Srinagar: In the wake of surge in COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government has asked Jammu and Kashmir administration to ensure that all suspected cases should be traced to break the chain of transmission across the Union territory.
The letter in possession of Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) written by the Central Government reads that it has been noted that there is an increasing trend in cases being reported in the country.
In its letter, Union cabinet secretary Gauba asked the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, “It is absolutely essential that surveillance and contact tracing of all positive cases is taken up and no suspected or high risk person is left out. While appreciating the proactive steps taken by the States in this regard, I would like to highlight that there has been an increasing trend in cases being reported. You would agree that at this juncture we need to further enhance our efforts in respect of surveillance and contact tracing of positive cases in order to break the chain of transmission,” the letter reads.
“I would therefore, request you to suitably supplement your state and district surveillance teams as well as the rapid response teams. I would also like to reiterate that as discussed during the Video Conference on March 22, 2020, you should immediately identify and earmark hospitals dedicated for management of COVID-19 cases and ensure that they are in a state of full readiness to deal with the situation, in the event of a further spike in number of confirmed cases”.
The Union cabinet secretary has requested the Chief Secretary to personally review the action in respect of surveillance and contact tracing measures as well as identification and preparation of dedicated hospitals.
It has said that the details in this regard may kindly be uploaded on the Health Online Portal of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
