Coronavirus declared as state disaster in Kerala, 2239 people under observation

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday declared the novel coronavirus outbreak as a state disaster. The announcement was made hours after Health Minister KK Shailaja confirmed that a third person has been tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

According to the Health Minister, a total of 2239 people are under observation for suspected presence of the virus. She added that their health conditions will be closely observed for a period of 28 days. While 84 people are admitted to hospitals, 2155 people are under observation in their respective homes. Those who have recently returned from China have also been asked to contact the authorities and undergo medical tests.

Earlier on Monday, Minister Shailaja had informed that the third case of coronavirus has been reported in the state after another student, who returned from Wuhan University, was tested positive for the virus. The student is currently undergoing treatment in the isolation ward of the Kanhangad district hospital. She also said that the condition of the student is stable.