Himachal witnesses first death due to Coronavirus, 69-year-old Tibetan dies

The "Dev Bhoomi" (Himachal Pradesh) reported first casualty due to the Coronavirus on Monday with the death of a 69-year-old Tibetan, who was undergoing treatment in the state-run Medical  College and Hospital, Tanda, in Dharamsala.

The victim's  preliminary tests showed that he died of the virus, the authorities said.

According to information, Tenzin Choden, who lived in Mcleodganj area of Dharamsala, had returned from US on March 21. He had hired a  taxi from Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, to Mcleodganj, the authorities claimed.

A senior official of the district administration revealed that his swabs have been sent to National Institution of Virology, Pune, for a second confirmation.

The health authorities are terming it a death due to Coronavirous until the reports from Pune arrive.

After the death, the district administration has alerted Tibet’s government in exile in Dharamsala, besides asking  it to quarantine and test all those in touch with Choden for the virus.

The death due to the Coronavirus has spread panic among Tibetans who residing in densely populated areas in Mcleodganj and other parts of the district and state.

Taking preventive measures, the temple of Tibetan religious guru Dalai Lama has already been closed for his followers in Mcleodganj.

The state has two positive who are hospitalised in Tanda Medical College and Hospital and about 800 suspected cases of the Coronavirous while many are under quarantine.

The health authorities, however claims to have been  tracking down every suspect.