The Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) convened an emergency meeting of the State Task Force today to discuss the latest spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in Rongli Subdivision and the immediate measures to be taken. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers, Chief Secretary, DGP and Heads of Departments.
At the outset, Chief Secretary Shri S.C. Gupta apprised the house of the latest developments in the last 24 hours. He informed that in Rongli and Pakyong Subdivisions, a few cases have been detected in the community, despite the best efforts of the State Government. He said that the State will now go for 100% testing of each person who enter Sikkim, at the entry point.
Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang in his address called for strict vigilance from the administration to ensure that cases do not spread further. He invited suggestions from the esteemed members. Ministers Shri K.N. Lepcha, Dr. M.K. Sharma, Shri Sanjit Kharel and Shri M.N. Sherpa shared their viewpoints.
During the meeting, suggestions and viewpoints were placed by ACS Finance and Planning Shri V.B. Pathak, DGP Shri A. Shankar Rao, Principal Secretary, Health, Shri. K. Shrinivasulu, ACS, Labour and Raj Bhawan, Shri. S.D. Negi, Special DGP Shri. S. Sudhakar Rao, DG-cum-Secretary Health, Dr. Pempa T. Bhutia, Secretary, Coordination Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, Principal Chief Engineer, Transport Department Shri Karma Namgyal Bhutia, Secretary Transport, Shri Raju Basnet, Secretary IPR Ms. Namrata Thapa, Secretary UDD, Ms. Sarala Rai, IG Law and Order Shri Akshay Sachdeva and DIG Range Shri Prawin Gurung. Chief Secretary Shri S.C. Gupta summed up the suggestions and placed his view point.
After lending a patient hearing to all the suggestions placed in the meeting, Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang directed that the State Administration should strictly assess and monitor the quarantine facilities of Army and paramilitary forces including GREF. He called for immediate upgradation of quarantine facilities in Rongli and Pakyong Subdivisions, and consider home quarantine option to manage the increase in the number of cases, with strict orders for compliance.
The Chief Minister called for strict vigilance of Pharmaceutical companies and ensure that all guidelines are strictly followed. He also called for limiting the number of returnees from other states, as well as complete restriction on inter-district movement of vehicles for atleast fifteen days. He also called for restriction of intra-district movement to ensure limited movement.
The Chief Minister further called for enforcement of complete lockdown in Rongli and Pakyong Subdivisions from 6am of 15th July (tomorrow) to contain further spread. He also directed the Administration to ensure that all the guidelines are adhered to in letter and spirit. The Chief Minister also called for immediate restriction on the movement of persons into the official residences of all the Ministers and MLAs. He further called for immediate restriction on the return of employees and workers of all private companies for the next fifteen days. However, Central Government employees should be allowed to enter with thorough screening and testing.
The Chief Minister suggested for augmenting the Police force by deploying forest guards and local village guards, who will be under the disposal of the concerned SP. The meeting concluded with the decision to hold another review meeting in the next three days.
Report by Prakash, Special Correspondent Sikkim
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