Fresh Lockdown begins across Kashmir
Srinagar, July 23: The Jammu and Kashmir administration imposed a six-day complete lockdown across Kashmir Valley, except for Bandipora district, following a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the last three weeks.
The decision comes into effect on Wednesday evening and will be reviewed after six days, they said as the Valley recorded more than 500 cases for several days now. Besides, the positive cases the number of deaths due to Covid-19 are also witnessing an increase.
Agriculture, horticulture and construction activities will continue in accordance with disaster management guidelines. The movement of goods carriers, LPG and oil tankers will also continue unhindered.
Though Bandipora was exempted from the lockdown but authorities later announced closure of markets here as well for 72 hours, beginning today.
The order has been issued as a precautionary measure to prevent further spread of COVID-19.
According to the order issued here all shops, service providers except Chemists and essential supplies shall remain closed in Municipal limits of Town Bandipora, Sumbal and Hajin of district Bandipora for 72 hours with effect from 23 July 2020.
The District Magistrate said there shall be complete restrictions on movement of public transport including busses, mini busses, sumos and auto-rikshaws.
The Valley has 5,263 active cases of the 6,540 in the union territory.
The highest single day spike was on Monday when 751 COVID-19 cases were recorded. (with PTI inputs)