Covid-19 updates: More than 1,500 infected in Delhi, 32 dead so far

WB Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar asserts that Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government should be "shown the door" for "failing" to ensure social distancing or curbing religious congregations, says requisitioning for central paramilitary forces must be examined to implement lockdown in state

Gujarat has reported 52 more Covid-19 cases and two more deaths in Ahmedabad and Surat taking the total number coronavirus cases in the state to 695 virus-related deaths to 30, news agency ANI quoted the state health department as saying.

Manufacturing, industrial units with access control in SEZs, Export Oriented Units, industrial estates, townships resume functioning from April 20, the has said MHA.

Industries operating in rural areas are permitted to resume work from April 30, but they need to strictly practise social distancing norms, according to guidelines laid by on Wednesday.

State/UT govts shall not dilute lockdown guidelines in any manner, however, they may impose stricter measures as per local requirements, the MHA has said.

The exemptions for industries/businesses that will resume after April 20 are not applicable in Covid-19 hotspots or containment zones, the ministry of home affairs has said.

Highway 'dhabas', truck repairing shops, and call centres for government activities shall remain open post April 20, according to MHA guidelines issued to Wednesday.

Manufacturing units of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction of medical infrastructure will also remain open April 20 onwards.

Wearing of masks in public places is mandatory across country in wake of the prevailing Covid-19 crisis, the MHA has ordered.

As per MHA guidelines issued Wednesday, grocery stores, fruit, vegetables shops or carts, milk booths, poultry, meat and fish shops shall remain open during the extended lockdown till May 3.

"The Covid-19 crisis and shutting of businesses in the Middle East have left thousands of Indian workers in deep distress and desperate to return home. The Govt must organise flights to bring home our brothers and sisters most in need of assistance, with quarantine plans in place," Congress leader tweeted on Wednesday.

All social, political, sports, religious functions, religious places, places of worship shall remain closed for public till May 3, the ministry of home affairs has said in its guidelines on the extended lockdown.

Cinema halls, malls, shopping complexes, gymnasiums, sports complexes, swimming pools and bars will also remain closed.

In accordance with the guidelines issued the by the ministry of home affairs on Wednesday, inter-state, inter-district movement of people, metro and bus services will continue to be suspended till May 3 and so will educational institutions, coaching centres, domestic, international air travel and train services.

MHA issued guidelines for Covid-19 lockdown on Wednesday. Masks have been made compulsory, however, some industries will be allowed to resume workd April 20 onward.

A 69-year-old doctor has died of the coronavirus disease in Meghalaya, first death in the state, said chief minister Conrad Sangma, according to news agency PTI.

Voters in South Korea wore masks and showed up to cast their votes in the national elections on Wednesday amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

The government resisted calls to postpone the parliamentary elections, reported news agency AP.