With a few of the COVID-19 positive patients in Trashigang referred to Monggar hospital and a few of them in isolation within the district, 12 COVID-19 positive cases of Merag Gewog who are herders have chosen to isolate themselves in their respective pasturelands. And to provide emergency medical service, the district COVID-19 Task Force has set up a temporary medical camp at Toedrong which is about six hours walk from the Merag Gewog centre.
The Sagteng Dungpa said none of the positive cases have been admitted so far. Trashigang health team including a doctor are in the base camp. All health facilities would cater from the camp.
“If the herders go for isolation at other places like Trashigang and Monggar, they have to leave their houses empty without a herder. So they decided to self-isolate in their own pastureland. They will be referred to a nearby hospital if they are symptomatic. We also have 5-6 portable oxygen cylinders in stock in case something serious happens,” said Sangay Dawa, the Sagteng Dungpa.
There are around 207 herders in Merag and Sagteng Gewogs who are still in their own pasturelands. Merag Gewog has 41 positive cases. The first positive case was detected on May 19.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
