PM Modi speaks with Egypt President Abdel Fattah, assures India's support to contain COVID

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Friday in wake of Coronavirus pandemic. In telephonic conversation, two leaders discussed evolving global situation while PM Modi also assured Egyptian President that India would provide all possible support to ensure availability of pharmaceutical supplies.

READ | COVID-19 Doubling Rate Improves To 6.2 Days; Growth Rate Declines By 40%: Health Ministry

Coronavirus crisis in India

Health Ministry, in its daily briefing on Friday, informed that re have been 1007 new COVID-19 cases and 23 deaths in last 24 hours, taking tally of confirmed cases and deaths to 13,387 and 437 respectively.

While, 1749 patients have recovered, 260 in one day. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi anunced an extension of lockdown on April 14 till May 3 and he also assured that all districts and states will be monitored closely till April 20 and restrictions will be lifted if deemed possible.

Prime Minister also met with Finance Minister on Thursday and reportedly discussed ar stimulus pack after previous pack of Rs 1.75 lakh crores. 

READ | Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Virus' Growth Rate Declines To 1.2 In April; Cases At 13835

In a piece of good news, Ministry of Health said on Friday also informed that aver growth rate of COVID-19 cases has declined by 40% from mid-March to w while doubling rate of disease has gone up to 6.2 days according to data of last seven days.

Ministry furr informed that doubling rate is lower than national level in 19 States and Union Territories. recovery rate of COVID-19 patients has also improved to 13.06%.

" aver growth factor of cases has been 1.2 from April 1, while during March 15-31, aver growth factor was 2.1. This decline of 40% has occurred due to an increase in testing, including testing of SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) and ILI (influenza like illness) cases," Joint Secretary of Health Lav Agarwal said.

He also said India has been doing better than ors on outcome ratio — ratio of number of COVID-19 recoveries vs. number of deaths. "We are making efforts to furr improve this ratio," official said.

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READ | Uttar Pradesh Declares 3 Districts In State As COVID-free, Continues To Take Precautions