Kadapa district has reported a COVID-19 death after four years. The patient, a 43-year-old man from Kadapa city, succumbed to the virus on July 7 while undergoing treatment at the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), where he had been admitted with a severe lung infection. However, officials described it as a stray case involving extreme co-morbid conditions and appealed to the public not to panic.
According to officials, three of the deceased's primary contacts also tested positive and have been advised to remain in home isolation.
It may be recalled that a person from Rajampeta in Kadapa district, who had diabetes and a kidney-related disorder, was admitted to CMC Vellore in Tamil Nadu a fortnight ago and unfortunately passed away while undergoing treatment.
The State Medical and Health Department is reportedly yet to decide whether to advise the public to wear masks in public places and maintain social distancing, norms that were followed during the COVID-19 pandemic. An official statement is expected once a policy decision is taken, sources said.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y.S. Sharmila Reddy, who hails from Kadapa district, expressed concern over the situation. She spoke to the District Collector to inquire about the nature of the viral spread and the preparedness of the district's medical and health staff.
Appealing to the state government to handle the situation with due seriousness, Ms. Sharmila also called upon all stakeholders across the political spectrum to join hands, irrespective of their political affiliations, to tackle the menace.
