COVID-19: Sikkim extends lockdown till June 7

Gangtok: Sikkim has extended its lockdown till 5 am on June 7, an extension by a week as the current lockdown period ends on May 31. Sikkim has been in partial lockdown since May 6, while the complete lockdown has been implemented since May 16.

A top government source informed the state government extended the relaxation on ration shops and vegetable shops. The shops will be allowed to run from 7 am to 12 pm. There is also a consideration on allowing few other essential shops, other than ration to open in the time designated by the government.

There have been few other relaxations that have been considered for the State, said an official source but the same are subject to be confirmed once the official notification comes out.

Construction works can be carried out but with only local labourers from nearby areas. The same is subject to be taken permission from the concerned authority, preferably the district or sub-division officials.

Some form of agricultural works to be allowed and foreign liquor shops will be allowed to open in the scheduled time of 7 am to 12 pm.

All shopkeepers under Gangtok Municipal Corporation must present a RAT negative certificate before being allowed to open their shops.

Questions have been raised about the efficacy of the lockdown. In partial and complete lockdown period since May 6, Sikkim has recorded 5,724 COVID 19 cases while 3,387 cases have been reported in the complete lockdown period from May 16 till May 29. 44 deaths have been reported since May 16, while 89 deaths have been reported since May 6.