According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 3260 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 307 are in hospital quarantine.

Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 2163 while as 735 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.

The Bulletin further said that 588 samples have been sent for testing of which 542 tested as negative while as 8 reports are awaited till March 29, 2020.

Urging people to stay calm and not to panic, the advisory said Government has undertaken aggressive contact tracing and testing campaign to detect Covid-19 positive cases for taking necessary preventive measures for containment of spread that is why the number of confirmed positive cases is increasing.

Giving the details about Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package and Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19’, advisory said it will provide an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh for ninety (90) days to public healthcare providers, including community health workers, who may have to be in direct contact and care of COVID-19 patients and who may be at risk of being impacted by this pandemic.

On account of the unprecedented situation, private hospital staff/ retired/ volunteer/ local urban bodies/contract/daily wage/ ad-hoc/outsourced staff requisitioned by States/ Central hospitals/autonomous hospitals of Central/States/UTs, AIIMS & INIs/ hospitals of Central Ministries can also be drafted for COVID-19 related responsibilities. These cases will also be covered subject to numbers indicated by MoH&FW, GoI.

Appealing people to lend their support in fighting the disease, the advisory called for strict implementation of social distancing measures, disclosure of travel history to covid-19 affected countries / areas and reporting any contact with positive cases voluntarily. “People are therefore urged to stay inside their homes and take the lockdown seriously and uphold the instructions laid out by the government in a coordinated effort to protect themselves, their families & people in general,” reads the advisory.

Public is advised to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly. “People should call on Covid-19 helpline numbers and inform about their health condition along with any recent travel or contact history 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 24×7 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.

Similarly, people can also call toll free national helpline number 1075; J&K Covid-19 Helpline Numbers 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581(For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19).

Stressing on need to avoid un-necessary travel, advisory urged public not visit crowded places and avoid large gatherings, not to spit in public. People must also take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes.

Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and to 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.