The Government today informed that 3330 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation and, so far, only four cases have tested positive in Jammu and KashmirAccording to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 2465 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 44 are in hospital quarantine.Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 416 while as 405 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.The Bulletin further said that 186 samples have been sent for testing of which 178 tested as negative and only four cases have tested positive, so far while as four reports are awaited till March 20, 2020.Meanwhile, a 24x7 toll free national helpline number 1075 has been activated for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on novel coronavirus disease. The government of Jammu and Kashmir has also set up helpline numbers in this regard: 0191-2549676(UT level Cell for J&K), 0191-2520982(Jammu Division),0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581(Kashmir Division).The government has appealed that any person with travel history to COVID-19 affected countries or person in contact with such a traveller, whether they are having symptoms or not, must remain in 14 days home quarantine.
If any person feels unwell having cough, fever or difficulty in breathing that person should avoid exposure to others and seek medical care at the earliest.The Government has also urged the general public to maintain social distancing as it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are 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 Government advisory said.Further, the Government has appealed people to not panic and take care of health and protect others.“Public in general is advised to avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport. Avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gatherings, do not spit in public. People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent handwashing with soap and observing coughing and sneezing etiquettes,” the Government advisory added.The advisory also calls upon the general public to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the Government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.