Karnataka witnesses the highest death toll in 7 days

Picture used for representational purpose only

Bengaluru: Karnataka witnessed the highest number of deaths, 3500, between May 7 and 13. It reflects that the health infrastructure is being crushed by the second wave of the pandemic.

The death toll in the second week of May was more than twice that in the first wave. This month, more than 5,000 deaths have been reported out of which 2,700 are from Bengaluru alone.

In comparison to the peak of the first eave, the state had reported 3,388 Covid deaths in August 2020.

Till now, the daily death average for the state in May has been nearly 400. Out of this, 211 are from Bengaluru. Between May 7 and 13, Karnataka reported 3,500 deaths which is a 107% rise from the 1,689 deaths between May 1 and 6. April 24 to 30 had a death toll of 1,448.

Bengaluru witnessed a 157% increase in deaths this week

The health infrastructure has reached its limit as the spike in cases continue. An official said, “Last year, you heard of families not finding ambulances or beds only in the beginning when protocols were being put in place and there was a stigma. This time, there’s a genuine problem.”

Experts told that deaths in this month are of patients from the last two weeks of April. As the cases increase, deaths in this month will be apparent towards the end and probably would extend to June. Over 2.6 lakh cases were reported in the first six days of this month and this was followed by a jump to 2.9 lakh cases between May 7 and 13.

Bengaluru witnessed 1,980 deaths between May 7 and 13 which is a rise of more than 157% from the last week. BBMP chief commissioner stated that the surge in cases and deaths is putting pressure on health infrastructure like never before. Even though the cases are rising and there are logistical issues, the Palike was doing everything to handle the moderate cases.