Bengaluru, May 25 (NationPress) has witnessed its first fatality due to Covid-19, as per an official announcement from the Karnataka Health Department.

The individual passed away on Saturday, the department reported, noting that in the past 24 hours, 108 individuals were tested for Covid, resulting in five positive cases. One patient was discharged from the hospital, bringing the total number of active cases to 38.

Of the 38 active cases, 32 are from Bengaluru. In the city, 92 individuals were tested, with two positive cases reported within the last day, according to the statement.

The districts of Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Mangaluru, and Vijayanagar each have one active case, while Mysuru has reported two.

Sources from the Health Department revealed that the deceased was an 85-year-old man.

Additionally, a woman who returned from Mumbai tested positive and is currently in home isolation. In Belagavi, a pregnant woman has also tested positive after traveling to Pune last month.

Several district hospitals, including those in Dharwad, have established a 10-bed ICU ward specifically for treating Covid-19 patients.

The Technical Advisory Committee has recommended the Health Department to commence Covid testing at eight medical colleges starting Sunday across Karnataka, sources confirmed.

In light of a recent rise in Covid-19 cases in the state, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stated that while there is a minor uptick in cases both statewide and in Bengaluru, there is no reason for alarm.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Saturday, Minister Rao reassured, “There is no cause for concern. It’s a normal situation. We have observed a slight increase in Covid-19 cases over the past 15 days.”

He further mentioned that the state’s Technical Advisory Committee convened recently to review the current situation. “Our advisory recommends testing for those with severe respiratory illnesses, particularly individuals in hospitals.”

He also advised, “Individuals on immunosuppressant medications, those with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and children should exercise caution in crowded areas. Wearing a mask in such places is encouraged, as it helps prevent not only Covid-19 but other infections too. However, wearing masks is not mandatory, and there are no travel restrictions or movement bans within the city or state,” he clarified.

Minister Rao emphasized that life can proceed normally without fear. “Everything is functioning as usual—work, life, and daily activities. To date, 257 cases have been reported nationwide, and notably, none have exhibited severe symptoms. Only mild symptoms have been identified, so there is no need for panic. My message to the public is that Covid-19 is now endemic; the coronavirus is integrated into our environment, similar to other viruses. At any moment, someone may have Covid-19. The significant concern is the emergence of new or severe variants,” he added.

The minister stated that Covid testing is only mandatory for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases.

“For others, standard guidelines should be followed: maintain hand hygiene and cleanliness. These practices are beneficial not only for Covid-19 but also for preventing various diseases,” he added.

The Karnataka Health Department issued an advisory on Friday, indicating a gradual increase in the spread of Covid in Bengaluru over the past 20 days.