UNLOCK 2 GUIDELINES: EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS, RELIGIOUS PLACES TO REMAIN CLOSED IN J&K

JAMMU : Fresh guidelines under the “unlock 2” phase came into effect in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday with the administration deciding against opening religious places and educational institutions, but allowing hotels to operate with full capacity.

There will be no interstate and inter-district movement except for those carrying valid passes, while the night curfew from 10 pm to 5 am will continue to remain in force till further orders.

The new guidelines were issued on Friday night by Jammu and Kashmir chief secretary BVR Subrahmanyam and will be applicable till July 31.

Prior to it, the administration issued a fresh classification of the districts in “red”, “orange” and “green” categories for a successful implementation of the instructions aimed at containing the spread of Covid-19.

Except Bandipora, the nine remaining districts in Kashmir, including Srinagar, and Ramban in the Jammu region have been classified as “red” zones, along with Lakhanpur town of Kathua— the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir bordering Punjab.

Continuing with the protocol for those returning from outside the Union territory, the order said they would have to compulsorily undergo a Covid-19 RTPCR test, following which they will be under a 14-day administrative quarantine till their reports come.

“Those testing negative will be released for home quarantine while the positive persons will be sent to Covid hospitals for treatment,” it said.

Restaurants, including those in hotels, which were earlier permitted to operate for home delivery and take away services, have been allowed dine-in with up to 50% capacity, while hotels and hospitality services can now operate with 100% capacity. The administration has also permitted the intra-district taxis and maxicabs to operate in the entire UT. Cinema halls, gymnasiums, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars and similar places will stay closed, the order said.

It said those above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years should stay at home, except for meeting essential requirements or health purposes.