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Srinagar, Mar 31 (KNO): Amid the growing scare and fear besides lockdown in view of the spread of COVID-19, two Kashmiris have launched a website to give free medical consultation to patients across valley.

According to wire service-Kashmir News Observer (KNO), two Kashmiris from Srinagar came together to launch the website named “COVID-19 Helping Hand Kashmir” in order to help patients who are confined to their homes due to the lockdown.

As everyone is confined to their home and doctors are tackling the patients of COVID-19, Shakeel Ahmad and Rameez Rashid from Srinagar have come together to provide relief to the patients who are confined to their homes.

Shakeel Ahmad, deputy registrar Board of Technical Education said that as he started this platform many people belonging to different professions came together and at the moment they are working from across the Kashmir valley.

“As everybody is aware of the fact that doctors at present are busy in tackling COVID-19 and there are hundreds of patients who are suffering as they are unable to consult a doctor amid the lockdown,” he said adding that through this initiative they are trying to reach each and every patient who needs immediate medical consultation.

He said that few days back they launched the website after which hundreds of patients registered themselves and they are getting free medical consultation online from the doctors who are also working on volunteer basis.

Rouf Ahmad, who joined the platform from Shopian after the website was launched said the patients are registering their numbers on the

“Doctors who want to give consultations voluntarily can also register themselves on the website. 20 doctors have already registered themselves and are giving free medical advice to the patients,” he said.

Rouf said that besides providing free medical advice they are providing free medicines to the needy persons as well.

“We are thankful to the people who are helping us in this initiative and we are hopeful that people will continue to help us,” Shakeel said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 31 (KNO): The students, who in recent past arrived back from abroad and outside J&K, are finding it tough to appear in the online classes arranged by their concerned universities after country wide lockdown to prevent spread of Covid-19 and the low speed of internet in the J&K UT.

According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), students enrolled outside Jammu and Kashmir complained about the slow speed internet for failing to appear in online classes.

Number of students who returned back to their respective destinations in Kashmir said: “ From past couple of days, since our college started online classes stream and department wise for all the students including those living in Jammu and Kashmir, we have always missed to appear in the online classes since our connection gets abruptly down due to low speed”.

They said after getting a video appearance notification from their department they fail to accept the request now even if we accept or join it for some time in less duration they get disconnected, unable to remain connected in absence of high speed internet.

“We are worried about our career after leaving our respective institutions they were informed to be available on WhatsApp, YouTube and for online classes through some medium arranged by university authorities to able to sit in examinations supposed to be held on return,” said a student.

Farkh Inam, one of the students, along with many other students belonging to northern belt of Kashmir complained about the slow speed internet and said, “we fail to understand the lecture due to abrupt cuts in the video call even times the domain holder (One who connects the group call) doesn’t even call us back leaving us midway since when all others outside the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir without any inconvenience get benefitted and prepare for forthcoming examination”.

Authorities have asked us to visualize the lectures on YouTube but the slow speed internet connectivity blemishes whole process leaving them in dark at a time when their mates are studying online and availing the lectures without may hesitation, he said.

A group of students from south Kashmir enrolled at different parts of India and abroad told KNO that days after our regular academics was called off the university authorities initiated online classes and made lectures available on WhatsApp and YouTube official channels but the network connectivity available in Jammu and Kashmir has hit hard our academics making us incompetent in comparison of their classmates residing outside J&K — (KNO)

SRINAGAR, MARCH 31: The world is facing a severe and acute health emergency due to ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and rigorous measures are being taken to mitigate and contain the transmission of this infection and the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, is trying hard to minimize the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the increase in rate of transmission, the medical advice points toward the curtailment of social contact, which is key to reduce the spread of this deadly infection, Director SKIMS said in a statement, here the other day.

Urging people to adhere to the health advisories and maintain social distancing protocol in all aspects of life- social and religious, Dr. Ahanger said that saving humans from harm is the essence of every religion and in current situation it can be assured by staying home and maintaining WHO protocol.

The statement reads that the SKIMS witnessed a very good and positive development in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic. The first positive case, an elderly lady with a history of foreign travel and symptomatic was admitted for management of COVID-19 infection, has responded very well to the treatment, and has, in fact, recovered with repeated tests as negative in 24 hours on the 14th day. The patient has progressive recovery and is being shifted to Level-II for further quarantine purpose.

Dr. Ahangar further said that SKIMS continues to bear the brunt of COVID-19 patients both symptomatic and falling in line in the suspected cases under various protocols and till date, the Institute has admitted 133 cases of which 21 have been discharged while 6 positive cases are under treatment. Besides, the UT’s Viral Diagnostic and Research Laboratory (VDRL) has tested 219 samples so far, out of which 8 have been tested positive, while the others are negative. However most of these patients admitted for observation continue to be under surveillance in coordination with the Directorate of Health Services and other Nodal Agencies of Jammu & Kashmir.

In the fight against the Covid-19, the statement said the SKIMS shares the resolve of JK UT’s administration including that of Lt Governor GC Murmu, Advisor, Basser Ahmed Khan, Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam, Financial Commissioner Health & Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang Kondbarao Pole, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Principals of SKIMS MC and GMC Srinagar and Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Samir Matoo and his team members, to save the lives of our people.

The statement reads that due to influx of patients, people is again requested to observe and follow all Government Advisories as well as the instructions from various Health Institutions/ and Agencies with regard to prevention and control of this infection as slow down in infection rate decreases the pressure on health institutions and can go a long way in better management of COVID-19 positive cases.

Preventive measures to reduce the chances of infection include staying home, avoiding crowded places, washing hands with soap and warm water, practicing good respiratory hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, strictly following official lockdown, avoiding social or religious gatherings, maintaining personal, following cough and sneezing etiquettes, not sharing items of daily items and above all reporting to healthcare agencies in the event of developing symptoms related to COVID-19, especially when there is history of others being in contact of a proven cases of COVID-19 infection or with a travel history to or from an infected area or having been a healthcare worker treating such patients. I would again urge my fellow citizens to be more concerned, careful, staying indoors, stay safe, help others to live without any scare or panic. The updated data about Corona Virus epi

Srinagar, Mar 31 (KINS): With the alarming increase in Covid-19 cases across the country and especially in Kashmir region, an aggravating factor “Russian poplar” is ostensibly on its way to the valley, which according to the local people can make the elimination of this pandemic almost indomitable.

In May every year, hospitals and doctors in the Kashmir Valley find themselves treating a high number of patients, especially children, with respiratory diseases.

The patients complain of sore throat, cold, cough and fever. While a common cause is pollen shed by various plants, the spike in illness has often been attributed to a phenomenon during this season, the shedding of fluffy cotton-covered seeds by poplar trees, commonly known as “Russian poplars”.

The experts and the local people are suggesting that the cottony pollens can become potential carriers of the deadly virus which has claimed approximately 34000 people worldwide.

One of the senior citizen here in Srinagar, Mohmmad Aslam told KINS “The fluff from Russian poplar is one of the main aeroallergens that causes asthma, eye allergies and other pulmonary diseases”.

Another local, Waseem Ahmad from Bemina Srinagar said, “We have too many of these trees, if the apprehension of spread of Covid-19 through the cottony pollens of Russian poplar proves right, then it will be a catastrophe of unimaginable magnitude.”

“It is seriously a concern for us at this time. Pollen from Russian poplar are as usual a problem, now in times of Covid- 19 spread, concern has increased tremendously among the people,” Showkat Ahmad from Barmullah told KINS.

“The initial symptoms of the pollen resemble somewhat with the covid-19. I believe this will put people in fear and suspicion,” said Hussain from Anantnag.

In 2014, a Srinagar resident approached the High Court with the complaint that his neighbour had planted “Russian poplars” near his home and pollen from the trees was causing allergy in his family, especially his ailing mother and his children. The applicant sought removal of the trees. The court banned sale, purchase and plantation of the female “Russian poplars” in Srinagar.

In May 2015, the court directed all Deputy Commissioners of the Valley to chop “Russian poplars” across Kashmir, saying the health of the general public is of “paramount importance”. “It is a common knowledge that pollen seed of Poplars is adversely affecting health of general public, mostly of elderly people and children. The pollen seed of these trees has given rise to chest diseases in Kashmir, which can become life threatening for them,” the court observed. Citing Article 21, the court also observed: “The right to life can become meaningful, only if a person is healthy.”

In May 2016, the court sought compliance of its order. Following the directive, lakhs of “Russian poplars” were cut down in various parts of the Valley, especially Srinagar city. However, the livelihood of thousands of Kashmiris associated with this tree didn’t let the order be implemented properly. Now the experts suggest that timely pruning may help in combating its allergic properties.(KINS)

Srinagar, March 31 (KINS): As the Covid-19 cases show spurt in positive cases, policemen deployed on strengthen on roads to enforce the lockdown, doctors, para-medics and casual labours continue to risk their lives by serving to the people in one or the other way.

Amid stringent curbs across Kashmir, police man played a vital role by remaining deployed at strength ensuring that lockdown is enforced strictly. At many places, policemen were seen persuading the people travelling in vehicles, boys playing cricket and those busy on gossip lounges.

“We are handling people in a friendly manner and wherever strict action is required, we resort to that as well we have directions to enforce strict lockdown to break the chain,” a police officer, at busy Residency Road, Srinagar told this KINS reporter.
Similarly, doctors and paramedics, who are directly in contact with the patients with flu and Covid-19 infections admitted in various hospitals, are at high risk of transmitting the disease as they have no personal protection equipment like gowns, N-95 masks, shoe covers, etcs.

“Barring a few hosptials in Srinagar, doctors at rest of the hospitals across Kashmir are putting their lives on the line by treating patients with Covid-19 infections without proper protective gear,” said a doctor, who is serving at a peripheral hospital in Kashmir.
Similarly, casual labourers, like safai karamcharis and others too are risking their lives to remaining present on their duties despite knowing the fact how bigger risk they are taken. (KINS)

Passes to be issued to minimal person and on location basis: Div Com

Srinagar, Mar 31 (KNS): Several uptown areas of Srinagar city have reportedly facing acute hardships due to non-availability of milk supplies amid restrictions imposed by government in wake of Covid-19 outbreak in J&K. Meanwhile several milk suppliers appealed authorities to provide moving passes to their vehicles so that they will ensure milk supply in parts of Valley.

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), it has been reported that in view of current situation in Valley, several areas are surviving without having milk stock and have appealed authorities ensure the service in their areas.

Reports said that several uptown areas of Srinagar city are facing several privations including non-availability of milk supply in their areas.

Several callers told KNS that in wake of current situation when government has imposed “precautionary restrictions” to keep COVID-19 away, residents of several areas are suffering incalculably.

They said shops in their respective areas had already gone out of stock as the lockdown has entered into 13th day on Tuesday.

Musavir Tasaduq, a caller said “Since lockdown has been enforced in Valley, we are unable to receive milk from milk-men as forces demand special moving passes from them which authorities have failed to provide them so far”.

He also said, “People are suffering badly due to continuous lockdown as existing stock in homes have started to finish”.

Meanwhile several milk suppliers told KNS that they are unable to supply milk to consumers in current situation.

“Whenever we tried to move out, we were stopped by forces asked to show special moving passes. We approached administration in this regard but in one or other pretext, our pleas were ignored”, a milk supplier said.

When KNS contacted higher officials they said, “The matter is in their consideration and will be taken up as there are bulk of issues already in queue”.

Pertinently Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir zone Vijay Kumar earlier exclusively told KNS that the matter has already been taken up with administration.

“We have already took up the issue with administration and asked them to ensure free movement of milk suppliers in current situation while issuing passes”, IGP said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandorang Pole while talking to KNS said “Vegetable and milk suppliers will be given passes from Deputy Commissioner’s office but maintained it will be for very minimal person and on location basis”.

He also said that stationary and ATM’s are smoothly functioning and to ensure further ease to people, I will take up the issue of mobile ATM’s with J&K Bank officials. (KNS)

Rights group says restrictions can be deadly during pandemic.

Special Correspondent

The Human Rights Watch (HRW), a non-governmental rights group, has called upon India to withdraw restrictions on Internet in J&K and warned that shutting down or restricting access to the Internet could be deadly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During a health crisis, access to timely and accurate information is crucial. People use the Internet for updates on health measures, movement restrictions, and relevant news to protect themselves and others. Internet shutdowns block people from getting essential information and services,” said Deborah Brown, senior digital rights researcher and advocate of HRW.

“During a global pandemic, when people around the world are isolated and access to information can mean life or death, it’s time to impose a moratorium on Internet shutdowns. Governments should ensure immediate access to the fastest and broadest possible service for all. During this global health crisis, shutdowns directly harm people’s health and lives, and undermine efforts to bring the pandemic under control,” Ms. Brown added.

The HRW named India among four countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Myanmar, where there are restrictions on access on Internet.

The group pointed out that for many children and others seeking education, Internet was needed to continue learning as schools shutter around the world.

“Internet shutdowns can have a greater impact on women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals, people with disabilities, and older people who may rely on the Internet for online support services,” the HRW said.

India, it said, had the most Internet shutdowns, with at least 385 ordered since 2012. In Jammu and Kashmir, the Indian government imposed a complete communications blackout in August 2019, which stopped families from communicating and disrupted the local economy. Phone services were gradually restored, but it was only after the Supreme Court found the Internet shutdown illegal in January 2020 that service was partially restored, and only at 2G speed.

It said since COVID-19 had spread to India, people had reported “not being able to access websites that provide information about the pandemic due to highly restricted speeds that make accessing anything beyond text messages nearly impossible”.

“Countries should prioritize their responsibilities under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, and avoid complicity in human rights abuses, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” the HRW said.

Internet has been partially restored in J&K. High-speed service is only available on the fixedlines. Only post-paid mobile connections have low bandwidth speed of 2G. Most pre-paid connections have no Internet service available.

Srinagar Mar 31: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday has urged health authorities in Kashmir valley to spare hospitals for patients who have severe disease from the novel (new) coronavirus.
“Most people infected with the novel virus do not require hospitalization,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“We need to reserve hospital infrastructure and manpower for those who need them. We can’t pile up those who don’t need to be in hospitals and leave no beds for those who actually need them,” he said.
Dr Nisar said patients who are positive for COVID-19 and have mild disease can stay in isolation at home for 2 weeks and contact their health care provider by phone for guidance about clinical management. These patients may just need a Paracetamol and they recover on their own.

“However, older patients and those with underlying medical conditions should be observed in hospitals, even if they have milder illness given the possible risk of progression to severe illness in them,” he said.

“Persons who have history of travel or contact with a confirmed case after screening should be quarantined either at home or at a designated community center. In no case should they occupy hospital beds,” he added.
Dr Nisar said only those patients who have severe disease should get admitted to a hospital so that the work force at hospitals can focus on the most critical cases.

He said mild cases are those who have symptoms of fever and cough, but are stable and have no pneumonia or hypoxia. Severe cases have difficulty in breathing and are hypoxic, and critical cases have respiratory and other organ failure.

Quoting a large study of 44,000 patients from china, Dr Nisar said 81 percent had mild disease, 14 percent had severe disease and 5 percent had critical illness.

“In this study, all deaths occurred among patients with critical illness. While overall case fatality rate was 2.3 percent, the case fatality rate among patients with critical disease was 49 percent,” he said.

“Kashmir valley has, so far reported 43 laboratory confirmed cases and two deaths due to the novel (new) coronavirus,” Dr Nisar added