Night curfew extended to all 20 districts of J&K
L-G Sinha says only 50% shops to remain open on alternate days; public transport to ply at 50% capacity
JAMMU : A day after Jammu and Kashmir recorded a record spike of 1,516 fresh cases, lieutenant governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday announced fresh curbs, including a night curfew, in all 20 districts of the Union territory.
Taking to his official Twitter handle, Sinha relayed the new curbs through a series of posts. “The Corona curfew at night shall be extended to all municipal / urban local body limits of all 20 districts of #JammuAndKashmir. It was already in force in eight districts earlier, from 10pm to 6am,” read his first post.
He said only 50% shops were to remain open on alternate days.“Public transport (matadors, minibuses, buses) will be permitted to ply only at 50% of its seating capacity. District superintendents of police will ensure compliance,” he said. Sinha directed district magistrates of all the 20 districts to devise a mechanism to implement the new curbs, preferably in consultation with local market associations.
Sinha had held a high-level meeting on Sunday to review the Covid situation, following which physical classes were suspended in schools, colleges, and universities till May 15. Sinha also asked officials to test all travellers and restrict public gatherings. Meanwhile, Jammu’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released staggered timings for markets in Jammu.
The chamber’s president Arun Gupta said, “All shops in Jammu city will open from 10am to 7pm, except establishments dealing with eatables and restaurants, which can close at 9pm.”
Lockdown ruled out in Kashmir
The divisional administration on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of imposing a lockdown in Kashmir despite a surge in coronavirus cases, saying the situation does not warrant such measures.
Amid rising cases, medical experts say there has been no change in the strain or mutation in the virus in the Valley.
Kashmir divisional commissioner Pandurang K Pole said, “Keeping in mind the state of our economy, the administration does not think that lockdown is needed in the current situation. Maybe in future, if the situation worsens.” Pole was flanked by director health Mushtaq Ahmad Rather and Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences director AG Ahangar among other officials and health experts.
Amarnath Yatra to go ahead as planned
Observing that 30-40% of Kashmir’s economy is dependent on tourism, hospitality and allied sectors, the divisional commissioner said a tentative road map was being prepared for managing tourist inflow amid a surge in virus cases and also for the upcoming Amaranth Yatra.
SKIMS director says shortage of Remdesivir, Div Com refutes claim
Ahangar said they had been facing shortage of Remdesivir for the past couple of days, a claim which was refuted by Pole.
“The only difficulty that we have been facing for the last two days is the non availability of one of the vital drugs Remdesivir,” Ahangar said.
Pole retorted, “On Remdesivir, the situation is definitely not as serious as told by ‘director sahab’. Hardly 10% patients kept in Covid care are given Remdesivir after their ECGs are done. A critical patient needs five doses. The medicine is available in sufficient quantity in Kashmir, including Srinagar,” he said.