To combat the challenge of the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, the Government of India has scaled up the efforts. The Group of Ministers on Thursday evening discussed the ways and means to contain and mitigate the spread of the novel coronavirus in New Delhi.

CabinetSecretary Rajiv Gauba, Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla also attended themeeting.

Meanwhile,Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the nation today at 8 PM, duringwhich he is likely to talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts tocombat it.

On theother hand, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has gone up to 166after 15 fresh cases were reported from various parts of the country. The casesalso include 25 foreign nationals. Out of the total positive cases, 14 peoplehave been discharged after being cured of coronavirus, one migrated and fourpatients have died. Also, over 13.93 lakh passengers have been screened atvarious airports in the country so far.