The total number of COVID -19 cases in the country rose to 5,274 today registering an increase of 485 cases in the last 24 hours.  So far, 411 people have recovered and discharged from hospitals while 149 have lost their lives in the country due to COVID-19.   Briefing reporters in New Delhi today, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry, Lav Aggarwal said, as the number of COVID-19 cases are rising in the country, the government's response and preparedness are intensifying accordingly. He said, dedicated healthcare centres and hospitals are being set up for critical cases. Mr. Aggrawal said, the Centre has told states to continue its focus on building hospitals and on surveillance and contact tracing.   Stating COVID-19 is an infectious disease, he sought the support of the public in following the social distancing measures and lockdown. Mr. Aggarwal also said, the country has sufficient stock of hydroxychloroquine.<br />''<br />''Joint Secretary in  the Home Ministry, Punya Salila Srivastava said, the cash benefits of one thousand to six thousand rupees have been announced by the Centre for registered construction workers. Under  this,  three thousand crore rupees  have been given to two  crore registered construction workers till now. She  said,  state governments have increased the enforcement of lockdown in hotspots through more intense police monitoring and spreading awareness with the help of community leaders.<br />''<br />''Head Scientist in Indian Council of Medical Research, Dr Raman  Gangakhedkar said, over one lakh 21 thousand  tests for COVID-19 have been done so far.