Shivangi Prakash-
The Sikkim High Court is concerned about the spread of Covid-19 in various ‘Care facilities,’ and has ordered the State to take prompt steps to protect inmates and employees.
While hearing its suo moto PIL for COVID-19 management, a Division Bench comprising Justices Meenakshi Madan Rai and Bhaskar Raj Pradhan took notice of the problem based on a news item stating non-adherence to social distancing at these facilities, allegedly for practical purposes.
The news report mentioned that Mangalbarey in the South District has reported 25 COVID positive cases, including 16 from a shelter house there. Mangalbarey shelter home infected children and employees have been sent to Covid Care Centre at CCCT Chisopani.
It further stated that 21 children and three caregivers from a Child Care Institute in Ravangla recently tested positive for COVID-19 and are now being treated at the Covid care centres in Kamran.
Thus, the Court expressed concern and sought a response from the State. It directed the State to, “Immediately take stock of the situation in all shelter homes, childcare institutions, old age homes, destitute homes, observation homes, open shelter, place of safety, special homes and all other such care facilities available in the State, both governmental and non-governmental, to insulate the inmates and staff from the pandemic, we implore the State Government to take all such measures including vaccinating those eligible in these care facilities, at the earliest.”
The State has requested more time to correct a discrepancy between the data in the chart and the ambulances stated in the reply, as well as to react to Amicus Curiae’s request for action against a Medical Practitioner for unlawful RAT testing.
In this case, Amicus Curiae Jorgay Namka has been appointed. The Center has also requested more time to respond to the situation.
The case is now fixed for July 28.
Read more: Sikkim High Court: No Concrete Policy framed by the Government to tackle Covid-19