In view of the devastating second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Sikkim government on Sunday extended the statewide lockdown for another week till June 14, an official release said.
The lockdown restrictions were previously scheduled to expire on June 7.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang to review the management of the pandemic in the state.
However, the state government has also announced some relaxation like allowing hardware shops to remain open from 7 am to 2 pm.
Shops selling groceries and vegetables can now remain open from 7 am to 2 pm, an extension of two more hours.
Some form of agricultural works to be allowed and foreign liquor shops will be allowed to open between 7 am to 12 pm.
Cabinet ministers, the chief secretary, the director general of police and other senior officials attended the meeting.
The state government has decided to vaccinate 65,000 people in the age group of 18 to 44 years in June.
Sikkim has reported 17,111 COVID-19 cases and 273 fatalities so far.
