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By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- Reassuring people that the Coronavirus situation in Jammu and Kashmir was under control, a senior government official on Wednesday said that strict measures will be put in place in case positive caseload continues to rise in the Kashmir Valley.
“Tourist season is set to begin in Kashmir and tourists from across the globe will visit Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Situation is yet under control and we closely monitor the situation, there is no need to panic, yes if the Covid caseload continued to increase, we will surely take strict measures as part of graded plan,” Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Budhuri said Wednesday.
He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function organized by the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK).
Bidhuri also appealed to people to wear face masks, avoid crowd gatherings and maintain social distance to avoid contracting the virus. He said people have to act carefully as prevention is the only weapon to combat COVID-19.
He also asked people to go for necessary testing and get them isolated in case they develop contagion related symptoms.
“People have to be extra careful as prevention is the only weapon to combat Covid-19. Those who develop symptoms should go for testing and immediately isolate themselves if test positive,” Div Com added.
Replying to a query reading progress of investigations into Gujarati conman case, Bidhuri said he cannot share any details as the probe into the case is underway.
“I am sorry, I cannot share any details as the investigations are underway” Div Com added.
Regarding the ongoing works under Srinagar Smart City project, Bidhuri said the situation would be better on the ground once Right Of Way (ROW) is cleared.
“We had initially set an April 15 deadline and then 20 more days were added for footpath sides, beautification, painting, and cycle tracks. Weather is not conducive for blacktopping. As soon as the weather improves, blacktopping will be done,” he said.
DHSK Urges People To Follow SOPs
The Directorate of Health Service Kashmir (DHSK) Wednesday appealed to people to follow Covid-19 guidelines meticulously to avoid contracting the deadly virus.
Talking to the media on the sidelines of a function here, Director Health Services, Kashmir Dr Mushtaq Rather said though positive cases have slightly increased but the situation was well under control. He also urged people not to panic at all.
He said all the CMOs, BMOs and Medical Superintendents have been directed to increase the rate of testing, which he said will reduce the spread rate.
“Cases have slightly increased and there is a mixture of H3N2 influenza and Covid-19, but we are on alert and there is no need to panic. If symptoms are developed, the patient needs to go for testing and get immediately isolated. This way treatment will be started and chances of spread will also decline,” Dr Mushtaq added.