Monday, April 6, 2026
Home Blog Page 1305

Kashmir witnesses third Covid death

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): A 60-year-old man from Hajin area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district died of Covid-19 in a Srinagar hospital today, a few hours after he was admitted. His samples were taken soon after he was put in quarantine and the results came positive, barely two hours after his death.

The deceased (name withheld) developed chronic chest congestion after which he was shifted to a hospital in Hajin area of Bandipora. A doctor at health facility Hajin said that after seeing the symptoms of the patient, he was referred to Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Srinagar for specialized treatment.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital Srinagar Dr Nazir Choudhary said that the patient had bilateral pneumonia. “For us, he was the prime suspect of Covid-19 given his symptoms. We took his samples and put him under quarantine, but he succumbed in the afternoon (today),” he said. “His sample results came positive hours after his death.”

Nodel Officer for Covid-19 at Hajin, Syed Shahnawaz Ahmad said that the patient hails from Gund Jahengeer, Hajin area of Bandipora. He also confirmed that the patient died of Covid-19. “His test results came positive today,” Ahmad said.

He said that the body of the deceased has reached Hajin and entire medical team has rushed to the house of deceased. “We are following the guidelines laid down by the World Health Organization for the burial and funeral those who die of Caronavirus,” he said.

Asked whether the deceased had any travel history, Ahmed said: “The deceased had come in contact with a Covid-positive patient and had no travel history.” Official sources said that Rapid Response Team and medical teams have also reached the native village of deceased to oversee his burial and funeral as per the guidelines. Today’s death is third of its kind in Kashmir. Earlier, two elderly patients had also died of Covid-19 pandemic. While one of them was part of Tableegi Jamaat, another one, according to doctors, had transmitted the disease within the community.

Pakistan’s COVID-19 death toll reaches 54; cases top 3,800

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan rose to 3,864 after more than 500 positive cases were reported while the death toll reached 54, according to the Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, as many as 429 people have been recovered and cured from the virus.

The health authorities in the country are scrambling to contain the spread of coronavirus by appealing to the public to remain inside their homes, after many of them were seen flouting government orders and roaming on the streets, accoring to the media reports.

Despite reiterating emergency measures, in many places, Islamic religious clerics were also seen addressing a gathering irrespective of the fact that religious congregation has been restricted by the government in view of the rapidly spreading contagion.

Punjab registered a maximum of 1,918 cases, followed by Sindh with 932 cases, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa with 500 cases, Gilgit-Baltistan with 211 cases, Balochistan with 202 cases and Islamabad with 83 cases, according to Geo News.

Coronavirus cases rise to 164 in Bangladesh; death toll at 17

New Delhi (NVI): The total number of COVID-19 fatalities have reached 17 in Bangladesh as 5 more deaths were confirmed today, according to the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR).

Besides, the total number of positive cases has reached 164 with 41 new infections being reported in the last 24 hours.

“Four of the deceased are male and another is female. Among them, two were aged above 60, two between 50 to 60 and one between 41 to 50 years old,” IEDCR director Prof Meerjady Sabrina Flora said.

In the past 24 hours, no new patient recovered from COVID-19, according to United News of Bangladesh.

In addition to this, Bangladesh has devised an app which will allow people to check for symptoms of the coronavirus disease by uploading a chest X-ray, with test results available through artificial intelligence within minutes, accoridng to Arab News.

Thousands cross over to Afghanistan from Pak: Report

New Delhi (NVI): Thousands of Afghans entered their country from Pakistan through Torkham pass today, local media reported while sharing a video.

Pakistan opened Torkham and Chaman passes yesterday for three days after being closed for a month, due to the coronavirus, Afghan media reported.

The governor of Nangarhar province in Afghanistan, Shah Mahmood Miakhel, has urged the people to be patient and let the medical staff screen them for COVID-19, according to reports.

Afghan authorities have expressed concern over possible Covid positive cases among those who crossed over to this side as Pakistan has also reported a number of coronavirus cases.

Afganistan has reported 56 new positive coronavirus cases since yesterday, according to local media reports.

The places where positive coronavirus cases were recorded in Afghanistan in the past 24 hours include, Herat (27), Kabul (12), Kandahar (10), Balkh (5) and Nangarhar (2).

Whereas, there are total 257 cases in Herat. With this, the total number of positive cases in Afghanistan has risen to 423.

So far, 14 people have been reported dead from coronavirus in Afghanistan, while 18 have recovered.

COVID-19: Shipping Ministry playing active role at ports

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): In the wake of coronavirus, the Ministry of Shipping has been taking pro-active steps to ensure smooth running of shipping and port operations, ease the hardships, and at the same time, following the restrictions imposed during the lockdown.

In this regard, Shipping Ministry has undertaken several measures to handle COVID-19.

Some of these exemplary measures are:

1) Thermal scanning

Total of 46,202 passengers have been scanned between Jaunary 27 to April 4, using Thermal Scanners at Indian Ports. Out of which, 39,225 people were scanned at Major Ports.

2) Waiver of penal fee

Each Major Port has ensured that no penalties, demurrage, charges, fee, rentals are levied by the Major ports on any port user (traders, Shipping lines, concessionaires, licensees etc.) for any delay in berthing or loading/unloading operations or evacuation of cargo.

3) Force majeure

The period for completion of any Project under implementation in PPP mode or otherwise, can be extended by the Ports.

For existing and operational PPP projects, the Major Ports can permit waiver of all penal consequences on a case-to-case basis along with deferment of certain performance obligations under the relevant provisions of Concession Agreement.

4) Preparation of Hospitals

Hospitals across the Major Port Trusts have been supplied with the Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) and the arrangement of sufficient staff round the clock has been made. In some Port Hospitals, a part of the hospital can be earmarked for Covid-19 with separate entry and exit.

5) CSR Funds transferred to PMCARES Fund

Ports and PSUs under the Ministry of Shipping have contributed more than Rs 52 Crore from the CSR funds towards PM CARES Fund.

6) Employees contributing from their salary

Employees of Ports, PSUs and other offices of the Ministry of Shipping have contributed over Rs 7 crore from their salaries towards PM CARES Fund.

In addition to this, due to the proactive approach of the maritime administration all Indian ships have been kept in working condition with valid certificates, are adequately manned and are engaged in carriage of goods.

Kejriwal announces ‘5T’ action plan for Delhi to fight COVID-19

New Delhi (NVI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced a five-point plan to tackle the coronavirus outbreak in the national capital, comprising of ‘5Ts’: testing, tracing, treatment, teamwork and tracking and monitoring.

Addressing at a virtual briefing here, Kejriwal said, “Taking idea from South Korea, the government would conduct at least one lakh random rapid tests in hotspots across Delhi. The government has already conducted some 5,000 tests.”

He added that the government will first continue “tracing” contacts of those who have been already tested positive for COVID-19.

“We have an efficient team of doctors who will identify and quarantine those who have been in contact with coronovirus positive patients,” he said.

Kejriwal further said, “Secondly, regarding the ‘treatment’ of patients who have contracted the disease, the government has so far set up 3,000 patient beds in hospitals across the national capital.

“We have strategised to take over in phases more hospital beds, hotels, banquets and dharamshalas if the numbers increase,” he added.

“As novel coronavirus can only be defeated through teamwork, I am happy that all states along with the Centre are working together to stop the spread of the virus,” he said.

During the briefing, Kejriwal said that he will ensure that all parts of the plan were conducted efficiently. “My responsibility will be tracking and monitoring of the plan. I will see to it that it is followed through,” he said.

So far, Delhi has reported 523 positive cases of COVID-19, including seven deaths. Of the total number of cases, 330 are linked to the Tablighi Jamaat event at Nizamuddin.

Govt mulls extending COVID-19 lockdown after requests from states

New Delhi (NVI): The Centre is thinking of extending the nationwide 21-day COVID-19 lockdown after receiving requests in this regard from a number of states as well as experts, according to government sources.

The development took place even as India entered the 14th day of lockdown that was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24.

Indications for extending the COVID-19 restrictions have come from Telangana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh, according to sources.

However, there has been no official announcement from the Central Government regarding the extension of lockdown, so far.

The country is currently under a 21-day lockdown from March 25 to April 14 in the wake of deadly coronavirus pandemic that has claimed over 75,000 lives and infected over 13.5 lakh people across the world.

Meanwhile, the death toll due to COVID-19 in India has risen to 114, while the total number of cases has climbed to 4,421, according to Health Ministry.

COVID-19: Smart cities collaborate with doctors for online consultation

Representational image

New Delhi (NVI): Telemedicine has emerged as an important technology to ensure citizen safety through efficient communication to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

Telemedicine is the distribution of health-related services and information through electronic information and telecommunication technologies.

Leveraging this technology, Smart Cities are collaborating with medical practitioners (certified doctors and health experts) in the city to provide online medical consultation facilities to citizens.

The guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in collaboration with NITI Aayog and Indian Medical Council, allow remote delivery of medical services during the lockdown period.

The guidelines also allow doctors to write prescriptions based on telephonic, textual or video conversations — chat, images, messaging, emails, fax and others.

Citizens can therefore consult certified medical practitioners without the need to go out of the house, reducing the risk of COVID-19 spread.

Smart Cities are also ensuring collaborated efforts of District Administration, District Police and City Administration to monitor the suspected cases of COVID-19.

Various cities have also started the facility of helpline numbers in the country, in which doctors or medical practitioners are stationed at the integrated command and control centre (ICCC). This will help the doctors to provide assistance in any situation.

J&K Govt announces mass promotion of Class 1 to 9 in Jammu

Abid Bashir

Srinagar (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir government today announced a mass promotion for the students of class 1 to class 9 in the Jammu region in the wake of Covid-19 outbreak.

The government also ordered that the students studying in class 11 in Jammu region will also be promoted to the next class. In Kashmir, mass promotion has only been announced for those who were supposed to appear in bi-annual exams of Class 11.

The decision has been taken in the wake of the pandemic that has already claimed two lives in Kashmir and affected 109 people in J&K UT so far.

An order issued by the deputy secretary to the government, school education department, (JK UT), Sachin Jamwal, reads that the government has directed the chairman JK Board of School Education (BOSE) and director school education, Jammu division to issue notification/orders in this regard.

The JKBOSE had submitted a proposal to the government in this regard, advocating mass promotion for the students of class 1 to class 9 and also for the students of class 11 in the Jammu region.

“This has reference to your proposal dated April 04, 2020. In this context, I am directed to convey that keeping in view the prevailing extraordinary circumstances of the worldwide spread of Covid-19, the countrywide lockdown and the academic future of the students, the competent authority has agreed to your proposal and advised you to take necessary action including issuance of notification/orders, for implementation,” reads the order, a copy of which lies with the NVI.

The order further reads: “All students studying in Classes 1 to 9 of all schools (Government as well as Private) of Jammu Division which fall under Summer Zone and affiliated to J&K State Board of School Education recognized by Government of UT be promoted to the next class grade for the academic session 2020-21, as a one-time exemption.” The government has also advised the Director School Education Jammu to monitor and finalize the process of promotion as per the approved norms.

For class 11th (Summer Zone), the order states that all the examinees, who were supposed to appear in class 11 Annual Regular examination falling in Jammu Division (that stands postponed) be also promoted to the Hr. Sec. Part II (12th), as one-time exemption. The government has also announced mass promotion for the class 11 students of Kashmir, who were set to appear in bi-annual exams.

3rd week of lockdown crucial: Naidu

New Delhi (NVI): Vice President Venkaiah Naidu today said that the third week of lockdown will be critical for deciding on the exit from the present nation-wide restrictions in force from March 25.

Naidu said that concerns about the health of the people shall take precedence over that of stabilization of economy. “In my view, while the concerns of economy can wait for another day, that of health can’t,” Naidu said.

He also said that the data regarding the extent and rate of spread of virus infection will have a bearing on exit strategy.

While referring to the consultations between the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers on the exit strategy, Naidu asked citizens to obey whatever decision follows and cooperate with the same spirit that has so far been demonstrated even if hardship were to continue after April 14.

He expected that government will ensure smooth functioning of supply chains and adequate relief and support for the vulnerable sections.

1...1,3041,3051,306...1,569Page 1,305 of 1,569

MUST READ