Srinagar: A day after a 67-year-old woman tested positive for coronavirus, authorities here ordered virtual lockdown, shutting down public transport and banned assembly of more than five persons in a bid to contain the spread of the pathogen.

While no fresh case of covid-19 surfaced on Thursday, doctors at SKIMS, Kashmir main tertiary care hospital, admitted five more persons to its isolation facility and they include two relatives of the woman.

Also, nine persons with symptoms like coronavirus were admitted to Srinagar’s CD hospital, officials added.

“Five persons were admitted and two of them had come in contact with the woman who tested positive yesterday (Wednesday,” Dr Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent of SKIMS said.

He said that their samples have been taken and reports are expected by Friday, Dr Jan added.

Meanwhile, sources said that there was a likelihood that a male person, one among those who came in contact with the sexagenarian woman, may test positive given his symptoms.

Asked whether the observation “likelihood” was based on an initial report suggesting high viral load, he said, “true.” However, he quickly added that the confirmation will come once the “final” test report is received.

Also 11 persons from Shopian district who had arrived along the woman from Khaniyar were identified and “quarantined in the government designated hospital,” Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Shopian Dr Samiullah said.

Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, HOD Chest Disease Hospital, when contacted by GNS said that nine more persons were admitted to the isolation facility and their samples have been sent for tests. He also informed that two test reports of the persons admitted already to the hospital were received and they came out to be negative.

According to the daily media bulletin, issued by government, 3146 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance in J&K. It said 2337 persons are under home quarantine, 34 under hospital quarantine and 419 persons are under home surveillance.

So far 156 samples have been sent for testing, of which 144 tested negative and only four cases have tested positive.

Earlier, in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus infection, the administration in Srinagar imposed restrictions in entire district.

“The decision to impose restrictions on public movement has been taken in the wake of a resident – with travel history – testing positive for coronavirus in the district,” an official spokesman said.

District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary issuing orders under Section 144 of CrPC said restrictions are a preventive measure aimed at containing spread of the infection in the district.

The restrictions order states that public movement including pedestrian and transport and operation of business and other kinds of establishments will be restricted across the district till further notice.

He said the restrictions order is an extension of the order issued earlier under the disaster management act 2005 adding that all instructions issued under both orders must be implemented in letter and strict. He said violations would constitute a criminal offence and attract strict penal action.

Choudhary said the administration would do its best to minimise hassles that might result from restrictions having had to be imposed and urged all residents to cooperate with the administration in this collective fight. He assured that there would be no issues as far as provision of essential supplies is concerned.

Meanwhile the district administration has urged all residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact its control room at 01942457552 or 01942457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723 — urging that the appeal must not be ignored.

The administration also constituted and activated 21 medical teams for holding house-to-house inspections and collecting data in and around the area where the infected person resides.

The medical teams went to all houses within 300-meter radius surrounding the house of the infected person and conducted relevant investigations to ascertain whether someone had come into contact with the infected person.

The medical teams – each of which comprises three professionals including a doctor – was well-equipped with personal protective gear and items and diagnostic equipment to ensure safe conduct of the exercise and correct investigations as part thereof.

Revenue and Srinagar Municipal Corporation officials assisted the medical teams during the exercise. Magistrates were also part of the efforts in order to ensure smooth conduct thereof.

“The administration also conducted thorough sanitisation of the entire area. Well-equipped SMC teams went in and around disinfecting the entire area,” the spokesman said. (GNS)

Budgam: A patient with symptoms related to Coronavirus has been admitted in isolation ward at chest disease hospital (CD) Srinagar where the patient was shifted from sub- district hospital Chadoora, Budgam.

A 67-year-old woman (name withheld) who had a travel history of Saudi Arabia where she had gone to perform Umrah developed some symptoms related to Covid-19 and was immediately referred to Chest disease hospital Srinagar. “She is from Chadoora area,” said Block Medical Officer Chadoora.

The BMO said that a patient with very little symptoms of Coronavirus who has a travel history of Saudi Arabia and have returned on 16 march has been kept in an isolation ward at CD hospital Srinagar after we refer her there.

“One lady from Gund Chadoora developed fever and cough symptoms after arriving from Saudi Arabia on March 16. She approached Sub district hospital Chadoora today morning, “we communicated higher authorities and refer her to chest disease hospital Srinagar so that she would be quarantine properly.”

The lady was screened at the time of arrival at Srinagar airport and the result was negative.

“Nothing is clear of as of now. As a precautionary measure, we have kept her in an isolation ward for precautionary measures,” she said. “There is no need to be panic however general public must avoid visiting crowded places unnecessarily.”

Pertinent to mention, a 67-year-old woman who had also returned on 16 march tested positive for the novel coronavirus (covid-19) on Wednesday evening, making it the first confirmed case in Kashmir Valley, Overall there are now four confirmed cases of coronavirus in J&K with three already reported in Jammu—(KNO)

Srinagar: Ignoring calls of avoiding assemblies amid coronavirus threat, hordes of residents in many of parts of Srinagar are swarming shops, mostly general stores and those dealing with groceries, to stock up supplies.

Reports reaching that people in large numbers are seen at shops in many parts of Srinagar, notwithstanding calls of health officials and administration to avoid assemblies.

“Whether the reason is instinct or fear, one thing is clear that such type of crowding should be avoided. It is detrimental,” an onlooker said, pointing to hordes of residents buying at a popular store, falling between Bota Kadal and Molvi stop Lal Bazar.

Reports of people crowding grocery and general stores were received from many other parts of Srinagar even Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary assured the administration will ensure effective services and supplies. The deputy’ commissioner’s assurance comes amid imposition of strict restrictions on movement of people in several areas of Srinagar, a day after a 67-year-old woman from Khaniyar Srinagar, who had returned on March 16 from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah, tested positive for covid-19.

“Restriction imposed in #Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of #Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services & supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,” Choudhary tweeted.

In a series of tweets, the Deputy Commissioner urged people to cooperate, underlining that the restrictions on public gatherings, assembly, and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases of covid-19. “Pl (please) cooperate,” he said.

He also urged all residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723.”This is urgent and cannot be ignored,” he said.

“It’s important that people who come in contact with #Coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to a nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room.”

Chouldhary also shared a tweet of Dr Pervaiz Koul, Physician-cum-Researcher, presently working at SKIMS: “Avoid visiting hospitals and unnecessary stretching of facilities. Stay home as far as possible and practice routine hygiene measures (cough etiquette, hand wash, social distancing). Avoid crowds..no mubarak or taziyat (phone call should do). Seems we are in for a long haul.” (GNS)

Srinagar: Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam on Thursday urged people of Kashmir not to panic stating that only “physically fit” people must attend Friday congregational prayers tomorrow in masjids and shrines across Kashmir while as ailing and sick people must stay home. He final decision whether to ban the Friday congregational prayers will be taken in a crucial meeting convened on Saturday.

Talking exclusively to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Islam said that his fervent appeal to the people of Kashmir is to not to create panic as just a single case has been detected in the Valley. “There is no final decision on whether the Friday congregational prayers need to be banned as meeting to deliberate upon the issue is slated for Saturday where representatives of all the religious bodies will be present,” he said.

The Grand Mufti said that as far as tomorrow’s Friday prayers are concerned, only physically fit people who have no signs of sickness should attend the prayers while as those sick with cold, fever, weakness and other symptoms of flu should sit home including the elderly persons.

The Grand Mufti said that while going to the masjids, should maintain highest level of hygiene and use sanitizers frequently. “Imams of masjids and shrines must deliver brief Friday sermons and complete sermon and prayers within 15 minutes,” he said.

He urged the administration to ensure all the facilities are kept in place for the pregnant ladies in various hospital in Srinagar and other districts. The Grand Mufti said that since the economy of people of Kashmir is shattered already, the Government must take steps to ensure that poor are not left on the verge of starvation—(KNO)

Srinagar: People in Kashmir, particularly summer capital Srinagar, have started to stock essential commodities and fuel amid restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas to prevent spread of Coronavirus.

The panic buying is happening despite authorities assuring people that it will ensure effective services and supplies of essentials.

Curfew-like restrictions were imposed since early Thursday morning in many areas in Srinagar, which witnessed its first positive coronavirus case on Wednesday.

Long queues of vehicles could be seen lined-up at petrol pumps across Srinagar city and other parts of the valley to get fuel. People could be seen lined up to get cash outside ATMs, which have started to go out of cash, despite authorities asking people to avoid public gatherings. People have also started to stock essential commodities, including food and medicines, in view of the rumours that further curbs will be imposed in the coming days in the city to curtail spread of the virus.

“We have purchased essentials, including onion, potato, different type of dal and dry milk following rumours about worsening of situation in the valley,” Rameez Khan said.

In a series of tweets, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said the restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases.

“Restriction imposed in Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services & supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,” he said.

Mr Chaudhary said it’s important that people who come in contact with Coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room.

“We urge all residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact our control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723 — this is urgent and cannot be ignored @diprjk,” Chaudhary twitted.

“Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let’s act like responsible citizens. Every information /advisory will be shared officially. SrinagarCoronavirus,” he added.

Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that the first Covid-19 case from Srinagar was properly screened at the airport but she showed no symptoms but was still home quarantined. The government said since she had a travel history, her samples were taken the report of which was positive. Director of National Health Mission J&K Bhupinder Kumar said that there is no truth in reports that the first Coronavirus case wasn’t screened at the airport after she returned from Umrah. “She was screened but she showed no symptoms at that point in time. She was still advised to remain in-home quarantine. Her samples were taken since she had a travel history of Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately, here report was found positive. Her samples were tested in Pune and J&K laboratories at the same time,” he said.

Kumar said that the government is getting in touch with all those who contacted the lady that includes some of her relatives. Asked whether there was any more positive case of Covid-19 in Kashmir, he said: “As of now, there is no fresh positive case in Kashmir,” he said. (KINS)

New Delhi: In wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, which has also affected India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of the country to opt for a ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a special address to the nation, Modi said: “Today I am requesting the people of the country for a Janata curfew, on March 22, this Sunday, from between 7 a.m to 9 p.m.

“…This is public curfew. Janata curfew means for the public, curfew imposed on public by themselves.”

He urged people to follow this ‘curfew’, not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes.

The Prime Minister further urged people above the age of 60 should avoid going out in the coming weeks.

Sharing an instance from the past, he said: “Might be the present generation is not aware… when there were a situation of war, and villages were blacked out and the glass of the windows was darkened. People use to take precautions and even in case the there was no war, the local administration carried out a drill regularly.”

The Prime Minister also urged the people to follow the instructions issued by the state governments.

“Today everyone has to take a resolve to not get infected by the Covid-19 and also save others from getting Covid-19. In such a pandemic case, only one mantra works, if we are healthy, then the entire world is healthy,” he said.

At a time when there is no medicine have been made for the disease, the only thing to stay safe is restraint, he said. “Don’t go in the crowds, avoid going out and what today is being called social distancing in the era of Covid-19 is very useful,” he said.

“Our resolve and restraint is going to play very important role in fighting Covid-19.”

The Prime Minister also said that if one thinks that by roaming on the streets is safe, then it is not good. “By doing so you will do injustice to your near ones. I urge the people of the country for coming weeks, whenever it is very necessary then only come out,” he added.

India on Thursday registered 22 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of affected persons to 173. At least four people have died, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.

‘Work from home as far as possible’

Soon after the dreaded cornovirus claimed its fourth victim in India on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and urged all Indians not to be complacent at faring better in containing the virus outbreak. “The belief that the global pandemic is over is not correct. Hence for every Indian, it’s very important to be aware and remain alert,” Modi said.  Stressing on the need for social distancing, Modi said, “I urge all the countrymen that for the next few weeks, get out of your house only when it is very important. As much as possible, work from home.”

Modi warned that worldwide the count of positive cases has seen a sudden surge. He called upon the citizens to cooperate, given the vast population of 130 crore people in India.

He also added that it would be wrong to assume that India wont be affected by the virus, as he called for resolve and restraint to fight Covid-19.

The Prime Minister said that there is no medicine available for curing the virus. “Hum swasth, to duniya swasth (If I am healthy, world is healthy),” Modi said as he stressed on the urgent need for social distancing.

As of Thursday, India has seen 149 active cases of coronavirus and 4 deaths due to the deadly virus.