Barring B’pora strict lockdown in Kashmir from today till July 27: Govt

Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday announced complete lockdown across Kashmir barring north Kashmir’s Bandipora district till July 27 in the wake of spurt in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Directorate of Information and Public Relations (J&K) wrote on its official Twitter handle: “Complete lockdown in all red districts of Kashmir excluding Bandipora from today evening till 6 am on July 27. DCs to issue orders today. Agriculture, Horticulture and construction activities to continue as per guidelines. Move of goods carriers/LPG and Oil tankers to continue unhindered.”
Interestingly, since Unlock-2, Covid positive cases shown a huge spurt as so far, over 15,000 cases have tested positive and 260 people have died due to the pandemic. Many doctors and civil society members had urged the government to re-impose the lockdown to prevent the mass spread of the virus. Leading medicos have already stated that the deadly virus was already in the community and it was time to take precautions that include wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing.
Divisional Commissioner P K Pole said that in view of the ensuing Eid-ul-Adha festival, markets shall remain open for three days from July 28 to July 30 to facilitate hassle-free purchase of sacrificial animals and other necessary items.
Div Com said this while chairing a meeting to review Eid arrangements, he also directed all DCs of Kashmir to establish sale centers where people can purchase the sacrificial animals with proper COVID-19 protocol.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir in an official statement said that employees of essential departments that include PDD, Health, Power, PHE, SMC, Food and Supplies will be allowed to attend their offices. “From July 28 to July 30, DCs will issue orders about shops that are supposed to remain open,” he said.
From tomorrow, Div Com said that strict lockdown will remain in force till July 27. “Medical shops and shops selling baby food etc will remain open,” he said