Coronavirus: Test results of nine samples awaited in Telangana

As many as 11 people coming in from China were tested for novel coronavirus in Telangana, out of which two have tested negative. Authorities are currently awaiting the results of the remaining nine.

Hyderabad (Telangana): Results of tests on samples of nine people from Telangana for possible exposure to the novel coronavirus were awaited, Health authorities said on Thursday.

So far, no positive case of the virus has been detected in the state since its outbreak in China where it has claimed 170 lives in the past weeks.

Of the nine people, who had returned from China, two are under observation in hospitals while the others are in their houses and being monitored by health officials, they said.

"Till today (Thursday), we have have taken the samples of 11. Two have already tested negative. As for the rest of the samples, we are awaiting the results," a health official said.

The samples have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

Read: Coronavirus outbreak: Chinese patient admitted to hospital in Hyderabad

The official said the Centre has agreed to the states request to provide kits to conduct the tests at the state-run Gandhi Hospital here.

Against the backdrop of the first case in the country being reported from Kerala, state Health Minister E Rajender on Thursday told the authorities to keep everyone who comes to the state from China under observation and to supervise even if they were staying at home, sources were quoted by news agencies.

He directed the health administration to be fully prepared to provide treatment in isolation wards.

(PTI report)