Coronavirus update : 60 cases in India, Karnataka launches 'Namaste over Handshake' campaign

Two positive cases were confirmed in Delhi and Rajasthan Wednesday, taking the total number of infections reported in the country to 60. The state health officials, however, put the figures at 63. The number of cases in the country jumped after positive cases were reported from Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra. As the global death toll from coronavirus topped 4,000 and infected over 1.15 lakh people globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that the threat of a pandemic was "very real."

One more patient confirmed for coronavirus in Rajasthan

One patient, who had returned from Dubai on February 28, has tested positive for coronavirus in Rajasthan's Jaipur. An Italian couple, who tested positive for COVID-19 last week, is also admitted in the same hospital. The health authorities have got the details of his flight and have begun contact tracing. A total of 235 people who came in contact with the octogenarian and his family have already been traced and are being monitored.

Coronavirus in Kerala: 17 positive cases; schools, cinemas shut till March 31

Eight new cases were reported in the state on Tuesday, taking the total number of infected people to 17. Barring Rajasthan, where the Italian tourists were infected, Kerala has the highest number of patients in the country as well as the youngest patient — a three-year-old was tested positive.

Amid the rise, the Pinarayi Vijayan government has announced the closure of all educational institutions and cinema halls till March 31. The chief minister has also advised the citizens to avoid mass gatherings and to not go to the Sabarimala temple which is set to re-open on March 13. All government-related functions have been postponed.

Of the eight new cases, six are primary contacts of the Italy-returned couple and their son who were not screened at the Kochi airport. The government is making efforts to trace their primary and secondary contacts. Health Minister K K Shaylaja also said that "hiding travel history will be treated as a crime and proper action will be taken".

In another development, a Kerala doctor alleged that she was sacked by the management of the private clinic she was working with for informing authorities about an NRI patient who reportedly declined to undergo the mandatory check for coronavirus.

The Kerala government has also put 45 people, who reached Kochi from Italy, under observation. While 35 people including two children and two pregnant women have been shifted to a Government district hospital in Aluva, 10 suffering from fever and breathing problems have been admitted to the Kalamassery Medical College Hospital, they said. Samples collected from them have been sent for examination at the National Institute of Virology lab in Alappuzha, they said.

After 5 coronavirus patients in Pune, schools shut; Mumbai on alert

At least two schools in Pune's Dhayari Phata announced a shutdown till Saturday, as a few members of a housing society in the area were taken for coronavirus screening. Other schools in the city are also contemplating closing down briefly. Maharashtra education commissioner Vishal Solanki confirmed that he has spoken to state education minister Varsha Gaikwad and recommended strong preventive measures to help curb the spread amongst school children including recommending shutting down schools for a while.

A portion of Tower 7 in Magarpatta's IT park and the third floor of an IT company in Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park in Hinjewadi were evacuated over coronavirus scare.

According to Pune divisional commissioner Deepak Mhaisekar, five squads have been constituted – comprising officers and employees from the revenue, health and police departments – to trace those who came in contact with the Pune couple who had returned from Dubai and tested positive for coronavirus. Their daughter, ola cab driver who drove them and a person who travelled with them on the taxi were also tested positive. The Pune Municipal Corporation is also set to undertake a door-to-door survey in the adjoining areas to ascertain the health of all residents.

(With inputs from theindianexpress.com)