In view of the prevailing health situation because of outbreak of COVID-19 the District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has ordered extension of restrictions enforced under order issued on March 25 in the district till May 3.
Issuing an order under Section 144 of CrPC the DM has ordered that there shall be complete restrictions on public movement and operation of businesses and other establishments in the district all through this extended period.
The order states that in view of the situation in the district with various areas notified as COVID-19 containment or red zones which add up to large part of the district it is imperative that the ongoing restrictions remain enforced until required.
It states that the order is in line with the revised lockdown guidelines in the MHA Government of India order issued on April 15 which excludes areas notified as COVID-19 containment zones from exemptions that it allows after April 20.
It states that the order is also as per instructions of the J&K State Executive Committee (SEC) which has issued a detailed SOP to follow in the COVID-19 red zones.
The order states that as in the past the essential services will be allowed to move with movement passes being issued to them based on requirement. It instructs heads of departments to ensure no misuse use of passes issued to their staff for the purpose of services.
It states that while healthcare officers and frontline workers associated with COVID-19 containment efforts have been provided passes their movement as and when required will be allowed on production of valid IDs along with duty slips issued to them by their concerned HODs.
The order states that all movement passes issued from the office of the District Magistrate from March 20 will continue to remain valid till May 3.
It states that violations of instructions as given in this order will attract strict proceedings and action under Section 188 of IPC and Section 51 of NDMA.
