Returned from China, 5 Kashmiri students confirm negative: Div Com
RAQEEB BHATT/IRSHAD FAYAZ
SRINAGAR, Feb 7: One hundred and seventy beds in isolation wards have been setup in the major hospitals including few district and sub-district hospitals across the Kashmir valley to cater to any eventuality arisen after Coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak.
The Coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak has been declared a global health emergency by World Health Organisation (WHO) after it seems to be unstoppable and incurable sofar.
With its epicenter in Hubie province of China, the dreaded virus has engulfed over 20000 people across the globe especially in China and has lead to the death of 426 people sofar. About 150 cases have been reported in 23 countries worldwide.
Dr Samir Mattoo, director health services Kashmir, has advised people not to panic about this dreadful situation.
Talking to Kashmir Despatch, Dr Mattoo said: “We are fully prepared to tackle any kind of eventuality. 170 beds have been setup in special isolation wards in major hospitals of Kashmir valley including few district and sub-district hospitals.”
He said that some 15 students of Jammu and Kashmir who returned from China were thoroughly examined first at Delhi airport and later at Srinagar airport. “They all turned up negative to any of the symptoms of Coronavirus. Presently they have been kept under constant monitoring in their respective homes.”
He further added that in case the government came to know about any person showing symptoms of this virus, his or her blood sample will be sent to national institute of virology, Pune for a thorough examination.
While the health authorities in Kashmir seems to have geared up to meet any kind of eventuality, the divisional level administration is also on toes and is constantly monitoring the situation.
Baseer Ahmad Khan, divisional commissioner told Kashmir Despatch, “Local Imams and Panchayat representatives have been entrusted to take responsibility of making people aware about the spread of this virus and the precautions to be taken accordingly. Special ambulances, ample stock of masks have also been kept ready as a precautionary measure.”
He added that special teams, task forces have been setup across Kashmir valley especially at the airport, railway stations and also on highway to monitor the passengers and avoid any untoward situation.
When asked about the J&K residents who are stranded in China and there evacuation plans, if any, he responded that information is being sought from district head quarters about the people who have got stuck in China.
“This information has been sought for their evacuation and steps are being taken in that direction. There were 36 students who were stuck in Hubei, China out of which five have returned and have shown negative to Coronavirus. They are still being monitored in their homes.”
He added that Kashmir has no positive case of Coronavirus as of now. “The people of Kashmir are once again requested not to panic and take preventive measures in light of the advisories issued by the health department.”
