India coronavirus death toll reaches 16; total cases spike to 694

As the virus kept extending its footprint, the Central and state governments unleashed measures on a war-footing

The death toll due to Covid-19 rose to 16 in the country and 80 fresh cases were reported, taking the tally to 694, the Union health ministry said on Thursday, but asserted that the rate of increase in the positive cases was "relatively stable" in India.

The Union health ministry officials also said India was at the second stage as there is still no "hard evidence" to say that there has been community transmission of the fast-spreading coronavirus, remarks which may provide anxious citizens with much needed assurance and hope.

As the virus kept extending its footprint, the Central and state governments