Monthly Archives: December, 0

Most Bhutanese believe in the afterlife, and when a person dies the survivors make sure to conduct proper funeral rites for swift passage to the next life. Death, therefore, carries a major religious significance both for the deceased and for the survivor and it calls for huge gathering to perform the rites.

The National Referral Hospital referred 22 patients and 30 attendants to Kolkata on Monday. This, according to officials with National Referral Hospital, is the first time patients were referred to Kolkata since March.   

The 27-year-old woman who tested positive for COVID-19 in Gelegphu on August 10 is now in de-isolation facility after testing negative on RT-PCR test, yesterday. 

The efficient home delivery of essential items is becoming increasingly central as people are encouraged to stay home during the lockdown. And ensuring uninterrupted service is challenging with people’s unceasing demands. In Gelegphu Thromde, authorised vegetable vendors are working beyond the normal hours to ensure no household is short of vegetables.

Residents in Bumthang town mostly welcomed the Movement Pass strategy, which began in the town yesterday. However, people say it would be beneficial for them if more shops could be opened in scattered places especially in Jalikhar_Gongkhar zone.

The relaxation of lockdown comes as a huge relief for the farmers of Thridangbi under Saling Gewog in Monggar. They can now continue selling beaten corn, locally known as Tengma. The product is the main source of income for them and many other farmers in Monggar.

Bhutanese values of compassion, solidarity and gratitude are taking the centre stage as the nation continues to battle the pandemic. Bhutanese are coming forward to contribute towards the cause in every little way possible. From free refreshments outside homes to providing accommodations for the frontline workers, the acts go beyond expressing a mere thank you.

Organic bananas, all the way from Zhemgang will hit the Thimphu market soon. As lockdown eases in villages, Khengrig Namsum Cooperative in Zhemgang has started to harvest bananas since Saturday.

Many Bhutanese rose to the challenges dealt by the COVID-19 pandemic exhibiting their solidarity through volunteering. Among the many acts of volunteerism, here is another story. The pandemic is derailing all the progress made in the tourism industry, it is the hardest-hit sector. Yet, 132 vehicles owned by people working and earning through tourism industry came forward and offered to provide transportation services for free to support the lockdown. 

Addressing the nation through the Prime Minister's Office Facebook page, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the nationwide lockdown can be expected to be eased once all the contact tracing, testing and isolation processes are completed.