New Delhi, Apr 30 (IANS):The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said around 1 in 2 coronavirus deaths are among those aged above 60 years, while more than 25 per cent of Covid patients in the country have recovered from the viral infection.

At the daily press conference, Joint Secretary, Health, Lav Agarwal, said analysis of deaths so far, show that the case fatality rate is 3.2 per cent, and 65 per cent of deaths were of males and 35 per cent of the deceased were females.

"A study of the age distribution of deaths shows that 14 per cent deaths occurred in the age-group of below 45 years, 34.8 per cent in the age group 45 to 60 years and 51.2 per cent in those aged above 60 years," he said.

Agarwal said that 42 per cent of deaths occurred in the age-group of 60-75 years, while 9.2 per cent of the deaths have been recorded in the above 75 years age group. He emphasised that when it comes to COVID-19, both age and comorbidities are risk factors.

He insisted that a detailed advisory has been issued on the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) as prophylaxis (preventive treatment) for SARS-COV2 infection, and its sufficient availability should be ensured.

"Covid-19 tests prescribed by any health facility should be as per protocol. Treatment should not be denied to any patient, citing requirement of additional testing beyond what is prescribed in the testing protocol", said Agarwal.

He added that the Health Ministry has issued guidelines regarding measures to be undertaken if a suspected or confirmed Covid-19 case is detected in a non-Covid health facility. Services can be continued in such health facilities after due disinfection procedure.