6 May 2020, 2:39 pm
Covid 19 : CM Called On Press Media To Brief About Lockdown 3.0
This article has been preserved from The Voice Of Sikkim historical news collection and reflects information available at the time of its original publication.
Covid 19 : CM Called On Press Media To Brief About Lockdown 3.0
Gangtok, 6 May (IPR): In a press conference convened at Samman Bhawan today, Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Tamang (Golay) urged for maximum support from the people of Sikkim during the third phase of the nationwide lockdown by strictly abiding by the safety protocol and advisory laid down by the State government to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The HCM apprised the gathering of Press and digital media agencies that relaxation has been given over inter-state movement of taxi vehicles and operation of stand alone businesses in the third phase of the lockdown keeping in view the economic inconveniences caused by the lockdown. He requested the taxi drivers to carry minimum number of passengers as advised by the administration and follow the odd-even number rule and further directed the shop owners to strictly follow social distancing and use minimum labourers. Stringent action will be undertaken if anyone fails to adhere to the advisory of the government, he added.
He expressed that the provision of relaxations does not mean that Sikkim is free from any possibility of COVID-19 outbreak which is why Sikkimese need to be more careful and alert from this day on and follow strict safety protocol.
With regard to the systematic return of the stranded Sikkimese back to the State, he appealed to the citizens to avoid stigmatising them and extend full support during these trying times as one would do for a family member. The State government has worked tirelessly to arrange for their return to the State after considering every precautionary measure including screening at the entry points of Rangpo and Melli check-posts which will be followed by 14-day quarantine at government quarantine facility.
The HCM said that these stranded people are returning to their homeland and have already been through worse days outside the State till date. As such, they will be needing extra support and care from each one of us and as a responsible citizen, it is our duty to welcome them safely instead of stigmatising them, he stated.
The HCM briefed the gathering about the preparedness of the government following the return of the stranded people and stated that the COVID19-identified new STNM Hospital in Sochyagang is geared up to provide complete patient care with facilities especially created for any possibility of COVID-19 cases.
He also made clarifications with regard to issuance of continuous notifications stating that the fluctuating circumstances often posing threats of possible COVID-19 outbreak in the State demands for frequent modifications of these notifications. He requested people to forbear with the procedure as every step undertaken by the State government is for the well-being and security of the Sikkimese as a whole.
Special mention was also made of the dedicated efforts of support groups and individuals for providing relief and assistance during the pandemic.
The HCM thanked ISKCON Sikkim unit member and individuals like Shri Mahesh Chhetri, Shri K.B. Gurung of Sribadam and Shri Tashi G. Bhutia of Tashiding for their contribution at the COVID-dedicated quarantine centres.
The HCM requested earnestly for strict abidance of social distancing, regular hand washing and mandate use of masks at public places and has appealed to all to stay home and leave their residences only during emergencies for the safety of the entire Sikkimese people.
He called for patience, discipline and cooperation from all yet again as showcased earlier during the first and second phase of the nationwide lockdown which has thus led to Sikkim being India's only COVID-free State.