Jammu admin bans conferences, protests to counter coronavirus threat

As part of its efforts to counter the threat posed by coronavirus, the authorities in Jammu on Sunday came out with another set of directives including imposition of ban on conferences, rallies and protests till March 31 as a precautionary measure.

The order issued by District Disaster Management Authority Chairperson and District Magistrate, Jammu, Sushma Chauhan also asked people not to organize any social, religious or ritualistic event at any public, community or religious place involving a gathering of more than four people during the same period.

The Jammu and Kashmir government closed all educational institutions, multiplexes, cinema halls, shopping malls, gymnasiums, swimming pools and recreational clubs last week.

In the latest order, Chauhan ordered closure of langers/bhandaras (community kitchens), dhabas, bars restaurants, food courts, food stalls, roadside eateries and massage centres.

She asked people not to organize conferences, events, rallies, dharnas and protests but said there shall be no restrictions on the movement of people to buy their daily groceries and household items.

The wholesalers, fruit and vegetable markets may also remain open and functional to ensure provisioning of essential supplies, the order said.

Chauhan directed Jammu Senior Superintendent of Police to ensure that four or more people are not allowed to gather, in a closed group, at any place within the jurisdiction of the district except at railway stations, airport and bus stands.

The order directed the transport commissioner to ensure that public and private transport operating in the district be sanitised with the prescribed disinfectants, while the Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner was asked to sanitize public places particularly the bus stands, railway stations and market areas.

Director and CISF commandant of the Jammu Airport were also asked to provide all necessary coordination and support to the screening desk and administrative team that have been deployed for screening air travellers.

The Jammu Airport director has also been asked to ensure cleaning of entire premises with the prescribed disinfectant.