Bengaluru has reported its first COVID-19 fatality of 2025, raising concerns amid a gradual increase in cases across Karnataka. The deceased, an 85-year-old man, was admitted to a private hospital in Whitefield with multi-organ failure and breathing difficulties before succumbing to the virus. His COVID-19 test results arrived posthumously, confirming the infection. The Karnataka Health Department has since issued an advisory, urging caution among vulnerable populations, including elderly individuals, pregnant women, and those with weakened immunity.
The state has witnessed a slight uptick in COVID-19 cases, with 32 new infections reported in Bengaluru alone. Authorities have scaled up testing, particularly for individuals with respiratory illnesses and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Hospitals have been directed to stock up on RT-PCR testing kits, and random testing is being conducted in high-risk zones. Despite the rise in cases, Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public that the situation remains under control, emphasizing that most infections are mild and do not require hospitalization.
While the government has ruled out lockdowns or movement restrictions, officials have advised residents to wear masks in crowded areas, maintain hand hygiene, and avoid unnecessary travel. The Technical Advisory Committee has also recommended COVID-19 testing at eight medical colleges across Karnataka to enhance surveillance. As the city navigates this new wave, health experts stress the importance of vaccination and early detection, ensuring that Bengaluru remains prepared to manage the evolving situation.