Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jun 16: The number of active COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 15, with a total of 18 cases reported this year so far, officials said.
An official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that while 15 cases remain active, three patients have recovered, bringing the total reported cases for 2023 to 18. Over the past 24 hours, there were 17 active cases and two recoveries.
The official said the situation remains under control and there is no immediate cause for alarm. However, citizens are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety precautions. “We are strictly following the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The UT is fully prepared to respond to any potential rise in infections,” he said.
These measures, the official said, are part of a broader national strategy to stay ahead of any resurgence, especially in light of reports of increasing COVID-19 cases in some parts of Asia. Routine testing for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) continues across healthcare facilities in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
To strengthen preparedness, the Ministry of Health recently conducted a high-level review involving key agencies such as the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and representatives from central hospitals. The objective was to assess and enhance surveillance and response systems in anticipation of a possible uptick in cases.
Health experts have urged the public to remain cautious but not panicked, saying the current strains often cause mild illness or no symptoms at all. They reassured that healthcare facilities have been upgraded since the first wave of COVID-19, and all necessary arrangements are in place to handle any escalation.
“Most positive cases recover on their own, and only a few may require hospital visits, which can be managed through outpatient departments,” they said. “There is no need for panic.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, advocating for adherence to safety protocols such as testing, masking in crowded places, and timely vaccination.
Hospitals across the Union Territory have maintained dedicated isolation wards and medical facilities as a precaution. Public awareness campaigns have been intensified to inform citizens about COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the NCDC has ramped up monitoring efforts, with enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, and prompt isolation remaining central to the region’s containment strategy.
Officials said all current patients are stable with mild symptoms, and there is no cause for concern.
Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry has directed all states and UTs to ensure the availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators and essential medicines to handle any potential surge—(KNO)
