Mar 13, 2020, 20.27PM Coronavirus LIVE Updates: Total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in India rise to 81, including 16 Italians

Two persons from Mumbai, Thane respectively test positive for coronavirus. India records first death due to coronavirus. The 76-year-old man from Kalaburagi in Karnataka, who passed away on Wednesday, and was suspected of having coronavirus has been confirmed of being infected. The necessary contact tracing, isolation and other measures as per protocol are being carried out. With rising number of Covid-19 positive cases across the world with every passing day, Coronavirus has sparked fear among people, forcing several countries to put restrictions on travel and even cancel scheduled events. On Wednesday, the World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus outbreak as a pandemic but also said that it is one that can be controlled if countries act. In Maharashtra, so far 14 people have tested positive including nine in Pune, three in Mumbai, one in Thane and one in Nagpur. At present, 18 travellers are still in hospital in Pune, while 15 are in isolation in Mumbai. Those who have tested positive in Mumbai and Pune have a travel history to Dubai. No permission will be granted for public gatherings in the state, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Thursday evening. The NBA season has been cancelled, US has suspended travel from Europe for a month, Universities have moved their classes online and even in Mumbai, schools are keeping a close watch on children, sending those who are unwell back home. Several public events, including those related to sports, have been cancelled, and several schools and universities have either shut down or considering closing. Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson too have tested positive in Australia. The deadly virus that first originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December last year has claimed over 4,200 lives and infected more than 117,330 people across 107 countries and territories.

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