Advisory urges people not to discriminate, stigmatize COVID-19 patients

JK News Today 
JAMMU, MAY 08:

The Government Friday informed that 30 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), all from Kashmir division, have been reported today thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 823.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Coronavirus (Covid-19), out of 823 positive cases, 450 are Active Positive, 364 have recovered and 09 have died.
Moreover, 29 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 01 from Jammu division and 28 from Kashmir Division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 42427 test results available, 41604 samples have tested as negative till May 08, 2020.
Furthermore, till date 88067 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 18477 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 186 in Hospital Quarantine, 450 in hospital isolation and 8724 under home surveillance. Besides, 60221 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 134 positive cases with 58 Active Positive, 75 recovered (including 12 recoveries today), 01 death; Srinagar has 129 (including 03 case reported today) positive cases with 50 Active Positive, 76 recovered, 03 deaths; Anantnag district has 122 positive cases with 120 Active Positive, 01 recovered, 01 death; Baramulla has 106 positive cases (including 01 reported today) with 61 Active Positive, 42 recovered, 03 deaths; Shopian has 98 positive cases with 51 Active Positive, 47 recovered (including 13 recoveries today); Kupwara has 69 positive cases with 36 Active Positive, 33 recovered (including 02 recoveries today); Budgam with 15 new cases has 46 positive cases with 33 Active Positive and 13 recovered cases(including 1 recovery today); Ganderbal has 19 positive cases including 03 cases reported today with 05 Active case and 14 recoveries; Kulgam has 20 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today) with 15 Active Positive and 05 recoveries; Pulwama has 12 positive cases with 08 active positive, 04 recovered.
Similarly, Jammu has 31 positive cases with 05 active positive cases and 26 recoveries; Udhampur has 22 positive cases with 02 active positive cases, 19 recovered and 01 death; Samba has 07 positive cases with 03 Active Positive and 04 recoveries; Rajouri has 04 positive cases, 01 active positive and 03 have recovered; Kathua has 01 positive case which recovered today; Kishtwar had only 01 positive case who has recovered while Ramban and Reasi both the districts have 01 positive case each who are active positive.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The advisory has urged upon the people not to discriminate or stigmatize any patient in the name of COVID-19. Do not stigmatise COVID-19 survivors as stigma affects the emotional and mental health of those stigmatized; Those recovered from COVID-19 do not pose any risk to the community as they have successfully been treated and discharged from the hospital. Support and welcome them back home.
As a measure for social distancing in public places & workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The advisory further explains that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease, let us be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice.
Advisory urged people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and are urged to rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.