Coronavirus outbreak: Indian state declares emergency

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020 9:34am

STR / AFP

An emergency has been declared in the south Indian state of Kerala after three people tested positive for coronavirus.

"The announcement is not meant to scare people. It is to help take proactive steps to intensify the steps to contain the spread of the virus," state Health Minister KK Shailaja said.

All three patients are students who had returned home from China's Wuhan city, the epicentre of the outbreak.

Health officials confirmed that more than 2,000 people are under surveillance at their homes in Kerala for possible exposure to the virus, with 70 being monitored in isolation wards.

So far, 46 samples have been tested negative, with results of 91 cases still awaited.

More from International

Clashes erupt between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh

Armenia declared martial law on Sunday after clashes with Azerbaijan over the breakaway Nagorno-Karabakh region in which sources on both sides reported fatalities.
Modi pledges to use India vaccine-production capacity to help 'all humanity'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged at the UN on Saturday that his country's vaccine production capacity would be made available globally to fight the COVID-19 crisis.
Democrats hammer Trump's Supreme Court pick, say could jeopardize Obamacare

Democrats blasted President Donald Trump's choice of conservative judge Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court, focusing on the threat she would pose to healthcare for millions.
Lebanon's PM-designate steps down after failing to form government

Lebanon's prime minister-designate quit on Saturday after trying for almost a month to line up a non-partisan cabinet, failing despite French pressure on sectarian leaders to rally together to deal with the worst crisis since a 1975-1990 civil war.
Trump to name judge Amy Coney Barrett for Supreme Court vacancy

President Donald Trump on Saturday plans to name conservative appellate judge Amy Coney Barrett (left) as his third U.S. Supreme Court appointment, setting off a scramble in the Republican-led Senate to confirm her before Election Day in 5-1/2 weeks.

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

Extra Time

7:00pm - 8:00pm

Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

The Night Shift with Mark Lloyd

8:00pm - 10:00pm

Musicians and music, entertainers and entertainment, industry gossip and songs selected by you, get ready to bring your night time to life! Every evening from nine, Mark Lloyd brings you an energetic mix of local and international content and contests, featuring an array of celebrity interviews and entertaining anecdotes. Get involved in the show and pick your favourite jukebox hits, every night from 8pm - 11pm.

On Dubai Eye

RAKBANK SME Business Conclave

On Monday, the 28th September Richard Dean, of Business Breakfast, will be speaking to a host of entrepreneurs who have found opportunities amidst the pandemic.