Directs strict monitoring at Srinagar Internal Airport, appeals people to follow precautions
JAMMU, MARCH 21: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, who is overall in-charge of coronavirus control efforts in Kashmir, convened a meeting here today to review the measures being put in place by various departments regarding prevention and control of Covid-19.
The meeting was attended by Mission Director National Health Mission, J&K, Bhupinder Kumar, OSD coronavirus control, Owais Ahmad and other concerned officials from Health and Medical Education.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P. K. Pole, all Deputy Commissioners of Valley districts, Director SKIMS, Principal GMC Srinagar, Commissioner SMC, Director Airport Authority Srinagar International Airport and other concerned participated in the meeting via video conferencing.
During the meeting, the officers gave a detailed presentation regarding the preventive measures and steps to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Advisor directed strict monitoring at Srinagar International Airport and Jawahar Tunnel to ensure thorough screening of passengers and travellers. He also directed complete closure of Sonamarg- Zojila road.
He said that a media centre should be established in Srinagar which would provide latest information of the Governor’s administration and assist people regarding prevention of the contagion.
The Advisor directed concerned agencies to keep a close vigil on rumour mongers and called for strict action against them as per the law.
While stressing on dealing with the situation as per the recommended guidelines and operating procedures, Khan said that everyone has to play its due role in combating the deadly disease.
He said that Tehsildars, Patwaris and Panchayat representatives must be involved in getting information about their localities regarding the people having Covid-19 symptoms.
The Advisor said that no major congregation should be allowed in the interest of public safety, adding that no public transport should be allowed to ply on the national highway and inter-district roads.
He urged people to cooperate with the administration and be well-informed about all precautions that need to be followed to prevent spread of the infection.
The meeting also discussed the facilities needed to be made available at quarantine facilities for shifting of suspected cases.
Instructions were issued for equipping quarantine centres with all the requisite facilities as identified during the meeting. It was informed during the meeting that hospitals will get additional ventilators to deal with the situation.
The Advisor said that health officials must maintain a constant watch on cases and immediate reporting and shifting of those who might develop Covid-19 symptoms is of critical importance.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioners of valley districts highlighted the sanitization and disinfection measures being taken to prevent the spread of the contagious coronavirus.