Heena Sharma Blog

  Production of the Apple iPhone 12 at a Foxconn factory in India has slumped by more than 50% because workers infected with COVID-19 have had to leave their posts, two sources told Reuters. The Foxconn facility in the southern state of Tamil Nadu produces iPhones specifically for India, the world's No.2 smartphone market. Tamil Nadu is one of the worst hit states in the second coronavirus wave engulfing India. Officials imposed a full lockdown in the state from Monday, closing public transport and shuttering shops, to try slow surging infections. More than 100 Foxconn employees in the state have tested positive for COVID-19 and the company has enforced a no-entry ban at its factory in the capital of Chennai until late May, one of the sources said. "Employees are only allowed to leave but not to enter the facility since yesterday," the person said. "Only a small part of output is being kept." Read More

  As India reels under a calamitous second wave of the coronavirus infection , more than two thirds of its states have extended lockdowns. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, most of the country is either under lockdown or restrictions like a curfew. Here is a look at coronavirus-induced lockdown/curfew in different states Karnataka: Total lockdown imposed in the state Lockdown end-date: May 24 Activities that are prohibited throughout state: 1) Only the scheduled flights and trains will operate. 2) All public transport services, including the BMTC and metro trains in Bengaluru and KSRTC across the State, will remain shut 3) Taxis, auto rickshaws, cab services are prohibited, except hired during emergency situations 4) All educational institutions including schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed. However, online classes would be permitted 5) Restaurants, hotels will be closed. However, they are permitted to operate with limited kitchens for taking home d...

  With stricter restrictions to check the COVID-19 spread coming into force in Maharashtra, the state police on Friday reintroduced the e-pass system for inter-state and inter-district travel in "extreme emergency" situations, a top police official said. Fresh restrictions on travel, attendance in offices and wedding functions announced by the Maharashtra government came into force on Thursday night. The state, which has facing an unprecedented surge in coronavirus cases , was already under severe restrictions since April 14 and the fresh "lockdown- like" curbs were announced on Wednesday. Maharashtra DGP Sanjay Pandey said, "The e-pass system has been reintroduced from Friday and citizens should use it in case of absolute emergency." People have to apply onhttps://covid19.mhpolice.in/ and submit the necessary documents and mention the reason for their extreme emergency travel. "But those who do not have access to online e-pass system, can v...

  Owing to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the state, the Maharashtra government may announce a complete lockdown today. Briefing the media persons on Tuesday, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said, "Tomorrow after 8 pm, the Chief Minister will announce the decision on lockdown in the state. We have requested the CM to announce a complete lockdown in the state from tomorrow at 8 pm. This was the request of all ministers to the chief minister. Now it is his decision." "We have not yet received any letter from the Centre about the vaccination program for those above 18 years. The chief minister has said that the vaccination drive will be conducted in full swing and if needed we will take permission from the Centre to purchase vaccines from other countries, the Health Minister said. He further emphasized the shortage of oxygen as the numbers of COVID cases are accelerating. Read More

  The Indore district administration has decided not to give permission for weddings till April 30 amid the unprecedented increase of COVID-19 cases . "No permission will be given for weddings as there's a higher risk of COVID-19 transmission . People are requested to postpone their weddings and stay home till April 30," said Indore District Magistrate Manish Singh. "This will help us reduce numbers as hospitals' capacity is full now," he added. He also informed that they have been getting complaints of black marketing of Remdesivir injections. "Two people who were caught yesterday, have been charged under NSA. Be it hospitals or shopkeepers, anyone involved in black marketing will be booked under NSA," Singh said. The worsening COVID-19 situation has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients and many states are reporting a shortage in essential medical supplies. Read More

  Amid a surge in coronavirus infection cases , the Rajasthan government on Wednesday decided to impose a night-long curfew from 6 pm to 5 am in the entire state from April 16. The night curfew was declared earlier in 10 urban areas of the state but with the spread of infection showing no sign of abating, the state government decided to enforce the regulatory measure in the entire state. The order imposing the night curfew in the entire state was issued on late Wednesday evening. Night curfew will be there from 6 in the evening till 5 in the morning and markets will be closed by 5 pm, the government order said. According to the new guideline, all educational and coaching institutes and libraries too will remain closed from April 16 to 30. The number of guests in private functions, marriages and other social gatherings has been restricted to 50. Read More

  Half of the manufacturing units in Maharashtra could remain shut for the next fortnight as the state’s new Covid-19 norms come into effect. These include appliance and apparel makers, which fall in the non-essential category. On Tuesday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray announced a 15-day statewide curfew and a host of other restrictions to contain the spread of the coronavirus.   According to the order, all factories producing essential goods and services will remain operational at full capacity. Export-oriented units will remain open to fulfil their export obligations. Industries that require continuous manufacturing, too, can operate with 50 per cent workforce. Relaxation has also been provided for factories that offer in-house accommodation. But, all other factories must stop their operations for the next 15 days. “Around 50 per cent of the manufacturing units in Maharashtra could remain shut because of the state government’s new restrictions. Industry should hav...

  Amid fears of a complete lockdown in Maharashtra, a heavy rush of passengers was witnessed at Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT) for boarding trains on Thursday. The Railway administration, including Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and local police, however, managed to control the crowd in coordination with ticket checking staff and only valid ticket holders were allowed to enter the station. According to the Railway Administration, some people tried to enter the railway station with fake stickers and false identity cards but Railway and police staff stopped them from entering the station and boarding trains by checking their tickets and ID cards before their entry to Terminus building. Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, trains at Mumbai's Lokmanya Tilak Terminus were earlier seen packed with migrant workers as they feared an impending lockdown. Due to a sharp rise in COVID cases, the Maharashtra government on Tuesda...

  Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday announced 15-day curfew in the state and sought central help in airlifting medical oxygen as Covid-19 cases continue to spike in the state, putting a burden on its health infrastructure. Public transport will continue but travel in suburban trains and buses will be only for people giving essential services. The tightening of curbs comes into effect on Wednesday night. On Tuesday a record 60,212 cases were reported in the state and the number of active cases has increased to over 500,000. While the state is getting oxygen by road, Thackeray has requested the Indian Air Force help to airlift supplies. “If we do not break the chain now we will get strangled by the chain,” he said while announcing the new measures. Last week the state government had closed cinema halls, malls, multiplexes, and places of religious worship. These restrictions will continue. Restaurants and bars will continue to function for takeaway serv...

  The number of new coronavirus cases in India hit a record daily high since the outbreak of the pandemic with over 1.15 lakh new infections being reported in a span of 24 hours, pushing the nationwide COVID-19 tally to1,28,01,785, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday. The single-day rise in coronavirus cases breached the 1-lakh mark for the second time in three days. A total of 1,15,736 infections were reported in a day, while thedeath toll increased to 1,66,177with 630 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. Registering a steady increase for the 28th day in row, the active cases have increased to8,43,473comprising 6.59per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 92.11 per cent, the data stated. The active caseload was at its lowest at1, 35,926 on February 12 comprising1.25 per cent of the total infections. Read More

  In view of rising Covid-19 cases , the Delhi government of Tuesday imposed a night curfew in the national capital from 10 pm to 5 am. The order will be imposed with immediate effect till April 30. However, the government said, "there will be no restrictions on traffic movement during the night curfew". "People who want to get Covid-19 vaccination will be exempted but will have to get an e-pass. Shopkeepers selling essential goods like groceries, fruits, vegetables, milk, and medicine will be allowed to move after getting an e-pass. Print and electronic media will also be allowed to move only through e-pass," the Delhi government's order stated. It further said that private doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff will also be allowed during curfew hours by showing a valid ID card. Read More

  The daily rise in new coronavirus infections in India remained above 90,000 for the third consecutive day taking the nationwide COVID-19 tally of cases to1,26,86,049, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. A total of 96,982cases have been reported in a span of 24 hours, while the death toll increased to1,65,547with 446 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. India on Monday recorded an all-time high of 1,03,558single day new coronavirus infections in a span of 24 hours. Registering a steady increase for the 27th day in row, the active cases have increased to7,88,223comprising 6.21per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 92.48 per cent, the data stated. The active caseload was at its lowest at1, 35,926 on February 12 comprising1.25 per cent of the total infections. Read More

  Delhi will be under curfew from 10 pm to 5 am night till April 30, the city government said on Tuesday as Covid-19 cases rise in the national capital. Delhi recorded 3,548 fresh cases and 15 deaths on Monday. NDTV reports that traffic would not be stopped and those going for vaccinations will be allowed with an e-pass. Essential services and retailers who need to travel after hours for ration, grocery stocks, vegetables, milk and medicines will also be allowed with similar passes. Journalists of the print and electronic media will be allowed to travel, too. Private doctors, nurses and other medical staff would be allowed movement with ID cards. Exceptions will also be made for pregnant women and those needing treatment. The curfew will check the movement of people, not essential services, said the Delhi government in an order. Read More

  Amid a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in Mumbai, Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Thursday hinted that some restrictions could be introduced in the city from April 2. Speaking to reporters here, she said that hotels could be asked to operate at 50 per cent of the seating capacity and religious places might be shut completely as "people do not listen". "Train journey might be restricted to only essential services staff only as in the past," the mayor said, adding that malls, theatres may also be shut considering that people don't follow Covid-19 norms. Pednekar said that private offices could be asked to operate in two shifts. Preparations for tackling the Covid surge is in full- swing, she said, adding that the number of beds has been increased from 16,000 to 25,000. Read More

  Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray will on Friday meet senior civil servants to discuss the state’s spurt in Covid-19 cases , said news agency ANI. The state on Thursday reported 43,183 new Covid-19 cases and 249 deaths, making the numbers the highest one-day rise since the pandemic began. It was the state’s highest number of deaths since October. Mayor Kishori Pednekar on Thursday said that Mumbai may announce restrictions from April 2, claiming "people do not listen" to safety precautions. Hotels could be asked to operate at 50 per cent seating capacity and religious places might be shut completely. Mumbai reported 8,646 cases of Covid-19 on Thursday, making it the highest one-day spike since the pandemic hit the city early last year. The city reported 18 deaths in the last 24 hours. Read More

  The upward trend in COVID-19 cases continued in Telangana with 463 new infections being reported, pushing the total positives to 3.07 lakh, while the toll rose to 1,694 with four more fatalities. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) saw the most number of cases with 145, followed by Medchal Malkajgiri and Ranariddh districts with 46 and 28 cases respectively, a state government bulletin said on Tuesday providing details as of 8 PM on March 29. The bulletin said 364 patients recovered from the infection on March 29. The cumulative recovered cases stood at 3,00,833, while 4,678 were under treatment. It said 42,461 samples were tested on March 29. Cumulatively, the number of samples tested was 1 crore. The samples tested per million populations was 2,71,238, it said. Read More

  Roads across Nagpur wore a deserted look as the city entered a week-long lockdown on Monday. People in the city, during their morning walks, were seen following COVID-19 safety guidelines . Kishore, who was on his morning walk, told ANI, "Morning walk is important to maintain a healthy immune system to tackle corona. People respect the government guidelines regarding lockdown" "There is no crowding and social distancing is properly maintained during the walks. People are wearing masks," he further said. "Unless people sanitize themselves regularly and follow social distancing, we cannot be sure that lockdown will contain the coronavirus," he added. Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, the state government on Thursday decided to impose a lockdown in Nagpur district from March 15 to 21. Only essential services such as vegetable and fruit shops and milk booths will stay open, according to the order issued by the district administra...

  Twitter has announced to label Tweets that may contain misleading information around Covid vaccinations and will permanently suspend repeated offenders. The micro-blogging platform has introduced a strike system against such misleading tweets and five or more strikes will result in permanent suspension of the account. "We believe the strike system will help to educate the public on our policies and further reduce the spread of potentially harmful and misleading information on Twitter, particularly for repeated moderate and high-severity violations of our rules," the company said in a statement late on Monday. Since introducing the Covid-19 guidance, Twitter said it has removed more than 8,400 Tweets and challenged 11.5 million accounts worldwide. While one strike will cause no account-level action, two strikes will lead to a 12-hour account lock; three strikes in another 12-hour account lock; four strikes in a 7-day account lock and five or more strikes means perm...

  The second phase of India’s Covid-19 vaccination started on Monday and the Co-WIN portal also started a self-registration process for the 270 million people eligible for these shots. Under this phase, people above 60 years of age – and those over 45 years of age and with co-morbidities – are to be inoculated. The registration portal could be accessed at https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/ . The government has issued a list of 20 specified co-morbidities to determine the eligibility of people who can be administered a vaccine shot on priority. If someone is more than 45 years old and suffers from conditions like diabetes or has suffered a heart attack in the past year, they will be eligible to get a Covid-19 vaccine shot. Here’s the full list of specified co-morbidities: 1. Heart failure with hospital admission in the past one year. 2. Post cardiac transplant/ Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD). 3. Significant left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVEF < 40%)....

  The Maharashtra government may impose a stricter lockdown in Yavatmal, Amravati and Akola cities of Vidarbha region of the state "at any moment" in view of the COVID-19 situation there, government sources said on Thursday. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and his deputy Ajit Pawar discussed the issue on Thursday morning and the step is likely to be taken accordingly, according to the sources. Of late, Maharashtra has been witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases. The state reported 4,787 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest one-day count this year. Among the districts, Amravati reported the highest rise in a day, from 82 cases on Tuesday to 230 cases on Wednesday. The Akola Municipal Corporation, which reported 67 cases under its areas on Tuesday, recorded 105 cases on Wednesday, an official earlier said. "The government may impose a stricter lockdown at any moment in Yavatmal, Amravati and Akola cities. The chief minister and deputy CM Pawar discussed...