Hollywood megastar Tom Hanks has said that he and wife Rita Wilson are feeling better after two weeks in hospital and self-isolation after being tested positive for coronavirus.
Hanks provided a positive update in a Sunday night on Twitter. “Two weeks after our first symptoms and we feel better,” he wrote.
The actor is encouraging people to practice social-distancing, “Take care of each other, help where we can, and give up some comforts.”
Tom also urged his fans and supporters to listen to advice about containing the pandemic.
“Sheltering in place works like this: You don’t give it to anyone – You don’t get it from anyone. Common sense, no? Going to take a while, but if we take care of each other, help where we can, and give up some comforts…this, too, shall pass. We can figure this out,” the star added.
Meanwhile, on Sunday wife Wilson posted a video of herself on Instagram rapping to Naughty by Nature’s ‘Hip Hop Hooray.’
“Quarantine Stir Crazy. See it to believe it,” read the caption of the post.
On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the people of India to take the lockdown announcement announced seriously and duly follow instructions amid the Coronavirus pandemic. He urges people to follow the instructions to save themselves and their families.
“Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously,” Modi tweeted.
There are a total of 89 positive Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra including 14 new cases in Mumbai and one in Pune, informed the health minister Rajesh Tope today. Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, more than 3,38,000 people have been infected and over 14,000 have died globally. India has been reported 415 positive cases of Coronavirus so far.
On March 22 the central government has the order to suspend all inter-state buses, passenger trains and metro services till March 31 amid the Coronavirus outbreak.
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Monday said that there is no community spread of novel coronavirus right now and there are a total 89 reported positive cases of the disease in the state so far.
“I want to make it very clear that we have not entered the community spread phase. There are a total of 89 positive coronavirus cases in the state including 14 new cases in Mumbai and 1 in Pune. 8 people have contact history and 6 are with travel history,” Tope told reporters here in a press conference.
“We are issuing orders to disburse the crowds at various checkpoints of Mumbai. Police can take action under section 144,” he said.
The minister also announced that he will now address the media digitally through his Facebook page.
“If we see the situation in state and country, social distancing is very important. So, we have started a campaign #MeAaheMazaRakshak (I am the saviour of myself). I will start now digital address to media through my Facebook page and WhatsApp,” he said.
“I have spoken to the principal secretary of my department. A Philippine citizen has died this morning. We are taking details of his medical history. He was admitted to Reliance hospital and Kasturba both hospitals. We are looking into all his medical conditions to ascertain the exact cause of his death,” he added.
The minister said that all medical colleges attached to hospitals are being made testing centres.
The total number of novel coronavirus cases in India rose to 415 on Monday.
The rapid spread of the coronavirus in the last two weeks, widespread business closures and unprecedented restrictions on social interactions will result in a permanent hit to global economic activity this year, according to Moody’s Investors Service.
A sharp contraction of the global economy, at least in the second quarter, appears imminent, it said in its latest special series ‘Credit Risks in Turbulent Times.’
Uncertainty will remain for at least several months as to how long it will take to contain the spread of the virus and how businesses and households will cope with the resulting financial losses.
Financial market volatility is at levels that last occurred during the global financial crisis, said Moody’s. “And fear about the huge hit to business activity is contributing to extreme risk-off sentiment, resulting in the repricing of equities, commodities, bonds and currencies.”
On the real economy side, recently released data from China offers a glimpse into the impact of the unfolding consumption shock. The official data suggests a sharp contraction relative to last year in retail sales (minus 20.5 per cent), industrial production (minus 13.5 per cent), fixed asset investment (minus 24.5 per cent) and job losses (5 million) in January and February.
Outside Asia, evidence of costs to the real economy is becoming evident in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Britain and the United States.
“As business grinds to a halt, big and small firms are starting to lay off workers temporarily in an attempt to cut costs,” said Moody’s.
The short-term economic costs are likely to be steep the world over. In advanced and emerging market countries alike, closures are crippling both the traded and non-traded sectors of the real economy.
Moody’s said the long-term consequences will depend not only on the depth and duration of the hit to economic output but on whether it will cause lasting damage to balance sheets of households and businesses.
Without policy support, many businesses that depend on a constant stream of revenue will close and lay off their workers.
“While the shock could disrupt many sectors, the burden will weigh disproportionately on the transportation sector, the energy industry, hospitality, healthcare and consumer services, especially hotels, restaurants and leisure. In the worst case, entire industries could be destroyed,” it added.
The detrimental effects will likely be more acute in some regions than others, not only because of the differences in the trajectory of infections and in measures to limit the spread but also because of the geographical concentration of certain industries.
The demand shock from consumers scaling back spending is bound to be severe, said Moody’s, resulting in outright loss of economic output. Much of this loss will be permanent.
In particular, the loss of service sector output will be unrecoverable for the most part. And even in the manufacturing sector, the damage from production shutdowns, even if temporary, will not be fully recovered.
The sudden and sharp increase in risk aversion, fed by a fear that economic activity will be severely curtailed for months, has the potential to propel a self-fulfilling vicious cycle of deteriorating confidence, weak earnings expectations, lower business investment, retrenchment in employment and a further pullback in consumer spending.
As a result, GDP growth will be permanently lower. “We continue to monitor and evaluate policy announcements from G-20 countries and expect to adjust our GDP forecasts over the coming weeks as the extent and nature of policy support in individual countries become evident.”
Emerging market currencies have sharply depreciated vis-a-vis the US dollar because of safe-haven flows. Emerging market economies will remain vulnerable to heightened volatility of cross-border capital flows over the next few years.
Moody’s said oil-producing countries and regions will experience much higher stress if oil prices remain around 30 dollars per barrel over an extended period. As production grounds to a halt in more countries, non-oil commodities are also likely to decline.
A key difference in the policy response during the global financial crisis and now is that policymakers today are deploying emergency relief packages pre-emptively in an effort to limit the economic damage. Since the financial crisis, processes and tools to deploy large scale stimulus quickly have been put in place.
Moreover, the continuous assessment of the health of the financial and non-financial sectors over the last decade in all major economies, and the availability of data, should in theory help calibrate the policy response to address vulnerabilities where they exist.
“It is likely therefore that the early deployment of counter cyclical measures will help contain long-term damage. We will continue to assess the steady build-up of policy actions as well as private sector outcomes as we evaluate the global economy in the coming months.
The Centre on Monday asked state governments to strictly enforce the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus and directed legal action against violators.
“States have been asked to strictly enforce the lockdown in the areas where it has been announced. Legal action will be taken against violators,” a tweet by Principal Director General of PIB, KS Dhatwalia read.
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This comes just an hour after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the public to take the lockdown seriously and urged the state government to ensure that rules and laws are followed.
“Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself by doing this, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request the state governments to ensure the rules and laws are followed,” Modi’s tweet, roughly translated from Hindi, read.
लॉकडाउन को अभी भी कई लोग गंभीरता से नहीं ले रहे हैं। कृपया करके अपने आप को बचाएं, अपने परिवार को बचाएं, निर्देशों का गंभीरता से पालन करें। राज्य सरकारों से मेरा अनुरोध है कि वो नियमों और कानूनों का पालन करवाएं।
The Centre and state governments have decided to completely shut down 75 districts across the country where coronavirus cases have been reported.
It has also been decided to suspend the interstate bus services till March 31, government officials said on Sunday.
The districts where lockdown was announced are from states that include Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
The development comes in the view that there is an urgent need to extend restrictions, including the movement of non-essential passenger transport, in a bid to contain the spread of the deadly infection which has already infected nearly 400 people in the country.
Millions of people across the country stayed indoors, streets wore a deserted look and a minimal number of vehicles were on the road on Sunday in an unprecedented shutdown on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for a ‘Janta Curfew’ to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed over 13,000 lives worldwide.
The AAP government told the Delhi High Court on Monday that it has decided to decongest its prisons to check the spread of coronavirus by providing convicts with the options of special parole and furlough.
The Delhi government told a bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad that it was going to amend its prison rules to provide the options of special parole and furlough.
The submission was made by the Delhi government’s additional standing counsel Anuj Aggarwal who said a notification would be issued within a day to amend the prison rules to include the two new provisions.
Taking note of the submission, the bench directed the Delhi government to take steps during the day to implement what it has proposed and disposed of a plea moved by two lawyers seeking decongesting of the prisons in view of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday said that the budget will be presented in the Legislative Assembly today despite the lockdown in the national capital as the government needs the House’s approval to spend money in the forthcoming financial year.
“The budget will be presented in the Delhi Legislative Assembly today. This is necessary to do despite the lockdown in Delhi as the government will not be able to spend the money from April 1 without passing the budget,” he tweeted (translated from Hindi).
आज दिल्ली विधानसभा में बजट पेश किया जाएगा। दिल्ली में लॉकडाउन होने के बावजूद ये करना आवश्यक है क्योंकि बजट पास किए बगैर सरकार 1 अप्रैल से पैसे खर्च नहीं कर पाएगी।
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has appealed to the people to stay indoors in the view of the coronavirus outbreak.
“Lockdown starts in Delhi from today. Appeal to all of you until it is very important not to leave the house! They themselves will be safe and others will also be safe. Stay alert stay safe. #IndiaFightsCorona,” LG Delhi tweeted.
आज से दिल्ली में लॉकडाउन शुरू।
आप सभी से अपील है जब तक बहुत जरुरी न हो घर से न निकले!
खुद भी सुरक्षित रहेगें और दूसरो को भी सुरक्षित रख पायेंगे।
सतर्क रहें सुरक्षित रहें।#IndiaFightsCorona
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the total number of novel coronavirus cases in India has gone up to 396. The national capital has reported 29 confirmed cases.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday announced a complete lockdown in Delhi from March 23 till March 31 for the prevention and containment of COVID-19.
The Delhi police has imposed section 144 of CrPC which prohibits assembly of four or more people in one place till March 31.
Punjab, the Union Territory Chandigarh and seven districts of Haryana were put under a lockdown on Monday, a day after the authorities decided to enforce it as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Haryana government notified lockdown in the districts of Gurugram, Faridabad, Sonipat, Panipat, Jhajjar, Rohtak and Panchkula till March 31.
All essential and emergency services were exempted from the shutdown which would remain in force till March 31, officials said.
During the lockdown, all commercial establishments, shops, factories shall remain closed except those dealing in essential commodities such as food, grocery, medicines, etc.
Other essential services such as water supply, sanitation, electricity, banks, ATMs shall be maintained, officials said.
There will be no public transport services, including operation of taxis and auto-rickshaws, except transport of all kinds to and from hospitals, airports, railway stations, bus terminals in Punjab and Haryana.
In Punjab, the department of transport may operate a few services of state transport undertaking to ensure essential services, it added.
All inter-state bus services would remain shut in Punjab and Haryana. All public transport service would also remain suspended in UT Chandigarh.
Punjab and Haryana have so far reported 21 and 12 positive cases of coronavirus respectively while in Chandigarh, the number of positive cases was six.
There will be restrictions on public gathering at one place under Section 144 of CrPC, officials said, adding any person found violating the restrictions shall face action.
In Punjab, extra police force would be deployed in all the districts to ensure implementation of restrictions.
E-commerce (delivery) of all essential goods including food, pharmaceutical and medical equipment, take away/home delivery restaurants/eateries have been exempted from the restrictions, officials said.
The government has advised companies to implement ‘Work from Home’ policy for their staff to encourage ‘social distancing’ to curb spreading of Coronavirus infections. The Maharashtra chief minister announced lockdown of all non-essential shops and offices in Mumbai. As part of relaxations in compliance requirements, the corporate affairs ministry has allowed companies to conduct board meetings through video conference and other audiovisual means till June 30. Long holiday, I mean, it’s time to be at home with all bars, cafes/lounges, hair salons and beauty parlours closed till 31 March or till further orders. Traders across India will keep their establishments shut on Sunday in response to the Prime Minister’s call for a self-imposed ‘Janata Curfew‘. About 40 crore employees of traders will remain at home on the day. Some of the essential services that will be excluded from the shutdown are providing drinking water, banking services, telephone and internet services, railway and transportation services, food, vegetables and groceries, hospitals, medical centers and medical stores and electricity.
Mumbai’s life is very fast as compared to any other city. There is no difference between day, night/early morning. That’s the reason, people feel very safe and and are never fearful. How can Corona restrict their spirits? Whoever stays in Mumbai works hard. There is noise everywhere – roads, streets, lanes, malls, restaurants and sometimes even temples. This noise leads to something entering your mind all the time thereby keeping it busy – something as basic as a vehicle honking. The noisy external environment also makes it easy, natural and complimentary to have a noisy internal environment (read mind) which is then always restless and feels busy and fast. Although the situation is not any different in other major cities of the country and the number of corporate headquarters in Mumbai.
All of a sudden when they are slapped with forced home arrest, they simply don’t feel good about it. There is lack of enough open space and congested houses. This city, for the population density and the activity levels, has very little open space where people could just go for a walk or just sit in peace. These things can have an immense calming effect and thereby slowdown is the internally bubbling energy. Almost all major cities in India and internationally have natural environments like beaches, parks, gardens, waterfronts, etc. but to reach all these is restricted by the government at this moment. Your immediate social circle needs an outlet to be together.
The Mumbaikar is always held high for his/her undying spirit, may it be a bomb blast, heavy rains or some calamity, they find their ways to live it to the fullest. When holidays are forced, they opt for holiday homes. Small get-togethers, party and prayers with close in family and friend circle. In the last few years, long weekends have become everyone’s favourite time to travel. There has been a tremendous increase in the number of people who choose to head out for quaint local getaways whenever a weekend break comes around. In fact, this trend has re-introduced vacations back into the priority list helping people de-clutter their minds and bond better with their families. Taking the advantage of forced leave, Mumbaikars already moved in nearby destinations for spending quality time with friends and family. All the holiday homes, private properties and bungles are booked. The owners have given lucrative offers with masks and sanitisation facilities largely being a need-based activity. Looking at how Mumbaikars want to make the most of their long weekend breaks, the organisers offer unmatched choices for a perfect weekend break based on people’s travel interest – be it for adventure, spending family time or for spiritual quest. This trend of holidaying over long weekends is driven by an increase in domestic spends, internet penetration and the availability of an array of weekend getaways and travel choices. Most of the Mumbaikars prefer to get out of town whenever the long weekend arrives.
Irrespective of students, servicemen, working professionals, we all crave for a holiday and some break from routine. Students get holidays from school whereas professionals and servicemen get holidays from their offices. These breaks help us to regain all the lost energy! When we forget what life is, weekends give us the scope to enjoy the life to the fullest. It gives us the opportunity to look at our lives in new ways. We all need some time to spend with ourselves only. One who has a family, spending good times with family is a must-to-do! Some utilise this time by doing some constructive work while some prefer for complete relax! And, if we suddenly get a surprise in form of extended weekends, like Coronavirus break, Well, that’s like ‘Dene wala jab bhi deta, pura chappar phad ke deta’.
Mumbai maids too travel to their nearby villages, it’s difficult to find a domestic help when you are at home and have many things to address. There is no mali, no maid, no driver, no assistance all are equally scared to get back on their job and if you are given a forced holiday, why wouldn’t they hesitate to take the advantage of the situation. In such challenges, the choice remains in going for a holiday. Mumbai might have been stalled, but Mumbaikar is living life to the core.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing the Nation on March 19, announced about Janta Curfew that will take place today (22 March) in the backdrop of Coronavirus pandemic. The Janta Curfew is a self imposed and self regulated activity that will start from 7 in the morning till 9 in the evening. And between this time, no one should step out of their homes except those people in essential services.
When AV contacted Mr Venu Gopal a bungalow owner in Karjat Ladiwali he said, “My villa is built for the purpose of renting it out for picnic, party or shoots. Since malls, cinema and other public entertainments are closed due to Coronavirus, people are rushing to holiday homes with their family and friends. If you get into details, all the nearby areas of Mumbai are hundred per cent booked.”
When we asked how do you ensure hygiene and protection, he said “Our houses are highly hygienic and people coming here are alert citizens. Still, we have kept all the options ready by providing masks, sanitisers and clean environment. It’s like staying in house.”
About 40 crore employees of traders will remain at home on the day. Besides this, Modi has also appealed to the business community to take care of the economic needs of their employees by not deducting their salary, if they are not able to come to work.
Vikas Kumar Gunjan an IT professional said, “The lockdown is announced for people’s safety but they are roaming on Juhu beach and other tourist places. Local trains are overcrowded than ever. Ironically people are taking advantage of this opportunity to spend their time in picnic and tour. National park to Chowpatty every where there is rush.”
The Coronavirus has grabbed the headlines all over the world and affecting nearly thousands of people around the globe. Due to the outbreak of Coronavirus, the Maharashtra government has ordered to shut down all malls, gyms, schools, restaurants etc. Even the state government has advised private companies to implement ‘Work from Home’ policy for their staff to encourage ‘social distancing’ to curb spreading of Coronavirus infections.
Vipin Gaur a senior journalist said, “Mumbai is closed for a reason, but here no one wants to understand its seriousness. Government should keep public places shut such as beaches and parks. There should be restrictions on public transport usage.”
The government has urged people to step out of house in the coming few weeks only if extremely necessary and work from home as much as possible. On one hand, after the government order, the streets of Mumbai and other adjourning parts of the City seems fully empty with the scare of the dreaded Coronavirus. On the other hand, some people give a damn to it.
On the conditions of anonymity, a picnic guide and arranger told AV, “People cannot stay home if you force them to. In Mumbai, they have small flats and limited options open to them. How long can one watch TV or entertain themselves? Almost all private bungalows in Palghar, Karjat, Badlapur, Wada, Mahabaleshwar and the other side of Virar are booked. People silently moved with their family and friends and are having a good long weekend.”
According to our sources, all farm houses and private bungalows situated on the outskirts of Mumbai such as Palghar, Karjat, Badlapur are packed to capacity. People are travelling along with families to these destinations to spend their forced vacation. They have organised small get-togethers, party and prayers with close- in family and friend circle. In the last few years, long weekends have become everyone’s favourite time to travel. Since there is lack of open space in Mumbai, people are going to these weekend getaway destinations.
Prime Minister