Coronavirus: Schools closed in Jammu and Samba

SRINAGAR — J&K administration has ordered the closure of schools in Jammu and Samba after reports of two patients were received, suggesting a high probability of testing positive.

Principal Secretary, Planning and Monitoring and Information Rohit Kansal said that all primary schools in Jammu and Samba districts have been ordered to be closed immediately till March 31.

“Test reports of the two suspected patients from Jammu have been received. Both high viral load cases. There is a high probability of testing positive,” Kansal, who is also the spokesman of the government, said.

He said that schools have been closed as part of precautionary measures as all protocols are being followed by the administration.

Meanwhile, a senior officer of the administration said that biometric attendance has been suspended till the end of this month. The step follows concerns by many over the use of biometric attendance.

According to the administration, 230 people who had travel history to countries where there is a high prevalence of COVID-19, many test reports have been taken and none of them tested positive in Kashmir so far. Five people have been kept in isolation at SKIMS Soura.

The government has said it was in a state of alertness to deal with any threat emerging due to Coronavirus.

On Wednesday, the government announced the COVID-19 control efforts and as part of it, the administration made Bhupinder Kumar (IAS), Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), as the Overall Incharge of the Coronavirus control efforts at the Union Territory level.

Kumar has been asked to work under the supervision of the Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department, J&K.

“Dr Shafqat Khan designated Nodal Officer, shall work under the supervision of Overall Incharge Coronavirus control efforts (Mission Director, NHM),” reads an order issued in this regard by the government.

At the Divisional level, respective Divisional Commissioners shall be the overall Incharge of Coronavirus control efforts and shall be assisted by the respective Directors of Health Services.

At the District level, the order said, Deputy Commissioners shall be the Incharge of Coronavirus control efforts to be assisted by the respective Chief Medical Officers.

For the Control of Coronavirus, the Apex, Divisional and District level officers have been asked to ensure detection at the Airports, Railway Stations and other entry points; create adequate quarantine, isolation and other requisite facilities and take adequate measures for surveillance of home quarantined persons.

They have been asked to take all other measures required for effective control of Coronavirus.

So far, no positive case has been found in the Union Territory and according to Rohit Kansal, the situation is being closely monitored.

“UT of J&K is in a state of alertness. The surveillance for this virus has been increased ever since the first advisory was issued by the Government of India on 2nd February 2020,” Kansal said addressing reporters in Jammu on Tuesday.