Mumbai :
The King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital in Parel has clarified that the recent deaths of two COVID-positive patients were caused by serious pre-existing conditions and not due to the coronavirus itself, according to a statement from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).
The deceased include a 14-year-old girl suffering from nephrotic syndrome with hypocalcemic seizures and a 54-year-old woman battling cancer. Both patients were not Mumbai residents, hailing from Sindhudurg and Dombivli in Thane district.
While the patients had tested positive for COVID-19, the hospital emphasized that their deaths were unrelated to the virus. The BMC assured citizens that COVID-19 remains endemic, with sporadic and low case numbers from January to April 2025. A slight uptick in May prompted monitoring efforts, but the civic body stressed there was no cause for alarm.
In light of the recent developments, the BMC has:
- Earmarked dedicated COVID-19 beds and rooms in civic hospitals
- Stated that capacity can be scaled up swiftly if needed
The BMC is also closely observing international trends, noting rising cases in Singapore, Hong Kong, and East Asia, but reassured the public that Mumbai’s situation remains under control.