Maharashtra has reported the most coronavirus deaths at 45, followed by Gujarat at 11. (Photo:PTI)

The novel coronavirus outbreak in India has reached the community transmission stage or Stage 3 in some parts of the country, Dr Randeep Guleria, director of AIIMS, New Delhi has said.

Speaking to Aaj Tak, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said though community transmission has been seen in some pockets, India is still between Stage 2 (local transmission) and Stage 3. Follow LIVE UPDATES on coronavirus outbreak

Expressing concern over the worrying situation in India arising due to coronavirus, Dr Randeep Guleria said, "Cases have sharply increased at some places and localised community spread has also been noticed in some areas, such as Mumbai. We are in between Stage 2 and 3."

The AIIMS director, however, clarified that the most of India is currently at Stage 2 of coronavirus pandemic.

Dr Randeep Guleria said some hotspots in the country were seeing localised community spread but added that if this is stopped at initial stage, there is nothing to worry about. "Localised community spread has started in a few pockets, and so it is necessary for us to be more vigilant," the AIIMS director said.

He added that the spike in Covid-19 cases could be attributed to the Tablighi Jamaat event in Delhi last month. AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said it was important to trace all those who had either attended the event or come in contact with someone who participated so that they are quarantined.

The AIIMS chief asked people to support doctors in these times as he said they are also living in fear since they are at a higher risk of catching infection.

Asked if the 21-day lockdown would be extended, Dr Guleria said the situation will become clear only after April 10 when they have crucial data available to them.

"We expect more to be available after April 10. Only then we will be able to say whether the lockdown should be extended or not. It will take some time for the situation to normalize," the AIIMS director said.

As of Monday, the death toll due to novel coronavirus in India has crossed the 100-mark while the number of cases in the country has climbed to 4,067.

IndiaToday.in has plenty of useful resources that can help you better understand the coronavirus pandemic and protect yourself. Read our comprehensive guide (with information on how the virus spreads, precautions and symptoms), watch an expert debunk myths, check out our data analysis of cases in India, and access our dedicated coronavirus page. Get the latest updates on our live blog.

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