All the 20 test samples received from Delhi today are negative for COVID-19 and all the reports are from Kargil district. 

Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner/ Secretary Health said, “It has come to light that a positive case from J&K had come in direct contact with 5 truck drivers/cleaners bringing essential commodities for Ladakh and are now stuck in Drass due to bad weather condition at Zojila pass. These drivers had come into contact with local truck drivers who had gone to Drass for trans-shipment of essential commodities”. 

In view of this incident and also due to the rapid rise in COVID-19 positive cases in Srinagar, District Magistrate, Kargil orders for moderate traffic flow at Zojila and intensification of screenings at various check posts. 

Samphel informs that Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued an advisory where it stated that Iran returnee pilgrims, quarantined at different Army/Air Force centres in the country, would be brought back to Ladakh after completing their quarantine period. 

Talking about bringing back the students to Ladakh, Samphel said that there is no special air-lifting service for students studying outside Ladakh. Although, the administration is in contact with the Student Unions/ Associations and assures full support whenever needed.

Samphel further added that Lieutenant Governor of UT Ladakh, R.K Mathur also flagged off Mobile Medical teams of specialist doctors from Raj Niwas today to conduct health camps at village level in Leh district. 

Media Bulletin of the Directorate of Health Services of UT Administration Ladakh reads, “The condition of all the 4 positive COVID-19 patients of UT Ladakh is stable. Health care services provided at doorsteps in village Wakha of Shargole block. 67 patients including COPD, Hypertension, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gastric ulcer, Migraines and others were examined.

Outreach camp was conducted by BMO Drass at PHC Bhimbat keeping social distancing, where 55 patients including 10 antenatal checks up were conducted and vaccination session was held at quarantine centre Kargil for infants/children.