Coronavirus update: New cases from Kerala, Karnataka take total count in India above 50
With Karnataka and Kerala today reporting fresh positive cases of coronavirus, the total number of cases increased today to 53, from 44 on Monday. Kerala today confirmed six more cases of coronavirus, taking the total number of infected in the state to 12. The state has suspended classes and exams till seventh standard till March 31. But exams of Class 8, 9 and 10 will be conducted as per schedule.
Karnataka today confirmed three more cases of coronavirus, taking the total to four. Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu said: "Their family members have been isolated separately and we are monitoring them. I urge citizens to take precautionary measures and cooperate in preventing the spread of infection."
Kerala state health minister KK Shailaja said the fresh six cases include the aged parents of the three who arrived from Italy and residing at Pathanamthitta, who turned positive early this week.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said: "There need be no reason for worries as all what's needed is to be cautious and everyone should behave in a responsible manner. At the moment 1116 people are under observation. Just as we managed this when three cases were reported before, we will be able to manage this time also."
Meanwhile, 58 Indians were brought back home today from coronavirus-hit Iran in a military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Indian citizens who have returned from Iran have been quarantined at a medical facility in Hindon, near Delhi.
To check the spread of corornavirus in the country, the central government has asked states to scale up logistics, quarantine facilities, capacity building, information management and risk communication.
To meet the increasing demand and convenient screening of passengers, manpower deployed at airports have been substantially increased.
A total of 9,41,717 international passengers from 8,827 flights have been screened at airports till now with 54 passengers being referred to IDSP/ hospitals as of Monday, the government said.