Articles by News Desk

Lack of oxygen supply hits Mumbai Waiting periods for hospital beds, especially ICU, ventilator, and oxygen beds, have considerably lengthened in the city. According to BMC data, only 661 oxygen beds were vacant and they were vacated due to supply shortages. In order to meet high demands, the first ‘Oxygen Express’ has left for Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) and will transport liquid medical oxygen for Maharashtra’s usage. Volunteer groups have also attempted to aid the cylinder crunch in Mumbai. Several mosques in Mumbra, Mira Road, Kalyan, and Bhiwandi are providing oxygen cylinders to the city’s hospitals. Source: Times of India, Hindustan…

Restrictions on movement until May 4 As the night curfew was intensified in Bengaluru, the police have shut down major roads, flyovers and main traffic circles. Only essential supply vehicles are permitted until May 4. The prohibitory orders under Section 144 (1) of CrPC bans the gathering of more than four people in public places, except bus terminals, metro and railway stations, and airports. The government has also imposed a weekend lockdown until May 4. Until May 4, only state/central government employees involved in essential COVID services can move unrestricted. Those who are part of industries and organisations requiring 24X7…

With Chennai witnessing the second wave of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has roped in 10 FOCUS (Friends of Covid Persons Under Surveillance) volunteers have been deployed in each division. Their responsibilities include monitoring patients under home isolation, helping them with daily needs, distributing kabasura kudineer and clarify queries regarding vaccines. Along with the volunteers, each division-level team monitoring the pandemic in Chennai includes sanitary inspectors, assessors, conservancy inspectors and police sub-inspectors.  The corporation has formed several zonal-level coordination teams headed by the Zonal Officers for COVID containment and safety measures. Executive engineers, health officers, assistant revenue…

Migrant exodus begins in Mumbai Hundreds of migrant workers waited outside Lokmanya Tilak Terminus to board trains and return to their hometowns. Echoing struggles of last year, migrants are either taking once again to the road, or spending anywhere from Rs. 1,500 to Rs 5,000 for trains and buses leaving the city. The Chief PRO of Central Railway stated that on April 14th ten trains were scheduled to leave for northern states and had waiting lists of more than 1,000 people. The All-India Motor Transport Congress’s Chairman claimed that almost all of Maharashtra’s 14 lakh helpers, unloaders, and truckers are…

Covid deaths spike On Thursday, Bengaluru's Covid fatalities shot up to 66. Such high daily fatality was reported the last time on October 20, 2020. Official sources said deaths were increasing as patients were arriving at hospitals in the later stages of the disease. The cumulative Covid caseload surpassed the five-lakh-mark on Wednesday. On Thursday, there were 10,497 new cases from Bengaluru Urban. Source: Deccan Herald, Indian Express, The Hindu Shortage of hospital beds, drugs, vaccines Private hospitals, mainly small and medium-size ones, are reporting an acute shortage of Remdesivir which is used to treat Covid patients. PHANA (Private Hospitals…

Massive COVID spike in Delhi, new restrictions in place Given the massive spike in coronavirus cases, the Delhi government has introduced several restrictions, banning most public gatherings and setting limits for attendance in public places. restaurants, theatres, on public transport and functions like weddings and funerals. All restaurants, bars and cinemas will operate at 50% of their seating capacity, while weddings can see 50 invitees at the most. Not more than 20 people can attend funerals. Buses and metro rail will also run at 50% occupancy. Earlier, the Delhi CM had already ordered the closure of schools and colleges in…

Penalty reintroduced for violation of COVID norms On April 8th, Chennai saw 1,520 new COVID cases and 515 recoveries. There were six deaths. Currently, 11,633 patients are under treatment.  In view of the rise in the number of cases, the Greater Chennai Corporation has reintroduced penalties for violation of COVID-19 safety norms. The civic body has set a target of Rs 10 lakh every day to be collected from those who violate rules of masking, social distancing and other protocol. Among the 15 zones, Royapuram and Teynampet have the highest target of Rs 1.5 lakh a day, followed by Kodambakkam…

Mumbai starts partial lockdown According to joint guidelines produced by the BMC and Mumbai Police, a weekend shutdown and strict night curfew beginning at 8 PM will be followed for public spaces. With Section 144 now imposed on the city, no more than 5 people are allowed to crowd public spaces and gardens from 7 AM to 8 PM on weekdays while the weekends will see a total shutdown except for essential services. Home delivery of essential items will be allowed 24x7. Beaches will remain completely closed until April 30th. Public transport will continue at full capacity except for autos…

Bus strike continues, trainee staff fired Karnataka road transport corporation employees have announced that their strike will continue until the government hikes their salaries as per the 6th Pay Commission, and offers them the same benefits as government employees. The government said it has agreed to eight out of nine of the workers' demands, and was considering a salary hike of 8%. On Thursday, BMTC fired 96 trainees for boycotting work. Citizens dependent on BMTC fleet turned to private buses, autos and taxis to commute to work. Some passengers at Majestic and Mysuru Satellite bus stands accused private operators of…

Respected Sir,We, civil society organisations and activists from Maharashtra, who are engaged in human rights work with different communities and have also been extensively involved in relief work and advocacy throughout the pandemic and consequent lockdown, address this letter to you to put forth some of our pressing concerns regarding the new restrictions announced in light of increasing number of COVID cases in the state of Maharashtra. We also request for a personal meeting with you to discuss our below suggestions and explore possibilities of civil society collaborations through constructive engagement and consultation, with an aim to create an effective…