Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 11 (IANS): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday informed that 10 new positive cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the state, taking the total number of affected to 228.

"Today there are 1,22,676 people under observation at homes and 814 at various hospitals in the state," said Vijayan.

Two deaths had been reported previously in the state, but those patients had other serious underlying ailments.

On Saturday, a 71 year old Mahe resident who was reported with the coronavirus infection passed away on Saturday morning at the Pariyaram Medical College hospital, Kannur. He was a chronic kidney patient.

State Health Minister K.K.Shailaja said everything possible was done, the moment the patient was admitted to the hospital.

State Food and Civil Supplies Minister P.Thilothaman told the media that even if the lockdown is extended there will be no issues with regards to availability of food and essential items in the state as they are fully prepared with adequate and more supplies.

State Police chief Loknath Behra informed that henceforth those people proceeding to see a medical professional should be allowed to proceed after verifying all the documents that are presented before the police.