J&K Admin Imposes Lockdown to Contain Spread of Covid-19

The administration said it was observed that there is a need for additional measures besides continuing with the existing COVID containment measures in all Districts in view of the uneven trend observed in daily Covid cases as well as rising positivity rate.

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Saturday announced that there will be complete restrictions on non-essential movements during weekends in the entire Jammu and Kashmir.

In an order, the state executive committee, has announced that there will be complete restrictions on non-essential movements during weekends after the resurgence of covid-19.

“Night curfew shall continue to remain in force in all districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non—essential movement,” reads the order.

“Whereas, a detailed review of the current Covid-19 situation in Jammu and Kashmir was held by the Chief Secretary, J&K, with the ACS (Finance), ACS (Health and Medical Education), Principal Secretary (Home), Principal Secretary (PWD-R&B), ADG/IGs, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police and other officers of Jammu and Kashmir on 14.01.2022.”

Whereas, the above review was conducted to assess overall situation pertaining to the spread of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly focusing on the following parameters, the order stated.

The administration said that it was observed that there is a need for additional measures besides continuing with the existing COVID containment measures in all Districts in view of the uneven trend observed in daily Covid cases as well as rising positivity rate.

The administration said that the guidelines, instructions on COVID containment in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, already notified vide Government Orders 35 and 36-JK (DMRRR) dated 29-05-2021 read with Government Orders 73-JK (DMRRR) dated 22-10-2021, 91-JK (DMRRR) dated 28.12.2021 ,02-JK (DMRRAR) of 2022 dated 05.01.2022 and 03-JK (DMRRR) of 2022 dated 09.01.2022 shall continue to remain in force till further orders.

“Enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) is critical in determining the need for additional restrictions. The District Magistrates (Chairperson, DDMAs) of respective Districts of J&K shall adopt a Zero Tolerance policy towards non-compliance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and shall ensure due action against defaulters under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act, Epidemic Act and the Indian Penal Code.

“All the Government Department(s)/Office(s) shall minimise conducting in-person meetings/interactions etc. All Administrative Secretaries/ Head of the Department(s)/ Institution(s) shall ensure optimal use of virtual mode for conducting official meetings etc.

“To reduce the rate of transmission within J&K, all efforts shall be made by authorities through active involvement of PRis, Community Leaders, Market Associations and Federations.

“IEC campaign for containing surge in Covid cases/3 Wave shall be undertaken immediately by all District Magistrates (Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authorities) in their respective jurisdictions highlighting the necessity of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB). The Department of Health and Medical Education.

The State Executive Committee reiterates that the following measures shall continue to remain in force.

A maximum number of people permitted to attend any indoor/ outdoor gathering shall be strictly restricted to 25.

Banquet Halls in all the Districts of J&K are permitted to allow gathering up to 25 vaccinated persons (with verifiable RT-PCR or RAT not older than 72 hours) or 25% of the authorised capacity (whichever is less), preferably in open spaces.

Cinema halls, theatres, multiplexes, restaurants, clubs, gymnasiums and swimming pools are permitted to function at 25% of the authorised capacity with due precautions such as CAB and adherence to SOP.

As regards the education institutions, following directions shall be adhered to:

All Colleges, Schools, Polytechnics, ITls, Coaching Centres for Civil Services  / Engineering / NEET etc. to adopt online medium of teaching.

There shall be no in-person teaching.

1. Educational institutions shall be permitted to direct attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative purposes only. The Head of the institution must ensure that guidelines related to social distancing and Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) are strictly followed.
2. Night Curfew shall continue to remain in force in all Districts from 9 pm to 6 am with complete restriction on non-essential movement.
3. There shall also be complete restriction on non-essential movement during weekends in entire J&K.

All Deputy Commissioners shall intensify testing and ensure full utilisation of available RT-PCR and RAT capacities. There shall be no drop in testing levels.

Chief Medical Officers of all districts shall submit a daily report regarding the utilisation of available RT-PCR capacities to the District Magistrates concerned. Besides, District Magistrates shall also go for capacity expansion of the RT-PCR testing as per the requirement.

1. The Deputy Commissioners shall also focus on the positivity rates of the Medical-Blocks under their jurisdictions. Intensified measures related to Covid management and restriction of activities shall be undertaken in these Blocks.
2. There shall be renewed focus on Panchayat level/Medical Block mapping of cases and effective micro-containment zones shall be constituted wherever number of Covid-19 Positive cases reaches 3 or above.
3. The DCs shall keep active track of the positivity rates in their respective jurisdictions. Strict perimeter control (Micro-Containment Zone) shall be implemented for localities where Covid-19 Positive Cases number reaches 3 and above. This shall be done to ensure no movement of people in or out of these zones, except for medical emergencies and for maintaining supply of essential goods and services. Following Standard Operating Procedure shall be followed for these defined Micro Containment Zones:
4. The Zone shall be confined to either 50 meters or a Single Building. A buffer zone of 150 meters to be put in place between Micro Containment Zone and rest of locality.
5. The District Magistrates (Chairperson, DDMAs) shall create as many Micro Containment Zones as necessary and as per situation demand on ground, keeping in view the spike of cases.
6. There shall be intensive house-to-house surveillance within the zone by surveillance teams formed for the purpose.