The Government Sunday informed that 14 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 106.According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19), out of 106 positive cases, 100 are Active Positive, 04 have recovered and 02 have died.Furthermore, till date 33503 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance which include 10981 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 619 in Hospital Quarantine, 100 in hospital isolation and 16237 under home surveillance. Besides, 5566 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.The Bulletin further said that till date 1551 samples have been sent for testing of which 1429 have tested as negative, and 16 reports are awaited till April 05, 2020.The Bulletin urged the general public to stay indoors, strictly implement social distancing measures, disclose recent travel history to COVID- 19 affected countries and report any contact with positive cases voluntarily.It also said that Indian Council for Medical Research has appealed to the General Public to refrain from consuming smokeless tobacco products and spitting in public places during the Covid epidemic. Further, it said chewing smokeless tobacco products (Gutkha, Paan masala with tobacco, Paan and other chewing tobacco products) and areca nut (supari) increases the production of saliva followed by a very strong urge to spit. Spitting in public places could enhance the spread of the Covid-19 virus.According to the advisory issued in the media bulletin, people are advised to take care of the mental health of children.“It is important to reassure your children whenever needed, listen to their concerns and try answering their queries related to the outbreak. Do not avoid their questions related to Covid-19 or speak to them harshly.
Make them understand that things will be better if we take proper care. Engage them in indoor activities to cut down boredom. Keep them in contact with their friends, cousins and loved ones by calling them up or through video calls.“Give them proper facts in a way that they can understand so that they do not remain confused, as this may increase their anxiety. Ensure that they have a regular habit of studying by giving them small assignments related to their lessons,” the advisory added.The advisory also called for taking special care of elderly persons by reminding them to practice hand washing as often as possible, making sure to tell them to cover their mouth and nose with bent elbow when they cough or sneeze.“Watch out for any symptoms of Covid-19 and reach out for medical help, if necessary. Make sure they eat healthy food and get good sleep,” it said.The general public is advised to avoid unnecessary visit to hospitals, in case anyone develops fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, seek medical advice promptly by calling on Covid-19 helpline numbers so that they can be provided correct medical advice and directed to the right health facility, if needed.The Bulletin informed the general public that in case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24x7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll free No. 108. Pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free No. 102.Furthermore 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, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 and 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division).With regard to personal hygiene, the advisory stressed on frequent hand washing with soap and water and to observe, coughing and sneezing etiquettes.Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time and are urged to rely only on the information released by the government in this regard through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.People are advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.