<p>The Sikkim government on Saturday annouced an extension of the ongoing lockdown by another week till May 31 in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases.</p>.<p>The decision to extend the lockdown was taken at a high-level review meeting, an official release said.</p>.<p>Ration and vegetable shops will continue to remain open from 8-11 am during this period, it said, adding, restrictions on movement of people and gatherings will also be in force.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/astrazeneca-vaccine-80-effective-against-b16172-variant-uk-study-988797.html" target="_blank">AstraZeneca vaccine 80% effective against B1.617.2 variant: UK study</a></strong></p>.<p>Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang appealed to people to adhere to Covid-19 protocols and extend a helping hand to the authorities in combating the pandemic.</p>.<p>He also directed the Health Department to set up a technical expert committee to oversee and streamline the procurement of coronavirus drugs and testing kits, the release said.</p>.<p>The panel will also monitor and take measures to tackle mucormycosis or the black fungus disease that is affecting Covid-19 patients post recovery.</p>
<p>The Sikkim government on Saturday annouced an extension of the ongoing lockdown by another week till May 31 in the wake of rising Covid-19 cases.</p>.<p>The decision to extend the lockdown was taken at a high-level review meeting, an official release said.</p>.<p>Ration and vegetable shops will continue to remain open from 8-11 am during this period, it said, adding, restrictions on movement of people and gatherings will also be in force.</p>.<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/international/astrazeneca-vaccine-80-effective-against-b16172-variant-uk-study-988797.html" target="_blank">AstraZeneca vaccine 80% effective against B1.617.2 variant: UK study</a></strong></p>.<p>Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang appealed to people to adhere to Covid-19 protocols and extend a helping hand to the authorities in combating the pandemic.</p>.<p>He also directed the Health Department to set up a technical expert committee to oversee and streamline the procurement of coronavirus drugs and testing kits, the release said.</p>.<p>The panel will also monitor and take measures to tackle mucormycosis or the black fungus disease that is affecting Covid-19 patients post recovery.</p>