Curbs imposed in Kashmir
SRINAGAR: A day after a 67-yearold woman was tested positive for coronavirus in Khanyar area, the administration on Thursday imposed restrictions on movement of people in several parts and all public transport has been banned in Srinagar city.
“In order to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the administration has imposed restriction on movement of people. The administration urges people to stay at home and contact the district control room in case of any emergency. We will ensure effective services and supplies to all those in need,” said deputy commissioner Shahid Choudhary.
The woman had returned from Saudi Arabia on March 16.
The area within 300 metres radius of the house of the Covid-19 patient in Khanyar locality has been sealed off and officials of the health department are going house to house to check if any of her neighbours have symptoms of the disease, officials said.
Choudhary also urged people, who might have come in contact with the coronavirus positive patient after her return from Saudi Arabia on Monday, to report at the nearest health facility or contact the control room.
Kashmir regional transport officer has imposed a ban on all forms of public transport within
Srinagar city while also banning entry of any public transport vehicle from adjoining districts of the summer capital of the Union territory. Choudhary said the restrictions on the movement and assembly of people was to prevent spread of the virus. He urged people to cooperate.
“Curfews have always hit us hard. But, now is the time to reap benefits out of it. The experience of staying home should serve us well if all necessary precautionary measures are taken to keep the virus at bay. Stay safe,’’ said Athar Pervez, an environmentalist and journalist.
Another resident of Srinagar Waseem Ahmad Khan said the administration should take more preventive measures.“we welcome the restrictions put in place as it can contain the spread of the disease,’’ he said adding that a complete lockdown should be imposed in the city.
Dr Amjid, a senior medico termed the imposition of restrictions the wisest step the administration has taken so far.
“The administration should impose similar restrictions in other towns at least for 10 days.”
Imtiaz Husain, a senior police officer in the UT on social media wrote, “Unprecedented outbreak of pandemic calls for measures at war footing basis beginning from our homes. Let’s understand what’s hitting us and act now.