Coronavirus: High alert in Kerala Border

Surveillance increased in Mangaluru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru Following the detection of three confirmed cases of novel coronavirus (2019-nCOV) in Kerala, the Mangaluru, Kodagu, Chamarajanagar and Mysuru border districts were highly alerted.

The State Department of Health and Family Welfare has stepped up monitoring in the districts and has urged people to report to the State Surveillance Unit immediately if they show any symptoms of the virus.

Meanwhile, on Monday, a third positive coronavirus case was confirmed in Kerala, in Kanjangad of Kasaragod district. Of the 44 samples sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, 29 had tested negative and the results of 15 are awaited.

According to Dr. Prakash, the State has improved surveillance and control measures: "To date, 51 travellers from coronavirus-affected countries have been detected and 46 have been isolated from their homes, four have left the country and one has been admitted to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) isolation ward in Hubbali.

Meanwhile, the number of people coming out of fear to visit the Rajiv Gandhi Chest Disease Institute (RGICD) is growing. "Although we got lots of inquiries, on Monday we collected just three samples. For 28 days, all those whose samples were collected were advised to separate themselves at home," RGICD director C said. Nagaraja.

People can call 104 Arogya Sahayavani (call centre), where two seats have been reserved for receiving calls and guiding people. Till Monday, 312 calls had been handled, Dr. Prakash said.

Advising precautions, the doctor said people should follow cough etiquette by covering the nose and mouth using handkerchief/towel while sneezing/coughing, apart from frequently washing hands with soap and water.

Those who came from countries affected by coronavirus should remain in strict home isolation for 28 days from the date of arrival in India, regardless of whether they are symptomatic or asymptomatic, he added.