April 8, 2020 | Number of cases: 5194 | Number of deaths: 149
India saw the biggest single day jump in COVID-19 deaths with 35 casualties in a 24-hour period. During the same time the total number of positive cases jumped to over 5000. The death of a 14-month-old in Jamnagar in Gujarat marked the youngest death due to COVID-19 in India. With 10 deaths in the past 24 hours, the death toll in Maharashtra climbed to 64. Indore in Madhya Pradesh saw 10 deaths out of the state’s total of 13. Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Health, Lav Agarwal said that close to 86% of those who died due to coronavirus also had co-morbid conditions such as diabetes, kidney or heart issues.
Mumbai became the first city in India to make wearing of face masks compulsory in public places. The move comes as the state leads in the number of positive cases in the country at 1078 cases. All individuals must wear a three-ply face mask or a cloth mask when out in public failing which they will face action under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The municipal authorities mandated mask-wearing as studies show that widespread use of masks has helped contain the spread of the virus. Mumbai alone has seen 500 cases so far with increasing fears of community transmission in the city.
A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Adityanath has resulted in the decision to completely seal all COVID-19 hotspots in the state where six or more cases have been reported. There are hotspots in 15 districts in the state which will be placed under total lockdown until April 15. These include Lucknow, Agra, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Varanasi among others. The locations will be sealed and only home deliveries will be permitted. No shops or markets will be allowed to stay open. The move has been made in order to prevent possible community transmission. The state has so far registered 343 cases.
Last updated, April 8th, 6:00 pm
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