30 media persons test Covid-19 positive in Mumbai

The reports of at least 30 media persons, who underwent tests at a special camp organized in Mumbai last week, have turned out to be COVID-19 positive on Monday.

Mumbai: At least 30 media persons, mostly from the electronic media, have tested COVID-19 positive after they underwent tests at a special camp organized here last week, an office-bearer said.

TV Journalists Association (TVJA) President Vinod Jagdale confirmed that while the number of test reports received so far is not available, at least 30 have tested positive so far and the figures are likely to go up.

An official in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that most are said to be asymptomatic cases and all have been sent to home quarantine for now while others' test results are awaited.

Following a request from the TVJA and Mantralaya & Legislature Reporters Association, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had directed the BMC to conduct the special screening camp for media persons.

Coordinated by Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, 171 media-persons including reporters and camerapersons were screened on April 16-17 near the Mumbai Press Club, the reports of which have started coming.

The media persons - who mostly perform field duties - were also given tips to ensure their safety in public places, wearing masks, using sanitisers, etc in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

IANS report