Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 14:08 IST, April 18th 2020

Amid COVID-19 lockdown, PM Modi assures 'all possible assistance' to those in need

PM Modi assured every possible assistance to people across the country in the need of medical supplies & other essential commodities amid COVID-19 lockdown.

Reported by: Brigitte Fernandes
Follow: Google News Icon
  • share
null | Image: self
Advertisement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday assured every possible assistance to people across the country amid nationwide COVID-19 lockdown to stem the spread of Coronavirus. His assurance came in response to a tweet by Minister of Civil Aviation of India Hardeep Singh Puri, detailing the number of flights carrying essential supplies under its initiative 'Mission Lifeline Udan'  since the start of the lockdown.

READ | COVID-19 cases in India soar past 14,000-mark, Maharashtra continues to be worst-hit

Advertisement

READ | Brazil: President Bolsonaro calls for borders to reopen amid coronavirus crisis

In his tweet, Minister of Civil Aviation of India Hardeep Singh Puri said that the aviation sector on Thursday flew 17 flights carrying more than 35 tons of medical supplies and other essentials to the people in need. Adding further, he said that the ministry has flown a total of 262 cargo flights across the country at an altitude of 2,64,181 km carrying 454 tons of medical and other essential since the time the lockdown was imposed under the 'Mission Lifeline Udan' initiative.

Advertisement

 READ | Coronavirus cases in US cross 7 lakh mark, death toll surges to 36,773

COVID- 19 cases in India

India reported 1,443 new cases of coronavirus on Friday, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. According to the latest update, the number of total cases in the country has climbed to 14,378, while the death toll stands at 480. On Friday evening, the Indian Council for Medical Research released data stating that 3.35 lakh tests had been conducted till 9 pm, of which 14,098 people had tested positive. The Council conducted 31,083 tests on Friday, and reported 1,443 positive cases of the virus. The Council has been testing at the rate of roughly 9% of the total tests every day.

Advertisement

 READ | UK announces coronavirus 'Vaccine Taskforce' 'to beat invisible killer'

14:08 IST, April 18th 2020