Although strict surveillance and preventive measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, lockdown seems to be the ultimate and the most effective measure. The feeling is mutual among people from all walks of life.
The Facebook page of the Prime Minister’s Office states, ”if the lockdown was delayed, thousands of people would have travelled, spreading the virus in different parts of the country.’’
The post also stated that the lockdown, especially in Thimphu, was sudden but it helped a great deal in controlling the spread of the virus.
BBS spoke to people across the country. Not only people are appreciative of the measure taken by the government but also said this is the only way fit to prevent the further spread of the virus.
Kinga Choden, a resident of Thimphu said lockdown would help break the chain of community transmission. She added that with this lockdown, people have become more aware and concerned about the safety of themselves and others as well.
Likewise, Tshering Dendup from Tsirang said he believed that lockdown was the best way to combat the spread. ”With the people testing positive for the coronavirus increasing by the day, it’s becoming risky. That’s why I think lockdown is a good measure to stop community transmission,” he added.
Similarly, other people BBS spoke to are also of the view that if the lockdown protocols are followed strictly, the infection will ultimately decrease.
Although an increasing number of positive cases are reported in communities, Health Minister Dasho Dechen Wangmo said it is because hundreds of samples are being tested every day. The last couple of days reported over 50 people testing positive for the virus. However, the number of infection according to the minister will decrease after two weeks, if people follow the lockdown protocols.
”If we strictly comply with the lockdown protocols, the coronavirus cases will see a decrease after a couple of weeks. However, if we become complacent again, it will become even worse,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, already on the 7th day of the nationwide lockdown, smart unlocking is expected to happen, next. Unlike the first nationwide lockdown, relaxation will take place region-wise.
Tshering Dendup
