Admin to take decision on re-imposition of lockdown within 24 hours

Srinagar: In view of surge in coronavirus cases, administration in Kashmir will take a decision over reimposing of lockdown within 24 hours.

There has been a steep rise in the COVID patients in Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir has reported over 10,000 coronavirus cases and the number is increasing with each passing day. Experts have been saying that the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metre from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.

However, officials said as per the reports received from hospitals by the government, people were not following the guidelines.

“Government is considering to reimpose lockdown. A final decision will be taken within 24 hours,” a senior official told news agency (KINS). District Development Commissioner Srinagar Dr Shahid Chowdhary in a live interaction with a journalist also confirmed that the government will hold a review meeting tonight.

“A decision will be taken within 24 hours over reimposing of lockdown. People have to decide whether they want lockdown or they wear masks, maintain social distancing and personal hygiene,” he said.

He however said every stakeholder is being taken on board before taking a decision.

“We took all stakeholders on board when we eased out restrictions. But situation is very alarming now. One positive case is infecting 30 people. This means people are not taking precautionary measures,” he said. “If we reimpose lockdown, we also have to think about those who are dependent on daily earnings for their survival. Those who are not taking precautionary measures should think about these people and is forcing us to reforce lockdown,” he said.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole told KINS that they are receiving requests from traders and doctors to reimpose lockdown. “We will take a final decision very soon,” he said.

Kashmir Traders and Manufactures Federation President Muhammad Yasin Khan has said that if government announces to re-impose lockdown, the traders will support it fully.

In its advisory, the government has exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”(KINS)