Coronavirus latest updates: Total number of confirmed cases in India mounts to 137

NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reported its third coronavirus fatality with a 63-year-old dying in Mumbai, health ministry officials said as the number of positive cases rose to 137 and more parts of the country shut down to stem the spread of the infection.

The confirmed cases include 22 foreign nationals and two persons who died in Delhi and Karnataka. According to the ministry’s data, 13 people have been discharged so far, including the three Kerala patients.

Here is a look at the latest developments from India and around the world —

West Bengal reports first positive case of coronavirus

An 18-year-old man, who recently returned from England, tested positive for novel coronavirus on Tuesday, making it the first confirmed case in West Bengal, a senior official of the state government said.

He started showing symptoms of COVID-19 since morning, following which he was admitted to the isolation ward of the Beliaghata ID hospital, they said.

The man, who had gone to the UK for higher studies, had returned on Sunday.

“His swabs were collected and sent for examination. The reports revealed he contracted novel coronavirus,” the official said.

MPs should do their work when health concern stares at masses: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked BJP MPs on Tuesday to spread awareness about the coronavirus and made it clear that the ongoing Parliament’s Budget Session will not be curtailed as lawmakers should be seen to be doing their work at a time when a health concern stares at the masses.

In his address at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi heaped praise on doctors and other medical staff besides airline crews and others involved in tackling the coronavirus crisis, saying they have worked positively and tirelessly.

He asked BJP MPs to spread awareness among the people in small groups and suggested that they should refrain from launching any mass agitation till April 15.

Govt deputes 30 joint secretary and above rank officers to assist state govts

The Centre on Tuesday deputed 30 officers in the rank of joint secretary and above to states so that they can effectively deal with the outbreak of coronavirus.

The move comes after 137 people so far tested positive and three persons died of the outbreak.

“Government of India deputes 30 officers of Joint Secretary and above level, to assist State Governments in effective management of #COVID19india,” an official spokesperson said.

Govt launches 24×7 helpline for visa, travel queries

The government has launched a helpline and an email id to answer queries regarding visa and travel restrictions as well as to facilitate foreigners in India in availing consular services amid coronavirus breakout.

The services have been issued by the Bureau of Immigration, under the Union home ministry, and will be available round the clock.

The phone number is 011-24300666 and the email id is support.covid19-boi@gov.in, a home ministry spokesperson tweeted.

Cannot confirm whether over 250 Indians in Iran have tested positive: MEA officials

Ministry of external affairs officials on Tuesday said they cannot confirm whether more than 250 Indians in Iran have tested positive for novel coronavirus.

“The Indians who are in Iran are being very well looked after by our mission. The ambassador is giving a lot of attention to them. Every care is being taken by the Mission, in coordination and cooperation by the government of Iran,” MEA additional secretary Dammu Ravi told reporters.

“Cannot confirm that over 250 Indians in Iran hav