The death of a man, who tested positive for COVID-19, at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam has brought the focus back on the need to adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour, especially in crowded places.

Padilam Kashinath, 64, hailing from the city, was admitted to a private hospital with complications of Parkinson’s Disease, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, Pneumonia and COVID-19 on May 28. The death report mentioned that the patient was suffering from the four diseases. The cause of death was, however, mentioned as ‘viral pneumonia respiratory failure’.

Kashinath died while undergoing treatment on Thursday morning. The news spread rapidly, though the doctors and the officials concerned were initially tight-lipped about the case. They refused to admit that the victim had COVID-19 as it was not confirmed by the Virology Lab at the King George Hospital (KGH). They said that the patient had co-morbid conditions.

Attempts to contact the District Medical & Health Officer failed as he could not be reached over the phone.

The first case of COVID-19 positive case of the city was a woman, and it was confirmed a week ago. Subsequently, her relative and the doctor who treated her contracted COVID-19. However, all three have recovered.