2 men under observation in Kerala for coronavirus flee to Saudi Arabia

Two men in Kerala, who came from China and were placed under observation, have fled to Saudi Arabia without informing the health authorities in the state.

Kozhikode district medical officer Dr V. Jayashree said the department had identified the men and efforts are on to bring them back.

The Kerala State Health Department also faces another challenge with people returning from abroad not disclosing their travel itinerary out of fear of being asked to go into quarantine at their homes.

The state government on Monday (3 February) declared the coronavirus outbreak a state calamity and health authorities are seeking to extend all help to the needy.

Also read |Why India should be grateful to Kerala’s war on coronavirus

As of now, three people who have tested positive are recovering well and their condition remains stable, Health Minister KK Shailaja said, but added that with more results awaited, the possibility of more cases turning positive cannot be ruled out.

She also said that the state could witness more cases. “We are taking it seriously. We need financial assistance from the Centre to deal with the situation. They have to help even without our request,” she said.

According to the state health ministry, total number of people under observation in Kerala rose to 2500 and 80 have been admitted to various hospitals.

In a related development, with more people placed under observation in Kerala, Karnataka authorities have increased vigil in border areas, with everyone arriving in vehicles being checked for fever or flu.

Also read | Coronavirus outbreak: Air India to suspend Delhi-Hong Kong flights from Feb 8

(With inputs from agencies)