No need to panic, we can handle coronavirus spread: DAK
Srinagar: 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 issued here, 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 not to 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, the statement added.
“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 some measures to prevent spread of flu and coronavirus viruses.
It said that regularly and thoroughly cleaning ones hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water can kill the viruses that may be on ones hands.
The medico body said that people should maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
It said that touching many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to one’s eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter ones body and can make us sick.
KV News
