With India reporting increasing cases of confirmed COVID-19, the government is urging Bhutanese families living across the border to immediately consider moving in with relatives within the country or even return to their villages until the magnitude of situation subsides.
Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said, in case of an outbreak of the disease in the bordering Indian towns, the government will have to opt for a complete lockdown.
During a LIVE discussion on BBS on Tuesday, the Prime Minister cited the example of Jaigaon, Phuentshogling’s bordering Indian town, where more than 3000 Bhutanese live. He shared concerns for this population as the government is not sure if the disease has already affected the place, although officially, it is not.
As per the Indian media reports, the latest total confirmed COVID-19 cases in India stands at over 60.
“Thousands of people gather there and the movement is free. On top of that thousands of Bhutanese are residing in Jaigaon. This is one of the biggest concerns. That is why I want to urge the people that you can stay there only if it is necessary. Otherwise, I would recommend your relatives, dependents and friends that are staying with you to move to villages because that is the best place to be for the time being. After 5 to 6 months, we would be able to understand and cope up with the situation well,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
Phuentsholing dungkhag administration is already collecting details of all Bhutanese residing in and around Jaigaon. The information will be used in case of an emergency and to take necessary measures.
“I also feel it would be a good move since a lot of Bhutanese live in Jaigaon. I think they should vacate and go somewhere else than there. If one of us gets infected with the virus, it would spread very fast,” said Yeshi Jamtsho, a Resident of Phuentshogling in Chhukha.
Meanwhile, thermal gun screening is in full swing at the border entry gates. And in Phuntsholing alone, over 1.2 million people have been screened so far.
Tshering Dendup
