Restrictions on the movement and assembly of people inKashmir to contain the spread of coronavirus were tightened on Friday in viewof congregational prayers, officials said.
The congregational prayers were not held at most mosques ofthe valley last Friday as various religious organisations appealed the peopleto offer prayers at home.
Main roads in the valley have been sealed off and barrierserected at several places by security forces to check the unwanted movement ofthe people and to enforce the lockdown on Friday, the officials said.
The markets across the valley were shut and public transportwas off the roads with only pharmacies and groceries allowed to open, theysaid.
Educational institutions across Kashmir have been closed,while all public places including gymnasiums, parks, clubs and restaurants havebeen shut down more than a week before the nationwide lockdown announced by thePrime Minister.
While the Prime Minister announced the country-wide lockdownon the evening of March 24, the union territory administration here had onMarch 22 announced a lockdown across Jammu and Kashmir till 31 March as part ofits efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The administration said essential services includinghealthcare personnel have been exempted from the restrictions.
Restrictions were first imposed in many parts of the valleyon March 19 to contain the spread of the virus infection. The measures weretaken after a 67-year-old woman from Khanyar area of the city, who had returnedon 16 March from Saudi Arabia after performing Umrah, tested positive forCOVID-19 infection.
The officials said the authorities have started anaggressive contact tracing campaign across the union territory to contain thespread of the infection.
Nearly 2000 contacts of positive cases have been identified,they said, adding no known contact would be left untraced.
The total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir hasgone up to 70. Of these, 53 cases were detected in Kashmir and 17 in Jammudivision.
While two patients have died, three patients have recoveredfrom the disease, leaving 65 active cases.
The total number of positive cases in the union territoryhas gone up to 62, which includes 50 cases in the valley.
Two patients both from the valley — have succumbed, while two one each Kashmir and Jammu — have recovered.