New Delhi:  India reported 2,22,315 new cases of the Novel Coronavirus in the past 24 hours, the lowest since April 16 last month, taking the infection tally to 2,67,52,447, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

India’s COVID-19 death toll crossed the grim milestone of 3 lakh-mark, as the country also saw 4,454 more fatalities due to the virus, pushing the toll to 3,03,720. Now, India has become the third country in the world after the US and Brazil to traverse the grim milestone. On Sunday, the country recorded 3,741 deaths. The case fatality rate stands at 1.14 per cent.

On April 16, the country saw 2,17,353 cases.

With 3,02,544 recoveries recorded in the last 24 hours, India’s daily recoveries outnumbered the new Covid cases for the eleventh consecutive day. On Sunday, India reported 3,55,102 recoveries.

The active caseload in the country is 27,20,716 comprising 10.17 per cent of the total infections while 2,37,28,011 people have recovered from disease so far, amounting 88.69 per cent of the recovery rate.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 33,05,36,064 samples have been tested so far for coronavirus, of which 19,28,127 tests were conducted in the past one day.

On the vaccination front, total 19,60,51,962 people have been vaccinated across the country till now, of which 9,42,722 doses administered in the past 24 hours.

Maharashtra, which has been the most-affected state in the country, saw highest 1,320 deaths in the past 24 hours, followed by Karnataka (624), Tamil Nadu (422 ), UP (231), Punjab (192), Delhi (189), Kerala (188), West Bengal (156), Bihar (107), and Andhra Pradesh (104).

In term of cases, Tamil Nadu continues to report highest cases, as 35,483 new cases were reported in the past 24 hours, followed by Maharashtra and Karnataka with 26,672 and 25,979 cases, respectively.

On Sunday, India had registered 2,40,842 Covid-19 cases. (UNI)

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government declared black fungus as an epidemic on Monday under the Epidemic Diseases Act 1897.

The decision followed a directive from the union government in which it had asked the UT administration to make black fungus a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act.

On Friday, a 40-year old patient with confirmed black fungus infection died in a government medical college hospital in Jammu.

Another suspected patient is being treated at the government dental college in Srinagar while doctors have confirmed that a black fungus patient was successfully treated in November 2020 by the doctors at the dental college.

Jammu: The rollout of special vaccination drives for high risk and vulnerable groups within the 18-45 age category was on Monday finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam.

Administrative Secretaries of the departments of Housing & Urban Development, Information, Transport, Labour & Employment, Jal Shakti, Social Welfare, Higher Education, Tourism and Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, besides Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) and Director, Family Welfare participated in the meeting.

To implement the decision taken by the Government for prioritized coverage of high risk and vulnerable groups under 18-45 age category, it was decided that the special vaccination drives will initially be kick-started in 8 districts having the highest disease caseload and positivity ratio and will be extended to all the districts once the supply of vaccines increases. The rollout will begin in Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam and Srinagar districts of Kashmir, and Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri and Udhampur districts of Jammu.

It was further informed that the target groups have been identified considering their risk assessment and vulnerability to the disease. It was directed that as a part of the special vaccination drive, additional dedicated vaccination centres are established for centralized and fast-tracked coverage of all identified beneficiaries after proper verification.

The Chief Secretary directed the Law Department to organize 2-days special vaccination drives at High Court complexes and District Courts to vaccinate all lawyers. The Information Department was directed to organize similar vaccination drives for journalists at twin Directorates of Jammu and Kashmir, while the Tourism Department was asked to hold such drives at concerned district offices to cover stakeholders associated with the tourism industry.

The Transport Department was asked to hold the drives for truck/bus/taxi/autorikshaw drivers at respective RTO/ARTO offices; while the Higher Education Department will coordinate vaccination of teaching/non-teaching faculty at campuses.

Similarly, the departments of Labour and Housing & Urban Development were directed to organize centralized vaccination drives at suitable places to cover all construction workers, and shopkeepers/vendors/dhaba workers, respectively.

For the target group comprising Government employees on COVID duty/or in active field offices- viz employees of PHE, PDD; people with disabilities (PwD); widows/single mothers; orphans; and persons with co-morbid conditions, the concerned Deputy Commissioners were directed to mobilize identified beneficiaries towards existing vaccination centres on priority.

The Information Department in coordination with Administrative Secretaries and district administrations was asked to widely publicize the schedule of vaccination drives to ensure maximum participation of the beneficiaries.

Srinagar: Railway authorities on Monday extended till May 31 the suspension of train services from Banihal to Baramulla and vice versa.

Official sources said that Railway authorities have taken the decision on the request by the J&K administration and have subsequently in formed the field agencies about it.

On May 10, the authorities suspended the services In view of the covid-19 situation in Kashmir Valley and as per the guidelines and SOPs issued by the government.

The decision had followed huge rush of passengers at stations amid continuing increase in the number Covid cases. (GNS)

Srinagar: Normal life remained affected in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday for the 26th consecutive day due to lockdown in the wake of the continuing surge in covid-19cases, officials said.

Police and paramilitary forces kept barricades on roads at many places in Srinagar as well as in other district headquarters of the Valley and the Jammu region to prevent the movement of people. However, essential and emergency services are allowed, the officials added.

Most of the shops, and other business establishments remained shut while public transport was off the roads.

In view of the alarming surge in daily cases across the Kashmir Valley, Police said to have enhanced the efforts to implement the Covid-19 guidelines, SOPs and restrictions strictly throughout the valley.

“During the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 184 persons, lodged 94 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,41,840 from 910 people for violating the guidelines/rules throughout Kashmir valley,” a police spokesman said, adding, “Besides, 44 vehicles were also seized in Shopian for violating guidelines/restrictions.”

On April 29, the administration imposed a curfew in 11 districts in a bid to arrest the surge in Covid-19 cases, which has been since extended to all the 20 districts till 7 am on May 31.

“The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines/rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs/ guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic,” the spokesman said, adding, “Community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs/ guidelines/ protocols for the safety of the people. The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures.” (GNS)

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar: Amid second wave of global pandemic novel coronavirus in Kashmir, the need for the oxygen has risen to higher level, after most of patients were admitted in the hospitals for the life support.

According a local news gathering agency, so far the LG led administration in Kashmir have augmented around 23,375 LPM medical oxygen and is further planning to boost the availability of medical oxygen by furthermore 11,375 LPM by the month of July this year, taking the medical oxygen availability to around 34,750 LPM in the valley.

According to the research and official figures reveals that after the second wave hit the valley, the augmentation of new oxygen generation plants was started on war footing. Four units of 1000 LPM were installed at SMHS hospital taking its total oxygen generating capacity to 5600 LPM, making it valley’s highest oxygen generating hospital, with its earlier capacity of just 1600 LPM only.

The Chest Disease Hospital in Srinagar, which is running on 900 LPM oxygen generation capacity, would be enhanced with 1500 LPM oxygen generation unit, taking the total oxygen generation capacity to 2400 LPM.

In JLNM Hospital a total of 2625 LPM oxygen has been added with earlier capacity of just 300LPM, while as in Super Specialty hospital, which is currently running on 800 LPM oxygen generation would be further enhanced by 1000 LPM, while as in LD hospital, 625 LPM oxygen unit has been installed with earlier stationed oxygen unit of 1300 LPM.

In Bone and Joint hospital a single oxygen generating unit of 625 LPM has been installed with 300 LPM oxygen unit already stationed at the hospital, while as in Kashmir Nursing Home, 1000 LPM has been installed with oxygen generation unit.

In GMC Baramulla, 1000LPM has been added with earlier capacity of 600 LPM, in GMC Anantnag total of 2000 LPM have been added with earlier oxygen availability of 300 LPM, in district hospital Pulwama 1000 LPM oxygen has been added with earlier availability of 300 LPM.

In district Kulgam oxygen unit of 1000 LPM has been added with already stationed 300 LPM nonfunctional oxygen generating unit, in district hospital Shopian oxygen unit of 1000 LPM has been added. In Trauma Centre Bijbehra 500 LPM unit has been added, in district Hospital Ganderbal oxygen unit of 1000 LPM has been added, in Critical Health Centre Chanapora an oxygen unit of 500 LPM has been added while as in critical health centre Kupwara, sub-district hospital Sopore and district hospital Bandipora has got 1000 LPM oxygen generating units each.

According to the Mechanical Engineering Department, a total order of 37 oxygen plants have been placed, of which 21 have been received, and installed. And by the month of July this year, the department is expecting to receive remaining oxygen plants. (KNO)

Srinagar: Persons having comorbidities including obesity, hypertension, diabetes can increase their survival chances by taking precautions and adopting covid related guidelines perfectly and strictly, said Dr Shariq Masoodi, Endocrinologist, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar.

Endocrinologist, Dr Shariq Masoodi while putting forth his views on the pandemic said that Covid infection is now common among people and majority of the patients recover immediately in home isolation. However, he said that less than two percent of the covid infected patients develop serious complications owing to underlying comorbidities like age factor, obesity, blood sugar, hypertension, cancer or any other disease and some of them may succumb to the infection. Such patients may need critical care including oxygen supply, ventilation and hospitalization.

He maintained that older a person is, more are the chances of getting complicated condition during covid infection.

He also said that vaccination is very important for the people living with any comorbidity and further added that vaccine rarely causes adverse effects.

“Individuals already suffering from any disease should get vaccinated because it will protect them from  further complications in case of getting a covid infection”, he stated.

Dr Shariq said that most of the patients recover at home but it is imperative to monitor pluse rate and oxygen saturation of covid patients with underlying comorbidity disease  at home. “If a person has tendency of sugar and has obesity then  monitor his sugar level, too”, he said while advising about the supervision if patients in home.

He said that steroids including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone and  prednisone  are used to treat severe covid patients admitted in the hospitals. While cautioning about self medication he said, “Steroid is not treatment for everyone because it increases sugar in the body”. These medicines are used only for those patients whose oxygen saturation has decreased and have been admitted in the hospital, he clarified. Only physicians shall prescribe steroids when the need arises, he added.

While reiterating that asymptomatic or mild covid infected persons don’t need  steroids because it will affect their health adversely by increasing sugar which may  ultimately pose threat of other  health issues such as Black fungus or White fungus and Mocurmycosis.

Further, Dr Shariq Masiodi while providing more information said Cytotoxic immunity and acquired immunity of  body helps to fight against fungus infections but prolonged use of steroids decrease these immunities in a person. “Increase in sugar level reduces oxygen saturation in the body which increases acidosis, formation of acids in à body”, he said.

Regarding the measures to control sugar  level, he said there are two types of measures including pharmaceutical and non pharmaceutical. “Non pharmaceutical methods involve change in diet and life style”, he said.

He said that during the lockdown physical activity has decreased so energy required is minimum and  advised to take proteins, vitamin, minerals, fibre and  antioxidant rich food and reduce intake of carbohydrates. He suggested limiting the intake of carbohydrates to 175 gm in 24 hours and exercise frequently.

While providing additional information regarding carbohydrates, he said, there are two types of carbohydrates including complex and refined. The complex carbohydrates are absorbed slowly while refined carbohydrates are absorbed quickly. He stressed to reduce intake of refined carbohydrates such as rice, wheat, bread etc to keep sugar in control.

Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Mohammed Aijaz Asad Monday said that corona curfew and public cooperation has yielded good results so far in containment and mitigation of Covid-19 virus in the district.

DC said this while briefing the media about the containment and mitigation measures taken by the district administration.

He said all possible measures are being taken to break the chain of corona virus in the district. He said on the directions of Lieutenant Governor, Covid care centers are being established at all 21 Panchayats of the district to ensure Covid related patient care facilities at the door steps of the people living in rural areas.

He said in coming days we have to remain more vigilant to fight the war against Covid-19 and follow the Covid-19 SOPs in letter and spirit.

Meanwhile, DC Srinagar visits various Panchayats, oversees establishment of Panchayat level CCCs

Deputy Commissioner Srinagar also visited various Panchayats in the district to oversee the process of establishment of the Covid Care Centres (CCCs) in various Panchayats of the district.

The DC visited Panchayats of Nowgam-A,  Nowgam-B and Sioteng Panchayats.

Chairman District Development Counci(DDC) Srinagar, Malik Aftab, Vice Chairman DDC, Wani Bilal were also present during the Tour. The concerned Sarpanchs besides Chief Planning Officer, CMO, Srinagar District Panchayat Officer and other senior officers accompanied the DC during his visit.

While inspecting the joint Covid Care Center established at Nowgam Panchayat, the DC was informed that 10 Covid care beds including two Oxygen facilitated beds have been put in place for the Covid affected patients, besides all basic requirements.

The centers have been established in a feasible environment suitable for patients. The DC also visited Covid Center set up at Sioteng Panchayat and took stock of the patient care facilities. He asked the concerned to ensure all requisite facilities to the patients.

Also, DC Srinagar called for intensified vaccination drive for focused and target groups under the age group 18-45  years in the district from Tuesday to break the transmission chain and check the spread of infection.

The DC said this while chairing a meeting with all sectoral officers, senior Health Care functionaries BMO, ZMOs to review the achievements made with regard to ongoing vaccination process in Srinagar,  besides the mitigation measures undertaken to control the second wave of Covid-19.

Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Athar Amir, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Incharge Covid Control War Room, Chief Planning Officer, Chief Medical Officer, SDM East & West, all Tehsildars and other concerned were present in the meeting.

During the meeting various aspects regarding vaccination were discussed threadbare.

It was given out that under vaccination drive from May 25 the target groups under 18-45  years of age, the high risk and vulnerable groups have been identified which include – shopkeepers /dhabawallas, hotel waiters & staff/thela wallas,  services sector, Barbers,  Bakers Meat, Poultry Vegetable sellers, Drivers/ Conductors, Lawyers, Journalists; faculty /staff/workers of the Universities/Colleges; Government employees on COVID duty/or in active field offices Construction workers registered with Construction Workers Board; Tourism sector workers; people with disabilities, widows/single mothers, orphans, and persons with co-morbid conditions.

It was informed that to ensure proper outreach to the prioritized groups, special vaccination centers will be activated in specific locations.

DC directed for setting up additional 50 vaccination centers and immunization teams to expand coverage.

He also stressed on maintaining and updating database of the vaccination being done on daily basis to ensure data is submitted well  in time to concerned quarters.

The DC directed the officers of different Government departments to undertake the vaccination of their subordinate employees on Covid duty to safeguard their families.

He urged upon the general public to cooperate with the District Administration in making the Covid drive successful in the district. He further said that the vaccination is most necessary for fighting against the Coronavirus pandemic

The Commissioner SMC also spoke on the occasion and assured all possible support for success ful vaccination process.

Srinagar: The domicile row was rekindled in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday after advertisements appeared for staff recruitment in hospitals seeking region specific domicile certificates.

After the abrogation of articles 370 and 35A, the permanent resident certificate issued in favor of citizens in J&K had become redundant.

Instead, people were asked to obtain domicile certificates those would suffice for purposes of recruitment etc.

The domicile certificates state that a person is the resident/domicile of J&K although he can be living in any of the two regions of Jammu or Kashmir.

Two 500-bedded hospitals are being built in collaboration with the DRDO in J&K, one in the Jammu division and the other in Kashmir division.

Ironically, two separate advertisements have been issued by the administration seeking applications from doctors and paramedics, one for the hospital coming up in Jammu and the other for the one coming up in Srinagar.

The advertisement for Jammu hospital says “the candidate should be permanent resident/domicile of Jammu division’ while the advertisement for the Srinagar hospital says ‘the candidate should be permanent resident/domicile of Kashmir division.”

The decision has invoked strong criticism with some saying that this amounts to further bifurcation of J&K into Jammu and Kashmir as two separate legal entities.

Legal experts say the categorisation of posts as divisional or district cadre does not mean that the recruitment can be restricted to one specific place.

“A teacher’s post advertised in the district cadre in Kathua district does not debar a candidate from any of the remaining 19 districts from seeking employment as a teacher in Kathua district,” said Bashir Ahmad, a senior advocate. (IANS)

By: M S Nazki

Rajouri: Authorities have restored Mughal road – connecting Poonch and Shopian districts of South Kashmir – after halting the vehicular traffic movement on Sunday evening following a landslide along the thoroughfare at Mansar Morh Peer Ki Gali.

An official said that the road has been cleared of the debris at affected spot and the stranded fruit-laden trucks allowed to ply along the road.

It is pertinent to mention here that the thoroughfare was exclusively thrown open to fruit-laden trucks and movement of Gujjar-Bakerwals. However on frequent appeals from public, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha asked the administration to extend the relaxations for patients referred from Poonch and Rajouri districts to Srinagar hospitals. (GNS)