JAMMU, MARCH 27: The Government today informed that 5763 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance and, so far, 18 cases have tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir (16 active positive, 01 recovered and 01 death).
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 3136 persons have been kept under home quarantine (including facilities operated by Govt.) while as 169 are in hospital quarantine.
Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 1877 while as 581 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.
The Bulletin further said that 423 samples have been sent for testing of which 400 tested as negative. The bulletin further stated that 05 reports are awaited till March 27, 2020.
Meanwhile, 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.
Furthermore a 24×7 toll free national helpline number 1075 has been activated for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on novel coronavirus disease. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also set up helpline numbers in this regard: 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell for J&K), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division).
According to government advisory, people are urged to take the lockdown seriously and uphold the instructions laid out by the government in a coordinated effort to protect themselves and their families by staying in homes.
The government has advised the General public that in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly. “People should call on Covid-19 helpline No.s 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. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19,” the advisory reads.
The government has also urged public to implement Social Distancing measures as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected to those who are not infected. The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.
Further, the Government has appealed people to not panic and take protective measures to protect yourself and your loved ones.
“Public in general is therefore advised to avoid un-necessary travel & use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gatherings, do not spit in public. People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing & sneezing etiquettes,” the Government advisory added.
The advisory also calls upon the general public to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government in this regard through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media. Furthermore, people are advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.