The bordering town of Phuentshogling woke up to the news of a first confirmed Coronavirus (COVID-19) case in the country, and the people were worried because of its open border where thousands of people enter and exit the town daily.
Though strict screening is being done at the entry points, the news of the first confirmed case has worried them. People also shared their concerns about the reliability of the non-contact infrared thermometers being used at the point of entries.
“We heard that a German had a high fever at the point of entry and was taken to hospital for isolation. But, while taking samples in the hospital it was found that he doesn’t have a fever. We are now doubtful about the efficiency of thermal guns here. And in the pharmacies, people were rushing to get the masks and hand sanitizers. It all went out of stock now. We are worried now,” said Sangay, a resident of Phuentshgoling.
“We the people here in Phuentshogling are worried. The mask and hand sanitizers in Phuentshogling and even in Jaigaon are out of stock. This is really worrying,” added Mindu Gyeltshen, also a resident of Phuentshogling.
The screening is being done at four entry points in the town. Desuups, police, health officials and other stakeholders are volunteering their services at these point of entries. According to the Thrompon, who is also the chairman of the committee formed for the COVID-19, the team is collaborating professionally among each other.
“The outbreak didn’t only panic the public but we the officials here were also concerned. After the news of the positive case in Thimphu, we the committee members here sat down for an emergency meeting. We decided to work more professionally and put in place more resources at the point of entries. We have been preparing ourselves ever since the news of the outbreak in other countries. In today’s meeting, we further discussed on strengthening our preparations, if in case Phuentshogling comes face to face with suspected cases,” said Uttar Kumar Rai, the Phuentshogling Thrompon.
He also says that the committee is also planning to coordinate with the Dzongkhag to screen people coming from Thimphu and other places. As of now, nearly one million people have been scanned at the entry points.
Sonam Penjor
