Srinagar: Kashmir recorded its second COVID-19 death on Sunday after a 62-year-old man from Tangmarg area in north Kashmir passed away at CD hospital here.
The man had tested positive less than 12 hours before his death.
Sources said the patient was suffering from a liver ailment and was admitted to the SMHS hospital last week. He had no travel history or contact with any COVID-19 positive case.
On Saturday, the patient tested positive for the infection at SHMS hospital, following which he was shifted to C D hospital.
“Sad start to the day. Unfortunate demise of a Coronavirus patient in Srinagar this morning,” J&K Union Territory spokesperson Rohit Kansal posted on twitter.
As many as 18 people had tested positive for COVID-19 during the last 24 hours in J&K. In total, 38 people have tested positive for Coronavirus so far in J&K, where all religious places have been closed to curtail spread of the virus.
A 65-year-old Hyderpora resident became the first person to die due to the deadly infection in this recently-created Union Territory on Thursday.
The highest number of 12 positive Coronavirus infections were recorded in J&K in a single day on Saturday, triggering panic among the locals, despite assurance by the administration that they were fully prepared to curtail the infection.
Asking people not be scared of the number, Deputy Commissioner of Srinagar Shahid Iqbal Choudhary urged them to redouble efforts to win the battle against Coronavirus.
‘Now, the situation as it unfolds, is before us. My humble request to everyone: let’s not get scared by the numbers, let’s redouble our efforts to win this battle together,’ Dr Shahid tweeted.
Restrictions on the movement and assembly of people continued for the 11th successive day on Sunday, even as locals voluntarily stayed indoors, in view of an upward spiral in positive Coronavirus cases and death of another infected patient during the last 24 hours.
5 more test positive in Kashmir
Meanwhile, five more persons tested positive for the COVID-19 in Kashmir on Sunday, taking the total number of cases across Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to 38.
“5 more positives cases confirmed in Kashmir -2 from Srinagar, 2 Budgam, 1 Baramulla,” the J&K UT spokesman, Rohit Kansal wrote on twitter.
38 positive cases with 2 recoveries, 6465 persons under observation
The Government today informed that 6465 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance and, so far, 38 cases (34 active positive, 02 recovered and 02 deaths) have tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 3260 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 307 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 2163 while as 735 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
The Bulletin further said that 588 samples have been sent for testing of which 542 tested as negative while as 8 reports are awaited till March 29, 2020.
Urging people to stay calm and not to panic, the advisory said Government has undertaken aggressive contact tracing and testing campaign to detect Covid-19 positive cases for taking necessary preventive measures for containment of spread that is why the number of confirmed positive cases is increasing.
Giving the details about Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package and Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’, advisory said it will provide an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for ninety (90) days to public healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this pandemic.
On account of the unprecedented situation, private hospital staff/ retired/ volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries can also be drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities. These cases will also be covered subject to numbers indicated by MoH&FW, GoI.
Appealing people to lend their support in fighting the disease, the advisory called for strict implementation of social distancing measures, disclosure of travel history to covid-19 affected countries / areas and reporting any contact with positive cases voluntarily. “People are therefore urged to stay inside their homes and take the lockdown seriously and uphold the instructions laid out by the government in a coordinated effort to protect themselves, their families & people in general,” reads the advisory.
Public is advised to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly. “People should call on Covid-19 helpline numbers and inform about their health condition along with any recent travel or contact history so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their door steps by calling on toll free No. 108. Pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll free No. 102.
Similarly, people can also call toll free national helpline number 1075; J&K Covid-19 Helpline Numbers 0191-2549676(UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581(For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).
Stressing on need to avoid un-necessary travel, advisory urged public not visit crowded places and avoid large gatherings, not to spit in public. People must also take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and to rely only on the information released by the government 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.
