6 new cases reported in J&K; 15,001 under observation

 The J&K government on Tuesday informed that six new positive cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), all from Kashmir division and contacts of previous positive cases, have been reported thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 55.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), out of 55 positive cases, 51 are Active Positive, 2 have recovered and 2 have died. Regarding the location of positive cases, 43 are from Kashmir division and 12 from Jammu Division. Till date 15,001 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance which include 9,895 in home quarantine including in facilities operated by government, 350 persons in Hospital Quarantine, 51 in hospital isolation and 3,334 under home surveillance. 1,371 persons have completed their 28 days surveillance period.

The Bulletin further said that till date 861 samples have been sent for testing of which 804 have tested as negative, 55 positive and 2 reports are awaited till March 31.

Meanwhile, in case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24x7 at their door steps by calling on toll free No. 108. Pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll free No. 102.

Furthermore, a 24x7 toll free national helpline number 1,075 has been activated for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on novel coronavirus disease. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also set up helpline numbers in this regard: 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell for J&K), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581 (for Kashmir Division).

According to the advisory, people are advised to remain calm & not to panic as the prevention, containment and management of COVID-19 in the UT are being monitored at the highest level and necessary action to protect and safeguard the lives of people have been taken by the Government. "The government has undertaken aggressive contact tracing and testing campaign that is why surge has been found in the number of confirmed positive cases," the advisory reads.

People have been requested to stay indoors, strictly implement social distancing measures, disclose recent travel history to COVID-19 affected countries/areas and report any contact with positive cases voluntarily.

General public has been advised to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly by calling on COVID-19 helpline numbers so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.

"People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing & sneezing etiquette," the government advisory added.

The Advisory also urged people to rely only on the information released by the government in this regard 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. IANS