JAMMU, MARCH 07: All systems are required to be maintained in absolute state of high alert to contain the spread of Coronavirus in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam said this during a detailed review of the preparations made and measures put in place for containment and management of the Coronavirus infection, through Video-Conference, today.
It was decided in the meeting that as a precautionary measure all schools up to the primary level shall remain closed in Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Bandipora districts till 31st March in view of the evolving Coronavirus situation. Besides, no large gathering shall be allowed in the districts till further orders.
Financial Commissioner, Health, Principal Secretary, Planning/Civil Aviation, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/Jammu, All Deputy Commissioners, Director, National Health Mission, Principal GMC, Srinagar/Jammu, MD, Medical Supplies Corporation, Director, Health Services, Kashmir/Jammu and other senior officers from the Administration and Health Department attended the video conference.
In the meeting Financial Commissioner, Health briefed the Chief Secretary with respect to the arrangements and measures in place to mete out the Coronavirus situation in the Union Territory. He informed that highest level of alertness is being maintained through proper checks at the airports, where 100% declaration is being strictly made to be followed, while as health desks have been put in place at railway stations where announcements for public awareness are being regularly made. He said the road checks at the two entry points at lakhanpur in Kathua and Qazigund in Anantnag, besides check post at Katra are in place to carry out check on influx of people with history of foreign travel, contact or symptoms.
It was informed that existing Bio-Safety labs at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS can be upgraded to be used for testing Coronavirus cases. Chief Secretary asked Financial Commissioner, Health to prioritise and facilitate setting up of testing labs both in Jammu and Srinagar.
Financial Commissioner, further informed that the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign has been stepped up with daily advertisements carrying information on Do’s & Don’ts in print and electronic media, besides radio jingles and mobile ringtones.
Emphasising, that 100% declaration needs to continue at the Airports, Chief Secretary asked Principal Secretary, Civil Aviation to liaison with airlines and ensure inflight announcements and distribution of self-declaration forms so as to facilitate screening of passengers at the Airports. He also asked Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to have a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) counter at Jammu Airport as well.
To step up vigil at the railways stations, Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners, Jammu and Reasi to have 24×7 health desks, besides volunteers on platforms to carry out random checks on passengers. He also asked DC Reasi to liaise with CEO SMVDSB to ensure fool proof measures at the shrine where large influx of people is expected in coming Navratras.
While reviewing isolation and quarantine capacities for confirmed and suspected cases, Chief Secretary asked both the Divisional Commissioners and DCs to identify buildings or locations that can be utilised for such purpose to have adequate number of beds in place for the purpose. He directed DCs to have at least 25-30 bedded quarantine facilities in each district.
Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners and health functionaries to have detailed surveillance plans prepared in advance to have effective contact tracing and surveillance, if need arises.
