COVID-19 cases in India rise to 151

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India rose to 151 as of Wednesday evening, India's federal health ministry said.

"Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 151," a statement issued by India's federal Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. "Of these, 126 cases are Indian nationals and 25 are foreign nationals."

Earlier in the morning, the number of cases was 147.

So far Maharashtra state has reported the highest number of cases, followed by Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.

"The confirmed positive cases in Maharashtra is 39, while as in Kerala the number is 25," the ministry said. "Fifteen in Uttar Pradesh and 11 in Karnataka."

Fourteen people have been discharged from the hospitals after showing improvement, the ministry said.

So far India has reported three deaths related to COVID-19.

Meanwhile, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr Balram Bhargava said India has not yet seen community transmission of COVID-19.

According to Bhargava, India continues to be in stage-II which is local transmission.

The local governments in Indian states have decided to close educational institutions including schools and colleges, as well as gyms, museums, swimming pools, theatres until March 31 to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Authorities have also cancelled major sporting events, and people have been urged to avoid mass gatherings and unnecessary foreign travels.