Jammu: Government on Monday today informed that 4329 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance and so far only four cases have tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the daily media bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), 2916 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 50 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 878 while as 485 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
The bulletin further informed that 256 samples have been sent for testing of which 231 tested as negative and only four cases have tested positive so far, while as 21 reports are awaited (till March 23, 2020).
The advisory urged public to stay at home to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and advised them to not venture out unless it is absolutely essential.
Since large number of students and travellers, according to the advisory, have returned to the UT in view of increased incidence of novel coronavirus cases across the world and other parts of the country, the government advisory regretted that some of the travellers/students have not provided correct travel history in self-declaration formats that were provided to them at designated help desk counters at port of entry in the UT.
Such travellers must therefore report their travel history to local health authorities/Covid-19 helpline numbers and undergo self-imposed home quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their arrival, it urged.
“This is in the interest of their health, their family members, neighbours and public in general.”
Furthermore, advisory appealed family members, neighbours and people to bring such cases into the notice of the authorities, so that necessary measures in the interest of public health can be taken by the government.
In this regard, toll free national helpline number 1075 for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has been established. Similarly, Jammu & Kashmir Covid-19 Helpline nos 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (for Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581(for Kashmir Division) have also been established.
On the implementation of social distancing measures, the advisory said that it is key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected to those who are not 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.
“Public in general is therefore advised to 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 hand washing with soap and water; and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes,” reads the advisory.
Public was advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time. The advisory also urged the people to rely only on the information released by the government in this regard through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media. “People are advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time,” the advisory said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole Monday appealed the people to follow shutdown in letter and spirit across the Valley till March 31.
While addressing media, he said that yesterday government ordered closure of all establishments and services throughout Kashmir till March 31 in a bid to prevent spread of coronavirus in the Valley. There would be a shutdown of all establishments and services except essential commodities.
He asked people not to venture out except for emergency purposes. Only single person will reach market to buy groceries or the essential commodities and return home quickly, he urged.
He said that people should avoid social gatherings. Five or more persons will not be allowed to venture out unnecessarily. Violators will be dealt strictly as per relevant section of law, he said.
The Div Com urged people to adopt advisories issued by Health department to stay safe and to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Public shall cooperate with the administration and follow the directions of government in exact compliance, he said.
