According to Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has rose to 12,380, and death count to 414.

Maharashtra, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh continue to have a spike in the number of confirmed coronavirus cases. However, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh have successfully managed to flatten the curve. The Union health ministry has identified 170 districts as coronavirus hotspots and 207 districts as possible hotspots.

The Union home ministry came out with guidelines notifying some relaxation during the 2nd phase of the lockdown to revive the decreasing economic activity. This has caused some relief to industry and people. From 20th April, the government will allow agricultural activities, as well construction of roads and buildings, in the surrounding area, which are less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Worldometer data, more than 134,632 people have died globally from coronavirus so far and the number of confirmed cases has reached 2,083,607.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken a heavy toll on the US, with 40 per cent of its closed cases are being into deaths. The total number of positive cases are 644,089, which is more than the combined total of positive cases in Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. New York City alone has more 214,600 positive cases.

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain confirmed that a pizza boy in Delhi has been detected with coronavirus. 17 other delivery boys who were linked with him have been put under institutional quarantine and 72 other people are placed under home quarantine.

An official of the national hawkers body said that the 40-day nation-wide lockdown might prevent the spread of coronavirus, but it would bring a "financial epidemic" on 5 crore families of hawkers and those who supply them with products.

Source: Business Standard