Like the rest of the country, Kashmir has been rattled with the second wave of the COVID-19. The daily cases have been increasing manifold for the last two weeks. The Kashmir Walla spoke with Atal Dulloo, the Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education department, on the preparation of the administration and the vaccination strategy.
What are the preparations to deal with a second wave?
Medical sector is prepared as it was last year when the virus broke out here. Hospitals are ready to deal with the virus, testing is going on and contact tracing is on to trace the affected.
Will you recommend lockdown whether complete or partial to contain the spread of the virus?
There is no possibility of lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir concerning coronavirus.
Will, there be any ban on travellers entering Jammu and Kashmir in a bid to control coronavirus
There will not be any ban on travellers entering Jammu and Kashmir but we will enhance testing of the people who enter Jammu and Kashmir even if they come by road.
COVID-19 reserved facilities have been scaled down. Is there a plan to increase the facilities to brace for rising cases?
Yes, if the need is felt we will increase beds in hospitals for the patients. The health sector is in a position to dedicate more facilities for the patients but as of now, there is no need of increasing beds and related facilities for the patients infected by the virus.
When are individuals below 45 years of age expected to be vaccinated?
People below 45 years of age will be provided with the vaccines only once all the people above 45 years of age are covered. It depends on the cooperation of the people so that we can give the vaccine to people having an age of less than 45.
Are there enough vaccines to cover the entire population of J-K?
Yes, there is no shortage of vaccines. Everybody will be provided with the anti-COVID vaccine.
