J&K markets reopen as unlock process starts

Jammu/Srinagar, May 31

After a month-long lockdown imposed due to a surge in Covid cases, markets reopened in J&K on Monday as the process of partial unlock started, officials said. According to the new guidelines imposed on Sunday, shops have been allowed to open on alternate days.

The public transport was allowed at 50% of the seating capacity in the orange zone districts. It remained shut in the red zone districts.

With the situation appearing to be on the ebb, the administration had on Sunday began easing out the lockdown, limiting the restrictions to nights and weekends only. Educational institutions, cinema halls, multiplexes, clubs, gyms, spas and paid parks are still closed.

20.24 lakh health insurance cards issued

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The J&K Health Department has issued over 20.24 lakh ‘golden’ cards under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY Sehat scheme in Jammu to provide a yearly health insurance cover of up to Rs5 lakh, said Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner for Health and Medical Education. PTI

Policemen in Jammu were seen making rounds of the partially opened markets and asking people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour strictly, especially maintaining social distance and using face masks.

The commuters, however, faced difficulties as only the State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) vehicles and three-wheelers were seen plying on different routes. The private transporters have been on an indefinite strike since April 21, opposing the 50% cap on seating capacity. — PTI