NEW DELHI, March 28 (Xinhua) -- The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 918 on Saturday evening, India's federal health ministry said.
"The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 918," said the information released by the ministry at 5:45 p.m. local time.
According to ministry officials, so far 19 deaths related to the COVID-19 have been reported across the country and 80 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.
"The number of active cases in the country right now is 819," the ministry said.
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 176 (168 locals and eight foreigners)," the ministry said.
Maharashtra state has recorded five deaths (highest so far) related to the COVID-19, the ministry said. Gujarat has recorded three deaths, the data revealed.
On Saturday morning the number of COVID-19 cases in India was 873.
India began on Wednesday the 21-day lockdown across the country in a bid to contain the spread of the virus. 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.
