'Foolproof plan for Amarnath Yatra'

Srinagar, April 20: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir PK Pole Tuesday said there is no plan for a lockdown in the valley as of now, but the government is closely monitoring the emerging COVID-19 situation in the region.

Addressing a press conference here, Pole said there is a need for timely intervention and extra response at this juncture and any appropriate decision depends on the evolving situation in the future.

"There is carelessness in the public which needs to be addressed. The administration is doing all it can to prepare for any eventuality," he said. "However, the situation is not alarming in the valley as compared to other states of the country."

Pole said that last year, the lockdown was imposed to save lives as there was not much knowledge about the virus.

“We are currently witnessing a second wave. Last year, we were not aware of the behaviour of the virus, so lockdown was imposed to save lives. But as we learned more, we slowly started to unlock with appropriate COVID behaviour," he added.

 Pole said the COVID protocol includes wearing masks, using sanitizers, and maintaining social distance is the key to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

On striking balance between tourism and Amarnath Yatra during COVID-19 spike, Pole said that the administration has a foolproof plan for the Yatra.

 "Jammu and Srinagar airport are the two airports where all the travellers are getting tested. We are testing around 3000 to 4000 travellers every day. On average 40 to 50 people test positive," he said. "All the SoPs are at place for Amarnath Yatra if it takes place."

Pole said at present, there are 7300 positive cases while Kashmir has recorded 1300 deaths so far.

 “The percentage of deaths is 1.47. In total, there were 90,000 COVID positive cases of which 80,000 have recovered so far. He said that 28 lakh people were tested of which 20 lakh tests were done through Rapid Antigen Testing, and remaining through RTCPR.”

Pole said there are 1500 beds available of which total occupancy is 30 per cent only.

 “37 per cent hospitals in Kashmir are having adequate oxygen facilities,” Pole said.