Updated April 7th, 2020 at 14:56 IST
COVID-19 claims first victim in Odisha as 72-year-old person from Jharpada passes away
Odisha registered its first COVID-19 death when a 72-year-old person hailing from Jharpada who expired on April 6 was confirmed to have the novel coronavirus.
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On Tuesday, Odisha registered its first COVID-19 death. According to the state Department of Health and Family Welfare, the aforesaid individual was a 72-year-old person hailing from the Jharpada area. He was admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on April 4 with respiratory distress. While he expired on April 6, his reports subsequently confirmed that he had tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Moreover, the patient was suffering from hypertension. The Department of Health and Family Welfare added that further steps such as contact tracing were underway.
One 72 years male belonging to Jharpada had been admitted to AIIMS Bhubaneswar on 4th April with complaint of respiratory distress. He had history of chronic hypertension. He expired on 6th April. He was tested positive for COVID-19.
— H & FW Dept Odisha (@HFWOdisha)
Contact tracing and containment is ongoing.
Read: Naveen Patnaik Announces 4 Months' Advance Salary To Govt Medical Professionals In Odisha
Masks mandatory in Odisha
Meanwhile, Odisha has become the first state in India to make the use of a face mask or use of cloth in at least two layers mandatory for residents when they come out of their homes. This order shall come into force from 7 am on April 9. Contending that the virus was believed to be spreading through droplets, the state Revenue and Disaster Management Department's order also cited that masks had proved to be extremely useful in controlling the spread of COVID-19.
Read: Modi Govt Plans 2 Covid Strategies Post-April 14; For 'lockdown & Non-lockdown' States
Naveen Patnaik announces 4 months' advance salary
So far, there are 4421 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India out of which 326 people have recovered while 114 individuals have lost their lives. On the other hand, 21 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus have been detected in Odisha. On March 25, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced that all government medical professionals including doctors and other healthcare staff will be paid a 4-month advance salary (for the months of April, May, June, and July).
The salary will be paid in April. Patnaik lauded the contribution of the healthcare professionals who were at the forefront of fighting the novel coronavirus crisis. Moreover, he directed the police to take strict action against anyone obstructing or misbehaving with the medical professionals.
Read: India To Allow Hydroxychloroquine & Paracetamol Export To Neighbours In Need Amid Covid
Read: Coronavirus LIVE Updates: 2 New COVID-19 Cases In Mumbai's Dharavi; Cases In India At 4420
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Published April 7th, 2020 at 14:54 IST