Local Urdu newspaper in Srinagar puts mask on front page, requests readers to wear it.

Jammu and Kashmir recorded its highest single-day spike of 751 corona virus cases on Monday. Ten new deaths were also registered in the last 24 hours taking the toll to 254. There are now 6,122 active cases in the Union Territory, while 8,274 patients have recovered. Officials say Srinagar district recorded the highest 171 new cases on Monday.

In an attempt to increase awareness about corona virus precautions and urge readers to wear face masks, Roshni, a local Urdu daily in Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, gave its readers a free face mask. In a pleasant surprise for readers, the mask was pasted on the front page of the newspaper, with subtext saying, ‘Using masks is important’

“We thought it was important at this time to send out this message to the public, and this was a good way of making them understand the importance of wearing a mask”, said Zahoor Shora, Editor, Roshni.

Many took to social media to appreciate the move by the publisher.

“A newspaper costs around Rs 2 and if the publisher is giving a free mask with it, just because they want people to be aware of its importance, then we must appreciate it. Even though some people read this newspaper at home, it does send out a larger message”, said Mr Ahmed ,a reader .

While the numbers surge, experts believe that wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing are the strongest tools to save one from corona virus.