With 2,030 cases, J&K clocks highest daily surge
SRINAGAR: With 2,030 fresh cases, Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday reported the highest ever novel coronavirus infections since the outbreak, which took the Union territory’s case tally to 1,50,238.
With eight Covid-induced fatalities — three in Kashmir and five in Jammu — the total death toll reached 2,071, health officials said.
Of the new cases, 1,086 cases are from Kashmir while 944 are from Jammu. So far, 77 people have lost their lives to the disease this month.
For the last eight days, the UT has recorded over 1,000 cases. J&K had recorded an all-time high of 1,698 daily cases on September 12, 2020.
Officials said with 647 cases, Srinagar had the highest number of new infections, followed by 501 in Jammu district, 143 in Reasi ( including 124 travellers) , 136 in Baramulla and 119 in Budgam. Kupwara is the only district, which reported cases in single digits. The number of active cases, which has been rising steadily, reached 13,470, officials said.
Lockdown ruled out in Kashmir
The divisional administration on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of imposing a lockdown in Kashmir amid a surge in coronavirus cases saying the situation does not warrant such measures.
Amid rising cases, medical experts say there has been no change in the strain or mutation in the virus in the Valley.
Kashmir divisional commissioner Pandurang K Pole said, “Keeping in mind the state of our economy, the administration does not think that lockdown is needed in the current situation. Maybe in future, if the situation worsens.” Pole was flanked by director health Mushtaq Ahmad Rather and Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences director AG Ahangar among other officials and health experts.
Pole said that the situation in Kashmir was not that serious but the need of the hour was to respond timely with extra precautions and preparations. He said 80,000 out of around 90,000 cases in Kashmir had recovered with a 91% recovery rate. “We have 7,300 positive cases and 1,297 deaths, which is a 1.47% death rate. Srinagar has recorded 37% of these deaths. Around 28 lakh test have been conducted, of which 20 lakh are reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 7.27 lakh were RAT ( rapid antigen tests),” he said.
In level 1 (tertiary care) and level 2, Kashmir has 1,500 beds available, of which hardly 30% are occupied. “We have been further increasing the bed strength,” he said.
“In 37 of the Valley’s hospitals, we have either oxygen plants available or which will become functional in a few days. We have tied up with oxygen suppliers and non-medical oxygen supply has been banned,” Pole said. He said Kashmir’s testing average was more than the national average. “The national average is 1.9 lakh tests per million population but in our region we conducted 3.6 lakh tests per million,” he said, adding that 10% of Kahmir’s population had been vaccinated.
Amarnath Yatra to go ahead as planned
Observing that 30-40% of Kashmir’s economy is dependent on tourism, hospitality and allied sectors, the divisional commissioner said a tentative road map was being prepared for managing tourist inflow amid Covid surge and also the upcoming Amaranth yatra.
“I think Jammu and Srinagar are the only two airports where arrivals are tested. Around 4,000 to 5,000 visitors are tested per day. The positivity ratio among new arrivals is not much but still we get 40-60 cases daily. The positivity rate among coming tourists is less as compared to local residents who are returning,” he said.
On the Amarnath Yatra, he said, “Right now, we are continuing with preparations. Around 30,000 service providers in Ganderbal and Anantnag have been identified and will be vaccinated so that the spread is less if Yatra commences. As the situation evolves, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.
KASHMIR HAS 1,500 BEDS AVAILABLE, OF WHICH HARDLY 30% ARE OCCUPIED, SAYS DIV COM
SKIMS director says shortage of Remdesivir, Div Com refutes claim
Ahangar said they had been facing shortage of Remdesivir for the past couple of days, a claim which was refuted by Pole.
“The only difficulty that we have been facing for the last two days is the non availability of one of the vital drugs Remdesivir. As you know the demand has increased across the world due to the second wave . We are no exception,” Ahangar said.
Pole retorted, “On Remdesivir, the situation is definitely not as serious as told by ‘ director sahab’. Hardly 10% patients kept in Covid care are given Remdesivir after their ECGs are done. A critical patient needs five doses while less critical patients need less. The medicine is available is sufficient quantity in Kashmir, including Srinagar. Its stock has also arrived today,” he said.