Sikkim government today extended the statewide lockdown till 6 am on the 3rd of August. The lockdown was enforced from 21st to 27th July and then extended to 1st August due to increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the state.<br />'' <br />''The state government has also issued revised guidelines regarding phased reopening from 3rd to 31st August. All existing guidelines would be effective till 3rd August.<br />''<span style="font-weight: bold;"><i> </i><br />''</span>According to the revised guidelines effective during 3rd to 31st August, prohibited activities include interstate movement of vehicles and people except those exempted; operation of cinema halls, sports complexes, swimming pools, entertainment parks, theatres, bars, etc.; and gatherings including social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural and religious congregations. Licensed standalone shops including showrooms, garages, and barber shops will open with 50 per cent staff strength from 8 am to 6 pm. However, shops in shopping complexes, multi-brand and single-brand malls will remain closed. All hotels and restaurants can operate with 50 per cent staff strength and seating capacity during 8 am to 8 pm.<br />'' <br />''Medical shops can also operate during these hours. Gymnasiums can also operate with 50 per cent occupancy from 7 am to 6 pm. All other commercial establishments, company offices and institutions can operate with 50 per cent staff. Inter-state movement of people will be allowed as per the standard registration and permit system operated by the State Control Room. <br />''<br />''Marriage-related gatherings are allowed with a maximum of 50 people and funeral ceremonies are allowed with maximum 20 people subject to permission from authorities. Opening of yoga institutes and gymnasiums from 5th August and Independence Day activities would be allowed as per central guidelines. All central government offices shall operate as per the central instructions. State government offices can operate with 30 per cent staff. There shall be no vehicular movement between 9 pm to 7 am except for emergency purposes and vehicles on government duty.<br />