No need for lockdown if we follow SOPs: DC Srinagar

SRINAGAR — District Development Commissioner Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Thursday said that no need for lockdown may arise if people follow COVID-19 SOPs properly.

Chowdary was talking to reporters here in Kashmir’s capital city, Srinagar.

He said district administration Srinagar has held meetings with religious heads and traders and if the administration will open up 50% markets from 16 of this month onwards, SOPs have to be adhered. If we all follow SOPs properly, I don’t think any need for extending lockdown may arise,” Chowdary said.

In response to a question, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary said that the sharp spike in Coronavirus cases forced administration to impose lockdown.

“Experts are saying that more COVID cases may emerge in Srinagar and there are bleak chances of seeing a fall down in these cases in coming days. It’s very important that we all follow Government SOPs, use face masks, maintain physical distance and take all other precautionary measures,” he said, adding that most of the people violated SOPs last time when lockdown was eased out.

Chowdary said that Srinagar administration interacted with over 3,000 religious heads and “we are sure, these religious leaders will follow SOPs when religious places will be thrown open for people.”

He said future information about lockdown will be publicized and a separate notification in this regard will be issued.

Chowdary said that recovered COVID-19 cases in Srinagar are still more than the active cases and it is a good sign.