COVID-19: Admin concerned as Kashmir’s contact tracing is 1 to 4 persons

Srinagar, August 15: In a major concern, the contact tracing has been just one to four persons in different districts of Kashmir.
This has been revealed in a recent communication to officers of the health department by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole.
“Target for contact tracing should be 8 to 10 persons per case, but it is only 1 to 4 in different districts. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir directed that all the district contact teams shall act more pro-actively and trace at least 7 contacts for each positive person,” a government document reads, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
A senior official said the government was concerned that the rate of contact tracing was less in Kashmir. “If any person is positive, we are able to find only one or two persons whom he or she has contacted. The failure to found the contacts has become a cause of concern for the administration,” the official said.
Jammu and Kashmir has recorded over 28,000 positive cases and majority have been reported from the valley.
Till August 14, the government said 409414 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for observation which included 41737 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 7027 in isolation and 47531 under home surveillance. Besides, 312599 persons have completed their surveillance period.
A government advisory says that the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The advisory explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put the 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 has further exhorted upon the 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 hand washing with soap and water.”