Complete lockdown for 15 days in AJK to stem virus upsurge

State govt decides to shut all businesses and schools in the region for a fortnight starting Nov 21

MUZAFFARABAD:

In a bid to stem the spread of coronavirus amid second wave of the pandemic, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) government decided on Tuesday to impose a complete lockdown across the region for a fortnight starting November 21.

The region has reported 5,538 and 126 deaths so far since the virus outbreak. However, AJK has seen an exponential rise in the number of infections during the last few days.

This decision was taken during a meeting of the AJK cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider.

The meeting was briefed that the coronavirus situation in the valley has worsened as Covid-19 positivity rate has gone up to 19 per cent.

There would be a complete lockdown in all AJK districts with a ban on weddings and other public gatherings, according to an official statement.

All schools and businesses will also remain shut during the lockdown, it said, adding that strict screening at the entry points of the region would be ensured.

Furthermore, the meeting also decided that 50 per cent employees will work from home in government departments and half of them would be allowed to attend office while ensuring pre-cautionary measures.

The AJK authorities appealed to the masses to extend full cooperation to the government and observe social distancing and all other precautionary measures to help stop the virus spread.

(With input from DNA)