India, May 25 -- Karnataka's Belagavi district reported its first COVID-19 case in the ongoing surge, after a 24-year-old pregnant woman tested positive, health authorities confirmed on Saturday. The case has prompted stepped-up monitoring and contact tracing in the region.

District Health Officer Dr Eshwar Gadad urged residents to remain calm and not give in to panic. "There is a mild rise in COVID-19 cases across Karnataka. One case has emerged in Belagavi, but all testing and field surveys are being conducted without delay," he told reporters.

Health officials said the woman's immediate contacts, including three primary and eight secondary contacts, have all tested negative. "We are maintaining strict vigilance. Our teams on the grou...