India has 543 deaths so far due to Covid-19 and has recorded 17,265 coronavirus cases. India has also eased lockdown in certain areas of the nation to restart economic activity. Nationwide containment zones still continue to be under the ambit of lockdown rule. Global death toll has surpassed 1,60,000 and 2.4 million continue to be affected. The United States, continues to be the nation most affected by coronavirus, recording more than 746,000 coronavirus cases and 40,000 deaths so far. US with 40,000 deaths and 700,000 cases has now become the epicentre of the coronavirus in the West.

India's doubling rate before the lockdown was 3.4 days, it has now improved to 7.5 days. As per data on April 19, in 18 states, the rate is better than the national average: Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry https://t.co/YC4sZJ4Lk8

— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2020

Doubling rate better than national average in 18 states: Health ministry

The following states have doubling rates less than 20 days –

■ Delhi – 8.5 days,

■ Karnataka – 9.2 days,

■ Telangana – 9.4 days,

■ Andhra Pradesh -10.6 days,

■ J&K (UT)- 11.5 days,

■ Punjab – 13.1 Days,

■ Chattisgarh – 13.3 days,

■ Tamil Nadu-14 days

■ Bihar -16.4 Days.

RTPCR kits needs to be stored under 20°C: ICMR

ICMR said that it has heard of reports that RTPCR kits are not working properly in West Bengal. ICMR says they are US FDA approved and have good standards.