SRINAGAR, DEC 21: Amid rising concerns over the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, reassured the public on Thursday, stating that there is no need to panic.
He emphasized that the government is actively monitoring the situation and taking proactive measures to address any potential challenges.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating Jashne Chilai Kalan at Kashmir Haat Srinagar, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri dispelled any sense of panic, asserting, “I want to assure the public that there is no need to panic. We are closely monitoring the situation, and the government is fully prepared to respond effectively.”
The Divisional Commissioner further disclosed that detailed meetings have been conducted to assess the potential threat posed by the new variant of COVID-19.
He highlighted the government’s active engagement in monitoring and analyzing the evolving situation, collaborating with health officials and experts. “In any situation, our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of the residents of Kashmir,” he affirmed.
Urging the public to remain vigilant, Bidhuri emphasized the importance of adhering to prescribed guidelines and safety protocols.
He encouraged citizens to rely on official sources for accurate information and updates on the situation, reaffirming the government’s commitment to managing the circumstances effectively.
Meanwhile, as concerns continue to escalate, healthcare experts advocate for a calm and measured response, advising the public not to succumb to panic.
The newly identified variant, labeled JN 1 has sparked worries among the population due to its potential for increased transmissibility and possible resistance to existing vaccines.
However, the pulmonologists, who specialize in respiratory health, emphasized that there is no need for alarm and that the situation can be managed effectively.
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a leading pulmonologist in the valley, said, “It’s crucial to understand that panic does more harm than good. We want to assure the community that while this new variant is a concern, it doesn’t warrant widespread fear. We have faced similar situations in the past, and our collective efforts have proven effective in mitigating the spread of the virus.”
The pulmonologists highlighted the importance of adopting precautionary measures similar to those implemented during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic.
They stressed the significance of hygiene practices, including regular hand washing, the use of masks, and maintaining social distancing.
“Precautionary measures will keep people away from all Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI) and other COVID-19 infections,” said pulmonologists, underscoring the preventive role of these measures in protecting individuals from various respiratory illnesses.
The experts acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the new variant’s behaviour but assured the public that ongoing research and surveillance are being conducted to better understand its characteristics. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our healthcare infrastructure is well-prepared to handle any potential increase in cases,” one of the senior health officials said.
In addition to advocating for personal preventive measures, the pulmonologists urged the public to stay informed through reliable sources and to follow guidelines provided by health authorities.
They emphasized the importance of vaccination and encouraged those eligible to get vaccinated to protect themselves and the community.
“We have come a long way in our fight against the pandemic. By staying vigilant, adhering to recommended precautions, and getting vaccinated, we can collectively overcome the challenges posed by the new variant,”
It is to mention here that the central government has issued an advisory to the state governments urging them to make adequate health arrangements.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has issued an advisory stressing the need for sustained vigilance against COVID-19 despite the World Health Organization’s withdrawal of the PHEIC (Public Health Emergency of International Concern) status earlier this year.
India has successfully maintained a low trajectory of COVID cases through collaborative efforts between the Centre and state governments. However, with the virus still circulating and adapting to local conditions, the central government has stressed the importance of maintaining constant vigil.
