Panic buying of essentials, petrol in Kashmir amid restrictions to combat Coronavirus

Srinagar, Mar 19 : People in Kashmir, particularly summer capital Srinagar, have started to stock essential commodities and fuel amid restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas to prevent spread of Coronavirus.
The panic buying is happening despite authorities assuring people that it will ensure effective services and supplies of essentials.
Curfew-like restrictions were imposed since early Thursday morning in many areas in Srinagar, which witnessed its first positive coronavirus case on Wednesday.
Long queues of vehicles could be seen lined-up at petrol pumps across Srinagar city and other parts of the valley to get fuel. People could be seen lined up to get cash outside ATMs, which have started to go out of cash, despite authorities asking people to avoid public gatherings.
People have also started to stock essential commodities, including food and medicines, in view of the rumours that further curbs will be imposed in the coming days in the city to curtail spread of the virus.
“We have purchased essentials, including onion, potato, different type of dal and dry milk following rumours about worsening of situation in the valley,” Rameez Khan told UNI.
In series of tweets, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Chaudhary said the restrictions on public gatherings, assembly and movement in many areas are aimed at avoiding spread of any likely cases.
“Restriction imposed in Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services & supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,” he said.
Mr Chaudhary said it’s important that people who come in contact with Coronavirus positive case(s) should immediately report to nearest health facility or our 24×7 control room.
“We urge all residents who might have come in contact with the COVID-19 positive case in Srinagar to report to their nearest health facilities or contact our control room at 2457552 or 2457543 or 9419028251 or 9419028242 or 9419014723 — this is urgent and cannot be ignored @diprjk,” Chaudhary twitted.
“Rumours and unverified information shared on social media will certainly attract strict action. Let’s act like responsible citizens. Every information /advisory will be shared officially. Srinagar Coronavirus,” he added.
J&K administration spokesperson Rohit Kansal on Wednesday said first positive case was detected from Khanyar, Srinagar. “History of foreign travel. Arrived on 16/3/2020. Put in Isolation. Surveillance started in 300m area. Request all to cooperate. Also Immediately self report any symptoms,” Mr Kansal wrote on twitter.
(UNI)