COVID-19: Present scenario is concerning, says DDC Srinagar

SRINAGAR — District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary Thursday said that the present scenario is alarming and authorities are trying hard to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 infection.

While addressing a press conference here in Kashmir capital Srinagar, Chowdhary said that present scenario is concerning as many cases have been reported from Srinagar. He said there are 14 red zones in Srinagar with areas like Chattabal, Lal Bazar, Eidgah and Goripora a cause of concern.

He said that Srinagar city has been divided into 25 zones. “We have 1000 teams, with 4000 people on job in these zones. We have to ensure that there is no leakage from Red Zones.”

District Development Srinagar said that 800 to 900 people who had hidden their travel history were traced through control room due to crowd sourcing of information and were quarantined or put under isolation. He asked people not to make contact tracing difficult by revealing travel history.

He said, “Our fight is not only against Coronavirus outbreak. We are also focusing on patients suffering from other terminal illnesses.”

While responding to a question, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said that there is no shortage of medicines. “Two aircrafts of medicines arrived on April 6 and 7. One more aircraft is expected today. We will ensure to get the required medicine from any place across the country. We have stock of life saving drugs for around 6 weeks. We are open to inspection if anybody has doubt,” he said.

Chowdhary maintained that doctors and para-medical staff are risking their lives in the line of duty. “Supplies of PPE kits and masks are being streamlined.”

He said that amid lockdown, 9000 counter transaction and 19,000 ATM transactions are happening every day.

On this occasion, SSP Srinagar, Dr Haseeb Mughal said that aerial surveillance through drones, CCTV’s is being monitored. Deployment is also on ground. “This is not usual law and order lockdown but 24×7 lockdown. Don’t come out in the evening like you did during other days. Passes will be valid for place of stay to place of work from now onwards. Inter-district movement has to be restricted. Family and friends would not be entertained on one pass.”