To Save Economy From Further Shock, Impose Self-Restrictions, Div Com Kashmir Tells People Amid COVID Surge.

After a surge in COVID cases in the valley, with Omicron cases being reported the Divisional Administration Kashmir Tuesday urged people to impose self-restrictions so that the region’s economy is saved from further shock.

In an exclusive chat with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole said that his fervent appeal to people of Kashmir amid Covid case spike is that they should impose self-restrictions to prevent spread and further damage.

“The best way to prevent further spread is that people should impose self-restrictions. Lockdowns shatter economies and we don’t want to go for lockdowns at a time when Kashmir economy has started to revive,” Pole told KNO.

He said people must go for self-imposed restrictions and follow Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) in spirit. “People must avoid unnecessary travel and switch to online mode of education, work to prevent spread of Covid and Omicron,” the Divisional Commissioner said.

He said that the administration has already sealed some coaching centers for violating the CAB and in view of the spurt cases. The Divisional Commissioner said that lockdowns shatter economies and there is no plan with the government to impose lockdown as of now. “The imposition of lockdown is the sole prerogative of Lieutenant Governor and top officials in the government. At this juncture when Kashmir economy has started to revive after back to back jolts, lockdown will further shatter it again,” he said, adding that people must themselves take measures to prevent spread so that their livelihood doesn’t suffer.

Pertinently, J&K reported over 1100 Covid positive cases on Tuesday while Kashmir region witnessed five fresh cases of Omicron variant. With Omicron making its entry into Kashmir, the Divisional Administration wants people to go for self-imposed curbs that entails, avoiding unnecessary, travel and venturing out of homes, mingling with people, social and religious gatherings and following CAB whenever out of homes—(KNO)