With the seven close contacts testing negative, residents of Tagtse and Uesar chiwogs under Draagteng Gewog in Trongsa are relieved. The close contacts completed their 21 days quarantine recently.
Four villages of Tashidingkha, Tagtse, Uesar and Bubja in Trongsa were under strict surveillance since last month. A driver who tested positive on 20th December visited these villages. And seven people were put in the quarantine facility.
“The two drivers who came from Thimphu had dinner at their place and then went to Trongsa. And the next day, they tested positive while on the way towards Trashigang. So, we received a call from the district saying we have to be in quarantine,” said Dawa Penjor, one of the close contacts from Bubja.
“At first, we were worried when we were under quarantine. But as we completed the 21-day quarantine and tested negative thrice, we are happy now to be back home,” said Phuntsho Wangmo, the wife of Dawa.
Dawa Penjor and Phuntsho Wangmo completed their 21 days quarantine and came back home on Sunday.
Sangay Thinley from Uesar village said, “a man came from Thimphu and one of the residents here went to get things from him. So, that is how our village contacted the positive patient.”
Having a clustered settlement, locals of these villages were worried that the virus will spread.
“Our village is a clustered settlement and if one is positive then the whole would be infected. So we were worried so much,” said Ugyen Zangmo from Uesar village.
“Unlike Thimphu, we do not have health professionals here. So, we were worried if we have to confront the virus,” Kencho Tshering from Tagtse village.
The four villages have about 2,000 residents. And 214 tested negative for COVID-19 on antigen test which was conducted a week ago.
Meanwhile, over 800 individuals from the town area and Tangsibji and Draagteng Gewogs were tested yesterday. And all tested negative for COVID-19 on the antigen tests.
However, the district task force advises people to follow COVID-19 safety protocols. The measures include wearing facemasks, frequent hand washing and physical distancing.
Passang, Trongsa
