Coronavirus pandemic: 14 more persons test negative in Kashmir, 6 more quarantined
Srinagar, Mar 20: Fourteen more persons, admitted to the isolation ward of SKIMS and CD hospitals here, on Friday tested negative for coronavirus infection, officials said.
They said six more persons with symptoms-like coronavirus were admitted to CD hospital and their samples have been sent for tests to confirm or rule-out the pathogen. In a related development, SKIMS announced not to carry “elective surgeries and elective procedures” with immediate effect even as the emergency and semi emergency surgeries would continue along with life-saving intervention procedures.
Nodal officer for coronavirus control at SKIMS, Dr G H Yatoo said that test reports of five persons including that of two contacts of the covid-19 patient, a 67-year-old woman from Khaniyar Srinagar, came out to be negative.
Dr Yatoo, who is also HoD hospital administration of SKIMS, informed that no person was admitted today at the isolation facility set up at the tertiary care hospital.
According to an order by Professor Farooq Ahmad Jan, the medical superintendent of SKIMS, no elective surgery or procedure, would be carried with immediate effect at the hospital till further orders. The elective surgery or procedure is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency.
“Emergency surgeries, semi emergency surgeries, cancer surgeries and life-saving interventional procedures will continue,” reads the MS’s order, adding, “Cancer related day care, chemo therapy, radiation therapy and diagnostic services which are unavoidable will continue,” the order added. Meanwhile HOD CD Hospital Srinagar Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah said that six more persons with symptoms like coronoavirus were admitted to the isolation facility set up at the hospital.
He said nine samples were tested and all of them came to be negative.
So far, only one person has tested positive for the coronavirus in Kashmir Valley. The number of such patients in Jammu is three.
Meanwhile, the Government informed that 3330 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation.
According to the daily media bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 2465 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 44 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 416 while as 405 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
It said that 186 samples have been sent for testing of which 178 tested as negative and only four cases have tested positive, so far while as four reports are awaited.
Meanwhile, a 24×7 toll free national helpline number 1075 has been activated for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on novel coronavirus disease. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also set up helpline numbers in this regard: 0191-2549676(UT level Cell for J&K), 0191-2520982(Jammu Division),0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581(Kashmir Division).
The government has appealed that any person with travel history to COVID-19 affected countries or person in contact with such a traveller, whether they are having symptoms or not, must remain in 14 days home quarantine. If any person feels unwell having cough, fever or difficulty in breathing that person should avoid exposure to others and seek medical care at the earliest.
The Government has also urged the general public to maintain social distancing as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected.
“The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible,” the Government advisory said.
Further, the Government has appealed people to not panic and take care of health and protect others.
“Public in general is advised to avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport. Avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gatherings, do not spit in public. People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent handwashing with soap and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes,” the Government advisory added. (GNS)
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