The Government today informed that 5482 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance and, so far, 13 cases have tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir (11 active positive, 01 recovered, 01 death).
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), 3053 persons have been kept under home quarantine, including at facilities operated by the Government, while as 117 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 1761 while as 551 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
Further, the Bulletin said that 379 samples have been sent for testing, of which 341 tested as negative and 13 cases have tested positive of which one recovered and one died. It said that reports of 25 cases are awaited till March 26, 2020.
According to the Bulletin, the Government of India has requested for volunteer doctors who are fit and willing to be available for providing their services in the public health facilities and the training hospitals in the near future in case the outbreak leads to a high number of infected individuals.
Retired government, Armed Forces Medical Services, public sector undertaking or private doctors are appealed to come forward in this hour of need. Those who wish to contribute to this and be a part of this noble mission may register themselves on https://niti.gov.in/healthcovid/volunteer_covid.php
State Health Society, J&K has also called for hiring of specialists and Medical Officers (MBBS) under NHM in J&K. Qualified candidates can come for walk-in interview on any day at State Health Society, Nagrota Jammu for Jammu Division candidates and at NHM Office, Old Secretariat for Kashmir Division candidates.
The candidates are advised to call on 9419174640 (Jammu Division) and 7780966151 (Kashmir Division) to book their slots before coming for the interview.
General public can contact toll-free national helpline number 1075 for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has also set up helpline numbers in this regard which can be reached at 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581(Kashmir Division).
Meanwhile, the government has appealed people to stay in their homes and take the lockdown with utmost sincerity as carelessness of few can throw all others into the grave jeopardy.
Those violating the lockdown orders can face legal action under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, which lays down punishment as per Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, for flouting such orders, the government advisory said.
The Government has also urged the general public to maintain social distancing as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected.
“The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others,” the Government advisory said.
Further, the Government has appealed people to not panic and take care of health and protect others.
“Public in general is advised to avoid unnecessary travel and use of public transport. Avoid unnecessary travel and use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gatherings, do not spit in public. People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent handwashing with soap and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes,” the Government advisory added.
The advisory also calls upon the general public 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 advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time,” the advisory added.