Monitor News Bureau
Srinagar, Mar 22: Samples of six suspected coronavirus cases have tested negative in Kashmir even as six more persons were admitted to isolation facilities in Chest Diseases hospital on Sunday.
Nodal officer for virus control at SKIMS, Dr G H Yatoo SAID that three test reports were received including that of a contact of COVID-19 patient who was admitted to SKIMS hospital on late Saturday evening.
Dr Yatoo, who is also HoD hospital administration of SKIMS, also informed that no person was admitted on Sunday at the isolation facility set up at the tertiary care hospital.
Meanwhile Head of the Department CD Hospital Srinagar Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said that six more persons with symptoms like coronavirus were admitted to the isolation facility set up at the hospital.
He said that three sample reports were received and all of them came to be negative.
So far, only one person, a 67-year-old woman from Srinagar’s Khanyar area, has tested positive for the virus in Kashmir Valley. The number of such patients in Jammu is three.
Meanwhile, the Government in its daily bulleting informed that 3938 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation.
Of them, 2727 persons have been kept under home quarantine while 59 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 690 while as 462 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
It said that 240 samples have been sent for testing of which 229 tested came out to be negative and only four cases have tested positive, so far while as seven reports are awaited.
The government has appealed that any person with travel history to COVID-19 affected countries or person in contact with such a traveller, whether they are having symptoms or not, must remain in 14 days home quarantine. If any person feels unwell having cough, fever or difficulty in breathing that person should avoid exposure to others and seek medical care at the earliest.
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 when possible,” 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 un-necessary travel and use of public transport. Avoid un-necessary 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. (With inputs from GNS)
