COVID-19: Highest Single-Day Spike in Cases Recorded in J&K
Representational Image. Image Courtesy: PTI
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has recorded the highest single-day spike with 751 new positive cases, including 240 from Jammu division and 511 from Kashmir division, taking the total number of COVID-19-infected cases to 14,650 on Monday, as per official data.
This is the second time that J&K has recorded over 700 cases in a single day. A day ago, on Sunday, 701 cases were recorded across the newly formed Union Territory of J&K, of which 100 were from Jammu and 601 from the Kashmir division.
The 240 cases in Jammu on Monday are the highest recorded since the first case of the virus came to the fore. In the wake of the surge in the novel coronavirus cases, a partial lockdown has been imposed in Jammu beginning July 24. The partial lockdown will be imposed on weekends extending from 6 p.m on Fridays till 6 a.m on Mondays.
The order issued under Section 144 of the CrPC and Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, imposed complete restriction on movement of individuals and vehicles, except for medical emergency for which no pass will be required.
“Only local chemist, fruits, vegetables and dairy shops can remain accessible for community needs and passengers coming from and going to the airport/railway station shall be permitted to move on production of tickets. The staff deployed at airport and the railway station (public officials and belonging to airlines) shall be allowed to move on production of valid ID proof,” said the order released by Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, Sushma Chauhan.
Since the past few days, the number of cases and deaths related to COVID-19 has been on steady rise in J&K. The health authorities, as well as doctors and health workers, have been appealing to people to wear masks and step out when necessary. The administration has imposed a fine of Rs 500 on those seen without masks.
Under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Lt Governor has issued an order authorising all Deputy Commissioners across the UT to impose penalties “to prevent the spread of the COVID-19.” The order also mentions that non-payment of fine would attract proceedings under Section 188 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
According to the order, Rs 500 will be fined on those not wearing the mask and spitting in public places. Also, Rs 2,000 will be charged on those violating home quarantine instructions and social distancing norms.
Meanwhile, people across J&K are using social media to create awareness about wearing masks and maintaining social distances.
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