PANJIM: Goa on Monday woke up to the news of the death of an 85-year old man from Morlem, who had tested positive for COVID-19. Later the same day, a 58-year-old man from Vasco, with prevailing cardiac illness, succumbed to the virus at the COVID hospital Margao. Also, a former State Health Minister was amongst the new COVID cases on Monday and he was shifted to a Covid Care Centre.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane broke the news on social media stating, “Deeply saddened to inform that an 85-year-old patient, from Morlem in Sattari, who had tested positive has succumbed to COVID-19.” He added that this is the first COVID death reported in the State.
“We assure the people that our team is doing everything to keep our people safe and are following the strictest measures that are in place. This is an unfortunate incident and I stand with the family in their time of grief,” he said.
Reacting to the news, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant said he is saddened by the news of death of the man from Morlem. “I am told, he was bed-ridden for the last four years and had asthma and many other complications. He was admitted in GMC yesterday (Sunday) and today he expired,” he stated.
“The people need to take care of elderly patients who have co-morbidities,” Sawant said.
The Chief Minister further said that the final rites of the deceased will be done as per the protocol laid down by the central government.
“The final rites will be done by the government only,” he said.
