Bisma Bhat
Srinagar, Mar 7: As a precautionary measure to contain the coronavirus spread,Jammu and Kashmir government Saturday announced closure of all the primary schools in six districts of the Union Territory till March 31.
Primary schools of Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, and Bandipora districts will remain shut till further orders in the valley. Likewise, all primary schools in Jammu and Samba districts have been closed till March 31.
“All private and government schools up to primary level shall remain closed in Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla and Bandipora districts till further orders,” said Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan.
Soon after this, government spokesperson Rohit Kansal tweeted that primary schools in Bandipora, Baramulla, Srinagar, and Budgam districts will remain closed till March 31.
The step has been taken as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Srinagar District Commissioner, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary also tweeted that all primary schools in the district shall remain closed till further orders.
The government’s announcement came hours after two persons were tested positive for suspected coronavirus at the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu.
“All primary schools in Jammu and Samba districts to be closed till March 31 with immediate effect. All biometric attendance in Jammu and Kashmir to be suspended immediately till March 31,” tweeted Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary to the government.
President, Doctors Association Kashmir, Dr. Suhail Nayak said the government is monitoring the situation closely. “We suggest that if the epidemic has reached Jammu, the best thing is to close down all educational institutions. Schools are the biggest medium for the transmission of virus”, he said
On Wednesday, the government appointed Bhupinder Kumar, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), as in-charge of the coronavirus control efforts in the Union Territory. Kumar has been asked to work under the supervision of Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education Department.
Although no positive cases of coronavirus have been reported in Kashmir, health officials said all hospitals should ensure their staff is trained, and well-prepared to deal with the virus.
The government has been issuing advisories to inform people of the precautionary measures and symptoms associated with coronavirus.
