Karnataka: MP Sumalatha Ambareesh, Congress MLA HD Ranganath test positive for coronavirus

BENGALURU: Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh and Kunigal legislator HD Ranganath tested positive for coronavirus on Monday. To date, at least four Karnataka politicians have been diagnosed with the infection and more public figures and senior government officials have undergone or are in home quarantine over suspected exposure.
Jawaid Akhtar, additional chief secretary, health and family welfare, has reportedly quarantined himself at his residence after coming in contact with a patient.Last week, medical education minister K Sudhakar completed home isolation.
Dinesh Gundu Rao, former president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), is currently under home quarantine after a policeman deployed for his security tested positive. His wife, Tabu Rao, tweeted on Monday that their PA, one more gunman and two house staffers had also turned positive. “We are all thankfully negative but in isolation and quarantine for 10 to 14 days from today,” she wrote.
Sumalatha, an independent, tweeted that she was doing well. “By the grace of god, my immunity levels are strong, and I am confident I will get through this soon with all your support,” she said. She is in home isolation as the symptoms are “very mild”. Sumalatha said she might have picked up the infection while visiting places in her constituency, Mandya, to help residents.
Ranganath, a Congressman who represents Kunigal constituency in Tumakuru district, has been reportedly admitted to a private hospital. State Congress Working president Eshwar Khandre tweeted that he had spoken to Ranganath on the phone and that “the confidence in his voice has given me belief” he would recover quickly.
Ranganth’s virus report has caused concern in Congress circles as he was involved in the arrangements for the swearing-in of new KPCC chief DK Shivakumar. Samples of Shivakumar and his family have been sent for tests. Bengaluru Rural MP and Shivakumar’s brother, DK Suresh, has self-isolated at home. Last week, former Union minister B Janardhana Poojary tested positive. Earlier, Mangaluru MLA Bharath Shetty of BJP was diagnosed with Covid-19.