70-year-old dies after testing positive for Covid-19 in Belagavi

BELAGAVI: A 70-year-old man, who had tested positive for Covid-19, died at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) on Wednesday night. The patient was suffering from age-related illnesses and this may be the first Covid-related death in the district this year.

The patient was initially admitted to a private hospital where he underwent a test for Covid-19. He was later shifted to BIMS where, after his test results returned positive, he was shifted to the Covid ward.

However, the patient did not respond to treatment and died on Wednesday night. The family conducted the last rites as per Covid-19 protocols on Thursday.

District surgeon Dr Vitthal Shinde said, “Two days ago, the patient was admitted to a private hospital with complaints of breathing difficulties where a rapid antigen test (RAT) revealed Covid-19. He was then shifted to BIMS on Wednesday, but did not respond to treatment”.

Dr Shinde said a swab sample of the patient has been sent to Hubballi for testing. “The last rites of the patient were conducted as per Covid-19 protocols. We have taken all precautions in the hospital, including wearing masks, and we are monitoring influenza-like illness (ILI) cases”, he added.