‘Testing rate now 703 per million, 2nd highest in the country’

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Apr 21: Principal Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring and Information, Rohit Kansal today said that rapid testing and effective control measures in J&K have helped reduce the rate of growth of coronavirus leading to decrease in doubling rate.

Kansal, who is also the Govt Spokesperson, was addressing a press conference here, whereat he gave an overall update about the COVID situation in the Union Territory.

He said that the testing rate in J&K has been increased to 703 per million, which is second highest in the country, while initially it was 77.5 per million.

“We were one of the first to have our own testing facilities. Since then we have been continuously ramping up our facilities. From a testing capacity of 50 tests a day, the number of samples tested yesterday was more than 700” Mr Kansal informed and added that the capacity will be shortly braced up to 1000 tests per day in our four ICMR accredited labs.

“We are enhancing testing capacities in these labs as well and shortly adding two more labs. We are maintaining supply chains of essential reagents and are adding more and advanced equipment and manpower” he told the media. He further informed that decentralised sample collection centres have also been set up in the districts.

“Our strategy of aggressive tracing and increased testing will continue” he said and informed that the UT has received the first tranche of 24,000 kits for undertaking the rapid COVID testing This along with already established procedure will be used for more and more testing.

Reiterating that there is certainly a case for some respite, he said as of this moment, the total number of positive cases in J&K is 380 of which the number of active cases is 294, including 256 in the Kashmir Division and 38 in the Jammu division. One active case has been reported from Kathua district today.

“As you are already aware, there have been 81 recoveries which include young children and we also have had 5 unfortunate deaths” he said and added that 60,000 (Sixty thousand) persons have been enlisted for surveillance out of which nearly 35,000 (Thirty-five thousand) have completed the mandatory 28 days period of surveillance.

Briefing on control measures, he said, based on the results and number of active cases and other parameters, five districts namely Bandipore, Baramulla, Kupwara, Srinagar and Jammu have been identified as hotspot districts in the UT.

“We do release district wise details of cases and you are all aware that taken together, these districts account for more than four-fifth (80%) of the cases in the UT” he informed.

Divulging further, he said 92 areas have been designated as Red Zones in the UT- 14 in Jammu Division and 78 in Kashmir Division. He said that these Red Zones will be under strict restrictions, extra surveillance and enhanced testing.

“We are conscious that this is an inconvenient process and people in Red Zones, Hot Spots and Containment areas do face difficulties” he said adding that the administration and the health department are ensuring that the inconvenience is minimized.

He said “while we do believe a strict lockdown, a robust tracing process, aggressive testing and strict protocols have led to identification of even asymptomatic cases, but for stamping out of many spread chains and a slowed infection growth it is important to emphasize that there is no room for complacency. We are dealing with a dangerous invisible enemy and we need to be alert and watchful.”

Giving further details, he said that the strategy of aggressive tracing and increased testing will continue. “We will further strengthen our surveillance system and procedure. We are launching a unique app Swasthya Nidhi COVID-19 Health Audit App for monitoring the households under surveillance on real time basis and effectively monitor the health status of the enlisted individuals.

A pilot project has already been started in Jammu District. We are strongly encouraging the use of Aarogya Setu App. So far, more than 6.5 lakh users have installed the App in the UT,” he added.

He said that J&K was among the first in the country to be alert to the problem. “We had probably the most effective and strict protocols even at the cost of some inconvenience. We feel that a bit of convenience can always be sacrificed to achieve a larger goal. This is where we need your support,” he added.

He also expressed gratitude for the willing support received from all citizens. “I would request for your continued cooperation. I would also strongly urge all of you to trust the department’s judgment whenever some zones are being designated as red zones” he appealed people and said that this is being done strictly as per technical assessment and probability of cases.

“Our self restraint and discipline must continue. We should go out only if we must. Use of masks has been made mandatory for everyone going out. 1.20 crore masks are being made in J&K. Every member of a priority or AAY household will get one free of cost. Others will get it at a subsidy. Please use it”, he said and appealed the people to follow all other advisories issued from time to time adding that there was no room for complacency.

For ensuring social distancing, he said that the religious leaders and others have been making appeals to avoid all religious gatherings and people must heed them as the gatherings literally serve as oxygen for the spread of the virus. They are prohibited and are to be avoided at all costs, he said.

Meanwhile, he also gave details regarding supplies of consumables and Goods, and said the supply of essential commodities and other goods is normal.

He informed that in the last 24 hours, over 1000 trucks including 340 trucks of fruit and vegetables and 325 trucks of rations entered J&K. The availability position is comfortable in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, he added.

In order to facilitate essential supplies, important industries, he said detailed guidelines in tune with and in the spirit of MHA directions have already been issued. “Detailed SoPs have been framed and mechanisms for permissions, passes etc. formulated and streamlined” he told the reporters.

Regarding welfare measures, he said the same announced by the LG from time to time and by the GoI under the PMGKY are also under implementation.

“Nearly Rs 100 crore has been released by UT administration to the DCs and various departments. To just quote, nearly 2.20 lakh destitute, labourers and other across 1245 camps are being supported across J&K” he informed. Similarly, nearly 10 lakh qtl of food grains as advance rations of April and May already stand distributed among card holders, he added.

Distribution of free ration under PMGKY as well as pulses has also started, he said and added that the Labour Department has transferred over Rs 15 crore to nearly 1.5 lakh registered construction workers.

Listing other measures he said, “Over 30000 private sector employees will benefit under PMGKY Scheme. Free ration has been provided for families of nearly 8 lakh children under MDM, besides Rs. 15 crore are being transferred as cooking charges.”

“Similarly 8.5 lakh Jan Dhan account holders have benefitted under PMGKY, while 12.5 lakh beneficiaries are getting benefit of free gas cylinder refills and Rs. 183 cr. pending payments to MGNREGA workers have been released by RDD,” he added. He further said that the Helplines have been set up by the Resident Commissioner at New Delhi, Labour Department, Divisional and Deputy Commissioners and various departments.

Kansal thanked everyone associated in fight against coronavirus, be it health and police personnel, sanitation workers, media fraternity, people engaged in providing essential services, and general public. He also urged every citizen to follow a seven-point special appeal made by Prime Minister to help expedite the fight against coronavirus which included to  take care of the elderly, follow social distancing, follow AYUSH Ministry guidelines on improving immunity, download Aarogya Setu app, help the poor, compassion for employees and respect frontline workers.

Administrative Secretary, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Simrandeep Singh; Director Information and Public Relations, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar and Director NHM, Bhupinder Kumar were present on the occasion.

11 in Kashmir, one in Jammu
 10 more recover, discharged from hospitals

GNS/Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Apr 21: Twelve persons, including a  doctor, eleven in Kashmir and one in Jammu tested positive for the COVID-19 in J&K on Tuesday.

A local news agency GNS reported that a 41-year junior doctor posted at GMC Baramulla tested positive for the pathogen four days after he developed symptoms such as fever etc. He attended general patients and authorities are now trying to trace all his contacts including the patients he has seen at the health facility.

This is besides those of his contacts—four doctors and 15 staffers apart from entire family including his in-laws who have traced and kept in quarantine, the news agency said.

He is the first doctor in Kashmir to have tested positive for the disease. Earlier, four doctors tested positive in Jammu recently.

Principal GMC Dr Syed Masood Bukhari told GNS the doctor had attended suspected COVID-19 patient who is already in quarantine.

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla G N Itoo said that doctor had developed fever four days ago and was at home.

Sources said that samples of the doctor and ten others, all residents of Shopian returned positive for the disease at SKIMS laboratory.

Of the ten patients from Shopian, 8 are from Heerpora and two others—one a 32-year-old-male and other 50-year-old female are from Beminipora areas of the south Kashmir district. Regarding those from Heerpora, sources said they include two males—50-year-old and 18-year-old while six are woman including mother-daughter duo aged 45 and 20 while others are aged 25, 30, 45, 60 and 65 respectively.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), out of 380 positive cases, 294 are Active Positive, 81 have recovered and 5 have died.

Moreover 10 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged, 3 from Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar Jammu, 1 from Chest Disease Hospital Jammu, 2 from DH Ganderbal, 3 from SKIMS Bemina and 1 from SKIMS Soura.

Furthermore, till date 62493 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which include 6032 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 248 in Hospital Quarantine, 294 in hospital isolation and 17421 under home surveillance. Besides, 38493 persons have completed their surveillance period.

The Bulletin further said that out of 9220 test results available, 8840 samples have tested as negative till April 21, 2020.

Providing the district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 91 positive cases wherein 74 are Active Positive, 16 recovered and 01has died, Srinagar 79 positive cases with 54 Active Positive, 24 recovered and  01 died, Baramulla 45 positive cases with 39 Active Positive, 04 recovered, and 02 died; Kupwara has 33 positive cases with 27 Active Positive and 06 recovered; Shopian has 32 positive cases with 30 Active Positive, 02 recovered; Ganderbal has 14 positive cases with 12 Active Positive,02 recovered, Budgam 13 positive cases of which 04 are Active Positive with 09 recovered cases; Kulgam has 06 cases and all are Active Positive; Pulwama 03 positive cases with 02 Active Positive, 01 recovered; Anantnag district has 08 positive case and all are Active Positive.

Similarly, Jammu has 26 positive cases of whom 21 are Active Positive and 05 have recovered, Udhampur 20 positive cases of which 11 are Active Positive, 08 recovered and 01 died, while as Samba district has 04 positive cases and all are Active Positive; Rajouri has 04 positive cases, 01 active positive and 03 cases have recovered; Kathua has 01 positive case with 01 active positive. Meanwhile, Kishtwar has only 01 positive case who has recovered.

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

Meanwhile, according to the advisory issued in the media bulletin, COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease which can affect anyone and best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

The advisory said that for protection against this disease, people are requested to stay indoors and strictly implement social distancing measures.

People are advised to take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent handwashing with soap and water; observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes and wearing mask or face cover while moving out of their homes.

Similarly, people must avoid close contact with anyone that has fever and cough. “In case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly,” reads the advisory.

People should call on Covid-19 helpline Numbers so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.

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 dialing 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 are urged to 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.

Recovery rate goes up to 17,48%
United News of India
New Delhi, Apr 21: As many as 1,336 new Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases surfaced in last 24 hours, taking the total cases to 18,601 in the country while the recovery rate has gone up to 17.48 pc, an improvement from Monday’s 14.75 per cent.

The Government had on Monday asserted that the country ‘s doubling rate of COVID-19 has now slowed down from 3.4 days to 7.5 days.

“So far, 3,252 people have recovered including 705 people who recovered yesterday,” Union Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said in his daily press briefing.

A total of 590 deaths have been reported so far due to COVID-19. Active COVID cases in the country at present stands at 14,759.

Agarwal said four districts- Mahe (Puducherry), Kodagu (Karnataka), Pauri Garhwal (Uttrakhand) and Pratapgarh (Rajasthan)-have not reported any fresh cases during the last 28 days.

He said there are now 61 additional districts from 23 States/UT that have not reported any fresh cases during the last 14 days. Four new districts have been included in the list–Latur, Osmanabad, Hingoli and Washim from Maharashtra.

More than a 100 families staying at President’s Estate went into self-isolation after one person in the vicinity tested positive, an official statement from Rashtrapati Bhavan said.

The statement, however, clarified that “till date no employee of President’s Secretariat has tested positive and the Secretariat, along with the local administration, is taking all the preventive measures required under the government guidelines.”

Importantly, the main Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Ram Nath Kovind and his family stay, remained unaffected.

Appreciating civil servants role particularly at the time of Covid crisis, President, Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted civil servants and their families, and paid tributes to Sardar Patel on Civil Services Day.

‘I appreciate their efforts in ensuring India successfully defeats COVID-19. They are working round-the-clock, assisting those in need and ensuring everyone is healthy,’ PM Modi said in a statement here.

United News of India
New Delhi, Apr 21: Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi here on Tuesday said that the Muslim community has decided to offer prayers and perform rituals from their homes during coming holy month of Ramadan, just like they did during Shab-e-Barat, to maintain the lockdown imposed to contain COVID-19 spread.

He said that all the Muslim religious leaders, Imams, religious and social organisations and the Muslim community have jointly decided to offer prayers and perform rituals while staying inside their homes.

Most of the Muslim nations of the world have also banned mass gathering at mosques and other religious places during Ramadan, he said.

Naqvi told mediapersons that more than 30 state Waqf boards have started working on the strategy to ensure strict implementation of lockdown, curfew and social distancing during Ramadan.

All this is being done with the coordination and cooperation of all the religious leaders, Imams and local administration, he said.

The entire country has been fighting unitedly against the pandemic, he said adding that keeping in view the challenges, all the religious-social activities and mass gathering in all the temples, gurudwaras, churches and other religious and social places of the country have been banned.

Similarly, Naqvi said, any mass gathering in mosques and other Islamic religious places of the country has also been banned.

Islamabad, Apr 21: Pakistan Prime Minister  Imran Khan has agreed to get tested for the novel coronavirus after a well-known philanthropist was tested positive for the COVID-19, days after meeting the Pakistan prime minister, his doctor said on Tuesday.

Faisal Edhi, the son of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi and chairman of the Edhi Foundation, met Khan last week.

Khan’s personal physician and CEO of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Faisal Sultan, told the media that Khan would undergo COVID-19 test.

“Prime Minister Khan will undergo test of the coronavirus to show that he is a responsible citizen of this county,” Sultan said. “We will follow all protocols in place and make recommendations accordingly.”

The protocols recommend self-isolation for people who meet those tested positive for the coronavirus.

Pakistan on Tuesday reported 16 more deaths from the coronavirus, taking the country’s toll to 192, while the number of confirmed infections spiked to over 9,000.

It is not clear how Khan will run the government if he was asked to go into quarantine.

Khan is currently working as per routine and also chaired a meeting of Cabinet.

Earlier, Saad, the son of Faisal Edhi, told the Dawn newspaper that his father started showing symptoms last week, soon after meeting Khan in Islamabad on April 15.

“The symptoms lasted for four days before subsiding,” Saad said.

He said that his father was currently in Islamabad and was doing better.

“He has not been admitted to any hospital and is self-isolating,” he said.

Faisal Edhi had met Prime Minister Khan to hand over a Rs 10 million cheque for the premier’s coronavirus relief fund.

The Edhi Foundation was founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi and is the leading charity organisation in Pakistan. (Agencies)

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Apr 21: Forty more persons who were put in administrative quarantine in Srinagar two weeks ago, were discharged on Tuesday after successfully completing their 14-day quarantine period.

With this, a total of 1906 people have been discharged and allowed to go home after completing mandatory quarantine period so far in Srinagar.

An official said that supervising officers concerned oversaw their discharge and transportation to their respective homes.

“The group like all others before them was under thorough medical supervision throughout their quarantine period and was discharged after clearance from doctors and health authorities,” he said.

“A total of 1906 persons have been discharged from administrative quarantine so far after successfully completing their required two-week quarantine in Srinagar,” he added.