The health ministry has prepared a lockdown guideline as part of the preparedness plan for community transmission of the Coronavirus.
The health minister said the guidelines provide essential information for people in the current situation as it is uncertain when a case of community transmission will be reported which would call for a lockdown.
The health minister said when and in what manner or how long the lockdown will be imposed for is uncertain, however, the ministry is anticipating it the moment a community transmission case is reported.
Speaking to BBS, Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo said, “Every night we test cases who are symptomatic and coming to clinics and hospitals. So far, all of them are negative. But tomorrow if we get a case who is positive then probably that day the lockdown will be announced .”
The guideline contains information for the public on what happens during a lockdown, the do’s and don’ts, what the government can ensure during the period, and how to prepare for a lockdown.
“I think it is fairly something that we are never mindful of when we are leaving for work to check in the kitchen and see what is there because in circumstances like today we can go outside and buy if you run out of rice. So it is good to be mindful of these things and ensure you have food supplies to last for at least seven to 14 days. And if you have elderly patients at home you have to be very mindful that they have enough medicines,” said Lyonpo.
She added that should there be a lockdown, the government will ensure the provision of essential medical services such as vaccination and emergency medical services, facilitation of essential food supply and distribution in all the districts and proper safe funeral rites where only immediate family members will be allowed.
It also contains contact details if someone develops COVID-19 related symptoms and for other medical emergencies.
The ministry is planning to release the guidelines to the public tomorrow.
Phub Gyem
