Nearly 2000 contacts of positive cases identified: Kansal

Jammu,02 April(HS): Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary Planning, Information and Government Spokesperson, today informed that as of today there are 62 positive cases of COVID 19 in J&K.

Giving the breakup of the figures at a press briefing, Kansal said 58 are active cases of which 48 are in Kashmir and 10 in Jammu division. “A total of 17041 cases are under surveillance so far. This is a dynamic process and while some cases who complete their period are being released for home quarantine, newer cases keep getting added as per contact tracing results,” he said.

He revealed that Jammu and Kashmir have also been testing cases aggressively and it was among the first to start testing locally through 4 testing centres. “Our testing rate has been nearly 77.5 per million, one of the highest in the country and next only to Kerala. We have decided to further increase it. To begin with, we plan to test every single one of the 2000 contacts that we have identified,” he said.

He repeated that there are 11 exclusive COVID 19 hospitals and administrative quarantine facility of over 35,000 beds and 2,400 earmarked treatment beds in Jammu and Kashmir to deal with any kind of situation.

He said that the health department has also started upgrading its manpower and equipment. “It has started re-engagement of retired professionals, consultants and will use every possible mechanism to ensure that there is no shortage of manpower. Similarly, it is procuring all essential material including masks, PPEs and ventilators,” he said.

The Government spokesperson said that the government is aware that there are a large number of citizens and residents who need support and assistance of various kinds. These include patients, students, migrant labour and other citizens.

He assured that adequate arrangements have been made for each group of people and the Resident Commission in Delhi has established a dedicated 24X7 helpline centre to assist students, patients or any other residents of J&K facing difficulties due to the lockdown.

He said that over 2800 calls have so been received so far on these numbers. “ Similarly helplines have been set up for labour and migrants both interstate Migrant labourers in J&K and migrant labourers of J&K stranded in various parts of the country (nearly 11000).

Over 300 calls have been received so far,” he said. “An amount of Rs. 1000 per registered construction worker was approved by the Govt on 25-03-2020. An amount of Rs. 11.915 crore has been disbursed till date among 119150 active registered workers,” he said.

He said that the position of supplies as on date is normal. “In order to maintain the supply line of all essential commodities, medicines, baby foods and other items, special arrangements have been made across the UT of J&K and especially at Lakhanpur.

Since the beginning of the lockdown up to 8 Am today morning 3483 trucks carrying essential goods containing fruit &vegetables(1114), Ration/food grains(1003), Milk(141), Eggs (138), Medicines (108), LPG (307), POL (94) etc. have entered J&K from Lakhanpur. In order to ensure uninterrupted farming and agricultural activities, Cattle feed/fodders (234 trucks), Fertilisers (19 trucks) and Poultry/sheep have also been allowed. On average, 800 trucks of essential supplies are entering J&K through Lakhanpur (Kathua) in 24 hours,” he said while giving details.