Daily positive cases cross 4k-mark again, 4169 test infected

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: The death toll due to the COVID-19 continued to mount in Jammu and Kashmir as 67 people who were tested positive have died across the Union Territory in the last 24 hours while 4,169 people were confirmed to have contracted the infection, officials said on Thursday.

They said that 41 among the fatalities were reported from Jammu division and 26 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall fatality count to 3422.

Regarding the fresh cases, they said, Jammu reported 1518 cases and 2651 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 260057.

Providing district wise details of the cases, the officials said, Srinagar reported 674, Baramulla 333, Budgam 393, Pulwama 187, Kupwara 206, Anantnag 255, Bandipora 215, Ganderbal 117, Kulgam 206, Shopian 65, Jammu 499, Udhampur 180, Rajouri 158, Doda 79, Kathua 174, Samba 117, Kishtwar 55, Poonch 56,  Ramban 124 and Reasi 76.

Out of 67 deaths,  they said,17 died in GMC Jammu, seven in GMC Rajouri, one in GMC Kathua, one in GH Gandhi Nagar Jammu, two in GMC Doda, two in DH Udhampur, two in SMVDNH Katra, one in CHC Mendhar, one in CHC Bhaderwah, seven in Home/ Brought Dead, two in SKIMS Soura, three at SKIMS Bemina, four in SMHS Srinagar, three in DH Pulwama, three in DH Kulgam, two in SDH Kupwara, two in GMC Anantnag, one in LD Hospital, two in GMC Baramulla, two in CD Hosp Srinagar, one in CHC Pethkoot and one in JLNM Srinagar.

A number of fresh cases were confirmed at the diagnostic laboratory of SKIMS Soura and GMC Anantnag.

SKIMS cases include male (50) from Ch BSF Humhama Sgr, male (45) from Hayhama Kupwara, male (30) from Lolab Kupwara, male (30) from Arampora Kupwara, female (25) from Kupwara, male (57) from Halmatpora Kupwara, male (27) from Kawari Kupwara, male (19) from Trehgam Kupwara, male (19) from Zirhama Kupwara, male (65) from Hirri Kupwara, female (28) from Lalpora Kupwara, male (27) from Warsun Kupwara, female (37) from Trathpora Kupwara, male (40) from Vilgam Kupwara, male (25) from Manzgam Kupwara, female (40) from Warsun Kupwara, male (65) from Reshigund Kupwara, female (60) from Reshigund Kupwara, female (18) from Hanzishart Kupwara, female (75) from Kulangam Handwara, male (32) from Dpl Handwara, female (36) from IG office Nishat Sgr, male (32) from 18Madras Kalaroos Kupwara, male (32) from 45RR Kalaroos Kupwara, male (46) from Pachpan Bandipora, female (36) from Nadihal, female (06) from Nadihal, male (65) from Binlipora Bandipora, male (25) from Brar Bandipora, male (54) from Fatehkadal Sgr, female (39) from Natipora Sgr, female (55) from Nowhatta, male (38) from Rawalpora, female (18) from Bemina, female (24) from Bemina, female (57) from Tangpora and female (43) from Gulshan Nagar Sgr.

The GMC Anantnag include male (30) and female (17) from Panjpora, four males (40, 40, 35, 40) from Bihar/ Panjpora, male (25) from Mirmidan, male (38) from Gutligund, male (65) from Nowgam, male (37) and female (32) from Prinagam, male (55) and two females (25, 24) from Doru, female (50) from Kreeri, male (26) from Badasgam, male (38) from D M Pora, two males (18, 34) from Hakura, female (74) from Khanabal, female (26) from Fatehpora, male (27) from Omoh, two females (25, 50) from Dooru, female (25) from Sadoora, male (45) from Shangran, male (29) from Shankerpora, female (27) from Pul, male (70) and two females (55, 55) from Bijbhera, female (65) from Gulshannagar Srg, male (46) from Mattan, male (27) from Schichan, male (25) from Vessu, female (27) from Dodoa, female (37) from Wanpoh, female (28) from Shirpora, male (45) from Batengoo, male (40) from Chanapora, female (27) from Batengoo, female (34) from Achabal, male (33) from Waterhal, female (55) from Anchidora, male (52) from Lamad, male (32) from Sangran, female (30) from Bijbhera, male (24) from Ruhu Ang, male (34) from Ashajipora, male (30) from Mehmaan Mohalla, male (62) from Anchidora, female (54) from Harnag, male (28) from Hakura Badasgam, male (40) from Sarnal, male (31) from Hazratbal Ang, male (20) from Vessu Qazigund, male (43) from Khundroo, female (17) from Dangerpora, female (35) and male (30) from Shirpora, female (30) from Heavan Colony, male (64) from Malaknag, female (25) from Gopalpora, female (50) from Chee, male (45) from Dabruna, female (35) from Hazratbal Ang, male (23) from Sadoora, male (60) and female (55) from Dailgam, female (55) from Bijbhera, male (37) from Hardpora Achabal, female (21) from Hazratbal Ang, male (39) from Tankipora Kulgam, male (25) from Kanganhall, male (26) from Chee, female (45) from Janglat Mandi, male (40) from Khanabal, male (56) from Kp Road, female (40) and two males (20, 45) from Moominabad, male (47) from Brakpora, female (22) from Bona Dailgam, male (31) from Achabal, male (40) from Bona Dialgam, female (14) from Lazibal Kadipora, male (20) from Anantnag, male (45) from Poru, female (20) from Kokernag, female (30) and male (40) from Adigam, male (25) from Nagam, male (55) from Checki Narupora, male (25) from Bindoo, female (60) from Veeri, male (28) from Eidgah Bij, male (32) from Khiram Bij, male (26) from Saraf Mohalla Bij, female (40) from Tak Mohalla Bij, female (32) from Check Panjpora, male (60) male Deeni Masjid Bij, female (70) from Gund Nasir Wargund, male (30) from Veeri Bij, male (40) from Halkah Shangus, male (39) from Kuchmulla Shangus, male (68) from Brimmer Shangus, male (29) from Sardpora Shangus, male (40) from Chaklipora Shangus, male (57) from Nowgam Shangus, male (20) from Bihar, two males (30, 38) from Sallar, male (24) from Bernard, female (32) from JK Bank Wangam, female (25) from Puroo, male (75) from Sunbardi, female (25) from Buchoo, female (58) from Lohersenzi, male (60) from Zalangam, female (45) from Kawarigam, female (22) from C/O Phc Brakpora, male (26) from Lal Chowk, male (23) from Chontipora, male (28) from Ganiegund Verinag, female (35) from Hiller, male (52) from Naidpora, female (35) from Halsidar, female (40) from Qammer Drabihal, three males (56, 34, 28) and two females (45, 23) from Khudhamam, two males (27, 28) from HG Ang, male (18) from Check, male (50) from HS Bugh, female (29) from Hangalbush, male (50) from Reshipora, male (33) from Noonmai. (GNS)

New Delhi: India reported 2,76,110 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 Wednesday, the country recorded 4,529 deaths, the highest since the outbreak of the pandemic last year.

The active caseload in the country is 31,29,878 comprising 12.14 per cent of the total infections while 2,23,55,440 people have recovered from disease so far amounting to 86.74 per cent of the recovery rate. Meanwhile, the case fatality rate is 1.11 per cent.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 32,23,56,187 samples have been tested so far for coronavirus, of which record 20,55,010 tests were conducted in the past one day.

On the vaccination front, a total 18,70,09,792 people have been vaccinated across the country till now, of which 11,66,090 doses administered in the past 24 hours.

Maharashtra, which has been the most-affected state in the country, saw highest 594 deaths in the past 24 hours, followed by Karnataka (468), Tamil Nadu (365), UP (280), Delhi (235), Punjab (208), Uttarakhand (193), West Bengal (157), Haryana (153) and Chhattisgarh (146), Rajasthan (136), Kerala (112), Andhra Pradesh (106) and Bihar (104).

On Wednesday, India had registered 2,67,334 new Covid-19 cases and recorded 4,529 deaths. (UNI)

Srinagar: In order to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading, the Corona Curfew imposed by the government continued to remain in place for the 21st straight day across Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday while police claimed to have arrested 216 persons and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,98,190 for norm violation in the Valley.

Notably, the government has imposed Corona Curfew in Srinagar and other districts on April 29 evening, which was extended for the four straight times so far. The government has announced the Corona Curfew across 20 districts of J&K till May 24, 2021.

Eye-witnesses informed that police and paramilitary troops were deployed although in large numbers to enforce the lockdown restrictions. The barricades and concertina wires were erected at many places and bridges to thwart the public movement, they said.

Meanwhile, all the shops and business establishments barring emergency services remained closed throughout the day in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Moreover, as per a statement, during the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 216 persons, lodged 107 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,98,190 from 1469 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir.

“Besides, eight vehicles were also seized in Kulgam for violating guidelines and restrictions,” police said.

A police spokesman said that the special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by the government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, police have urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said. (KNO)

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: To deal with the possible third wave of Covid-19, the Jammu and Kashmir government has pulled up the socks by designating two pediatric wards as Covid wards for children.

Official sources said that as the third wave of Covid-19 in the next six months is likely to affect children, the administration has started to gear up so that it won’t have to face a crisis.

It is pertinent to mention here that as per experts, third wave is likely to affect children more as there are no vaccines recommended for children as of now.

Dr Dara Singh, Medical Superintendent at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) hospital Shalmaar, Jammu said that as per the literature available, third wave of Covid-19 may come and can affect children and in order to deal with the situation, “we have started preparedness in advance.”

He said that they have prepared a DPR and submitted requisition before concerned higher ups to get high flow oxygen supply to all 400 beds at the hospital.

Dr Singh said that as of now two wards have been designated as Covid wards for children in which there are over 100 beds and among them 20 will be ICU beds.

He said that as of now the hospital has one small 500 lpm oxygen plant and work on another oxygen plant with capacity of 3000 LPM is going on war footing basis and in next two weeks it will complete.

Dr Singh said that “our motive is to use the time for full preparation till the possible third wave will come so that there won’t be any problem at that time.” He requested people to follow Covid appropriate behavior in letter and spirit. (KNO)

Srinagar: As it has already been advised by medical experts to wear masks, keep distance and maintain sanitation in order to prevent the spread of Covid19, the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India Thursday stressed the importance of ventilation in its recent advisory to curb the Covid19’s effect.

An official communiqué said that the office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India has issued a simple easy to follow guideline to “Stop the Transmission, Crush the Pandemic – Masks, distance, sanitation and ventilation to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus” as the pandemic rages in India, we need to once again remember that simple tools and practices can reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus.

It stated that the advisory highlights the important role well-ventilated spaces play in diluting the viral load of infected air in poorly ventilated houses, offices etc. Ventilation can decrease the risk of transmission from one infected person to the other.

“Just as smells can be diluted from the air through opening windows and doors and using exhaust systems, ventilating spaces with improved directional air flow decreases the accumulated viral land in the air, reducing the risk of transmission,” reads the statement.

It further said that ventilation is a community defense that protects all of us at home or at work. Introducing outdoor air in offices, homes and larger public spaces is advised. Measures to improve ventilation in these spaces must be taken up on urgent priority in urban and rural areas alike, recommendations for hutments, homes, offices and large centralised buildings are given. Simple strategic placement of fans, open windows and doors, even slightly open windows can introduce outdoor air and improve the air quality inside. Introduction of cross ventilation and exhaust fans will be beneficial in curtailing the spread of the disease.

In buildings with central air-management systems improving central air filtration /increased filtration efficiency is especially helpful when enhanced outdoor air delivery options are limited. In offices, auditoriums, shopping malls etc. use of gable fan systems and roof ventilators are recommended. Frequent cleaning and replacement of filters is highly recommended, it added.

“Saliva and nasal discharge in the form of droplets and aerosols, by an infected person while exhaling, talking, speaking, singing, laughing, coughing or sneezing etc. is the primary mode of virus transmissions,” read the statement, adding, “an infected person who shows no symptoms also transmit the virus. People without symptoms can spread the virus. People should continue wearing a mask, wear double masks or a N95 mask.”

The SARS-CoV-2 virus infects a human host where it can multiply, in the absence of the host it cannot survive, and stopping the transmission of the virus from a person to another person will decrease the infection rate of the disease to a level where it can eventually die. This can be achieved only with the support and cooperation of individuals, communities, local bodies and authorities. Use of masks, ventilation, distancing, and sanitation, the battle against the virus can be won, it added.

Srinagar:  Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Thursday fervently appealed to the government for the monetary compensation of vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to Corona Curfew.

As per a statement issued here, a delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) led by President Sheikh Ashiq and Secretary-general Farooq Amin, met Advisor to Lt. Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan and highlighted the crisis of the economically vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to pandemic triggered lockdown.

The delegation was accompanied by the presidents of other associations like trade, transport, tourism, and other allied sectors like Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation (KTMF), Federation chamber of industries kashmir (FCIK), Houseboat Associations, who also highlighted these issues and briefed about the problems they are facing due to the prevailing situation. The delegation appreciated the government!s Covid19 management and extended all support to the efforts to contain the contagion, said spokesperson, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

“They fervently appealed for the monetary compensation of vulnerable sections of the society impacted due to Corona Curfew.”

The delegation, statement said, thanked J&K LG Manoj Sinha, for announcing relief measures for Covid-19 affected people. Pertinent to mention, it was after the request of President KCCI, that the government announced relief measures to all registered construction workers, “ponywalas” ,palkiwalas! and “pithuwalas for the next two months. However, they requested LG to extend the relief measures and compensation to other impacted sectors of the society who also live from hand to mouth and have been impacted due to pandemic lockdowns like artisans, waivers, transporters, small shopkeepers, street vendors and industrial labourers.

He suggested augmenting monthly monetary assistance to the families so that that they can afford the cost of two meals a day, said its spokesperson. A substantial amount of Rs 5000 per month be provided to the vulnerable sections of society whose livelihoods have taken a hit. As the lockdown continues due to the raging virus, he urged the government to continue to provide free ration for people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) for at least 2 months. “It is also necessary to ensure a safe corridor for the movement of goods which would save the goods from getting expired and also generate revenue for the Government by way of taxes.”

Besides that he suggested the smooth supplies of essential products and facilitating the smooth operations in delivering essential commodities like food products and FMCG. In this second mutant wave of the pandemic as oxygen has emerged as the priced commodity, he suggested hassle-free oxygen and medical supplies in the hospitals and other places of need. As the essential commodities workers are exposed to contagion, he urged the government to prioritize their vaccination. Further, in order to ensure that the contagion is contained and prevent its spread, he requested the government to ensure proper fumigation of public places and contaminating zones.

“As the valley has been reeling under successive lockdowns and has seen very little business activity in the last few years, the delegation urged the government to come up with a policy so that losses can be compensated even in the future. According to the spokesperson, KCCI will come up with a detailed report regarding suggestions to bring the economy on track again after consulting all the stakeholders in a fortnight’s time.” (GNS)

Srinagar: Office of Lieutenant Governor on Wednesday night notified, via Twitter, into recoveries of over two lac Covid-19 infected patients up to May 19, 2021 in Jammu and Kashmir.

Preceded by “#JammuAndKashmir will win the fight against #COVID19”, the tweet read “202039 Covid Positive patients defeat the virus and recovered till May 19th, 2021.” An illustrated image appended to tweet displayed that 2847780 Covid vaccine doses were administered up to the same period besides it showing that 4338 recoveries being recorded in last twenty-four hours (May 18 – May 19).

In a subsequent tweet, the office informed of a 120-year-old woman Dholi Devi from Udhumpur who ‘took her first dose of the Covid Vaccine’.

“120 years old, a lady Dholi Devi from remote area of Udhampur District took her 1st dose of #CovidVaccine”, reads the tweet. An appended representational picture flaunting the old lady with few health-care workers reads; “120 years old, Dholi Devi, who hails from a remote village Ghar Katiyas of Sub Division Drudu, Udhumpur District turn upto vaccination camp to get first shot of #CovidVaccination.”

“We are very happy to get ‘our eldest member of family vaccinated against the Covid disease”, quoting a family member, the tweet concluded.

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha has ordered the dismissal from government service of suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), Davinder Singh who has been charged by the NIA for supporting militants.

Together with the suspended DySP, the government also ordered dismissal of two teachers from government service for working against the security of the State.

An order issued by the UT government said today, “The Lt governor is satisfied under sub-clause (c) of the proviso to clause (2) of article 311 of the constitution of India that in the interest of the security of the state it is not expedient to hold an enquiry in the case of Davinder Singh.”

“Accordingly, the Lt Governor hereby dismisses Davinder Singh from service with immediate effect.”

A similar order was passed today by the Lt Governor against two teachers namely Bashir Ahmad Sheikh and Mohammad Yousuf Ganie, both residents of Kupwara district.

Earlier, an Assistant Professor, an executive magistrate (Naib Tehsildar) and a government teacher were dismissed from service by the Lt Governor exercising the same powers. (IANS)

Jammu: Meeting the demand of its employees working under National Pension System (NPS), the government on Thursday issued orders for enhancement of its monthly contribution to 14% from the month of April, 2020.

An S.O to this effect was issued by the Department of Finance today mentioning that “The Government shall make fourteen percent (14%) of matching contribution w.e.f. 01.04.2020”.

The move is going to benefit thousands of employees appointed by the government after 2010 who are being governed under this system.

Pertinent to mention here that the government was making a monthly contribution equivalent to 10% of Basic pay and Dearness allowance of each employee which has now been increased to 14% w.e.f April, 2020 taking its employees at par with those employed by central government.

The employees were demanding the same and the government has fulfilled it also retrospectively from April, 2020 which is going to benefit substantially thousands of employees working under the National Pension System here.

Srinagar: With most parts of the Valley receiving frequent rainfall from the last couple of weeks, the local Meteorological department here has informed that the previous month, April, was coldest after 2006.

It also stated that the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has recorded deficit rainfall of 27 per cent in the ongoing season.

Divulging the details, Director Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus informed that it was cold April after 15 years.

The coldest April in the last two decades was in the year 2006, he informed.

Sharing the details further, Lotus said that the lowest temperature in April, 2021 was recorded on the 3rd of the month at 2.6 degree Celsius. He further informed that in 2006, April 13 had recorded the lowest temperature of 2.2 degree Celsius.

Lotus added that on April 02, 1995, the lowest temperature was recorded at 1.1 degree Celsius, which was coldest since 1980.

Director MeT also informed that 1.6 degree Celsius temperature was recorded on April 01, 1996 as well.

Furthermore, the MeT spokesman while sharing the details said that Jammu and Kashmir has so far recorded 27 per cent deficit rainfall in the ongoing season.

He said that Srinagar, the summer capital of the Union Territory has received excess rainfall of 46 per cent while north Kashmir’s Kupwara district recorded three per cent rainfall.

Meanwhile, MeT officials said that prevailing weather conditions would improve from evening while the weather would remain mostly dry on Friday and Saturday. (KNO)