J&K records 280% jump in coronavirus cases in 12 days

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a resurgence in coronavirus cases, with the Union Territory recording a 280% jump in infections over the last 12 days.

As many as 425 infections were reported between June 15 to 26 against the 111 cases logged between June 3 and June 14. Around 60% of the cases were recorded in the last five days alone, official health data has revealed.

Asking people not to panic, Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) director Parvaiz Koul said residents should exercise caution, use masks and wash their hands frequently.

“The situation is not worrisome as the positivity rate so far is not that high. However, lowering our guard and not following Covid guidelines may cause the situation to deteriorate,” Koul , a prominent researcher in infectious diseases and pulmonologist, said.

No fresh wave predicted: Expert

Koul said modelling studies from credible institutes such as the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington do not predict any fresh Covid wave in the

immediate future for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

“However exercising caution will be beneficial to prevent an upsurge in cases. The positivity rate among the tested samples is not high and the authorities are keeping a close watch on situation,” he said.

Rise in positivity rate

The region conducted 1,20,480 tests from June 3 to 14, while 1,19,743 tests were conducted between June 15 and 26. The test positivity rate between June 15 and 26 increased to 0.35% from 0.09%.