District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has issued an order imposing strict restrictions on public activities including opening of commercial establishments in the district for a week from tomorrow on August 1.
There shall also be restrictions on public movement. However it being Eid a limited public movement for purposes of distributing Qurbani meat will be allowed tomorrow.
The restrictions have been ordered in view of the situation surrounding COVID-19 which has seen a sharp spike in Srinagar in the last one month when restrictions imposed earlier after outbreak of the disease in J&K had been relaxed.
The week-long restrictions as ordered is a continuation of restrictions reimposed on July 23 and temporarily lifted for three-days from 29 to 31 July on the eve of Eid.
The order directs for strict adherence to all instructions issued thereunder. It also directs for strict compliance with Eid-related advisories the government has issued for following to be safe from spreading and contracting the coronavirus infection.
The DM has directed the concerned authorities for strict enforcement of restrictions as ordered and all instructions issued under the order. He has instructed for maximum penalties under the disaster management act and the relevant provision of the law against violations of the order.
It should be noted that the order also states that non-essential government offices shall also remain closed during this period.
The order has been issued under Section 144 of CrPC and the disaster management act 2005. It is aimed at containing further spread of the COVID-19 disease which has witnessed a sharp rise in affected cases in the district over the last month or so.
Meanwhile the Srinagar administration has issued advisories offering guidance on do’s and don’t while offering Qurbani. The advisories direct for observing distancing while offering Qurbani and ensuring that face makes are worn at all times.
Guidance on distribution of Quarbani meat has also been offered as part of these advisories which direct for safe means thereof. It advises that those distributing the Qurbani meat must wear face masks and that the meat should be packed in bags. It also calls for avoiding visits to one another’s house — stressing that these precautions will be in the interest of one’s personal and public health.
