BENGALURU: Karnataka recorded its first Covid-19-related death of 2025 on May 17, as an 85-year-old man admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield with multi-organ failure and respiratory distress succumbed to the illness. Health officials confirmed the Covid-19 infection after test results arrived on Saturday.

Meanwhile, in Thane, Maharashtra, a 21-year-old man suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis also tested positive for Covid before passing away. Authorities clarified that his death was due to ketoacidosis, not the virus. He was the fourth Covid-positive fatality in Greater Mumbai this week, though none were directly attributed to the virus.

Over the last 10 days, Karnataka has seen a rise in Covid-19 cases, with 35 new infections reported statewide—32 of them in Bengaluru. Health authorities have ramped up testing, making it mandatory for those with respiratory symptoms and all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) patients.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said around 5,000 RT-PCR kits are available across government hospitals, and hospitals have been instructed to test cardiac and respiratory patients. Nationwide, 257 Covid cases have been confirmed, mostly with mild symptoms and no serious complications.

The minister emphasized there’s no cause for alarm. “We are taking all preventive measures and coordinating with the Centre. Masks aren’t mandatory yet, but pregnant women and new mothers should wear them in crowded places,” he said.

Citizens were advised to maintain hand hygiene and avoid panic.