Bhutan has yet to detect a single case of the new variant of COVID-19. However, the health ministry saw nine cases of the disease in the first week of January this year. Cases related to JN.1, the new variant is surging in countries such as India, China and the United States. According to Indian media, as of 4 pm this evening, India has reported 605 cases of the new variant and 4 deaths in the last 24 hours.
International news outlets say the JN.1 sub-variant of the virus appears to be highly transmissible and causes moderate gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stools or mild stomach cramps. While the traditional symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue remain prevalent with JN.1, over 10 percent of respondents reported struggling with consistent anxiety and insomnia since November 2023.
According to an official from the health ministry, the last gene sequencing of COVID-19 in June last year detected XXB.1.16 of Omicron sub-variants in Bhutan.
However, the Ministry of Health advises the public to take precautions in public areas. The Health Ministry also says it has not seen the need initiate to nationwide vaccination campaigns as of now.
Ugyen Tshering, a senior programme officer with the Health Ministry’s International Health Regulation Programme said, “We have been detecting a few cases of COVID-19 in the country, but at the moment the situation is not that alarming. However, we have also seen the rise of cases in the neighbouring countries, especially the new variant JN.1. If you fall in the high risk population category such as people who have comorbidities, and if you are also fall in the elderly age group above 65, we request you to visit health facility, and get yourself vaccinated with either flu or COVID-19 vaccine.”
Meanwhile, few people BBS talked to shared that they are not aware about the COVID cases in Bhutan. However, they said they understand the importance of the need to follow the preventive measures.
Tshering Cheki, a resident of Thimphu said, “It has been a long time since COVID-19 has affected Bhutan. However, I feel it is important to follow the protocols even now. I also follow the protocol right now when we travel from one place to another. And when we meet one another, I still clean my hands and maintain distance. I also use face masks as much as possible.”
Similarly, Phurba, who also lives in Thimphu says as far as he knows, there are no COVID cases in Bhutan but he is not really sure. “In my village, we don’t have any cases. The health worker from the hospital told me there are no such cases and I should not worry. But we never know. So we should go for a check up at the hospital.”
According to the Royal Centre for Disease Control, the country recorded 303 cases of COVID-19 in 2023.
Singye Dema
Edited by Kipchu
