Following the continuous detection of community cases, health officials are carrying out a mass screening in Gelephu Thromde. The tests began yesterday in parts of Namkhaling, Rabdheyling, Sonam Gatshel and Samdrupling demkhongs. Residents in all six demkhongs under the Thromde will be tested within four days.
Six teams comprising about four health officials and accompanied by DeSuups will be visiting all households in the Thromde. They take the samples of one member of the family from every household.
The most mobile and active members or those with flu-like symptoms or the unvaccinated are being tested. Meanwhile, the people are hoping the mass screening will help bring the situation under control.
“The variant now is Omicron which is spreading very fast. This has made us a little worried. People are taking precautions and there are also lots of initiatives carried out by the health ministry and as well as Task Force. People need to take care,” said Tika Ram Kafley, a Gelephu resident.
“We can’t go to school. Our studies are getting affected. We were revising our syllabus in class but now it’s been about a month under lockdown, we haven’t had any classes. It will be difficult if we have to directly take our exams,” said Madan Gurung, a student.
Gelephu Thromde has nearly 2,800 households. Officials said the results of the ongoing mass testing will determine colour code transitioning for the demkhongs and possible relaxations.
Sarpang district has detected a total of 625 positive cases so far since January 16. More than 320 patients have recovered so far. There are currently 324 active cases in the district.
Karma Wangdi, Sarpang
