J-K, Ladakh make wearing face masks mandatory

Wearing face masks has been me mandatory in Civil Secretariat- seat of Jammu and Kashmir government--and Leh district in Union Territory of Lakh, officials said on Wednesday.

An order issued by General ministration Department (G) said face masks have been me mandatory for all officers, staff and visitors in Civil Secretariat as a preventive measure to stop spre of coronavirus.

Civil Secretariat is presently functional here as part of bi-annual darbar move, under which government functions six months each in Jammu and Srinagar during winter and summer months.

“Accordingly, all ministrative secretaries are authorised to effect purchase of masks, so as to provide three (3) reusable masks for each employee of his/her department in civil secretariat. expenditure on this account shall be defrayed from office expenses (OE) he,” ditional Secretary, G, Rohit Sharma said.

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In event of n-availability of masks in open market, he said, ministrative secretaries would submit ir requirements to department of civil supplies, consumer affairs and public distribution for supply of same.

District Magistrate, Leh, Sachin Kumar Vaishya ordered general public as well as government officials (both civilian and armed forces) to mandatorily wear face masks at public places without any exemption.

“In case of any violation, penal action under rules shall be taken against violators. This shall come into force with effect from April 9,” he said in his order issued in exercise of powers under section 34 of Disaster Manment Act, 2005.

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