His blood samples tested negative for the coronavirus at the National Institute of Virology Pune | REUTERS image for representation

Thirty-six-year-old Jainesh hailing from Kerala's Kannur, who landed from Malaysia, died on Saturday.

Jainesh had arrived at the Cochin international airport on Friday with severe symptoms of fever. He was soon shifted to an isolation ward but breathed his last there.

His blood samples tested negative for the coronavirus at the National Institute of Virology Pune.

However, post his death, his family met more worrying news after they did not get direct access to his mortal remains.

Jainesh's body was brought to his home in Payyannur, rapped in multiple layers of cloth and polythene. The family was given a little over 10 minutes to perform the rituals and have a final look at their loved one.

Friends and relatives were only allowed to see his body from a distance of about 2 metre. Shortly after the public viewing, the mortal remains were cremated with the help of his neighbours who suited up in protective gear, evoking memories of Kerala's Nipah virus period.

According to state health minister KK Shailaja, the administration was forced to take such a step. "The first sample of the patient actually tested negative. But we didn't want to take any chances as he had very severe symptoms. By the time we could take more samples he expired. So we had to take this step as a measure of precaution," minister told India Today.

"It was a very difficult situation. We understand the plight of the family. It is a very genuine requirement that they wanted to meet their loved one one last time. But because of the prevailing situation we had to enforce the safety protocol. Initially, the family was a little reluctant but later they agreed," KK Shailaja added.