Srinagar, Mar 28 (IANS): Five villages in Rajouri district of Jammu & Kashmir's Jammu division have been declared as 'red zones' to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, authorities said on Friday.

An order issued by District Magistrate, Rajouri said that five villages -- Sarola, Mangal Nar, Kotli, Gambir Muglan and Dehridhara -- have been declared as red zones while villages surrounding these have been declared as buffer zone to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The order was issued after three persons belonging to Manjakote tehsil of Rajouri tested positive for coronavirus since Thursday. All the villages declared as red zone fall under this tehsil.

Using his powers under the Disaster Management Act 2005, the DM has said that the stringent action to declare the villages as a 'red zone' had become necessary to check further spread of the virus.

The order implies that there would be no movement of any kind from or into the villages declared as red zone.

All the residents have to stay indoors as the authorities will ensure adequate supplies of essential commodities to the villagers.

The order will remain in force till it is revoked.