The Jammu and Kashmir administration has declared thecoronavirus infection an epidemic and said any person who refuses to followorders on prevention or treatment of the disease would be dealt under the law.
This was declared in a four-page notification issued by theFinancial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department, Atal Dulloo,following an order of Lt Governor Girish Chander Murmu.
So far, three patients have tested positive for coronavirusin the Union Territory, where normal life virtually came to a standstill withthe government imposing prohibitory orders banning assembly of more than fourpersons in almost all districts to counter the disease’s threat.
The government has already closed down all educationalinstitutions, multiplexes, cinema halls, shopping malls, food courts, parks andgardens, clubs and road side eateries till March 31.
Announcing the regulations under the Epidemic Diseases Act,the notification said the Jammu and Kashmir Epidemic Diseases (COVID-19)Regulations, 2020, would come into force with immediate effect and will havejurisdiction over the entire Union Territory.
“Surveillance personnel have been empowered to enterany such premises after giving reasonable opportunity to the owner or occupierfor the purpose of surveillance of instances of fever or cough or respiratorydifficulty, enquire into or undertake physical examination as they think fit,the notification read.
“Such persons shall be bound to cooperate and renderall possible assistance to facilitate such surveillance, inspection, enquiryand examinations, it read.
Surveillance personnel, who will be designated by districtsmagistrates, have been empowered to direct, arrange or put suspected personsunder home quarantine or escort them to an institutional quarantine facility orisolation facility, the notification read.
However, it said if the owner or occupier(s) of any premisesor any individual suspected or confirmed with COVID-19, refuses to takemeasures for prevention or treatment including home quarantine, institutionalquarantine or isolation, or refuses to cooperate” with surveillance personneland authorities, they will invite the “provisions of Section 133 of theCode ofCriminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), it read.
The magistrates can also pass any other coercive action asthey deem necessary and expedient for enforcing the cooperation and assistance.
However, in the case of a minor, such order will be directedto the guardian or any other adult member of the family, the notification read.
“Anyone who contravene any of the provisions of theseregulations or disobeys an order and obstructs performance of functions, dutiesand responsibilities entrusted upon any authority under these regulations,shall be deemed to have committed an offence under Section 188 of the IndianPenal Code, 1860 (45 of 1860), it read.