Ladakh records 21 new COVID-19 cases; restrictions eased further in Leh

Leh: Ladakh recorded 21 fresh COVID-19 cases, taking the overall tally to 19,941, while active cases in the region dropped to 281 after 33 more patients recovered from the disease, officials said on Sunday.

The Union territory has so far registered 202 Covid deaths, with Leh accounting for 144 fatalities followed by 58 in Kargil district.

Of the new cases, 18 persons tested positive in Leh, taking the infection tally in the district to 16,454, while three new cases in Kargil pushed the district tally of infections to 3,487, they said.

They said the number of recovered patients has risen to 19,458 after the recovery of 23 patients in Leh and 10 in Kargil.

With this, the active cases have come down to 281 – 219 in Leh and 62 in Kargil, the officials said.

Meanwhile, additional district magistrate Leh has announced further easing of COVID-19 restrictions and allowed opening of shops, gymnasiums and spas with 50 per cent occupancy from 5 am to 8 pm besides vehicular movement, including passenger transport, with 50 per cent seating capacity from 7 am to 8 pm, on all days of the week.

However, hardware shops and stores dealing with construction materials along with the vehicles needed for transportation have been directed to operate during 5 am to 5 pm only.

The order said restaurants and bars shall be allowed to operate all days with 50 per cent of the seating capacity from 7 am to 9 pm, while hotels shall operate their dine-in facilities with 50 per cent of their seating capacity and room services shall be encouraged as far as possible.

The new guidelines would come into effect from June 28 till July 5 morning outside containment zones and in case of any violations of the directives, penal action under relevant laws would be initiated, the order said.

The order said the night curfew for non-essential services shall continue to remain in force for all days between 10 pm to 5 am.