India’s federal minister Nitin Gadkari tests positive for COVID-19

NEW DELHI, Sept. 17 (Xinhua) : India’s Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said on social media on Wednesday night that he tested positive for COVID-19.

He requested his close contacts to monitor their health and undergo the test.

“Yesterday, I was feeling weak and consulted my doctor. During the course of my check-up, I have been tested COVID-19 positive. I am at present doing well with the blessings and good wishes of all. I have isolated myself,”

Gadkari wrote on twitter. “I request everyone who has come in my contact to be careful and follow the protocol. Stay safe.”

India is in the grip of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the cases are increasing each day. The number of COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 5,118,253 including 83,198 deaths on Thursday. During the past 24 hours, a highest single-day spike of 97,894 new cases were recorded along with 1,132 related deaths.

Globally India is the second worst-hit country by the COVID-19 pandemic.