KOTTAYAM: A clinic in the district was forced to close after patients infected with the virus came for treatment. Though a directive was issued to close the clinic, they did not comply with it.Following that the district collect came and closed it. The clinic in Thiruvathukkal was closed after natives of Chengalam came for treatment.

Meantime, 45 people who landed at Nedumbassery Airport from COVID -19 hit Italy are under observation in various health facilities. While 35 people including two children and two pregnant women have been shifted to a Government district hospital in Aluva, 10 suffering from fever and breathing problems have been admitted to the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital.

Samples collected from them have been sent for examination at the National Institute of Virology lab in Alappuzha.

Meanwhile, the Ernakulam district administration has decided to arrange more facilities at more government hospitals to keep under observation those who are expected to arrive here from foreign countries like Italy in the coming days.

The government decided to scale up efforts after three people from Pathanamthitta district returned from Italy on February 29.

Airport Authority director has informed that those arriving from Italy should carry a document confirming that they don’t have corona. A team from Italy arrived at the airport last night before the order was issued. Observation has been intensified in Ernakulam after a three-year-old child and his parents who arrived from Italy have contracted COVID 19. All passengers of Emirates 530 who travelled with them are under observation of the health department in their houses.

In the wake of corona fears, court proceedings have been restrained in Thiruvananthapuram district. District judge has directed to consider only emergency cases and postpone rest of the cases. Jail authorities have been directed not to bring the accused. A decision has been taken to take necessary steps via video conference. In the wake of the spread of the virus, the state is on high alert.