Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir —
The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have confirmed the first case of COVID-19 in the Valley after a woman tested positive in Srinagar on Wednesday, while as three test reports are also awaited.
Principal Secretary Planning and J&K Government Spokesman Rohit Kansal announced the first COVID-19 positive case of Kashmir late Wednesday evening. In a tweet, he said, “First positive case in Kashmir- Khanyar, Srinagar. History of foreign travel.”
The patient, he wrote, had been put in isolation and surveillance had been started in 300m area around her residence. Her contacts have been directed to self-report any symptoms.
An official said the patient, a female, with travel history to Saudi Arabia had tested positive at SKIMS, a designated testing centre for COVID-19. She had arrived at Srinagar Airport two days ago.
Meanwhile, four samples have tested negative in Kashmir while three reports are awaited.
A man with the travel history of Italy was admitted to SKIMS today with acute respiratory symptoms. His sample was sent for testing and reports were awaited, Medical Superintendent Dr Farooq Jan said. 13 patients are currently admitted to the quarantine facility of the hospital.
At GMC Srinagar, 14 patients were admitted with similar complaints and travel history in the past four days. Dr S Saleem Khan, nodal officer of the medical college for COVID-19 said four samples, taken from patients yesterday, have tested negative while reports of two samples were awaited. “We have already discharged two patients who have improved,” he said. J&K has reported four cases with three positive cases in Jammu division till date.
All Travellers To Be Quarantined
As the count in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) reached four, the UT government appealed foreigners not to visit the Union Territory and warned that all visitors, including those coming from Ladakh, would be quarantined.
“We appeal to foreigners not to visit Jammu and Kashmir. All foreign tourists or visitors arriving in J&K will be quarantined, besides 100 per cent quarantine will also be enforced on all travellers coming from the Union Territory of Ladakh,” Kansal, the government spokesperson, told reporters in Srinagar.
Restrictions Imposed In Many Parts
With the confirmation of first COVID-19 case in the Valley, authorities have ordered for the imposition of strict restrictions so as to curb the spread of the virus.
The scenes of paramilitary forces laying barbed wires and barricades in many areas of Srinagar including Lal Chowk were witnessed early morning on Thursday.
“The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding the spread of any likely cases. Pl cooperate,” DC Srinagar tweeted earlier.
For all information and advisory on COVID-19 Coronavirus, please visit http://www.mohfw.gov.in/
