Schools, colleges, universities closed in J&K till May 15

SRINAGAR — Government today ordered closure of schools, colleges and universities in J&K for imparting on-campus/in-person education to the students till 15th of May, except for the courses/programs that require physical presence of students on account of laboratory/research/thesis work and internship etc.

According to a series of tweets by the Office of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, colleges have been asked to move to online teaching mode.

Meanwhile, the tweet also reads, “All Schools in J&K shall continue to remain closed for imparting on-campus / in-person education to the students till 15.05.2021.”

Regarding the gatherings, it said, “The ceiling on the number of people permitted to attend gatherings/functions shall be 20 in case of funerals; 50 for all kinds of gatherings at indoor venues and 100 for all kind of gatherings at outdoor venues.”

The Office of LG also said that Matadors/Buses/Mini buses and other modes of public transport shall ply strictly as per their registered/authorized seating capacity. “No standing will be allowed. The District Superintendents of Police shall ensure that this is strictly complied with and punitive measures are taken under relevant provisions of the Law,” the tweet reads.

The existing guideline for compulsory testing of all incoming passengers to J&K shall be strongly enforced i.e., all passengers or travellers coming to J&K, whether by rail, road or air, will have to compulsorily undergo a COVID-19 antigen test through any of the prescribed methods as per the protocol of the Government of J&K, one of the tweet reads.

“All District Magistrates shall put in place an effective mechanism to ensure COVID appropriate behaviour in all crowded markets/shopping complexes and Malls. In this regard, necessary cooperation and support of the local Bazar/market associations may also be taken. Strict action will be taken if anyone is found in violation,” it said.

“Market associations are encouraged to voluntarily try to stagger opening timings/schedules to reduce crowds,” a tweet reads.