KUPWARA, MARCH 22: (KNS)  The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Imam Din today convened a meeting of Health Officers to discuss the necessary measures to be taken for raising awareness among the general public to follow Covid-19 SOPs laid down by the World Health Organisation.

He also reviewed the functioning of District Covid-19 Control Room.

The DC directed for sampling of passengers coming from outside UT of J&K and also directed the concerned to speed up the vaccination drive for maximum coverage of people. He directed for conducting of awareness programmes in weekly Block Divas.

Addressing the meeting, the DC asked Chief Medical Officer, Medical Superintendent, District Hospital, BMOs and other concerned Health Officers to strictly ensure guidelines for containment of Covid-19 in view of the recent spike of Covid cases in the country.

Meanwhile, District Magistrate Kupwara today ordered compulsory usage of masks in the district. In this regard, an official order has also been issued which reads, ‘It has become imperative to ensure cent percent usage of masks in the district to minimize the chances of further spike of Covid-19 cases’.

The order further reads that all Tehsildars and Block Development Officers shall ensure the usage of masks in their respective jurisdictions and a penalty of Rs.500 for the first offence and Rs.1000 for repeat offence shall be imposed on violators.

The District/ Sectoral officers were asked to ensure usage of masks in their respective offices.

The ADCs and SDMs were directed to personally monitor the entire exercise through field inspections and upload photographs on the official WhatsApp Group of District Administration Kupwara.(KNS)