SRINAGAR: After gloom, a whiff of fresh air. For the first time, Kashmir recorded single-digit COVID 19 positive cases spurring fresh hopes of flattening the curve.
Of the 12 new positive cases reported today, nine are from Kashmir division and three from the Jammu division.
Five cases were tested positive at SKIMS, four at Lal Path Lab and three at Government medical college Jammu. The new positive cases include a 25-year-old pregnant lady of Handwara who had visited SDH Sopore for gynecological consultation a few days ago.
With this, the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 983. They include 882 from Kashmir and 101 from Jammu. Around 103290 people have been enlisted for observation. Nearly 26603 are under home quarantine. 483 are in hospital isolation and 152 in hospital quarantine.
Likewise, surveillance of 63654 people has been completed. Nearly 12383 people are under home surveillance. Of the 63515 tests conducted, 62532 have come back negative. Of the 983 positive cases, 487 are active positive. Of the 485 recoveries, 428 are from Kashmir, and 57 from Jammu.
Dr. G H Yatoo Nodal officer for coronavirus at SKIMS told the local news agency that out of 3619 samples tested at virology lab SKIMS, five were found positive and 3614 negative. He added that out of 5 new cases, two belong to the Shopian district, and one each are from Srinagar, Pulwama, and Jammu.
Dr. Salim Khan Nodal officer for coronavirus at GMC Srinagar said out all 748 samples that were tested at CD hospital lab in the last 24 hours were found negative. He further added that results of 145 samples are awaited and 237 more samples were received on Thursday. Officials from Shopian said that among two new cases from the district, one each belong to Urpora and Hirpora village.
As per the government advisory, the people have been informed that the stigma around COVID-19 can discourage people to take the necessary steps to fight the virus. “Break the stigma; encourage patients to come forward for COVID-19 testing if they develop symptoms, as early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease. Not disclosing symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing could put the lives of individuals and their families at risk.
As a measure for social distancing in public places & workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
Advisory urged people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene, and frequent handwashing with soap and water,” said the advisory
In case of any emergency, people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on the toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
The public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and are urged to rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
