After a 32-year-old woman residing at the Forest colony in Phuentshogling tested positive for COVID-19 from flu clinic in the last 24 hours, there has been a rumour of possible lockdown in the town. Towards evening, the town was filled with vehicles and people were indulged in panic buying.
While the rumour of possible lockdown was going on since last night, a positive case declared this morning has further put on weight to an already spreading false information. Towards evening, people rushed into vegetable markets and grocery shops in the town.
“People here are saying that the positive case is from the core town. Some say it’s from Toorsa, while others say it is from Forest colony. People are worried that there may be another lockdown. So, everyone is rushing to buy essentials. Some say there will be lockdown from tonight, some say it is from tomorrow. While there are also few who says we shouldn’t spread such rumours,” said Jigme, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“There are rumours that there will be another lockdown from tonight or tomorrow. But, no one is sure. No one is able to say confirm anything exactly though,” Thinley Norbu, Resident, Phuentshogling
Police, Desuups and Bhutan Red Cross Society volunteers are monitoring the crowd. They are also advocating people about false information. Phuentshogling thromde through Facebook notified residents to stop spreading rumours, as there is no decision of lockdown yet. However, the possibility of lockdown is still the talk of the town.
Meanwhile, 20 primary contacts of the positive case have been traced. Their swab samples have been taken to check for the virus.
Sonam Penjor
