Sikkim went for complete lockdown again till May 3 next from Wednesday.
The State Government has made few relaxations in the second phase of the lockdown from April 20, but an emergency meeting chaired by chief minister P S Golay on Tuesday has decided to continue with the complete lockdown from Wednesday till May 3.
This emergency meeting was held to take stock of the situation in the wake of rise in the cases of COVID-19 in other parts of the country.
The meeting also assessed the level of preparedness and the reports with regard to the compliance of lockdown guidelines in the State after the recent relaxations implemented from April 20.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet ministers and top officials of the state administration.
After a thorough deliberation, the meeting has taken some broad decisions.
The meeting has decided that Sikkim will continue to be in a state of complete lockdown till May 3next.
The chief minister has directed that the district and police administration shall ensure that restrictions that were in place in the first and second phase of lockdown will be reinforced continually in the same manner, except for the relaxations for MGNREGA works, agriculture, permitted industries and activities.
It is decided that the State Government will review the situation again before May 3 to decide on further course of action.
The meeting has decided that inter-state movement of vehicles will be restricted till May 3 and all movement will be regulated and permitted through identified vehicles only.
It is decided that all educational institutions will remain closed till May 31.
The meeting also discussed in detail about the measures to be taken after possible lifting of lockdown on May 3 for which decisions will be taken well in advance.
The chief minister stressed on the importance of Aarogya Setu App and called for mandatory use of the App by every individual for their own safety.
MGNREGA workers should carry out only those activities which are within the confines of their private holdings and farms and no construction work to be carried out till May 3 till further orders, it is decided.
The meeting has also decided that all offices will remain closed till May 3 except for the necessary services as was the practice before April 20.
There will be restrictions on the issue of vehicle passes to check unnecessary movement.
The e-passes issued in the past shall no longer be valid.
The chief minister appealed to the people to maintain utmost care of their health, and to strictly adhere to the safety guidelines issued by the State Government.
He also called for strict compliance of lockdown norms.