COVID-19: Madhya Pradesh's tally soars to 562 as state grapples without a Health Minister

Witnessing a rapid rise in Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Madhya Pradesh, state health department informed on Sunday that state has witnessed 562 cases till date, with a death toll of 41. main areas which have seen highest number of cases are Indore(281) and Bhopal (131). While CM Shivraj Chouhan, who came into power on March 23, has t extended lockdown, he has said that state would be willing to do so, under guidance of Centre.

COVID-19: India sees 909 new cases & 34 deaths in 24 hrs; Centre says '20% cases critical'

MP sees rise in cases to 562

Kamal Nath slams COVID-19 situation in MP, claims Centre to blame for 'toppling his govt'

Kamal Nath slams Chouhan on COVID-19

Earlier in day, former CM Kamal Nath slammed Chouhan for mishandling vel coronavirus crisis. Highlighting that MP was only state which did t have eir a Health Minister or a Home Minister, he alleged that Centre delayed taking steps to tackle COVID-19 as it was busy in toppling his government in state. Arguing that situation in state was very grave, he contended that COVID-19 testing was taking place only in some urban areas while rural areas were being igred. 

Madhya Pradesh seals 15 districts with 46 hotspots as 411 COVID-19 cases rise; 33 dead

15 districts sealed, ESMA evoked

On April 9, Chouhan ordered sealing 15 districts in state where 46 hotspots have been identified. list of sealed districts includes Jabalpur, Gwalior, Khargone etc - in addition to three major cities Bhopal, Ujjain, and Indore - which have already been sealed. On Wednesday, state government also invoked Essential Services Manment Act (ESMA) in state with immediate effect to combat COVID-19 to ensure essential supplies and services are operational during this crisis.

Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Five states extend lockdown till April 30; total cases at 8447

32 state officials test positive

In an alarming development, on Monday, 32 health officials tested positive in office building of  Madhya Pradesh Directorate of Health Services in Bhopal. While source of COVID-19 outbreak is unkwn, reports state that Principal Secretary of State Public Health and Family Welfare Department, Deputy Directors, Additional Directors, and or officers have tested positive. In total, 44 people had tested positive in Bhopal of which 29 are state health officials of Shivraj Chouhan government. state Human rights commission has written to state secretary for lapse in protocol.