Teenage girl dies in Baramulla, family asked to follow COVID protocol for last rites

Srinagar: An 18-year-old girl with symptoms of novel coronavirus died “on arrival” at GMC hospital Baramulla on Friday.

While doctors have taken her sample for coronavirus, her body was handed over to the family who were asked to strictly follow burial protocol for Covid-19 patient. 

Medical Superintendent GMC Baramulla Dr Syed Masood Bukhari told GNS that the 18-year-old from Khuroo Langate Handwara “died of a heart attack”.

“She died on arrival,” he said adding “the girl as per the family had high fever and breathlessness for the last ten days and she was taken to Handwara hospital. However, the family thought to take her to GMC Baramulla.”

The swab sample of the teenager for coronavirus has been taken and sent to the lab, he said.

“We have handed over the body and all measures as are taken for a COVID-19 patient would have to be adhered to,” he said, adding, “We counselled the family for the importance of conducting last rites strictly as per Covid-19 protocol. We have also informed Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, as well as BMO, concerned regarding the last rites as per the Covid-19 protocol.” (GNS)