The number of Covid-19 positive cases is Kashmir rising in Kashmir with authorities ramping up the testing of the persons suspected to have the disease. On Sunday 14 new coronavirus cases were reported. The administration has already many areas in J&K as red zones and buffer zones to focus its efforts on these areas. This approach of isolating some areas helps the government to limit the spread of virus. However, the infections have grown in the Valley much more than they have in Jammu. While Kashmir has more than 88 cases, Jammu has just 18.
Does it mean that Kashmiris travel more outside the country than the Jammuites? It may not be true but many Kashmiris happened to be in the countries where coronavirus had already made inroads. For example, a significant number was in Saudi Arabia for Umrah and so many others were in Iran which has been swept up by the virus. Besides, there were some who happened to attend the now contentious Tabhligi meet in New Delhi and are believed to have contractor the infection there. One of them, a cleric from Hyderpora unfortunately lost his life. Now administration has asked religious leaders to avoid gatherings. They have also been barred from organizing social ceremonies like solemnizing weddings.
Mercifully, there have only been two deaths so far, and many people have recovered. However, it will be a long time before infections abate. As of now, more Covid-19 cases are coming to light everyday, a result of increasing rate of testing that has reached now around 150 tests a day. So, in coming days the number may only grow. And each new positive case sets authorities on a hunt to trace his contacts. This, in turn, strains the already fragile healthcare system. But there is no option but to press on with the testing and identify the carriers of the virus and their trail.
Government is now augmenting its testing facilities. Healthcare Services Kashmir has trained 52 laboratory technicians for collection of samples for testing of Covid-19 suspected cases in red and buffer zones. This, in time, will not only help authorities to find the positive cases but also identify the clusters where the virus has spread. Here’s hoping that the government is able to isolate all the infected and their contacts in the near future. This will enable the healthcare professionals to flatten the curve and eventually control the spread of the deadly disease. It is a long haul. But here’s hoping that the infections are limited to only those with travel history and there is no community transmission. Besides, it is not the fight alone of the government. All of us have to pitch in.
Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now
Be Part of Quality Journalism |
Quality journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce and despite all the hardships we still do it. Our reporters and editors are working overtime in Kashmir and beyond to cover what you care about, break big stories, and expose injustices that can change lives. Today more people are reading Kashmir Observer than ever, but only a handful are paying while advertising revenues are falling fast. |
| ACT NOW |
| MONTHLY | Rs 100 |  |
| YEARLY | Rs 1000 | |
| LIFETIME | Rs 10000 | |
