As the COVID-19 booster dose vaccination campaign began in the country, people residing in high-risk areas expect the week-long mandatory quarantine period to reduce. The health ministry started the weeklong campaign for priority group on Friday.
In Samtse, the COVID-19 Task Force increased the number of vaccinations posts this time.
“Earlier, we had only 105 vaccination posts in the district. But learning from the past, we thought of increasing the vaccination post as it was not enough for the residents. As such we have increased the vaccination post to 121 to help more people to be vaccinated,” said Pasang Dorji, the Samtse Dzongda.
He also said that people who have received booster doses shall be given priority for quarantine services.
“We are going to give the preference to those who have received their booster doses for quarantine services. This will be as an appreciation for coming forward to get vaccinated given the government’s tireless effort in procuring the vaccines,” he added.
Given the numerous hardships faced while travelling to low-risk areas, people residing in high-risk areas now expect a few changes in the mandatory quarantine period of one week.
“Since we have received the booster dose, it will be better if the quarantine period of seven days can be decreased. Being a student and while going to low-risk areas, we end up spending most of the leave in the quarantine facility,” said Karma Yangdon, in Samtse.
“I wish the government could do away with the seven-day quarantine when travelling to other districts. It is not convenient to stay in quarantine with children. In emergency cases like death, we have to stay in quarantine and it is very challenging,” said Tsheten Dema, a resident of Samdrup Jongkhar.
“I am hopeful that the virus will not spread now after the booster dose. And we will be very grateful if the seven day quarantine period can be decreased,” said Tashi Zangmo from Samdrup Jongkhar.
But a member of the Technical Advisory Group, Dr Tshokey, said the booster dose is to boost the antibody level and improve protection against the virus. The antibody level and the effect of the vaccine wanes after about six months. People received their second dose in July. He said it is a bad time to lift the quarantine when the omicron variant is raging across the globe. And reducing the seven day quarantine period is as good as not having it especially at this time when the details of the omicron variant are yet to be understood. He said seven days is the minimum threshold to detect the infection.
Passang Dorji/Kinley Wangchuk
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
