Journalist from Bhopal who interacted with Kamal Nath tested positive for coronavirus

A journalist from Bhopal was among the six new COVID-19 patients reported in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday, triggering panic among the media fraternity as he was present at a press conference of former chief minister Kamal Nath here on March 20. Bhopal's chief medical and health officer Sudhir Dehariya said those who came in contact with the journalist should remain in home isolation for 14 days, and approach the coronavirus control room if they develop symptoms of cough, cold or fever in the next few days.

The journalist is the father of the 26-year old woman, who earlier tested positive for coronavirus, Dehariya said.Both the journalist and his daughter are undergoing treatment at the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here, he said. Journalists Club, Bhopal, president Dinesh Gupta told PTI, "This is a very irresponsible behaviour. The Centre has repeatedly issued advisories about precautions pertaining to persons having international travel history and those coming in contact with them. Despite this, the person was present at the huge gathering."