Coronavirus: Karnataka chief minister Yediyurappa tests positive for COVID-19, hospitalised

The chief minister is the second high-profile political leader to confirm testing positive for COVID-19 on August 2; hours earlier Union home minister Amit Shah had tweeted similar news.

Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Sunday (August 2) said he tested positive for COVID-19.

"I have tested positive for coronavirus. Whilst I am fine, I am being hospitalised as a precaution on the recommendation of doctors. I request those who have come in contact with me recently to be observant and exercise self-quarantine," the chief minister confirmed on Twitter.

The chief minister was taken to the Manipal hospital at the Old Airport Road here, his media team said.

"Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa has been admitted to the hospital for observation. He is doing well, is clinically stable and will be monitored closely by our team," said Manipal Hospital. 

Meanwhile, Yediyurappa's daughter too tested positive for COVID-19. She has been admitted to the hospital, said Manipal Hospital, Bengaluru. 

Yediyurappa was in home quarantine a couple of weeks ago, after some staff members in his office-cum-residence were found infected with the virus. Subsequently, his COVID-19 test results were found to be negative.

However, his latest test results were positive.

Yediyurappa is the fourth member of his cabinet to contract the viral disease. Earlier, forest minister Anand Singh, tourism minister CT Ravi and agriculture minister BC Patil had tested positive for COVID-19.

Congress Legislature Party leader and former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah wished Yediyurappa a speedy recovery.

"I wish Shri. BS Yediyurappa a speedy recovery & to return with good health to continue his work for the people," he said in a tweet.

Karnataka medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar and working president of the state Congress Eshwar Khandre also wished the chief minister an early recovery.

Karnataka has recorded close to 1.35 lakh COVID-19 cases so far, of which 74,590 are active. The disease has claimed 2,496 lives in the southern state.