Srinagar, June 17: Jammu and Kashmir has reported a rise in COVID-19 cases, with the total tally reaching 15. Health officials have urged people to follow preventive measures as concerns grow over the fresh uptick in infections across the Union Territory.
According to the official daily COVID-19 bulletin, Jammu and Kashmir currently has 15 active positive cases, with 13 in the Kashmir division and two in the Jammu division.
In Kashmir, the cases include seven from Srinagar, four from Pulwama, and two from Bandipora. In Jammu division, one case each has been reported from Jammu and Reasi districts.
The bulletin also stated that with intensified testing, eight samples were tested on June 16—five from Kashmir and three from Jammu.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Harjeet Rai said J&K follows all guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, and the UT remains fully prepared for any potential rise in cases.
Dr. Harjeet said there is no need to panic saying the ministry’s directives align with the national strategy to remain proactive in light of increasing cases in some parts of the country.
“Routine testing of severe respiratory infections and influenza-like illnesses is being carried out across both Kashmir and Jammu divisions,” he said.
As per officials, J&K had reported its last COVID-19 case in November 2024. Since then, regular mock drills have been conducted nationwide as part of the post-COVID preparedness strategy.
Though the cases are low but health officials have urged people not to let their guard down, stressing the importance of continued vigilance.
“Covid-19 has not vanished completely. Testing, masking in crowded places, and vaccination remain key preventive measures,” a senior health official said.
The official said hospitals across the region are still maintaining isolation wards and other facilities as a precautionary measure. Public health campaigns have also been stepped up to ensure that people remain informed and proactive about symptoms and safety.
Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah, a leading pulmonologist and Head of the Department of Chest Medicine at Chest Diseases Hospital Srinagar, said the valley is receiving many patients with respiratory illnesses, but none have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. He noted that the symptoms of COVID-19 and pollen allergies are quite similar, which often leads to confusion.
He advised that anyone experiencing symptoms to visit the nearest healthcare facility. “There is no need to panic, but people should take necessary precautions,” he added.
Health experts advised that individuals with seasonal pollen allergies should continue their treatment and wear masks regularly as a protective measure.
Officials of the J&K Health and Medical Education Department said they have consulted experts from the country’s premier institutions, who have assured there is no cause for alarm, describing the illness as mild.
They said the department is prepared to handle any rise in cases. Isolation facilities are available in several hospitals, and testing is being carried out for respiratory infections and pneumonia cases.
Meanwhile, the J&K Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), under the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has intensified surveillance for potential COVID-19 cases and is reinforcing preventive measures.
According to the COVID-19 dashboard of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, there are currently 6,836 active cases nationwide.
To bolster readiness, the central government has initiated mock drills across hospitals nationwide, evaluating critical resources such as oxygen supply, ventilators, and essential medicines to handle potential surges efficiently.
