Globally, over 500,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19. In India, the count has reached 720 whereas according to the government of Jammu & kashmir, 5,482 travellers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance and, so far, 14 cases have tested positive in Jammu and Kashmir, including 12 active positive, a recovered and the death of an infected person in Kashmir. In Jammu, the district administration, however, had claimed that two out of three infected persons have recovered.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown in the entire country, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Girish Chandra Murmu on Wednesday appealed to the people of the Union Territory to observe the lockdown earnestly.
In light of the rapid rise in cases, the Jammu & Kashmir Government has issued following 7 major orders to combat Covid 19:
- In view of the situation arising due to COVID-19, Secretary Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Simrandeep Singh today issued an order declaring 16 services as Essential services and commodities within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
- In order to further strengthen and upscale the offensive against COVID-19 spread, the Government today ordered release of Rs. 40 crore additionally to all Deputy Commissioners to support their corona mitigation efforts.
- Borders with Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh UT would be fully sealed. Similarly inter district movement of vehicles would also be restricted as per requirement. However, all essential vehicles would ply normally and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway would also be regulated.
- The ration for two months viz. April and May would be issued to all eligible consumers. Besides, one month’s ration for Mid-Day Meals would also be given in advance to all parents of eligible children.
- Labour & Employment department to release Rs 1000 to each of the 3.50 lakh workers registered with Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board for purchase of ration during the 21 days lockdown period.
- The ESIC to ensure that all the 2.26 lakh unorganised sector workers registered under ESIC scheme are extended with the relief/compensation including wages through ESIC hospitals/employers as directed by the Central government.
- Section 144 has been imposed in J&K amid COVID-19 which restricts any kind of movement to prevent the spread of corona virus. Strict action are also being taken against the violators.
