Admin says ensuring implementation of SoPs in spirit, precautionary measures, self protection must to avoid further spike
Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jan 17 : As the Covid cases continue to rise in Srinagar elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir, the health experts here believe that the outbreak of new variant, Omicron and increase in testing capacity are among the reasons behind the surge in cases.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the toll of active positive cases in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir has mounted to 3877 today.
In the past eight days, Srinagar recorded 3484 cases of Covid.
Asked about the reasons, the health experts said that there are two reasons behind the spike in Covid cases in Srinagar, which include the presence of a new variant and the increase in testing capacity.
“If we talk about Omicron, it is although mild, but very infectious at the same time,” one of the health experts said, adding that everyone would catch this variant of virus as it is more infectious than others.
However, he said that it is expected that the virus is in its final stage and thus this more infectious, but mild variant is infecting most of the population.
“The cases might be higher in other districts of Jammu and Kashmir, but due to the disparity in tests, less cases are being detected across the Union Territory,” he said.
The health experts said that in wake of the mild variant, the government should shift its focus from the number of cases to ensuring better treatment to the severely ill patients. “We cannot stop this variant from spreading, but all we need is to take precautions properly,” they said.
Moreover, the district administration told KNO that it has taken measures to ensure that the cases are prevented from spreading and in this regard, it has been taking action against those found violating the Standard Operating Procedures.
“One has to take proper precautions. Stop unnecessary movement outside in public places and avoid visiting hospitals to cooperate in dealing with the prevalent situation,” an official in the district administration said.
He also said that self protection is must and there is a need to follow all the set guidelines and directions issued by the health department—(KNO)
