coronavirus cases increase to 343 in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow Apr 8 () Eleven people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases in the state to 343 on Wednesday, officials said.Three COVID-19 patients have died in the state, one each in Meerut, Basti and Varanasi districts.

Out of the total 343 cases, 187 COVID-19 patients are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat congregation, Principal Secretary in the health department Amit Mohan Prasad said.

The congregation was held in Delhi's Nizamuddin area in early March and several people, who attended it and then travelled to different parts of the country, tested positive of the coronavirus.

So far, 26 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals, he said, adding that a woman in Shamli district will be discharged tonight.

The tally of affected persons on Tuesday was 332.

The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday said all COVID-19 hotspots in 15 districts of the state will be sealed till April 15 to check the spread of the deadly coronavirus."All coronavirus hotspots in 15 districts will be completely sealed till April 15 morning. Only home delivery will be allowed. These are places where a number of COVID-19 cases have been found," Director, Information Shishir told