Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday lifted weekend curfew and reopened paid public parks in 13 districts – including seven from Kashmir division and six Jammu division– following significant decline in the number of fresh COVID-19 cases and deaths.
However, the daily night curfew between 2000 hrs and 0700 hrs will continue across the Union Territory.
As many as 338 people – including 238 from Kashmir and 100 from Jammu – tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday in the Union Territory, where two persons lost their lives due to the infection.
“There will be no weekend lockdown in 13 districts – Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur in Jammu region and Anantnag, Bandipora, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama and Shopian in Kashmir valley,” an order issued on Sunday by the State Executive Committee read.
The order said that the concerned District Magistrates shall issue orders under CrPC to this effect. “All out door shops are permitted to open on all days between 0700 hrs till 1900 hrs. The market associations will have to fully cooperate with the local administration in ensuring strict compliance to the COVID appropriate behaviours,” it said.
It said that all shops in indoor shopping complexes and malls can open only for the consumers who are vaccinated of for customers with negative RT-PCR or RAT reports of 48 hours. “The shop owners and managers will have to ensure compliance to it. The District Magistrate shall strictly enforce this measure,” the order said.
The order said that restaurants and bars can open for in-dining at 50 per cent of its total capacity only for customers who are vaccinated or have negative COVID test result of 48 hours. “Indoor sports complex are also permitted to open with 50 per cent of its total capacity for vaccinated people or with negative COVID test report,” it added.
It further said that all paid public parks are also permitted to open only for vaccinated people.
The order said that for the remaining seven districts – including Srinagar – weekend curfew between 2000 hrs on Friday and 0700 hrs on Monday would continue to remain in force. “All outdoor shops are allowed to open for five days in a week, expect Saturdays and Sundays. Only 25 per cent shops in shopping complexes and malls can open subject to roster issued by the concerned Deputy Commissioners,” it said.
It said that there will be no restriction on entry of passengers and travelers from coming to J&K by all means of transportation. But, they will have to under COVID-19 test. (UNI)
