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Coronavirus scare: JK put under lockdown

Coronavirus scare: JK put under lockdown
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Srinagar/Jammu: Authorities in Srinagar and Jammu on Thursday announced restrictions in parts of the city including Khanyar area where the first positive case of coronavirus in Kashmir has been detected.
The area within 300 metre radius from the house of the 67-year-old COVID-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed, officials said.
Deputy commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent the spread of the virus.
“The restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases,” he tweeted and urged people to cooperate.
Chaudhary also urged all the people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from Saudi Arabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact the control room.
“It’s important that people who come in contact with coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 24 7 control room,” he added.
The deputy commissioner warned against any rumour mongering about coronavirus.
“Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let’s act like responsible citizens. Every information and advisory will be shared officially,” he said.
Meanwhile, in another step to check the spread of coronavirus, authorities in Jammu and Udhampur districts ordered closure of all shops, except those dealing with essential commodities like medicines and groceries, till further orders.
The decision was taken to discourage people from venturing into markets, officials said. “Despite advisories to avoid gatherings, large number of people are still found in the market areas. In order to implement social distancing, all shops except grocery and medical shops shall be closed with immediate effect,” District Development Commissioner, Sushma Chauhan said.
Udhampur District Magistrate Piyush Singla also ordered the closure of all shops and business establishments in the district except essential supply units like fruits, vegetables, chemists, groceries and dairies.
“Retail grocery units have been directed to immediately start home delivery of orders. The mechanism of home delivery was finalised after long discussions with various stakeholders,” he said adding that no gathering in and around the grocery shops would be allowed.
Meanwhile, almost all the main temples including Raghunath Mandir in Jammu were closed as a precautionary measure in view of the threat posed by novel coronavirus.
The government has suspended pilgrimage to the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine on Wednesday besides suspending the interstate bus services till March 31.
Four patients were tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir, where the government had already closed all educational institutions, imposed prohibitory orders in almost all the districts and shut cinema halls, shopping malls, recreational clubs, parks and gardens.
Public transport in Ramban, Udhampur, Poonch and Rajouri districts were also suspended till the end of the month, while the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has also announced postponement of annual examinations in Jammu region.
Meanwhile, District Magistrate Pulwama and Kupwara have ordered imposition of restriction on public Movement under section 144 in the district with immediate effect.
In Pulwama the order followed amid the growing threat of coronavirus spread in Srinagar where a sexagenarian woman yesterday tested positive, making it the first case of covid-19 in Kashmir Valley.
“Restrictions have been imposed on public movement, assembly, gathering or procession involving five or more than five persons in the entire district including villages and towns,” reads an order issued by the District Magistrate Pulwama, Dr Raghav Langer.
“The instances of spread of Novel Corona Virus across globe the situation has become a matter of great public concern and advisory has been issued in view of the situation by Government,” the order reads.
The order reads that no public movement /assembly, gathering congregation or procession involving five or more than five persons shall be allowed in the district including towns and villages. It also reads that no public transport shall ply in the district till 31st March 2020 whereas Hotels, Restaurants, Gyms, parks and public places shall remain closed.
Any violation by any person shall invoke penal action under Section 188 of IPC, the order reads.
Moreover special Nakas have been established at all prominent places as a measure to restrict the movement of people.
Meanwhile, District administration Kupwara also imposed restrictions over the gathering of more than 05 persons at any public place with immediate till further orders. The order followed amid the growing threat of coronavirus spread in Srinagar where a sexagenarian woman yesterday tested positive, making it the first case of covid-19 in Kashmir Valley.
“District Magistrate Kupwara has ordered imposition of restrictions on public Movement under section 144 in the district with immediate effect, in wake of Coronavirus pandemic,” reads an order issued by the District Magistrate, Kupwara Anshul Garg.
The order further reads: “Restrictions have been imposed on public movement, holding assemblies, gathering or procession involving five or more than five persons in the entire district including villages and towns”.
According to the order issued by DM Kupwara, no public transport shall ply in the district till 31st March. However these restrictions shall not apply to the government vehicles, ambulances and government staff involved in efforts against COVID-19 and other staff of other emergency services.
Any violation of the orders shall invite action under Indian Penal Code, the order reads.
Notably, similar orders have been issued by district magistrates in Bandipora, Baramulla and Anantnag as well. Besides, the restrictions have been imposed in Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban and Udhampur districts as well.


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