The Sikkim government has decided to relax Covid-19-related restrictions from Friday by allowing inter-state movement of people and vehicles without producing RT-PCR reports at entry points.

In a notification issued on Thursday, the home department said the relaxations were being given since the graph of Covid-19 infections had been heading southwards in the state. “There shall be no restrictions on inter-state movement of persons and vehicles. Accordingly, requirement of production of RTPCR negative reports at Check Posts stands withdrawn,” said the notice.

The notification also said there would be no restriction on intra-statement movement of vehicles with odd-even formula and the ban on pillion riding being lifted. “Markets, shops and commercial establishments shall function normally duly following Covid-19 protocols (wearing of masks, social distancing and ban on spitting in public places),” it said.

State government offices, including public sector units, boards and corporations, will also function with 100 per cent attendance and there will be no restrictions on social, political, religious and sports-related gatherings.

“All educational institutions shall function as per the guidelines issued by (the state) education department and (union) HRD Ministry,” said the notice.