J&K/SHOPIAN (The Stellar News), Anil Bhardwaj: The Deputy Commissioner Shopian Sachin Kumar Vaishya today said that strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs, following corona curfew in letter and spirit, containment measures, aggressive testing and contact tracing besides cent percent vaccination of persons above 45 years have been the key in containing spread of the deadly virus in the district, bringing down positivity rate and restricting the number of deaths during second wave of Corona. Sharing details regarding Covid-19 situation in Shopian district, the Deputy Commissioner said that the positivity rate has shown a steep decline from peak 15.1% to 3.2 % as of today. He said the decline in the positivity rate is a result of the active cooperation of the general public including business /transport community with the District Administration as they have followed all the necessary Covid-19 related guidelines. The Deputy Commissioner informed that about 108497 RAT and RTPCR Covid tests have been done so far in the district, active positive cases are 1066 at present, recovery rate is 79.2 % and COVID-19 related deaths are 56 with Case Fatality Rate of 1.03%. “Though visible decline in Covid positive cases has been seen, we have to be extra cautious, by following Covid Appropriate Behaviour with added responsibility and commitment so that our district enters into green zone,” the DC said.
Regarding recent Unlock directions, the Deputy Commissioner said this is a minimal Unlock and ease in the restrictions does not mean to violate Covid-19 SOPs. He reiterated his appeal to public to follow strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols and ensure proper wearing of masks, maintaining social distance and hand hygeine to contain spread of virus and save lives. He also urged people to avoid unnecessary movements. With regard to ongoing Covid-19 Vaccination procces, Mr. Sachin informed that Shopian is the first district in UT to vaccinate 100% targeted population of 45 years above. He said that administration has already identified high risk / vulnerable groups like Physically Challenged Persons, Widows, Labourers, drivers, street vendors etc and vaccination shall be done on priority once vaccine consignment is received.
The Deputy Commissioner said vaccine is our only chance to get protected against COVID-19 and we can’t afford to abstain from getting vaccinated. He urged people of 45 years above age who have already received 1st dose to go for 2nd dose. “Similarly, on the directions of Lieutenant Governor, the district administration has setup Covid Care Centres in all 98 Panchayats of the district equipped with Oxygen Concentrators, Oximeters and other necessarry medical equipments and Medical and Paramedical staff is deployed to these CCCs to manage and contain the Covid-19 effectively in rural areas ” said the DC
