Category: Union Territory

Minor siblings are grandchildren of Srinagar lady who was tested positive earlier

Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): Two minors were tested positive in Srinagar for deadly Coronavirus, taking the total toll to 11 with one death in the Valley, officials said on Thursday.

According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Jammu and Kashmir government spokesman, Rohit Kansal informed through a tweet that two minors,  both grandchildren of Srinagar positive case who was tested positive, have been tested positive today.

Kansal said that two siblings including  including seven-year-old and eight-months-old have been tested positive today. Both are  the grand children of Srinagar positive case who had arrived Kashmir from Saudi Arabia and was tested positive earlier.

KINS Desk | Kashmir Indepth

Srinagar, March 26 (KINS): At a time when Jammu and Kashmir administration is implementing lockdown in letter and spirit with Kashmir reporting its first death due to Covid-19, J&K Bank Chairman Thursday made a fervent appeal to its customers not to create rush in Banks and ATMs to maintain social distancing.

He also said that they have formulated a strategy and have directed the branch heads not to allow rush in Banks.

“In view of the Covid-19, People need not to worry about cash dealing whether it is to deposit or withdrawal. Bank will continue to ensure that their customers have access to funds either directly or electronically. But yes we urge people to come one by one to Banks and maintain social distancing.” J&K Bank Chairman R K Chibber told Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) over phone.

He said that the bank is implementing guidelines of the government in letter and spirit and that branch heads have been asked not to allow unnecessary rush in the banks.
He appealed people to be responsible and understand the gravity of the situation.

“All ATMS are being and have been sanitized across J&K especially in the Valley. I suggest people should take full advantage of net banking, which has been made easier for the customers,” he said.

“We have provided sanitizers to all the ATM guards across J&K to keep ATMs clean. People should not panic and enjoy the banking with their bank.” Chibber maintained.
It is to mention here that as the number of coronavirus cases in the country continues to rise, anxiety is prompting some people to make emergency preparations like withdrawing the cash in bulk from the Banks and ATMS.

However when it comes to cash there are those who also worry that the cash itself could be a source for transmission. (KINS)

In order to control the spread of Covid 19, Awantipora Police today arrested fourteen persons who were offering zuhar prayers in Gade Mohalla Masjid Awantipora despite clear orders of District Magistrate Pulwama as well as various announcements made by Awantipora Police for offering prayers at home only.

Today during patrolling police found 14 persons have assembled at Gade Mohalla Masjid for prayers.

No sooner they came out of masjid sharif they were arrested and taken to Police Station for legal action.

Case FIR number 38/2020 under section 188,270 IPC stands registered at Police Station Awantipora.

People of Police District Awantipora are requested to follow various Government advisories to control the spread of Covid 19 . People are also requested to stay at their respective homes & offer prayers at their homes.

Srinagar, March 26: Former Deputy Chief Minister Muzzafar Hussain Beigh today visited SKIMS for routine health check-up.

Safeena Beigh, wife of Muzafar Hussain Beigh informed the KNS that it was a routine medical checkup.

Medicos say Yes; Family refutes. Div Com orders probe

Srinagar, Mar 26, KNT: Shortly after the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir ordered inquiry into the alleged mishandling of Covid-19 patient case who died on Thursday morning at CD Hospital Srinagar, a medico wishing anonymity said that the patient kept the doctors in dark and never revealed his significant travel history.

The doctor told KNT “We have closely and keenly studied this case.

Patient arrived Srinagar on 16 March while he visited at SKIMS on Saturday, 21 March.

The patient inorder to attend a religious event organized by a Tableegi Jamat visited Malaysia. After returning from Malaysia he visited different States of India and finally arrived at the Tableegi Centre at Nizamuddin Auwlia in New Delhi.

There he had been in touch with some foreigners who were also part of Tableegi Jamat and belonged to countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Italy, and France. It’s there where he probably developed Coronavirus like symptoms.

The from Delhi he landed in Srinagar, reached his home at Anwar Shah Colony Hyderpora, Srinagar. He offered Friday congregational prayers and at that time he was completely sympatientomatic. He was coughing and suffering from flu and fever.

Being an inhabitant of Sopore and inorder to attended a some religious event which in Tableegi Jamat terminology is termed as ‘Jod’ he travelled to Sopore.

Despite himself being sympatientomatic, the patient declared there that Coronavirus is not for them and they won’t get infected by this virus. He even led prayers there and interacted with a religious group that had come from another place.”

“After spending two to three days in Sopore he rushed back to his Hyderpora, Srinagar based residence and was having active sympatientoms of COVID-19.

Staying in his home, when he felt breathlessness, one of a doctor Doctor namely Dr. Zafar brought him to JVC Bemina hospital.

He was at JVC for only two hours; the reason is that he concealed his travel history. The patient completely concealed his travel history and didn’t reveal that he had been to Malaysia, different states of India and had contacts with some foreigners. Doctors conducted his X-Ray after finding him ill and suffering from viral pneumonia. On the same day he was shifted to SKIMS, Srinagar. This patient while looking for Consultants, stayed at Medicine Ward where at least three doctors were exposed.

He showed X-Ray to the Consultants but again he concealed his travel history when asked about it only on insistence, the patient revealed that he had been in Delhi and on that basis the doctor decided to admit him general ward and not in Covid-19 Isolation Ward, because the doctors believed he has no significant travel history.

But the family of the patient refused to get him admitted and took the patient home and give him some antibiotics,” he said.

He further added that next day when the condition of the patient at home deteriorated, he was taken to Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar. “Again at CD Hospital, the patient concealed travel history. For two days, the patient and the family were concealing the travel history at CD Hospital. His samples were collected after doctors found the patient is suffering from acute viral pneumonia and the COVID-19 result was found positive. It is was only after the final result, the doctors found that the patient had significant travel history.”

The medico said due to negligence of the patient almost 40 people including 7 doctors have been exposed and quarantined.

Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has asked Additional Commissioner Kashmir Tasaduq Hussain Mir to enquire into the matter.

An order issued by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir reads:

“Principal SKIMS Medical College-Hospital Bemina vide his communication No. SKIMS-MC-PS/2020/39g dated: 25-03-2020 has submitted a report indicating therein that a 65-year-old patient, resident of Hyderpora Srinagar who reported to Casualty of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina on 21-03-2020 at 08:30 AM alongwith his travel history was found to be a COVID-19 suspect.”

It reads that the report further reveals that the patient who was later tested positive for COVID-19 has not been handled as per the protocol required for treating such patients.

“The order further reads that knowing the travel history of the patient and observing the sympatientoms of the patient, the Hospital Administration has not brought it into the notice of Divisional/District/Police authorities when he left the hospital without getting admitted.”

As per the order the patient has been given ample time to spread the virus by intermingling with the public and relatives. “The negligence at the hands of Hospital Administration has resulted in a lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.

In view of the above, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina and Head of the Department, Chest Medicine SKIMS Bemina are hereby called to explain their position forthwith, the order states.

It also reads; in meanwhile, Tassaduq Hussain Mir (KAS) Additional Commissioner Kashmir shall enquire into the matter for exemplary action against these officers under rules.

The Divisional Commissioner has sought enquiry report within two days. He has also directed the Hospital Administration to assist the enquiry officer in the culmination of the enquiry.

Meanwhile, a post purportedly posted by family of the patient on social media that is viral claims that the patient was not having any international travel history.

THE VIRAL POST READS:

On 18th March I had a discussion on phone with the senior specialist of SKIMS about the patient and revealed his travel history, his advice was medication and isolation although I was of the opinion to screen the patient in view of travel history but was refused.”

“So I kept the patient in quarantine, managed at home. As the patient was not improving we took him to JVC on 21 March and again revealed the travel history and on the basis of travel history he was referred to SKIMS for COVID-19 screening. So we took him to COVID-19 clinic where we again revealed the travel history in detail and resident doctor discussed the case with the seniors who advised home quarantine and medication although I requested them to screen him for COVID-19 but was refused in view of no international travel (as was the guidelines that time)”

“I then met a senior doctor at SKIMS, and requested him to screen the patient but was again refused because the patient did not have international travel, however he offered us admission or management at home in view of CORONA-19 problem in hospital. So, I took a decision to manage at home but he was deteriorating at home once I saw him next morning. So, I again called the senior specialist on 22nd March morning when he advised me to take him to JVC as we are busy with CORONA drill.”

“I was absolutely helpless so I took him to SMHS Hospital where again I revealed the travel history, so on the basis of travel history they suspected COVID-19 and the Resident Doctor had a discussion with his senior consultant about the symptoms and travel history which is all documented and was referred to CD Hospital.”

“I am very thankful to CD Hospital where he was urgently admitted and kept in isolation and screening for COVID-19 done the same day. He was the most pious person in our family.” (KNT)

Muazin’s should give prayer call, people must offer Zuhr prayers at home, only three people living in vicinity of masjid should offer prayers for rest of days’

Srinagar, March 26 (KNO): Kashmir’s Grand Mufti Nasirul Islam on Thursday said that Kashmir is heading towards a disaster and there should be no Friday prayers in any masjid of shrine in Kashmir tomorrow as “we are heading towards a disaster.”

Talking to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Islam said tomorrow, there should be no Friday congregational prayers in any masjid or shrine across Kashmir. “We are heading towards a disaster,” he said. “My humble appeal to people of including Imams and Khateebs and managing bodies of all masjids and shrines across Kashmir is not to hold/organize Friday congregational prayers. It is for our safety and Islam allows it.”

He said there should be no violation of the directions issued by him. As far the mandatory five times prayers a day, Mufti said that only three people including the Muazin of masjid should offer five times prayers in the masjid, rest of people should offer prayers at home given the way pandemic is spreading in Kashmir—(KNO)

Admin Orders Probe Against SKIMS Medical College Bemina; Silent Against SKIMS Soura

Srinagar, March 26 (GNS): An elderly, who unfortunately become first casualty of novel coronavirus in Kashmir Valley, had reported to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College Hospital Bemina as well as SKIMS Soura four days before he was actually admitted to CD Hospital, documents in possession of Global News Service (GNS) revealed.

The Patient Registration Card (SKIMS Soura No: 1688142) of the 65-year-old, a resident of Hyderpora who originally hails from Sopore, mentions his travel history: “traveled to Andaman Islands on February 15 and returned to Srinagar. Srinagar to Delhi (March 5), Delhi To UP (March 8), UP to Jammu (March 16).”

The doctors had advised him quarantine, maintaining hygiene and avoid social gathering. However, the questions that are being raised now is why the sexagenarian was not moved to quarantine when doctors suspected him to be a strong suspected case of coronavirus and allowed him to move. Prior to visiting SKIMS Soura, Kashmir’s tertiary care hospital, the elderly had visited SKIMS Bemina and mentioned entire details including travel history and the people he met during the travel.

The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole on Wednesday (March 25) ordered an inquiry into possible negligence by concerned at SKIMS Bemina, underling it has led a “lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.” However, the inquiry order does not encompass SKIMS Soura where the elderly had visited on the same day with patient registration card showing that he had visited the better-equipped hospital around 12 noon on March 21.

The inquiry order, a copy of which lies with GNS, states that Principal SKIMS Medical College, Hospital Bemina, vide his communication (No. SKIMS-MC-PS/2020/399) on 25-03-2020 had submitted a report, indicating therein that the 65-year-old reported to Casualty of SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina on March 21 at 08:30 AM alongwith his travel history and that he was found to be a “COVI019 suspect”.

The report also revealed that the patient who was later tested positive for COV1D-19 has not been handled as per the protocol required for treating such patients.

Despite knowing the travel history of the patient and observing his symptoms, the Hospital Administration did not bring it into the notice of Divisional, District and Police authorities when he left the hospital without getting admitted, it noted.

“The patient has been given ample time to spread the virus by intermingling with the public and relatives,” the Divisional Commissioner noted, adding, “Negligence at the hands of Hospital Administration has resulted in a lot of confusion and vulnerability amongst masses.”

Taking all aspects into the consideration, the divisional commissioner Kashmir has asked Medical Superintendent SKIMS Bemina and Head of the Department, Chest Medicine SKIMS Bemina, “to explain their position forthwith.”

“In the meantime, Tassaduq Hussain Mir (KAS), Additional Commissioner Kashmir shall enquire into the matter for exemplary action against these officers under rules,” the order states.

The inquiry officer has been asked to submit the report within two days positively. “Besides, Hospital Administration shall assist the enquiry officer in culmination of the enquiry,” the order adds. (GNS)

—

Global News Service (GNS)
Magarmal Bagh, Srinagar, (J&K)
*Phone: 0194-2480152, 9419049145
*Email: [email protected]

Islamic Scholars say only family members must offer funeral prayers after wearing proper kits, Grave to be dug 8 feet deep, says Health Expert, close relations must wear protective gear

Srinagar, March 26: With Kashmir registered first Covid-19 dead, the guidelines from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have strongly stressed that there should be no bathing, kissing, hugging and reciting of verses while as body should be transported in a secured bag. Health experts have stressed that the grave for the person should be dug eight feet deep instead of six feet.

According to the MHA guidelines to be followed for transporting and burial of Covid-19 patients, there should be no bathing, kissing, hugging and reciting of verses as “it’s not allowed at all.” “The body of the person should be transported in a secured bag and the vehicle in which he is transported has to be decontaminated by the trained staff who should be wearing N-95 masks and protection equipment,” read the guidelines available with the wire service — Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Taking to KNO, Islamic Scholars of various schools of thoughts in unison said that medical science can’t be ignored and whatever directions there are in the guidelines need to be followed. “As far the funeral of the person, only family members should participate in the funeral and burial after wearing the protection kit,” they said.

Today morning, Kashmir witnessed first death of a Covid-19 patient from Hyderpora, who had a travel history of outside J&K as he was part of Tableegi Jamaat. Dr Naveed, Head of Department, at Chest Diseases Hospital Srinagar, told KNO that no one from the family should go closer to the body and if someone from the family wants to see the face, he/she has to wear a complete protective gear.

“Burial bath is not recommended for the body. Grave for him should be dug eight feet deep instead of normal six feet,” he said. As far funeral prayers, he said those intending to offer funeral should wear protective kit and maintain sufficient distance between the body and people

— (KNO)

By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Am I at risk if I touch someone who died of COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning how it spreads.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to mainly spread from close contact (i.e., within about 6 feet) with a person who is currently sick with COVID-19.

The virus likely spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory infections spread. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. This type of spread is not a concern after death.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

People should consider not touching the body of someone who has died of COVID-19.

Older people and people of all ages with severe underlying health conditions are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness. There may be less of a chance of the virus spreading from certain types of touching, such as holding the hand or hugging after the body has been prepared for viewing.

Other activities, such as kissing, washing, and shrouding should be avoided before, during, and after the body has been prepared, if possible. If washing the body or shrouding are important religious or cultural practices, families are encouraged to work with their community cultural and religious leaders and funeral home staff on how to reduce their exposure as much as possible.

At a minimum, people conducting these activities should wear disposable gloves. If splashing of fluids is expected, additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required (such as disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask).

Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. After removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.

Am I at risk if I go a funeral for someone who died of COVID-19?

There is currently no known risk associated with being in the same room at a funeral or visitation service with the body of someone who died of COVID-19.

What do funeral Home Workers need to know about handling Decedents who had COVID-19?

A funeral or visitation service can be held for a person who has died of COVID-19. Funeral home workers should follow their routine infection prevention and control precautions when handling a decedent who died of COVID-19.

If it is necessary to transfer a body to a bag, follow Standard Precautions, including additional personal protective equipment (PPE) if splashing of fluids is expected. For transporting a body after the body has been bagged, disinfect the outside of the bag with a product with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.). Wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling the body bag.

Embalming can be conducted. During embalming, follow Standard Precautions including the use of additional PPE if splashing is expected (e.g. disposable gown, faceshield or goggles and facemask). Wear appropriate respiratory protection if any procedures will generate aerosols or if required for chemicals used in accordance with the manufacturer’s label. Wear heavy-duty gloves over nitrile disposable gloves if there is a risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or other injuries that break the skin. Additional information on how to safely conduct aerosol-generating procedures is in the CDC’s Postmortem Guidance. Cleaning should be conducted in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claimspdf iconexternal icon are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).

After cleaning and removal of PPE, perform hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water is not available. Soap and water should be used if the hands are visibly soiled.

Decedents with COVID-19 can be buried or cremated, but check for any additional state and local requirements that may dictate the handling and disposition of the remains of individuals who have died of certain infectious diseases.