‘Keep online/distance learning preferred mode of teaching’
DMs to keep focus on positivity rate of clusters, schools, bazaars
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Mar 30: Following fresh surge in COVID-19 cases across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, the State Executive Committee (SEC) today empowered the District Magistrates to take preventive measures like not allowing large gatherings, assemblies, processions and notifying micro Containment Zones for checking rise in infections in their respective districts and directed that wherever possible, online/distance learning shall continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged.
These and other guidelines were issued by SEC chairperson and Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam today which will come into effect from April 1 and remain valid till further orders.
In yet another order, the SEC kept Lakhanpur Containment Zone in Kathua district with 500 meters radius on Jammu-Pathankot National Highway and Jawahar Tunnel area on either side of Jammu-Srinagar highway as Red Zones. Barring Srinagar district, which has been labeled as Orange Zone, all other 19 districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been categorized as Green Zone districts.
“The District Magistrates may take local preventive measures such as not allowing large gathering/assemblies/processions and notifying micro Containment Zones for checking spurt in infections in their respective districts. Necessary orders in this regard may be issued under the Disaster Management Act/CrPC,’’ the SEC order said.
It also asked the District Magistrates to keep focus on positivity rate of closed clustered spaces like public/private offices, schools, colleges, malls, bazaars etc and consider implementing staggered timings of operation in case weekly positivity rate goes beyond 10 percent in these spaces.
It added that wherever possible, online/distance learning will continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and shall be encouraged. However, where schools have been conducting online classes smoothly and some students prefer to attend these online classes rather than physically attend the school, they may be permitted to do so.
Due to spurt in COVID cases, the SEC has advised educational institutions to take full safety precautions especially by ensuring social distancing, staggered attendance, maintaining sanitation and hygiene, early identification and isolation of suspect cases.
However, there has been no change in existing protocol of the Union Territory Government on entry of people to Jammu and Kashmir by road, rail or air travels.
Though there will be no restrictions on entry of passengers, returnees or travelers coming to Jammu and Kashmir whether by road, rail or air, will have to compulsorily undergo COVID-19 Antigen Test through any of the prescribed methods as per the protocol of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. Protocol for management of COVID-19 positive persons will be followed for all positive cases.
The Government has directed the administration to strengthen ‘Test-Track-Treat’ protocol.
“The Divisional Commissioners need to supervise and ensure that tests are being conducted uniformly across all districts with adequate testing to be done in districts reporting higher number of cases. The proportion of RT-PCR tests in the total mix should be scaled up, on best efforts basis, to 70 percent or more excluding travelers,’’ the SEC guidelines stated.
They said the positive cases need to be isolated and quarantined at the earliest and their contacts traced and tested. Quick isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients shall be ensured in treatment facilities/ hospitals/homes.
Asserting that COVID-19 vaccination is critical to break the chain of transmission in the present scenario, the Government order said all districts should rapidly step up the pace of vaccination to cover all priority and permissible groups as approved by the Central Government, urgently and in an expeditious manner.
The Government has kept ceiling in number of pilgrims permitted to visit holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at 25,000. However, on most of the days, even the yatra per day is not touching 25,000. Prior to fresh surge in COVID cases, the pilgrimage had started picking up but after second wave, it has again shown signs of decline.
Swimming Pools, Sports Stadia/sports activities, Exhibitions and cinemas/theatres/multiplexes will continue to operate as per the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) already issued from time to time by the Government of India as well as the Union Territory Government.
The Government has advised persons above 65 years of age, co-morbid, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years to take extra precautions.
“All activities permitted under earlier Standard Operating Procedures/guidelines/instructions will continue to be permitted in Jammu and Kashmir except in the areas identified as the Containment Zones,’’ the Government order stated.
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