Night curfew extended across 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 new curbs, including a night curfew, in all the 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 authorised 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.

Jammu Chamber of Commerce president Arun Gupta said after meeting with traders’ bodies of different areas, it had been decided that all business establishments will remain closed on Sunday. “All shops in Jammu city will open from 10am to 7pm, except establishments dealing with eatables and restaurants, which can close at 9pm,” he said.