CoVID-19: Sikkim steps up quarantine facilities

Gangtok, Mar 17 : As the coronavirus pandemic continued to scare the world community, Sikkim has stepped up quarantine facility. So far, not a single case has been reported on record in the Eastern Himalayan State.
State Govt having issued a notification on Monday night, adding activities to prevent the pandemic in question.They had converted spacious Urban Health Centre, Old Govt Hospital into Quarantine ward, to begin with.
‘State Disaster Response Force is required to take over and seal the place to prevent it from being used as thoroughfare. We are technically prepared, but some additional fund is required,’ said Dr Pempa Tshering Bhutia, the Director General cum Secretary Health. He mentioned lack of testing lab facility in the State, resulting in delayed reports from other State. However, there are 52 designated test centres, Guwahati being the nearest. As the need for more quarantine wards has been felt, one quarantine centre is being set up in Melli South Sikkim at the behest of Chief Minister PS Tamang.
Melli is one of the 5 entry points to State and has been equipped with screening facility at the Police check post for any symptoms of Coronavirus Pandemic. Tourists Guest House at Rangpo entry point (East Sikkim) and State Institute of Capacity Building, Jorethang, South Sikkim, both the Govt establishments have also been designated as quarantine ward.
CM said all the required testing coronavirus symptom equipment, emergency medicines and other equipment will be purchased. He has urged public to avoid travelling out.
UNI.