THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Health Minister K K Shailaja responded to the incident in which a UK national infected of coronavirus tried to flee abroad via Nedumbassery Airport from Munnar. The minister said the UK national was confirmed of the virus last evening itself. The minister criticised the resort owner on the incident.

The samples of the national staying at Tea County Resort in Munnar were sent for examination after he showed symptoms of corona. The results obtained yesterday evening tested him positive of the virus. As soon as the results were obtained, had contacted the resort owner. Had instructed him not to leave anyone outside till the time for observation ends. The 19-member team including him had left the place even before the ambulance reached KTDC Tea County Resort. By the time he was found in a search, he had boarded the flight.

The minister said the information was conveyed to all. He was caught from the plane. The UK national and his wife have been shifted to the isolation ward of the hospital. The collector has directed to observe the rest of the 17 admitted at Aluva district hospital and Kalamassery Medical College. More things are being examined. The chief minister had sought an explanation. A report has been demanded from the health and tourism departments, police chief and the collector.