Srinagar: Director Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul Monday emphasized upon all healthcare frontline workers to get the ‘precautionary dose’.

In this regard, a circular has also been issued by SKIMS.

Director SKIMS, Prof. Parvaiz A. Koul said that it is to ensure that the work force stays adequately protected for the coming days of imminent surge of Covid-19 and Omicron threat which has already hit many states in India.

He also impressed upon all the Heads of Departments/Sectional Heads of SKIMS Soura and SKIMS Medical College, Bemina to ensure the implementation of the guidelines issued by the Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

It is pertinent to mention that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, has initiated the campaign for vaccinating Health Workers with a “Precautionary Dose” of COVID-19 vaccine from today.

Srinagar: On the directions of Additional Chief Secretary Health and Medical Education Department, Vivek Bharadvaj, Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather Monday launched booster dose vaccination campaign in Kashmir for health care, frontline workers and people above 60 with comorbidities.

A spokesperson of Directorate of Health Services Kashmir said that the major function was held at PHC Jawhar Nagar, where the director inaugurated the vaccination drive. At the PHC, health care workers and senior citizens were administered the booster doses.

On the occasion, Dr Mushtaq reiterated his message to the people that they should come forward for vaccination and get the booster doses without any hesitation in order to help contain the spread of Covid-19.

He said that the vaccination campaign has been started throughout the valley and wherever people wouldn’t be able to reach out to hospitals, the health department will try to reach out to them to administer booster dose.

On the occasion, the director appreciated the role of healthcare workers and said that they have proved their commitment and dedication and hoped that they will complete the booster doses with zeal and zest like the previous vaccination drives.

He clarified that there is no need to register for the precautionary vaccine doses, those eligible can directly take an appointment or walk into any vaccination centre.

The director said that there will be no mix and match of vaccines i-e the third dose will be the same vaccine that people have received for their first and second doses.

He emphasized that as the third Covid-19 wave driven by the omicron variant is sweeping, administering booster doses to vulnerable sections is vital.

Later, the director along with IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar besides other concerned officials launched the drive at Police Hospital Srinagar, where both the Director and the IGP took the jabs first.

On the occasion, the IGP Kashmir and the director expressed happiness over precautionary dose vaccination and said that the vaccine dose has been started at a time when coronavirus infection in the country is on rise each passing day.

The IGP Kumar said frontline workers have always been supportive of the initiatives taken by the department and will continue to do so in future.

Later, the director also visited SKIMS Medical College and Hospital Bemina, where he inaugurated the vaccination drive in presence of the college’s principal.

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 706 fresh covid-19 cases while four persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

345 of the fresh cases were reported from Jammu division and 361 from Kashmir, taking the overall tally to 345358.

There were four deaths, three from Jammu division and one from Kashmir Valley, due to the virus during the last 24 hours, they said. So far 4544 persons—2209 in Jammu and 2335 in Kashmir—have died due to the virus, they said.

Giving district-wise details, officials said that Srinagar reported 172 cases, Baramulla 64, Budgam 45, Pulwama 14, Kupwara 18, Anantnag 14, Bandipora 11, Ganderbal 4, Kulgam 19, Shopian 0, Jammu 233,  Udhampur 18, Rajouri 4, Doda 4, Kathua 18, Samba 8, Kishtwar 12, Poonch 16, Ramban 1 and Reasi 26.

A number of these case were confirmed at CD hospital’s diagnostic centre and include male (43) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (47) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (47) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (25) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (42) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (32) (NA) from  BSF Trehgam, male (33) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, male (54) (NA) from BSF Trehgam, female (40) (NA) from Dareshpora handwara, female (36) (NA) from Keegam kupwara, female (45) (NA) from Natnusa, male (60) (NA) from Lilam vilgam, male (80) (NA) from Batpora magam, female (45) (NA) from Wanipora mujiabad, female (80) (NA) from Kalamabad mawar, female (13) (NA) from Braripora, female (58) (NA) from Kulthura langate, male (52) (NA) from PS kralgund, female (30) (NA) from Hajin langate, male (29) (NA) from PS langate, male (28) (NA) from PS langate, male (32) (NA) from PS langate, male (36) (NA) from Kralpora, male (52) (NA) from Sgr, male (23) (NA) from Kishtawar, male (70) (NA) from Sgr, female (45) (NA) from Sgr, female (28) (NA) from Barzulla, female (26) (NA) from Kupwara, male (40) (NA) from Tulbagh pampore, male (20) (NA) from Namlabal pampore, male (37) (NA) from Namblabal, female (50) (NA) from Kalampora pulwama, female (35) (NA) from Drabgam bala, male (55) (NA) from Gulab bagh, male (20) (NA) from Nowpora tral, male (26) (NA) from Sgr, male (56) (NA) from Budgam, female (12) (NA) from Rawalpora, male (55) (NA) from Hawal, female (58) (NA) from Hyderpora.

In last 24 hours, they said, 209 patients—91 from Jammu and 118 from Kashmir recovered. So far 336581 336790 have recovered, leaving active case tally at 4024—2283in Jammu and 1741 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said. They also informed that 92518 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday announced it will not impose lockdown if people take appropriate measures and continue to follow Covid-19 protocol.

“People should cooperate and follow the Standard Operation Procedures (SOP) in view of the spike in Covid, Delta and Omicron cases in the country,” Advisor to J&K Lt Governor, Farooq Ahmad Khan, told the media.

“Don’t trust TV channels who say Omicron has less fatality rate,” he said and added “Government is not about taking stern measures to force people to adhere to the Covid appropriate behaviour”.

He said people have not been following the SOPs properly. “We are worried about the safety of the people,” he said and urged them to wear proper masks, maintain social distance in mosques to protect themselves and others from getting infected with the Omicron or Covid-19.

He said the government is prepared to tackle any situation, but the urgent need is for people to take adequate measures and follow SOPs and Covid Appropriate Behaviour.

He said main hospitals including Chest Disease, SMHS, and JVC have been cleared in view of surge in Covid cases in Kashmir Valley. Adequate beds and oxygen plants have been put in place.

Khan said Omicron testing facilities are being created in Jammu and Kashmir.

On the fresh spike in Covid related cases, the LG’s advisor said that in view of the Omicron threat, positivity rate has shown a spurt and people are solely responsible for not following Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB).

“People need to follow the SoPs in letter and spirit to stay away from Omicron and Covid,” he said.

On whether government is mulling to deploy police in hospitals to prevent Covid spread as people are seen violating CAB in hospitals, the LG said that he has spoken to SSP and if needed police support will be provided to all city hospitals for implementing Covid SoPs. (UNI/KNO)

Srinagar: Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar on Monday cancelled winter vacations to its faculty as well as those working in associated hospitals in view of the “sudden upsurge of covid-19/omicron cases.

“In view of sudden upsurge of covid-19 and omicron cases, the winter vacation-2022 of faulty members stands cancelled an all the faculty members in this institution on vacation shall resume their duties on January 11 2022 (Tuesday) without fail,” reads an order by Principal/Dean Prof (Dr) Samia Rashid.

The associated hospitals of GMC Srinagar include GB pant Hospitals, SMHS hospital, Bone and Joint, CD Hospital, Psychiatry Disease Hospital, Kashmir Nursing Home, Super Specialty Hospital, LD hospital, DRDO hospital, and Block Hazratbal, Department of SPM.

Srinagar: Amid rises in covid-19 cases with 687 of them confirmed in last 24 hours and 2226 in last four days, government barred in-person teaching in colleges, schools, Polytechnics, ITIs, Coaching Centres for Civil Services, Engineering or NEET etc. They have been asked to adopt online medium of teaching, according to an order by State Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary.

The educational institutions have been permitted to direct attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative purposes only. “The Head of the institution must ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed.”

Night Curfew shall continue to remain in force in all Districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non-essential movement, reads the order.

The maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor or outdoor gatherings have been “strictly” restricted to 25.

“Banquet Halls in all the Districts of J&K are permitted to allow gathering up to 25 vaccinated persons (with verifiable RT-PCR or RAT not older than 72 hours) or 25% of the authorised capacity (whichever is less), preferably in open spaces.”

Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums and swimming pools have been permitted to function at 25% of the authorised capacity with due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP.

“All Deputy Commissioners shall intensify testing and ensure full utilisation of available RT-PCR and RAT capacities. There shall be no drop in testing levels.”

Chief Medical Officers of all districts have been asked to submit a daily report regarding the utilisation of available RT-PCR capacities to the District Magistrates concerned. Besides, District Magistrates shall also go for capacity expansion of the RT-PCR testing as per the requirement, the order said.

“The Deputy Commissioners shall also focus on the positivity rates of the Medical- Blocks under their jurisdictions. Intensified measures related to Covid management and restriction of activities shall be undertaken in these Blocks.”

There shall be renewed focus on Panchayat level and Medical Block mapping of cases, it said. “Effective micro-containment zones shall be constituted wherever number of Covid-19 Positive cases reaches 3 or above.

“Enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) is critical in determining the need for additional restrictions. The District Magistrates of J&K shall strictly ensure that there is full compliance to CAB and defaulters are firmly dealt with under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code.”

All the Government Department(s)/Office(s) shall minimise conducting in-person meetings/ interactions etc, it said. “All Administrative Secretaries/ Head of the Department(s)/ Institution shall ensure optimal use of virtual mode for conducting official meetings etc.”

Market Associations to ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed in the markets. “Gathering at shops should not be allowed. Furthermore, no shops will cater to customers without mask.” (GNS)

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday said he has tested positive for Covid 19.

“I have tested positive for Corona today with mild symptoms. I am under home quarantine,” Singh said in a tweet.

“I request everyone who have recently come in contact to isolate themselves and get tested”, he said.

Several politicians, including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Tarkishore Prasad and Renu Devi, and several others have tested covid19 positive during the ongoing covid wave.

This news comes amid the country recording 1,79,723 fresh cases and 146 related deaths, taking the toll to 3,57,07,727 and death tally to 4,93,936 as per the Union Health Ministry data on Monday.

More than 400 parliament staff members had also tested positive for Covid 19 last week. (UNI)

Srinagar: Two militants of Al-Badr outfit, aged 21 and 22 years, were killed in an overnight encounter with a joint team of police and army at Hasanpora area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday. In last ten days, 13 militants were killed.

A police spokesperson in a statement said that based on a specific input regarding the presence of militants in village Hasanpora situated on the border between Kulgam and Anantnag, a joint cordon and search operation was launched on January 9 evening by Police and army’s 1st RR in the area.

“During the search operation, as the joint search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding (militants) fired indiscriminately upon the joint search party which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter.”

In the ensuing encounter, he said two militants of Al-Badr were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter. They have been identified as Imad Muzaffar Wani (21) of Arigam Pulwama and Abdul Rashid Thoker (20) of Hassanpora.

As per police records, both the killed militants were categorized, he said. “They were part of groups involved in several cases including attacks on security forces and civilian atrocities,” he said, adding, “Besides, Imad Wani was involved in attack on police personnel Mushtaq Ahmad Wagay of Pulwama on 19 December 2021, in which the police personnel got seriously injured.”

Thoker, he said, before joining militant ranks was working as militant associate and “was also involved in attack on a civilian at Chitragam in which said civilian got injured.”

“Incriminating materials, arms & ammunition were recovered from the site of encounter,” he said. Sources said two pistols along with as many magazines were recovered from their possession. “All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation,” the spokesman said

Regarding the incident, the spokesman said a case under relevant sections of law has been registered in police station Bijbehara, Anantnag and investigation has been initiated. (GNS)

By: Umaiser Gul Ganai

Kulgam: The first ten days of year—2022 have recorded seven encounters, resulting in the killing of 13 militants.

A police official said that acting on a specific lead about the presence of militants in village Hassanpora bordering twin districts of Kulgam and Anantang, a joint cordon was laid by police and 1 RR in the area on Sunday late evening.

“As the security forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately triggering an encounter. The fire was retaliated and the heavy exchange of fire took place,” the official said.

“In the ensuing encounter, two militants of Al-Badr were killed and their bodies retrieved from the site. They have been identified as Imad Muzaffar Wani, resident of Arigam, Pulwama and Abdur Rashid Tokher, resident of Hassanpora.” Police said that both were involved in several cases.

Pertinently, the year 2022 started with encounters and as per official figures, in the first ten days of the New Year, 13 militants were killed in seven encounters.

The slain includes top Lashkar-e-Toiba Saleem Parray. Srinagar district witnessed two encounters, Kulgam two, Kupwara one, Pulwama and Budgam one encounters each, figures state. (KNO)