By: Tasaduq Hussain
Kupwara: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole Wednesday said there won’t be any relaxation on Eid-ul-Fitr eve in Kashmir given the steep rise in COVID-19 infection cases while the overall situation is under control in the Valley. He was quick to add that 30-40 per cent of surplus oxygen was available in Kashmir as of now.
Pole was on a visit to Kupwara along with other administrative officials to review COVID preparations put in place by the health authorities and district administration.
Talking to reporters on sidelines of the visit, Divisional Commissioner said overall situation in Kashmir is under control while the preventive restrictions put in place up to May 17th will remain in place.
“There won’t be any sort of relaxation in curfew on Eid eve in Kashmir,” he said, adding that Covid 19 does stop on any special occasion.
Pole said about 175 oxygen-supported beds are available in Kupwara and a plant of 1000 LPM has been made functional at SDH while the occupancy of beds is below 40%. “The Covid situation, however, is good and the cases have started to decline”.
“We hope that the COVID ends soon but there won’t be any laxity from the administration side and preparations are in full swing to contain the spread,” he said.
About the situation in Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner said the overall situation is definitely under control.
“The cases will increase in the coming days in Kashmir and that shouldn’t be a source of panic for people,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir urged people to stay away from any such information that leads to health issues mainly mental problems saying that people must stick to things that don’t impact stability.
Asked about the oxygen refilling issue faced in Kupwara, he said that the 1000 LPM oxygen plant is already functional here and the cylinders won’t be of that use besides concentrators have been made available.
Pole said that oxygen is being monitored scientifically outside the states like Maharashtra.
“Doctors have conducted the oxygen audit in J&K and stated that around 40% of the oxygen is surplus and there is no question of shortage at any point,” he said.
