Gangtok: India has reported 16,801 cases and witnessed 590 deaths so far. But, there is a state in the country, which has been able to keep its doors closed for the deadly pandemic.

Believe it or not, Sikkim is the only state in India, which has not registered even a single COVID-19 case so far and Chief Minister of Sikkim, Prem Singh Tamang has let out the secret for the same.

The CM has said that ‘discipline’ is the mantra and the credit for the success of the state goes to to the disciplined Sikkimese people and the frontline health workers.

The state remained alert since the first COVID case was reported in the state in January in Kerala and it followed a step-by- step approach to tackle the pandemic.

The state, which earns large portion of its revenue through tourism had started active screen from February itself and had banned the entry of international tourists on March 5. Domestic tourists were banned on March 17.

“The borders were sealed and all our strategies worked,” the CM told NDTV.

The state has screened over six lakh people. 

The CM said that the state will now rely on rapid testing kits as the testing centres are located at least 140 kms away- in Siliguri in West Bengal.

Now, the state is not just focusing on the lockdown, but it is also working out plans to be put in place once the lockdown is lifted.