COVID-19 updates (Updated daily): PM to address nation at 10 am tomorrow | Rapid testing kits from China delayed - Page 2 of 23

April 11,2020 | Number of cases: 7447 | Number of deaths: 239

Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with all the state Chief Ministers to discuss the response to the spread of COVID-19 and the possible extension of the lockdown period that is set to end on April 15th. With Punjab and Odisha already having extended the lockdown to the end of April, the entire nation is expected to follow suit with an announcement to that effect to be made by the PM.

The meeting also saw discussion on various strategies to be followed during the extended lockdown, such as demarcation of zones into red, green and yellow based on the number of cases in that zone. The detailed guidelines for the lockdown extension will be put forth by the central government in the coming days.

Some of the key points that came out of the PM’s call with state chief ministers:

The lockdown will be relaxed in a graded manner in the next 15 days
142 hotpots have been identified across the country and the states have been directed to manage these hotspots
After 15th April, every alternate day 2 lakh masks, 2.84 lakh PPEs will be distributed with assurance of adequate supply from the Central Government
The number of labs will be enhanced to 300 from 220 by 30th of April
The number of tests being done will be enhanced to 1 lakh per day by 31st May
Fishing activity will be restored and processing of fish yield can be done. Agriculture and industrial activity will also be afforded relaxation
Government offices will be allowed to work with partial strength

India saw the highest single day jump in cases and deaths during a 24-hour period. The number of cases rose by 1000 and 40 individuals died from COVID-19 during the same time. The Ministry of Health reported that the country has also seen the highest number of daily recoveries, with 127 individuals who tested positive being declared coronavirus-free. The spike in cases comes during a time when the initial lockdown period announced by Prime Minister Modi could be extended to prevent further spread.

Kerala reported its third death due to COVID-19 when a 71-year old man passed away from the illness on Saturday. The deceased did not have any known travel history and the source of his infection is yet to be ascertained. All those who had come into contact with him have been isolated and tested negative for COvid-19. The state has seen a fall in the number of cases after an initial spike which saw Kerala lead the nation in the number of positive cases.

Following UP and Delhi, West Bengal will impose a complete lockdown in 10 COVID-19 hotspots across the state in the coming week to curb the spread. The hotspots have been identified based on the number of cases. The state has assured that supply of essentials will be maintained despite the strict measures. Although the stae has not officially announced the names of the hotspots, media reports suggest that these could include Alipore, Panditiya Road, Mudiali, Bhowanipore, Burrabazar, Nayabad, Shibpur, Belgharia, Egra and Kalimpong. West Bengal has seen 89 cases and five deaths so far.

Last updated, April 11th, 6:00 pm

[Previous daily updates]