Union Minister Smriti Irani tests positive for coronavirus

New Delhi: Union Minister Smriti Irani has tested positive for coronavirus, she tweeted on Wednesday. The MP from Amethi requested those people who came in her contact to get a COVID test at the earliest.

Irani took to her Twitter handle and wrote, “It is rare for me to search for words while making an announcement; hence here’s me keeping it simple — I’ve tested positive for #COVID and would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest.”

It is rare for me to search for words while making an announcement; hence here’s me keeping it simple — I’ve tested positive for #COVID and would request those who came in contact with me to get themselves tested at the earliest 🙏

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) October 28, 2020

Irani is the latest to join the list of politicians and ministers who have tested positive for COVID-19. Previously, Home Minister Amit Shah, late President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and others have tested positive for the deadly virus. Many, including union minister Nitin Gadkari, wished her a speedy recovery. “I pray for your speedy recovery,” Gadkari said in a tweet in response to Irani’s announcement.

India’s coronavirus tally neared the 80-lakh mark on Wednesday, registering 43,893 new cases and 508 deaths in the last 24 hours. The country is fast approaching the US in total infections which is the world’s worst-affected nation with more than 87 lakh cases.