An 84-year-old man with severe comorbidities has died in Bengaluru after testing positive for COVID-19, health officials said on Saturday. This marks a worrying development as Karnataka and neighbouring Maharashtra report a gradual rise in coronavirus cases.
According to officials, the Bengaluru resident was admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield on May 13 due to diabetes-related complications. He died on May 17, and his COVID-19 test report — conducted during hospitalisation — returned positive on May 18.
Meanwhile, in Maharashtra, Thane district reported a COVID-19-related death on Friday. Local health authorities confirmed that this was the first fatality linked to the virus in the district in recent weeks, prompting a renewed focus on preventive measures.
COVID Cases Rise in Bengaluru
The Karnataka Health Department reported 38 active COVID-19 cases across the state, including 32 in Bengaluru alone. The growing trend has led to heightened monitoring and testing, although the overall caseload remains low.
Health officials have urged residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take necessary precautions while maintaining regular routines.
Health Minister Urges Calm
Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Saturday addressed concerns about the recent spike, advising people not to panic. “I appeal to everyone not to panic because when you see reports in the media that COVID-19 has returned to haunt people, people get alarmed,” he said.
He clarified that no movement restrictions are being imposed. “People can go and come from any part of the country. Life can go on in a normal way,” Rao stated, adding that the state government remains vigilant and is prepared to act if the situation escalates.
Precautionary Measures in Focus
Authorities in both Karnataka and Maharashtra are urging people to follow basic preventive steps such as mask-wearing in crowded areas, frequent hand washing, and seeking early medical advice for flu-like symptoms.
Hospitals have also been directed to stay alert for signs of a potential rise in hospitalisations due to COVID-related complications.
As cases emerge sporadically across states, health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent a broader resurgence.