Weathering the storms in vicissitudes of time, Kashmir Horizon has been trying to do its bit in the field of print media. Thankfully, the newspaper, which hit the stalls on May 19, 2008 coursed through undulations of easy and tough times successfully so far. With the blessings of Almighty Allah and all those who constitute my team of contributors, the newspaper has carved out its space conspicuously on the horizon of Kashmir. Right from the beginning my attempt has been to cleave to the principle of making journalism prevail intrinsically to a level affordable. Though the paper has sailed through challenging times, it has yet miles to go in keeping with a real professionalism. More than the satisfaction “Kashmir Horizon” has given me with regard to news stories which we publish, the newspaper has attracted a host of writers who now write for it. ……    As we complete 14 years of sustained publication and step into the 12^th year of existence, we look forward with excitement and energy. We are ready for the leaning the curve that the changing technology of the “now” generation will demand of us. This is a big challenge but we believe that challenges often become opportunities for institutions to grow fast and strong. Indeed it gives me immense delight to see the newspaper surviving till this day despite titanic challenges. In the face of multiple challenges the contemporary times throw for print media; it is difficult even for big print media outlets to counter challenges which are so sapping and quivering.  We live in a digital age. Newspapers have already started shrinking in terms of circulation. In such a milieu if a small newspaper survives a vagary of time, it means manifestation of audacity on part of the owner who puts at stake everything to run the publication. It needs courage to run a newspaper because it is not a profit making venture. Running a newspaper is inviting a perennial pain, and invisible tribulations to serve others. When the motive is so then one must muster courage to endure the pain for serving others. But everyone wants to progress and I am not an exception. Should the print media survive for the time to come, is the question to ponder over. The role the newspapers have had played is so pivotal that one cannot wink eyes at it. If it is perceived that print media is giving way to a digitalised era and has reduced to a status of insignificance, holds no water.  Print media will not dwarf if the government will allow it to run with freedom and will not un-couch its mainstay to survive.   In Kashmir running a newspaper is not an easy task. The uncertainty in situation dampens what one otherwise wants to do in spirits. One has to be ready with the autumn to get inflicted on the hopes of spring when everything seems budding and green. But I am prepared for  this all to serve my bit.  I cannot claim the newspaper has progressed apace and created an echelon where I want to take it. It is not so easy. Our valued readers have acknowledge the fact that on each occasion we have integrated the new with the old and converted it into a win-win situation for the readers by providing them the latest news, views and visuals and for us by garnering readership. We find that the explosion of news and views on every new platform——24×7 live TV, Internet news sites, face book, twitter, blogs and online comments—–has only helped make newspapers more relevant. Readers depend on newspapers to make sense of all the cacophony, filter and present the fragmented picture in a sober and fuller manner. TV depends on the print medium to promote its programs. Online achievement and apps benefit from the newspaper coverage. We can say with quite pride that when something goes viral in Kashmir, the readers learn of it through “The Kashmir Horizon”. Since last 10 ten years  “The Kashmir Horizon” has retained its position as fast growing newspaper in Jammu & Kashmir and this 14  year old English daily launched on the slogan “Newspaper that envisions people’s empowerment” has grown stronger as the “people’s paper” month after month and year after year. I was fortunate that I launched this newspaper under the kind guidance of my beloved father and it was for this reason that I have been deriving this inspiration to continue the newspaper with a huge gusto. As the scenarios change and evolve in Jammu & Kashmir, “The Team Kashmir Horizon” is trying to translate its slogan “newspaper that envisions people’s empowerment “into a reality. While strictly trying to remain “witness to change” the credibility of our reports and opinion columns helped us to build a broad and loyal readership across Jammu & Kashmir. Our reporters report without fear or favour. We weigh facts and try our best to provide readers with accurate and reliable information in a context that empowers them. We are entertaining but we are importantly “witness to change” and while committing that “The Kashmir Horizon” is a newspaper which envisions peoples’ empowerment, we try our best to give voice to voiceless. In all ways we are driven by the interests of our readers. On the eve of completing 12 years of sustained publication we reassure our readers that we will never compromise editorial integrity under commercial pressures. The fascinating eleven year long journey of “The Kashmir Horizon” has made it a household companion across Kashmir, yet this is only the beginning. We look forward to the journey ahead with the continuing affection and support of our readers. Lastly I compliment the editorial and management teams of “The Kashmir Horizon” for their untiring efforts in taking this English daily “The Kashmir Horizon” to the doorsteps of our valued readers every morning without fail. Thank you all on the eve of 12 years of the sustained publication of the English Daily “The Kashmir Horizon”. No better occasion than the completion of 12 years of the sustained publication of the English Daily “The Kashmir Horizon” can be for me to convey it to our valued readers that we treasure the relationship we couldn’t have done without each and every one of you and hope that the untiring efforts of “The team Kashmir Horizon” will be encouraged in future also to lift this newspaper to new horizons in Jammu & Kashmir. I hope all my efforts to prove obdurate in determination will not  come a cropper. I pray for an unflagging courage and my firm faith in this regard.  Things cannot be prophesied and situations cannot be predicted when it comes to running a newspaper in places like Kashmir. But the only thing which makes one audaciously counter the challenges  is to flaunt steadfastness in running a newspaper in a balanced way.

Shafqat Bukhari

Editor-In-Chief

The decision was taken as a part of the Covid Containment measures after a detailed assessment of the present Covid scenario in the UT done by the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and members of Covid Task Force during a series of meetings with Deputy Commissioners, SSPs, and other concerned officers.

During the meetings, the Lt Governor sought District-wise feedback on important aspects of Covid management system pertaining to testing, impact of corona curfew, hospital referral system, functionality of oxygen generation plants, availability of Covid dedicated beds, daily trend of Covid cases, recovery rate etc.

The meetings also discussed the way forward for tackling the spread of the corona virus more effectively.

Stressing on bringing uniformity in the patient care system across J&K, the Lt Governor called for coordinated efforts from all the stakeholders to contain the spread of the deadly virus. Work as a unit to achieve favourable results. Together we can overcome the challenges, the Lt Governor told the officers.

While taking District-wise status of the impact of restrictions on level of transmission, the Lt Governor noted that the restrictions have shown positive results.

Emphasizing on intensifying vaccination drive, the Lt Governor set the timeline of 10-days for achieving the target of 100% vaccination of the above 45 years age group with the first dose of Covid vaccine.

Laying special emphasis on full utilization of new Medical Colleges, the Lt Governor asked the concerned officers to ensure that people living in adjoining areas of Medical colleges must go to these health institutions for treatment.

Operationalization of ventilators by the trained manpower in Medical colleges should be ensured, besides the capacity of Covid dedicated beds must be increased gradually, maintained the Lt Governor.

Take comprehensive measures to ensure testing, active case detection and contact tracing, and early hospitalization wherever required for saving precious lives. Saving the life of every citizen of Jammu & Kashmir is our top priority. All the resources and funds are being made available to tackle Covid pandemic. Everyone needs to work unitedly to save lives, the Lt Governor asked the officers.

On utilization of Covid Care Centres, the Lt Governor asked the concerned officers to reach out to the patients in home isolation, besides rural population where home isolation is not feasible, and encourage the patients to shift to these facilities. Ensure the availability of all the required facilities in these Covid Care Centres for better care of patients, added the Lt Governor.

Taking note of the rise in positive cases in rural areas, the Lt Governor directed the health department to intensify testing in rural areas and other urban localities with high positivity rate.

Terming ASHA and Anganwadi workers as the frontline warriors in rural areas, the Lt Governor laid emphasis on strengthening surveillance by Home to Home teams for identifying suspected cases.

While taking district-wise stock of distribution of Covid kits, the Lt Governor passed specific directions for speeding up the process, besides distribution of Covid kits among the people with Covid symptoms after recommendation of doctors.

On Tele-medicine facilities, the Lt Governor directed the health department to ensure that facilitiy is in place and is functional in every district.

After detailed deliberations and inputs from various concerned officers, the meeting decided to open Mughal Road to facilitate the movement of trucks carrying fruits, and seasonal migration of Gujjar-Bakerwal community.

The Lt Governor asked the Health Department to constitute a committee of top health experts which shall submit its report in a time bound manner suggesting measures to deal with future health emergencies and third wave of corona virus.

On issuance of passes during the restrictions, the Lt Governor instructed the Divisional Commissioners to ensure that passes facilities are being available in every district to facilitate the movement of people. Deputy Commissioners are empowered to issue Curfew movement passes, he added.

Speaking on Oxygen availability in J&K, the Lt Governor observed that the capacity and availability of medical oxygen in the UT has been increased significantly. In coming days, more oxygen generation plants are coming up in J&K which will further add to the present capacity, he added.

The government is aiming to achieve the desired goal of having oxygen generation plants in all Government Medical Colleges soon, the Lt Governor maintained.

Clear-cut assessment of additional requirements for installation of new oxygen plants must be done to ensure the functioning of these plants soon after their installation, observed the Lt Governor.

Senior officers must show decent behaviour while ensuring strict enforcement of restrictions. Punitive action must be taken against those indulging in hoarding of medicines and their black-marketing, maintained the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor reiterated the directions issued for completion of the payments under MGNREGA, on priority basis, besides ensuring continuous extension of benefits of various beneficiary oriented schemes.

The Lt Governor also appreciated all the concerned officers, frontline health workers for putting up determined efforts in the fight against Covid pandemic.

Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Sh. Dilbag Singh, DGP; Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Sh. Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education; Sh. Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Sh. Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Government Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Sh. Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary H&UDD; Sh. Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Sh. Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Sh. Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department; Sh. Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Deputy Commissioners and SSPs, attended the meeting, in person and through virtual mode.

Moreover, 3814 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 1063 from Jammu Division and 2751 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 236790 positive cases, 52001 are Active Positive, 181762 have recovered and 3027have died; 1371in Jammu division and 1656 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 7850973test results available, 7614183 samples have been tested as negative till 14thMay, 2021.

Till date 1950539 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 71854 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 52001 in isolation and 119379in home surveillance. Besides, 1704278 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 56795 positive cases (including 379 cases reported today) with 9813 Active Positive, 46326recovered (including 1248cases recovered today), 656 deaths; Baramulla has 17657 positive cases (including 124 cases reported today)with 3877Active Positive, 13562recovered (including 342 cases recovered today), 218 deaths; Budgam reported 15440 positive cases (including308 cases reported today)with 4144 active positive cases, 11148 recovered (including 150cases recovered today), 148 deaths; Pulwama has 10175 positive cases (including 167 cases reported today)with2443Active Positive, 7601recovered (including 233 cases recovered today)and 131 deaths; Kupwara has 9114 positive cases (including 140 cases reported today), 1784 Active Positive, 7215recoveries (including 97 cases recovered today), 115 deaths; Anantnag district has 11160 positive cases (including 97 cases reported today)with 4018 Active Positive, 7010recovered (including 242 cases recovered today), 132 deaths; Bandipora has 6717 positive cases (including100 cases reported today), with898Active Positive and 5746 recoveries (including 76 cases recovered today),73 deaths; Ganderbal has 6736 positive cases (including 98cases reported today)with 1137Active Positive, 5537 recoveries (including 47 cases recovered today)and62deaths; Kulgam has 7372 positive cases (including 72 cases reported today)with 3295 Active Positive, 4000recoveries (including218 cases recovered today)and 77 deaths while as Shopian has 4347 positive cases (including 31 cases reported today),1237active positive cases, 3066 recoveries (including 98 cases recovered today)and44 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 42976 positive cases (including 534 cases reported today) with 7693 active positive cases, 34503recoveries (including 408 cases recovered today), 780 deaths; Udhampur has 8487 positive cases (including 221cases reported today), 1528active positive cases, 6868 recoveries (including246 cases recovered today)and91 deaths; Rajouri has 7589 positive cases (including 138 cases reported today)with 3124active positive, 4351recoveries (including 74 cases recovered today)and 114 deaths; Doda has 4559 positive cases (including 40cases reported today) with 811Active positive, 3675 recovered (including 04 cases recovered today)and 73 deaths; Kathua has 6967 positive cases (including 197 cases reported today), 1577 active positive cases, 5299recovered (including 196 cases recovered today) and 91deaths; Kishtwar has 3461 positive cases (including 48 cases reported today)with 374 Active Positive, 3061 recoveries (including 71 cases recovered today)and26 deaths; Samba has 5357 positive cases (including 154 cases reported today)with 1821 active positive cases, 3456 recoveries and 80 deaths; Poonch has 4019 positive cases (including 61 cases reported today) with 1039 active positive, 2925 recoveries (including 26 cases recovered today)and 55 deaths; Ramban has 3513 positive cases (including 52 cases reported today)with718 active positive cases, 2756 recoveries and 39 deaths while Reasi has 4349 positive (including 66 cases reported today)with 670 active positive cases, 3657 recoveries (including38 cases recovered today)and 22 deaths.

According to the bulletin, among the total 236790 positive cases in J&K, 20842have been reported as travelers while 215948 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin added that there are 2512 COVID dedicated beds, 2251 Isolation beds with 819vacant beds and 261 ICU beds where 76 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2848 COVID dedicated beds, 2715 Isolation beds where 1127 beds are vacant and 133 ICU beds where 73are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 5360 COVID dedicated beds, 4966 Isolation beds with 1946 beds vacant and 394 ICU beds with 149vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.

The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal https://esanjeevaniopd.in/. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.

Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.

Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.

As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.

The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).

The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc. properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 16.59 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.

Public is advised 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.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.

Moreover, 2995 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 1228 from Jammu Division and 1767 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 233763 positive cases, 52848 are Active Positive, 177948 have recovered and 2967have died; 1332in Jammu division and 1635 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 7819421test results available, 7585658 samples have been tested as negative till 13thMay, 2021.

Till date 1943876 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 80929 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 52848 in isolation and 127948in home surveillance. Besides, 1679184 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 56416 positive cases (including 872 cases reported today) with 10687 Active Positive, 45078recovered (including 928cases recovered today), 651 deaths; Baramulla has 17533 positive cases (including 228 cases reported today)with 4098Active Positive, 13220recovered (including 219 cases recovered today), 215 deaths; Budgam reported 15132positive cases (including288 cases reported today)with 3987 active positive cases, 10998 recovered (including 150cases recovered today), 147 deaths; Pulwama has 10008 positive cases (including 262 cases reported today)with2511Active Positive, 7368recovered (including 151 cases recovered today)and 129 deaths; Kupwara has 8974 positive cases (including 186 cases reported today), 1744 Active Positive, 7118recoveries (including 63 cases recovered today), 112 deaths; Anantnag district has 11063 positive cases (including 304 cases reported today)with 4166 Active Positive, 6788recovered (including 51 cases recovered today), 129 deaths; Bandipora has 6617 positive cases (including118 cases reported today), with875Active Positive and 5670 recoveries (including 68 cases recovered today),72 deaths; Ganderbal has 6638 positive cases (including 92cases reported today)with 1087Active Positive, 5490 recoveries (including 35 cases recovered today)and61deaths; Kulgam has 7300 positive cases (including 165 cases reported today)with 3443 Active Positive, 3782recoveries (including66 cases recovered today)and 75 deaths while as Shopian has 4316 positive cases (including 70 cases reported today),1304active positive cases, 2968 recoveries (including 36 cases recovered today)and44 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 42442 positive cases (including 624 cases reported today) with 7589 active positive cases, 34095recoveries (including 723 cases recovered today), 758 deaths; Udhampur has 8266 positive cases (including 282cases reported today), 1557active positive cases, 6622 recoveries (including 141 cases recovered today)and87 deaths; Rajouri has 7451 positive cases (including 227 cases reported today)with 3060active positive, 4277recoveries (including 97 cases recovered today)and 114 deaths; Doda has 4519 positive cases (including 82cases reported today)with 776 Active positive, 3671 recovered and 72 deaths; Kathua has 6770 positive cases (including 157cases reported today), 1579 active positive cases, 5103 recovered(including 156cases recovered today) and 88deaths; Kishtwar has 3413 positive cases (including 80 cases reported today)with 397 Active Positive, 2990 recoveriesand26 deaths; Samba has 5203 positive cases (including 107 cases reported today)with 1670 active positive cases, 3456 recoveries and 77 deaths; Poonch has 3958 positive cases (including 94 cases reported today)with1008active positive, 2899recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today)and 51 deaths; Ramban has 3461 positive cases (including 43 cases reported today)with668 active positive cases, 2756 recoveries (including 10 cases recovered today)and 37 deaths while Reasi has 4283 positive (including 75 cases reported today)with 642 active positive cases, 3619 recoveries (including94 cases recovered today)and 22 deaths.

According to the bulletin, among the total 233763 positive cases in J&K, 20786have been reported as travelers while 212977 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin added that there are 2397 COVID dedicated beds, 2136 Isolation beds with 780vacant beds and 261 ICU beds where 83 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2723 COVID dedicated beds, 2590 Isolation beds where 1007 beds are vacant and 133 ICU beds where 66are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 5120 COVID dedicated beds, 4726 Isolation beds with 1787 beds vacant and 394 ICU beds with 149vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.

The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal https://esanjeevaniopd.in/. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.

Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.

Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.

As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.

The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).

The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc. properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 16.59 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.

Public is advised 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.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.

Moreover, 2855 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 1070 from Jammu Division and 1785 from Kashmir Division.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 220546 positive cases, 49951 are Active Positive, 167813 have recovered and 2782have died; 1210in Jammu division and 1572 in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 7689823 test results available, 7469277 samples have been tested as negative till 10thMay, 2021.

Till date 1918562 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 87062 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 49951 in isolation and 133234in home surveillance. Besides, 1645533 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 53835 positive cases (including 701 cases reported Monday) with 11148 Active Positive, 42065recovered (including 723cases recovered Monday), 622 deaths; Baramulla has 16567 positive cases (including 163 cases reported Monday)with 3888Active Positive, 12467recovered (including 303 cases recovered Monday), 212 deaths; Budgam reported 14262positive cases (including343 cases reported Monday)with 3650 active positive cases, 10468 recovered (including 202cases recovered Monday), 144 deaths; Pulwama has 9137 positive cases (including 135 cases reported Monday)with2248Active Positive, 6767recovered (including 95 cases recovered Monday)and 122 deaths; Kupwara has 8536 positive cases (including 187 cases reported Monday), 1713 Active Positive, 6713recoveries (including 94 cases recovered Monday), 110 deaths; Anantnag district has 10328 positive cases (including 134 cases reported Monday)with 3771 Active Positive, 6436recovered (including 72 cases recovered Monday), 121 deaths; Bandipora has 6306 positive cases (including65 cases reported Monday), with763Active Positive and 5474 recoveries (including 127 cases recovered Monday),69 deaths; Ganderbal has 6355 positive cases (including 76cases reported Monday)with 976Active Positive, 5323 recoveries (including 66 cases recovered Monday)and56deaths; Kulgam has 6666 positive cases (including 254 cases reported Monday)with 3018 Active Positive, 3576recoveries (including103 cases recovered Monday)and 72 deaths while as Shopian has 4026 positive cases (including 60 cases reported Monday),1127active positive cases, 2855 recoveriesand44 deaths.

Similarly, Jammu has 40595 positive cases (including 658 cases reported Monday) with 7630 active positive cases, 32279recoveries (including 444 cases recovered Monday), 686 deaths; Udhampur has 7679 positive cases (including 137cases reported Monday), 1410active positive cases, 6192 recoveries (including 183 cases recovered Monday)and77 deaths; Rajouri has 6786 positive cases (including 170 cases reported Monday)with 2636active positive, 4051recoveries (including 33 cases recovered Monday)and 99deaths; Doda has 4166 positive cases (including 34cases reported Monday)with472Active positive, 3623 recovered(including 12 cases recovered Monday) and 71 deaths; Kathua has 6169 positive cases (including 146 cases reported Monday), 1393 active positive cases, 4699 recovered(including 119cases recovered Monday) and 77deaths; Kishtwar has 3198 positive cases (including 11 cases reported Monday)with 230 Active Positive, 2942 recoveriesand26 deaths; Samba has 4890 positive cases (including 158 cases reported Monday)with 1704 active positive cases, 3117 recoveries (including 111 cases recovered Monday)and 69 deaths; Poonch has 3691 positive cases (including 57 cases reported Monday)with 857 active positive, 2785 recoveries (including 78 cases recovered Monday)and 49 deaths; Ramban has 3273 positive cases (including 50 cases reported Monday)with683 active positive cases, 2555 recoveries (including 15 cases recovered Monday)and 35 deaths while Reasi has 4081 positive (including 75 cases reported Monday)with 634 active positive cases, 3426 recoveries (including75 cases recovered Monday)and 21 deaths.

According to the bulletin, among the total 220546 positive cases in J&K, 20510have been reported as travelers while 200036 as others.

The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.

The bulletin added that there are 2347 COVID dedicated beds, 2086 Isolation beds with 866vacant beds and 261 ICU beds where 80 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 2737 COVID dedicated beds, 2619 Isolation beds where 985 beds are vacant and 118 ICU beds where 70are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 5084 COVID dedicated beds, 4705 Isolation beds with 1851 beds vacant and 379`ICU beds with 150vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.

The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal https://esanjeevaniopd.in/. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.

Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.

Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.

The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.

As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.

The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”

In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.

People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).

The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc. properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 16.59 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.

Public is advised 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.

People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time.

JAMMU: Corona Curfew imposed in all 20 districts of J&K till 7 am on Monday, May 10, 2021 is extended further by 7 days till 7 am on Monday, May 17, 2021. The curfew will be strict except for a few essential services.

Further, the gathering permissible for marriages is reduced to 25 only w.e.f. Sunday, May 09, 2021.

These decisions were taken during a high-level meeting of Covid Task Force chaired by Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha after a detailed assessment of the district-wise Covid scenario and containment measures required to control the spread of the deadly virus.

The meeting was informed that 10 additional Oxygen generation plants are coming up in J&K soon with the intervention of the Central Government. The Lt Governor asked the concerned functionaries to prioritize the completion of all civil and other auxiliary works so that early functioning of these oxygen plants can be ensured.

Most of the big Covid care Government hospitals in J&K now have their own oxygen generation plants. The upcoming oxygen plants will add to the capacity of oxygen availability in the UT, observed the Lt Governor.

In order to break the transmission chain of the virus, it was decided that 50 % of staff in Government departments would attend offices as per duty rosters and their movement would be strictly through passes during the Corona Curfew.

Decision was also taken to establish two more Triage centres, one each in both the divisions to facilitate Covid patients.

While noting that early diagnosis of the infection has a better survival rate, the Lt Governor asked the Health Department to intensify the testing so that affected patients can be identified and treated accordingly. He called for communication with the public for cooperation and further directed for focusing on vulnerable groups for testing and vaccination.

The Lt Governor asked the Divisional Commissioners to conduct extensive exercise of house to house screening and Covid-19 status verification for identifying the vulnerable population through dedicated teams at the local level.

Emphasizing on optimum utilization of technological interventions and reaching out to the people with medical facilities through Tele-medicine, the Lt Governor directed the concerned officers to ensure that Tele-medicine facility is available for public in Medical Colleges and other tertiary care hospitals and asked them to spread awareness regarding the availability of doctors for Telemedicine facility along with their contact numbers.

A comparative analysis was also done during the meeting to get a clear picture of the District-wise level of Transmission rate registered during pre-Corona Curfew and Corona curfew days. It was noted that the restrictions have yielded some favourable results in containing the spread of Corona virus, especially at the community level.

The police department was directed to ensure strict enforcement of restrictions in areas with a high number of positive cases.

The Lt Governor also took an overview of the progress being made for establishing the 500-bedded Covid facility, one each in Srinagar and Jammu by DRDO team, besides enhancing the capacity of Covid care facilities by the Army.

Following the directions passed by the Lt Governor in previous meetings on enhancing the bed capacity in J&K, Sh. Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education informed that oxygen support beds are being increased in the Hospitals across the UT, in a phased manner by prioritizing the high patient load hospitals.

He also gave a detailed overview of Covid situation in J&K including Trends of daily cases, testing & positivity percentage; Covid testing capacities; case fatality rate; recovery rate; weekly cases per million population; District wise level of transmission; Tests done in last 7 days; Age-wise Deaths Audit; Contact tracing etc.

It was informed that a total of 76,04,448 COVID tests have been performed in the UT with 3000 Tests per million population per day on an average.

During the meeting, participants also gave their valuable suggestions for effective Covid management in the UT.

BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Sh. Dilbag Singh, DGP; Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Sh. Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Sh. Mukesh Singh, ADGP; Sh. Pandurang K Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Sh. Vijay Kumar, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; and Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, Mission Director, NHM participated in the meeting, in person, and through virtual mode.