Global COVID-19 Death Toll Crosses 20,000-Mark: Coronavirus Outbreak Live News Updates on March 25, 2020

The global death toll due to novel coronavirus breached the 20,000-mark on Wednesday, with Italy accounting for maximum of the deaths, followed by Spain, China and Iran.

In view of COVID-19, it has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of toll at all toll plaza across India. This will not only reduce inconvenience to the supply of emergency services but also save critical time: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways.

In view of COVID-19, it has been ordered to temporarily suspend the collection of toll at all toll plaza across India. This will not only reduce inconvenience to the supply of emergency services but also save critical time: Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways

One COVID-19 positive patient, an 85-year-old woman, passed away in Ahmedabad today. She had travelled abroad and after developing symptoms of COVID-19, she was admitted at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on 22 March. She was suffering from many complications:Health Department, Gujarat Govt

Spain’s Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo has tested positive for #coronavirus, the Spanish government said on Wednesday: Reuters

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.

Maharashtra: Repeat samples of three people, admitted at Pune's Naidu Hospital, have tested negative for #COVID19. They will be discharged from the hospital following due process.

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.

Shaheen Bagh protestors have written a letter to the Supreme Court seeking an investigation into the alleged forcible removal and destruction of Shaheen Bagh protest site on March 24, and have sought a direction from the SC for citizens' rights.

Andhra Pradesh government has shifted Rythu Bazaars (government-run vegetable markets where farmers directly sell vegetables) in Vijayawada, to nearest open grounds to ensure social distancing among people. Demarcations have been made to keep distance between the people, while they stand in queues.

"Essential services like food items, vegetables, fruits, grocery and bakery items are exempted from lockdown. Vendors can provide home deliveries by taking appropriate care. Police will facilitate their movement on road," Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Maharashtra Government.

"AIIMS is going to start a tele-consultation facility. Our follow-up patients can consult doctors through telephone. Several patients had appointments which are now cancelled. Chronic patients can consult doctors through this facility," said Dr Randeep Guleria. "This will be rolled out in a day or two. Every department will have some doctors who will resolve the health related issues of the follow-up patients," he added.

"First 2 COVID-19 cases in the state discharged from hospital after their full recovery from the disease, as confirmed by 2 successive negative samples during follow-up period. 2 people from Mumbai-Aurangabad were also discharged upon their recovery," said Public Health Department, Maharashtra.

"We are planning to send about 2,000 French tourists back to France who are currently stuck in India. We are also in talks with the Indian government to have special flights operated by Air France. We are working out the necessary approvals for the same," French diplomatic sources told news agency ANI.

"On March 24, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide curfew till April 15, 2020, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. US citizens are required to comply with Indian law & obey directions from law enforcement officers. We are in contact with the Indian government to emphasize the need for hotels to continue to lodge US citizens. US Mission to India continues to work with the US Department of State and airline companies to arrange flights from India to US, for our citizens," the US Embassy said in its statement.

Total number of COVID-19 positive cases rise to 606 in India (including 553 active cases, 42 cured/discharged people and 10 deaths), said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its press briefing.

"The G20 has an important global role to play in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to productive discussions tomorrow at the G20 Virtual Summit, being coordinated by the Saudi G20 Presidency," Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

The Health Ministry, in its press briefing on the outbreak of coronavirus, said 29 private labs have been commissioned to test the people. The Ministry further added that a total of 12,000 samples per day can be tested in India.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal confirms 5 new COVID-19 positive cases. He said, "In the last 24 hours, there have been 5 new #COVID19 cases in Delhi. One of them has foreign travel history. Now, the total number of cases rises to 35 in Delhi."

Adding more, he said, "People who buy from their local grocery shops - located in their neighborhood or colonies, don't need Curfew Passes. People don't need any Pass for walking up to their local grocery shops. You can buy vegetables, medicines, milk&other things from your local grocery shops."

Apart from this, the Delhi CM said, "To continue the availability of essential services for all, we have decided to give e-pass to all those who are involved in such professions but do not have any ID. You can reach out to us at 1031 to avail the e-pass."

On the issue of lockdown and essentials supply, he said, "It is govt's responsibility that essential services are provided to all. For people who are working during 21 Days Lockdown, and have govt IDs, they will be allowed to move in the city if they show their govt IDs. Pvt hospital and media IDs will also work."

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.

51 FIRs registered and 335 persons have been arrested today, over charges of violation of the countrywide lockdown: Media Cell of Uttarakhand Police.

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.

PM Narendra Modi lauds children for teaching right cleanliness practice to parents. He said, "Several families and parents have shared such videos of their children on social media, and I have watched some of them. I will try and share some of them with all of you, in a day or two."

Adding more, he said, "In this battle against #COVID19, I noticed that our army of children are playing a major role. They are making their parents understand what to do&what not to do, how to wash hands and how not to follow wrong practices."

He also said, "You might have seen in news that how lives have been threatened in some countries of the world after people took medicines on their own. We should steer clear of all kinds of superstitions and rumours."

PM Narendra Modi's Interaction With Varanasi People Live Streaming: Watch Prime Minister Speaking With Citizens First Time Amid Countrywide Lockdown Over Coronavirus Outbreak

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.

PM Narendra Modi suggested Indians to take medicines only after consulting a doctor. He said, "Scientists in India and across the world are working on it, work is going on rapidly. If someone recommends you a medicine then kindly talk to your doctor first. Take a medicine only after consulting a doctor."

Adding more, he said, "Whoever has the capability, take the pledge to take care of 9 families for 21 days, it will be a true 'Navratri'. Due to the lockdown, animals are also facing trouble. I appeal to people to take care of the animals around them."

On health workers, PM said, "These days, ppl in hospitals are working for around 18 hours per day; ppl in healthcare sector are not getting more than 2-3 hours of sleep. Civil society ppl are working day in, day out to help poor. We should salute such people who are serving society in this critical hour."

PM Narendra Modi's Interaction With Varanasi People Live Streaming: Watch Prime Minister Speaking With Citizens First Time Amid Countrywide Lockdown Over Coronavirus Outbreak

Coronavirus Live Map: How to Track The Spread of COVID-19 Across The Globe.