotspots, encircle them, ensure the virus doesn’t spread,” PM Modi further said. Later in the day, PM Modi tweeted that he would share a video message with fellow Indians tomorrow at 9 am.
Indian express
