No need to panic: Kansal
*100% declaration at airports to continue
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 7: All systems are required to be maintained in absolute state of high alert to contain the spread of coronavirus in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam said this during a detailed review of the preparations made and measures put in place for containment and management of the coronavirus infection, through video-conference, today.
Financial Commissioner, Health, Principal Secretary, Planning/ Civil Aviation, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir/ Jammu, All Deputy Commissioners, Director, National Health Mission, Principal GMC, Srinagar/ Jammu, MD, Medical Supplies Corporation, Director, Health Services, Kashmir/ Jammu and other senior officers from the Administration and Health Department attended the video conference.
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In the meeting, Financial Commissioner, Health briefed the Chief Secretary with respect to the arrangements and measures in place to mete out the coronavirus situation in the Union Territory. He informed that highest level of alertness is being maintained through proper checks at the airports, where 100% declaration is being strictly made to be followed, while as health desks have been put in place at railway stations where announcements for public awareness are being regularly made. He said the road checks at the two entry points at Lakhanpur in Kathua and Qazigund in Anantnag, besides check post at Katra are in place to carry out check on influx of people with history of foreign travel, contact or symptoms.
It was informed that existing Bio-Safety labs at GMC Srinagar and SKIMS can be upgraded to be used for testing Coronavirus cases. Chief Secretary asked Financial Commissioner, Health to prioritise and facilitate setting up of testing labs both in Jammu and Srinagar.
Emphasising, that 100% declaration needs to continue at the airports, Chief Secretary asked Principal Secretary, Civil Aviation to liaison with airlines and ensure inflight announcements and distribution of self-declaration forms so as to facilitate screening of passengers at the airports. He also asked Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to have a Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) counter at Jammu Airport as well.
To step up vigil at the railways stations, Chief Secretary directed Deputy Commissioners, Jammu and Reasi to have 24×7 health desks, besides volunteers on platforms to carry out random checks on passengers. He also asked DC Reasi to liaise with CEO SMVDSB to ensure fool proof measures at the shrine where large influx of people is expected in coming Navratras.
While reviewing isolation and quarantine capacities for confirmed and suspected cases, Chief Secretary asked both the Divisional Commissioners and DCs to identify buildings or locations that can be utilised for such purpose to have adequate number of beds in place for the purpose. He directed DCs to have atleast 25-30 bedded quarantine facilities in each district.
Chief Secretary directed all Deputy Commissioners and health functionaries to have detailed surveillance plans prepared in advance to have effective contact tracing and surveillance, if need arises.
Meanwhile, dispelling apprehension about any major emergency with regard to Coronavirus, Government said that it is monitoring and reviewing the situation closely and there is no need to panic.
Addressing a press conference, Principal Secretary, Planning, Development & Monitoring Department, Rohit Kansal, who is also the Government Spokesperson, said that Government is monitoring and reviewing the situation closely, even as elaborate arrangements have been made to handle the situation.
“The Government strongly urges all social, religious and political organizations to avoid large gatherings. We are grateful that many organizations have responded to our advice and deferred such gatherings,” he informed further.
He further urged citizens, especially those with travel history to affected countries such as China, Iran, Italy etc to self declare immediately and to report to the nearest Government health facility about any symptoms.
Responding to media queries, he said that there is no shortage of safety masks or any other equipment.
He reiterated that entire administrative machinery is fully geared to handle any challenges on this count and there is no need for any panic.
“However, we reiterate that citizens must take basic precautions such as hygiene, hand washing, respiratory etiquette. They must also report any symptoms to the medical authorities immediately,” he added.
Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director Information & Public Relations; Bhupinder Kumar, Mission Director NHM; Dr. Shafqat, Nodal Officer, Corona virus, UT J&K were also present on the occasion.
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