J&K has 9 active Covid-19 cases. All mild, no cause for alarm, says officials

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has reported nine new COVID-19 cases since November 2024, marking the first such cases in several months.

A senior health official informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there are currently nine active COVID-19 cases in the Union Territory. Of these, five are from Kashmir and four from Jammu.

The official said the situation remains under control and there is no immediate cause for concern. He urged residents to stay vigilant and follow safety precautions. “We are strictly adhering to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The UT is fully prepared to respond to any potential rise in infections,” he said.

The official added that these measures are part of a broader national strategy to prevent a resurgence, especially amid reports of increasing COVID-19 cases in some parts of Asia.

Routine testing for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) continues across healthcare facilities in both divisions.

It is noteworthy that the last reported COVID-19 case in Jammu and Kashmir was in November 2024.

To ensure preparedness, the Ministry of Health recently held a high-level review meeting with key health agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and representatives from central hospitals. The purpose was to assess readiness and strengthen surveillance and response systems in case of a rise in cases.

Health experts have advised the public to remain alert but not alarmed. They said the current strains typically cause mild illness or no symptoms at all. Facilities have been upgraded since the initial wave of COVID-19, and the region is equipped to handle any escalation.

“Most positive cases recover on their own, and only a few may require hospital visits, which can be managed through outpatient departments,” they said, adding that there is no need to panic.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and have urged residents to follow safety protocols, including testing, wearing masks in crowded places and maintaining vaccination schedules.

Hospitals across Jammu and Kashmir have maintained dedicated isolation wards and medical facilities as precautions. Public awareness campaigns have been intensified to inform citizens about COVID-19 symptoms and preventive measures.

The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the NCDC has increased efforts in monitoring, contact tracing and prompt isolation, forming a key part of the ongoing containment strategy.

Officials confirmed that all current positive patients are stable with very mild symptoms. “There is no immediate cause for panic, but precautions must continue,” they said. —(KNO)