THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Hours after officials confirmed that a doctor has tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the state capital, reports suggest that the doctor had practiced at the Medical College Hospital for five days before he was moved into quarantine.

According to hospital records, the senior doctor was in duty at the hospital from March 7 to 11 and had treated a large number of patients during the period. Health department officials have started tracking down all those who had consulted the doctor during the period.

Upon finding that his test results are positive, the doctor was asked to undergo isolation immediately at the Medical College. Health department officials stated that he reached the isolation ward by night.

The doctor was in Spain to attend a medical camp there. Upon returning home, he experienced a slight fever and other symptoms. Following this, he was asked to remain under house quarantine till the test results come out. However, the doctor ignored the warning and joined for duty after remaining at home for 4 days. Sources suggest that he had come across a large number of patients and others during the next five days. Now, 7 employees who had worked with him are being kept under observation. Authorities are also observing the family members and others who have closely interacted with the doctor.

The blood sample of the doctor was sent for examination from the airport on March 2. Upon receiving the test results on March 11, he was referred to a second-round examination. He was confirmed of coronavirus infection once the second round of tests came out. Authorities have asked all those who had interacted with the doctor to undergo immediate tests.