24 Mar, 23:03 (IST)

I thank all the doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, pathologists and police personnel who are risking their lives and fighting against an epidemic like Coronavirus day and night. I also appeal to the people to cooperate with them in these tough times and pray for their health: Home Minister Amit Shah (Catch live updates for March 25 on coronavirus outbreak here)

24 Mar, 22:57 (IST)

Italy records 743 virus deaths, surging to break the two-day trend, official says: AFP news agency

24 Mar, 22:32 (IST)

In view of the 21-day nationwide complete lockdown, Supreme Court says it will not take up the matter listed before it for tomorrow through video conferencing. The matters are adjourned.

24 Mar, 22:02 (IST)

A total of 30 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Delhi so far (including 29 Indians and 1 foreign national; 6 people discharged). One person died today, taking the total death toll in the union territory to two.

24 Mar, 21:16 (IST)

Ministry of Home Affairs guidelines for the 21-day lockdown, list of essential services that will remain open.

24 Mar, 21:08 (IST)

Ministry of Home Affairs will shortly issue guidelines of effective measures and exceptions to the essential services during this 21-day lockdown. There will shortly be an MHA 24/7 hotline to assist states during this period.

24 Mar, 20:30 (IST)

We are taking all steps to ensure continuous supply of essential commodities: PM Narendra Modi

24 Mar, 20:28 (IST)

Centre on Tuesday allocated Rs 15,000 crore to combat coronavirus crisis and to strengthen the health care facilities.

24 Mar, 20:26 (IST)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that the supply of essential things will not be stopped due to the lockdown.

24 Mar, 20:23 (IST)

PM Narendra Modi urged people to appreciate media personnel, police personnel and workers who are sanitising COVID affected sites.

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New Delhi, March 24: With the total toll of coronavirus infected people in India reached 471 till Monday, and confirmed reports of nine people being killed, the Union government has stepped up to combat the infectious COVID-19 virus and imposed a country-wide lockdown. A total of 30 states and union territories were put under lockdown till at least March 31.

On Monday India recorded 75 new cases of coronavirus. Following this, as a precautionary measure lockdown was imposed in 548 disctricts of the country, while few states -- like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Odisha -- complete lockdown is yet to be imposed. The three states have exempted certain areas from the restrictions. Among the union territories, Lakshadweep Islands has put certain restrictions. Coronavirus Infects 471 in India, Claims 9 Lives So Far; 30 States/UTs Put Under Lockdown to Contain COVID-19 Spread.

Considering the case of Northeast, where no coronavirus case has been confirmed, they are yet to decide on imposing a lockdown. However, all states falling in the region have decided to restrict public movement, while sealing their borders to bar the entry of outsiders.

Meanwhile, curfew was imposed in top urban cities of India, including national capital Delhi and Maharashtra capital Mumbai -- considered as financial and commercial hub of India. Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed to prevent the gathering of four or more individuals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi issues a renewed appeal to the people on Monday, asking them to remain indoors to contain the transmission of virus. The residents must step out of their houses only if necessitated. Amid the efforts of India to contain the virus spread, the nation received a special mention in the press briefing of World Health Organisation (WHO). The global health body said the future of coronavirus pandemic depends on how India handles the crisis.