Amid the Coronavirus threat, the administration of Baramulla and Ganderbal district on Saturday ordered closure of markets and business establishments.
An order issued by the Baramulla administration said onlymedical shops will remain open across the district.
However, in case of any emergency, permission will begranted for people to move out, said G N Itoo, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla.
He made an appeal to people of Baramulla to strictly adhereto the advisories issued by the authorities.
“The advisories are in place. People need to follow them inletter and spirit. People’s safety is in confining themselves to their homesand not to venture out unnecessarily” the DC said.
The DC, accompanied by SSP Baramulla, Abdul Qayoom inspectedquarantine centre established at Government Medical College and took first handappraisal of various arrangements and preventive measures put in place totackle spread of COVID-19.
The DC was briefed by Medical Superintendent AssociatedHospital Baramulla, Dr Syed Masood about arrangements put in place for thepatients.
He was informed that adequate measures including deploymentof medical teams for thermal screening at various locations have been taken.
He asked them to sell the masks and hand sanitizers atappropriate rates while warning them of strict action in case of over pricing.
Meanwhile the administration in Ganderbal also orderedclosure of all markets and business establishments, except essential servicesin this district.
“Keeping in view the prevailing health situations…I dohereby order closure of all shops/markets (except for fruit/ vegetable, dairyoutlets, medical shops and other establishments providing for essentialcommodities) in Ganderbal with immediate effect up to 31st March ” reads anorder issued by district magistrate, Ganderbal Shafqat Iqbal.
The police, executive magistrates have been asked to enforcethe order in their respective jurisdictions, forthwith. The order said anyviolation will invite punitive action under relevant provisions of law.
The district administration also ordered immediate takeoverof five premises to be utilised for accommodation of persons to be quarantinedwith immediate effect. These premises include physical education college, youthhostel, Sonamarg, Kangan College, JNV Hatbura and J&K Sainik SchoolMansbal.