The district has reported its first COVID-19 case of the current season. A 73-year-old woman tested positive for the virus and has been admitted to the District Hospital in Dharwad. According to a bulletin issued by the district administration, her condition is currently stable.

In response to the detection, the government has directed health officials to mandatorily test throat swabs of at least 5% of SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) patients using the existing RT-PCR kits. The testing will follow a first-in, first-out approach to ensure that no kits, stocked during previous COVID waves, go to waste.

The Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Hubballi, has been designated as the primary COVID-19 testing center for the region. Samples collected from Dharwad, Gadag, Belagavi, and Bagalkote districts will be processed at this facility.

Health officials are urging the public to remain cautious and follow basic safety measures, especially in crowded areas.