No need for lockdown if we follow SOP’s: DC Srinagar

50% markets likely to open from Sunday

Sr District Development Commissioner Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdary Thursday said that no need for lockdown may arise, if people follow COVID sops properly.

Chowdary was talking to Reporters here in Kashmir capital Srinagar.

He said district administration Srinagar has held meetings with religious heads and traders and if the administration will open up 50% markets from 16 of this month onwards, SOP’s have to be adhered to. If we all follow SOP’s properly, I don’t think any need for extending lockdown may arise,” Chowdary said.

In response to a question, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Chowdary said that the sharp spike in Coronavirus cases forced the administration to impose lockdown. “Experts are saying that more COVID cases may emerge in Srinagar and there are bleak chances of seeing a fall down in these cases in the coming days.

It’s very important that we all follow Government SOP’s, use face masks, maintain physical distance and take all other precautionary measures,” he said adding that most of the people violated SOP’s last time when the lockdown was eased out,

Chowdary said that the Srinagar administration interacted with over 3,000 religious heads and: “we are sure, these religious leaders will follow SOP’s when religious places will be thrown open for people.”

He said future information about lockdown will be publicized and a separate notification in this regard will be issued.

Chowdary said that recovered COVID cases in Srinagar are still more than the active cases and it is a good sign.