COVID19 surge: J&K jacks up testing at airports, railway stations

SRINAGAR:   Jammu and Kashmir government has jacked-up testing at airports and railway stations amid reports of a surge in the COVID cases in different parts of the country.

Every passenger entering Jammu and Kashmir is being tested at the airports. More than 3000 tests are being conducted at Srinagar airport every day.

All foreigners have to undergo Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) tests, while Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) is being conducted on domestic travelers at the airport.

“We conduct tests of every person landing at the airport. Not even one person can leave the airport without a test. We conduct RTCPR for international travelers and RAT for domestic passengers. More than 3000 tests are conducted every day by our team at the airport,” said Dr. Gazala Nazki, in-charge testing at Srinagar international airport.

All those tested positive on RAT are sent to home isolation if they are asymptomatic. “Asymptomatic travelers are asked to stay in home isolation after they test positive. We sent samples for RTPCR to SKIMS,” said Dr. Gazala.

Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department told The Kashmir Monitor that testing has been increased at different entry points across the union territory.

The drive comes at a time when the tourist season is all set to start in Kashmir. Officials said there is a possibility of huge arrivals in Kashmir this year.

 “We are continuing our tests vigorously at airports, railway stations, and bus stations.  Those who test positive but are asymptomatic are sent to home isolation. The asymptomatic tourists who test positive will be put under isolation in hotels or any other place they are staying,” he said.

Jammu and Kashmir has 125341 positive cases. Of whom 622 are active positive and 122768 have recovered. The death toll has reached 1951. Of whom 725 have died in the Jammu division and 1226 in the Kashmir division.

Till February 14, 1218505 persons have been enlisted for observation. They include 33973 persons in-home quarantine, 622 in isolation, and 105985 in-home surveillance. Besides, 1075974 persons have completed their surveillance period.

To date, 4846627 test results are available. Of which 4721286 samples have tested negative.