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Pune firm gets approval for making COVID-19 test kits

New Delhi (NVI): A Pune-based molecular diagnostics company has been able to develop testing kit for faster confirmation of COVID-19 cases, a major development that may help in India’s fight against coronavirus.

Mylab Discovery Solutions Pvt Ltd, which specialises in molecular diagnostic kits, has created an indigenous solution to test patients for COVID-19, as per media reports.

The company on Monday said that it has received commercial approval from authorities for its COVID-19 test kit, and can manufacture over 15,000 testing kits per day.

World Health Organisation has been stressing on the importance of tests to fight the pandemic, which has so far claimed ten lives in India.

Around 500 people have been tested positive for the virus in the country so far. Experts are bracing for a sharp increase fearing it may have spread across the country and also pointed out to a low level of testing in the country.

Mylab’s COVID-19 test kit screens and detects the infection within 2.5 hours as compared with over 7 hours taken by current protocols.

The approvals from the National Institute of Virology, Indian Council of Medical Research and Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) were received after a test sampling on patients at Mumbai”s Kasturba Hospital which is the nodal location for treating Coronavirus cases.

The Mylab kit was selected along with a solution offered by a German company for the tests.

India has been using kits prepared by the state-run National Institute of Virology (NIV), but it was the fears over the increase in numbers which made private sector interventions in manufacturing necessary.

The testing kits done by NIV are costing up to Rs 4,500 per sample if we include both screening and confirmation, Mylabs is confident of selling the kits at a fourth of that cost.

A team of four founders and investors have invested over Rs 25 crore in the company till now and there are no external investors.

Meanwhile, the company is also in the process of creating similar test kits for HIV, hepatitis-B and tuberculosis.

NDMA orders ensuring of lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today directed relevant agencies in all the states and the Union Territories of India to take effective measures for ensuring social distancing during the 21-day lockdown.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, issued an order, directing the Ministries/ Departments of Government, and the State/Union Territory Governments and State/ Union Territory Authorities to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The order shall remain in force in all parts of the country for a period of 21 days with effect from tonight, it said.

”The Ministries/ Departments of Government of India and State Governments/Union Territory Administrations, have been directed to ensure strict implementation of these Orders.  The implementation of these measures will be monitored by MHA,” the order reads.

COVID-19 epidemic has affected many countries and the World Health Organisation has declared it ‘Pandemic’.

The government has been taking several proactive preventive and mitigating measures starting with progressive tightening of international travel, issue of advisories for the members of the public, setting up quarantine facilities, contact tracing of persons infected by the virus and various social distancing measures, it said.

Several advisories have been issued to States and Union Territories (UTs) for taking necessary measures to contain the spread of this virus. Government have temporarily suspended metro and rail services as well as domestic air traffic.

The situation has been continuously reviewed at the level of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He had also addressed the Nation on the need for preventive measures and has also held meeting with all the Chief Ministers through video conference.

Experts, keeping in view the global experiences of countries which have been successful in containing the spread of COVID-19 unlike some others where thousands of people died, have recommended that effective measures for social distancing should be taken to contain the spread of this pandemic, an official statement said.

PM announces 21-day ‘curfew-like’ nationwide lockdown 

New Delhi (NVI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi tonight announced a 21-day ‘curfew-like’ nationwide lockdown, warning that India could go back 21 years and many families would be devastated if this step was not taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.

In his second televised address to the nation in five days, he asked people of India to take note of the situation in developed nations like the US and Italy, which have not been able to deal with the challenge posed by coronavirus despite having world-class healthcare infrastructure.

On a day India reported 519 positive cases, Modi emphasised that there is no medical cure for the pandemic and the only way to deal with the dangerous challenge is social distancing to snap the chain of human-to-human transmission.

Making requests repeatedly to the people with folded hands, the Prime Minister highlighted how fast the virus was spreading by quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO) data, according to which first 1 lakh cases globally were recorded in 67 days, the next 1 lakh cases were recorded in 11 days and the next 1 lakh cases were recorded in just 4 days.

To drill in the danger posed by coronavirus, he said the lockdown should be seen as ‘lakshman rekha’, a line, which if crossed, can cause huge problems.

“We have to act now. From midnight tonight, there will be complete lockdown in the entire country… The lockdown will be enforced from states to districts and to mohallas… It will be like curfew.. It will be tougher than ‘Janta Curfew’ observed on March 22,” Modi said.

He said the government had to resort to such a step because saving each life is the top priority. He also urged the states to make healthcare their top priority.

The Prime Minister said 21 days, or three weeks, was a long duration but this step was required as otherwise the country will go back 21 years.

“It is time for patience and restraint,” he underscored, while making appeal to the people.

“If we do not act now, the nation may have to pay a huge price, which cannot even be imagined… Many families will be devastated,” the Prime Minister said.

He pointed out that the pandemic had become uncontrollable in several countries like China, US, UK, Italy and Iran.

“We have no option but to take this step. Our only hope is the countries which enforced complete lockdown and social distancing… You have to save yourselves, your family members, your society as well as your nation,” Modi said.

“Our actions now will determine our future…I understand 21 days is a long duration but for your safety and that of your families, this is the only option available… ‘Jaan hai to jahaan hai’ (we can see the world only if we live)… I am confident that after this, we will emerge victorious,” he said.

He also said that the government had earmarked Rs 15,000 crore for improving the country’s health infrastructure and that efforts were being made to ensure that the poor do not suffer because of the lockdown.

The Prime Minister also urged people not to believe rumors and avoid taking any medicines without consulting a doctor.

Army establishes COVID-19 helplines in Kashmir

Representational image

Srinagar (NVI): The Indian Army has established multiple telephonic helplines to provide information and assistance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

With the spread of novel coronavirus, there is a sense of panic and uncertainty among the masses, as many are not sure what measures to take to safeguard themselves and their family. To this effect, the Army has been constantly updating the public with all relevant information during this pandemic through various platforms.

These initiatives are to ensure that the individuals do not become unwitting carriers of the virus and are well informed about the various preventive measures to be adopted.

In order to now provide immediate relief to those seeking advice or assistance COVID-19 helplines are being made available across the Kashmir valley. These helplines are a critical resource for the citizens and will ensure addressing the questions of concerned residents and provide the most up-to-date information resource.

While Srinagar residents can reach out for help on 0194-2467326, the residents of other districts can seek assistance through helplines at Baramulla (0195-2238826), Kupwara (0195-5252996), Shalateng (0194-2496618) and Awantipura (0193-3247087). The helplines will be active 24×7 to address general questions and concerns regarding the prevention of COVID-19.

The Army has yet again extended succor to the population of Kashmir by providing access to prompt information and help through these helplines. The joint efforts of all stakeholders in the national fight against Coronavirus Disease will ensure that the people of Kashmir remain safe and healthy.

‘A lot has changed in these 232 days’: Omar after his release

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who walked free out of Hari Niwas here today, said that a lot has changed since he was placed under detention on August 5 last year.

The National Conference (NV) leader’s PSA detention was revoked earlier today by the J&K Government.

“In these 232 days, a lot has happened, a lot has changed, for my period of detention, I had though a lot about what I say, the moment I walk out.” These were the first words of the former CM when he left Hari Niwas after near about eight-month detention period.

Omar, who has grown a long beard, said that during detention, he was thinking about the way the erstwhile state of J&K was divided into two UTs. “During these months, students didn’t attend schools, shopkeepers, hotels, all other establishments were shut. I was locked at only one place but the problems faced by the people of J&K during that period can’t be compensated,” he said.

The NC leader also commented on the coronavirus pandemic saying that at this time, “we are fighting a war of life and death.”

“I won’t talk about Article 370, 35A or bifurcation of state into two UTs. At present, I will speak about how we can get rid of Covid-19. Government has asked us to maintain social distancing, here we are together violating the very orders,” Omar said.

He also urged the Centre to releases all prisoners from detention keeping in view the current situation.

Talking to reporters at his Gupkar residence soon after his release, he said that all those persons detained after August 5 last year should be released. “Be it Mehbooba Mufti, or any other leaders irrespective of their affiliations, GoI should have some mercy on them and release them as soon as possible keeping in view the present situation,” he said.

Omar also requested Centre to restore 4G internet services as soon as possible. “How would people learn things to fight COVID19, when the internet speed is so slow,” he said.

COVID: Kashmir authorities tracking foreign returnees

Srinagar (NVI): The administration in Kashmir, where the number of coronavirus cases increased to three today, has been making efforts to track down those who recently returned from abroad, particularly the disease-affected countries, and it has detected scores of those who had dodged medical screening at the incoming ports.

These people, including highly educated ones, had come from countries like UK, Thailand, UAE, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan.

“Team lead by colleague Mr Masarat Hashim KAS and involving brilliant professionals tracked more than 65 people who returned from affected countries skipping screening & changing routes. Amazing job. Srinagar thankful to all for inputs,” Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar Shahid Choudhary tweeted.

Earlier, yesterday, he said “Medical, IT & Surveillance teams today were able to track 29 people coming from Bangkok, UK, Dubai, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan etc who skipped medical teams by changing routes or avoiding travel history…”

The authorities also traced a Kashmiri man who came from Italy, landed in New Delhi, travelled to Jammu by train and took a cab from there to reach his home in Srinagar.

A Kashmiri, who came from Bangladesh but dodged medical screening in New Delhi, was also traced after he reached his home in Srinagar, thanks to the tip-off provided by his neighbours, officials said.

In a similar case, four Ph.D students, hailing from Kashmir, fled from a quarantine facility in AMU and returned home. The authorities have traced three of them but one is still missing.

While these people were traced, there might be many more undetected people, who could be posing a threat to the society at large.

In view of such cases, Choudhary tweeted, “Srinagar residents returning from other states are requested to report at airport for screening by medical teams. Road points as well. Control room may be contacted for any help.”

Rlys working 24X7 to ensure supply of essential commodities

New Delhi (NVI): Indian Railways has suspended the operations of its passenger trains till March 31 in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

Currently, the state-transported is operating only freight trains across the country and making all efforts to ensure the availability of essential commodities.

“During the situation of lockdown in various States, Indian Railways Staff deployed at various good sheds, stations and control offices is working on 24/7 basis to ensure that the supply of essential items for the nation does not gets affected,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

On March 23, total 474 rakes were loaded for the supply of essential commodities like food grain, milk, fruits & vegetables, sugar, edible oil, petroleum products and coal across the country, it said.

During the day, total 891 rakes were loaded by Indian Railways which also includes other important commodities like rakes of Iron ore, rakes of steel, cement, rakes of fertilizer, rakes of container etc.

The Ministry also said it was working in close coordination with the state governments for smooth handling of rakes of essential commodities without any delay, amidst various restrictions imposed in the wake of COVID-19.

Indian Railways has slashed the demurrage and wharfage rates for goods and parcels by half of the prescribed rates till March 31, it said.

The validity of the rate policies pertaining to goods/container traffic has also been extended by one month i.e. up to April 30.

Whereas, no haulage charge shall be levied for movement of empty containers/empty flat wagons from March 24 to April 30, the statement said.

Free time for loading or unloading of wagons, and for removal of consignment from the railway premises has been increased to double of the prescribed free time till March 31.

Indian Railways staff, deployed in control rooms for operation of freight trains, line staff, maintenance staff, security personnel and medical staff in railway hospitals are working 24X7.

“The Indian Railways understands its crucial role during this difficult time and requests all to support in ensuring faster loading and unloading of essential supplies,” the ministry said.

Govt bans export of Ventilators, Sanitisers

New Delhi (NVI): India has banned the export of all ventilators, sanitisers and other ICU equipment with immediate effect in the view of rising coronavirus cases across the country.

The Ministry of Commerce & Industry today issued an order regarding the amendment in export policy of ventilators including any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy apparatus or any other breathing appliance/device and sanitisers.

”The export of all ventilators including any artificial respiratory apparatus or oxygen therapy apparatus or any other breathing appliance/device falling under any ITCHS code is prohibited with immediate effect, ” it said.

”The export of all sanitisers falling under any ITCHS code, including the ITCHS codes mentioned above, is prohibited, with immediate effect, ” it added.

The total number of coronavirus cases in India neared the 500 mark today, as a tenth death from the disease was reported from Mumbai in Maharashtra.

Northeast also reported its first positive COVID-19 case today from Manipur.

J&K: Two CRPF men killed in fratricide incident

Mubashir Bukhari

Srinagar (NVI): Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men killed each other in a fratricide incident in Srinagar today.

The incident took place inside the water wing of CRPF at Dalgate area of Srinagar, when the two soldiers shot at each other with their service rifles.

The deceased have been identified as Constable Siju and Constable Jala Vijay.

PRO CRPF, Neeraj Rathore confirmed the death of the two CRPF men in the fratricidal incident. “We are ascertaining the reasons behind their act,” he said.

On March 21, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, who was ailing and under treatment committed suicide by shooting himself with his service rifle in Srinagar.

He was identified as HC Dilbagh Singh of 23 Battalion, posted at Srinagar civil secretariat.

China to lift travel curbs on Hubei after months of lockdown

New Delhi (NVI): China today announced that it will lift travel restrictions from Hubei Province, which emerged as the epicenter of coronavirus outbreak in December last year.

According to reports in foreign media, healthy residents will be allowed to leave the province from Tuesday midnight.

However, the travel ban in Wuhan, the provincial capital and the epicenter of the outbreak, will be lifted from April 8, according to media reports. The city has been on lockdown since January 23.

China has reported a drastic fall in the number of fresh COVID-19 cases even as the disease has spread to other parts of the world in the form of a pandemic.

In the United States, Monday appeared to be the deadliest day caused by the outbreak, with more than 100 deaths reported in a single day.

New York state confirmed 20,000 infections, Governor Andrew Cuomo said.

More governors have imposed rules and shutdowns in their cities in order to curb the outbreak. At least 15 states have issued stay-at-home orders that are either in effect or will take effect this week.

So far, More than 42,000 people in the United States have been infected with coronavirus, and at least 515 people have died.

In addition to this, Italy has reported more than 600 fatalities today, taking the total number of fatalities to 6,077 with the total cases rising to more than 63,000 in the country, according to media reports.

In the UK, the total number of deaths from the disease COVID-19, increased by 54, bringing the toll in the country to 335 among 6,650 cases. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered residents across the country to stay at home.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned “the pandemic is accelerating” with it taking 67 days for cases to reach the 100,000 mark globally, 11 days for cases to reach 200,000 and just four days for cases to reach 300,000.

More than 15,400 people have died from COVID-19 globally. An estimated 100,000 of the 362,000 people who have been diagnosed with the disease across the world have recovered, according to data collected by Johns Hopkins University.

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