NAVVNEET DUBEY
Jammu: Driven primarily by sub-lineages of the Omicron variant, COVID-19 has also made its presence felt in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the past two days, six COVID cases have been reported in the region, with four from Kashmir and two from Jammu. All affected individuals have been isolated at home, exhibiting mild symptoms and are in stable condition.”
According to information from the Health and Medical Education Department, two people in Jammu were confirmed to have COVID-19 on Thursday. Both had returned from Delhi and were tested after showing symptoms, with both testing positive. They are currently isolating at home as per the health department’s instructions.
In Kashmir, four cases have been reported in two days. One case is from Bandipora, who had a travel history and was already hospitalized. After symptoms were detected, his test confirmed COVID-19. Another case is a local resident from Srinagar who visited the OPD for testing.
Two cases in Srinagar were reported among master’s degree students at Srinagar Dental College, both hailing from Kerala. They had recently returned to Srinagar from Kerala and were not feeling well. The dental college administration sent them to Srinagar Medical College for COVID-19 testing, which confirmed their infection. Both students are now isolated.
Dr. Sandeep Kaur, Principal of Srinagar Dental College, stated that although the two students tested positive, their condition is stable. She added that COVID-19 is not as severe as it was earlier, and both students have been isolated in the hostel.
Dr. Kaur emphasized that there’s no need to panic, as most COVID-19 cases across the country have shown mild symptoms. She mentioned that the college had already administered two doses of vaccine and a booster shot to everyone, and they are taking all necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, preparations are already underway at GMC Jammu and associated hospitals to tackle COVID-19. Dr. Syed Abid Rashid, Secretary of Health and Medical Education Department, has instructed principals of all medical colleges to be prepared. An isolation ward has been set up at GMC Jammu, which is ready for patients. Oxygen generation plants are also being tested, as many had been shut down.
The health department is also prepared at district and sub-district hospitals. However, the government has not issued any special advisory on COVID-19 so far.
A senior doctor in the health department stated that COVID-19 patients have shown mild symptoms this time. He added that COVID-19 testing was never stopped in the region. Regular tests are being conducted, with around 150-200 tests done every month, and the number remains the same. He advised people not to panic and to follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and avoiding crowded areas. If anyone experiences symptoms, they should get tested immediately.
