Panic buying in Srinagar amid coronavirus scare
DC Srinagar, experts urge people to stay home, avoid crowds
Srinagar: Ignoring calls of avoiding assemblies amid coronavirus threat, hordes of residents in many of parts of Srinagar are swarming shops, mostly general stores and those dealing with groceries, to stock up supplies.
Reports said that people in large numbers are seen at shops in many parts of Srinagar, notwithstanding calls of health officials and administration to avoid assemblies.
“Whether the reason is instinct or fear, one thing is clear that such type of crowding should be avoided. It is detrimental,” an onlooker said, pointing to hordes of residents buying at a popular store, falling between Bota Kadal and Molvi stop Lal Bazar.
Reports of people crowding grocery and general stores were received from many other parts of Srinagar even Deputy Commissioner Shahid Iqbal Choudhary assured the administration will ensure effective services and supplies.
The deputy’ commissioner’s assurance comes amid imposition of strict restrictions on movement of people in several areas of Srinagar, a day after a 67-year-old woman from Khaniyar Srinagar, who had returned on March 16 from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah, tested positive for covid-19.
“Restriction imposed in #Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of #Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services & supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,” Choudhary tweeted.
In a series of tweets, the Deputy Commissioner urged people to cooperate, underlining that the restrictions on public gatherings, assembly, and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases of covid-19. “Pl (please) cooperate,” he said.
He also urged all residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723.”This is urgent and cannot be ignored,” he said.
“It’s important that people who come in contact with #Coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to a nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room.”
Chouldhary also shared a tweet of Dr Pervaiz Koul, Physician-cum-Researcher, presently working at SKIMS: “Avoid visiting hospitals and unnecessary stretching of facilities. Stay home as far as possible and practice routine hygiene measures (cough etiquette, hand wash, social distancing). Avoid crowds..no mubarak or taziyat (phone call should do). Seems we are in for a long haul.” (GNS)
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