J&K tally mounts to 614 with 33 fresh infections
All new cases from Kashmir; 24 more patients recover
JAMMU/SRINAGAR: Thirty-three more people tested positive for Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, taking the total number of cases in the Union territory to 614, officials said.
All fresh cases were reported from the Kashmir valley— Anantnag, Budgam, Baramulla, Shopian and Srinagar districts— where the tally has risen to 556.
“33 new cases, all from Kashmir, reported. Also, 24 more patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals,” a government spokesperson said, adding that four patients recovered from Jammu division and 20 from Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Jammu district now has no positive cases. “All the reported 26 positive cases from the district have recovered. It is an indicative of being on the right course. Nevertheless, declaring Jammu district Covidfree will be premature. Need to carry this forward proactively, with caution,” said Jammu deputy commissioner Sushma Chauhan.
‘NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY, NEED TO BE ALERT’
Principal secretary and government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said the COVID 19 spread rate has significantly slowed down in
Jammu and Kashmir, even as there is no room for complacency and the situation demands extra watchfulness.
“We continue to have a number of red zones and we need to be alert. Premature exuberance or celebration can cost us dear,” Kansal told reporters here at a press conference.
He said the government will strengthen the surveillance system and procedure. “We are conducting a 100% health audit for J&K using Swasthya Nidhi App and the process is likely to be completed within next few weeks. We are also encouraging the use of Aarogya Setu App. So far, more than 8 lakh users have installed the App in the UT,” he said.
“We also have a number of students and labourers stranded outside the UT who have started returning back,” he said. Stating that there is no room for complacency, Kansal said adequate precautions are being taken while allowing them to enter the UT.
J&K ANNOUNCES ₹350CR RELIEF PACKAGE
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has announced ₹350 crore relief package for people affected by Covid-19 and lockdown, Kansal said. “The UT administration under the directions of the L-G has been implementing a number of welfare measures for labourers, workers, destitute, etc,” he said.