Coronavirus scare: 7000 people screened in just two days
Srinagar: Hectic efforts are on to screen the people across Jammu and Kashmir with at least 7000 people screened so far in last two days across the Union Territory, officials said on Friday.
Nodal Officer, coronavirus control Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Shafqat Khan said that at least 7000 people have been screened in last two days in Jammu and Kashmir, adding that 2800 were screened only in Jammu.
“Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory is still safe and secure from the deadly coronavirus with no one found positive so far,” he informed.
He said that 25 samples have been sent for testing to Delhi.
“We are ensuring that none among the travelers goes unscreened,” he said, adding that the 7000 people screened so far were either coming via flight or via Srinagar-Jammu highway, the only road connecting Valley with rest of the States.
He, however, added that none among the people screened so far were found positive. He also appealed people not to panic, but advised them to remain cautious.
“Jammu and Kashmir is coronavirus free, there is nothing to panic, however, people are advised to remain cautious,” Khan said.
The administration has already geared up and claimed that it is ready to tackle any eventuality. Besides, the administration has established an isolation ward for such patients at Sanant Nagar in Srinagar outskirts with separate general Out Patient Department (OPD).
“Trained staff has been mobilised and an isolation ward has been established at Maternity Centre and General OPD at Sanatnagar, Srinagar,” officials said.
Also, the administration has appointed various officers to ramp up efforts for prevention and control of the fast-spreading virus, which has so far infected 31 people in the country as of Friday.
The officers are tasked to ensure the creation of adequate quarantine, isolation and other requisite facilities besides undertaking adequate measures for surveillance of home quarantined persons.
Meanwhile, the officials of the Health department were on alert to deal with any possible case in the Valley. The administration has also deputed medical staff to screen foreigners at the Srinagar Airport.
Meanwhile, DC Srinagar, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary in a tweet said that coronavirus epidemic is a ‘Global Health Emergency’ and said that awareness is this regard is equally important as preparedness. He also asked the passengers landing at Srinagar Airport to ensure 100 per cent self-declaration for the safety.
“#Coronavirus outbreak is Global Health Emergency. Awareness is equally important as Preparedness. People landing at Srinagar airport pl ensure 100% self-declaration for your own safety and everyone else. Pl cooperate with Health teams,” DC tweeted.
He also added that the health department in unison with Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) headquarters and Airport Authority of India (AAI) has established five help desks at Srinagar Airport. “Health Deptt Sgr with active help of @CISFHQrs and @AAI_Official established 5 help desks at Srinagar aiport… For all those travelling to Srinagar. Pl report,” DC further tweeted. (KNO)
Owais Gul
