India Records First Coronavirus Death: Test Samples From 76-Year-Old Man Who Died In Kalaburgi Return Positive

Test samples of 76-year-old man who died yesterday (12 March) in Karnataka’s Kalaburgi, have confirmed that he was suffering from Covid-19. This is India’s first Coronavirus related casualty.

As reported by ANI, the man who was initially suspected of having a Coronavirus infection had also recently visited a clinic in Telangana.

As a result of this news, the Karnataka Health Department has initiated measures like contact tracing and isolation. The Telangana government too has been informed of this incident.

The total confirmed coronavirus cases have now risen to 75 in India.

The centre yesterday (11 March) announced new travel restrictions, strictest so far, suspending all non-work, non-diplomatic visas for all foreigners till 15 April. Indians who have been to badly affected countries such as Italy, China, Iran, South Korea, etc will be compulsorily quarantined for 14 days.

The Centre has advised states to invoke Epidemic Disease Act of 1897 to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in India. Karnataka and Haryana have decided to do so.

The act gives wide ranging powers to officials to limit individual liberties, restrict movement, frame new rules on the go, restrain the infected and fine those who break the rules imposed to contain the outbreak. It also shields officials from judicial proceedings for the acts they carry out in good faith to implement the act.