COVID-19: 20 Kashmiri villages declared 'red zones' as more cases emerge

In a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the Kashmir valley, authorities have declared 20 villages as red zones in the region.

The decision has been taken to contain the further movement of people as more cases emerge from these villages and areas.

The areas include five villages in Srinagar, three in Bandipora, seven from Pulwama, two each from Gandarbal and Shopian and Chadora village in Budgam district. 

Authorities say that there would be no inward and outward movement of any person from the villages declared red zones and the people would stay at their homes to ensure complete lockdown.

Jammu & Kashmir has recorded 52 positive cases of coronavirus so far, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, mostly in Kashmir division, triggering the response.

While the confirmed cases in India stand at 1251, the number of deaths recorded is 32, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday. Out of these, 1117 are active cases while 101 have been discouraged after treatment.

India has imposed a 21-day lockdown till April 14 to combat the spread of novel coronavirus. While initially, only the supplies of essential goods were allowed during the lockdown period, the Ministry of Home Affairs on Sunday said transportation of all goods, without distinction of essential and non-essential, have been allowed.