Govt orders 100% testing of those who arrive in J&K, warns violators

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered 100 percent RTPCR testing of stranded persons who arrive by train or through other services to Jammu and Kashmir. It has also warned against any violation of these instructions with penalties under the Disaster Management Act 2005 and other provisions of law.
The government of India on May 11 notified standard operating protocol for movement of passengers by scheduled train services, which commenced from today.
The Ministry of Railways is also operating special Shramik trains for bringing back students, stranded persons and others.
Consequent upon Government of India’s decision to allow movement of trains in a graded manner, the J&K government said that it felt necessary to issue mandatory instructions for 100% RTPCR testing of incoming passengers by trains and other means in order to prevent spread of COVID-19.
In his capacity as the Chairperson of State Executive Committee, under Section 24 of the Disaster Management Act 2005, Chief Secretary ordered all passengers arriving by trains or any other means into the UT of
Jammu and Kashmir shall be 100% tested using the RTPCR method for which the Health and Medical Education Department is making necessary arrangements.
“All such passengers will be put into mandatory administrative quarantine by the Nodal Officers/concerned Deputy Commissioners/Divisional Commissioners till test results come out to be negative or till they are sent to hospital if test results are positive,” he said
All passengers, he said, shall be necessarily required to wear face masks or covers and follow social distancing norms.
“Any violation of these instructions will attract penalties under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and other provisions of law,” he added.