The residents of Phuentshogling expressed mixed reactions as lockdown relaxation begins in the town from today. Phuentshogling remained under lockdown for more than two months. The restrictions are eased in the Mega-Zone 1 and Mega-Zone 3 following the successful completion of the third round of mass screening in the two zones.
“It feels like a burden when the lockdown continues for long. We face so many problems in the family. Paying the house rent is another worry. Although it is relieving, I think this isn’t something to celebrate. The virus is still around and we are worried,” said Tashi Tobgay, a resident of Phuentshogling.
“I couldn’t run the business during the lockdown and we are running in loss. Most products have expired. With the lockdown relaxed, I feel relieved although the virus is not completely wiped off from the community,” added Sonam Wangchuk.
With the easing of the restrictions, the movement of people and vehicles is allowed in Mega-Zone 1 and Mega-Zone 3. However, the movement of people and vehicles between Mega-Zone 1 and Mega-Zone 3 is not allowed. Mega-Zone 1 begins from Amochu Toorsa Tar till the Omchu river and Mega-Zone 3 begins from the Rinchending Integrated Check Point till Singye Chu bridge, Pasakha. The core town area till Rinchending falls under Mega-Zone 2.
Restrictions in the Mega-Zone 2 will be eased from tomorrow as testing is ongoing in the zone for the individuals who missed the mass screening. Residents of Mega-Zone 2 will be allowed to walk and cycle until 6 PM beginning tomorrow. All schools and colleges in the town will continue to remain closed except those running under self-containment mode.
Southern COVID-19 Task Force initiated the phase-wise unlocking for the town as eight positive cases were detected from Mega-Zone 2 during the mass screening.
According to the task force, surveillance and testing will continue on a daily basis for the vulnerable groups including front line workers, drivers and loaders at the MDP. During the two-month-long lockdown, Phuentshogling reported 305 positive cases of which close to 100 are from the community.
The test results of another round of mass screening for residents of Mega-Zone 2 in the next two weeks will decide further relaxations of the lockdown in the town.
Meanwhile, the Southern COVID-19 task force advises residents of Phuentshogling to adhere to safety protocols at all times to come.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
