Karnataka Covid Death: State Reports Second Fatality in 2025, 42 New Cases in 24 Hours

The Karnataka Health Department is on high alert as Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the state. Precautionary measures have been implemented in hospitals statewide, but despite these efforts, two deaths linked to Covid have been reported - one each in Bengaluru and Belagavi.

The latest fatality was a 70-year-old man from Benakanahalli village in Belagavi district, who died on Wednesday night. According to health department sources, he was suffering from hypertension, high blood pressure, and other heart-related ailments. This marks the second Covid-related death in Karnataka in the current surge.

Covid Cases on the Rise

In the last 24 hours, 42 new Covid cases have been confirmed in Karnataka, bringing the total active cases to 148. The daily positivity rate stood at 10.12% from 395 tests conducted, including 344 RT-PCR and 51 RAT tests, according to the health department.

The steady increase has prompted authorities to ramp up preventive strategies and preparedness measures.

Hospitals Across State on Alert

Hospitals across Karnataka, especially in sensitive districts like Chamarajanagar, are on high alert. The district witnessed one of the most tragic episodes during the second wave in 2021, when 36 patients died due to an oxygen shortage. In response, health officials have taken proactive steps to avoid a repeat of the past crisis.

Isolation wards have been established at SIMS Hospital, the District Hospital, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in Chamarajanagar. ICU ventilator units with oxygen support have also been readied.

Covid Testing Intensified in Chamarajanagar

To ensure early detection, mandatory testing for Covid has been enforced for individuals presenting symptoms like fever, cough, or cold. Health staff have also been instructed to monitor SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) cases closely.

Oxygen Preparedness

Given the previous oxygen crisis, the Health Department has ensured that hospitals in Chamarajanagar are well-stocked. Oxygen supplies have been secured at local plants, and emergency protocols have been put in place to prevent any shortages.

As the state grapples with a potential new wave, the Health Department urges citizens to remain cautious, follow Covid-appropriate behavior, and get tested at the first sign of symptoms.

As of May 29, 2025, India has recorded 1,010 active COVID-19 cases - a sharp rise from 257 cases just ten days earlier on May 19. The spike is largely linked to the emergence of new variants, NB.1.8.1 and LF.7, detected in states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.