12 more test positive for Coronavirus in Kerala; total cases touch 52

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said that twelve more fresh cases of coronavirus were reported from state, taking tally to 52. While six more people tested positive from Kasaragod, three each new cases were from Kannur and Ernakulam districts, Vijayan told reporters after a COVID-19 review meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. 

'We will be forced to take strict action'

All those who were diagsed with virus on Saturday h returned from Dubai recently, Chief Minister said.

Vijayan also said, "We have also observed that some people are t abiding by se restrictions. In a few instances, some places of worship carried out festivals and prayers in presence of huge garing. We would reiterate our request that such practices must be avoided. If this isn't complied with, n  we will be forced to take strict action including prohibitory orders."

Three medical students from Wuhan in China, who h tested positive, have been cured and discharged from hospitals earlier. At least 52,785 people are in-home quarantine, while 228 are under observation in isolation wards at various hospitals.

Kerala anunces Rs 20,000 crore revival pack

In a bid to contain spre of  coronavirus, Kerala government has directed its employees to work part-time for two weeks. dressing a press conference on Friday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that new arrangement was for employees in departments or than essential services.

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"About 50 per cent of Group B, C and D employees in each office must attend work on alternate days so as t to interfere with rmal office work. Office in-charges will make necessary arrangements to recruit employees every day," he said.

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Kerala government also anunced a Rs 20,000-crore financial pack for state to tide over present crisis being faced because of COVID-19 outbreak. This includes Rs 14,000 crore to clear all arrears pending in various sectors and a Rs 500-crore health pack.

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Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Saturday said a total of 298 cases of coronavirus have been reported in country so far. Of total number, four people have died and 22 ors have recovered.

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(With ncy inputs)