Positivity rate comes down to 3.2 % from peak 15.1%: DC Shopian

Shopian: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shopian Sachin Kumar Vaishya Saturday said that strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs and other containment measures besides aggressive testing, contact tracing and vaccination has played key role in bringing down positivity rate and restricting the number of deaths during second wave of Covid-19 in the district.
Sharing details regarding Covid-19 situation, the DC said that the positivity rate has shown a steep decline from peak 15.1 percent to 3.2 percent till date. He said decline in the positivity rate is a result of active cooperation of the general public including the business/ transport community with the District Administration as they have followed all the necessary Covid related guidelines.
The DC informed that about 108497 RAT and RT PCR Covid tests have been done so far in the district, active positive cases are 1066 at present, recovery rate is 79.2 percent and COVID-19 related deaths are 56 with Case Fatality Rate of 1.03 percent.
Though visible decline in Covid positive cases has been observed but need of an hour is to be extra cautious, by following Covid Appropriate Behaviour with added responsibility and commitment so that our district enters into the green zone, he said.
Regarding recent Unlock directions, the DC said this is a minimal Unlock and ease in the restrictions does not mean to violate Covid-19 SOPs. He reiterated his appeal to the public to follow strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols and ensure proper wearing of masks, maintaining social distance and hand hygiene to contain the spread of virus and save lives. He also urged people to avoid unnecessary movements.
With regard to the ongoing Covid-19 Vaccination process, Vaishya informed that the administration has already identified high risk / vulnerable groups like Physically Challenged Persons, Widows, Labourers, drivers, street vendors etc and vaccination shall be done on priority once vaccine consignment is received.
He said vaccines are our only chance to get protected against COVID-19 and we cannot afford to abstain from getting vaccinated. He urged people of 45 years above age who have already received 1st dose to go for 2nd dose.
Similarly, on the directions of Lieutenant Governor, the district administration has setup Covid Care Centres in all 98 Panchayats of the district equipped with Oxygen Concentrators, Oximeters and other necessary medical equipment besides Medical and Paramedical staff has also been deployed to these CCCs to manage and contain the Covid-19 effectively in rural areas, said the DC.