Healthcare workers participate in a Covid-19 mock drill at JLNM hospital in Srinagar. KO photo by Abid Bhat
By Majid Nabi
Srinagar- As coronavirus cases continue to show a surge in Jammu and Kashmir for the last two weeks, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) Thursday said the situation is being closely monitored, and that the necessary guidelines will be notified, if the number of cases continues to swell.
DHSK ascribed the abrupt and steep increase in Covid-19 instances to the carelessness of individuals, who, in spite of being well aware of the outcome, take Covid proper behavior for granted.
Talking to Kashmir Observer, DHSK spokesman, Dr Mir Mushtaq Ahmad said the virus might be different but the guidelines are the same, which have to be followed in letter and spirit.
He said although the hospitalization rate in J&K is low at the moment, the situation might worsen, in case people continue to flout the guidelines.
“Yes the negligence of people in re-adopting Covid -19 appropriate behavior is the sole reason for resurgence. People have to be extra careful and follow guidelines in letter and spirit. Situation is being closely monitored and fresh guidelines will be issued if the number of cases continues to swell,” DHSK Spokesman added.
When asked that Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri recently said that stringent measures will be followed in case the caseload continues to rise in J&K, he said the UT administration follows center’s instructions and that the authorities would take a call in this direction if need arises.
The DHSK spokesman further said that crowd gathering, use of face masks is the only weapon to combat the deadly Covid -19 and that the virus could be contained, if people follow the guidelines meticulously.
“We appeal to the people not to take the contagion for granted. J&K has witnessed several waves in the past and are well aware of the consequences. Now it’s for the people to decide whether they want to overcome the situation or not,” Dr Mushtaq said.
It may be in place to mention that the Secretary Health and Medical Education (H&ME), Bhupinder Kumar recently said the majority of patients undergoing genome sequencing are tested with the highly contagious XBB1.16 sub-variant of the Omicron virus.
He said the Covid -19 cases have steadily increased in Jammu and Kashmir for the last one month and that the administration is fully prepared to tackle any eventuality that might arise in the future.
Secretary H&ME urged people to adopt Covid appropriate behavior meticulously to avoid contracting the virus.
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