The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday asked people not to lower their guard against the novel coronavirus as it is likely to stay for the next six to seven months.

Urging people to wear masks and practice social distancing, Chief Secretary B V R Subrahmanyam said Jammu and Kashmir would remain safe as long as people follow guidelines and advisories issued from time to time.

“We need to remain alert as this is going to last for six to seven more months,” Subrahmanyam told reporters after reviewing arrangements at the Udhampur railway station for the return of over 50,000 migrants stranded in various parts of the country.