Bengaluru: Two South Africans test positive for COVID-19 as threat of new variant looms
Bengaluru, Nov 27: Amid fears of the spread of new Covid strain 'Omicron' looming large, two South African nationals have tested positive for the coronavirus, and their samples have been sent for further tests to ascertain about the variant, a top official said on Saturday.
Both of them have been quarantined and there was no need for worry, he said.
"From (November) 1 to 26, a total of 94 people have come from South Africa, out of them two have tested positive for regular Covid-19. So people need not worry," Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas, under whose jurisdiction Kempegowda International Airport comes, said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, both the infected persons have been quarantined, are being monitored by the authorities and their samples have been sent for further tests to ascertain the variant.
Noting that ten countries have been identified as high risk, the DC said all those coming from there are made to compulsorily undergo tests, and those tested positive are being quarantined.
As many as 584 people have arrived in Bengaluru from ten high-risk nations from November one to 26, he said.
Observing that cases of the new variants have been detected in the last one week in countries like Botswana, South Africa, Hong Kong and Israel, state Health Minister K Sudhakar earlier today said guidelines have been given to airports stating those travelling from these countries to the city have to undergo a test despite having negative Covid test report, and they will be allowed outside the airport only after testing negative.
"Even after testing negative they will have to remain at home and after seven days they will have to undergo a test once again, and after getting a negative report, one can go out," he added.
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Don't rush back home, stay at safer places: J-K Police to border village residents
Srinagar/Jammu, May 11 (PTI): The authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday asked border villages residents, who were evacuated to safer places in view of cross border shelling by Pakistan, not to rush back to homes as they are yet to sanitize and clear these areas of any unexplored shells.
More than two lakh residents of villages close to the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border were evacuated to safer places amid intense Pakistani artillery and mortar shelling from May 7 onwards owing to vulnerability of their habitations in both divisions of Kashmir and Jammu.
"Do not return to frontline villages. Lives are at risk as unexplored munitions remain (scattered) after Pakistani shelling," said an advisory issued by the police in Kashmir Valley.
Bomb disposal squads will be sent to the affected areas to sanitize and clear the villages of any unexplored shells, which can lead to loss of human lives, it said.
“As many as 41 lives were lost in explosions of leftover shells near the LoC in 2023 alone," the advisory read, highlighting the dangers of civilians rushing back to villages.
In Jammu region, the police vehicles fitted with a public address system were seen making rounds in the worst-hit Poonch district and asking people not to touch any suspicious object lying at their residential houses, compounds or open fields.
“People returning to their homes are advised to be cautious and immediately inform police or the nearest security camp about any suspicious object, which could be dangerous to human life,” the police said.
The Poonch district accounted for the highest 20 of the total 27 fatalities with over 50 others injured since Wednesday, shortly after India carried out Operation Sindoor, striking nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and PoK to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 26 people dead.
India and Pakistan on Saturday reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea with immediate effect after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.
However, hours later New Delhi accused Islamabad of breaching it.
In a late night media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri called upon Pakistan to take appropriate steps to address these violations and deal with the situation with "seriousness and responsibility".
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Poonch, Shafket Hussain, also visited Mankote village of Mendhar sub-division and urged the general public to remain vigilant and immediately report the presence of any unexploded live shells or suspicious objects to the nearest police or security camp.
“Timely reporting can help prevent further loss of life and enable swift action by the Bomb Disposal Squad,” he said interacting with the local residents, who have returned to the border village.
The SSP assured the public of enhanced safety and security measures in the border area.
“Police remain committed to the safety and well-being of citizens and will continue its dedicated efforts to ensure peace and security in the region,” he said.
Hussain also visited the family of Balvinder Kour, who lost her life due to cross-border shelling in the village and expressed condolences with her family.
The SSP assured the bereaved family of all possible assistance from the police department and civil administration.
Reports from Rajouri and Akhnoor in Jammu districts also speak about police and other security agencies actively searching for unexploded shells besides asking people to remain cautious and not to come closer to suspicious objects for their own safety.
