NEW DELHI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from COVID-19 in India rose to 19 on Saturday morning, the Indian health ministry said.
"Death toll related to novel coronavirus has reached 19," said a statement released by the ministry at 9:30 a.m. local time.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 873.
"Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 873," the ministry said. "Of these, 826 cases are Indian nationals and 47 foreign nationals."
According to ministry officials, 79 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.
"The number of active cases in the country right now is 775," reads the information released by the ministry.
So far, Maharashtra state has reported the highest number of cases in India, followed by Kerala.
"The confirmed positive cases in Maharashtra is 180 (177 locals and three foreigners), while as in Kerala the number is 173 (165 locals and eight foreigners)," the ministry said.
Maharashtra state has recorded five deaths related to COVID-19, the highest so far, the ministry said. Gujarat has recorded three deaths.
On Friday the number of COVID-19 cases in India was 724 and the death toll was 17.
The Indian government began a 21-day lockdown across the country Wednesday in a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Authorities have imposed strict curfew-like restrictions to prevent the movement of people.
All road, rail and air services have been suspended in wake of the lockdown, except essential services that have been exempted.
