Kerala removes 'state calamity' tag over threats of coronavirus

Kerala : The Kerala government has withdrawn the state calamity status three days after they found three Indian students diagnosed with the Coronavirus. All three students had returned from Wuhan in China and had been in contact with each other.

The withdrawal decision came after 67 of the 72 suspects were tested negative of the coronavirus in the state.

Of the three confirmed cases - the last two test results of the second patient have tested negative, indicating recovery. Two more results are awaited.

"The test results show that the situation has improved, though we will continue our intense monitoring... The first confirmed case was in close contact with five people. The second confirmed case was in close contact with one person and the third patient with two people. All of these primary contacts have tested negative. And that is a relief," minister KK Shailaja told the media.

In Kerala, more than 3000 people have been kept under surveillance to ensure no coronavirus spreads in the state. The health officials from the beginning had identified and prepared 28 isolation facilities - two in each district, to face any challenges.

In China, more than 600 people have lost their lives because of the coronavirus and more than 16000 people have been tested positive of it.