When the entire world is trying to fight against the fatal coronavirus, Sikkim seems to have already won the battle. It is the only Indian state that has not reported any COVID-19 cases to date, thanks to the proper precautionary measures. It is that hilly Indian state which even shares its border with China. But the heightened caution of the people out there has helped them keep the infection at bay.
How Was It Possible?
Long before the Government declared the countrywide lockdown, Sikkim had already started taking necessary actions. When coronavirus cases were surging in other countries, the state didn’t wait for an announcement to start compulsory border screenings. Here’s a brief of how the state managed to stay away from the virus:
- It started screening all entry points on a mandatory basis as early as 27th January 2020. People with foreign travel history were immediately put on isolation.
- Major political events started going online.
- On 5th March 2020, the state put a ban on the entry of all foreign tourists.
- On 17th March 2020, entire Sikkim went into a self-quarantine mode.
- Students and employees returning from other metropolitan cities like Delhi had to home-quarantine themselves for 14 days.
- Surveillance teams assigned to every village were tracking down people who were hiding travel history.
- Special concertina wires were installed at vulnerable borders to prevent people from trespassing.
These smart steps and people’s coordination resulted in something that left the country in wonder. The state that shares its borders with Tibet, West Bengal, Bhutan and Nepal, is being totally untouched by COVID-19, as on 17th April 2020.
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What Else?
There are some other places in India which have very few coronavirus cases. As per the Government website, each state of Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh has only one confirmed case now. Same goes for the union territory Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Manipur and Tripura have two cases each.
Also Read: Sikkim Becomes World’s First 100% Organic State; Wins Oscar For Best Policies By UN
Prevention is better than cure! This axiom actually proved to be a saviour for these northeastern states. People of other states should also follow their footsteps and strive to make the country virus-free as soon as possible.