With the second surge of Covid-19 spreading rapidly, like many other States of the country, Sikkim too has decided to go in for a complete lockdown from May 17.

The lockdown in Sikkim will come into force at 5 a.m. on Monday and will end at 5 a.m. on May 24.

Sikkim is the third State in the Northeast following Mizoram and Nagaland, to impose the lockdown.

Giving the reason for imposing the lockdown, the Sikkim Government said "in view of the fact that the average positivity rate for COVID-19 cases in the State has continued to be more than 20 per cent in the last few weeks."

In a notification, the Government stated: “There is an urgent need to impose stricter restrictions on movement of people within the State. All State Government offices, shops including ration shops, private commercial establishments, institutions, gymnasiums, markets and factories, other than those engaged in production of medicines, medical equipment, oxygen and allied sectors shall remain closed.”

The Central Government offices will be allowed to function under pandemic safety guidelines of the Union Government.

Here is the list of restrictions that will be imposed in the state:

• Milk booths will remain open from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Units engaged in manufacturing medicines, medical equipment, oxygen, and allied sectors will be open.
• Vehicles carrying vegetables, food items, and other essential commodities will be allowed to move.
• In case of medical emergencies, commercial and private vehicles will be allowed to operate after getting permission from the authorities.
• Vaccination will also be carried out at different locations within the State.
• Violation of the lockdown rules will attract penal action.
• Central Government offices will operate with the orders issued by the Government of India.
• No congregation will be allowed.
• Only people and vehicles involved in the movement of essential food items, LPG, medicines etc. are allowed if they show any valid document to prove they are linked to essential services.
• Movement of passengers at Pakyong Airport will be allowed if they provide negative Covid-19 RT-PCR reports.
• Vehicular movement and any public activity and gathering are banned during the lockdown.