Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole Saturday said that a proposal to re-impose the lockdown in the Valley to control the sharp increase in Covid-19 cases was under consideration of the government.
Speaking with Greater Kashmir, the Div Com said that a decision in this regard will be taken by the “competent authority” soon. The Div Com said that various aspects related to the lockdown, like its duration and the manner it has to be implemented in, were yet to be decided.
“There is still discussion regarding the number of days for which the lockdown will be imposed. We also need to figure out nature of the lockdown once imposed,” Pole said.
The Div Com said that they were receiving feedback from the civil society and the traders, who were expressing concern over the increase in number of Covid-19 cases. “The government (Lieutenant Governor and Advisors) have been informed about the need of a lockdown,” Pole said.
The Div Com urged people to “wear facemasks and abide by social distancing norms”.
Meanwhile, the business community has also expressed concern over the growing number of Covid-19 cases and said that it will “extend support” in case there is re-imposition of lockdown by the government.
“Let the medical experts guide the government on the need for a fresh lockdown. The traders will extend support in case government decides to go for a lockdown as life is precious,” said Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation president Muhammad Yaseen Khan.
Khan said that the primary concern was the safety of people. “Business will run only when people are safe. We have time and again reiterated our members to ensure adherence to guidelines and SOPs,” Khan said.
Khan urged people to wear facemasks and follow social distancing norms.
Shahr-e-Khaas Traders’ Association president, Nazir Ahmad Shah said that authorities should provide “ample time to people to stock essential commodities before announcing a lockdown.”
“The government must provide a few days for the people to be ready,” Shah said.
It may be mentioned that after observing almost three months’ lockdown owing to Covid-19 outbreak, markets partially opened in Srinagar on June 14 as per the regulations issued by district administration.
The markets had closed on March 22. However, officials say people visiting the markets and other public places were now not following the guidelines, which was the reason behind a sharp increase in number of Covid-19 cases in the Valley.