Bandipora Admin extends lockdown for further 72 hours

Srinagar: The district administration Bandipora on Thursday extended the lockdown for further 72 hours to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.
The lockdown in the district was re-imposed on July 23 following the spurt in the number of COVID cases.
However, the administration in the order said “during past two weeks more than 5000 persons were sampled, out of which more than 295 persons were found positive for Covid-19, including more than 50 service providers (bakers, grocery shopkeepers, butchers etc). Moreover, 10 persons have also died during these last two weeks due to Corona Virus. Furthermore, a trend has also been observed depicting an unusual increase in symptomatic cases as well as random samples tuning positive.”
“Off and on relaxations were given for opening of markets with various stipulations and COVID-19 precautions. However, it has been observed that cooperation from general public as well as shopkeepers, as regards to compliance of COVID-19 precautions viz. use of masks, social distancing norms etc, has not been found satisfactory,” the order added.
“In view of review undertaken with respect to the overall situation arising out due to COVID-19, sampling status of service providers & active Containment Zones and analysis of cases reported across the District today an 30.07.2020, it has been found imperative to initiate the necessary steps to prevent further spread of the infection,” it added
The Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Owais Ahmad, who is also Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority ordered that all the shops, service providers except chemist shops essential supplies shall remain closed across the district town and rural areas for 72 hours with effect 31 July 2020.
“There shall be complete restriction on movement of public transport including buses, min buses sumos auto rickshaws. There shall be restriction on gathering of four or more than four people in the District,” he said.
He further said that Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Bandipora, shall get the order implemented in letter and spirit. “Any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under Section 188 1PC, & other relevant provisions of Epidemic Disease Act, 1897, and the Disaster Management Act, 2005,” he said