SRINAGAR – Terming increase in covid-19 cases as a matter of “serious concern”, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Saturday said that the next two weeks are “very critical”.
Talking to reporters while overseeing various team out on streets of Srinagar to enforce covid-19 protocols, the Deputy Commissioner urged people not to “invite” third wave.
“From last few days, covid-19 cases are increasing in Srinagar. Increasing positivity rate is a serious concern for us and if you see overall picture, 60% of the total cases in Jammu and Kashmir are reported from Srinagar district alone,” he said.
“This makes it clear that there have been violations of covid-19 protocol and same is happening continuously. We are carrying inspections in vehicles. Whosoever is found without mask will be subjected to covid-19 test. No single person has any right to infect other person,” he said.
To a question that covid-19 protocol is observed in breach in official events, the Deputy Commissioner said, “Medical teams have found that primary source of spurt in cases in on account of marriage functions where covid-19 protocol has been violated at some places.”
Besides, he said, it is not possible that a magistrate or police personnel would remain behind a person for 24×7 for enforcing the adherence of SOPs. “We all have to work together. During first and second wave, people cooperated and for that I extend congratulations to all residents of Srinagar. At the same time, we should not invite third wave and if we violate covid-19 protocol, we are inviting third wave,” The start will be from Srinagar,” he said. “I urge people to strictly follow SOPs. Next two weeks are very critical for us as this period would decide if cases increase or decrease. If we start care form today, definitely cases would reduce.”
Asked about reopening of schools in Srinagar, he said, “I think this question should be posed to the Education Department and the concerned would in better position to answer it.”
The District Administration has already declared eight more areas as Micro Containment Zones under Medical Zones of Batamaloo, Zadibal, S.R Gunj and Khanyar to prevent spread of infection in the district.
The areas include Milat Abad, Peerbagh, near Islamic Public School and Noorani Colony Peerbagh in Medical Zone Batamaloo, Upper Soura, near Petrol Pump, Bilal Colony Soura, near Bilal Masjid and Bota Kadal, near Darul ul Uloom Bilaliya in Medical Zone Zadibal, Zaina Kadal near Gagar Masjid in Medical Zone S R Gunj and Buchwara and Batwara areas in Khanyar Medical Zone in the district.
The deputy commission in an official statement issued yesterday said that Administration was mulling localised lock-down in some specific areas of City, if the number of positive cases does not decrease.
