Asserting that COVID curfew that entered 20^th days on Tuesday in Kashmir valley is showing positive results, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad said that the number of fresh coronavirus cases in the city has witnessed a decline.

“The district administration Srinagar has taken various measures to curtail the spread COVID-19, including Corona curfew that has been extended till May 24. It has been attempted to allow only bare minimum traffic on the roads, including medical emergencies. Overall general public movement has been reduced,” he said.

He said the maximum positive cases of COVID-19 in the current month were recorded on May 4, when 1311 people tested positive for the virus. “Since then, the number of cases has decreased in the city due to COVID curfew,” Mr Asad added.

However, he said people should not let their guard down and continue with the adherence of the guidelines to further curtail the spread of the virus. “We should not let our guard down… It is imperative that we continue following all the COVID guidelines, including bare minimum movement on the roads,” he said.

“Relaxation has been given to Parimpora Mandi as it is the harvesting season of cherry and strawberry. So farmers have been given some relaxation, the guidelines of which has already been conveyed to them,” he said.

Talking about the COVID hospital coming up in the city outskirts, he said, “A 500 bedded COVID hospital is being constructed in the city outskirts by DRDO and by the end of this month it will be made functional. New oxygen plants are being setup at SHMS and Chest Disease hospital… work is going on and civil work has been completed and these plants will be made operational very soon.