Image Source: THE TRIBUNE

Coronavirus cases continue to rise in Kashmir as 30 fresh cases were reported on Friday, taking the caseload in J&K to 823. Panic gripped the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, after the news spread that one of its employees has tested positive for coronavirus. In J&K, 30 new positive cases have been reported since our last update yesterday, all from Kashmir division. At least 29 Covid-19 patients had recovered and discharged from various hospitals of J&K, it said. Secretariat in Srinagar is functional, everything normal. I’ve just returned from there. One positive case was found, particular floor cleared / disinfected, due protocols followed. Clarified after wrong media reports, tweeted Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Choudhary. At least 30,000 residents have entered J&K, with proper regulation, after the Ministry of Home Affairs allowed movement of stranded persons on April 29, said a government spokesperson. Also 160 medical students from Bangladesh reached Srinagar today. Officials said 15 persons tested positive for coronavirus in Budgam, eight in Kulgam, three each in Srinagar and Ganderbal, and one in Baramulla district. Positive cases in Srinagar include a healthcare worker of Super Specialty Hospital, Srinagar, and father and brother-in-law of a city youth, who died of Covid-19 on Wednesday evening.