Srinagar, Mar 21 (IANS): Three more persons tested positive for coronavirus in Ladakh union territory on Saturday raising the number of infected patients to 13.

Rigzin Samphel, secretary/commissioner, Ladakh affairs told reporters that the results of three patients for coronavirus infection have tested positive on Saturday, taking the number of infected persons in the union territory to 13.

The number of persons testing positive for the dreaded virus in Ladakh is alarming given the fact that the total population of the region comprising Leh and Kargil districts is only 2.7 lakh.

Authorities have closed all educational institutions, hotels, restaurants in Ladakh and ordered compulsory screening of all passengers undergoing air travel from Leh to other parts of the county.

The two surface links of Srinagar-Leh and Leh-Manali highway connecting the cold desert region with the rest of the country remain closed due to heavy snowfall on these roads during the winter months.