Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu tests positive for coronavirus

Health and Family Welfare Minister B Sriramulu tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday and was admitted to Bowring Hospital in the city.

Sriramulu said in a tweet that he'd tested for Covid-19 after suffering from fever during the day. A statement issued by his office said that the minister had slight fever and cough. "Basic tests were conducted on the patient and doctors have started treatment," it said, adding Sriramulu would stick to a diet regimen prescribed by the doctors.

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The Health minister's move to get admitted at a government hospital for Covid-19 was welcomed in social media, as other leaders before him had preferred private facilities.

Sriramulu is the fifth minister in the state Cabinet to test positive for the virus. Among his Cabinet colleagues who have tested positive for the virus include Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa - admitted to a private hospital since last Sunday, Agriculture Minister BC Patil, Co-operation Minister S T Somashekar and Tourism Minister C T Ravi.