Uptick in J&K cases, officials blame travellers

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a slight uptick in Covid-19 cases in the past one week with 94 fresh cases coming to fore on Tuesday, highest daily number in the past one month, taking the total cases to 1,26,019. The death toll reached 1,955 with one death in Kashmir.

Officials said that the slight increase in cases in past one week is owing to higher positivity among those visiting the region, including tourists.

“Many travellers are testing positive. We have become cautious and are taking preventive measures,” said director health Samir Mattoo.

Total 22 positive cases were reported from Jammu division and 72 from Kashmir, including 47 travellers.

“At the airport, we are doing RAT testing and will be starting RT-PCR for those with symptoms. Those tested will not be allowed to move out of airports till the reports come back,” he said.

Total 62 more patients recovered and were discharged including 25 from Jammu and 37 from Kashmir.

The officials said 1,23,298 people have recovered in the UT so far, taking the recovery rate to 97.84%. Now there are 766 active cases while the total number of tests conducted in the UT crossed 50.62 lakh.

A total of 1,230 people have succumbed to the disease in Kashmir and 725 in Jammu.

February has recorded just 19 deaths so far while January witnessed 53 Covid fatalities in the UT.

ON TUESDAY, A TOTAL OF 22 POSITIVE CASES WERE REPORTED FROM JAMMU DIVISION AND 72 FROM KASHMIR