Journalist among 15 new COVID-19 cases in K'taka, total infections at 489

(Eds: Updates with details)

Bengaluru, Apr 25 () A journalist is among the 15new coronavirus cases reported in Karnataka, taking the totalnumber of infections to 489, the state government said onSaturday.

"Fifteen new positive cases have been reported fromlast evening till this noon...Till date 489 COVID-19 positivecases have been confirmed. This includes 18 deaths and 153discharges," the department said in its mid-day situationupdate.

Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar, who is alsoleading the government's efforts against COVID-19 in Bengaluruand is in charge of the state war room, in a tweet confirmedthat one journalist from Bengaluru had tested positive.

"#COVID19 Update: From 5 pm, 24th April till 12 noontoday A total of 489 cases, 15 positives, 18 deaths & 153discharges. Positive cases: 15 Bangalore Urban 6 (01Journalist, 05 from Hongasandra) Belagavi 06 Mandya 01Chikkaballapura 01 Dakshin Kannada 01," he tweeted.

Five out of six confirmed for infection in Bengaluruare contacts of a 54-year-old labourer, who tested positiveearlier this week; while the other, the journalist visitedContainment Zones demarcated by BBMP (city civic body).

All six tested positive in Hirebagewadi in Belagaviare secondary contacts of a patient earlier tested positive.

Nine of the 15 cases are men and six are women.

According to sources, the journalist who testedpositive is a cameraman with a Kannada news channel. KSU