Srinagar: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Muhammad Aijaz Asad Saturday said that violation of COVID19 safety guidelines would be an “invitation to third wave of virus”.
The DC appealed people to not violate COVID19 safety guidelines, adding that some of the pockets have been continuously reporting positive cases.
“The people in Srinagar have been cooperative. However, there are some areas which have been reporting COVID19 positive cases. People have to follow COVID19 protocol. Violation of COVID19 safety guidelines would be an invitation to a third wave of virus,” the DC said while talking to media persons at the sidelines of his surprise visit to various city markets.
He added that for the past few days, Lal Bazar has reported 18 positive cases, Chanapora 12 and Bemina 15 cases.
“Yesterday, the district administration declared some of the localities as macro containment zones. We are monitoring the situation very closely. Some areas are also under the scanner,” he said.
He added that people must adhere to guidelines and restrict the number of persons in social gathering events.
The DC added that there is a need to follow the SOPs in letter and spirit so that it would be easy to prevent the virus from spreading.
“In case people will not adhere to the guidelines, the administration will be forced to take strict measures (to stop the spread of virus),” he said while replying to a query.
In wake of recent rise in COVID19 positive cases in some particular areas, the DC Saturday conducted a surprise inspection of various areas of Srinagar city to inspect the implementation of COVID19 related SOPs in City markets to prevent further spread of infection in the district.
During the visit, the DC inspected various markets of Srinagar City including Polo-View, Residency Road, Regal Chowk, Abi Guzar Lane, Ganta Ghar, Court Road, Amira Kadal, Hari Singh High Street, Jehangir Chowk and other adjoining markets.
“The inspection was carried out to take stock of implementation of various Covid-19 related advisories and guidelines particularly use of face masks at business establishments and by transporters and passengers,” said an official.
During the inspection, on the spot Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Tests of over 100 persons including shopkeepers, transporters, passengers and pedestrians not wearing masks was conducted.
Besides an amount of Rs 40,000 of fine was imposed on the violators of COVID19 guidelines.
On the occasion, the DC interacted with the traders, transporters, passengers and urged them to exhibit compliance to the government directions for larger public safety and health.
He said due to active support and cooperation of all stakeholders including traders of Srinagar, District Administration was able to “tackle the first and second wave of the pandemic in the district”.
The DC directed the concerned surveillance squads to ensure effective monitoring and adherence to COVID19 SOPs by the people and initiating strict legal action against the violators for public safety.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Syed Hanief Balkhi, SDM East, Owais Mushtaq, Tehsildar South, Moyen Ahmad Kakroo and other senior civil and police authorities accompanied the DC during the visit.