All Sikkim Ministers to undergo compulsory COVID-19 tests, announces CM

After reports that ministers have come in contact with COVID-19 patients, CM PS Tamang said that all state ministers have to comply for testing
File Image: PS Golay
File Image: PS Golay

Guwahati: Speaking on the occasion of Student's Rights Day at Manan Kendra on July 14th, Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang informed that all state ministers have to comply for Covid-19 testing.

The decision comes in the wake of the Rural Management and Development Department Minister, Sonam Lama, coming in contact with a Covid-19 positive patient from Rongli. He added that the RMDD Secretary, C.S. Rao had also come in contact with the patient.

Earlier in the day, Tamang had chaired a State Task Force meeting where suggestions of implementing another complete lockdown in Sikkim were put forth. But considering the economic impact of such a decision, he said only Pakyong and Rongli subdivisions shall be under lockdown.

Rongli has been a containment zone since the surge in Covid cases in the GREF camp. Some of the GREF workers, army, and paramilitary personnel had tested positive. In view of this, Chief Minister said that the army along with GREF workers should not be denied entry into the state as they are important to ensure security in the border areas. Instead, they should be allowed to enter after being subjected to screening and antigen testing at Rangpo.

Various changes were also made in the regulations issued by the Home Department to the rest of Sikkim. The new rules restrict intra-district travel from 6 am from July 15th to July 29th. Also, no permission will be granted to private vehicles while taxis are allowed to operate on an odd-even basis. Gyms and bars will also remain closed from July 15th.

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