Sikkim Govt. issues fresh COVID guidelines, night curfew from 10:30 PM to 5 AM

Gangtok: The Sikkim government on Friday issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines to be followed in the state w.e.f September 27.

There shall be complete restriction on movement of vehicles and persons between 10.30 PM till 5.00 AM every day, except for emergency purposes. However, movement of commercial goods vehicles and loading and unloading of goods shall be allowed during the curfew period.

In the official release, the State Health Department informed that all persons who have received one dose of vaccine or have taken RTPCR test within 72 hours of arrival will be allowed entry to the state.

However, there will be no checking at check posts and they will be allowed free movement into the state. For all tourists, verification will be done at the hotel and overseen by the Tourism department.

For all tourists entering the State of Sikkim, these requirements shall be verified

by the concerned hotels where they are staying and the process shall be

overseen by Tourism Department.

The release further mentioned that there shall be no restrictions on persons exiting the state through the check posts.

Pubs, Discotheques, Cinema Halls and other similar places of entertainment shall continue to remain closed. Casinos attached with Hotels shall be permitted to operate for in-house guests only.

All other licensed multi-brand showrooms, malls, shops including vehicle showrooms, auto garage, tyre repair shops shall be allowed to operate till8 PM. The management shall ensure wearing of masks and strict adherence to Covid-19 protocol by all concerned.

Private commercial establishments shall be allowed to operate with 50% workforce. Operation of e-commerce and home delivery of products shall be allowed till 8 PM.

All restaurants, fast food centres, sweet shops, bakeries etc shall be allowed to function with 50 % of the seating capacity till 10 PM. Home delivery of food items shall be permitted till 8.00 PM.

The licensing agencies like GMC, Excise Department, Tourism Department etc shall form teams in consultation with District Collectors and SPs to conduct surprise checking of all such establishments to ensure Covid-19 norms are being complied with. In case any establishment is found to be violating the existing Covid-19 norms, then the concerned authorities shall ensure that the establishment is closed for a period of 11 days. Excise Department shall also focus on gaddis located in rural areas for strict compliance of Covid-19 norms.

All State Government offices including PSUs, Boards, Corporations under the State

Government shall work with 100% attendance with strict Covid-19 protocol. The Government offices shall continue to remain closed on all Saturdays.

Central Government offices shall continue to operate as per the instructions of Government of India.