Admitted for age related health ailments on Tuesday, the man from Benakanahalli in Belagavi taluk was tested positive of the virus on Wednesday and was shifted to Covid ward where he breathed his last in the evening. His last rites were conducted as per the covid norms.

Confirming the death, Belagavi District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Girish Gadadi said 5-beded covid isolated wards have been established in all the government hospitals with necessary medicine and oxygen units. "It was the first death for the virus in the district and the pregnant woman tested positive is recovering at BIMS" Dr Gadadi said, adding that no other cases reported in the district yet.