By: Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar: Kashmir administration is on alert as hospitals have been asked to be equipped with oxygen generation plants in view of a possibility of 3rd COVID wave.
Over the last few weeks, there has been a significant increase in positive cases in Srinagar.
In view of the daily rising COVID-19 cases in Srinagar, the authorities on last Friday imposed a 10 day long curfew in the parts of the Srinagar city.
An order issued by District Magistrate Mohammad Aijaz said that a strict curfew shall come into force from Friday itself in areas falling under Zadibal and Lal Bazar municipal wards.
All educational institutions, shopping malls, and other businesses shall remain closed during the 10-day long curfew and only essential services would be allowed.
Experts believe there is a possibility of a 3rd COVID wave which may hit by the third week of October.
Taking note, Directorate of Health Services Kashmir has directed chief medical officers to ensure required oxygen generation plants are put in hospitals which have 50 bed capacity.
“You are requested to convey the concerned private health institutions under your jurisdiction which are having more than 50 beds capacity to establish the oxygen generation plants of appropriate capacity for the facility of patient care under the intimidation of this office,” reads the letter.
A social and preventive medicine expert who is data analysis incharge in divisional control room Dr Rouf Hussain Rather had told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Agency (KINS) that people are not adhering COVID norms.
He said that the impact of the third wave could be avoided if people take several measures.
“The biggest tool at present we have is vaccination. People should not hesitate in taking the vaccination. It does not impact one’s fertility. Then we have to wear face masks, avoid gatherings and frequent hand washing which will be helpful in avoiding the third wave,” he said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole recently visited several hospitals of district Srinagar to review preparedness of these institutions for containment of Covid and inspect adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) in these health institutions.
He stressed upon the heads of institutions to strictly implement CAB in these institutions to contain the spread of virus.
“As there are resurgence of cases in Kashmir valley, especially Srinagar district, we have to be very vigilant and alert so that we can keep the virus at bay which will eventually help us to delay any effect of possible 3rd wave,” Pole added. (KINS)