Sikkim govt extends COVID-19 Lockdown till June 14

GANGTOK: Sikkim's government has decided to extend the partial lockdown in the state till June 16 in view of the rising COVID-19 cases in the state.

A high-level meeting was held at Samman Bhawan today under the chairmanship of chief minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the COVID-19 management in the State, and to decide the future course of action.

Chief secretary S.C Gupta in his opening remarks stated that there has been a marked improvement in the COVID-19 situation in the State, considering that the positivity rate has come down, mainly because the number of tests has increased.

"Cases have not drastically gone up, and the situation is stable. The measures taken by the State in the past two months have been effective to a great extent," he said.

However, he added that the state should proceed with caution.

DG-cum-Secretary, Health, Dr. Pempa T. Bhutia briefed the house that the positivity rate has reduced remarkably, and the recovery rate has improved significantly.

Medical Superintendent, STNM Hospital, Dr. K.B. Gurung briefed about the overall status of Covid-19 management in the Hospital. He informed that the civil work for the installation of oxygen plant is on the verge of completion.

Also Read: Assam Congress Chief Writes ‘Fourth Letter’ To PM Asking Intervention…

Member of Covid-19 Management Group and General Manager, Transport, Shri Karma Namgyal Bhutia presented the current status of availability of oxygen in the State, and the progress report of the installation of the oxygen plants.

Principal Secretary, RDD, Shri C.S. Rao presented a brief status report of Covid Care Centres and the distribution of Covid Care Kit and essential items to people under home isolation in rural parts of the State. He informed that the people are being made aware through continuous miking.

District Collector, East, Shri Ragul K. suggested for setting up of paediatric ICU facilities to cater to children who are contracting Covid-19. He informed that, at present, most of the children are found to be asymptomatic, and under home isolation. He also gave a brief report of the Covid Care Centres.

After detailed deliberation, the state government has decided to inoculate 65,000 people in the age group of 18 to 44 years in June. The vaccination process will commence at the earliest at designated health facilities throughout the State.

All heads of Departments have been urged to devise a mechanism of functioning with 30% attendance in all Government offices.

The time of opening of ration shops, vegetable shops, and hardware shops has been extended -- from 7 am to 2 pm.

The state government has also decided to form a core team to be made ready for the treatment of mucormycosis or black fungus.

Follow us on Facebook