COVID-19: 17 new positive cases reported in J&K, number swells to 92

According to the daily Media Bulletin issued by the government on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), out of 92 positive cases, 86 are Active Positive, four have recovered and two have died.

Furthermore, till date 28545 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance which includes 10606 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 682 in Hospital Quarantine, 86 in hospital isolation and 12795 under home surveillance.

Besides, 4376 persons have completed their 28 days surveillance period.

The Bulletin further said that till date 1397 samples have been sent for testing of which 1250 have tested as negative, and 55 reports are awaited till April 4.

The Bulletin urged the general public to stay indoors, strictly implement social distancing measures, disclose recent travel history to COVID-19 affected countries and report any contact with positive cases voluntarily.

“People who are not suffering from medical conditions or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover, particularly when they step out of their house. These face covers could be made out of clean cloth available at home, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned and washed before a face cover is stitched/made. The face cover should be prepared in such a manner that it can cover the mouth and nose completely and can be tied over the face easily,” reads the advisory.

Furthermore, it said two sets of such face covers be made so that one can be washed while the other is used.

“Hand washing would still remain essential criteria and hand should be washed before wearing the face cover. There must not be sharing of face covers and a face cover must be used by only one individual.”

It was informed Aarogya Setu a mobile application has been developed by the Government of India that uses Bluetooth and GPS to inform you when you might possibly be at risk of exposure.

The users of the app shall be informed regarding risks, best practices and relevant advisories pertaining to the containment of COVID-19. This app, advisory said also helps people to assess themselves the risk for their catching the COVID-19 infection. The app is available for free on iOS and Android.   

The advisory urged religious leaders not to allow and carry any social ceremony including solemnizing marriages at religious places that can defeat the purpose of social distancing and make people vulnerable for COVID-19.

Stressing to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, advisory said in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly.

“People should call on the Covid-19 helpline No.s so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.”

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 dialing toll free No. 102.

With regard to personal hygiene, advisory stressed on frequent hand washing with soap and water and to observe, coughing and sneezing etiquettes.

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time and are urged to rely only on the information released by the government in this regard 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.

(Photos:UNI)