Government has announced a slew of measures for prevention of coronavirus even as no case has tested positive for the virus in J&K.
Bhupinder Kumar, Director National Health Mission, who hasbeen designated as incharge of coronavirus response in J&K, told GreaterKashmir that five counters had been set up at Srinagar airport for screening ofthe passengers.
He said till date 27 samples from J&K had been sent forcoronavirus testing. “Reports of 20 samples have been received – all found negative,”he said.
He said the result of seven samples was awaited. Sevensuspected cases of coronavirus were currently admitted— five in Sher-e-KashmirInstitute of Medical Sciences and two in GMC Jammu.
Announcing a new administrative structure to monitorcoronavirus protective measures, Chief Secretary J&K stated that allpassengers travelling to the UT via any route will be screened. “The screeningwill take place at the two airports in Jammu and Srinagar as well as at Katrain Jammu division and Qazigund in Kashmir division.
“The check posts, manned by police and healthcare personnelwill carry out general checking of people having history of travel, if any, toseverely affected countries or having had any contact with a person from suchcountries.”
An information bulletin issued after Lieutenant Governor’sAdvisor, RajeevRaiBhatnagar and ChiefSecretary, BVR Subrahmanyam held a review meeting with Divisional CommissionerJammu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Director National Health Mission, PrincipalGMC Jammu, Director Health Services Jammu and other senior officers from theHealth Department. All Deputy Commissioners, Director, SKIMS and Principal,GMC, Srinagar attended the meeting through video conference.
Government has also advised people to desist fromcongregations. Divisional Commissioners and all Deputy Commissioners were askedthat avoidable large gatherings be deferred in their respective jurisdictionsas a precautionary measure against the spread of the infection.
“We appeal people not to panic, not to pay heed torumors and practice hand hygiene and other measures,” he said.
Kumar said all people travelling from severely affectedcountries, even if asymptomatic, are advised to isolate themselves for fourweeks. In addition, self-declaration of travel has been mandatory.”Currently, these are the guidelines of GoI and we have strictlyadhering,” Kumar said.
Meanwhile, Nodal Officer of J&K Cobid-19 DrShafqat Khansaid that out of five samples, they have received medical examination report offour suspects and it is negative. “Fifth report is awaited in Srinagar”.
“In Jammu, four suspects’ medical report is still awaited,”Khan added. He said they have checked total of 3462 people across Jammu andKashmir, including 2262 in Kashmir, and 1200 in Jammu.