Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 18: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura today said that that a total of 41 samples were sent to be tested from the hospital and all have tested negative.
The details about the measures taken and the status of such cases were given by the Director SKIMS Dr A G Ahanger during a press conference. He added that one report is awaited and there was no need for the people to panic.
While terming that the hospitals can prove to be means for the spread of the virus, he said that people should avoid routine visits to the hospitals in order to remain safe.
”We have monitored every patient with a travel history and have taken their samples. A total of 41 samples were taken, all have been tested negative,” he said, while adding that people don’t need to panic but at the same time take precautionary measures.
He said that people should not unnecessarily crowd hospitals and should minimise visits. “People travelling from abroad must stay at home and don’t approach hospitals unless there are symptoms,” he said.
He appealed that the social gathering, public transport and cash transactions should be avoided to arrest the spread of the infection.
He said that SKIMS is now one of the 19 designated testing centers for carrying out the tests after it received approval from National Institute of Virology.
Dr AG Ahanger said that that the novel Coronavirus can be stopped with the effective measures.
“Cover your mouth with handkerchief or tissue while coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. We should refrain from touching our hands with eyes, nose and mouth after sneezing. It is advised to take plenty of hot or lukewarm water,” he said.
He appealed people to refrain from visiting hospitals these days. In response to a question, Dr Ahangar said that all the patients who are being quarantined at SKIMS have travel history and all of them are recovering.
“We should desist from spreading rumours but believe in facts only. The fact is that there is no Coronavirus case in Kashmir,” he said.
He said that quarantine has been made mandatory for people returning from the countries affected by Coronavirus, “even if they exhibit no symptoms,” he said.
He said that over 40 people are still under home quarantine. Ahangar, while commenting on the culture of Kashmir said that in a place like Kashmir, when a person returns from abroad, the family members and relatives hoard the home.
He said that such a trend needs be to be changed in present circumstances.
He appealed the people to avoid unnecessary visits to the hospital. He asked people to delay or postpone the routine visits to the hospital for minor ailments
“Because the hospitals all over the world shall be the hotbed for this infection and the propensity to catch such an infection stands very high,” he said.
He added that the people suffering from chronic diseases and whose immune system has weakened due to the same “should minimize their visits to the OPDs unless it is very essential,” he said.
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