The I&B ministry has issued an advisory to print and electronic media calling on journalists covering coronavirus-related incidents to take precautions. The decision was taken in the wake of a large number of media persons contracting COVID-19.

This has asked management of media houses to take all precautionary measures to take all care of their field as well as office staff. The advisory also asked management of media houses to take necessary care to them. It has come to the notice of the Ministry that a large number of media persons have recently contracted COVID-19 while covering the happenings in certain parts of the country.

In view of the fact that media persons, including reporters, cameramen, photographers, etc. are covering incidents relating to COVID-19 in various parts of the country involving travel, amongst others, to containment zones, hotspots and other COVID-affected areas, it is advised that all such media persons may take due health and related precautions while performing their duties. The advisory says. "Management of media houses is requested to take necessary care of their field staff as well as office staff," it said.

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation collected swab samples of 171 media persons and out of 171 media persons, 53 have tested positive for coronavirus.