THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Six more cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in Kerala, and the total number of infected people now stood at 12, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Tuesday. The affected include three who had come from Italy and eight who came in contact with them, Pinarayi told reporters after a special cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The state is in a state of public health emergency. A three-year-old child, who returned along with his parents from the European nation, had tested positive in Kochi on Monday.

The samples of his parents have also been sent for testing and the results are awaited, Pinarayi said.

Totally, 1,116 people are under surveillance in the state and 149 in various hospitals, he said.

India's first three positive cases, reported from Kerala earlier, have been treated and discharged from hospitals.

In the backdrop of more cases being reported, classes for grade one to 7 would not be held in all state, CBSE and ICSE schools. Special classes and vacation classes should be avoided.

But, exams for grade eight, nine, 10 and higher secondary would be held.

Students who are under observation would be permitted to write examinations in a special room.

The chief minister said all colleges would also be shut till this month end. There won’t be any change in the exams. Special arrangements will be made for students quarantined to write exams.

Festivals, mass prayers, programmes attended by large gathering should be avoided.

Madrasas and tutorials would also be closed till March 31.

Marriage rituals can be held but people should avoid attending such functions.

It is better pilgrims do not visit Sabarimala for darshan, Pinarayi said. Government will postpone all public programmes. The chief minister has directed not to hide details of illness and travel. The chief minister said that normal intervention and vigilance is not enough to control Covid19. He has directed to close down film theatres and to postpone PSC exams