Srinagar: No one has been tested positive for coronavirus in Kashmir valley, where authorities have taken elaborate measures, including closure of all educational institutes, hotels, gardens, food carts and restaurants, to contain the spread of the disease.
However, the authorities have asked people to take precautionary measures, including ensuring good hygiene, besides avoiding attending huge gatherings and public transport in the valley, where entry of foreign tourists have been banned.
Meanwhile, restrictions under section 144 CrPc, prohibiting assembly of more than four people, have been imposed in many areas in the valley, including Anantnag and Ganderbal districts.
S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Director Dr AG Ahangar on Wednesday said that out of 41 samples sent for Coronavirus test from Kashmir, 40 have been found negative while one report is awaited.
“People don’t need to panic but at the same time take precautionary measures. We monitored every patient with a travel history and took their samples. A total of 41 samples were taken, 40 are negative while the report of one case is awaited,” Dr Ahangar told reporters during a press conference.
Five restaurants have been sealed in Srinagar city on Wednesday after they were found to be violating the government order. “Going around the city personally with officials to enforce a complete closure of all restaurants and food courts. 5 restaurants sealed, chalaans issued and FIRs under Sec 188 solicited through JKP till now – within first 15 minutes of the drive. #Srinagar #COVID2019 #Prevention,” Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu tweeted.
Asking people to cooperate voluntarily to prevent spread of Coronavirus, the Srinagar Mayor had warned of strict action against any restaurant or food stall found to be open in the city. “Any restaurant/food stall that remains open will be prosecuted under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code. Enforcement teams of District Administration, SMC and Jammu and Kashmir Police have been sent out across the city. Please cooperate voluntarily. This shouldn’t require penal action,” Mr Mattu wrote on his official twitter handle.
The authorities had on Tuesday issued a list of measures, including closure of educational institutes, hotels, gardens, food carts and saloons, under Disaster Management Act to contain the spread of Coronavirus in Srinagar.
District Magistrate, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Tuesday said that a notification has been issued under the Disaster Management Act for measures aimed at containment of Coronavirus spread in Srinagar.
“All medical colleges, universities, coaching centres and other educational institutions — government and private — shall continue to remain closed till further orders. The Heads of departments/institutions shall devise/submit proposal for televised coaching/classes at least by March 20 which shall be supported/financed by the district administration of Srinagar,” the order read.
It said that all Hostels and Canteens shall remain closed till further notice.
“All gardens and parks in district Srinagar shall remain closed till further notice issued by DDMA Srinagar. It shall be responsibility of concerned Estates Officer to ensure that the parks are not opened to public in any case till such notification is issued,” it added.
The order further said that no restaurants, food courts, food joints, street food kiosks, roadside eateries, community kitchens, home delivery of food services etc. shall operate in district Srinagar till further notification by DDMA Srinagar. “No conferences, workshops, rallies, gatherings, sit in protests etc shall be organised till March 31, in the first instance,” it said.
It said no community hall, government or private, shall offer any booking, henceforth, for any public function, social or religious, adding no Gymnasiums, Saloons, Spa etc. shall operate till further orders.
“No clubs, including Government/Semi Government/Private, shall operate till further notification by DDMA, and after proper sanitation, certification from SMC as and when required by the authority,” the order read.
