Coronavirus Pandemic: only handful allowed to attend funeral of 64-year-old deceased

Maharashtra recorded its first death due to the novel coronavirus or nCOVID-19 on Tuesday. 64-year-old businessman on Tuesday lost his life at Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai. His son and wife of the deceased have also been tested positive for the coronavirus. 

After returning from his business trip to Dubai, the deceased on March 5 developed early symptoms of coronavirus or COVID-19 and admitted himself to Hinduja Hospital. The 64-year-old was tested positive for coronavirus and was shifted to Kasturba Hospital where he was being treated with HIV medicine. 

However, Maharashtra Public Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Tuesday said that one can’t be sure that the reason of death is the novel coronavirus. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Praveen Pardeshi also stated that the deceased was suffering from other health-related issues as well.

“It is not possible to say that the man who died at Kasturba Hospital today, died due to coronavirus. We are waiting for the report,” Tope said. 

This is the third death in India related to the coronavirus or COVID-19. In Maharashtra, the number of infected cases has climbed to 42 and with one casualty, the active cases remain 41. In India, the total number of cases tested positive for coronavirus has increased to 147, as per the health ministry. 

In order to prevent the virus from spreading, the dead body of the 64-year-old deceased was specially covered. The BMC said that the funeral was conducted at the electric crematorium with few people in attendance and the body was kept in a glass box. The doctors have been instructed to take all necessary measures and care to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. 

The BMC has decided to provide medical assistance to those suspected of coronavirus or COVID-19 in a private hospital. The administration has asserted that these hospitals should provide this facility free of cost. Along with this, BMC has asked to initiate additional services and has prepared 500 to 1000 beds at Seven Hills Hospital.

However, the relatives of the deceased have questioned the BMC’s decision to shift him from a private hospital to Kasturba Hospital. 

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