Srinagar, May 2: Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday ordered complete ‘Corona curfew every weekend in all 20 districts from 7 p.m. each Friday till 7a.m. each Monday even as closure of educational institutions has been extended by May 31. Also 50% shops will be allowed to open on a day while traffic shall ply with half of the sitting capacity till May 31.
“All Universities, colleges and technical/ skill development institutions in J&K shall remain closed for imparting on-campus/ in-person education to the students till 31.5.2021 except for the courses /programs that require physical presence of students on account of laboratory / research/ thesis work and internship etc,” reads an order by B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary and Chairperson State Executive Committee. “Teaching in all these institutions will be in on-line mode.”
He said all schools, colleges, technical education and skill development institutes shall not require in person attendance of any member of the staff. “The teaching staff shall conduct online classes only from their homes. The concerned departments will issue guidelines in this regard.”
Regarding the Universities, he said all the varsities shall be permitted to seek in person attendance of minimal staff only for research/lab / thesis work, etc.
However, he said, such staff of educational institutions as are needed by the concerned District Disaster Management Authorities for official duties shall not be exempted from duties on account of this Order
“Even where some institutions are allowed to be opened by a specific or general order, educational institutions are strongly advised to take full safety precautions especially by ensuring social distancing, staggered attendance, maintaining sanitation and hygiene, early identification and isolation of suspect cases.”
He said all Paid Public parks in J&K shall remain closed for visitors till May 31. “
Public transport (matadors / mini-buses / buses etc..) in J&K shall be permitted to ply only at 50 % of its authorized seating capacity. The District Superintendents of Police shall ensure compliance to this effect.”
He said only 50% shops in major market complexes , Bazaars and Malls within the Municipal limits and urban local body limits shall be open on alternate basis through a rotation system.
“District magistrates of all districts shall devise a pattern to implement this preferably in consultation with local market associations.”
The ceiling on the number of people permitted to attend gatherings / functions shall be 20 in case of funerals and 50 for all other kinds of gatherings, whether indoors or at outdoor venues, he said.
The existing guidelines and SOPs in place for compulsory testing of all incoming passengers and travelers to J&K shall be strictly enforced. “Everyone will have to compulsorily undergo a COVID-19 antigen test as prescribed by the protocol in use and may be subjected to quarantine if necessary.
“No Deputy Commissioner or any subordinate Magistrate shall impose any local lockdown, outside notified Containment Zones, without prior consultation with the State Executive Committee, and following the Orders and guidelines issued by MHA, Govt of India.”