Lucknow, April 16 (IANS) The number of Covid-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh has risen to 776, and the number of deaths to 13. However, 69 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospitals.

Principal Home Secretary Amit Mohan Prasad said, here on Thursday, 48 districts of the state now had coronavirus cases. Pool testing of samples had started, he said and added, in the first batch, all 30 tests turned out negative.

Additional Chief Secretary (home) Avanish Awasthi, said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was monitoring the situation.

"The Chief Minister has ordered strict action against those who attack health workers and police teams. He said all such persons will be booked under the National Security Act (NSA)," he said.

The lockdown would continue to be firmly implemented, and sealed spots be reviewed from time to time, he said and added, anyone in distress could contact the helpline numbers.

--IANS

amita/pcj