Coronavirus: Union minister Ramdas Athawale tests positive for COVID-19

Athawale had held a press conference on Monday where he had inducted actor Payal Ghosh in the RPI-A; both were photographed without their masks  

Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment and Republican Party of India president Ramdas Athawale tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday (October 27).

“My corona test has come out positive. I have been advised to get admitted to the hospital as a precautionary measure. Those who came in contact with me should also get tested as a precaution. I am in good health. Don't worry. My scheduled events have been cancelled,” Athawale said in a tweet.

According to Mayur Borkar, the PRO of Republican Party of India (Athawale) (RPI-A), his results were released on Tuesday morning. “Athawale has tested positive and is now admitted in Bombay Hospital,” he said.

He went for a test hours after attending a public ceremony of Republican Party of India to induct actor Payal Ghosh in his party. The event was attended by several other leaders.

In March, a video of Athawale, Chinese Consul General in Mumbai Tang Guocai and Buddhist monks chanting 'go corona go' at a prayer meet had gone viral on social media. The video was reportedly shot at Gateway of India on February 20 during a prayer session to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.