Coronavirus Update: Total Number Of Positive Cases Jumps To 50 In India; Over 1,000 People Identified For Observation In Karnataka

"The total number of positive cases is now 50. Of these 34 are Indian nationals and 16 are citizens of Italy. There has been no death in the country due to coronavirus so far," Kumar said.

Sanjeeva Kumar, the Special Secretary (Health), Union Health Ministry on Tuesday informed about the increased number of positive cases of a novel coronavirus in the country.

New Delhi: Sanjeeva Kumar, the Special Secretary (Health), Union Health Ministry on Tuesday informed about the increased number of positive cases of a novel coronavirus in the country. "The total number of positive cases is now 50. Of these 34 are Indian nationals and 16 are citizens of Italy. There has been no death in the country due to coronavirus so far," Kumar said. Meanwhile, with the outbreak of coronavirus, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Tuesday said that over 1,000 people in the state have been identified for observation. "So far, 1048 people have been identified for observation. Out of which 446 samples have been sent for testing. 389 samples have tested negative. Four samples have tested positive," Chief Minister Yediyurappa told reporters. Earlier today, Health Minister B Sriramulu said that family members of those who tested positive for COVID-19 have been isolated and their health is being monitored. On the other hand, six more coronavirus cases were confirmed in Kerala on Tuesday, taking the total number of infected to 12 as the government decided to impose severe restrictions, including the closure of educational institutions and cinema houses till the month-end, in a bid to halt its further spread. Announcing the latest cases at a media interaction here after a special cabinet meeting held to discuss the coronavirus situation, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said at least 1,116 people are under observation -- 149 in isolation wards of various hospitals and 967 under home quarantine.

Kerala Schools, colleges, cinemas shut till March 31

Kerala has been hit by the second round of coronavirus cases after the country's first three positive cases in the state were successfully cured and discharged from hospitals last month. Vijayan said schools and colleges and cinemas would remain closed in the state till March 31. Classes from I to VII standards of all schools -- state, CBSE and ICSE boards -- will remain shut and examinations which have begun for them will be put on hold. Examinations for class X, Plus Two and vocational higher secondary will however, continue. Final examinations of class eight and ninth also will proceed as usual. Students under observation would be permitted to write examinations in a special room, the Chief Minister said. Madrasas, aganwadis, tution classes and tutorials, will be closed till March 31 while drama theatres and art and cultural festivals should be avoided. Temple and church festivals, which witnesses mass gatherings should be avoided, but rituals can be held in a low key manner, he said. Also Watch | Danger of corona virus on Holi, watch this report

Manipur shuts border with Myanmar over coronavirus threat

Manipur has shut its border with Myanmar indefinitely amid the novel coronavirus scare, officials said on Tuesday. Neighbouring Mizoram had on Monday also sealed its borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh, and banned the entry of foreigners to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus. An official order, issued by Special Secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash on Monday, said the Indo-Myanmar border in the Manipur sector would remain shut until further orders. "In view of possible threat of transmission of Coronavirus/COVID-19, Government of Manipur hereby prohibits movement of people across the international border and accordingly orders closure of Gate No 1, No 2, Moreh and other crossing points along Manipur sector of Indo-Myanmar border until further orders," it said. The state government directed the district magistrates, police and other officials to immediately take necessary action, including keeping the gates concerned closed. (with inputs from agencies)