Himachal Pradesh: 69-year-old Tibetan dies; preliminary tests show COVID-19 positive
A 69-year-old Tibetan man suspected to have contracted the novel coronavirus died due to respiratory issues at Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College in Himachal Pradesh's Kangra on Monday. He had returned to India from the United States on March 21. Preliminary tests have reportedly shown that he died due to COVID-19, making it the first coronavirus-linked fatality in the state. Here's more.
Swabs sent to NIV, Pune for second confirmation: Authorities
The deceased has reportedly been identified as Tenzin Choden, a 69-year-old exiled Tibetan who lived in Dharamsala. After returning to India from the US on March 21, he took a cab from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport to McLeod Ganj. Authorities said that they have sent his swabs to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune for a second confirmation.
First coronavirus related death in Himachal Pradesh
Meanwhile, authorities also alerted the Tibetan Government in exile in Dharamsala to quarantine and conduct tests for the novel coronavirus for people who may have come into contact with Choden. If confirmed by the NIV, this will be the first coronavirus death and the third such case in Himachal Pradesh. The remaining two suspected cases in the state are also awaiting the NIV's confirmation.
Test result will be available on Tuesday: Kangra Deputy Commissioner
However, Rakesh Prajapti, Deputy Commissioner of the Kangra district, said authorities were still ascertaining whether Choden's death was due to the novel coronavirus. "We have taken a sample of the deceased for testing; the result will be available on Tuesday," he said. "We cannot link the deceased with COVID-19 till we get reports," Prajapti added.
Officials preparing list of people arriving from other countries, states
Officials in Kangra were directed to prepare a list of people who arrived from other countries and stated recently. "The list will be prepared of not only those who have from abroad but...persons who have arrived from different parts of the country," said Prajapti. The list is likely to be ready by Tuesday. Revenue and Panchayat functionaries were tasked with collecting the information.
Residents have been communicated about the necessary quarantine: Prajapti
"Kangra residents have been communicated about the necessary quarantine of all those who have arrived from other states," said Prajapti. "All those who have returned from countries but don't have any symptoms need to undergo home quarantine and those having some symptoms would be brought for isolation," the Kangra Deputy Commissioner added.
Coronavirus death toll reaches 9 in India
Meanwhile, the death toll from the coronavirus pandemic reached 15,433 globally, while the total number of infected cases crossed 3.58 lakh on Monday. In India, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose to 468 while the death toll has now reached nine.
