By FK WEB DESK on 25/03/2020.

JAMMU, MARCH 25: The Government today informed that 5124 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been put under surveillance and, so far, 11 cases tested positive  (10 active positive and 01 recovered) in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) 3061 persons have been kept under home quarantine while as 80 are in hospital quarantine.

Persons who are under home surveillance stand at 1477 while as 506 persons have completed their 28-day surveillance period.

The Bulletin further said that 326 samples have been sent for testing of which 294 tested as negative while as 21 reports are awaited till March 25, 2020.

The advisory urged public to strictly follow directions of the  Prime Minister who has called for complete lockdown in the entire nation for the next 21 days in an effort to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic as it is essential to break the chain of its transmission.

“People are therefore appealed to stay in their homes and take the lockdown imposed by Government with utmost sincerity as carelessness

of few can throw us into grave jeopardy, keeping in view the global experiences of countries which have been successful in containing the

spread of COVID-19 through implementation of social distancing measures unlike some other countries where thousands of people have died,” reads the advisory.

People can call toll free national helpline number 1075 for support, guidance, and response to health related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). Similarly they can also call Jammu & Kashmir 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).

On the implementation of Social Distancing measures, the advisory said that it is the key to stop and prevent the spread of Covid-19 from those who are infected to those who are not infected. The intervention includes remaining out of crowded settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet or 2 meters) from others.

However, there is no need to panic, take care of your health and protect others, says the advisory. Public in general is therefore advised to avoid un-necessary travel and use of public transport; avoid crowded places and large gathering and not to spit in public.

People must take basic precautions for personal hygiene; frequent hand washing with soap & water; and observing coughing & sneezing etiquettes.

Public is therefore advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the Government from time to time. People are also urged to rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print & electronic media.

Furthermore, people are advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.