A 70-year-old man from a village in Belagavi taluk succumbed to Covid-related complications on Wednesday evening while undergoing treatment at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS) District Hospital. This marks the first reported death in the region during the ongoing fresh wave of the pandemic.

According to hospital authorities, the elderly patient had tested positive for Covid-19 through a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) conducted at a private facility. He was admitted to the district hospital in the early hours of Wednesday evening, but his condition deteriorated rapidly.

Dr Vithal Shinde, the District Surgeon at BIMS, stated that the patient’s swab sample has been forwarded to KIMS, Hubballi for RT-PCR testing. This will provide official confirmation of the Covid-19 infection.

Health officials are closely monitoring the case as it may indicate the beginning of a potential rise in serious cases. Meanwhile, residents are being urged to remain cautious and follow safety protocols.