53 journalists test positive for coronavirus in Mumbai

At least 53 journalists, with the majority belonging to a television news channel, in Mumbai, India's financial capital, have tested positive for the new coronavirus. 

Of the 167 journalists tested by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation over the weekend, every third tested positive.

In a televised news conference, Joint Secretary of Health Ministry Luv Aggarwal called the development "unfortunate," and stressed the need to stay indoors unless it was absolutely necessary to step out.

"We strongly request all journalists to follow protection during their call of duty. We will be following the sampling criteria -- anyone who needs to be tested will be tested," he said when questioned if all journalists will be tested.

Most of the journalists testing positive are asymptomatic cases.

The cases came into light after a senior journalist in the city, Ashok Bagriya, tweeted that an entire team had tested positive. He asked media houses to facilitate journalists.



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