Northern Command prepares to fight COVID-19 with 4 isolation wards

New Delhi, March 12 To fight the deadly coronavirus outbreak, the Northern Command of the Indian Army has created four isolation wards with a 100-bed capacity at the Command Hospital (NC) in Udhampur, the Northern Command headquarters in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the Northern Command, a team of specialists will handle the suspected coronavirus cases at the Command Hospital.

"Four isolation wards with 100-bed capacity have been created using crisis expansion beds, life-saving medical equipment and medicines," a statement issued on Thursday said.

The hospital has also procured hazard suits, N-95 masks and protective equipment for the healthcare personnel. All patients will be treated for respiratory infections and the suspected patients will be treated at the dedicated Covid-19 OPD.

For testing purposes, the Command Hospital has tied up with the Indian Council of Medical Research, which will carry out tests under strict biosafety protocols.

The officials of the Northern Command are also carrying out an intensive information-education-communication campaign at the Udhampur station to sensitise army personnel and their families about the dreaded virus and its precautionary measures.

"The Commandant, Command Hospital (NC), has urged all personnel to perform hand hygiene with soap and water and/or hand sanitiser, avoid handshakes, avoid crowded places, maintain two feet distance and wear medical masks if feeling sick," the statement added.

At least 76 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported from India as on Thursday. Even a three-year-old has tested positive in Kerala, who had a travel history to Italy with his parents.

The coronavirus outbreak was first reported in December last year in Wuhan city of China. The disease has affected more than 100 countries so far and has been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization.

( With inputs from IANS )