Srinagar, Mar 20 (KNS): Lieutenant Governor Girish Chandra Murmu has urged the general public not to panic and maintain the social distance as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of COVID-19 Corona Virus.

Hailing the Prime Minister for his motivation and appeal to the public for ensuring self imposed ‘Janata Curfew’ on 22nd March, 2020, the Lt Governor thanked the Prime Minister for the initiative to contain the spread of the virus and assured the residents of Jammu and Kashmir that all necessary measures are in place to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The administration is working 24x7 for ensuring the welfare of the public, he added.

The Lt Governor reviewed the preparedness and the status of arrangements for dealing with the COVID-19 in a high level meeting attended by Shri Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt. Governor, Shri BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Shri Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner Health and Medical Education and senior officers of concerned departments.

While lauding the efforts of frontline health workers, security forces and the staff of essential services, the Lt Governor appealed to the general public to complement the efforts of the government and cooperate in breaking the chain by participating in the ‘Janata Curfew’ on 22nd March.

The Lt Governor reiterated that there would be no shortage of essential commodities or any service. However, he cautioned the people not fall prey to the rumours of any kind and rely only on the government sources for authentic information. He also warned that action would be initiated against the rumour mongers who indulge in any kind of malicious propaganda or spreading unverified news.

He further emphasized on the need to follow the advisories being issued by the administration from time to time to minimise the spread of the virus. He urged the public to take special care of the vulnerable age groups like elderly, children and the people with existing co-morbidities. He said that each and every individual would require to follow the guidelines being issued by the concerned authorities and hoped that with the cooperation of general public, corona virus would be contained and defeated at the earliest. (KNS)