Confirmed COVID-19 cases climb to 24,506 in India, death toll at 775

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NEW DELHI | April 25:

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country has climbed to 24,506 while the death toll rose to 775. Health Ministry data said, the number of active COVID-19 cases stood at 18,668. As many as 5062 have been cured  or discharged and one had migrated.

Maharashtra has the highest number of 6817 cases  followed by Gujarat 2815 and Delhi with 2514 cases. Highest number of 301 people have lost lives in Maharashtra. Gujarat has reported 127 deaths , Madhya Pradesh 92 and Delhi 53 deaths. 

Government allows reopening of all shops excluding malls in non hotspots areas

In a reprieve to public at large, government has permitted the shops providing non-essential goods and services to open from today onwards. The registered neighbourhood and stand-alone shops have been permitted to open amid the coronavirus lockdown. However, market complexes within the limits of municipal corporations and municipalities will not open. The exemption has also not been given to shops in market places, multi-brand, and single-brand malls located in municipality areas, coronavirus hotspots and containment areas.

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Home Ministry today clarified that all shops in rural areas, except those in shopping malls, are allowed to open. In urban areas, all standalone and neighbourhood shops and shops in residential complexes are allowed to open.

Shops in markets, market complexes and shopping malls are not allowed to open. Home Ministry in its clarification, further said, sale by E-commerce companies will continue to be permitted for essential goods only. Sale of liquor and other items continues to be prohibited as specified in the National Directives for COVID-19 management.

Meanwhile, no shops will be permitted to open in hotspots and containment zones. Amending its April 15 order, the Home Ministry said the shops will mandatorily have 50 per cent strength of workers wearing masks and following social distancing. The opening of neighbourhood shops is being seen as a relief to people who have been under lockdown since 24th of March to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. The Home Ministry order came on the eve of Muslim holy month Ramzan.

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Government declares banking industry as public utility service till October 21

Government has declared banking industry as a public utility service for six months till October 21 under the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act.

Bringing banking services under the provisions of this Act means that the banking sector would not see any strikes by employees or officers during the operation of the law starting from April 21. In a circular, Department of Financial Services said the labour and employment ministry through a notification has declared "banking industry as a public utility service" for six months.

The notification was issued by the labour ministry against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic which has significantly impacted economic activities.