The first death from the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) was reported in Andhra Pradesh on Friday.
According to a press release by the health department, a 55-year-old man from Vijayawada succumbed to the dreaded virus.
As per the bulletin, the man had been admitted to the Vijayawada General Hospital on March 30 for a check-up. But he died within a hour due to complications.
The deceased had a history of health problems including hypertension, diabetes and cardiac issues.
The man's son had come back to the state from Delhi on March 17, and in a subsequent medical examination, had tested positive for Covid-19 on March 31. The man may have contracted the virus from his son. His samples had been immediately sent for testing but, as it turned out, he died within a hour of his admission to the hospital.
Explaining the reason for the delay in confirming the death as a Covid-19 casualty, the health ministry said the process of ascertaining whether the man had indeed died of the coronavirus or from his other health complications had taken some time.
Following the test results, it was confirmed that the man had indeed died of the dreaded virus.
All the 29 members he had come in contact with have been identified and have been quarantined.
The details of the flight his son travelled by from Delhi have also been shared with the Central government, and all precautions pertaining to the Covid-19 protocol have been put in place.