Ignoring calls to avoid assemblies, the residents in manyparts of Srinagar on Thursday resorted to panic buying amid scare over novelcoronavirus disease.
News agency GNS reported that people in large numbersvisited shops in many parts of Srinagar to stock on food and rations.
Reports of people crowding grocery and general stores werereceived from many other parts of Srinagar even as Deputy Commissioner ShahidIqbal Choudhary assured the administration will ensure effective services andsupplies.
His assurance came amid restrictions imposed on movement ofpeople in several areas of Srinagar, a day after a 67-year-old woman fromKhanyar, who had travelled outside the country, tested positive forcovid-19.
“Restriction imposed in #Srinagar city for containment ofany likely spread of #Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There willbe initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services &supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,”Choudhary tweeted.
In a series of tweets, the Deputy Commissioner urged peopleto cooperate, underlining that the restrictions on public gatherings, assembly,and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases ofcovid-19. “Pl (please) cooperate,” he said.
He also urged all residents who might have come in contactwith the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest healthfacilities or contact control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or9419028242 or 9419014723.”This is urgent and cannot be ignored,” he said.