Restrictions reimposed in Srinagar and other parts after spike in COVID-19 cases

Restrictions were reimposed in Srinagar district and other parts of the valley on Monday after a considerable spike in Covid-19 cases was observed. The authorities and district administration on Sunday announced the reimposition of lockdown restrictions in Srinagar district and other parts of the valley starting from  Monday morning so as to avoid the alarming rate of people falling prey to COVID- 19.

They said strict restrictions have been imposed in Srinagar and other parts of the valley and no movement of people, except for essential services and medical emergencies, was being allowed.

The authorities sealed most of the roads and market places, including the business hub of Lal Chowk here, and sought the cooperation of the public to make the lockdown a success.

In Srinagar, the district administration has identified 88 containment zones across the city. The administration has drawn maps of each of these containment zones and they have been sealed as per these maps with only one entry/exit point kept open, the officials said.

They said each of the containment zones has been sealed at 300-500 meters from spots where COVID-19 cases have been detected and entries and exits of all these areas were being manned to ensure strict enforcement of restrictions on movement into and out of them.

The district administration is exploring possibilities of installing surveillance cameras at entries and exits of these areas to ensure there are no violations, they said, adding that their connection with the central control room established at the Deputy Commissioner office once installed is also being explored with an aim to ensure effective enforcement of containment plan through its monitoring at more than one level.

Meanwhile the administration has issued orders for cancelling of all leaves of government officials in the district and are calling them for duties.

Orders for strictest punishments under the Disaster Management Act and other relevant provisions of the law to those violating preventive guidelines of the government for containment of COVID-19 have also been issued, the officials said.

The fine for not wearing a mask in public has been increased to Rs 1,000 and Rs 10,000 for those violating social distancing norms in the containment zones, they said.

The officials said the decision to reimpose restrictions in the valley was taken after recommendations of experts and is aimed at containing the further spread of the disease.