Covid-19—Cases swell in J&K: 52 dead, 4716 new positive cases

Case tally at 196,585, death toll mounts to 2,510, active cases increase to 39,628 recovery rate goes down to 78.56

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, May 05 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Union territory on Wednesday witnessed 52 deaths, highest since pandemic due to Covid-19 while 4,716 fresh positive cases highest since pandemic were also reported, taking the number of total active cases in the UT to 39,628 .

With 52 more deaths the death toll in the UT has reached to 2,510 and the active cases continue to increase and the recovery rate decreases with each passing day. 4,716 fresh positive cases reported on Wednesday pushed the tally of positive cases to 196,585.

Of the exact number of 196,585 cases, 120,405 are from Kashmir and 76,180 from Jammu division. Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that among 4,716 new cases, 3,198 belong to Kashmir division while as 1,518 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division have reached to 120,405 including 93,377 recoveries and 1,476 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 76,180 including 61,070 recoveries and 1,034 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 39,628 including 25,552 from Kashmir division and 14,076 from Jammu division.

With 2,338 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 154,447 which is 78.56 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 1,125 from Srinagar, 511 from Baramulla, 277 from Budgam, 362 from Pulwama, 148 from Kupwara, 255 from Anantnag, 96 from Bandipora, 108 from Ganderbal, 238 from Kulgam and 78 from Shopian in Kashmir division while as 1,518 from Jammu division include 598 from Jammu, 165 from Udhampur, 175  from Rajouri, 28 from Doda, 158 from Kathua, 124 from Samba, 39 from Kishtwar, 92 from Poonch, 102 from Ramban and 37 from Reasi,” officials disclosed.

Out of 52 deaths reported today, 15 died in GMC Jammu, 01 in MCH Wing (GMC), 02 in GMC Rajouri, 02 in ASCOMS Jmu, 01 in AKG Kathua, 01 in SDH Mendhar, 02 in Home/ Brought Dead, 01 in DH Kishtwar, 01 in MH Satwari, 02 in SSH, Jmu, 01 in CD Hosp Sgr, 04 in SKIMS Soura, 08 in SMHS Sgr, 04 in GMC Baramulla, 03 in DH Pulwama, 02 in JLNM Srinagar, 01 in GMC Anantnag & 01 in MCH Bijbehara.

As per officials figures, 49,220 positive cases including 580 deaths and 37,914 recoveries are from Srinagar, 14,631 including 207 deaths and 11,230 recoveries are from Baramulla, 11,978 including 9,638 recoveries and 135 deaths are from Budgam, 8,230 including 6,204 recoveries and 109 deaths are from Pulwama, 7,619 including 104 deaths and 6,282 recoveries are from Kupwara, 8,324 including 5,921 recoveries and 112 deaths are from Anantnag, 5,890 cases including 5,096 and 65 deaths are from Bandipora, 5,794 including 5,087 recoveries and 52 deaths are from Ganderbal, 5,332  including 3,268 recoveries and 70 deaths are from Kulgam and 3,387 including 2,737 recoveries and 42 deaths are from Shopian.

In Jammu division, 37,389 including 29,795 recoveries and 568 deaths are from Jammu district, 6,769 including 5,638 recoveries and 69 deaths are from Udhampur, 5,626 including 3,979 recoveries and 78 deaths are from Rajouri, 3,992 including 3,547 recoveries and 70 deaths are from Doda, 5,076 including 4,276 recoveries and 67 deaths are from Kathua, 4,152 including 2,867 recoveries and 65 deaths are from Samba, 3,057 including 2,895 recoveries and 23 deaths are from Kishtwar, 3,259 including 2,606 recoveries and 44 deaths are from Poonch, 2,915 including 2,444 recoveries and 30 deaths are from Ramban and 3,721 including 3,070 recoveries and 20 deaths are from Reasi.

As per the daily information bulletin 1,857,573 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 91,290 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 39,628 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 1,605,375 persons have completed surveillance period and 118,770 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 7,460,537 samples are available. Out of 7,460,537 the number of samples tested negative stands at 7,263,952 while as 196,585 have tested positive, among them 39,628 persons are active, 154,447 persons have recovered and 2,510 persons have died—(KNO)

Covid-19 2nd wave Forecast:

Peak expected in coming two to three weeks: Experts

‘Next 15-20 days very critical, people must restrict their movement’

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, May 05 (KNO): Experts on Wednesday said that the peak of the second wave of Covid-19 is yet to come in Jammu and Kashmir and it is expected to hit the region in coming two to three weeks.

Former director SKIMS, Chairman Covid Advisory Committee and renowned Gastroenterologist Dr Mohammed Sultan Khuroo while talking exclusively with—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that peak of second wave of Covid-19 is expected in next three weeks, till then cases of Covid-19 will surge further.

He said that the fight against COVID needs to be intensified and it shall take more efforts from the administration and public to control the surge given the pathogen which is more infectious and can evade and cause breakthrough infections.

“Travel discipline to J&K needs to be implemented and all travelers who board a plane or a train/bus to visit/travel J&K must have a prior RT-PCR negative certificate,” Khuroo said.

“The test needs to be repeated at the entry point, at least by a rapid antigen test. Those who are positive must be quarantined strictly to avoid the spread of infection,” he said.

Khuroo said that testing and tracing policy should be intensified and made more realistic.

“Rapid testing should be limited to specific circumstances and the RT-PCR facility must be made more available and quicker,” he said. “Vaccine hesitancy needs to be fought and the vaccination program must be strengthened. This shall reduce infections and further mutations.”.

Doctors Association President and flu expert Dr Nisar Ul Hassan while talking with KNO said that at that estimate the peak of the second wave is about to come in the next 15 days.

He said at least 3 percent patients tested positive for Covid-19 need hospitalisation and oxygen support.

“And if the cases continue to surge with the current speed our hospitals won’t be able to cope up and in order to break the chain there is need to continue restrictions for these three months,” Hassan said.

“There is need to remain further cautious and not to lower the guard even if cases start declining,” he said, adding that fresh waves can come anytime and could be more deadly as most of the population is yet to be vaccinated.

Hassan said that the virus is behaving differently and the only predictability about this virus is that it is unpredictable.

Renowned Pulmonologist Dr Khursheed while talking with KNO said that situation is very severe and beds at most of the leading hospitals including CD hospital are full, while peak of the wave is expected in next three weeks.

“The need of the hour is that people must impose self lockdown and don’t wait for government lockdown so that we can make the chain weak,” Dr Khursheed said.

Khursheed said that it is community transmission and there are hardly few households who are yet to contract the virus and people must keep their movement restricted to their lawns.

“People must remain extra cautious and anyone having symptoms must get tested and there is no need to rush to the hospital if anyone comes positive as around 85 positive patients need mild treatment and good hydration,” he said—(KNO)

77-year-old jailed TeH Chairman Ashraf Sehrai dies at GMC hospital

Officials say deceased tested positive for Covid post death; Ambulance provided to shift body to Kupwara, funeral at 10 am tomorrow; only 20 people allowed to participate in funeral, last rites: Family

KNO Correspondent

Jammu, May 05 (KNO): Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Chairman Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai died in Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu after developing serious breathing issues on Wednesday.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that Sehrai who was shifted from Udhampur jail to GMC Jammu yesterday had developed serious breathing issues and breathed his last this afternoon.

“He had multiple ailments and his condition had deteriorated in Udhampur jail after which he was shifted to GMC Jammu on Tuesday,” the officials said. “Sehrai tested positive for Covid post his death as his samples were taken soon after his admission in the GMC Jammu.”

The family of Sehrai, told KNO that an ambulance has been provided and the body will reach Kashmir probably midnight.

The family members said that the authorities have not allowed the funeral prayers at Srinagar and thus the last rites will be performed in Kupwara.

They said only 20 persons have been allowed to participate in the funeral prayers and performing last rites, adding that it has not been decided yet who will lead the funeral prayers. “Let’s see who will be allowed to participate first,” he said.

“The last rites including the burial will be performed till 10:00 AM tomorrow,” the family members said.

WHO WAS SEHRAI

Sehrai was born in 1944 in Tekipora village of Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, completed his primary education in his hometown Tekipora and secondary education from Sogam Lolab High School in 1959.

Sehrai did his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Urdu from Aligarh Muslim University in Uttar Pradesh. He was fond of writing and his writings as well as poems were mostly published in different media outlets including ‘Tulu’, which he started publishing in 1969 from Sopore area of Baramulla district. The magazine being published by him was shut down in 1971.

Sehrai became an affiliate of Syed Ali Shah Geelani in 1959 and became his close aide and friend. He became the member of Jamaat-e-Islami in 1960 and was incarcerated for the first time in the year 1965 over anti-government activities after he delivered a speech criticizing Ghulam Mohammed Sadiq’s government for repression of free speech and arrest of members of the Moh-e-Muqaddas Majlis-e-Amal.

After leaving Jamaat-e-Islami, Sehrai was appointed as Tehreek-e-Hurriyat’s General Secretary in the year 2004 during its foundation. Later on March 19, 2018, he was appointed the acting chairman of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat after Geelani stepped down.

Sehrai was elected as Chairman Tehreek-e-Hurriyat for three years on 19 August by a margin of 410 votes out of a total of 433.

Sehrai had six children –four sons and two daughters. The youngest son of Sehrai, Junaid Sehrai joined militant ranks in March 2018 and was killed on May 19, 2020 in an encounter by the government forces in Srinagar.

In July 2020, he was arrested under Public Safety Act and was serving imprisonment in district jail of Udhampur. His health deteriorated on May 04, 2021 following which he was subsequently admitted at Government Medical College, Jammu where he died today—(KNO)

Covid Warrior, not Covid Carrier:  Meet this Govt teacher from Kulgam, who provides meals to people in quarantine centers

I have been tested 15 times, but came negative every time: says Manzoor Laway

Umaisar Gull Ganie

Kulgam, May 05 (KNO): A government teacher from Kulgam has become an inspiration to hundreds of people in Southern district of Kulgam as he as dedicated himself to the cause of humanity and is on the forefront of providing meals to the people lodged in various hospitals and quarantine centres in the district.

Manzoor Laway ,a teacher by profession posted at Government Primary School Galwanpora Zone D H Pora District Kulgam is an unsung hero as he reaches out to the people in need of meals at the quarantine centers and hospitals without making much noise.

Manzoor while talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that he has reached many destinations and advised people to avoid social gathering, use face masks and wash hands frequently with soap. “I even installed public address system on my personal vehicle for this purpose,” he said.

Manzoor also made available soaps, sanitizers and masks in the locals masjids through the chain of his friends. “I have been reaching out to the people lodged in various quarantine centers with meals and so far I have provided meals to at least 300 people,” he said. “The administration also asked me to make frequent announcements from Red Zones and Buffer Zones to aware the people to honour the government advisories. I was engaged at four different quarantine centres where I was serving pre-dawn and post dawn meals to the covid positive patients lodged in administrative quarantine.”

Manzoor was also helpful to the people lodged at Eklavya Qurantine Centre Tangmarg where he served food to 75 Covid positive patients.

“I have also hired a Lab technician who is accompanying me to take samples of the Covid patients and have offered my house to administration to make it quarantine centre if needed,” he said. “Last year I did not even see the face of my single family member for almost four months during Covid crisis as I remained busy serving the patients in the district.”

He said that he has been tested for Covid at least 15 times and with the grace of Almighty, he tested negative every time. “Serving humans and humanity is the biggest aim of my life. I feel contended in doing so. This gives me peace and comfort,” said Manzoor—(KNO)

Day 06: Corona Curfew continues in J&K, private traffic back on roads in Sgr

129 arrested, 586 people fined in Kashmir: Police

Mubashir Aalam Wani

Srinagar, May 05 (KNO): The lockdown continued for the sixth straight day in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday to prevent the virus from spreading while police said that 129 persons were arrested and 586 people were fined in Kashmir for violating the norms.

A day after the government extended lockdown in five J&K districts till May 10, the roads in Srinagar, however, witnessed brisk vehicular movement coupled with traffic snarls at several places.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), eye-witnesses said that the traffic snarls were witnessed at a few places amid lockdown.

They said that such is the leniency on ground that the traffic cops were seen regulating the vehicular movement at Rambagh area today.

Notably, Corona Curfew is in place across Srinagar district and other districts in a bid to prevent the deadly virus from spreading further. The government on Tuesday extended lockdown in Srinagar and four other districts till May 10.

Eye-witnesses informed that police and paramilitary troops were deployed although in large number to enforce the lockdown restrictions. The barricades and concertina wires were erected at many places and bridges to thwart the public movement, they said.

Meanwhile, all the shops and business establishments barring emergency services, standalone shops remained closed throughout the day in Srinagar and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Besides, the public transport with 50 per cent seating capacity was also allowed to ply today by the authorities.

Moreover, police said that during the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 129 persons, lodged 74 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 91,650 from 586 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir valley.

“Besides, 23 vehicles were also seized in Budgam for violating guidelines, restrictions and indulging in illegal excavation and transportation of clay. 11 shops were also seized by police along with the Executive Magistrate in Beerwah and Khansahib areas of Budgam for violating Covid-19 norms,” police said.

The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by the government to curb COVID-19 pandemic, the statement said.

Meanwhile, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said—(KNO)

Online classes out-of-the-way to ‘23 percent’ JK students only

Bhat Imran

Srinagar, May 05 (KNO): While the authorities had ordered recommence with virtual classes in view of surge in COVID-19 cases, nearly 23 percent students studying in government and private schools of Jammu and Kashmir lack basic facility of attending online classes.

According to the survey conducted by Annual Status of Education Report (ASER), in Jammu and Kashmir 22.9 percent students studying in government and private schools lack access to smartphones.

The news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has leant that the ASER in a survey conducted in 2020 has stated that 30.3 percent students of government schools and 13.1 percent students of private schools had no availability of smart phones to attend the online classes.

Ironically, 10.5 percent of students studying in government and private schools also had no access to the internet while at least 16.5 percent students were facing connectivity issues.

Besides the ASER has also mentioned that only 33 percent of schools were sending learning material to the students enrolled in the government and private schools of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The annual report for the estimate for Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir has been presented in a combined form for comparability with ASER estimates of previous years,” it reads—(KNO)

Covid-19: Government shouldn’t downplay crisis: Dr Nisar Ul Hassan

Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar, May 05 (KNO): Making people aware and educating them about pandemic is must but downplaying crisis creates mistrust which can have severe repercussions, a senior medico Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan said Wednesday.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Dr Nisar said government should not downplay crisis as it creates mistrust among the people.

He said that Covid-19 is new virus and educating and making people aware about its pattern and effects is must, however, government claims must be based on facts.

“By saying everything is alright and everything is available in adequate quantity can make people lapse and they may move out and abundant the precautions,” he said. “When government claims one thing and people witness different scenes at hospitals and other places, it creates mistrust and then people hardly believe government about any anything and they take every government claim false.”

Whatever the ground situation would be same must be communicated with people so that people can prepare to face crisis in same way.

He said that if mistrust is created, people won’t adhere to the Covid appropriate behavior which can have a bad impact.

It is pertinent to mention here that beds in almost every hospital of Srinagar district are fully occupied