The partner of the index case, who is the second COVID-19 confirmed case in the country, has tested negative in recent tests carried out by the Royal Centre for Disease Control. The Health Minister updated her status at a press briefing yesterday.
Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said the 59-year-old American tourist was tested twice for COVID-19 in two consecutive days- on 23rd and 24th of this month. Both the results came negative.
Despite that, the Minister said, she will be under observation for another week. Within that period, if she shows no symptoms, then she will be qualified as a recovered patient as per international practice.
In the earlier test done on 20th March, the patient tested positive. Since then, she has been in isolation.
The treatment for two Bhutanese positive cases has also begun. The Health Ministry says over 140 people have completed quarantine period so far. They include tour guides and drivers of first positive COVID-19 case and the tourist who tested positive in Hong Kong.
Over 3000 people are currently in quarantine facility and some 300 are self-isolating in their homes. They are the ones, who have been under home quarantine before the ministry discontinued this practice on 23rd of this month.
Pema Lhaden
