Karnataka has reported its first Covid-19 death in Bengaluru since the recent rise in cases, the Health Department confirmed on Saturday. An 85-year-old man succumbed to the virus, marking the state’s first fatality in this phase.

In the past 24 hours, 108 tests were conducted, with five new positive cases identified. One patient was discharged, bringing the total number of active Covid-19 cases in the state to 38, of which 32 are from Bengaluru.

Additional cases were reported in Ballari, Bengaluru Rural, Mangaluru, Vijayanagar (one each), and Mysuru (two). A woman returning from Mumbai and a pregnant woman in Belagavi also tested positive. Both are in quarantine.

District hospitals, including Dharwad, have set up dedicated 10-bed ICU wards to handle Covid-19 cases. The technical advisory committee has recommended starting Covid testing in eight medical colleges from Sunday.

Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao addressed the media, assuring the public that the situation remains under control. “There’s no reason to panic,” he said. “Covid-19 is now endemic, and most cases show only mild symptoms.”

He advised vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised individuals—to take extra precautions in crowded spaces, including wearing masks. However, there are no mask mandates or travel restrictions.

The state has issued an advisory noting a gradual rise in cases over the last 20 days, particularly in Bengaluru, and emphasized the need for vigilance without alarm.