India reports seventh COVID 19 death case as 69-year old passes away in Surat 

It is for the first time that three deaths were reported from the country on the same day.

" One #COVID19 positive patient, Male 69 yrs, died today in Surat hospital. He was having Co-morbid conditions," Guajrat's Ministry of Health tweeted.

The Ministry said five more COVID 19 cases reported in Gujarat on Sunday.

The total number of cases in the state is 18.

The Indian government on Sunday advised 75 districts affected by the novel coronavirus will be put under lockdown, except the operation of essential services.

A high-level meeting was held today morning with Chief Secretaries of all the States by the Cabinet Secretary and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, officials said.

"In view of the need to contain the spread of COVID 19, it was agreed that there is urgent need to extend the restrictions on the movement of non-essential passenger transport including inter-state transport buses till 31st March 2020," read the statement.

"Following detailed discussions, the State Governments were advised to issue appropriate orders to allow only essential services to operate in the 75 districts which have reported confirmed cases or casualties relating to COVID 19.  The State Governments may expand the list depending on their assessment of the situation.  It was noted that several State Governments have already issued orders in this regard," it said.