THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the tension regarding the spread of novel coronavirus is increasing in the country, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja announced that 637 people are kept under observation in the state for suspected presence of the virus. While the health conditions of 574 are being monitored from their respective homes, 63 people are kept under observation in various hospitals across the state, the minister said.

According to the minister, a total of 682 samples have been sent to the NIV for tests of which 616 have tested negative. The minister further added that there is no concern regarding the health condition of those who are admitted to the hospitals.

Meanwhile, three more positive cases of novel coronavirus were reported today as the total number of confirmed cases reach 34. Of the three, two are from Ladakh with travel history to Iran while one is from Tamil Nadu who had visited Oman, the Union Health Ministry said, adding all the patients are stable.