J&K Admin tells HC it is fully prepared to combat Coronavirus challenges
“2090 hospital and non hospital beds identified for quarantine of the suspected patients”
Srinagar: Pursuant to a court direction to contain the killer Coronavirus disease in J&K, the authorities in a report today claimed that they are fully prepared to combat the challenges thrown by the pandemic.
In its status report filed before the J&K High Court the administration also claimed that orders imposing restrictions of assembly of worshipers and pilgrims in temples, mosques, gurudwaras and churches have been passed in all the 20 districts of the union territory.
Pursuant to the court order adjudicating a public interest litigation the report was filed by the Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department disclosing that COVID-l9 has been declared as an Epidemic disease in J&K.
The report by the commissioners said that instructions and orders shall be issued by the different designated government officers for the surveillance; prevention and control of the epidemic.
Advisory has been issued by the concerned district magistrates to avoid large gatherings, on the issue it said.
COVID-19 has been declared as a National Disaster and the District Magistrates have been given certain powers under provisions of National Disaster Management Act, the report said further.
It said “all the HODs of Health & Medical Education Department and Director, SKIMS Srinagar have been directed to ensure that all the arrangements are immediately made to ensure that the persons recommended for quarantine be stamped with indelible ink”.
The report said that 2090 hospital and non hospital beds have been identified for quarantine of the suspected patients. Personal Protective Equipment, masks, Viral Transport Medium, sanitizers and others are available with the government to combat the problem and that fresh purchase orders have also been made.
All Inter State Buses coming to or going from Jammu and Kashmir have been suspended till March 31st and 100% quarantine shall be made for all visitors from the Union Territory of Ladakh, it revealed.
The report also declared that 1075- National help lines and separate help lines for both the divisions of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir have been established.
It said that three labs are functional in Jammu and Kashmir for testing and so far 113 COVID 19 tests have been conducted.
The court directed the Chief General Manager BSNL, J&K to remain present in court on the next date of hearing with a complete status report regarding the steps taken to enable connectivity between the Observation Homes and Juvenile Justice Boards and the Courts.
“The authorities also need to look into the needs of slums and also the homeless people”, directed the court.
The matter has been listed again on 24th March.
Rashid Paul is Associate Editor at Kashmir Images.
He can be reached at [email protected]
