Kerala continues to be on a high alert with more test results of COVID-19 suspects expected soon, though the state has not reported a fresh positive case.

So far the tally of positive cases stands at 14, which includes 7 at Pathanamthitta, four at Kottayam and three at Kochi .

A corona-positive aged couple were moved to the critical care unit of the Kottayam Medical College Hospital on Wednesday.

According to the state health authorities in the state, 259 people are under isolation in various hospitals, while 1,236 are quarantined in their homes.

Health authorities were on tenterhooks, but heaved a sigh of relief after 10 test results from Pathanamthitta and three cases from Kottayam showed negative results.

On Wednesday 52 people (49 from Italy and three from South Korea) came in three flights at Kochi airport and Ernakulam district collector S. Suhas said of these, 45 are kept in isolation.

With the Kerala government closing all educational institutions in the state till March 31st, it came as a relief for many.

Across the state, roads was less crowded with shops and markets witnessing little business and at Pathanamthitta, currently the worst affected, 65 ATMs did not see any withdrawal on Tuesday.

State Police chief Loknath Behra has directed a crackdown on misuse of social media in connection with coronavirus and has directed that whoever spreads false news should be arrested.