Advertisement

Updated March 4th, 2020 at 01:14 IST

'We are extra vigilant after Coronavirus cases rise in India': Kerala Health Minister

Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja stressed the need for continuous vigilance, assured that the state is carrying out strict surveillance to contain the spread

Reported by: Gloria Methri
Kerala
| Image:self
Advertisement

As the number of confirmed Coronavirus cases in India is on the rise, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Tuesday stressed the need for continuous vigilance and assured that the state is carrying out strict surveillance to contain the spread of the deadly virus.

KK Shailaja said that the authorities in Kerala took prompt action after India's first three positive cases were reported in the state. She added that the officials are being more cautious as there have been several reports of Coronavirus from other places in the country. 

As a precautionary measure, the Kerala government has decided to strengthen the surveillance at airports.

"If a person is coming from the affected region with any symptom he/she will be directly shifted to the isolation ward.

If they don't have symptoms they will be referred for home quarantine," KK Shailaja added.

READ | Kerala CM Writes To EAM, Seeks 'safe Return' Of Trapped Fishermen In Iran Due To COVID-19

'Patients who tested positive have recovered'

The Health Minister said that the three patients who initially tested positive for Coronavirus have recovered, and in all the following tests, they have tested negative. Kerala now has below 30 people with mild symptoms of the virus.

KK Shailaja had earlier clarified that a 36-year-old patient, who was admitted to the Government Medical College in Ernakulam after returning from Malaysia, did not die of coronavirus.

READ | Kerala Health Minister Confirms Person Who Returned From Malaysia Did Not Die Of COVID-19

'Coronavirus outbreak threatens global economy': Kerala FM

Fearing that the novel coronavirus will impact Kerala's economy, Finance Minister Thomas Isaac on Tuesday asserted that if the coronavirus outbreak is not contained globally within three months it may lead to a worldwide economic crisis. The impact of the crisis may be felt in the state, Thomas added.

"With the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, the global economy is facing a threat... if the outbreak is not contained within three months, " said Thomas Isaac in Kerala Assembly on Tuesday.

He further informed that the tourism industry in the state has already been adversely affected after Coronavirus cases were reported in the region. The finance minister also expressed his worry about the Kerala economy as it is dependent on NRI remittances.

READ | Coronavirus Outbreak Threatens Global Economy, Must Control In 3 Months: Kerala FM Isaac

READ | 'Kerala Successful In Containing Spread Of Coronavirus': State Health Minister KK Shailaja

(With inputs from ANI)

Advertisement

Published March 4th, 2020 at 01:13 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo