Coronavirus LIVE Update: India's Cases Rise To 59,92,532; 94,503 Dead

DK Shivakumar Tests Positive

Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been hospitalized for precautionary measures. Shivakumar has tested positive after CM Yediyurappa, Opposition leader Siddaramaiah and Health Minister Sriramulu also tested positive for the virus. 

Government May Ask People Flying Out Of The Country To Get Tested For COVID-19

Following Hong Kong's decisions to not allow Indian flights for two weeks as passengers tested positive, the Ministry of Civil Aviation plans to ask people flying out of the country to get tested for COVID-19. 

The Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said: “I saw in one place that a number of people were found positive and that country or that city wanting to suspend flights. Look, we ourselves are of that opinion. When I heard this, I told Civil Aviation Secretary that we are insisting for the RT-PCR test certificate from people coming in, I would encourage that even for people going out of India … we will insist that they have a test done prior to embarkation. And we will do that”

Usain Bolt Tests Positive

Olympic sprinter and the world's fastest runner Usain Bolt tested positive for COVID-19 following his birthday party. He posted a video stating that he had quarantined himself after getting tested on Saturday, a day after celebrating his 34th birthday. Cricketer Chris Gayle as well as English footballer Raheem Sterling were said to have attended his party. 

Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Tests Positive

Nagpur Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe tweeted that he tested positive for COVID-19 on August 25. The former Navi Mumbai Municipal Commissioner is currently working from home. 

India's Total Case Count Rises To 31,67,323

India reported 60,975 new COVID-19 cases taking the total case count to 31,67,323. The active caseload stands at 7,04,348 while 24,04,585 patients have been cured or discharged so far. The death toll has risen to 58,390 after 848 patients succumbed to the disease.

Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has tested positive for COVID-19 becoming the latest high profile politician to contract the disease. In a tweet, Khattar has asked everyone who has been in physical contact with him over the last week to get themselves tested and to self-quarantine.

New Zealand Extends COVID-19 Restrictions In Auckland

New Zealand has extended COVID-19 restrictions in it's largest city of Auckland till August 30 after an a rise in COVID-19 cases, reports Reuters. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said people using public transport will be required to wear masks or any face covering while businesses and schools will stay shut.

US FDA Approves Emergency Use Authorization For Convalescent Plasma

Two days after holding its verdict on authorizing convalescent plasma as emergency use for COVID-19, the US Food and Drugs Administration approved the therapy for emergency use on Sunday. 

 The FDA believes that this therapy may be effective in treating COVID-19 and that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product.

The Commissioner, Dr.Steven Hahn in his address stated that studies witnessed a 35% improvement in survival with this therapy which is a substantial clinical benefit. 

India Reports Over 60000 Cases

India's total confirmed COVID-19 cases are now at 31,06,348 after the country reported 61,408 new cases in the last 24 hours. 

With 836 new deaths, the death toll stands at 57,542. Over 23,38,035 have recovered as 7,10,771 cases are still active. 

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Tests Positive For COVID-19

Madhya Pradesh Health Minister, Dr Prabhuram Choudhary tweeted that he has tested positive for COVID-19. He becomes the seventh minister to have tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.

After Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, even the Public Works Department Minister Gopal Bhargav, Medical Education Minister Vishvas Sarang, state Cooperatives Minister Arvind Bhadoriya, Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat, Higher Education Minister Mohan Yadav and Minister of State (Independent charge) for Backward Class and Minority Welfare Ramkhelawan Patel tested positive.