Coronavirus update: High probability of two positive cases in J&K, says official
1 min read 07 Mar 2020, 01:07 PM ISTBoth locals from Jammu had gone to the hospital for a check up on March 4They had travelled abroad recently to Iran and south Korea
PremiumSrinagar: A day after the Jammu and Kashmir adminstration declared that the union territory is coronavirus free, test reports of the two suspected patients from Jammu have indicated that both of them are high viral load cases.
"They have high probability of testing positive," officials said.
Both locals from Jammu had gone to the hospital for a check up on March 4, but had left after the samples were given.
They had travelled abroad recently to Iran and south Korea.
"Prompt action by the administration ensured that both were brought back to the hospital in a matter of just few hours," Dr Shafqat Khan, Nodal Officer Corona Virus Control, J&K told IANS
Both the suspected cases have been kept in isolation at Government Medical College Jammu.
"They are stable and all protocols are being followed," officials said.
Both cases had left hospital against medical advice and had to be brought back.
The J&K administration has taken several measures to ramp up efforts for prevention and control of COVID-19 in the union territory.
Trained staff has been mobilised and an isolation ward has been established.
Doctors have been deputed at medical centres across Kashmir. The J&K government has also deputed medical staff to screen foreigners at Srinagar airport.
The administration has appealed to the public to cooperate fully wherever quarantine is advised.
Officials have been tasked to ensure creation of adequate quarantine, isolation and other requisite facilities besides undertaking adequate measures for surveillance of home quarantined persons.
Dr Shafqat Khan, Nodal Officer, Coronavirus Control, told IANS, "7000 cases have been screened in J&K so far, 300 cases have been put under surveillance and 27 have been sent for testing to Delhi."
"The administration is planning to set up a laboratory in J&K so that samples are not sent outside and tests are conducted in the union territory to avoid time lapse," he said.
Primary schools shut in Jammu, Samba
In the wake of coronavirus threat the Jammu and Kashmir administration has ordered the closure of all primary schools in Jammu and Samba districts till March 31.
The government has also suspended biometric attendance till March 31.
Principal secretary planning, development, monitoring and J&K government Spokesperson Rohit Kansal, tweeted: "All primary schools in Jammu and Samba districts of J&K to be closed till March 31 with immediate effect. All biometric attendance in J&K to be suspended immediately till March 31."
"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels 🚀 Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.
