7-day total lockdown imposed in Gangtok from today due to rise in COVID cases

Gangtok: Due to a sharp spike in the number of coronavirus cases, the Sikkim government has announced a complete lockdown in the capital city of Gangtok for seven days from Monday to September 27. The decision was taken on Saturday after three ministers and two MLAs tested positive for the viral disease.

As per a government notification, the lockdown is being enforced to contain the spread of Covid-19 within the Gangtok municipal corporation limits. Barring essential services like medicine and grocery stores, all business establishments in the area would be shut.

It needs mention here that on Saturday, as many as three Sikkim ministers -- L.N. Sharma, Karma Loday Bhutia and M.N. Sherpa -- and BJP MLAs Farwanti Tamang and T.T. Bhutia, tested positive for Covid-19. The 5 infected politicians had reportedly taken the tests on Friday as part of protocol before the start of the two-day Assembly session on Monday.

Notably, Sikkim's chief minister P.S. Tamang (Golay), who also gave his swab, tested negative for the COVID-19. Thirty-nine fresh Covid cases were reported from the state on Saturday, the day the lockdown was announced.

Meanwhile, Sikkim's Police department has decided to carry out a statewide special drive to ensure compliance with Covid-19 safety norms due to a rise in the number of cases in the Himalayan state.

"Of late it is being observed that many have become a bit callous about following the prescribed mandatory protocols of virus prevention," Prawin Gurung, DIG (Range), said, warning of strict action against the violators.

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