Even as India is struggling to combat the rising number of Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases in the country, a shocking case has emerged where a three-member family from Kerala hid their recent travel history to Italy and passed on the deadly virus to two more people.

The incident came to light on Sunday after the Kerala Government confirmed that five more people in the state had tested positive for Covid-19. According to Kerala Health Minister, KK Shailaja, the three-member family had recently travelled to Italy, one of the worst-hit countries.

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The couple and their son had returned to Kochi on February 29 via Doha and did not inform the authorities at the airport about their travel history. After their return, the family had also travelled across Pathanamthitta and met several people including few relatives.

Only after two relatives got admitted to a private hospital with Coronavirus symptoms, authorities got to know about this. Even after that, the family was not willing to get quarantined even though they had fever symptoms. All the five have now been quarantined and their aged parents have also been kept in isolation.

Calling their behavior irresponsible, Minister Shailaja said action will be taken against such people. “It is a serious irresponsible behaviour on their part. People who hide their travel history will be dealt with sternly,” she said.

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The Kerala Government has appealed to some 350 passengers who had travelled to Kochi on the same flight from Doha to get themselves screened for the infection. Qatar Airways in a statement issued on Sunday said it is working closely with Indian health authorities, after some people who had travelled on one of its flights to Kochi, tested positive for coronavirus.

The authorities have also identified some 150 people whom the family had come in contact with after their return from Italy.

While reiterating that there is no need to panic, the Kerala government has urged people to be cautious and avoid non-essential public gatherings.

With the five new cases, the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Kerala has gone up to 8. The first three people - which were also the first cases reported in India - have since recovered, and have been discharged from hospitals.

Meanwhile, the total number of cases of Covid-19 in India has risen to 39 on Sunday. Delhi has so far reported three positive cases and one suspected case of coronavirus. The first patient came in contact with 105 people, the 2nd patient came in contact with 168 people and 3rd patient came in contact with 64 people.