COVID-19: Jammu takes lead over Kashmir in fight against deadly pandemic

Only 5105 cases and 30 deaths reported in region so far, Officials say timely contact tracing, cooperation from people helped ensure effective fight against virus

Jammu: The Jammu province of the Union Territory has so far successfully managed to prevent the deadly COVID-19 from spreading as less number of cases and deaths compared to Kashmir province has been recorded in the region from past four months of the pandemic.

Only 5104 cases out of the total 22,396 cases detected in the Union Territory till August 04 evening were recorded in the Jammu province, the data available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) revealed.

Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory has recorded over 415 deaths due to the virus while only 30 among them have occurred in the Jammu province.

Of 30 deaths in Jammu province, 21 have been recorded in the winter capital of the Union Territory alone, the data further revealed.

In Jammu province, several districts have managed to contain the spread of virus further after a few districts of Jammu province witnessed a spike in the number of COVID cases.

District Magistrate Poonch, Rahul Yadav told KNO that the battle against COVID19 is fought on multi-fronts. “Timely aggressive contact tracing, strict enforcement of restrictions wherever required and public support are basic things to combat the virus,” DM Poonch said.

He also said that awareness among the people is another basic need, which helps in containing the spread of virus.

Yadav further stated that cooperation from the public is of most importance because in the end its people who have to follow the precautions to keep this virus away from their village and keep their families safe.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Kandi, Rajouri, Dr. Iqbal Malik termed aggressive contact tracing as a main weapon in the fight against pandemic.

“Almost three weeks ago, we came to know that a patient in home isolation has been tested positive after which we decided to go for aggressive contact tracing and the District Magistrate ordered immediate sealing of the entire area,” BMO said.

He added that for almost a week, they came up with mobile sample collection centers in areas of Draj, Kewal, Phalni and tested thousands of people and more than five dozen cases were reported and now there are no new cases in the area from the last few days.

“Aggressive contact tracing is must to contain the virus.” BMO said. When asked about public cooperation, BMO also termed awareness among masses and their constructive approach is imperative to fight against CoronaVirus.

“Regular exercise especially Yoga related exercises that increase air space volume in lungs, healthy lifestyle, healthy and nutritious diet that boosts immunity and most importantly safety precautions like use of face masks and social distancing are must for people,” BMO further added—(KNO)