COVID-19: Teachers asked to remain off duty in Bandipora district

Asked to remain available for any exigency

Suhail Rather

Bandipora, 19 March (PTK): The teachers in Bandipora district have been directed to remain off duty till March 31.

The order followed amid the growing threat of coronavirus spread in Srinagar where a sexagenarian woman was tested positive on Wednesday, making it the first case of covid-19 in Kashmir Valley.

Earlier the administration imposed section 144 in the district which disallows assembly of more than five people at any public place.

“No public transport shall ply in Bandipora district till further orders and the restrictions shall be reviewed periodically,” reads an order issued by the DM Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza.

“Teaching staff of Government/Private schools shall remain off their duties with immediate effect till 31st of March, 2020.”

However they have been asked to remain available for on call duties and shall report for any duties on short notice, as may be required during any emergency situation arising out of prevailing circumstances due to COVID-19, and they shall also not leave the stations without prior permission.

Moreover, teaching staff already engaged in village level surveillance teams/helpdesks have been asked to continue their duties in thr saud assignments, reads the order issued by Deputy Commissioner Bandipora. (PTK)