Trashigang is a green zone without a single positive case of COVID-19 as of today. But this has not kept the district’s residents from fear of COVID infection. With an increasing number of people from various parts of the country travelling into the district every day, the residents worry about reporting COVID cases from the community.
Trashigang residents worry about COVID infection with increasing number of travellers to the district.
Around a hundred people enter Trashigang every day by flight, public transport, and private vehicles. Travellers are allowed to enter the district only upon testing negative for COVID-19. But the district’s residents said this does not guarantee that the travellers are COVID-19 negative.
“We worry that there might be an outbreak as vehicles keep coming here from the high-risk areas. In case we have a positive case, we will be in trouble as we don’t have a big hospital,” said Chador Wangdi, a resident of Lem in Phongmey Gewog.
“We cannot trust the COVID test results. Some test positive later on. Here at Rangjung, we have two buses stopping by. The travellers do not go home straight. They stop by to do shopping. We fear that we might get infected,” said Karma Yangzom, a resident of Rangjung town.
Travellers are advised to stay in home quarantine for a week. And according to the Trashigang Dzongda, local leaders have been sensitised to monitor.
“We have informed the gewogs’ local leaders and even our health staff to make phone calls to those in home quarantine within two to three days to monitor them. That being said, we cannot say that we can monitor everyone without fail. We have more than 100 people coming into the district every day. However, we have asked the Tshogpas to inform us and the police if they breach the protocols,” said Chekey Gyeltshen, Trashigang Dzongda.
Although Trashigang District Administration has not received any written complaints regarding breach of home quarantine protocol so far, some do not comply, according to the Tshogpas.
“As per the directives, we try our best and ask people to stay in home quarantine. But some do not follow. And we can’t monitor them every time. It will be effective, only if DeSuups guard the households,” said Dhendup Tshering, Tshogpa, Lem Chiwog.
“The people who come from outside are following orders and staying in home quarantine. But their family members keep going out. So, the home quarantine does not serve the purpose,” said Dorji Phuntsho, Tshogpa, Phongmey Gewog.
The Dzongda said that individuals should take responsibility to follow protocols and prevent the virus spread in the community.
Sonam Darjay, Trashigang
