The number of novel coronavirus cases in India spiked to 694 so far, with the fast-spreading virus in various parts of the country, according to Health Ministry data. according to the Health Ministry.

The death toll from the pandemic in India rose by six to reach a total of 16. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of COVID-19 cases followed by Kerala.

Meanwhile, the government on Thursday announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore stimulus that included free foodgrain and cooking gas to poor for three months, and cash doles to women and poor senior citizens as it looked to ease the economic impact of the nationwide lockdown.