J&K to press for extension

Jammu: With the detection of 55 positive cases of deadly coronavirus and one death in the last 7 days, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is mulling to take up the issue with Union government for the extension of lockdown period beyond April 14.
A health official associated with mitigation efforts to combat the spread of coronavirus told The News Now, “With the rapid increase of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the administration like other states, is also considering in this direction. The government will soon take up the issue with the union government for extension of lockdown period for 15 more days.”
“Recent spurt in positive cases and the death of third coronavirus patient in Kashmir valley, who has no travel history, has triggered apprehensions among Jammu and Kashmir administration. The issue was discussed in a high-level meeting but it was unanimously decided to further review the situation for more 2-3 days,” he added.
“In the worst-case and if the situation arrives to extend the lockdown period, the government is ready with a backup plan with adequate stock of essential commodities and other measures,” he said.
He added that the since past few days government has intensified its mitigation efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
“All government machinery is working to devise a mechanism for tackling the worst conditions, the FCCA&S department stored sufficient stock of medicines as well as ration, health infrastructure revamped and private infra has been identified to use for quarantine centres as well as concerned deputy commissioners have been asked closely monitor the situation in their respective districts,” he added.