Starting May 18, periodic testing of communities and frontline workers along the border areas will be carried out as one of the additional strategies to prevent and contain local transmission of Coronavirus.
Speaking at the Press Brief today, the Health Minister shared that the additional measures are being implemented following an assessment according to which the border areas are identified as high-risk communities.
Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo said that the measures are based on three Ts – testing, tracing and treating.
The government is also requesting people living along the borders to use Druk Trace App.
“There will be restrictions on public movement after 7 PM along the borders. And for those who need to travel, we will take details of individuals and conduct fever screening at strategic check posts between borders districts and other interior districts,” said Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo. “We will then conduct rapid test if they have fever and also document contact information and travel history of all travellers.”
Lyonpo also informed that the ministry has supplied adequate personal protective equipment, essential medicine and human resources in hospitals along the borders.
The government also recommended the public to use facemasks especially when visiting public places and hospitals.
“Most times I have noticed people aren’t using the masks properly. I recommend the public to put it in a plastic bag after use instead of directly putting in a bag. It is also advisable to wash the mask and the plastic bag for reuse. But using it for weeks and months will do more damage than help,” added Lyonpo.
The Health Minister informed that additional measures would be implemented by the COVID-19 taskforce in the South formed upon Royal Command.
Phub Gyem
