By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: For the second straight day, Jammu and Kashmir reported over 70 deaths due to Coronavirus across the Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir reported 71 deaths, second highest fatality count in a single day, while 3967 more persons were confirmed to have contracted the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Tuesday.

They said that 39 of the fresh fatalities were reported from Jammu Division while 32 persons succumbed to the virus in Kashmir valley, taking the fatality count to 3293. On Monday (May 17), J&K reported its highest single day death toll as 73 persons died from the virus.

Regarding the fresh cases, they said, 1704 were confirmed from Jammu Division and 2263 from Kashmir, taking the case tally to 251919.

Providing district-wise details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 666 cases, Baramulla 196, Budgam 454, Pulwama 127, Kupwara 120, Anantnag 156, Bandipora 134, Ganderbal 116, Kulgam 190,

Shopian 104, Jammu 522, Udhampur 272, Rajouri 141, Doda 59, Kathua 183, Samba 107, Kishtwar 49, Poonch 123, Ramban 188 and Reasi 60.

Moreover, they said, 3823 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—1360 from Jammu Division and 2463 from Kashmir.  There are 50925 active cases—21021 in Jammu and 29904 in Kashmir, they added.

Among the fresh fatalities, they said, 13 deaths were reported from Jammu and 13 from Kashmir Valley.

Among others, the officials said that a 68-year-old woman from Baghat Srinagar died at CD hospital, 13 days after remaining admitted to one of the exclusive facilities for the management of the cobid-19 patients.

Four persons died at JLNM Rainawari and include a 54-year-old woman from Noorbagh Srinagar, a 65-year-old man from Aali Kadal Srinagar, a 70-year-old Konipara and a 70-year-old Chanapora Srinagar.

A 75-year-old woman from Rawalpora, they said, died at SMHS hospital, six days after she was admitted with bilateral Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP).

An 80-year-old man from Khidam Nowsheera diagnosed with bilateral CAP died a day after he was admitted to GMSC Anantnag, they said.

A 55-year-old woman from Pushwara Khanbal died at midnight at GMC Anantnag, they said.

A 65-year-old woman from Azadgunj Baramulla died at Covid center Indoor stadium Baramulla, two days after she was admitted to GMC Baramulla and subsequently shifted to the make-shift facility, they said.

An 80-year-old woman from Pattan died away at home due to Covid-19 complications. She had been declared covid positive on May 14, they said.

A 55-year-old woman from Reshigund Kralpora died at Sub District Hospital Kupwara, 11 days after she was admitted there, they said.

An 89-year-old woman from Bemina Srinagar died at SMHS hospital, two days after she was admitted there, they said.

A 50-year-old from Shopian also died at the facility, they added.

Meanwhile, a number of the fresh cases were confirmed at CD hospital and GMC  Anantnag’s diagnostic laboratories.

The CD cases include female (20) from Habakadal, male (44) from Saloora, male (46) from Dangerpora Pul, male (65) from Amlar, female (45) from Reshipora, male (76) from Rawalpora, male (45) from Sanat Nagar, female (NA) from Zakura, female (NA) from Batpora, male (73) from Jawahar Nagar, female (50) from Pul, male (40) from Baghi Mehtab, female (70) from Batmaloo, male (38) from Nishat, female (65) from Rajbagh, female (70) from Barbarshah, male (16) from Jawahar Nagar, male (66) from Nowshera, male (50) from Bemina, female (35) from Kanihama, male (47) from Safa Kadal, two males (46, 30) from Bemina, male (27) and female (20) from Eidgah, female (45) from Nishat, two females (30, 50) and male (25) from Bemina, male (30) from HMT, male (34) from Soura, male (35) from NA, male (60) and two females (62, 50) from Lal Bazar, two males (45, 65) from Mallabagh, male (45) and female (50) from Shalimar, female (30) from Nishat, male (36) from Chatterhama, male (11) from Ishber, male (48) from Shalimar, male (35) from NA, male (43) from Shopribagh, male (35) from Kanitar, male (34) from Harwan, male (NA) from Zakura, female (80) from Galli Kadal, male (68) from Zakura, male (82) from Nishat, female (52) from Batmaloo, female (37) from Sanat Nagar, male (66) from HMT, male (62) from Natipora, male (53) from Nowgam, male (NA) from Gulabagh, male (49) from Naid Kadal, female (36) from Anthang, female (28) from Sopore, male (32) from Panthachowk, male (34) from Sopore, male (55) from Fatehkadal, male (32) from Natipora, male (48) from Uri, male (41) from Natipora, female (52) from Dalgate, male (42) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (65) from Kak Sarai, male (20) from Chandpora, male (44) from Rawalpora, male (48) from Maloora, female (60) and male (40) from Natipora, male (70) from Kalaroos, male (45) from Srg, male (50) from Sopore, male (56) from Khanyar, male (25) from Zaffron Colony, male (30) and female (30) from Buchpora, male (25) from Kanikadal, male (45) from Hawal, male (40) from Kp Road, male (28) from Kulgam, female (16) from Khanyar, female (18) from Lasjan, female (11) from Kulgam, male (17D) from Baramulla, NA (07) from Chattabal, male (37) from Buchpora, female (30) from Padshahibagh Srg, female (NA) from Karanagar Srg, male (42) and female (NA) from Bemina, male (36) from Srg, female (50) from HMT, female (27) and male (28) from Maloora Srg, female (80) from Rawalpora, male (23) from Nawabazar, female (55) from Eidgah, male (42) from Nawakadal, two males (01, 42) and female (35) from Peer Bagh, male (35) from Harwan, NA (55) from Hawal, female (20) from Qamarwari Srg, male (40) from Shopian, female (65) from Handwara, male (41) from Nowshera, female (11) and male (40) from Chattabal, female (38) from Tangmarg, male (30) from Srinagar, male (40) from Sumbal Bandipora, male (38) from Safakadal, female (37) and male (47) from Zakura, male (55) from Dargah, female (36) from Parimpora, female (55) from Waniyar Srg, male (31) from Mehjoor Nagar, three males (15, 42, 44) from Jawahar Nagar, male (29) from Zainakote, male (50) from Qamarwari, female (55) from Tangdar Kupwara, female (NA) from Saraf Kadal, female (35) from Lal Bazar, male (75) from Shopian, male (39) from Saderbal, male (28) from Narwara, female (60) from Rajbagh, female (50) from Pulwama, female (55) from Harwan, male (55) from Kralpora, female (50) from Nowshera, male (48) from Safapora, male (09) from Balgarden, male (55) from HMT, male (40) and two females (25, 20) from Batmaloo, two females (20, 51) from Gangbugh, male (21) and female (52) from Natipora, male (45) from Zaldagar, male (36) and female (06) from Shopian, male (42) from Rambagh, female (45) from Batmaloo, male (40) from Karfali Mohalla, male (50) from Tengpora, female (34) from HMT, male (35) Budshah Nagar, male (55) from Hyderpora, female (38) from Nigeen, male (37) from Parimpora, two males (28, 40) and female (28) from Bemina, male (26) from Rambagh, male (29) Tanpora, male (22) from DC Office, female (50) from Qamarwari, female (60) and male (60) from Shamswari, female (25) from Hawal, two females (08, 11) and male (17) from Natipora, male (63) from Barbarshah, two males (23, 37) from Khanyar, male (45) from Baghi Mehtab, male (32) from Hazratbal, male (NA) from Elahibagh, female (33) from Sonwar, female (70) from Rawalpora, male (55) from Bemina, female (55) from Naidkhai, female (35) from Kawdara, male (65) from Elahibagh, female (26) and male (57) from Eidgah, male (40) from Nawabazar, female (34) from Shivpora, female (68) and male (08) from Eidgah, female (61) from Zakura, male (65) from Natipora, thirteen (65, 75, 60, 56, 24, 70, 75, 68, 31) and nine females (70, 72, 28, 44, 58, 63, 72, 30, 75) from NA, female (55) from Khanyar, female (56) from Nishat, male (30) from Dalgate, male (25) from Lal Bazar, female (45) from Srg, male (32) from Balhama, male (43) from Railway Station Kakapora, male (36) and female (36) from Sumerbugh, male (28) from Pulwama.

The GMC Anantnag cases include female (28) from Moominabad, female (25) from Janglat Mandi, two females (47, 24) from Shirpora, male (26) and female (32) from Khanabal, male (34) from Aagroo, male (23) from Bus Stand, female (48) from Kp Road, male (60) from Khanabal, female (35) from Sangam, female (12) from Hazratbal, male (37) from Dailgam, male (19) from Sagam, male (25) from Hospital Staff, male (42) from Hiller, female (72) from Brakpora, male (65) from Melhoora, female (40) from Shangus, female (36) from Sarnal, female (27) from Harnag, male (35) from Dailgam, female (36) from Vessu, male (26) from Fatipora, male (28) from Gopalpora, male (30) from Mir Danter, female (30) from Cheeni Chowk, two males (22, 45) and female (45) from Qazibagh, male (40) from Mir Danter, male (30) from Chaklipora, male (30) from Monghall, male (28) from Nai Basti, male (25) from Shangus, male (60) from Bijbhera, male (32) from Gund Novroz, female (60) from Kp Road, female (17) from Cheeni Chowk, female (35) from Wanpoh, male (50) from Dangerpora, male (32) from Ganoora, two males (16, 30) from Shirpora, male (28) from Kilam, male (13) from Kadipora, two females (22, 58) from Ashajipora, female (40) from Donipawa, male (32) from GMC Ang, female (50) from Kadipora, male (24) from Mattan, male (44) from Kanelwan, male (12) and four females (37, 39, 40, 11) from Bijbehara, male (40) from Hakura, male (37) from Moominabad, female (35) from Kamad Ang, female (45) from Janglat Mandi, female (48) from Kund, two males (45, 17) and female (45) from New Qazibagh, male (38) from Waghama, female (40) from Bijbehara, female (45) from Nanil Herpora, female (30) from Ashajipora, female (72) from Muniwar Ang, male (26) from Arwani Bij, female (35) from Pazalpora Bij, male (37) from Duptyar Bij, male (55) from CRPF, female (20) from Nowpora Bewora, male (26) from Moominabad, male (22) from Adigam, male (55) from Bidder, male (55) from Soaf, female (25) from Narpura, male (50) from Magam, male (50) from Soaf, male (50) from Puroo, male (50) from Gadole, two males (18, 18) from Watnard, female (50) from Soaf, male (55) from Checki Narupora, male (30) from Vailoo Kokernag, male (38) from Rein, male (39) from Kokogund, male (25) and female (50) from Verinag, male (20) from Gutligund, male (38) from Verinag, male (28) from Zamalgam, male (28) from Dooru, two males (40, 80) from Hiller, male (50) from Verinag, male (40) from Uranhall, female (42) and male (48) from Veeri, male (24) from Bijbehara, three males (50, 27, 36) and female (23) from Sirhama, male (65) from Khiram, male (28) from Dadoo, seven males (35, 60, 22, 35, 25, 14, 03) and four females (55, 20, 16, 18) from Panjpora, female (30) from Marhama, male (28) from Hanger, female (70) from Hangalbuch, male (70) from Budroo, male (70) from Batapora, female (50) from Frisal, male (65) from Khanpora, female (38) from Matibugh, male (17) from Nerwani, female (40) from Budroo, male (60) from Hajan, female (35) and male (27) from Kanjikulla, male (25) from Yaripora, female (40) from Sonigam, male (52) from Tarigam, female (14) and male (25) from Dessand, male (65) from Parigam, female (50) from Shalipora, female (20) from Katapora, male (28) from Manchoo, female (19) from Chanapora, male (30) from Noomai, male (38) from Tengjan, male (70) from Munnad, two males (20, 45) from Kadder, six males (28, 25, 22, 20, 20, 18) from Bihar, seven males (45, 28, 38, 40, 28, 28, 44) from Kaddar, three males (17, 18, 30) from Raise, male (40) from Sonigam, male (43) from Katrasoo, female (45) from Behibagh, male (32) from Hermain, male (10) from Check Hanjan. (GNS)

New Delhi: India saw a record 4,329 new fatalities due to the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, taking the total number of deaths in the country to 2,78,719, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

India’s daily COVID-19 tally was below the three-lakh mark for the second day in a row, as it recorded 2,63,533 new cases, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 2,52,28,996.

The active caseload in the country is 33,53,765 comprising 13.29 per cent of the total infections while 2,15,96,512 people have recovered from disease so far amounting 85.60 per cent of recovery rate. The case fatality rate stands at 1.10 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that a total of 31,82,92,881 samples have been tested so far for coronavirus. Out of this, 18,69,223 were tested in the past one day.

Maharashtra reported the highest 1000 deaths in the past 24 hours, followed Karnataka (476), Delhi (340), Tamil Nadu (335), Uttar Pradesh (271), Uttarakhand (223), Punjab (191), Rajasthan (157), Chhattisgarh (149), West Bengal (147), Haryana (114) and Andhra Pradesh (109).

On Monday, the country had recorded 2,81,386 new Covid-19 cases and 4,106 deaths.

By: Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar: In order to prevent the Coronavirus from spreading, the Corona Curfew imposed by the government continued to remain in place for the 19th straight day across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday while police claimed to have arrested 157 persons and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,33,275 for norm violation in the Valley.

The government imposed Corona Curfew in Srinagar and other districts on April 29 evening and was extended for the four straight times so far. Recently, the government extended 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.

Meanwhile, as per a statement, during the last 24 hours, police arrested 157 persons, lodged 83 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,33,275 from 869 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir.

“Besides, 55 vehicles and two motorcycles were also seized in Baramulla and Bandipora for violating guidelines and restrictions. Five shopkeepers were also booked by police in Budgam for violating Covid-19 norms,” a police spokesman said.

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, police said.

Moreover, police 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)

Stresses on installation of CCTVs in Covid wards

Srinagar: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole Tuesday said that the rate of daily Covid-19 positive patients has stabilised to some extent and it has plunged by 10-12 percent during the past few days in Kashmir.

Div Com Kashmir said this while commenting on the current situation of pandemic. He said though there are chances that mortality rate may remain the same or increase in the next few days.

Maintaining that the Administration has been taking every possible step to contain the spread of virus, Div Com said that the demand for oxygen beds has been also eased out as the number of beds has been increased at all dedicated covid-19 hospitals including SKIMS Soura and SMHS Tertiary care hospitals.

He said that patients in home isolation are also taken care of and Covid-19 care kits are being provided to positive patients for their better treatment.

He said that Kashmir at current is in a comfortable position as there are five oxygen manufacturing plants while 20 more oxygen generation plants have been installed at different hospitals in Kashmir. He said people should avoid believing in baseless allegations of oxygen supply shortage. Instead, all need to work together to overcome this pandemic situation.

He said that the vaccination is also going on at a good pace as J&K has even touched the 50000 daily doses vaccination during the ongoing drive.

He said that J&K government has placed an order of 1.2 crore doses, however, there can be difficulty as other States have also placed orders with the spread of the virus in many parts of the country.

He said despite that, vaccination of 45 & above age group is going on in full swing and the rate in J&K is 61 percent against the 33 percent national average which is almost double the size of national level percentage. Div Com said that all efforts are being made to get the remaining population in the 45 above age group vaccinated in the coming days.

He said vaccination for 18- 45 age group, J&K needs vaccine doses for 37 lac population for which registration process has been started and shall commence soon.

Urging people to register themselves, the Div Com said that vaccination for this age group shall be prioritized as first public contacts including shopkeepers, drivers, press people, employees and others who come in public contact shall be given the doses on priority for containment of spread of virus.

He further appealed people to remain watchful and comply with all government instructions religiously for containment of covid- 19 during the ongoing second wave.

Install CCTVs at Covid wards

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Tuesday chaired a weekly Covid-19 review meeting.

The meeting among others was attended by Director SKIMS Soura, Principal GMC Srinagar, all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from all districts through video conferencing. While as DD Health services, Nodal Officer Isolation, Incharge DCCRK and other senior officers and doctors attended the meeting.

At the outset, the Div Com reviewed the district wise progress regarding daily testing, positivity rate and recovery rate, notifying of containment zones, home isolation monitoring, Oxygen, bed facility, functioning of Covid care centre and other Covid-19 measures and arrangements taken for containment of spread of Covid-19.

Div Com instructed DCs to ensure daily mask fine reports and smooth home delivery distribution of Covid care kits among the positive patients in home through BMO offices.

He instructed concerned to ensure proper and close monitoring of positive patients in home isolation for their better treatment and recovery.

Div Com also reviewed the facilities put up at all Triage centres and stressed on their smooth and effective functioning.

He called for proper maintenance of Oxygen cylinder banks and smooth supply and functioning of Oxygen generation plants. He directed concerned to install CCTVs at all oxygen generation plants and covid wards in all hospitals.

Div Com emphasized that senior doctors conduct daily visits of Covid wards and maintain proper roster. He said that there was sufficient stock of Remedesivir and other covid related medicines available in the valley.

He said that Oxygen bed capacity should be increased at all Covid dedicated hospitals as per the requirement besides instructing hospital authorities to avoid attendants rush and ensure smooth functioning of all health facilities.

Srinagar: Dr Tazyeen Younis, a leading gynaecologist from Kashmir has expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the interaction, saying it was heartening to see that the efforts of healthcare workers are being recognising by the PM himself in the form of appreciation for the medical fraternity.

Dr Tazyeen is a Gynaecologist posted at CHC Chanapora from the last one year when the community center was designated as COVID-19 hospital due to the rise of coronavirus infections across Kashmir.

“We are humbled by the gesture of PM (Modi) Sahab who has acknowledged our small but sincere efforts during the current pandemic,” Dr Tazyeen said.

On Monday PM Modi interacted with a group of doctors from across the country which also included Dr Tazyeen and other doctors from the hospital through a video conferencing to discuss Covid-19 related situation.

At CHC Chanapora, Dr Tazyeen is currently engaged in conducting deliveries of COVID-19 patients (pregnant women) and also providing them counseling, food and medicines.

Elaborating about the hospital, she said that CHC Chanapora facility was created last year in July on war footing basis and subsequently started functioning in August 2020.

The medical facility caters all types of COVID-19 patients whether on medical side or obstetrics (positive pregnant mothers) of district Budgam and a few other areas of nearby districts also.

The facility is headed by Dr Iqbal Fateh Khan as nodal officer with 4 to 5 teams of doctors and nursing staff etc which includes physician, gynaecologist, anaesthesiologist, medical officers and nursing staff with supportive staff.

Dr Tazyeen Younis (gynaecologist), Dr Jeevan (gynaecologist), Dr Riyaz Dagga (physician), Dr Umar Qadir (anaesthesiologist) and Fancy Akhter (staff nurse).

“With the dedication of the whole team including doctors and paramedics, our efforts have bore fruit as the PM himself is appreciating our work. I along with the team are overwhelmed by the blessings that the Prime Minister has showered on us,” she said and added that the appreciation from the PM has encouraged the team and boosted their morale to do more for the people during the current crisis situation.

“I shared our work done with the Prime Minister who reciprocated with appreciation for the whole team of the hospital,” she said.

In her four-minute interaction with the Prime Minister, Dr Tazyeen briefed him about the work being carried out at the hospital about pregnant women, besides informing him about other support from the UT administration, central government due to which the hospital was being made operational in August 2020 for COVID-19 related activities.

She also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha for their support and providing all the medical and other facilities to the hospital within no time.

Dr Tazyeen has also a message for expecting mothers while urging them that if any pregnant woman tests positive for coronavirus, she should not panic instead approach a doctor.

“These expecting mothers should immediately isolate themselves, have a healthy and proper diet, mask-up themselves and take routine exercises besides taking folic acids, vitamin D, and calcium and they can also go for teleconsultation in case of emergency as we are available 24/7,” she added.

New Delhi: An Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Science and Technology has developed a new RT-PCR kit with novel gene which targets facilitating detection of Covid-19 across various mutant strains.

In a statement, the Ministry of Science and Technology said, “A newly developed multiplex RT-PCR kit has a higher accuracy of detecting Covid 19 across the various mutant strains of the virus responsible for the global pandemic. As the pandemic is going through a second wave with multiple variants, the selection of target genes in multiplex RT-PCR assay is becoming critical for accurate detection of the virus.”

Even though coronaviruses make far fewer errors than other RNA viruses, the mutations in S, R, and N genes often interfere with RT-PCR assay.

“The new multiplex RT-PCR kit developed by Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), an Institute of National Importance under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India targets two SARS-CoV-2 genes: RdRp and ORFb-nsp14, and the human RNAse P gene as the internal control to help detect a range of mutant strains,” the Ministry said.

Various studies have shown that RdRp and ORF1b-nsp14 genes are more sensitive in detecting Covid-19. In order to target the multiple variants in the second wave, using two highly accurate confirmatory genes like RdRp and ORF-nsp14, can give precise results. The ORFb-nsp14 is one of the least mutated genes in Covid-19 and currently there are no kits in the market with ORF-nsp14 as the target.

“The new kit is based on multiplex Taqman chemistry, amplifying all three genes in a single reaction. The amplification time for the assay is 45 minutes, apart from the time required for the RNA isolation from nasopharyngeal swab samples. Multiplexing two confirmatory genes will help shortlist possible new variants if one of the genes fails to amplify and can be marked for sequence analysis,” the Ministry said.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has validated this kit at the National Institute of Virology (NIV) Pune, and found that it has 97.3 per cent sensitivity and 100 per cent specificity in Covid 19 detection.

The SCTIMST has signed a non-exclusive license MoU with Huwel Lifesciences, Hyderabad, on May 14 to commercialize the kit.

“This unique RT-PCR kit will be a significant weapon in our fight against COVID-19 by a facile detection of SARS-CoV-2 mutations which are becoming increasingly important,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.

Srinagar: After days of clamor regarding dearth of vaccines across hospitals – particularly in Kashmir division – Jammu and Kashmir Government has received a fresh consignment of Covishield vaccine here on Tuesday.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter, Health and Medical Education Department J&K announced that “J&K has today received fresh consignment of Covishield vaccine. The immunisation drive in Jammu and Kashmir division to continue on a war footing from tomorrow, 19th May.”

“The government has also ensured for a continuous supply of vaccine doses to meet requirements”, it said.

It is pertinent to mention here that frequent complaints suggested that a majority of hospitals across Kashmir division were facing an acute shortage of vaccines, creating a state of pandemonium in the health care sector.