In view of the coronavirus fear, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Thursday appealed the government to arrange separate OPDs, outpatient entry and waiting area and wards for people suffering from flu like illness.
In a statement, President DAK Dr Suhail Naik said the doctor’s body is satisfied over concrete measures taken by the government to prevent the entry of coronavirus in to Jammu and Kashmir asking people to stay calm and don’t panic.
“The health department, doctors and paramedics are prepared to immediately activate the highest level of emergency response mechanisms for early containment of a COVID-19 outbreak,” he said.
He said in light of knowledge gained from Wuhan in China on the effectiveness of non-pharmaceutical measures against COVID-19, like rapid detection, large scale case isolation and quarantine of contacts, the spread of virus can be contained.
DAK appeals people to begin now to enforce the rigorous application of infection prevention and control measures at homes, offices and schools.
“The dire need of hour is that doctors mass media, teachers, preachers and community leaders should educate the general population’s about of COVID-19, it’s mode of transmission and basic methods to prevent it from spreading,” Dr Naik said.
DAK appealed administration to arrange separate OPDs, outpatient entry and waiting area and wards for people suffering from flu like illness.
“The separation will help check spread of flu inside hospitals by ending intermingling of the crowd. Doctors, nurses and attendants will be present to take the swabs too if need arises,” he said.
DAK appeals people to stay calm saying that there is nothing to panic.
“But it is important to recognize that COVID-19 is a new and concerning disease, but still outbreaks can be managed with the right response,” it said.
DAK held an emergency meeting regard where they discussed about the 28 coronavirus positive cases that have been found in India.
Quoting the World Health Organisation (WHO), DAK said there have been 89,527 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,056 deaths reported globally in 67 countries.
In the emergency meeting attended by senior doctors, the medicos advised people to take following measures to prevent spread of flu and coronavirus viruses.
Wash your hands frequently:
Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain social distancing
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
Practice respiratory hygiene
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.
At time of fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care
Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
