Precious Kashmir

DGP tours Srinagar, reviews lockdown measures

City

13/05/2021

‘Doctors, paramedics, essential services providers should not face any inconvenience’

Srinagar: Director General of Police J&K Dilbag Singh Wednesday had a detailed tour of Srinagar city and reviewed the measures in place in view of the 2nd wave of COVID-19. He also reviewed security and deployment arrangements on the occasion of EID-ul-fitr.

The DGP was accompanied by DIG CKR Amit Kumar, SSP Srinagar Sandeep Choudhary, SP PC (Cargo) Tahir Ashraf, SP headquarters Srinagar Majid Malik and all Zonal SsP of Srinagar City.

During the tour, the DGP visited Khanyar, Nowhata, Zakoora, Pandach, 90 feet, Soura, Zonimar, Eidgah, Safakadal, Karanagar, Batamaloo, Hari Singh High Street, Rajbagh, Jawahar Nagar.

The DGP interacted with the JK police personnel and personnel of other security forces deployed at various Naka points of the City. He appreciated the efforts of JK police and other security forces for ensuring complete lockdown in the Srinagar city. He said that lockdown is being enforced to safeguard the lives of the people. He directed the officers that Doctors, paramedical staff and other essential services providers should not be face any inconvenience during the lockdown during the course of their travel to places of work or service delivery points .

Singh directed them to ensure people friendly atmosphere amidst the EID festival while maintaining peace and order and added to ensure that health protocols are being followed by everyone as per the government guidelines. DGP further directed the officers to take due care of the jawans deployed on Naka and other duties. He said that good coordination with other security forces on ground is to be maintained for achieving desired outputs.

India’s Cumulative vaccination coverage crosses 17.5 cr: Health Ministry

National

United News Of India

13/05/2021

New Delhi: The cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has exceeded 17.52 crore, the Union Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

According to the provisional report this morning, a total of 17,52,35,991 vaccine doses have been administered through 25,47,534 sessions. These include 95,82,449 Health Care Workers (HCWs) who have taken the first dose and 65,39,376 who have taken the second dose.

As many as 1,41,49,634 Front Line Workers (FLWs) took the first dose, 79,52,537 received the second dose, 30,44,463 beneficiaries under 18-45 age group (first), while of the beneficiaries between 45 to 60 years, 5,58,83,416 took the first dose and 78,36,168 got the second.

In the above 60 years age group, 5,39,59,7721 got the first dose and 1,62,88,176 the second.

A total of 4,79,282 beneficiaries of the age group 18-44 years received their first dose of vaccine in the last 24 hours and cumulatively 30,44,463 across 30 states and Union Territories since the start of phase-3 of vaccination drive.

On Tuesday, as many as 24,46,674 vaccine doses were administered. Across 18,543 sessions, 10,92,452 beneficiaries were vaccinated for first dose and 13,54,222 beneficiaries received their second dose of vaccine.

The country reported 3,48,421 new cases in the last 24 hours.

Ten states reported 71.22 per cent of the new cases in last 24 hours.

Maharashtra has reported the highest daily new cases at 40,956. It is followed by Karnataka with 39,510 while Kerala reported 37,290 new cases.

The National Mortality Rate currently stands at 1.09 per cent. Also, the country reported 4,205 deaths in the last 24 hours.

Oxygen supplies going smoothly across Kashmir: Experts

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

13/05/2021

Admin organizes online training workshop on optimal usage

Srinagar: An online training workshop was Wednesday conducted under the Chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole in order to ascertain the efficient and optimal usage of oxygen across all dedicated Covid-19 hospitals.

During the meeting threadbare discussion was held on prevention of wastage of Oxygen at different levels including proper flow, checking the leakage and curbing all wastage.

The training was organized by Divisional Covid Control Room, Kashmir and conducted by National Resource Faculty- Dr.Kaustubh Butala, Consultant Govt of Maharashtra, Dr. Pankaj Arora, Senior Faculty, Hospital Administration (PGI, Chandigarh), Dr. Sonali Salvi, Consultant Anaesthesiologist.

A team of representatives from SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina JVC, SMHS Hospital, Hospital, Kashmir Nursing Home and JLNM attended the workshop and a committee was constituted for monitoring and auditing of oxygen delivery systems on a daily basis.

Among the participants who attended the online meeting were representatives from tertiary care hospitals and representatives from all districts of Kashmir Division consisting of members from healthcare, administration, technical experts, mechanical engineer and oxygen plant operators. All the participants will act as ToTs and will impart training in their respective districts within two days.

The Divisional level committee constituted shall regularly inspect the oxygen plant, manifold/pipeline and oxygen delivery ports to ascertain any leakages in the Oxygen delivery system.

The Div Com stressed that the committee shall ensure that the LPM delivery setting changes are carried with the precautions and staff is trained for the same. The committee shall submit detailed inspection reports to the Head of the Institutions for corrective measures needed.

Earlier, a committee was constituted comprising Director SKIMS, Director Health Services Kashmir and other officers to assess the oxygen supply status, and submitted a detailed report to the experts in India including Maharashtra.

In the backdrop of the report, experts conducted the workshop to address the issues related to smooth supply of oxygen. The experts opined that, “the oxygen is sufficiently available to the requirement, however, there are also huge wastage which needs to be addressed on priority”.

Mehbooba, Soz condemn Israeli aggression against Palestine

City

United News Of India

13/05/2021

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said deafening silence of world community on deadly strikes by Israel against Palestine in which innocent civilians were killed is shocking.

Even symbolic condemnations come with a rider justifying the violence in the name of Israelis right to self , she said and asked what about the right to life of people of Palestine.

Taking to micro blogging site Twitter Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president said, “Deafening silence of world community on deadly strikes by Israel against Palestine killing innocent civilians is shocking. Even symbolic condemnations come with a rider justifying the violence in the name of Israel’s right to self defence. What about Palestine’s right to life?”

Former Union minister and Congress leader Prof Saifuddin Soz on Wednesday condemned the Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque and the surrounding area of Palestine.

In a statement this afternoon, Soz said the least that the United Nations can do is to summon a session of the Security Council and condemn the Israeli aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“One can understand the level of terrorist traits among the Israelis by the fact that when the humanity feels a natural urge during the present times to cherish and promote human values, the Israelis are indulging in terrorism, he said.

Covid’s Rural Spread

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

12/05/2021

With every passing day, Covid-19 pandemic gets aggravated. The cases continue to grow and there seems to be no end to it.

On May 11, India recorded 3,29,942 cases, taking the total count to 2,29,92,517, according to the Union Health Ministry data. The death toll climbed to 2,49,992 with 3,876 fresh fatalities.

J&K logged the highest death count in a single day on Tuesday while 4352 people got infected. In this month alone, 44983 cases were added to the burgeoning tally in Jammu and Kashmir while 517 people succumbed to the virus. All this points out to speed with which the second wave is spreading across J&K. Also on worrying note is the extent to large swathes of rural areas of Jammu and Kashmir. Not only twin capital cities, some other districts are seeing higher number of cases on daily basis.

Not only cases, the number of deaths have increased manifold compared to the peak of the first wave in September last year. These disturbing figures may not convey the scale of the tragedy unfolding in large parts. Without doubt, a crisis more serious than that suggested by official records seems to be playing out.

The available data as regards India suggests that it took nearly five months for the pestilence to leave its footprint in the rural parts. Apparently, it suggests to have fuelled misconceptions about the virus being a predominantly urban phenomenon. As is true about other parts of the globe, official records report only confirmed infections, not actual cases, because several people display mild or no symptoms. But as the situation is unfolding, the matter has been compounded by widespread undercounting. It is imperative to map minute details to deal with the pestilence. It is important that the administration should concentrate on stepping up data collection methods and be scrupulous with facts. Only the true picture of the spread of the infection will help in checking the virus surge. It will also help the government to build capacities and strengthen SOPs for the next wave which as per some experts is all but inevitable. The government must be cogent that the only way to flatten the Covid-19 curve is to ensure that truth leads the response, irrespective of it looking terrible sometimes. Also people need to realize that there is room for complacency and as such every endeavor should be made to ensure that covid-19 appropriate behavior is adhered to in all circumstances to keep the ravaging pathogen at bay.

Time not ripe for festivities, thousands fighting COVID, many dying daily

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

12/05/2021

Time not ripe for festivities, thousands fighting COVID, many dying daily

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: Kashmir markets witnessing huge rush amidst the spike in COVID-19 cases is a big cause of concern. People have to stop. They need to understand the gravity of the situation and realize that this Eid-ul-Fitr is different as people are getting infected and killed daily.

An observer said, “If people don’t stop visiting the markets we can witness a huge spike in the COVID-19 cases after Eid. People should realize that the ongoing second wave is dangerous and the patients who are getting infected have to be put on the oxygen as the present variant of the virus is attacking the lungs directly.”

“All of us should realize that the many among us have lost their nears and dears. We need to show some mark of respect towards the dead and also show some concern towards the patients who are fighting COVID-19 within their homes and in hospitals,” he said.

The observer said, “This is not the time for festivities. The government needs to take a note of people thronging the markets and act tough.”

An official said, “From Wednesday onwards strict lockdown will be enforced in Kashmir and people won’t be allowed to move freely. We have received reports about the lockdown being violated in different areas and the counter plan has already been prepared. The administration has been urging the people to cooperate but unfortunately it seems that our pleas are falling at deaf ears. The government has already decided to act tough against the violators.”

People making beelines outside the mutton, chicken and bakery shops is unfortunate. Too many people assembling at one place without following the social distancing norms can have far reaching consequences as the COVID-19 is contagious and anyone can catch it.

A medico said, “Situation in the hospitals is grim if the number of patients keep on increasing we will be pushed to a threshold and things will go out of control. By going on a shopping spree ahead of Eid people are committing a big mistake and if they are not stopped we will have no place left in hospitals and homes, and we can also face acute shortage of oxygen.”

An analyst said, “The government should not even allow Eid congregation prayers as huge gatherings of people can lead to a massive spike in the number of cases. Precaution only can save us. Lockdown needs to be enforced that too strictly.”

PK Impact: Following Director’s snub, health authorities install X ray facility at Covid hospital Bijbehara

Anchor stories

Ahmed Shabir

12/05/2021

PK Impact: Following Director’s snub, health authorities install X ray facility at Covid hospital Bijbehara

By: AHMAD SHABIR

Anantnag: After this newspaper highlighted non-availability of X ray facility at Covid designated Trauma hospital in Bijbehara area of Anantnag, authorities on Tuesday installed a digital X ray plant at the facility.

The availability of X-ray facility at the Covid hospital will bring a major relief to the patients.

After the second wave of covid hit the valley, authorities without any delay sanctioned 1000 lpm oxygen plant for the hospital and made the facility operational for Covid care. Around 50 beds connected with oxygen are available at the facility while 1st floor serves as facility for treatment of Covid positive pregnant women.

Precious Kashmir on Tuesday highlighted the plight of Covid patients at the hospital as they were being ferried in ambulances to other hospitals for chest X ray due to non-availability of the facility at the very hospital.

When contacted, Chief Medical Officer, Anantnag, Dr Mukhtar had told this newspaper that they don’t take Covid patients anywhere for X ray.

“We take them only for CT scan to GMC Anantnag,” he had said.

However, Director health services Kashmir, Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather had expressed shock over non-availability of X-ray facility at the Covid hospital.

He had assured that he will ensure that X-ray of covid patients is done at the very hospital.

Officials posted at the Trauma hospital informed Precious Kashmir that after Director came to know about the issue, he directed concerned health officers to install the X ray facility at the Covid hospital without any delay.

“Officials early morning today brought an X ray plant to the hospital. They installed the same by evening. It will bring a major relief to the Ccovid patients,” an attendant looking after his father at Trauma hospital told Precious Kashmir.

JK records highest 65 deaths, 4352 Covid cases

Front

Precious Kashmir

12/05/2021

JK records highest 65 deaths, 4352 Covid cases

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday recorded 4352 new positive cases of Covid-19 and 65 deaths, which is the highest single day death toll in J&K since the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.

Of the new 4352 Covid cases in J&K, 1708 were reported from Jammu region and 2644 from Kashmir division, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 224898.

Also 65 deaths were reported in J&K today. Of them 41 were reported from Jammu region and 24 from Kashmir Division. It is the highest single-day spike in deaths in the UT.

The previous highest death tally in one day was recorded on May 8 (Saturday) when the Union Territory saw 60 deaths.

Moreover, 3537 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 1275 from Jammu Division and 2262 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 224898 positive cases, 50701 are active cases, 171350 have recovered and 2847have died; 1251 in Jammu division and 1596 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 7731176 test results available, 7506278 samples have been tested as negative till May 11.

Till date, 1926488 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 86264 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 50701 in isolation and 131873 in home surveillance.

Besides, 1654803 persons have completed their surveillance period.

India records 3.29 lakh cases, 3,876 deaths

Front

United News Of India

12/05/2021

New Delhi: India has recorded 3,29,942 fresh Covid-19 cases and 3,876 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MHoFW) said on Tuesday.

With this, the country’s cumulative coronavirus infection tally has now reached 22,992,517 and the death toll mounted to 249,992.

There are currently 3,715,221 active Covid-19 cases in India, data from the health ministry shows; this accounts for 16.53 per cent of the total cases. As many as 19,027,304 patients have been discharged till now, after being treated for Covid-19. The national recovery rate resides at 82.39 pc, while the mortality rate is at 1.09 pc, according to official data.

The top five states which have registered maximum cases are Karnataka with 39,305 cases, followed by Maharashtra with 37,236 cases, Tamil Nadu with 28,978 cases, Kerala with 27,487 cases and Uttar Pradesh with 21,277 cases. 46.76 per cent of the new cases are reported from these five states, with Karnataka alone responsible for 11.91 pc of the new cases, the Ministry said.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 305,600,187 samples have been tested for Covid-19 till now, of which 1,850,110 samples were tested yesterday. The central government said 172,710,066 vaccine doses have been administered so far, of which 2,503,756 were administered in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, 17,27,10,066 people have been administered COVID-19 with 25,03,756 doses being given in the last 24 hrs.

WHO declares Indian Covid variant ‘of concern’

Front

Indo Asian News Service

12/05/2021

Geneva: The Indian Coronavirus variant, known as B1617, has been declared as a “variant of global concern” by the World Health Organization (WHO), the media reported.

The B1617 variant was, till now, deemed a ‘variant of interest’ by the WHO.

The global health body, in a press conference held on Monday, said preliminary studies show the B1617 mutation spreads more easily than other variants and the original virus. The variant has already spread to more than 30 countries, according to the WHO.

The WHO had already classified the UK (B117), South African (B1351) and Brazilian (P1) variants of Covid-19 as “variants of concern.”

A mutation is elevated from a “variant of interest” to a “variant of concern” (VOC) when it shows evidence of fulfilling at least one of several criteria, including easy transmission, more severe illness, reduced neutralisation by antibodies or reduced effectiveness of treatment and vaccines.

“And as such we are classifying this as a variant of concern at the global level,” Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s technical lead for Covid-19, said during a press conference.

“Even though there is increased transmissibility demonstrated by some preliminary studies, we need much more information about this virus variant in this lineage in all of the sublineages, so we need more sequencing, targeted sequencing to be done.”

The WHO also said that there is some evidence that the B1617 variant may also be able to evade some of the protections provided by vaccines.

However, it added that “Based on current data, the Covid-19 vaccines remain effective at preventing disease and death in people infected with this variant,” it said in a statement.

The WHO said last week it was closely following at least 10 coronavirus variants across the world, including the B1617. The variant was previously labeled a “variant of interest” as more studies were needed to completely understand its significance, Van Kerkhove said, the CNBC reported.

“What it means for anybody at home is any of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulating can infect you and spread and everything in that sense is of concern,” Van Kerkhove said.

“So, all of us at home, no matter where we live, no matter what virus is circulating, we need to make sure that we take all of the measures at hand to prevent ourselves from getting sick,” she added.

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