Srinagar, May 1: An 18-year-old girl with symptoms of novel coronavirus died “on arrival” to Goverenment Medical College (GMC)  Baramulla on Friday.

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

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

“She died on arrival,” he said. On inquiring, he said, “the girl as per the family had high fever and breathlessness from 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 have been taken and sent for test, 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 counseled 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)