Youth who died at Salem hospital tests positive for COVID-19

A 25-year-old person, who reportedly tested positive for COVID-19, died at the Salem Government Hospital on Thursday.

The youth, a resident of Kolathur near Mettur, was admitted to the Mettur Government Hospital owing to renal failure on Wednesday. While in the hospital, he tested positive for COVID-19. Following this, he was referred to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH), where he later died, officials said. Dean of the hospital J. Devi Meenal said the deceased had suffered from kidney failure and other infections.

‘No need to panic’

A total of 293 fresh cases of COVID-19 were reported during May in Tamil Nadu. Of these, 148 are currently under observation, an official release said.

Speaking at an event in Chennai on Saturday, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian reiterated that there was no need to panic over the current COVID-19 situation. Noting that 19 samples from Tamil Nadu were sent to the National Institute of Virology for whole genome sequencing, he said the results showed that the infections were due to non-virulent strains of Omicron.

The Union Health Ministry, in a circular to all States, stressed the need for frequent hand washing and cough etiquette. “They have said that it is good for persons with co-morbidities and the elderly to wear masks in public places,” Mr. Subramanian said, adding that it was not mandatory.

He said Tamil Nadu had adequate health infrastructure in terms of beds and oxygen capacity and dengue cases were also under control in the State. There have been four deaths due to dengue since the start of the year, he added.

Published - June 01, 2025 12:37 am IST