Amid the coronavirus scare, the Maharashtra government issued a statement on Wednesday saying that except the medical staff treating the infection or those who have come in contact with patients, others need not use face masks. It stated that general population can use folded cotton handkerchiefs for self-protection which can be reused by keeping in bleach solution or hot water for half hour followed by the thorough washing.<br />''<br />''Meanwhile, 161 travelers admitted to isolation wards of hospitals in Maharadhtra have tested negative for the coronavirus (COVID-19) and currently only nine persons are quarantined in the state. State's Health Department said on Wednesday that so far there is no confirmed case of the novel coronavirus. It stated that till date 66,977 passengers arriving from China, Hong Kong, Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Indonesia, Vietnam, Italy, Iran and Malaysia were screened upon arrival at the Mumbai International Airport since mid-January. While all travelers from Wuhan are being isolated and tested, whether they show any symptoms are not.<br />