Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Sameer Matoo said that testing has been scalled in Kashmir a big way.
More than 800 tests are conducted daily. We trained 450 laboratory technicians to take samples for Covid19 suspect patients. They move in mobile vans and takes samples from Red Zones, Buffer Zones.”
He added that scaling up testing means more cases will come out positive and more would be sent to quarantine.
He expressed satisfaction that Coronovirus did not hit Kashmir as they were anticipating.
“Situation is under control to a larger extent and we are taking all measures to keep it under control,” he said.
Dr Matoo opined that Social distancing should continue even if lockdown is eased by the Government.
On being asked about the people whose tests come negative, he said, ” we don’t allow them to leave. They have to remain in quarantine for 14 days. Their immunity also increases meanwhile and they again test negative for Covid19,” he said.
Dr Matoo told that they have received first batch of 9600 Rapid Test kits out of 80,000 required in Kashmir for carrying our testing at large scale.
He also said that personal protection gear is provided to all those doctors and paramedics who are involved directly in treatment of patients.
He advised people to maintain social distancing, hand washes for 20s to 1 mnt, use Sanitizers, hand washes or soap for washing hands, avoid touching face, eyes.
He also said there has been increase in red Zones of Kashmir from 84 to 90.
