Following the gradual lockdown relaxations across the country, the dzongkhag task force of Wangdue Phodrang is on high alert as the district is located centrally and people travelling to other dzongkhags have to pass through the district.
The checkpoint at the district is a cross junction of the Primary National Highway for all four regions in the country. More than a thousand vehicles pass through the checkpoint every day, increasing the risks of transmitting the coronavirus.
Considering the risks, the dzongkhag task force has come up with various preparedness plans and enhanced security procedures at the checkpoint.
“There is a high risk of COVID-19 spreading in our dzongkhag. So, the dzongkhag task force has come up with various preventive measures as a preparedness contingency. We have announced to the general public that no vehicles will be allowed to stop within the dzongkhag and will have to move directly towards their respective destinations once the vehicles are allowed to travel from September 11,” said Sonam Jamtsho, the Wangdue Phodrang Dzongda who is also the Incident Commander.
The Dzongkhag Task Force has also made it mandatory for all vehicles and travellers coming in to be registered.
“We have also notified the hoteliers along the highway within the dzongkhag that no passengers are allowed to come inside their hotels. But the hotels can serve them with packaged meals,” he said.
The dzongkhag has, however, not faced any serious problems during the nationwide lockdown and was identified as a No-Risk Zone by the Health Ministry.
“We do not have any problem so far in the dzongkhag and the situation is fine as of now. Everything went successfully during the lockdown period thanks to the support and cooperation from the public and officials,” he added.
However, the dzongkhag task force is reminding people to remain alert and comply with health protocols strictly. Several business centres in Bajo town have been allowed to open since the second phase of lockdown relaxation, but shops such as barbershops and salons remain closed. The dzongkhag task force is also urging the public to refrain from gathering and picnicking.
“I think there won’t be any problem if our people comply strictly with the health protocols. But we cannot say if people will follow it. So, the risk of spreading the virus is always there,” said Tshering Wangdi, a Shopkeeper at Bajo Town in Wangdue Phodrang.
“We are concerned about the virus as we cannot identify who is infected and who is safe when people come to our hotel. So, there is a risk of the virus spreading without our notice. With the lockdown being relaxed gradually, I am worried about people here getting infected,” added Lhamo, a hotelier in Bajo Town.
Meanwhile, the Dzongkhag Incident Commander says they are ready for any future lockdowns. The dzongkhag also has rice and other essential items in stock.
Changa Dorji
