UNI
Srinagar, Aug 30: Life remained affected for the second day on Sunday due to fresh lockdown imposed by the District Magistrate (DM) in the central Kashmir district of Ganderbal, where 28 fresh COVID-19 positive cases were reported on Saturday, which was five cases less than Friday when the number was 38.
Shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in the district, where district administration imposed fresh lockdown for eight days from August 29 following continuous surge in the number of COVID-19 positive cases from the past few days. However, private vehicles were plying on some routes in the district. Trucks and other vehicles were also plying on Srinagar-Leh highway.
However, the district administration has however announced relaxations for medical emergencies and other essential services only during the lockdown period.
An official spokesman said on Sunday that following the imposition of restrictions, the District Magistrate (DM), Ganderbal Shafqat Iqbal visited various areas of the district to monitor the implementation of lockdown on the first day yesterday.
During the visit the DM gave a slew of directions for adherence to all relevant guidelines and directed for strict compliance of restrictions as ordered.
Meanwhile, several shops were sealed after they were found violating orders besides an amount of Rs 9,300 were also collected as fine from various pedestrians who were without masks.
While inspecting medical shops, the DM exhorted for keeping sanitizers available at medical stores and directed that no person shall be allowed to enter into the store without masks. Similarly, petrol pump owners were also asked to keep sanitizers available at every dispenser besides petrol and diesel shall not be sold to such persons without mask.
The DM asked the police authorities to allow only emergency vehicles after proper verification and impose fine amounting to Rs 500 each from all such persons who are without masks.
The DM urged people not to step out of their homes unless absolutely necessary and ensure putting on face masks and practice social distancing whenever they come out.
Ganderbal district has recorded 1371 positive cases, including 28 cases reported on Saturday. However, there are 466 active positive cases while 885 recoveries, including 141 cases recovered yesterday. The district has witnessed 20 deaths, as per official records.
