New Delhi, Apr 23 (IANS): After 53 journalists tested positive for novel coronavirus in Mumbai, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Wednesday urged media persons to take necessary precautions while covering Covid-19 related incidents and also urged the management of media houses, print and electronic, to take necessary care of their field staff as well as office staff.

The ministry, in an advisory, said it has come to its notice that a large number of media persons have recently contracted Covid-19 while reporting in certain parts of the country.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also said the Delhi government will start COVID-19 testing for media persons from Wednesday.

The I&B Ministry said that 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 affected areas. "It is advised that all such media persons may take due health and related precautions while performing their duties. Further, management of media houses is requested to take necessary care of their field staff as well as office staff," the advisory said.