Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal
Bantwal, Apr 19: Following the death of a 50-year-old woman from Bantwal Kasba here on Sunday April 19 due to coronavirus, the district administration intensified measures to curb the spread of the virus by completing sealing down the area surrounding her residence.
The woman, who became the first victim of coronavirus in Dakshina Kannada, had developed respiratory issues on Saturday April 18 and was taken to Bantwal taluk hospital. She was then brought to Wenlock hospital, which being a government-run hospital, is the sole facility in the district for coronavirus treatment. Her swabs were collected and sent for testing, but she passed away on Sunday morning even before the report was out.
Health workers in Bantwal
The report which was received in the afternoon confirmed that she had contracted coronavirus.
The woman's close family members have been placed under quarantine. Their samples were also collected and sent for testing.
Soon after the woman's death, the administration sealed down the area surrounding her residence, for a radius of 3 km.
The main town area has also been completely sealed.
The administration has strictly sealed down everything within 100 metres of the woman's house. Areas in the radius of 500 metres are being closely monitored.
Sajipanadu and Thumbe in Bantwal, Janata colony in Karaya of Beltangady, Smart planet apartment in Thokkottu, Sampya Mane in Puttur, Uppinangady in Puttur and Ajjavara in Sullia have already been declared coronavirus containment zones in the district.
Doctor quarantined
It is also learnt that a doctor who examined the deceased woman has also been quarantined.
The doctor, who runs a private clinic in Bantwal, had examined the woman five days ago, it is learnt.
The district administration is currently trying to trace the travel history of the woman.
Sources said that over 20 persons who were in contact with the deceased woman have been quarantined. These include the woman's neighbours.
A group of health officials brought the people to Mangaluru to be quarantined.
The police are trying to trace another 10 persons who were in contact with the woman.