Steep rise: 19 more test positive for COVID-19 in JK, cases rise to 94
Srinagar: With 17 more people testing positive for COVID-19, the number of cases in Jammu and Kashmir rose to 94 on Saturday, officials here said.
Of these, 16 fresh cases were reported from Kashmir, they said.
The total number of COVID-19 cases in the Union territory includes four patients who have recovered and two deaths, both in Kashmir.
“Fourteen fresh cases were detected in Kashmir today (Saturday),” the officials said.
“Three more positive cases reported today from Narsoo, Udhampur. All contacts of a positive patient from Udhampur with travel history abroad,” Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary (Planning and Information), had tweeted earlier in the day.
Meanwhile, the daily Media Bulletin issued by the government on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), said that out of 92 positive cases, 86 are Active Positive, 04 have recovered and 02 have died.
Furthermore, till date 28545 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance which include 10606 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 682 in Hospital Quarantine, 86 in hospital isolation and 12795 under home surveillance. Besides, 4376 persons have completed their 28 days surveillance period.
The Bulletin further said that till date 1397 samples have been sent for testing of which 1250 have tested as negative, and 55 reports are awaited till April 04, 2020.
The Bulletin urged the general public to stay indoors, strictly implement social distancing measures, disclose recent travel history to COVID-19 affected countries and report any contact with positive cases voluntarily.
“People who are not suffering from medical conditions or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover, particularly when they step out of their house. These face covers could be made out of clean cloth available at home, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned and washed before a face cover is stitched/made. The face cover should be prepared in such a manner that it can cover the mouth and nose completely and can be tied over the face easily,” reads the advisory.
Furthermore, it said two sets of such face covers be made so that one can be washed while the other is used. “Hand washing would still remain essential criteria and hand should be washed before wearing the face cover. There must not be sharing of face covers and a face cover must be used by only one individual.”
It was informed Aarogya Setu a mobile application has been developed by the Government of India that uses Bluetooth and GPS to inform you when you might possibly be at risk of exposure. The users of the app shall be informed regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19. This app, advisory said also helps people to assess themselves the risk for their catching the COVID-19 infection. The app is available for free on iOS and Android.
Advisory urged religious leaders not to allow and carry any social ceremony including solemnizing marriages at religious places that can defeat the purpose of social distancing and make people vulnerable for COVID-19.
Stressing to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, advisory said in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly. “People should call on Covid-19 helpline numbers so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.”
Similarly people can also call on toll free national helpline number 1075; J&K Covid-19 Helpline No.s 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).
With regard to personal hygiene, advisory stressed on frequent hand washing with soap and water and to observe, coughing and sneezing etiquettes.
Notably, seven patients have tested negative after undergoing treatment. They will undergo another test before they are discharged from the hospital, they said.
More than 28,000 people have been kept under surveillance, including 10,600 who are either quarantined at government facilities or in home isolation.
The authorities have tested 1,397 samples for COVID-19, out of which 1,250 have tested negative and results for 55 are awaited.
A total of 34 hotspots have been identified in Jammu and Kashmir.
These include seven in Pulwama, five in Srinagar and four each in Bandipora and Budgam, two in Shopian and one each in Ganderbal and Baramulla in Kashmir division, and five in Rajouri, four in Jammu and one in Udhampur district of Jammu division. (with PTI inputs)
