People stranded in Thimphu and Paro will be able to travel back to their homes starting tomorrow. Since the lockdown was enforced, only people with emergency cases were allowed to travel.
Some 20 people were stranded in a house in Hejo, Thimphu, after the lockdown was enforced on 23rd December 2020. They are from Gelegphu, Samtse, Zhemgang, Paro, and Chhukha and were carrying out funeral rites. Of them, two individuals left for Gelegphu today after testing negative on the RT-PCR test. The rest got themselves tested today.
Among them is also a school teacher, Jamyang Tshultrim, He said he was worried as he did not have any teaching materials to carry out his regular online classes. Likewise, the host, Tshering Norbu, said prolonging the stay in one place has risks of inviting hosts of issues. However, he added, ”we did not face any problems with the essential supplies.”
As of yesterday, about 2,500 people were reportedly stranded in Thimphu alone. And according to Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, most came for meetings and business. It is however expected to be cleared within this week.
Lyonchhen said, ”the government will facilitate their travel within a few days and all travellers should strictly follow the protocols.’’ And upon reaching their destination, all travellers should stay in quarantine for a week. This, according to the Prime Minister is to ‘assure that no positive cases get out of hand with the false-negative result.’ Lyonchhen also said a person or two from the host’s house should also get tested along with the traveller.
Meanwhile, two additional sampling stations have been opened in the Yangchenphug School parking area and Babesa truck parking.
Kinley Dem
