<span style="color: #222222;">The nationwide 21-day lockdown to counter COVID-19 announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being observed in Sikkim. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Streets in state capital Gangtok have been deserted and markets and shops have been closed down, reflecting public support for the lockdown. There has been an increasing police presence on roads including check posts and patrolling.<br />'' <br />'' Speaking to AIR, SDM, Gangtok, East Sikkim Anant Jain said that the lockdown is being implemented with full effect. Essential services through the public distribution system, medical services, LPG provision and medical services are available. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He informed that police patrolling is undertaken to ensure that people do not step out their homes except during emergencies.<br />'' <br />'' In South Sikkim, the district police has been conducting awareness drives, informing people on the importance of staying indoors barring emergencies and essential works. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The police is also checking ration stocks and instructing shops to display rate charts to avoid overpricing.  The police was also seen sensitizing local people on cleanliness and social distancing. Most shops in the remote North Sikkim district also remain closed.</span>