Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala confirmed 4 new cases of the deadly Coronavirus. Health minister K K Shailaja confirmed the new cases at a press meet here on Sunday.

The minister summoned the press meet following the emergency meet held in the state capital.

It is reported that the three of a family tested positive for COVID-19. The three have returned from Italy. The other two are close relatives of the returnees.

It is learnt that the family which returned from Italy have socialised to a large extent.

The five are under treatment in isolation wards at Pathanamthitta general hospital.

According to reports, the government confirmed the cases after receiving the report from Pune Virology institute.

The infected include a 55-year-old man, his wife and 22-year-old son who returned from Italy a few days back. The family was put under quarantine when the man’s elder brother developed symptoms of the disease. Following this, the health department collected their body fluids and sent for examination at Pune Virology institute.

As the three had travelled by Qatar Airways flight, the health minister directed the passengers who travelled in the flight to contact health department.

"People who returned from Iran, Italy, South Korea, China must inform the health department," said Health minister.