As the Kashmir valley is witnessing a continuous surge in coronavirus cases, authorities on Tuesday announced only 50% opening of shops, malls, and other markets in Kashmir shall remain open. Rising Kashmir spoke with locals to gauge their opinion on the decision by the administration. 

Waseem Ramzan, Natipora

Extending night curfew and 50% opening of shops in market complexes, bazaars, and malls within the municipal and urban local body limits will not help us in getting rid of the virus. We are witnessing the situation in other states in India where the second wave has created havoc. It will be too late to fight the second wave. The situation will likely get from bad to worse. The authorities must place adequate mechanisms in place to tackle the surge. 

Mubashir Ahmad, Magarmal Bagh

Like the previous year, the situation is getting the same this year as well. It seems the situation is getting out of hand as hospitals are closing OPDs and such. The same happened last year. We are going the same way as last year and nothing has changed. When Kashmir was witnessing below 100 cases a day, we got complacent. Nobody took it seriously. When cases were low, it was manageable but now it seems to be difficult to contain the virus. 

Zahid Zahoor, Bandipora

In the present circumstances, every individual must follow all the precautions related to health. The authorities can’t reach every individual and force everyone to follow the SOPs and guidelines strictly. The responsible persons of the society including Masjid Imams have to create awareness among the people as they are still moving out without the masks and have not been maintaining social distancing in the valley. The situation is already alarming as more than 1000 cases are reported every day. 

Khursheed Hussian, Rambagh 

The move by the Government of India that from May 1 above 18 years have to take the jab is good. The step should have been taken earlier. People should take the jab as soon as possible. It will ease the work of authorities. There are very few things that can help us in getting infected with the virus, which include the use of SOPs and health guidelines. At present, there seems to be no option rather than lockdown. Some people can still be seen without the masks and are not maintaining social distancing.