| COVID-19: Restrictions complete 1 month, ‘Red Zones’ swell to 80 in Kashmir | | | Early Times Report
Srinagar, Apr 17: Restrictions on movement and assembly of people to curtail the spread of Coronavirus completed one month even as the number of ‘Red Zones’ has swelled to 80 in Kashmir valley, where Rapid Anti-Body testing will be soon introduced to get instant results in containment areas. Meanwhile, authorities have asserted that these areas will remained notified as ‘Red Zones’ for 42 days unless no new positive case of COVID-19 is detected in Kashmir, where Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including 100 per cent lockdown and closure of all access points with removable barriers in containment areas, are being strictly implemented.
Officials said that restrictions have been further intensified in view of Friday prayers in Kashmir valley. “Main roads in most places in the valley remained sealed while barriers were erected at other places to check unwanted movement of people,” he said, adding all roads leading to areas, which were declared as ‘Red Zones’ after several COVID-19 positive cases surfaced from there, also remained sealed. “Strict action will be taken against people found violating lockdown,” they said, adding only persons with valid passes were allowed to move. The number of Coronavirus cases has swelled to 314 in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir as 14 persons, all from Kashmir, tested positive for the infection on Thursday. Meanwhile, the infection has so far claimed three lives in the valley, where over three dozen COVID-19 patients have been treated successfully.
They said 80 Red Zones were identified in Kashmir Division and that such areas will remain red zones up to 42 days, unless no new positive case of COVID-19 is detected. “If any new case is detected in these areas, then from that date, the area will again remain a red zone for another 42 days,” they added. Shops and business establishments remained closed while streets were deserted due to strict restrictions imposed by authorities to curtail the spread of Coronavirus in the valley, where 568 FIRs have been lodged, 64 shops were sealed and 447 vehicles were seized for defying the orders. To restrict the unnecessary movement, J&K Police arrested 1691 persons out of which 1683 persons were bailed out after detailed counseling were given regarding the COVID-19. Police vehicles fitted with public address system were directing people since early this morning to remain indoors in view of imposition of restrictions under 144 CrPc, barring assembly of more than three people.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole directed officers to adhere to the prescribed SOPs of Red Zones in letter and Spirit, adding Health institutions in the valley will start 1000 COVID-19 testing per day, shortly. For surveillance, he directed to involve health officials, Asha & Anganwadi workers, PRIs, VLWs, ICDS and volunteers. He directed that the Charge Officer will make teams which will conduct door to door surveys in red zone areas as per prescribed format and also maintain Social Distancing norms and the data thus compiled will be submitted to the charge officers. “Rapid Anti-Body testing should be conducted on spot in Red Zone areas as per information. The test will give results instantly whether the person is exposed to the Corona virus or not besides antibodies developed in their body.
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