Death toll mounts to 23,714

New Delhi, July 13:India’s Covid-19 tally rose to 8,78,254 cases on Monday after the biggest single-day spike of 28,701 fresh infections was recorded in the past 24 hrs, Union Health Ministry said in its daily update.

According to government data, the total number of active cases now stands at 3,01,609.

Meanwhile, recovery rate, too, continues to show a steady increase with 5,53,471 COVID patients having being cured and discharged so far, whereas 23,174 people have succumbed to the virus.

According to the ICMR, 1,18,06,256 cumulative samples have been tested until Sunday.

The worst hit contagion state in the country- Maharashtra has crossed 2.5 lakh mark  , and now carries a load of

254427 confirmed Covid cases, while the death toll has rached  10289.

Tamil Nadu , at number two, now houses 138470 confirmed cases of contagion with the state’s death toll mounting to 1966.

The national capital is now home to 112494 cases, while the city’s death toll due to the pandemic has reached 3371.

Gujarat after having a spike of 879 fresh infections in the past 24 hours , now carries case load of 41820, while the death toll in the state has now reached 2045.

Karnataka  is now home to 38843 infections with fatalities reaching 684 across the Southern State.

Uttar Pradesh, after registering  a sharp spike of 1384 cases in the past one day , is now home to 36476 confirmed cases.

Fatalities in the northern state due to the pandemic have reached 934.

Telangana , has also witnessed a sharp rise in cases with 1269 new infections since Sunday, and the tally has risen to 33402, with the state’s death toll rising to 356.

West Bengal’s tally has surged to 30013, while covid deaths in the state so far stand at 932.

Andhra Pradesh’s tally has climbed to 29168, while 328 lives have so far been claimed by the virus spread.

The desert state of Rajasthan,is presently home to 24392 cases whereas 510 patients have lost their lives to the pandemic.

Haryana at present has 21240 cases , and 301 fatalities have been recorded due to the same in the state.

Madhya Pradesh added 431 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the count to 17632, while deaths at present stand at 653.

Bihar has recorded 1269  fresh infections , taking the total number of infected in the state to 16642 with 143 fatalities.

Assam’s tally has reached 16071 with death toll in the state at 35.

Odisha’s tally has reached 13121 , while 64 people have so far died due to the pandemic in the state.

Jammu and Kashmir’s COVID count has now reached 10513, while deaths due to the  virus in the state have reached 185.

New Delhi, July 13: Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a petition seeking cancellation of this year’s Amarnath yatra in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

A three-judge bench comprising Justices DY Chandrachud, Indu Malhotra and KM Joseph dismissed the petition after noting that the authorities concerned will take care and will decide about it.

“We don’t want to hear the petition. The issue as to whether yatra be held should be left with the local administration,” the Apex Court said and dismissed the petition.

The Top Court said, it’s for the authorities to consider whether permission should be granted. It asked why should it assume that administration will not take right decision.

The Court said, it’s of the view that decision whether Yatra should be permitted and if so what safeguards should be followed, fall within executive domain of state. Authorities are required to bear in mind relevant statutory provisions including the guidelines.

The Apex Court said, it is for the local and Union Territory (UT) administrations of Jammu and Kashmir to take a call on whether or not Amarnath Yatra should be conducted this year.

The Apex Court said, it cannot decide this issue which is purely in the administrative domain of government.

The petitioner, Shri Amarnath Barfani Langars Organisation (ABLO) had moved the Apex Court seeking appropriate directions to the concerned authorities for cancelling this year’s Amarnath yatra in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Kashmir News Service
Srinagar, July 13: While thanking the people of J&K for their support to the administration, Lt Governor Murmu today assured people that the government will ensure more development than the expectations of people.

“My only expectation with people is to maintain peace and cooperate with administration. I assure them of accountable, efficient and clean administration in J&K,” LG Murmu told Kashmir News Service (KNS) at Raj Bhawan here.

“The Coronavirus spread threat is still intact. The Spike phase of coronavirus is going on. I appeal to people to follow all guidelines strictly- maintain social distancing, wear masks and come out of their house only when necessary.”

“Every person has to take precautions to keep not only themselves safe but for the safety of elderly and children at home,” he said. “Safety and precautions is the only mantra to keep safe from the disease. People should also take care of personal hygiene and have immunity medicines which we distributed through AYUSH. Arogya application should be downloaded in mobile phones so that it gives an idea about the health of a person.”

Lt Governor appealed the religious leaders to repeat their appeals to the people for self-control in these difficult times so that we can win the war against this deadly disease.

Regarding the security of political representatives, he said, “Security is important for all people not only for Panchs and Sarpanchs. We are working on providing security to Panchs and Sarpanchs through a different scheme.

“The threat perception of Panchs and Sarpanchs is being reviewed continuously and wherever required security is provided accordingly. It is the job of the Government to provide security to the public,” he said.

Calling the Bandipira killings unfortunate and blamed misguided people for these killings, he said “I condemn this accident and we will keep trying to provide security to all people,” he said.

On being asked about the criticism by journalists for not consulting them before formulating media policy, he said, “This was reported in media. We will deliberate and discuss this. There is nothing like anti-media policy. Neutrality has been maintained in the policy. There is clearly written about the qualification for renewal, accreditation. Media has an important role everywhere in the World. Media should always play a positive role for betterment of people and make Government accountable.”

Regarding the allegations that development is not taking place even after one year after the nullification of Article 370 which is almost nearing a year, he said, “Development works are going on. We have completed 40 % of languishing projects pending since 2012 in one year only. We are now inaugurating these projects. Power and road macadamization is going on in a big way. For two-three months there was a shortage of labourers and contractors. Now development is going on in full swing and can be witnessed on the ground.”

Lt Governor informed that he has started mass public contact programme in all districts where all groups of people can raise their issues for early redressal while maintaining covid19 SOP, “We will also check on-going public projects in these areas.”

Lt Governor said that Government will soon advertise more than 20000 to 25000 vacancies.

“We have already advertised 10,000 vacancies. A committee was formed for speeding up the process.”

Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar, July 12: An 11-day-old baby from Kulgam was among ten people who died at SKIMS Soura and SMHS hospitals here on Sunday, taking the number of fatalities due to COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir to 180.

The newborn is the youngest COVID-19 victim in J&K, the officials said. Earlier, a 15-day-old baby died from Bemina area here on June 19.

A resident of Yaripora area of Kulgam, the female baby was suffering from “aortic stenosis with carcinogenic shock with respiratory failure,” Professor Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Soura told GNS.  The baby was admitted on July 9 and died at 4: 00 pm, he added.
So far ten people have succumbed to the virus today and seven of the deaths were reported at SKIMS Soura and three at SMHS hospital.

Besides the baby, the other patients who died at SKIMS Soura include a 55-year-old woman from Kangan Ganderbal, a 60-year-old man from Gulab Bagh Ganderbal, 75-year-old from Rambagh Srinagar, a 47-year-old from Kulgam and 50-year-old woman from Uri.

A woman resident of Uri Baramulla, was suffering from “bilateral CAP, TYPE 1 Respiratory failure, ARDS” besides Hypothryoidism, deputy commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo said.  She was admitted on July 5 and died at 7:30 pm today, he added.

Regarding septuagenarian from Rambagh, Professor Jan said that he was having bilateral CAP with Comorbidities, “Parkinsons Disease, AKI and Sepsis.” Admitted on July 10, he died at 7 p.m., he added.

Earlier, the 55-year-old woman was admitted on July 9 and died at 9:15 am due to cardiopulmonary arrest,” Professor Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Soura said.

“She was a case of ICSOL (Intra-cranial space occupying lesion),” he added.

Professor Jan said that the sexagenarian from Gulab Bagh was admitted on July 9.

Suffering from community acquired pneumonia (CAP) and other underlying ailments, the man was sampled for covid-19 on July 10 and came out positive next day, he said. “The patient was shifted to Ward 2Aand Expired on at 03:25  a.m. today with his cause of death being cardiopulmonary arrest .”

As regards the 47-year-old woman from Kulgam, Professor Jan said that she died at 02:20 a.m. “with cause of death being cardiopulmonary arrest.”

“The patient was admitted on July 10 and was a known case of HTN T2DM ,CKD  With CAP,” he added.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital Dr Nazir Choudhary told GNS a65-year-old from Tangmarg had bilateral pneumonia besides other ailments.

Also a 40-year-old from Habba Kadal died at the hospital and Dr Choudhary said he was having breathless and hypothyroidism besides other ailments. “He was admitted on July 8 and died today,” he added.

Prior to them, a 55-year-old resident of Chadoora area of the district with underlying ailments including hypertension died, five days after his admission to the hospital, Dr Choudhary told GNS.

With these deaths, 164 people in Kashmir and 17 in Jammu division have died so far due to the virus.

Srinagar district with 44 deaths has the highest fatalities followed by Baramulla (34), Kulgam (20), Shopian (16), Anantnag (14), Budgam (13), Jammu (10), Kupwara (9), Pulwama (5), Bandipora (3), Ganderbal (3) and Doda (2) while one death each has been reported from Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua. (GNS)

295 in Kashmir, 62 in Jammu

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, July 12: The Government on Sunday informed that 357 more people tested positive for COVID-in Jammu and Kashmir thus taking the total number of cases to 10,513.
An official said that the fresh cases include 62 from Jammu division and 295 from Kashmir division.

Moreover, 84 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 05 from Jammu Division and 79 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 10513 positive cases, 4355 are Active Positive, 5979 have recovered and 179 have died; 17 in Jammu division and 162 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 452455 test results available, 441942 samples have been tested as negative till July 12, 2020.

Additionally, till date 313152 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 37867 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 31 in Hospital Quarantine, 4,355 in hospital isolation and 45354 under home surveillance. Besides, 225366 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 365 positive cases (including 29 cases reported today) with 73 Active Positive, 289 recovered and 03 deaths; Srinagar has 1708 positive cases (including 97 cases reported today) with 1145 Active Positive, 519 recovered (including 25 cases reported today), 44 deaths; Anantnag district has 788 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today), with 177 Active Positive, 597 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today),  14 deaths; Baramulla has 1319 positive cases (including 31 cases reported today) with 742 Active Positive, 544 recovered (including 31 cases recovered today), 33 deaths; Shopian has 901 positive cases (including 13 case reported today) with 211 Active Positive, 674 recovered and 16 deaths; Kupwara has 771 positive cases (including 25 cases reported today) with 288 Active Positive, 473 recovered and 10 deaths; Budgam has 561 positive cases (including 29 cases reported today) with 228 Active Positive and 320 recovered cases (including 13 cases recovered today) and 13 deaths; Ganderbal has 201 positive cases (including 40 cases reported today) with 109 active positive cases and 88 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 04 deaths; Kulgam has 1000 positive cases (including 13 cases reported today), with 321 Active Positive and 659 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today) and 20 deaths and Pulwama reported 656 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today) with 308 active positive cases and 343 recovered and 05 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 488 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 149 active positive cases and 329 recoveries and 10 deaths; Udhampur has 302 positive cases  (including 01 case reported today)  with 54 active positive cases, 247 recovered and 01 death; Samba has 244 positive cases (including 20 cases reported today) with 106 Active Positive and 137 recoveries and 01 death; Rajouri has 275 positive cases (including 06 cases reported today) with 185 active positive cases and 89 recovered (including 01 case recovered today) and 01 death; Kathua has 300 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 88 Active positive and 211 recovered (including 01 recovery today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 46 positive cases (including 01 case reported today) with 21 active positive cases and 25 recovered; Ramban has 261 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 55 active positive and 206 recoveries; Reasi has 57 positive cases with 18 active positive and 39 recovered; Poonch has 142 positive cases with 20 active positive and 121 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 01 death while Doda has 128 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 57 active positive cases and 69 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today) and 02 deaths.

According to the bulletin, of the total 10513 positive cases in J&K 2869 have been reported as travelers while 7644 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metre from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.

As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.

The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.

More than 19000 recover in past 24 hours

New Delhi, July 12: India recorded a sharp spike of 28,637 COVID infections in the past 24 hours taking the total number of confirmed cases across country to 8,49,553 on Sunday.

According to the Health ministry, fatalities due to the pandemic also surged to 22674, after 551 more people lost their lives due to the pandemic since Saturday.

However, with improving recovery rate, the cured and discharged cases pan India stood at 534621.

At present, 292258 patients were being treated throughout the country, the update said.

More than 19,000 people recover in past 24 hours

Meanwhile, Health Ministry said that in the past 24 hours, a total of 19,235 patients were cured of Covid-19.

‘This has resulted in the cumulative total number of recovered cases among COVID-19 patients rising to 5,34,620 today. The recovery rate has presently improved to 62.93 per cent,’

Focussed and coordinated steps taken in tandem by the Centre along with the States and UTs through a ‘Whole of Government’ approach, bolstered by effective clinical management of COVID-19 after early detection and timely diagnosis has led to a consistent increase in the recovered cases.

Comprehensive plan drawn to contain further spread of COVID-19 ; strict legal action, fines ordered for violations: DM Srinagar

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 12: District administration Srinagar on Sunday announced that strict restrictions will be imposed on the movement of people in 88 areas notified as COVID-19 Red Zones in Srinagar after a sharp spike in positive cases has been reported in the district in the last couple of weeks.

An official spokesman said that the decision to impose restrictions has been taken after recommendations of experts and is aimed at containing further spread of the COVID-19 disease.

District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary issuing orders in this regard has directed for sealing off all these 88 red zones with strict enforcement of restrictions on public movement and activities of all sorts.

Under these orders all these areas are being sealed off at all but one entries and exits. The concerned authorities have been directed to disallow all kinds of movement and activities in these areas. No one will be allowed to move in or out of these areas after this evening.

Latest guidelines as notified for management of red zones will be followed in these areas with all respective teams of management and enforcement authorised and equipped with all requisites to implement them in letter and spirit.

The administration has drawn maps of each of these red zones and sealing thereof will done as per these maps. Each red zone will be sealed at 300-500 meters from spots where COVID-19 positive cases have been detected therein. Entries and exits of all these areas will be manned to ensure strict enforcement of restrictions on movement into and out of them.

Rosters of enforcement officials have been prepared for each of these containment zones and their entries and exists. Strict instructions have been issued for disallowing movement with the essential services officials to be allowed in these areas on production of movement passes the DM’s office has issued them.

To ensure there are no violations the district administration is exploring possibilities of installing surveillance cameras at entries and exits of red zone areas. Their connection with the central control room established at the DC Office once installed is also being explored — the aim being to ensure effective enforcement of containment plan through its monitoring at more than one level.

Meanwhile medical teams are also being deputed in each of the areas. Concerned block and zonal medical officers have constituted teams for each area falling within their respective jurisdictions. Contact tracing and testing of positive cases will make a chief part of the role the health department officials have been assigned in these containment zones.

The latter will be done in consultation with designated magistrates to ensure smooth and effective execution. The Chief Medical Officer Dr Jehangir Bakshi will be supervising efforts in this regard having been made responsible for overall management of health-related aspects of this containment plan. ICDS officials will also form part of these teams wherever required.

The administration has also drawn a sanitisation roster as part of this comprehensive containment plan it has prepared to contain further spread of COVID-19 in the district. The Srinagar Municipal Corporation will coordinate with the Health department to execute sanitisation of these areas as and when required.

The 25 zonal committees set up earlier during the COVID-19 lockdown have been reactivated and the concerned zonal officers have taken charge of duties as assigned to them as part of the containment plan. The new containment plan includes added roles and responsibilities and all these committees and officers stand briefed and equipped to handle them as required.

The Srinagar administration has also deputed a large of magistrates to reinforce the enforcement plan that it has devised as part of this containment plan. Officers and officials requisitioned earlier under the disaster management act have also been recalled with the concerned departments asked to relieve them forthwith.

Meanwhile the departments concerned have been put on high alert with directions to alert their respective staff and make them available for containment duties if and when required. Orders have been issued for cancelling of all leaves government officials in the district have availed and recalling them all for duties.

The DM has also issued orders for strictest punishments under the disaster management act and other relevant provisions of the law to those violating preventive guidelines the government has issued for containment of COVID-19. He has directed for substantial fines in addition to other strict legal punishments to violators — those not wearing face masks or observing social distancing in particular.

The fine for face mask violations has been enhanced to Rs 1000 whereas the violation of social distancing guidelines in red zones will be fined at  Rs 10000. There will be other punishments too.

Dr Shahid said the number of COVID-19 positive cases and red zones has seen a sharp spike in recent weeks in Kashmir division adding that violations of face mask and social distancing among other preventive guidelines is believed to be a main reason for this rise in infected cases.

He said imposing restrictions has become indispensable in view of this fact which has started to burden the healthcare infrastructure in the capital district where patients from are all over the division are received for treatment adding that the aim is to prevent further spread of the disease.

Speaking during his visit to various red zones where he inspected measures being put in place ahead of restrictions as ordered there he said restrictions in notified red zones are being imposed as part of a comprehensive plan which includes as a major part tracing and testing of contacts to assess the spread of COVID-19 in these areas and ensure timely treatment of those affected and containment of further spread thereof.

The restrictions will remain in force until further orders. The restrictions from these areas or others which might be added in future will be removed as soon as their de-notification as containment zones upon receipt of no fresh positive cases after a specified period of time.

Meanwhile after improvement in their scenario and no reporting of fresh positive cases therein the Srinagar district administration has de-notified at least 24 areas of the district earlier notified as red zones.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 12: The areas where the authorities have decided to impose lockdown in Srinagar from Monday onwards are : Ahmednagar, Lal Bazar, Badamwari, Hawal, Nowshehra, Illahi Bagh, Dulara Bagh, Ghulab Bagh, Khimber, Sheribhat Zadibal, Soura, Alamgari Bazar, Kathi Darwaza, Buchpora, Harwan, Zabarwan Colony, Khayam, Munawarabad, Khanyar, Rainawari Jogilankar, Saida Kadal, Barbarshah, Bishembar Nagar, Nehru Park, Khankah, Naid Kadal, Bohri Kadal, Kalshpora, Aali Kadal, Dalal Mohalla, Eidgah, S R Gunj, Goripora, Nawa Kadal, Kawdara, Watal Kadal, Habba Kadal, Baghwanpora Lal Bazar, Fateh Kadal, Nawa Bazar, Zoonimar Saidapora Achan, Kak Sarai, Safa Kadal, Nowhatta, Rajouri Kadal, Chattabal, Balgarden, Sanant Nagar, Tulsi Bagh, Indira Nagar, Hyderpora, Galwanpora, Bhagat, Bagh-e-Mehtab, Mehjoor Nagar, Padshahi Bagh, Parimpora, MIG Colony, Iqbal Abad Bemina, Boys hostel Bemina, Hamzah Colony, Hamdania Colony Bemina, Wazir Bagh, Jawahar Nagar, Chanapora, Ram Bagh, Natipora, Barzulla, Soiteng, Khanmoh, Nowgam,Naik Bagh, HMT, Mujgund, Lawaypora, Narbal, Qamarwari, Rajbagh, Maisuma, Batamaloo, Alochi Bagh, Mandir Bagh, Pantha Chowk, Batwara, Rawwalpora, Humhama, Zaffron Colony, Zero bridge, Sonwar, Sarai Bala, Takanwari, Naseem Bagh and Hazratbal. (KNO)