40 of 41 samples test negative in Kashmir, report of one awaited: Dir SKIMS
Srinagar, Mar 18: Director SKIMS Dr AG Ahangar Wednesday said that out of 41 samples sent for Coronavirus test from Kashmir, 40 have been found negative only one report is awaited and hopefully that will also turnout negative.
Ahangar, who was flanked with a team of doctors was addressing a press conference here at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Soura.
He said people don’t need to panic but at the same time take precautionary measures. “We monitored every patient with a travel history and took their samples. A total of 41 samples were taken, 40 are negative while the report of one case is awaited,” he said.
He said that SKIMS is now one of the 19 designated testing centers for carrying out the tests after it received approval from National Institute of Virology.
Dr AG Ahangar according to KNT said that novel Coronavirus can be stopped. “Cover your mouth with handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. We should refrain from touching our hands with eyes, nose and mouth after sneezing. It is advised to take plenty of hot or lukewarm water,” he said.
He appealed people to refrain from visiting hospitals these days. In response to a question, Dr Ahangar said that all the patients who are being quarantined at SKIMS have travel history and all of them are recovering. “We should desist from spreading rumours but believe in facts only. The fact is that there is no Coronavirus case in Kashmir,” he said.
He said that quarantine has been made mandatory for people returning from the countries affected by Coronavirus, even if they exhibit no symptoms.
He said that over 40 are still under home quarantine. Talking on the sidelines of the press conference, Ahangar said that in a place like Kashmir, when a person returns from abroad, the family members and relatives hoard the home. This needs to change in present circumstances. “We need to take precautions at any cost,” he added. (KNT)
