The Government Thursday informed that 356 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period and, so far, only four cases have been tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir.According to the daily Media Bulletin on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), 3146 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance while as 2337 persons are under home quarantine. Persons who are in hospital quarantine stand at 34 and 419 persons are under home surveillance.Further, the Bulletin said that 156 samples have been sent for testing, of which 144 tested as negative and only four cases have tested positive, so far while as reports of eight cases are awaited till March 19, 2020.According to the media bulletin, public is emphasised on the implementation of Social Distancing measures as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected to those who are not infected. The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others when possible, the bulletin said.The bulletin stressed that there is no need to panic, take care of your health and protect others. “Public in general is therefore advised to avoid un-necessary travel & use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gatherings, do not spit in public. People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing & sneezing etiquettes. If anyone has fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical care at the earliest,” the bulletin reads.The bulletin advised public to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time. According to the bulletin, people are urged to rely only on the information released by the government in this regard through the daily media bulletin to print & electronic media.
The bulletin also gave the Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) Helpline numbers for public: 1075 (Toll Free MoH&FW, GoI), 0191-2549676 (UT level Cell for J&K), 0191-2520982 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581(For Kashmir Division).