269 new coronavirus cases in Ahmedabad, 22 deaths

(Eds: with more details)

Ahmedabad, May 8 () The number of COVID-19 patientsin Ahmedabad district of Gujarat increased to 5,260 on Fridaywith the detection of 269 cases since previous evening, ahealth department official said.

With 22 patients dying in city hospitals, the deathtoll due to the pandemic in the district rose to 343 in 24hours, said Jayanti Ravi, Principal Secretary, Health.

Of 7,403 coronavirus cases in Gujarat, 5,260 caseshave been reported from Ahmedabad district alone.

1001 patients have so far recovered from the virusinfection in the city, including 115 (74 men and 41 women) whowere discharged on Friday.

Of 343 COVID-19 patients who died, 204 succumbed tothe pandemic at City Civil Hospital while 92 died in SardarVallabhbhai Hospital. Remaining deaths were reported fromother hospitals.

A massive sanitation campaign involving retrofittedfire-tending vehicles, drones and other equipment will startfrom Saturday in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation limits,said senior IAS officer Rajiv Kumar Gupta.

Gupta, an officer of special duty at AMC, chaired ameeting of top civic officials on Friday.

Drones would be used to spray disinfectant in areasinaccessible to vehicles, he said.

"We will be using retrofitted fire brigade vehicles,special vehicles and drones," said Gupta.

He also informed that AC buses will be made availableto the Indian Medical Association to facilitate the movementof medical and para-medical staff of private medicalfacilities designated to treat COVID-19 patients. PJT PDKRK KRK