Coronavirus: Death Toll in India Surges to 13, Total Cases 649; International Death Toll Crosses 21,000

New Delhi, March 26, 2020:

Despite the ongoing 21-days lockdown across the country, the coronavirus or COVID-19 cases continue to soar across the country and across the world, with over 5 lakh cases now being recorded across the world.

In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has confirmed that the number of cases has risen to 649 (602 of those are from India and the rest are foreign nationals visiting the country). 42 of those afflicted have been cured or discharged. The death too continues to rise, with 13 people killed so far. The latest death in India has been reported from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, in another setback to the working class population of the country, Apple's manufacturing partners Foxconn and Wistron have temporarily closed their production facilities in the country keeping the safety of the workers and comply with the government's decision at their manufacturing plants.

In a sensational incident, a mohalla clinic doctor in New Delhi and 4 others have been tested positive after they came in contact with an infected woman who returned from Saudi Arabia. The doctor's wife and daughter have also tested positive. Meanwhile, 800 people who came in contact with the doctor, have been quarantined.

Meanwhile, the international cases are on the verge of crossing the 5 lakh threshold (with 471,687 cases recorded so far). At the same time, the international death toll has risen to 21,297 cases, and 14,792 coronavirus patients are said to be in "serious" condition. In Italy, 7,503 people have been killed so far. China has recorded the most number of cases at 81,285.

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At the same time, in a shocking twist, it has come to light the British royal Prince Charles, 71, the first in line to the throne, has also contracted the deadly coronavirus presumably during his many meetings with diplomats. Clarence House, the residence of the royal family, has clarified that both Charles and his wife Camilla are in self-isolation in Balmoral.

The royals have also issued an official statement which states that it is not possible to ascertain from whom the prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.

A spokesperson has said that Prince Charles is displaying mild symptoms, but is otherwise healthy.

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Meanwhile, the virus continues to wreak havoc in the UK. Steven Dick, Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Budapest passed away in Hungary on Tuesday after he had tested positive. Dick's death is all the more shocking as the disease is usually known to kill people in their 50s and above.

In a statement, his parents Steven and Carol Dick described him as ‘a much-loved son, grandson and nephew’ who was ‘kind, funny and generous’. They further added: ‘It was always his dream to work for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and he was very happy representing our country overseas.  We are devastated by his loss and ask for privacy at this tragic time.’

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