TV journalist among 10 more who tested positive for coronavirus in Kerala

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the daily briefing said that a television journalist has tested positive for coronavirus in the state.  

Thiruvananthapuram: A television journalist and three healthcare workers were among the 10 people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Kerala on Wednesday, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

The journalist from Kasaragod became the first media person to test positive for coronavirus in the state. Media personnel need to be careful and should exercise caution while engaging in newsgathering, Vijayan told reporters.

Of the new cases, six were reported from Kollam, two each from Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod.

10 people tested negative on Wednesday, the chief minister added.

As of Tuesday, the state had 123 active cases while the aggregate stood at 485.

In a move to strengthen the preventive measures against coronavirus, the state government has made face masks compulsory for all at public places from April 30. The government has strictly warned against any deviation from implementing the preventive measures. If people disobey this, then they have to pay a fine of Rs 200 and if they repeat the mistake then they have to pay Rs 5,000.

Meanwhile, the state government has decided to promulgate an ordinance to pave the way for the salary cuts of its employees. According to state finance minister Thomas Isaac, the funds saved by way of the deductions will be mobilised to bolster the fight against coronavirus.