COVID-19 cases rise to 519 in India

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in India has reached 519, India's federal health ministry said Tuesday evening. "Total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across India is 519," a statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. "Of these, 476 cases are Indian nationals and 43 foreign nationals."

According to ministry officials, so far nine deaths related to COVID-19 have been reported across the country and 40 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.

"The number of active cases in the country is 470," reads the information released by the ministry.

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

"The confirmed positive cases in Kerala is 95 (87 locals and eight foreigners), while as in Maharashtra the number is 89 (86 locals and three foreigners)," the ministry said.

The government has issued advisories asking people to avoid crowded places and unnecessary foreign travel.

Meanwhile, the government has announced complete lockdown in majority of states in view of COVID-19 outbreak.

The federal government has also ordered states to "strictly enforce lockdown" and directed them to initiate legal action against violators.

Reports said on Monday hundreds of people were booked for violating the lockdown.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people not to leave their houses in lockdown districts and states and follow instructions in the fight against COVID-19. Modi cautioned people against complacency.

Government, which earlier shut down international flights, passenger trains and interstate buses, from Tuesday midnight will be banning domestic flights. Airlines have been asked to plan operations so as to land at their destination before 11.59 p.m. (local time) on Tuesday, the government said.