Another big surge in J&K as 19 succumb to virus in a day

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday witnessed biggest single-day spike of 19 deaths and 704 fresh Covid-19 infections, taking the total number of positive cases in the Union territory to 34,480, officials said.

Officials said 15 people succumbed to the disease in Kashmir and four in Jammu division.

Earlier, the biggest single-day spike of 17 fatalities was recorded on July 30. The death toll in the UT has risen to 657— 603 in Kashmir and 54 in Jammu division till date. Majority of deaths have been reported in July and August so far. As many as 276 persons have died in July alone and 276 people died from August 1 to 26.

Also, 599 more people were cured and discharged from various hospitals, taking overall recoveries to 26,193 which accounts for 75.9% recovery rate. Active cases stand at 7,630.

A government spokesperson said 126 people were discharged in Jammu division and 473 in

Kashmir. Of the total, 20,291 were cured in Kashmir while 5,902 in Jammu division.

As many as 509 people tested positive in Kashmir, including 48 travellers, while 195 cases were reported from Jammu, of which 48 were travellers. Of the total numbers of positive cases in J&K, 6,171 have been reported as travelers, a spokesperson said.

In Kashmir, the highest jump in fresh cases was witnessed in Srinagar where 198 more people tested positive followed by Budgam at 64 and Pulwama at 55. In Jammu division, the highest number of 98 cases was reported in Jammu district.

TWO VAISHNO DEVI PILGRIMS TEST +VE

JAMMU: Two Vaishno Devi pilgrims from Jammu region have tested positive at Katra, officials said on Wednesday. “Two pilgrims— one from Akhnoor in Jammu district and another from Samba were found infected during the rapid antigen test at Katra. They have been quarantined at a facility,” he said.