Srinagar, June 06 (KNO): In a brazen violation of government’s advisory, the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art Culture and Languages has revealed the identity of a female employee testing positive for Coronavirus.
An order issued by the Academy, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) clearly mentions the name of its female employee who tested positive for COVID-19. The order was issued by the institution to shut the central and divisional office Kashmir after the lady employee tested positive.
The disclosure of COVID patient’s identity is clear violation of an advisory issued by the Government of India.
“Since the (lady employee) has remained in contacts with various employees of this organization as such all the employees of central/divisional office, Kashmir, of this organization shall proceed for home quarantine for a period of 14 days with immediate effect,” the order reads.
In its advisory issued in the first week of April, the Centre has advised that those affected by Coronavirus or under quarantine, should not be identified. “Never spread names or identity of those affected or under quarantine or their locality on the social media,” it said.
When contacted, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandrung Pole said he has sought report over the matter. “It has to be looked into whether the name of the positive patient (an employee) has been mentioned intentionally or unintentionally. But, such thing should not happen,” he said.
However, he stressed that the social stigma after an individual is tested positive must come to an end.
“Although precautions have to be taken, we should make broader understanding. Getting infected to COVID is health issue only. It has nothing to do with deliberate or non-deliberate efforts on part of the persons who is being tested positive,” he said.
The Divisional Commissioner further stated that COVID should be seen through the prism of health issue only–(KNO)