COVID-19 cases rise to 42 in India

India's federal health ministry Monday said the total number of COVID-19 cases in the country has risen to 42.

According to the ministry officials, the latest cases were found in Indian-controlled Kashmir and Kerala with a recent travel history to Iran and Italy respectively.

"Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 42," ministry of health officials said. "Of these cases, 26 are Indians and 16 foreign nationals."

While the case found in Indian-controlled Kashmir is a woman aged 65-year-old, the latest case in Kerala is a three-year-old child.

Officials in Indian-controlled Kashmir said 400 people were put under surveillance following the detection of the case.

"All contacts of the case being tested and quarantined," Rohit Kansal, a government spokesman said, adding that 400 people were put under surveillance there.

Local governments in various states have ordered the closure of primary schools until March 31 as a precautionary measure in the wake of the spike in COVID-19 cases.

Health officials said they have started screening of all the passengers at airports.

The federal health ministry has launched a helpline number to provide support to people regarding queries on COVID-19. The ministry is also circulating the precautionary measures recommended by the World Health Organization for prevention of the virus in India.