NEW DELHI, April 3 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry on Friday morning said the death toll due to the COVID-19 in India rose to 56 and the total number of confirmed cases in the country reached 2,301.

"As on 9:00 a.m. (local time) today 56 deaths related to novel coronavirus have been recorded in the country," read the information released by the ministry.

This is a jump of three deaths and an increase of 232 cases since Thursday evening.

On Thursday evening the number of COVID-19 cases was 2,069 and the death toll was 53.

According to ministry officials, so far 157 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement.

"The number of active cases in the country right now is 2,088," read the information.

Friday marks the tenth straight day of ongoing 21-day lockdown across the country announced by the government to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Authorities have imposed strict curfew-like restrictions to prevent the movement of people across the country. All road, rail and air services have been suspended in wake of the lockdown, except essential services which are exempted.

The federal government has asked states to strictly enforce the ongoing lockdown to contain the spread of the COVID-19 and break the chain of its transmission in the country.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to show a joint resolve in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by switching off their lights at homes on Sunday at 9:00 p.m. (local time) and light up candles, torch or mobile flashlights for nine minutes.