Awhad quarantines self after contact with COVID-19 patient

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Mumbai, Apr 13 () Maharashtra Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad on Monday said he has decided to quarantinehimself as he came in contact with a police officer who testedpositive for coronavirus.

The minister in a message said his first test has comeout negative for coronavirus, but as a precaution, he hasdecided to self-quarantine for 14 days.

"A police official who used to travel with me hastested positive for the infection. Thus, I have decided toremained quarantined. I will miss thousands of people whom Iwas supporting on a daily basis during the lockdown period,Awhad said.

The NCP leader further said he underwent a test whichcame out negative for coronavirus. But, as advised by doctors,he will remain quarantined for next 14 days, he said.

"My first test for COVID-19 has turned negative. Iwould be required to undergo a similar test after eight daysand I hope it also comes out negative," he said.

The minister said he would come out to serve peopleonce he tests negative and completes the mandatory quarantineperiod.

Awhad represents Thane district's Kalwa-MumbraAssembly constituency, where several coronavirus cases havebeen found in the last couple of weeks.

He recently urged residents of his constituency tostay indoors or else it could prove fatal.

He is the first state minister to quarantine self. NDGK GK