Sikkim imposes ban on socio-religious, entertainment activities for one month 

GANGTOK:

After a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Prem Singh Golay, the government of Sikkim, on Thursday, imposed a ban on all socio-religious and entertainment-related activities for 30 days, following the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the state.

Marked as one of the worst-affected states, Sikkim recorded a daily COVID-19 positivity rate of nearly 20 per cent during the second wave of the pandemic, although 60 per cent of the adult population have already received the first jab of COVID vaccines. 

According to news agency PTI, officials informed that for the next 30 days, both in urban and rural areas of the Himalayan state, marriage ceremonies, pujas, birthday parties, and get-togethers will remain banned.

Only in-house puja or rituals will be allowed, while there will be a complete ban on visitors to any religious place or institution in Sikkim.

The practice of serving food and beverages during funerals and last rites has been prohibited.

During the period, no special permits, other than for health and police personnel, will be issued. The police will also enforce the odd-even rule for vehicles without any exception.

The government will also carry out an awareness campaign throughout the state to urge the people to maintain Covid Appropriate Behaviour, adding that those who violate the COVID-19 guidelines will be penalised.

Any relief work, social or medical service should compulsorily be routed through district collectors.

Here on, to contain the spread of the virus, if any person in a ward or village tests positive for coronavirus, the entire ward will be declared a containment zone, and strict measures will be enforced to prevent further spread.

However, in the case of urban or semi-urban areas or towns, the entire building will be contained.

(Edited by Marvin Kharsohnoh)

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