Precious Kashmir

SMC, NGOs to start wellness centre at Baba Demb

City

23/05/2021

By: Owais Gul

Srinagar: Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) is all set to start the COVID wellness centres in collaboration with two Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)—Ehsaas Trust International and Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS).

Sources privy to the development told KNO three COVID wellness centres are coming up in Baba Demb, Bemina and at one more place in Srinagar.

The wellness centre at Baba Demb will be started till Monday, they said, adding that the centre will have 50 oxygen beds where only referrals from JLNM will be accepted. The wellness centre will function as an adjacent facility for JLNM hospital in Rainawari, they said.

Lateef Gabroo, member of the VMS, who also helps people at individual level, said that three such centres will come up in Srinagar while one among them will be started from Monday at Baba Demb.

He said that Ehsaas Trust International has volunteered and agreed to provide assistance in terms of oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders along with paramedic professionals and doctors who will be available round-the-clock in service of Covid patients.

Gabroo added that the Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), although working in the disability sector, has committed itself to provide relief in terms of ambulatory services including wheelchairs, stretchers and others besides volunteers including paramedics.

He informed that only moderate cases from JLNM will be accommodated at Baba Demb wellness centre.

COVID-19: Transgender community on verge of starvation in Kashmir

City

Jahangeer Ganaie

23/05/2021

‘Srinagar youths extend helping hand, distributes eatable items among third-genders’

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: A group of five youth from Srinagar have come forward up for the help transgender community in the district, who are finding hard to survive due to pandemic since last year.

Khushi, a transgender from Srinagar, told KNO that from last three years they are finding it very hard to survive and are on verge on starvation but government has completely neglected third-genders in Kashmir.

Khushi said that they haven’t been able to earn a single penny since last three years as they used to work as matchers, dancers and even at some parlours but all sorts of business is shut after abrogation of article 370 .

“Government never bothered to take cognizance of problems faced by around 4,00 transgenders who are putting up in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir,” Khushi said.

Shabnam Subhan, another transgender said that the announcements of government remain confined to paper only and on ground nothing is being done

They requested the government to look into their miseries and take steps for the welfare of this “neglected community.”

Meanwhile, a group of five youth from Srinagar are trying to ease out the sufferings of this community by distributing eatable times among them.

Junaid Mir, who is part of the group, said that they were contacted by some transgenders for help and they have taken up an initiative to help 400 transgender in the Srinagar.

He said that a food kit contacting 25 Kg Rice, 05 Kg oil, tea, sugar and species are being distributed among them and so far among 50 transgenders they have distributed the kit and in next one month, they are going to cover all 400.

He specially thanked to Ummat un Nissa Care Foundation led by Fatima & Kulsum, Mutual Aid India & Dr. Aqsa Khan besides Mitha Sahab & Nazir Sahab (Guru’s of Transgender community of Kashmir) for letting them use their house for food distribution & other support—(KNO)

Preparing For Third Wave

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

22/05/2021

Earlier this week, the Jammu and Kashmir government set up a 10-member committee for formulating plans to tackle a possible 3rd wave of the covid-19 pandemic.

Among others, its focus has been ordered to be directed at preparedness in terms of creation of health infrastructure, enhancement in testing capacities, treatment protocols, arrangement in drugs or logistics, machinery and equipments, oxygen supply, manpower, etc.

Besides, it has been also tasked to ramp up COVID hospital beds and Critical Care Units especially for pediatrics and neo-natal age group, strengthening of healthcare facilities in the rural areas of and devising additional Covid appropriate behavior and required SOPs.

The announcement is welcome. Preparedness is always good and more so when the administration was caught napping by the second wave. It alludes to learning lessons from the gaps in the preparedness in meeting the challenges by the ongoing waves. Checking the spread of contagion methodically should be the foremost agenda of the government, more so in respect of rural areas which are vulnerable. Importantly, the third wave is projected to impact children adversely as been underlined by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights. It becomes imperative that administration puts in place the necessary medical infrastructure and equipment so that the cases and fatalities may be limited. Covid-19 second wave has laid bare the health infrastructure and stretched it to the breaking point. It is vital to get paediatric infrastructure in place immediately so as to minimise the damage that may be caused by the projected third wave.

The call by the experts should be given heed and one well-known reason for multiple waves is the mutation in the genetic code of the coronavirus. Slow vaccination pace gives it more time to mutate and find ways to evade or trick antibodies. This accelerates the appearance of new variants as the continued spread of the virus allows it to get trained to detect and bypass antibodies, since the immune system merely looks out for the original strain.

The government would be better advised to have the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) upgraded as also put in place Neonatal or children Emergency Transport Service.

It is also important that administration readies plans to manage the third wave on all fronts—lives and livelihood. It is not only children that are said to be affected by the next wave and as such the government needs to devise plans for all critical care components, including testing kits and vaccination facilities.

SMC COVID-19 warriors fumigate hospitals, homes to keep people safe

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

22/05/2021

SMC COVID-19 warriors fumigate hospitals, homes to keep people safe

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Sanitization teams constituted by Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) are working hard to keep the COVID-19 hospitals clean and also are fumigating the homes of the positive patients.

The sanitization team of Humamha ward no. 33 comprising Riyaz Ahmed, sanitary inspector, Farooq Ahmed sanitary supervisor, Mohammad Shafi, Abdul Hamid, Imtiyaz Ahmad Sheikh, Muhammad Amin Sheikh, Jan Mohammad and others during the past one and a half year has fumigated thousands of houses of the COVID-19 patients.

Sanitation Inspector Riyaz Ahmed while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “When the first wave of COVID-19 hit J&K we were a bit scared but during the past one and a half year the pandemic has taught us many lessons. We do visit the homes of people and fumigate them. We don’t fear the virus anymore but ensure that we take all the precautions.”

He said that the teams formed by the SMC also work in hospitals and other Covid care centers. “Our teams have been fighting the COVID-19 from day one. Besides permanent employees our group consists of the daily rated workers who are paid just Rs 6750 monthly. If they miss any of the working days their wages for that day are deducted. The government should think about these workers. They need some special allowances as they work very hard,” Ahmed added.

Sanitary supervisor, Farooq Ahmed said, “Our teams have given their best during these testing times. Besides carrying out the fumigation of the homes we have carried out mass sanitization drives in many areas.”

He said, “The role of the SMC employees is not only confined to sanitization drives. They have to collect garbage and have to keep the city clean. We have stood with the people during all these times and will be with them till we defeat the virus and life returns to normal.”

Farooq said, “The pestilence has created fear among the people. The sanitation drives, garbage collection and other works carried out by the SMC make people believe that they have not been left in lurch and the administration is with them.”

The sanitary supervisor said, “If people want to save themselves from COVID-19 they will have to keep their homes and shelters clean as the cleanliness holds the key. People need to ensure that the environment around them is clean and they keep their dwellings tidy.”

He said that the COVID-19 has taught us many things and we should learn from it. “We are trying our best and people too need to take precautions to keep themselves safe,” he added.

Govt unveils turnover incentive scheme for industrial units in J&K

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

22/05/2021

Govt unveils turnover incentive scheme for industrial units in J&K

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The administration of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory on Friday unveiled a scheme under which industrial units will get turnover incentive.

According to an order issued by the department of Industries and Commerce(I&), the scheme, which has come into effect concurrently with the J&K Industrial Policy,2021-30, will cover all the existing industrial units registered in the UT. The scheme has been unveiled after it was approved by LG Manoj Sinha-led administrative council, which is the highest decision-making body in the Union Territory.

Under the scheme, the incentive shall be operative for a period of five year starting from April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2026 or till the same is reviewed by the government.

As per the scheme, the quantum of incentive admissible to an existing industrial unit shall be three percent of the gross turnover of the industrial unit for the year in case of micro category units, subject to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh per annum per unit for a period of five years from the appointed date( April 1, 2021) and two percent of the gross turnover of the unit for the year in case of small, medium and large scale industrial units, subject to a maximum of Rs 50 lakh per annum per unit for a period of five years from the appointed date.

The eligible units have to apply for the turnover based incentive on yearly basis, the claims of which shall be submitted by December of the subsequent financial year.

Under the scheme, a divisional- level committee headed by Director, Industries and Commerce will be empowered to sanction the incentive.

The committee comprises Joint Director (Development), Directorate of I&C, Chief Accounts Officer, Directorate of I&C, Deputy Director, Directorate of I&C and General Manager of concerned District Industries Centre (DIC).

According to the order, the General Manager DIC shall verify the claim documents and give recommendation for placing the case before the divisional-level committee.

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, J&K records first black fungus death

Front

Indo Asian News Service

22/05/2021

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, J&K records first black fungus death

No case of detected in Kashmir: Dr Naveed

Jammu: The first ‘Black Fungus’ (mucormycosis) patient in J&K succumbed on Friday at Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital Jammu.

College Principal and Microbiology Department head, Dr Shashi Sudon, said that the patient has succumbed despite best efforts of doctors and paramedics to save him.

“Yes, the patient has succumbed despite our best efforts. He was operated and shifted to ICU for post operative management, but he succumbed in the afternoon today,” he said.

According to the doctor, the patient was suffering from post Covid opportunistic fungal infection. “He was seriously compromised as his blood sugar level was 900 mg/dL when he was admitted,” Sudon said.

This is the first confirmed case of black fungus in J&K. The pandemic has refused to relent in J&K despite the number of daily cases having declined due to the corona curfew imposed in all the 20 districts of the UT.

Authorities are likely to extend the ongoing corona curfew up to May 31 as it otherwise ends on Monday.

Meanwhile, leading pulmonologist and HoD of CD hospital here Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said that there is no case of Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ in Kashmir Valley.

The statement comes on a day when a 40-year-old patient from Poonch—who had recuperated of covid-19—died at GMC Jammu.

“There is no case of Mucormycosis in Kashmir Valley,” he said, underlining that there was no need to panic.

He said Mucormycosis is a serious rare fungal infection caused by a group of molds called mucormycetes. “Mucormycosis mainly affects people who have health problems or take medicines that lower the body’s ability to fight germs and sickness,” he said, adding, “its symptoms include one-sided facial swelling, headache, nasal or sinus congestion, black lesions on nasal bridge or upper inside of mouth that quickly become more severe and fever.”

Mucormycosis, he said, is particularly dangerous because it spreads quickly throughout the body. “Left untreated, the infection can spread to the lungs or the brain. This can cause a brain infection.”

He however reiterated that there was no need to panic. “Take advise from your doctor in case you get covid-19. Control your sugars and boost up your immunity,” he said, adding, “People should not take medicine unnecessarily without prescription of doctor.” (With inputs from GNS)

J&K records 43 COVID deaths, 3848 new cases

Front

Nadeem Nadu

22/05/2021

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 3848 fresh covid-19 cases while 43 persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

They said that 1442 cases were confirmed in Jammu division and 2406 in Kashmir Valley, taking the overall case tally to 263905.

Providing district wise details of the cases, the officials said, Srinagar reported 598, Baramulla 320, Budgam 344, Pulwama 224, Kupwara 204, Anantnag 303, Bandipora 105, Ganderbal 125, Kulgam 121, Shopian 62, Jammu 401, Udhampur 160, Rajouri 155, Doda 58, Kathua 130, Samba 163, Kishtwar 30, Poonch 48, Ramban 201and Reasi 96.

Regarding the deaths, they said 27 were reported from Jammu division and 16 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall toll to 3465. This is for the first time since May 5 when 37 covid-19 deaths were reported that J&K recorded less than 50 deaths in a single.

Also 2736 people have recovered—1730 in Jammu division and 2736 in Kashmir. There are now 49893 active positive cases—20601 in Jammu division and 29292 in Kashmir, they added.

A number of fresh cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratories of CD hospital here and GMC Anantnag, they said.

The CD cases include female (20) from Lal Bazar, two males (39, 25) from Koil Pul, male (45) from Abhama Pul, female (26) from Babapora, female (16) from Noorpora, female (43) from Chattabal, male (30) from Kangan, male (70) from Nishat, female (71) from Tral, female (65) from Dobiwan, female (72) from Natipora, male (69) from Daresh Kadal, male (58) and two females (48, 48) from Zaina Kadal, male (19) from Ganderbal, male (54) from Chanapora, female (NA) from Chattabal, two females (25, 07) from Soiteng, male (53) from Kulgam, male (32) from Srinagar, female (32) from Bemina, two males (32, 34) from Batmaloo, male (62) from Rajouri Kadal, male (50) from Chanapora, male (28) from Alochibagh, female (26) from Parimpora, two males (49, 17) from Budshah Nagar, three males (30, 42, 10) and female (40) from Batmaloo, male (03) from Sariabal, female (35) and three males (09, 03, 14) from Batmaloo, male (12) from Bemina, female (46) from Mahraj Pora, male (25) from Chattabal, male (34) from Kralpora, two females (31, 45) from Chattabal, male (40) from Chotabazar, male (43) and four females (60, 50, 50, 37) from Batmaloo, male (38) from Pulwama, male (44) from Hawal, female (50) from Mill Stop, female (28) from Hawal, male (52) and female (16) from Mallabagh, male (NA) from Hawal, male (54) from Nowshera, female (58) from Alamgiri Bazar, two males (52, 18) from Hawal, female (35) from Elahibagh, male (18) and female (45) from Gojwara, male (25) from Aali Kadal, male (65) and female (61) from Umer Colony, female (70) and two males (28, 50) from Lal Bazar, male (28) from Nowshera, male (NA) from Mandibal, two females (45, 30) from 90 Feet Soura, male (31) from Khimber, female (32) from Zakura, male (30) from Ishber Nishat, male (30) from Habak Crossing, male (32) and female (34) from Gulab Bagh, female (60) from Hazratbal, male (65) from Khanyar, male (07) from New Colony Naseem Bagh, female (37) from Shivpora, two males (75, 95) from Natipora, female (26) from Srg, male (21) from Bhatnoor Pul, male (23) from Alliepora Pul, male (65) Udoora Pul, two females (65, NA) from Kanipura Budgam, two males (33, 28) from Awantipora, male (40) from Tulbagh Pampore, two males (34, 16) and female (08) from Narbal, male (37) from Lelhar, female (39) from Samboora, male (62) and two females (25, 15) from Dadasora, male (65) from Brain Nishat, female (65) from Peerbagh, male (72) from Pandrathan, female (43) from Munwarabad, male (25) from Khanyar, male (60) from Pulwama, male (45) from Rajbagh, male (49) from Drusoo, male (27) from Safapur.

The GMC Anantnag cases include five males (45, 60, 63, 72, 44) from Noonmai, female (22) from Balsoo, female (20) and male (35) from Noonmai, male (30) and female (36) from Nandimarg, male (36) from Asnoor, two males (45, 35) from Nandimarg, two males (54, 60) from Ariward, two males (29, 24) from Nandimarg, male (31) from Baghbal, two males (02, 40) from Nandimarg, three males (60, 50, 40) and three females (45, 38, 40) from Ariward, female (25) from Ariward Kolinard, five males (30, 50, 30, 30, 18) and two females (15, 50) from Brinal, male (33) from Lammer, male (35) from Lesserpora, female (06) from Ladgoo, female (50) from Khull, female (55) from DH Pora, male (33) from Nagam, female (45) from Ashmuji, male (43) from Ladgoo, male (55) and female (50) from Kulgam, female (46) from Zangalpora, male (70) from Shurat, male (58) from HC Gam, male (50) from Checkpora, male (20) from Srandoo, female (50) from Shurat, male (18) from Kanipora, female (65) from Balsoo, female (32) from Poniwah, male (08) from Akhran, male (38) from Kanipora, male (25) from K Hallan, male (48) from Begam, male (27) from Zazripora, female (25) from Sopat, male (25) from Qaimoh, female (29) from Begam, male (14) from Kulgam, female (75) from Katapora, female (11) and two males (07, 39) from Chanapora, male (56) from Pampore, male (62) from Mattan, two females (40, 10) from KP Road, male (28) from Iqbalabad, female (28) from Dooru, male (28) from Kp Road, male (24) from Danter Ang, male (29) from Ganjipora, female (24) from Dailgam, male (24) from Sallar, male (50) from Khayar, female (52) from Sagam, female (45) from Devsar, female (50) from Dabruna, female (55) from Danter, male (29) from Mir Danter, male (12) from Kadapora Achabal, male (33) from Srinagar, male (10) and female (35) from Kadapora Achabal, female (32) from Iqbalabad, male (65) from Malaknag, male (75) from Bon Dailgam, female (70) and male (46) from Khanabal, female (31) from Iqbalabad, male (33) from Khanabal, male (55) from Waghama Bij, male (47) from Dabruna, male (40) from Nunvene Brakpora, male (48) from Bon Dailgam, male (13) from Anchidora, female (50) from Vessu Qazigund, two females (48, 27) from Tahjiwara Achabal, male (38) from Nai Basti, male (28) from Batengoo, female (55) and male (65) from Khanabal, female (27) from Janglat Mandi, female (31) from Newpora Ang, two males (22, 65) from Tahjiwara Achabal, male (40) from Cheeni Chowk, female (26) from Dailgam, male (42) from Sarnal Bala, two males (27, 32) from Khanabal, female (27) from Mandhole Vessu, male (32) from Seer Hamadan, female (25) from Dailgam, male (25) from Janglat Mandi, male (38) from Nai Basti, two females (52, 20) from Dailgam, female (45) from Moominabad, female (30) from Chichadpora, male (30) from Hanji Danter, male (45) from Krangsoo, male (35) from Kamad, male (55) from Malapora Leelipora, female (45) from Kadipora Ang, male (24) from Babdar Fatehpora, male (25) from Krangsoo, male (27) and two females (14, 12) from Kulgam, male (38) from 237 Bn Crpf, two males (72, 25) and two females (70, 50) from Kulgam, three males (32, 50, 68) and female (55) from Bogund, male (35) from Srandoo, male (29) from Nillow, male (54) from Pahloo, male (35) from Hanjan, eight males (65, 40, 44, 70, 45, 10, 36, 12) and nine females (60, 35, 42, 14, 70, 27, 70, 30, 35) from Nillow. (GNS)

India reports 3,874 deaths, 2,76,070 new cases

Front

United News Of India

22/05/2021

New Delhi: India reported 2,76,070 new cases of the Novel Coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of infections in the country to 2,57,72,400, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

Besides, the country also saw 3,874 more fatalities due to the virus, pushing the toll to 2,87,122.

On a positive front, 3,69,077 people also recovered from the virus, taking the total number of such cases to 2,23,55,440.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that a total of 32,23,56,187 samples have been tested so far for coronavirus. Of these, a record 20,55,010 were tested in the past one day.

At present, India has 31,29,878 active cases. On Wednesday, India had registered 2,67,334 new Covid-19 cases and recorded 4,529 deaths.

Scale up vaccination, maximize testing: LG to DCs

Front

Precious Kashmir

22/05/2021

Sets timelines for setup of 5-bed Covid care centres at Panchayats

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Friday chaired a series of meetings with COVID Task Force, Deputy Commissioners and SPs from across the UT, in which important decisions were taken to strengthen the Covid containment efforts in J&K.

The Lt Governor is keeping a close watch on the Covid containment measures being undertaken by the district administrations across the UT.

“Protect and save precious lives by discharging your duties with determination, dedication and greater responsibility. Put in your best efforts and work round-the-clock to ensure the availability of all the necessary medicare facilities, besides laying a strong rapid response mechanism in all districts in order to deal with the emerging situation”, the Lt Governor asked the officers.

Rate of vaccination & testing, effective management of Covid Care Centres will be the parameters for monitoring performance of the officers, maintained the Lt Governor.

Taking cognizance of the low vaccination rate in some districts, the Lt Governor passed strict directions to the DCs for scaling-up the vaccination in their respective districts.

Maximize the testing for areas with a high positivity rate. Fix vaccination & testing targets for Tehsildars and BDOs. Share good practices and take comprehensive measures to bring down the covid positivity rate across the districts, besides tracking the trend on a daily basis, the Lt Governor directed the DCs.

The DCs were asked to prepare a futuristic plan to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Take prompt action on covid related issues and regularly brief the media providing factual and accurate information to the public, added the Lt Governor.

Emphasizing on regulating the movement of people during the restrictions, the Lt Governor directed the Divisional Commissioners and DCs to streamline the process of issuance of passes.

While reviewing the district-wise status of preparations being made to contain the spread of Corona virus in rural areas, the Lt Governor set timelines for establishment of 5-bedded Covid Care Centres at panchayat level across J&K.

He directed for prioritizing far flung areas for establishing these centres, besides ensuring availability of all requisite facilities for the patients including proper ventilation, beds, oxygen support, necessary medical kits, linkage with nearest healthcare centres, referral linkage with dedicated Covid health centres & hospitals, availability of tele-medicine facilities, power backup and other basic facilities.

“We are decentralizing the Covid management, which is essential for an effective and efficient public health system. Focus on strengthening primary health care in rural areas. There is a need to increase the availability and accessibility of healthcare support system in far flung areas,” the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor instructed the Principal Secretary, Rural Development Department to lay a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring the operationalization of Covid care centres in Panchayats.

The Lt Governor laid stress on proper training of ASHA and Anganwadi workers, besides mobilizing PRIs & volunteers and utilizing SDRF funds for effective management of Covid care centres at panchayat level. Health department was directed to proactively engage in functioning of these Covid care facilities.

“Community health workers ASHA/ANMs are the foundation of health services. Panchayat Covid Centre to help people adopt Covid protocol. The need for hospital services can be reduced with effective implementation of preventive and promotive protocols by the community health workers,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor further underlined the need for spreading massive awareness in villages regarding oxygen saturation level and educating the people on when to seek medical attention.

Reiterating the directions issued in earlier meetings, the Lt Governor called for ensuring timely payments under MGNREGA, and continuous extension of benefits of various beneficiary oriented schemes. He further asked the Rural Development and Social Welfare Departments to put a close monitoring on the implementation of welfare measures like special pension for life and scholarships for children being taken by the Government to help those who unfortunately lost their loved ones to Covid-19.

On the development front, the Lt Governor directed the DCs for early submission of the District Plans. The District Plan must reflect the participation of all stakeholders, besides replicating the developmental aspirations of the people, he added.

Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department gave a detailed overview about the status of Oxygen generation and supply, bed occupancy in hospitals, containment activities, status of vaccination drive under different age groups, district-wise daily and weekly trends of Covid-19 cases, positivity rate, recovery rate etc.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Dilbag Singh, DGP; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department & Information Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to the Government, Industries & Commerce; Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Sheetal Nanda, Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department; Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, Mission Director, NHM; Deputy Commissioners and SPs, attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

Positivity rate declines in Jammu below 7%: Govt

Front

Precious Kashmir

22/05/2021

Jammu: After new refined containment strategy and other measures being taken by district administration, the overall positivity rate which was above 10 percent in the first week of May has dropped to below 7 percent in the last few days, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Anshul Garg said on Friday.

Addressing a presser, here at DC Office, Deputy Commissioner said that despite decreasing trend in positive cases, the District Administration has not lowered its guard and it is taking all measures to combat Covid-19 pandemic.

“Equivalent emphasis has been given on testing in urban as well as rural areas. Around 7 thousand to 8 thousand tests are being conducted on a daily basis out of which 50% have been conducted in rural areas: he informed. He said the Administration is laying more emphasis on early testing as testing, tracking and treatment is the only solution to win the battle against Covid-19, Deputy Commissioner said.

Anshul Garg said that with the active participation of PRI members, a redefined containment strategy has been developed under which village wise roaster is being maintained to isolate the positive patients.

Regarding the oxygenated beds, the Deputy Commissioner said that District Administration has taken several measures and is working round the clock to augment the availability of Oxygen supported beds not only in the GMC and Associated Hospitals but also at district and Sub-district Hospitals. He also informed that as per the directions of Lieutenant Governor, each Panchayat of the Jammu district will have 05 bedded and each block 30 bedded Covid Care facilities soon. “These will be established within days for which adequate resources and manpower has already been mobolised” the DC said.

The Deputy Commissioner further informed that during the door to door mopping exercise, more than 2250 positive patients have been provided assistance with Covid kits including oxy-meters, essential medicines and dos & don’t pamphlets. Moreover, around 5 thousand kits have also been distributed to the public in general.

Regarding inoculation, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the majority of 45+ age group persons have been vaccinated under the vaccination drive. He said that over 3.55 lakh beneficiaries of this age group have been given the first dose of vaccine and left out beneficiaries will be covered soon to achieve the 100% target.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the people under 45+ age group to get their vaccination as vaccines are available at the vaccination centers.

The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the public in general to follow the restrictions and guidelines issued by the government as these are for their benefits and are very crucial to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

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