India COVID-19 death toll rises to 1,223 as total cases reach 37,776

India's federal health ministry said Saturday evening that five new deaths due to the COVID-19, besides fresh 440 positive cases, were reported since the morning across the country, taking the number of deaths to 1,223 and total cases to 37,776.

"As of 5:00 p.m. (local time), today 1,223 deaths related to novel coronavirus have been recorded in the country," read the information released by the ministry.

On Saturday morning the number of COVID-19 cases in the country was 37,336 and the death toll was 1,218.

According to ministry officials, so far 10,018 people have been discharged from hospital after showing improvement.

"The number of active cases in the country right now is 26,535," read the information.

Saturday marks the 39th straight day of ongoing lockdown across the country announced by the government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

The lockdown which was announced on March 25 has been extended Friday evening again for the third time for two more weeks until May 17.

Meanwhile, the ongoing ban on domestic and international flight operations has been extended until May 17, in accordance with the continuation of the countrywide lockdown.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular on Saturday mentioning the foreign and domestic airlines will be informed about the opening of their operations in due course.

"The restriction shall not apply to international all-cargo operations and flights specifically approved by DGCA," read the circular from the aviation body.

(XINHUA)