Sikkim, April 1: Amidst the rising COVID 19 cases across India, the Sikkim government has issued new guidelines mandating RT PCR negative reports for any tourists visiting the state starting April 7.
All tourists will be required to carry a certificate of being COVID-19 negative from 72 hours prior to their visit and present it upon their arrival to Sikkim.
According to the new guidelines, if the tourist fails to present the RT PCR negative certificate starting April 7, the establishments such as hotels and homestays in Sikkim where they are booked to stay will have to ensure the test is conducted at the nearest specified location.
Earlier in March, Sikkim’s Health department had presented the need for screening of tourists at the state borders and the government was considering screening at Siliguri entry point in West Bengal. The new notification released by the Home department on March 31, however, has no mention of the same.
Meanwhile, the Sikkim government has also announced restrictions on vehicular movement between 10:30 pm to 6 am. Earlier, some relaxation was given to tourist vehicles, but the same has not been mentioned in the new notification. The only movement allowed during the restricted hours will be emergency and commercial goods vehicles.
The Sikkim government offices will also remain closed on weekends. The health department has also urged all eligible citizens above 45 years of age to come forward for vaccination from April 1.
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All government employees, including teachers above 45 years of age shall be vaccinated on or before May 1. Starting May 1, it will be mandatory to produce a preliminary certificate of vaccination for all those above 45 years of age for visiting any government offices or using public transport.
The vaccination certificate will also be mandatory for all hotel staff, homestay owners, taxi drivers as well as employees in commercial establishments, who are above 45 years of age.
