Srinagar, March 31 -- Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday urged health authorities in Kashmir valley to spare hospitals for patients who have severe disease from the novel coronavirus.

"Most people infected with the novel virus do not require hospitalization," said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

"We need to reserve hospital infrastructure and manpower for those who need them. We can't pile up those who don't need to be in hospitals and leave no beds for those who actually need them," he said.

Dr Nisar said patients who are positive for COVID-19 and have mild disease can stay in isolation at home for 2 weeks and contact their health care provider by phone for guidance about clinical management. These patients may just need a...