Srinagar: A day after three persons including a religious preacher of Tableegi Jamaat was tested positive for COVID-19, the J&K government on Wednesday said that four more persons have and all of them are from north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

This has taken the number of infected cases in Kashmir to eight.

An official said that with these fresh cases, seven are ‘active positive’ while one patient has recovered so far in the Valley.

J&K Union Territory spokesperson Rohit Kansal said four more persons, all from Bandipora have tested positive for Coronavirus. “Preliminary findings suggest they were close contacts of Srinagar patient who tested positive on Tuesday. All five reported to have participated together in a religious event,” Kansal wrote on the twitter.

Meanwhile, the Government today informed that 5124 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance and, so far, 11 cases tested positive  (10 active positive and 1 recovered) in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) 3061 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 80 are in hospital quarantine.

Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 1477 while as 506 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.

The bulletin further said that 326 samples have been sent for testing of which 294 tested as negative while as 21 reports are awaited till March 25, 2020.

The advisory urged public to strictly follow directions of the  Prime Minister who has called for complete lockdown in the entire nation for the next 21 days in an effort to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic as it is essential to break the chain of its transmission.

“People are therefore appealed to stay in their homes and take the lockdown imposed by Government with utmost sincerity as carelessness

of few can throw us into grave jeopardy, keeping in view the global experiences of countries which have been successful in containing the spread of COVID-19 through implementation of social distancing measures unlike some other countries where thousands of people have died,” reads the advisory.

People can call toll free national helpline number 1075 for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). Similarly they can also call Jammu & Kashmir 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).

On the implementation of Social Distancing measures, the advisory said that it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected to those who are not infected. The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.

However, there is no need to panic, take care of your health and protect others, says the advisory. Public in general is therefore advised to avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gathering and not to spit in public.

People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing & sneezing etiquettes.

Public is therefore advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time. People are also urged to rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print & electronic media.

Furthermore, people are advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today appealed to the people of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to observe the 21-day lockdown earnestly to break the transmission chain and contribute in the fight against the spread of deadly    COVID-19.

In a recorded message, the Lt Governor observed that the UT Administration has taken various steps for containing the virus, like stopping Inter-State Bus service, setting up of isolation ward for the patients and their treatment, imposing Section 144 of CrPC, besides taking various precautionary measures for the people coming from outside, for their screening and establishing quarantine centres.

“Hon’ble Prime Minister has sought cooperation of the people during the 21-day All India lockdown. The people of J&K must also follow the lockdown to overcome this deadly virus, which has the capability to spread exponentially”, he added.

He appealed to the public to stay at home and be cautious. Essential services and supplies would be available and elaborate arrangements have been made for that. Healthcare is the priority of the Administration at this crucial time and every possible step would be taken to ensure the safety and good health of the people of J&K, he maintained.

The Lt Governor said that the advance ration for two months-April and May would be issued to all eligible consumers. Besides, one month’s ration for Mid-Day Meals would also be given in advance to all parents of eligible children. Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners have been asked to ensure the availability of essential commodities and funds have been allocated for the same, he added.

He further appealed to the people not to venture out unless it is absolutely necessary. People should observe ‘Social Distancing’, as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Lt Governor urged the people to share their travel history for their own safety and the safety of others. He expressed his gratitude to health workers, medical staff, officials of essential services, Police and CAPF personnel who are associated with Corona prevention efforts and are continuously working, without worrying about their own well-being to save precious lives.

The Lt Governor urged the people of J&K to adhere to the advisories issued by the Government and follow the lockdown by staying at home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Approves Series Of Measures For Poor, Needy

Jammu: The Lt Governor G C Murmu approved a series of proposals to provide support to the needy and destitute in the light of the extraordinary situation caused by the ongoing Corona pandemic and the consequent lockdown. The move is expected to benefit nearly 35 lakh people including organised and un-organised workers, daily wagers, pension holders and ordinary citizens.

The LG directed the Labour & Employment department to release Rs 1000 to each of the 3.50 lakh workers registered with Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for purchase of ration during the 21 days lockdown period. The department was also directed to ask the ESIC to ensure that all the 2.26 lakh unorganised sector workers registered under ESIC scheme are extended with the relief/compensation including wages through ESIC hospitals/employers as directed by the Central government.

The Social Welfare department was directed to release immediately two installments of old age, disability and family pension to all the 7.7 lakh pensioners. The department would also additionally cover the 1.7 lakh pending cases thereby ensuring 100% coverage of all eligible cases.

The LG also directed the Finance department to request the banks to honour requests for overdraft by Jan Dhan account holders. This decision would help nearly 22 lakh Jan Dhan account holders.

In a major relief to contractors and other categories, it was directed that bills for all authorized works and approved procurements which could not be presented before March 31 due to the ongoing situation would be entertained in the next financial year as well.

These decisions were in addition to the decisions already taken yesterday by the Administrative Council under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor whereby a number of relief measures including two month ration under PDS, one month’s advance ration under Mid-Day meal, ration packets for slum dwellers and destitutes and Rs 45 crores for management of COVID-19 under Disaster Response Fund had been approved.

Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, has said that doctors suggest actual cases in the community could probably be more than those tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to a social networking site, Twitter, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, who is at the forefront of managing the quarantine facilities wrote: “Doctors suggest actual cases in community could probably be more than those tested positive. For heaven’s sake stay at homes and report to designated hospitals if you have symptoms /travel history. Consult on phone before visiting hospital. Please. Spread the word.”

Meanwhile, in wake of complete lockdown, Dr Shahid Iqbal announced that home delivery of ration will start from March 28 under strict safety protocol.

“Home-delivery of PDS ration to 1.60 Lakh families in #Srinagar will startfrom 28th March under strict safety-protocol. Deptts of Food, Agri, Police along with Magistrates, SRTC, SMC and volunteers included,” the DC Srinagar wrote on twitter.

Srinagar: No one has been tested positive for Coronavirus from the last four days in the Union Territory of Ladakh, where two infected patients have been successfully treated.

Ladakh UT spokesperson Rigzin Samphel on Wednesday said that the three tests results — two from Kargil and one from Leh — which came on Tuesday were negative. “Two out of total 13 infected patients in the UT have tested negative,” he told reporters here on Wednesday.

He said Ladkah has been very stable from last four to five days following which the authorities have reduced the number of samples. “Test samples are sent on symptom basis. If a person shows any symptom of Coronavirus,” he added.

Replying to question about when will the machine required for testing Coronavirus arrive in Ladakh, he said the equipment has reaches Delhi and will be in the UT in the next two to three days.

However, he said the machine has to be operated by microbiologist and the UT doesn’t have anyone with such expertise. “So it has been decided that a pathologist with ICMR will be given online training. But that training will take about two weeks,” he added.

He said 18 results, including 15 from Kargil and three from Leh, were negative for Coronavirus on Monday.

He said the total number Covid-19 positive cases in Ladakh has reduced from 13 to 11 with two infected have tested negative twice.

Srinagar:  A girl who escaped from Chest Disease Hospital at Dalgate on Wednesday reported at Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences later in the day.

Head of Department CD Hospital, Dr Naveed told KNT that the girl who hails from Batamaloo area of Srinagar city after returning from Hungary had arrived at CD Hospital on Tuesday.

“We collected her samples and sent them to laboratory. She was suffering from fever and flu. Without waiting for the result of the test, she gave a slip, and fled from the hospital,” Dr Naveed said.

He added that she may be suffering from Coronavirus and people should avoid contact with her. “We have informed police and district administration and efforts are on to trace her,” he said.

Meanwhile, reports said that the said suspected girl self reported at SKIMS Srinagar.

Last week, a youth from Padshahi Bagh whose test turned out to be negative later on was detained by police after he ran away from the same hospital. (KNT)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today described doctors and other health staff at the frontlines of the fight against Coronavirus as “incarnations of God” and said those harassing them would face police action.

“In this hour of crisis, those in white coats are the incarnation of God. Today they are saving lives, putting their own lives in danger,” the Prime Minister said, interacting via video link with the people of his constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on the Coronavirus crisis.

PM Modi was addressing the Q and A session a day after he announced a 21-day total lockdown in the country to break the chain of transmission of Coronavirus, which has infected over 560 in India.

“The battle of Mahabharata was won in 10 days, the battle of Coronavirus will be won in 21 days,” he remarked.

To a question on the harassment of doctors, nurses and other staff handling Coronavirus patients, the Prime Minister said he felt pain.

“The doctors, rescue workers who went to Wuhan, Air India and other staff that have helped in operations to get back Indians from various parts of the world… these are our true heroes. We must help them. When I heard reports of them being harassed, I took it very seriously. It is a very grave issue for me. I have already told all state DGPs (police chiefs) to take the most strict action against those harassing them,” said the PM.

He reminded that on Sunday, during his Janata Curfew or one-day self-quarantine for citizens, everyone came out at 5 pm to applaud those working at the frontlines of the Coronavirus fight.

“You must have seen how the whole country participated extensively in the Janata curfew. And then at exactly 5 o’clock in the evening, how did people from across the country come forward to greet for 5 minutes. There is a sense of respect for all these in the mind of the society. Doctors save lives and we can never repay their debt,” he said.

Condemning the harassment, he said: “Yes, such incidents have also been reported from some places, which have hurt the heart. I appeal to all citizens if any such activity is visible somewhere. If you see any ill treatment with the doctor, nurse or medical staff, then you should go there and explain to the people.”

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the Union Cabinet to discuss the situation arising due to the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country.

According to the sources, the meeting of the Union cabinet discussed various measures to control the outbreak of the virus.

The meeting came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a 21 day lock down in the country to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Officials said that the meeting of the Union cabinet followed the principle of social distancing and all were seated at a distance of one meter from each other.

In his address to the nation on Tuesday night, PM had said that social distancing is the only way to tackle the infection.

At least 562 people in India were confirmed of COVID-19, the Health Ministry said.