Srinagar, June 08: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Srinagar announced the strict lockdown will continue to remain in place across Srinagar till further orders and only a few minor exemptions have been given.

The announcement was made after a comprehensive review of situation where in it was decided that strict lockdown will continue till further orders. “Only minor exemptions have been given,” officials of DDMA said.

They said that relaxation which are minor in nature are subject to condition of adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs.)

“The only exemption in Sunday’s order is allowing home delivery by restaurants. Permission and testing of service delivery staff has been done. The DDMA has trained the restaurant staff recently and conducted COVID tests as well,” the officials said. .

They said that only other exemption is plying of SRTC buses with 50 per cent seat capacity. “Srinagar has been notified as Red Zone district by Govt in Sunday’s notification,” the officials said.

“DDMA also directs Magistrates and SHOs to initiate strict action in case of violation of orders issued for wearing of mask in public places and violation of physical distancing norms at public places including all establishments,” the officials said, adding that the fine of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 shall be imposed respectively apart from initiating proceedings against defaulters under Section 51 of Disaster Management Act.

“District administration is also continuously holding conferences with religious heads and local committees to educate the people for precautions with focus on staying at home unless necessary to move out and wearing mask and maintain physical distance at public places,” the officials said.

Meanwhile, DDMA appealed the people to follow the safety norms at public places as well at home especially hygiene to avoid spread of COVID-19. “It took a serious note of large scale movement of persons and vehicles creating a serious challenge for enforcement, and called for cooperation by public,” the officials said.

The DDMA further said that that opening of shops in malls and other establishments like Saloons shall be considered only after ascertaining the adherence to protocols. “In due course of time, decision will be taken about Health clubs and Clinics after undertaking adherence to specific SOPs. Similarly, the discussion with trade bodies has been held already and decision will be taken for shops later this week only after review of emerging situation,” the officials said, adding, “We are not taking any chance.

Permitted activities will be allowed after situation review and also ensuring these establishments put necessary precautions in place.”