Following the detection of a COVID-19 positive case yesterday, the Samtse district COVID-19 Task Force announced a 72-hour blackout in Tashichhoeling Gewog today. The movement of vehicles and people within the gewog will be restricted until contact tracing is complete. All schools, offices, and institutions also remain closed.
Although the source of the transmission is still unknown, the positive case is a waste collector in the community. Contact tracing is underway.
Meanwhile, the Samtse District COVID-19 Task Force announced Phase I relaxation of lockdown in Phuentshogpelri Gewog or Gomtu today. It was announced following the outcome of the clustered testing carried out on Sunday. The relaxation which began from 10 AM today saw Phuentshogpelri divided into three zones.
As per the notification, Damdara, Gombadara, Ratay, Dolamthang, Thumkay, Kalapani, Tindary, Gayshinggaon, Doley Andheri, Tata quarry, lower Titi, Bhoteykharka, Khanigaon, Dumshidara, SarkiKhola and Lhatar have been categorized as Green zone. Internal movements have been allowed and shops can remain open from 7 AM till 7 PM with strict protocols. Construction and industrial works will also be allowed with strict protocols but under self-containment mode. Likewise, agriculture and livestock farming has been allowed. But bars and restaurants will not be allowed to operate for a time being.
However, in Nyoenpaling or Pugli, which has been categorized as a yellow zone, only construction works will be allowed but under a strict self-containment mode.
Red zone areas include Titi village, Gomtu town, Gomtu village including E-type colony, Shanti colony, Kalamandir, Upper titi, PCAL main colony, Lhaki colony, Hati colony, Kempa colony, school area, police colony and Hospital colony.
Exports are allowed in strict self-containment mode as per the approval of the District Covid-19 Task Force. Social and religious gatherings, games and sports and travel to low-risk areas will not be allowed for now. However, funerals will be allowed in all zones with numbers not exceeding more than ten people with prior approval from the district COVID-19 Task Force. Phuentshogpelri gewog has been under lockdown for almost a month now.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
