Prompted by a misguided belief that all tourists are infected with the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), cases of stigmatisation was also reported from some parts of the country.
However, the government says that all tourists are just like any other Bhutanese and this should not be happening at all. The Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji urged all Bhutanese to refrain from discriminating and stigmatizing tourists as a carrier of the virus. Lyonpo added this will have a negative impact in the future affecting the tourism sector and the country as a whole.
Lyonpo added all the existing tourists in the country are not infected. People should not make fun and call names.
“Please avoid making such remarks and avoid treating our guests with partiality. All the existing tourists are just like the rest of us. It is okay as long as they did not have contact with the COVID-19 patient and don’t show symptoms of the disease,” said Dr Tandi Dorji, the Foreign Minister.
The cases of stigmatisation evolved after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in an American tourist in the country. Many people were concerned and a scare was spread about the new disease. The image of a tourist from that day forth was seen with some apprehension. Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering during a press briefing said that if one takes good precaution and care, people need not worry.
“I urge the general public to please refrain from doing such things. Only through hugs, kisses and close contact will spread the disease. If one maintains a distance of one and a half metres, the risk is very less even if the other person is with the disease. Not all tourists are infected. I don’t know if they are concerned or clueless making such remarks. If one takes good care, there is no risk. In this type of situation, I urge all the knowledgeable people to help us spread the message,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
Lyonchhen also added that avoiding tourists is not a problem but making remarks or shouting at groups is not noble.
The National COVID Media Team also urged the general public to avoid frequent travelling and to avoid gathering or meeting with strangers.
As per the Foreign Ministry, there are 209 existing tourists in the country after the travel ban last week.
Tshering Dendup
