Srinagar: Ruling out the possibility of immediate relaxation in the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions in the district, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Mohammad Aijaz on Tuesday said a decision over any phased lifting of restrictions will be taken in consultation with all stakeholders.
The DC Srinagar said the district administration has received a memorandum by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) calling for the opening of marketplaces and business establishments in a phased manner.
The same was being examined and whatever decision is taken, will be taken by the State Executive Committee J&K in consultation with all the stakeholders, news agency KNO quoted DC Srinagar as saying at Press Enclave Srinagar on the sidelines of a special COVID-19 vaccination drive for journalists.
Although the daily cases in Srinagar have witnessed a relative drop for the past few days, DC Srinagar warmed against lowering of guard.
“There are still more than 6000 active cases, so there is no chance of any sort of relaxation in the curfew. We have to follow the SOPs strictly including social distancing, wearing face masks and particularly vaccination,” Aijaz said.
He urged the eligible citizens to get the jabs during the ongoing drive.
“Like the first wave, we will also come out of the second COVID-19 wave successfully provided everyone contributes to it,” he said.
The DC Srinagar said that COVID-19 vaccination drive has been started and priority will be given to the most vulnerable groups including journalists, shopkeepers, vendors, milkmen, vegetable vendors and orphans registered with Social Welfare Department, construction workers and maximum mobility groups, who fall in the age group of 18-45 years.
He advised people not to take the situation for-granted as the second wave of COVID-19 has affected and claimed lives of thousands of people, has not ebbed as of now. He also asked people to follow COVID-19 SOPs in letter and spirit to break the chain of infections.
“No doubt the situation has improved a lot over the past few days but decline in number of positive cases and mortality does not mean we have survived the 2nd wave of COVID-19. To beat the disease, people need to follow SOPs in letter and spirit,” DC Srinagar added.
The officer also said that COVID-care centers have been established in all Panchayats in Srinagar where oxygen concentrators also stand installed , while other equipment has also been made available and will be supplemented in coming days.
