Srinagar: The second wave of COVID-19 has broken the back of the business community in Kashmir. If the pandemic continues to rage many traders will be left with no other option other than to wind up their businesses once for all.
A businessman while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Every sector has suffered. From big showrooms to small shops everyone is sailing in the same boat. Transporters too have faced huge losses.”
He said, “The situation that has emerged due to COVID is terrible. No one can be blamed for the mess we are in at present. The pandemic has taken a heavy toll. This curve has to flatten for normalcy to return.”
A shopkeeper said, “We owe money to suppliers. Our savings stand exhausted and it appears that there is no light at the end of the tunnel. If the COVID-19 keeps on wreaking the havoc we may end up losing everything.”
He said, “The government needs to do something for us. Recently, a new industrial policy was implemented in Jammu and Kashmir on the same lines the government should come up with a policy for shopkeepers, traders, transporters and hoteliers. It’s unfortunate that we are being ignored.”
A transporter said, “When the first wave of COVID-19 had gripped the country the government had announced a moratorium on the repayment of loans. If the situation doesn’t change then the government needs to consider a three to six month moratorium as we are not a position to pay our EMIs. Our vehicles are stranded and no income is coming from anywhere. We are in a mess and we are hoping that the government comes for our rescue.”
An analyst said, “The business has been hit across the country. The Centre needs to step in to help the businessmen. The experts have predicted that the peak is yet to come and if the situation deteriorates businessmen will be left with no other option other than to sell their assets to clear their liabilities.”
He said, “Next two months are going to be very crucial and the government should formulate an emergency plan to tackle the situation.”
“If the situation doesn’t improve the government will have to step in to provide some relief to the people as everyone is struggling. The ongoing wave seems more deadly than the first wave. The authorities need to provide some concessions to the common people to fight the pestilence.”
COVID-19 second wave: Businessmen look towards Govt for relief
Covid-19 Pandemic: JK records 52 deaths, 4716 new cases
By: Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported highest single day spike in covid-19 deaths as 52 persons succumbed to the virus in last 24 hours even as 4716 fresh cases were reported, the second highest one-day count ever since the pandemic started, officials said on Tuesday.
They said among the fatalities, 28 were reported from Jammu Division and 24 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall toll in J&K to 2510.
Regarding the 4716 new positive cases, the officials said 1518 were reported from Jammu Division and 3198 from Kashmir valley, taking the overall infection tally to 196585.
Providing district-wise details, they said Srinagar reported 1125 cases, Baramulla 511, Budgam 277, Pulwama 362, Kupwara 148, Anantnag 255, Bandipora 96, Ganderbal 108, Kulgam 238, Shopian 78, Jammu 598, Udhampur 165, Rajouri 175, Doda 28, Kathua 158, Samba 38, Kishtwar 39, Poonch 92, Ramban 102and Reasi 37.
Among others, the victims include an 85-year-old man from Shivpora Srinagar died at SMHS hospital, a day after he was admitted there.
A 55-year-old woman from Chinad Delina died at Indoor stadium Khawajabagh Baramulla , two days after admitted to the converted-health facility.
A 65-year-old man from Nowgam died at SMHS Hospital, two days after he was admitted, they said.
A 65-year-old man from Gulshan Abad Noor Bagh died six days after he was admitted at SMHS hospital, they said.
A 26-year-old man from UP, At Present Habba kadal died at SMHS hospital , five days after he was admitted.
A 50-year-old woman from Khanyar Srinagar died at SKIMS Soura, a day after she was admitted to the tertiary care hospital, they said.
A 70-year-old man from Safa Kadal Srinagar died at JLNM hospital, a day after he was admitted there, they said.
An 82-year-old woman Sonwar Srinagar died a fortnight after she was admitted to a hospital here, they said.
A 65-year-old woman from Aalochi Bagh died 12 days she was admitted to the SMHS hospital, they said.
A 75-year-old from Nowpora Srinagar and a 75-year-old man from Alamgari Bazar died at SKIMS Soura with four days of their admitted to the tertiary care hospital.
A 62-year-old from Sarnal and one more patients died at GMC Anantnag, days after they were admitted there, they said.
A 50-year-old woman from Zafron colony Pampora died hours after she was admitted to SMHS hospital, they said.
Moreover, they said, 2338 more COVID-19 patients have recovered, 544 from Jammu Division and 1794 from Kashmir. There are 39628 active cases –14076 in Jammu and 25552 in Kashmir, they added.
A number of these cases were reported at diagnostic laboratory of GMS Anantnag and include male (33) from Sarnal, male (30) from Pehroo, female (50) and male (25) from Mattan, male (78) and female (75) from Nanil, male (18) from Shamsipora, three males (57, 53, 49) from Crpf 96 Bn Mattan, male (25) from Gopalpora, female (58) from New Qazibagh, two males (50, 08) and female (41) from Rani Road Ang, male (53) and female (50) from Lazibal, five males (25, 32, 29, 29, 28) and two females (25, 50) from Paibugh, male (32) from Wanpoh, two males (54, 32) from Kheribal, male (24) from Bilal Colony KP road Ang, male (55) from Qazibagh, six females (90, 35, 06, 37, 08, 55) and three males (63, 09, 04) from Nai Basti, male (31) from Anzwallah, male (06) and female (03) from Gopalpora, male (30) and two females (25, 35) from Sarnal Bala, male (45) from Prakashpora, female (30) and three males (12, 12) from Hakura Ang, male (25) from Zalangam Kokernag, female (25) from Adigam, female (24) and male (21) from Soafshali, male (32) from Halpora, female (35) from Batpora, female (29) from Jamia Masjid, female (50) from Saidpora Shpn, male (55) from Imamsahib, male (60) and female (65) from Chowan, two females (22, 55) from Abhama, male (35) from Gatipora, female (50) from Nasserpora, two males (40, 18) from Keller, male (26) from Nasserpora, male (37) and female (37) from Daramdora, male (60) from Poterwal, female (35) from Audoora, female (35) from Hall, male (35) from Daramdora, two females (38, 70) from Chakoo, male (38) from Zainapora, male (40) from Aglar, female (45) from Safanagri, male (45) from Wachi, female (30) from Sugan, female (28) from Durpora, male (35) from Chitragam, female (30) from Safanagri, female (65) from Bala Nowpora, male (20) from Manihal, male (78) from DK Pora, female (50) and four males (34, 28, 02, 70) from Babakhizer, two females (55, 32) and two males (07, 24) from Sugan, female (45) from Alishapora, female (30) from Berthipora, male (32) from DK Pora, two females (21, 55) from Chotigam, male (30) from Bungam, female (38) and male (55) from Shopian, male (45) from Ganowpora, male (63) from Arshipora, male (42) from Malik Mohalla, female (45) from Bongam, male (22) from Assam, two females (14, 40) and male (60) from Bonabazar, male (70) from Sheikh Mohalla, three males (30, 07, 70) from Gatipora, eight males (25, 19, 22, 60, 60, 18, 20, 21) and three females (55, 40, 22) from Mastpora, male (48) from Keller, male (27) from Berthipora, female (25) from Bamnoo, male (35) from Momen, female (45) from Munand, female (50) from Cheeramarg, male (30) from Chitragam, male (29) from Safanagri, two females (26, 35) from Zainapora, male (28) from Sugoo, female (30) from Shopian, male (65) from Balsoo, female (40) from Watchi, male (25) from Reban, female (38) from Arwani, male (38) from Kral Check, female (30) from Babapora, male (26) from Kral Check, female (26) from N.P Wari, female (35) from Umerbugh, five males (50, 35, 02, 04, 26) and four females (48, 22, 25, 30) from Check Sangren, female (25) and male (12) from Heff, three males (52, 50, 04) and female (23) from Chotipora, male (35) from Zainapora, male (45) from Maldera, male (29) from Nai Basti, male (52) from Ashajipora, female (30) from Moominabad Ang, male (34) from Chee, male (45) from Mohalla Shah, two males (30, 38) from Shirpora Bala, male (28) from Malaknag, male (27) from Dailgam, male (09) and female (42) from KP Road, female (60) from Reshi Colony, male (46) from Bumthan Ang, female (60) from Sarnal, male (35) from Ashajipora, two females (41, 28) and male (15) from Hazratbal Ang, male (32) from Hanji Danter, male (50) from Sehlara Ang, six males (28, 42, 45, 43, 29, 30) from Akura, male (45) from Ahopaison, two males (16, 55) and two females (60, 52) from New Qazibagh, male (21) from Bul Bul Nowgam, male (32) from Mattan Ang, male (28) from Nai Basti, male (38) and female (60) from Anchidora Ang, male (43) from Bakshiabad, two females (19, 22, 18) from Qazibagh, three females (50, 33, 04 M) from Bakshiabad, male (55) from Sundoo Ang, male (50) from Shirpora Ang, male (30) from GMC Ang, male (46) from Batengoo Ang, male (60) from Khanabal Ang, male (25) from Monghall, male (58) from Qazi Mohalla Ang, male (21) from Shopian, male (40) from Ashajipora, two females (34, 27) and male (25) from Brakpora, male (40) from Ganjiwara, male (46) from Larnoo, male (60) from Nai Basti, male (48) from Hanji Danter, male (45) from Qazibagh, male (22) from Krangsoo, male (55) from Uranhall, male (36) and female (34) from Anchidora, female (45) from Brinti Ang, male (32) from Heavan Colony Ang, two females (34, 22) from Malipora Kulgam, female (55) from Harnag, female (30) from Gopalpora Ang, female (45) from Batengoo, male (30) from Nowgam, female (18) and male (36) from Anantnag, male (50) from Lazibal, male (30) from Qazi Mohalla, male (22) from Dailgam Ang, male (40) from Chee, male (30) from Lalipora Ang, male (30) from Hazratbal Ang, female (36) from Moominabad, female (50) from Nanil Ang, female (52) from Achabal Ang, female (62) from Krimsoo Ang, female (52) from Safnagri Ang, female (40) from Donipawa, female (22) from Nai Basti, female (27) from Qazi Mohalla Ang, female (65) from Ranipora, male (33) from Amnoo, male (45) from Kulgam, two males (51, 08) and two females (44, 12) from HC Gam, male (18) from Pranhall, two males (35, 47) from Kulgam, male (40) from Srandoo, male (55) from Kulgam, male (22) from Awgam, male (45) from Srandoo, seventeen males (45, 59, 64, 37, 35, 64, 43, 65, 50, 72, 30, 18, 28, 32, 09, 38, 17) and eighteen females (07, 32, 43, 70, 26, 30, 62, 50, 70, 13, 23, 32, 20, 37, 28, 38, 17, 55) from Bogund, female (60) from Sonigam, male (22) from Dadipora, male (65) from Manzgam, male (30) from Srandoo, female (36) from Chanser, male (50) from Bugam, female (31) from Kherwat, male (35) from Okey, male (43) from Kanipora, eleven males (30, 46, 26, 42, 36, 40, 60, 46, 07, 46, 60) and three females (31, 18, 17) from Bugam, two males (32, 45) from Katrsoo, male (56) from Kanipora, female (27) from Brazloo, male (28) from Poniwah, two males (34, 34) and female (28) from Katrsoo, male (70) and female (80) from Raban, male (30) from Hanger, two males (40, 20) from Matipora, eight males (50, 60, 55, 70, 42, 45, 70, 25) and female (55) from Yaripora, male (25) from Brazloo, female (18) and male (45) from Katapora, male (29) from Bogund, male (18) from Behibagh, male (50) from Parigam, female (22) from Kadder, two males (22, 20) from Manchoo, male (50) from Shirpora, female (40) from Shanpora Shangus, female (15) from Mathoo Shangus, male (17) from Tengmullah Shangus, female (47) from Chowgam Shangus, male (70) from Brimmer Shangus, male (19) from Chittergull Shangus, male (42) from Brisnoo Shangus, male (37) from Paisen Shangus, female (12) from Oggibalan Shangus, male (30) from Muniward Hatdpora, female (12) and male (16) from Nowgam Shangus, two females (25, 46) from Mehmaan Mohalla, male (37) from Bona Dailgam, male (50) from Nathpora, male (86) from Bul Bul Nowgam, male (44) from West Bengal, male (16) from Sarnal Bala, male (60) from Dabruna, male (30) from Malaknag, male (68) from Janglat Mandi, male (50) from Dangerpora, male (18) from Nanil Zadipora, male (40) from Nai Basti, male (60) from Mir Danter, male (25) from Kadipora, female (40) from Hanji Danter, male (43) from Fathagad South Campus, male (25) from Akhran, male (48) from Krangsoo, male (40) from Chee, male (30) from High Ground Sarnal, male (50) from Gulshan Abad, male (35) from Shirpora, male (35) from Malaknag, male (45) from Parakashpora, female (28) from Dailgam, female (50) from Matipora Nanil, female (04) from Qazibagh, male (35) from Mattan Nambal, female (38) from Mah Kulgam, male (30) from Wanpoh, female (52) from Tailwani, male (30) from Qazi Mohalla, female (30) from Pehroo, male (51) from Anchidora, male (15) from Moominabad, female (35) from Nai Basti, male (31) from Lal Chowk, male (51) from 96 Bn Crpf Mattan, male (28) from Hanji Danter, male (50) from Banihal, male (30) from KP Road, female (55) from Budgam, male (31) from Zadipora, female (30) from Khrewan, male (22) from Harnad, male (30) from Mir Danter, female (13) from Hapatnard, male (30) from Hanji Danter, female (40) from Nanil, male (30) from Pushwara, male (40) from Anchidora, male (10) from Kamad, female (45) from Green Colony, (25) from Namlabal Pampore, male (32) from 90 feet Road, male (32) from Cheeni Chowk, female (75) from Bul Bul Nowgam, two males (34, 32) from Pushwara, male (04) from Pushwara, male (45) from Lazibal, male (40) from Janglat Mandi, female (45) from Janglat Mandi, male (26) from Pehroo, female (43) from Deva Colony, female (40) from Hanji Danter. (GNS)
Covid 2nd wave peak expected in two to three weeks: Experts
‘Next 15-20 days very critical, people must restrict their movement’
By: Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, May 5: Experts on Wednesday said the peak of the second wave of Covid-19 is yet to come in Jammu and Kashmir and it is expected to hit the region in coming two to three weeks.
Former director SKIMS, Chairman Covid Advisory Committee and renowned Gastroenterologist Dr Mohammed Sultan Khuroo said the peak of second wave of Covid-19 is expected in next three weeks, till then cases of Covid-19 will surge further.
He said the fight against COVID needs to be intensified and it shall take more efforts from the administration and public to control the surge given the pathogen which is more infectious and can evade and cause breakthrough infections.
“Travel discipline to J&K needs to be implemented and all travelers who board a plane or a train/bus to visit/travel J&K must have a prior RT-PCR negative certificate,” Khuroo said.
Khuroo said that testing and tracing policy should be intensified and made more realistic.
“Rapid testing should be limited to specific circumstances and the RT-PCR facility must be made more available and quicker,” he said. “Vaccine hesitancy needs to be fought and the vaccination program must be strengthened. This shall reduce infections and further mutations.”.
Doctors Association President and flu expert Dr Nisar Ul Hassan said the peak of the second wave is about to come in the next 15 days.
He said at least 3 percent patients tested positive for Covid-19 need hospitalisation and oxygen support.
“And if the cases continue to surge with the current speed our hospitals won’t be able to cope up and in order to break the chain there is need to continue restrictions for these three months,” Hassan said.
“There is need to remain further cautious and not to lower the guard even if cases start declining,” he said, adding that fresh waves can come anytime and could be more deadly as most of the population is yet to be vaccinated.
Hassan said that the virus is behaving differently and the only predictability about this virus is that it is unpredictable.
Renowned Pulmonologist Dr Khursheed said the situation is very severe and beds at most of the leading hospitals including CD hospital are full, while peak of the wave is expected in next three weeks.
“The need of the hour is that people must impose self lockdown and don’t wait for government lockdown so that we can make the chain weak,” he said.
Khursheed said that it is community transmission and there are hardly few households who are yet to contract the virus and people must keep their movement restricted to their lawns.
“People must remain extra cautious and anyone having symptoms must get tested and there is no need to rush to the hospital if anyone comes positive as around 85 positive patients need mild treatment and good hydration,” he added. (KNO)
3.82 lakh cases, 3786 deaths in India
New Delhi: India on Wednesday reported 382,691 fresh Covid-19 cases, pushing the cumulative caseload stands at 20,658,234, Union Health Ministry data said.
As many as 3,786 fatalities were also reported today. With this, the total death toll has mounted to 2,26,188. The country now has 3.49 million active cases. In the past seven days alone, India has added 2,649,808 infections to its tally.
India’s total recoveries now stand at 1,69,51,731.
Maharashtra reported 51,880 new Covid-19 cases and 891 deaths, followed by Karnataka (44,631), Tamil Nadu (21,228) Delhi (18,000), Kerala (26,011), Uttar Pradesh (25,858), Andhra Pradesh (20,024) in the past 24 hours.
The six most affected states by total cases are Maharashtra (4,822,902), Kerala (1,664,789), Karnataka (1,690,934), Uttar Pradesh (1,342,413), Tamil Nadu (1,228,064), and Delhi (1,194,552).
Meanwhile, the daily COVID-19 shots have fallen sharply from an all-time high reached early last month as domestic companies struggle to boost supplies and imports are limited at a time when the country is fighting the world’s worst surge in infections.
A total of 16,04,94,188 people have been vaccinated so far with 14,84,989 being inoculated in the past 24 hours.
Globally, the United States remains the worst-hit country with 33,273,888, followed by India, Brazil, France and Turkey.
LG directs to increase 1050 beds with oxygen support within a week in Kashmir
Srinagar: In order to further strengthen Covid-19 facilities, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed the Senior Doctors, Health Officials and CMOs to increase additional 1050 oxygen beds in Kashmir division to ensure immediate treatment for the people requiring hospitalization.
The Lt Governor directed that increased bed capacity with oxygen should be ready within a week. It will substantially improve the health infrastructure and help out patients in the hour of crisis, he added.
He was chairing a series of meetings with senior Doctors and Chief Medical Officers of Kashmir Division here at Civil Secretariat, in which he reviewed the Covid-19 situation and containment measures put in place to effectively control the spread of Corona virus.
Emphasizing on taking comprehensive measures for better patient care management, the Lt Governor directed CMOs of Kashmir Division to ensure triaging and judicious referrals, adding that District Hospitals are fully equipped to handle Covid cases with present deployment of best doctors.
Sinha directed for effective and prompt availability of Ambulance services so that Ambulances are made available to needy, as and when required.
The Lt Governor asked the Doctors to talk to people on religious gatherings and create awareness regarding Covid-19 SOPs, besides highlighting the information related to Covid control measures through various communication media.
“Our priority is to break the chain of virus for which combined & collective efforts need to be taken to save precious human lives”, he observed.
Vaccination must be done on war footing to reduce the mortality rate. Focused attention needs to be given towards Covid-19 testing and contact tracing, besides speedy completion of the process of first dose of vaccination, maintained the Lt Governor.
In order to reach out to the people with vaccination, Sinha instructed for starting vaccination in each municipal ward through dedicated teams. He further called for deployment of more mobile vans for vaccination purpose.
The Lt Governor asked the Health Officers to put in all out efforts to further improve the functioning of health institutions. Senior Doctors must reach out to every patient admitted in the hospitals, he maintained.
The Lt Governor instructed the concerned officers to ensure that all newly installed Oxygen plants have a back up buffer stock of oxygen cylinders. He further called for rational utilization of oxygen supply in all hospitals so that patients do not face any inconvenience.
He directed the CMOs to utilize maximum available resources for patient care at their respective health institutions, besides extending online consultation of doctors to patients to overcome the unnecessary rush of patients in hospitals.
The Lt Governor asked the CMOs to hire meritorious medical graduates to strengthen human resources in the health sector.
He further asked them to identify the doctors and other paramedical staff who have retired from government services and keep close liaison with them.
Ensure triaging, judicious referrals for better patient care management
Asks doctors to talk to people on religious gatherings, create awareness on Covid SOPs
Vaccination must be done on war footing
Asks CMOs to hire meritorious medical graduates to strengthen human resources
Jailed TeH chairman Ashraf Sehrai dies at Jammu hospital
Jammu: Senior separatist leader and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Chairman Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai died in Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu after developing serious breathing issues on Wednesday.
Officials said Sehrai who was shifted from Udhampur jail to GMC Jammu yesterday had developed serious breathing issues and breathed his last this afternoon.
“He had multiple ailments and his condition had deteriorated in Udhampur jail after which he was shifted to GMC Jammu on Tuesday,” the officials said.
The family of Sehrai said an ambulance has been provided and the body will reach Kashmir probably midnight.
The family members said that the authorities have not allowed the funeral prayers at Srinagar and thus the last rites will be performed in Kupwara.
They said only 20 persons have been allowed to participate in the funeral prayers and performing last rites. “It has not been decided yet who will lead the funeral prayers. Let’s see who will be allowed to participate first”.
“The last rites including the burial will be performed till 10:00 am tomorrow,” the family members said.
Sehrai had tested positive for COVID-19.
In July 2020, Sehrai was arrested under Public Safety Act and lodged at district jail Udhampur.
Sehrai was appointed as Tehreek-e-Hurriyat’s General Secretary in 2004 during its foundation. Later on March 19, 2018, he was appointed the acting chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat after Syed Ali Geelani stepped down.
Former CM and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba taking to micro blogging site Twitter said, “Deeply saddened to know about Ashraf Sehrai sahab’s sudden demise”.
While expressing grief over demise of Sehrai, CPI (M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami urged the administration to shift his body to Kashmir at the earliest so that his family could perform his last rites.
In a condolence message he extended solidarity with the bereaved family and urged the administration to facilitate them in performing his last rites without any difficulties.
Former minister and Peoples Conference (PC) president Sajjad Gani Lone in a tweet said “ Ashraf Sehrai Sahib passes away. A long political career comes to an end. Ashraf Sahib struggled all his life. A Jamaat ideologue. When I was 19 I bumped into him and He told me Tel ur father —kitney haseen hain terey lab ki galiyan dekey bemaza na hua. May Allah grant him Jannat” .
He further said “ This is the irony of Kashmiri politics. Top quality politicians consumed by the conflict. The ideological versatility of Kashmir politics is a curse. A transparently honest politician spent decades in jail”.
Meanwhile, Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed deep grief and sorrow at the demise of Sehari.
A Hurriyat spokesman asked the Government authorities to release all political prisoners lodged in jails across J&K and outside in view of the covid catastrophe on health and humanitarian grounds and save their lives.
Meanwhile, Apni Party (AP) President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari also expressed deep shock and grief over the demise of Sehrai, who passed away at a Jammu hospital today.
In a condolence message issued here, Bukhari extended solidarity with the bereaved family and prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. “I pray to almighty Allah to grant Jannat to Sehrai Saheb, and give courage to his family to bear this huge loss. Apni Party stands in solidarity with Sehrai Saheb’s family at this difficult period of time,” he added.
Corona curfew continues in J&K
129 arrested, 586 people fined in Kashmir: Police
Srinagar: The Corona curfew for the sixth straight day in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to prevent the virus from spreading while police said that 129 persons were arrested and 586 people were fined in Kashmir for violating the norms.
The Corona Curfew is in place across Srinagar district and other districts in a bid to prevent the deadly virus from spreading further.
The government on Tuesday extended lockdown in Srinagar and four other districts till May 10.
The police and paramilitary troops were deployed although in large number to enforce the lockdown restrictions. The barricades and concertina wires were erected at many places and bridges to thwart the public movement.
All the shops and business establishments barring emergency services, standalone shops remained closed throughout the day in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the public transport with 50 per cent seating capacity was also allowed to ply today by the authorities.
A police spokesman said during the last 24 hours, police arrested 129 persons, lodged 74 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 91,650 from 586 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir valley.
“Besides, 23 vehicles were also seized in Budgam for violating guidelines, restrictions and indulging in illegal excavation and transportation of clay. 11 shops were also seized by police along with the Executive Magistrate in Beerwah and Khansahib areas of Budgam for violating Covid-19 norms,” he 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, the spokesman said.
COVID-19 resurgence: Routine surgeries at Jammu hospitals deferred
By: Yogesh Sagotra
Jammu: The government has ordered to defer routine surgeries in all Government and Private Health Institutions of Jammu division for their optimal utilization amid the surge in Covid cases.
An order issued by Divisional Commissioner stated that “in view of the prevailing situation of Covid-219 pandemic in Jammu division, which demands optimal utilization of available resources so that the existing infrastructure/healthcare facilities are not overburdened, the elective/routine surgeries are required to be deferred.”
It further stated that the main focus of the health care system at this juncture is management of Covid-19 positive cases and majority of the resources at present of the health care system have been diverted to Covid-19 management.
As per the order, “All elective/routine surgeries shall be deferred in government as well as Private Health Institutions in the division; unless there are pressing medical reasons and the benefits of such procedure outweigh the risk related to Covid-19 situation and its fallout. However, the emergency services, critical care required for Comorbid patients, Dialysis patients, once surgeries and MCH services shall continue as usual.”
The order also directs that the District Magistrate/Chairman, District Disaster Management Authorities and Chief Medical Officers of the concerned district shall conduct random inspection and audit of the healthcare institutions to enforce compliance of this order under the extant rules within their jurisdiction.
The order shall be reviewed periodically based on the evolving Covid-19 situation—(KNO)
96 % people above 45 vaccinated in Shopian
In next two days 100% target will be achieved: officials
By: Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian: Shopian becomes the first district in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to administer 96 per cent doses Covid vaccines to the persons above 45 years of age.
A health official from the district said out of 269,500 total population in the district, 61,870 persons are above 45 years of age.
He said that among 61,870 persons above 45 years of age 59,115 persons have been vaccinated which is 96 percent of the population above 45 in the district.
The official said that more people are being vaccinated every day and in coming two days we are expecting that all above 45 years of age will be vaccinated in the district.
He further added that around 25 percent of the population above 45 has also got second dose of the jab as well.
The official thanked all the health and front line workers who have worked tirelessly to vaccinate 96 percent of the people above 45 years of age.
He requested people who are yet to get vaccination to come forward and get vaccination at an earliest so that they can keep themselves safe the Covid-19.
It is pertinent to mention here that around 25 lakh people have been vaccinated so far in J&K which include 21 lakh as first dose and 4 lakh as second dose—(KNO)
Third wave of Covid inevitable, warns Scientific Advisor
New Delhi: The third wave of Covid is inevitable given the amount of virus circulating in India, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government, K. VijayRaghavan warned on Wednesday.
Addressing the Union Health Ministry press conference, he said: “Third phase is inevitable given the amount of virus circulating. But it is difficult to predict the timeline. We should prepare for the new (third) wave.”
He also said that regular monitoring of the Covid-19 vaccines is needed for upgradation to deal with the new strains.
The Scientific Advisor also pointed out that variants are transmitted the same as the original strain.
“It doesn’t have properties of new kinds of transmission. It infects humans in a manner that makes it more transmissible as it gains entry, makes more copies and goes on, same as original,” he said.
VijayRaghavan also emphasised that vaccines currently available are effective against existing variants. He said that scientists in India and across the globe are working to anticipate new variants and act against them rapidly by early warning and developing modified tools.
The Union Health Ministry, meanwhile, said that around 2.4 per cent day on day growth in Covid cases has been noticed in the country.
Joint Secretary, Health, Luv Aggarwal said: “12 states have more than one lakh active cases, seven states have 50,000 to one lakh active cases and 17 states have less than 50,000 active cases. Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh have more 1.5 lakh active cases.”
Aggarwal stated that 24 states and UTs have reported more than 15 per cent Covid positivity rate while 10 states have more than 25 per cent positivity rate. Maharashtra has a reported positivity rate of 24 per cent.
Niti Aayog’s Member, Health, Dr V.K. Paul urged physicians to come forward and provide teleconsultations to people and families at home who are infected with Covid. Referring to the new strain, he said: “The response to the changing virus remains the same… we need to follow the covid appropriate behaviour such as mask, distancing, hygiene, no unnecessary meetings and staying at home.”
