SUHAIL KHAN
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: As a precautionary measure against the spread of coronavirus, the health authorities in north Kashmir have set up isolation wards to ensure preventive measures in the region.
To meet any emergency a 13-bed isolation ward has been established in district hospital Baramulla, Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr. Syed Masood Bukhari told Kashmir Despatch. He said they have created isolation ward to quarantine suspected patients with symptoms of coronavirus. Dr Masood said his staff is also trained to deal with these patients. “No suspected cases have so far been reported from the district,” he added.
Dr Rudyeena head of isolation ward at Sopore Sub District speaking to Kashmir Despatch said: “We have set up a seven-bed isolation ward and kept beds ready for providing treatment to any suspected case of novel coronavirus infection.”
She said the ward was equipped with all facilities, including medicines, ventilator, and oxygen, to treat patients. However, Dr Rudyeena said they have not received even a single instance of a suspected case of coronavirus. “We hope we don’t get any.”
In the wake up of coronavirus outbreak, isolation wards have been set up in other hospitals as well in the northern region of Kashmir.
Giving details to this newspaper incharge officer Dr Abdul Dar of Handwara and Kupwara said in both towns 8-bed wards have been set up where a team of doctors is monitoring people having a travel history of coronavirus hit countries.
Dr Dar said 56 beds have been established in other blocks of Kupwara district. Dr Ahad further said that till date they have 144 people who have a travel history. He said all these patients are continuously being monitored and many have completed the quarantine period. Dr Dar however, said that no suspected cases have so far been reported from the district.
Chief Medical officer Bandipora Dr Tajamul told Kashmir Despatch, “In view of the spread of COVID-19, we have set up quarantine facilities across Bandipora District, Total 56 beds have been set up in parts of Bandipora in a bid to contain the coronavirus outbreak.”
Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a large family of viruses that causes illnesses ranging from the common cold to acute respiratory syndromes, but the virus that has so far killed thousands of people. The deadly virus that originated in China late last year, continues to spread around the world and has infected thousands of people also.
Meanwhile, as per the official health bulletin, 2615 people have been enlisted for observation so far in the entire Jammu and Kashmir.
It said 113 samples were taken across the union territory and so far three persons tested positive and 105 others tested negative for COVID-19. “Five test reports are awaited.”
Among enlisted persons for observation, it informed 2060 persons are kept in “home quarantine” and 28 in “hospital quarantine”.
230 persons, the government said, have completed their 28 days surveillance period.
A home quarantined person has been advised to stay in a well-ventilated single-room preferably with an attached/separate toilet. Besides, stay away from elderly people, pregnant women, children, and persons with co-morbidities within the household, the advisory said.
Home quarantined persons should also restrict his/her movement within the house and under no circumstances attend any social/religious gatherings like weddings and condolences.
The government also urged the general public to lend support to its efforts to strengthen surveillance mechanism by making self-declaration about their foreign travel history to health authorities. Moreover, all social, religious and political organisations are urged to avoid large gatherings.
The Government has 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 not to panic and take care of health and protect others.
“Public, in general, is advised to avoid unnecessary 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 water and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes,” the Government advisory added.
