DC Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary said we have passed an order today in which it has been mandatory in Srinagar to wear face masks from May 1st to keep Covid-19 virus away. He added those who will disobey the orders will be treated as offence under Disaster Management Act.

“Residents of Srinagar are bound to wear face masks from May 1 to stop the transmission of Covid-19 in community. Those who will float directions will be dealt strictly under Disaster Management Act”, DC said.

He said the district authorities have procured 15 lac face masks from several self-help groups which will be distributed each and every family.

“We haveprocured 15 lac face masks from several self-help groups. So far 8 lac have been received and further 7 lac to be received in coming days, which will be distributed among Srinagarities, and added, “Each family in Srinagar will be given 5 masks”, Dr Shahid Iqbal Chowdhary said.

He appealed people of the district to make mask wearing successful and follow each and every guidelines of administration in letter and spirit. However he maintained that the cooperation during current situation from people of the district was praiseworthy.

DC said we are regularly monitoring situation in red zone areas where entry and exit points have been completely sealed and whenever any violation comes into our notice, we are not shying away from taking action.

“Today administration took legal action in Parimpora Fruit Mandi where people breached social distancing and violated lockdown orders. Also yesternight we also took a strong notice of congregational prayer happened in the district”, DC said.

He said there is a need to maintain balance in maintaining restrictions and ensuring emergency services to function.

He added we have deployed 15000 police men on ground who are executing lockdown orders. (KNS)