THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Addressing the media here, health minister KK Shailaja said there are no new positive corona cases in Kerala.

"There are 3,313 persons under observation in different parts of the state, 3020 in houses and 293 in hospitals. Out of the 1179 samples sent for tests, 809 returned negative and the remaining results are yet to return", she said.

"969 persons are under observation in Pathanamthitta, among which 129 are in the high-risk category. 13 percent of persons on this list are the age 60 and above. There are 60 people under observation in Kottayam, out of which 33 falls in the high-risk list. The screening system in the state has been strengthened as more people are coming in from COVID infected places. Screenings are being done through local self-government institutions", Shailaja added.

The minister said that masks are not necessary for everyone and only those with disease symptoms and people coming in contact with patients need to wear it. Other people can use a handkerchief, the minister said.