Schools, higher education institutions closure extended in J&K

On Sunday, Jammu and Kashmir State Executive Committee (SEC) extended the closure of schools and other higher educational institutions including coaching centres till further orders. However, educational institutions are permitted to seek personal attendance of vaccinated staff for administrative reasons.

Furthermore, there will be no weekend curfews in any district of J&K and for now, only night curfews would remain in place from 8 pm to 7 am. 

The decision came after SEC reviewed the pandemic situation in the union territory. The committee has observed that there are some improvements in many districts as compared to the previous weeks. The state also capped the number of guests at 25 in any indoor or outdoor gatherings.

As per the orders, there will be a renewed focus on the panchayat level mapping of cases and in case of any unusual spike in cases, micro-containment zones will be prepared.

The order said, "The District Magistrates shall strictly ensure that there is full compliance to Covid appropriate behaviour and defaulters are firmly dealt with under relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act and the Indian Penal Code. The District Magistrates shall constitute joint teams of Police and Executive Magistrates for enforcement of Covid Appropriate Behaviour. The joint teams shall submit daily reports regarding activities carried out by them and their assessment of compliance level. DCs will continue the campaigns for ensuring Covid appropriate behaviour. Dedicated IEC, including Public Announcements through mobile vehicles, must be undertaken."

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