Considering the ever-increasing cases of community transmission of the coronavirus, especially in the capital, the situation during the second nationwide lockdown is comparatively more serious than the first. However, looking at the way some residents in Thimphu respond, experiences during the first nationwide lockdown truly must have been a good school.
Sangay Wangchen Pemba is out in his zone to buy essentials. However, unlike the first nationwide lockdown in August this year, he is completely composed. He is not as anxious as he was during the previous lockdown.
”We panicked during the first lockdown, but we also learned a lot from that. We are not worried much this time because we already have a system in place,’’ said Sangay Wangchen Pemba.
The feeling is mutual for a few other residents as well.
Residents said despite the higher caseload this time, awareness among people has also increased. However, with all the relevant stakeholders doing their part, residents shared they feel safer. According to the residents, shopkeepers have also stepped-up safety measures such as installing Druk Trace App, hand-washing facilities, and forbidding customers from touching things, unnecessarily.
”This lockdown is more convenient to us. Since we opened after testing negative for the virus, customers are more confident in visiting the store,’’ said Tshewang Jurmi, a shopkeeper.
More than 200 retailers and 13 wholesalers were allowed to open in Thimphu starting Thursday upon testing negative for the virus. To make the lockdown bearable, the government also allowed the movement of people in their respective zones from Wednesday.
Phub Gyem
