COVID-19: Doctors association sounds alert in Kashmir
Srinagar/UNI: Claiming that 28 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus have been reported in India, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Wednesday asked health authorities in Kashmir to prepare for contingencies.
''We need to intensify screening at entry points and enhance surveillance,'' DAK President Nisar ul Hassan said.
''The passengers at Srinagar international airport should be screened by using thermal devices which spots people with fevers rapidly with no skin contact minimizing the risk of contagion,'' he further said, adding thermal devices were used for mass screening of travellers to detect those who might be infected with Coronavirus.
Hassan stated that passengers should be asked about their travel history, symptoms and any history of contact with a suspected or a confirmed case.
''For those without symptoms, health information cards should be given to them with an advice to seek medical attention in case they develop symptoms of illness."
He further stated the passengers should also be screened at Lower Munda Qazigund as a majority of travellers enter the valley by surface transport.
''We need to step up surveillance - we need to find cases early, isolate them and treat them and trace their contacts. Hospital preparedness is key to public safety in case the virus gets in. Health institutions should be ready to deal with potential coronavirus patients."
Hassan cautioned that although there is no positive case in the valley, we should not be complacent as the threat is real. ''It would be a fatal mistake if we assume that the virus will not hit us."
He said the novel coronavirus that has emerged in China in late December last year has spread to 60 countries.
The deadly virus has killed at least 3,203 people and infected more than 93,000 worldwide so far.
''The virus spreads by respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes,'' he further said.
''The clinical manifestation of the virus are fever, cough and cold and in severe cases difficulty in breathing. With no cure or vaccine for the virus, people should continue to take precautions like hand washing and cough etiquette that would help prevent the spread of the virus,'' he added.
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