How does one state in India remain coronavirus free?

 All states except Sikkim have reported coronavirus cases in India. The question on people’s minds are, how has the state managed to remain coronavirus free?

Sikkim continues to be the only Indian state that is free from coronavirus, according to reports. Due to timely steps and measures, Sikkim remains COVID-19 free.

Officials attribute this remarkable achievement to a slew of proactive measures since March 5, including banning entry of tourists and suspending the issuance of permits for the popular Nathula visit, as well as the Inner-line Permit (ILP) for foreign travellers.

The Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM) government headed by chief minister Prem Singh Tamang also temporarily barred Sino-India trade near the Nathula International Border. "The state government had to initiate stern and timely measures to contain the outbreak of COVID-19 and the results are in front of everyone," a senior official told PTI.

Sikkim government's task force:

Going forward in a "methodical manner", the Sikkim government was quick to set up a task force headed by the chief secretary, comprising senior officials of health, tourism and some other key departments, besides all the district collectors to monitor the measures to contain the spread of the virus, he said.

A similar task force was set up at the grassroot level, too, to deal with the COVID-19 situation, he said.

"It is due to collective efforts of all stakeholders of the society that Sikkim is still free from the dreaded coronavirus, with all its four districts remaining in the green zone," the official said.

"We will not lower our guard and take all possible measures to remain coronavirus free," he asserted.

Sikkim shares its border with China, where the coronavirus originated in Wuhan.