Coronavirus: MP journalist who attended Kamal Nath's presser tests positive
What's the story
In a shocking development, a journalist who recently attended a press conference of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath has tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Bhopal-based journalist is among the six new coronavirus cases reported in the state. All those who came in contact with the journalist have been advised to self-isolate at home. Here are more details.
Details
Journalist's daughter earlier tested positive for COVID-19
According to PTI, the journalist's 26-year-old daughter returned from London last week. She is pursuing a post-graduate course in law there. She lived with her family for two days before testing positive. Her mother and brother tested negative for coronavirus, however, the father tested positive. Both the journalist and the daughter are undergoing treatment at Bhopal's All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Press conference
Journalist present at Kamal Nath's March 20 presser
On March 20, the journalist attended a press conference held at then-CM Kamal Nath's bungalow in Bhopal, where he announced his resignation. The presser was reportedly attended by over 200 members of the media, along with politicians and government officers. The development has triggered panic among the media fraternity as many fear they may have been exposed to the virus at the press conference.
Quote
'This is very irresponsible behavior'
A senior journalist told PTI, "I also met him...He should not have attended the press conference when he was aware of the international travel history of his daughter." Journalists Club (Bhopal) President Dinesh Gupta added, "This is very irresponsible behavior. The Centre has repeatedly issued advisories about precautions pertaining to persons having international travel history and those coming in contact with them."
Information
Journalists contacts advised to self-isolate; monitor symptoms
Bhopal's Chief Medical and Health Officer Sudhir Dehariya advised those who came in contact with the journalist to self-isolate at home for 14 days. Dehariya said those who develop symptoms of cough, cold, fever in the next six-seven days should approach the coronavirus control room.
Coronavirus in MP
Total coronavirus cases in MP stand at 15
The journalist marks Bhopal's second case of coronavirus. Besides him, five others admitted to different hospitals across Indore tested positive on Wednesday. They include a 65-year-old woman from the neighboring Ujjain district who died at Indore's Maharaja Yeshwantrao Hospital on Wednesday. Earlier, six positive cases were reported from Jabalpur, and one each from Bhopal, Gwalior, and Shivpuri. The total cases in MP are 15.
National tally
Across India, coronavirus cases cross 600
On Wednesday, the total number of coronavirus cases across India reached 606, including 42 cured/discharged cases, 10 deaths, and one person who has migrated out of India. The latest death in Madhya Pradesh takes the death toll to 11. Earlier, two died in Maharashtra and Gujarat each, and one each has died in Delhi, Karnataka, Punjab, West Bengal, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh.