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Deve Gowda, wife test positive for COVID-19

Deve Gowda said they were self-isolating along with other family members

(File) H.D. Deve Gowda addresses a press conference at the JD(S) office in Bengaluru | PTI

Former prime minister H.D. Deve Gowda announced on Wednesday that he and his wife had tested positive for COVID-19.

Deve Gowda tweeted, "My wife Chennamma and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We are self-isolating along with other family members. I request all those who came in contact with us over the last few days to get themselves tested. I request party workers and well-wishers not to panic."

Deve Gowda, who is 87 years old, had served as prime minister of the United Front government from June 1996 to April 1997.

Last year, a number of senior political figures in Karnataka, including Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and former chief minister Siddaramiah had become infected with COVID-19 but recovered.

Karnataka is among the states where the second wave of COVID-19 has hit hard in recent days.

On Tuesday, Karnataka reported 2,975 new cases and 21 fatalities, taking its total caseload to 9,92,779 and the death toll to 12,541.