New Delhi: There were eight confirmed coronavirus cases in Ladakh and COVID-19 had reached the Union Territory through the pilgrims who returned from Iran, the Home Ministry said on Thursday.
A total of 58 people were quarantined in various hospitals of Ladakh and 18 people, including positive cases, were kept in isolation in the hospitals, it added.
“Presently there are eight confirmed cases, which include an Army jawan, in Ladakh. COVID-19 has reached Ladakh through the pilgrims who returned from Iran,” a statement issued by the Home Ministry said.
The administration had taken several steps, it added.
The number of suspected cases in the Union Territory, including those who returned from Iran, their relatives and contacts, was 284, it said.
Of them, 208 people were in home quarantine and being monitored on a daily basis by health workers, the ministry said, adding that 150 of them had completed the mandatory 14 days.
“No other person with COVID-19 symptoms has reported to the hospitals or been found on random verifications in the identified sensitive areas. These checks shall continue,” the statement said.
A number of precautionary steps were taken for preventing the transmission of coronavirus in Ladakh, which will come into effect immediately and remain in force till April 15, it added.
Advisories have been issued to the public, asking them to stay at home and restrict movement.
Police checkposts have been established all over Ladakh to prevent any avoidable movement of people and the movement of people between Leh and Kargil has been barred.
All government offices have been closed except those necessary for maintaining essential services, namely power, water supply, food and civil supply, petrol pumps, police, revenue and municipalities etc.
The remaining officers and staff have been put on call and advised to work from home.
Some religious organisations have voluntarily agreed to avoid the Friday prayers.
A majority of public transport has been barred from plying, except what is required for the commutating of essential service providers.
All hotels, guesthouses etc. have been closed. No community hall — government or private — will be permitted to offer bookings for any public function, social or religious.
Banks and ATMs will take all sanitary precautions such as hand washing, providing sanitisers, daily fumigation etc.
All restaurants, bars, food courts, food joints, roadside eateries, community kitchens, shops etc. have been closed, barring essential outlets such as ration, LPG, essential daily use commodities, vegetables and medicines.
All schools and colleges have been closed.
Orders have been issued prohibiting the entry of foreign tourists in Ladakh.
All incoming movement of labourers from other states by any means of transport have been banned.
Helicopter services through Pawan Hans or the Indian Air Force (IAF) will be limited to only medical or other emergencies.
All air services of the Army and the Air Force through IL76 or C17 or AN32 aircraft, carrying civilians from Jammu and Srinagar to Kargil or Leh, have been suspended.
In order to regulate gatherings of five or more people, the district administrations of Leh and Kargil have imposed prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Mobile shops are being operated in both districts, which will deliver essential supplies to houses and localities.
All conferences, workshops, rallies, gatherings, sit-in protests have been barred throughout Ladakh.
A 100-percent screening of all the passengers arriving at all three airports is being carried out.
Any passenger movement by road has been barred through Zoji La.
“These measures are being implemented strictly and it is hoped that they would have a salutary effect on the situation,” the statement said.
