GANGTOK, May 10 - Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang has said the countrywide lockdown to tackle the spread of COVID-19 has come at an economic cost and impacted the State as well as the national exchequer.
This led to the Central Government and many States, including Sikkim, to ease restrictions to restore socio-economic balance, he said.
�But the number of vehicles and people in the streets left me worried. I appeal to everyone to avoid misusing the relaxations and follow the guidelines issued by the government for the safety of everyone. Most of the people infected by the virus are asymptomatic and could unknowingly spread the virus. We need to be as much careful as possible,� he said.
The State has started bringing back the stranded people and around 80 Sikkimese people, including 19 students from Kota, have reached Rangpo and sent to quarantine.
He added that they must stay in quarantine for at least 14 days where they will be monitored and tested at regular intervals.
The State also issued fresh guidelines for them and following all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the frontline warriors and other people.
�Unless there is a vaccine for the virus we are all prone to it and the only remedy, for now, is to stay at home and practise social distancing. I appeal to all the citizens, NGOs and political parties to stay united and request everyone to follow the guidelines issued by the government and avoid leaving homes,� the Chief Minister said.
