With 28 confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus in India and positive cases reported in New Delhi, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday asked health authorities in Kashmir to prepare for the contingencies.
“We need to intensify screening at entry points and enhance surveillance,” said DAK President, Dr Nisarul Hassan.
He said the passengers at Srinagar airport should bescreened by using thermal devices which spots people with fevers rapidly withno skin contact, minimizing the risk of contagion. He said thermal devices wereused for mass screening of travelers to detect those who might be infected withCoronavirus.
Dr Hassan said passengers should be asked about their travelhistory, symptoms and any history of contact with a suspected or a confirmedcase.
“For those without symptoms, health information cards shouldbe given to them with an advice to seek medical attention in case they developsymptoms of illness,” he said.
He said the passengers should also be screened at LowerMunda, Qazigund as majority of travelers enter the Valley by surface transport.
“We need to step up surveillance and find cases early;isolate them and treat them and trace their contacts,” said Dr Hassan.”Hospital preparedness is key to public safety in case virus gets in. Healthinstitutions should be ready to deal with potential Coronavirus patients.”
“Although there is no positive case in the valley, we shouldnot be complacent as the threat is real,” Dr Hassan said. “It would be a fatalmistake if we assume that the virus will not hit us.”
He said the clinical manifestation of the virus was fever,cough and cold and in severe cases difficulty in breathing.
“With no cure or vaccine for the virus, people shouldcontinue to take precautions like hand washing and cough etiquette that wouldhelp prevent the spread of the virus,” said Dr Hassan.