Covid-19 cases rise to 415, lockdown violators may face 6 months jail

The number of novel coronavirus cases climbed to 415 on Monday, a spike of 65 cases from the night before, even as several states across the nation went under lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19, the Health Ministry said. The figure includes 41 foreign nationals and seven deaths. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said 18,383 samples had been tested till Monday morning.

The Ministry of Health also confirmed that the death of a Philippines national in Mumbai was not due to coronavirus but kidney failure, although the patient did test positive later.

A day after authorities announced a complete lockdown of 75 districts in 22 States and Union Territories till March 31, the Centre asked state governments to take legal action against violators. Those flouting rules may face six months jail or Rs 1,000 fine under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.

Delhi, Jharkhand, Punjab and Nagaland declared a statewide lockdown, exempting only essential services, while similar curbs were announced in a number of districts in Bihar, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.

Several states including Maharashtra, Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand had earlier imposed a partial or complete lockdown.

Save yourself, save your family: PM Modi appeals to citizens

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to state governments to ensure that rules and regulations of the coronavirus lockdown are enforced while pointing out that many people were not taking the measure seriously.

"Many people are still not taking the lockdown seriously. Please save yourself, save your family, follow the instructions seriously. I request state governments to ensure rules and laws are followed," PM Modi tweeted.

(Inputs and image from theindianexpress.com)