The Eastern COVID-19 Task Force and Nganglam Dungkhag COVID-19 Task Force decided to impose a fine of Nu 5 M on Heruka Security Service based in Thimphu for breaching COVID-19 safety protocols. The task forces found that the source of COVID-19 transmission in Nganglam was a breach of safety protocols by the company’s security personnel at the DCCL containment zone.
The Eastern and Nganglam Dungkhag COVID-19 Task Force checked the CCTV footage of the DCCL plant. The footage showed a security personnel of the plant entering the truckers’ parking area within the DCCL containment zone. It is where the Indian truckers stay until their trucks are loaded at the DCCL plant. Security personnel entered the area twice, on June 12 and 14 as per the CCTV footage.
According to the Eastern COVID-19 Task Force Chairperson, Dasho Pema Chewang, the employee of the security company breached the COVID-19 safety protocols in spite of clear briefings prior to joining work.
Therefore, by imposing the fine, the security company is made to bear the cost of mass testing, quarantine facilities and other costs incurred in containing the transmission of the virus in Nganglam Dungkhag which amounts to Nu 5 M. Heruka Security Service won the bid to provide security service at the DCCL company only a few weeks prior to the outbreak.
The CEO of the security company said he is yet to receive a letter about the case. He also said he cannot pay the fine. The CEO said a loader had also tested positive so it cannot be proven that his security guard is the source of the outbreak. Meanwhile, the Dungsam Cement has written to the security company terminating the contract.
Nganglam Dungkhag woke up to the overwhelming news of the COVID-19 outbreak at the DCCL plant on June 19. One security personnel and a loader from the DCCL plant tested positive for the Coronavirus on the day. The Dungkhag COVID-19 Task Force imposed a 72-hour blackout for Nganglam Throm immediately which extended into a lockdown. Nganglam Throm is currently under lockdown with 13 positive cases of Coronavirus as of today.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
