Series of awareness programmes were held across north Kashmir’s district Bandipora to inform masses about the coronavirus outbreak, symptoms, preventions and precautions.The main awareness program was held at Town Hall Bandipora. Chief Medical Officer Bandipora Dr Tajamul Hussain was chief guest on the occasion while Nodal officer Dr Nabeel and Tehsildar Bandipora Rouf Iqbal was also present on the occasion. Similar awareness prgrams were also held at Aloosa, Hajin, Ajas, Sumbal and other tehsil headquarters.Experts on the occasion stressed on taking preventive measures including covering nose and mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing and washing hands with soap and water especially after coughing.The newly identified Coronavirus called 2019-nCoV has been spreading in China, and has now reached several other countries claiming many lives.Experts said that Novel Coronavirus is an Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) and Influenza like illness and caused by a new type of Coronavirus. Experts pointed out that the virus is large family virus with some causing less severe disease such as common cold and others more severe diseases including MERS and SARS.CMO Bandipora asked the audience not to panic and said that awareness is important to take precuationary measures. He said the sufficient arrangements have been put in place in the hospitals of the district and 4-bedded separate wards have been designated in Sumbal and District Hospital Bandipora.He said all other majors have been taken in terms of supplies, equipment as also steps being taken for the capacity building of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) to deal with the cases of coronavirus. He said Dr Nabeel, Epidemiologist has been designated as the nodal officer and has been assigned to coordinate regarding matter.He informed that a control room has also been established in the district and public has been asked to call the control room on 01957-225024 and 9419010752 in case of any exigencies.He appealed passengers who have a travel history to China or South East Asia since 1st January 2020 to come forward for self-reporting to the call the control room or visit the nearest health facility if they experience any symptoms such as fever, cough and respiratory distress.