To ascertain the presence of the coronavirus in the community, mass testing is underway in Damphu town of Tsirang and parts of three gewogs bordering the town. The mass testing began yesterday. More than 4,000 samples have been collected and sent for testing to Gelephu and Thimphu. The results will take a few days to arrive. Tests will resume tomorrow in the town outskirts and its nearby places.
Testing facilities were set up in six different locations including the district’s flu clinic at the football ground in Damphu. All residents including children above five years have been called in for testing.
Damphu has been under complete lockdown since January 26 after two positive cases were detected from the town. Meanwhile, the residents are hopeful that there are no more positive cases from the community.
“It is not much of a problem for us who stay at home but if the lockdown prolongs, it may affect the students. For instance, my son couldn’t attend formal class after the first lockdown last year but luckily he managed to pass. We are a little worried this time as well,” said Zanmo Choden, a Damphu resident.
“We don’t have much problem since the frontline workers deliver the essential items to our doorsteps. I placed orders twice during this lockdown and they delivered on time. Still, it would be nice if the task force could make some relaxation if the situation improves,” said Jit Bdr. Ghimiray, another resident.
“In the coming days, I hope there is a zoning system where we get movement within our zone so that we don’t face difficulty. As of now, when we order the vegetables from vendors they give us rotten vegetables which are uneatable which is very challenging where we have to pay the actual price but the items we are receiving are not good,” added Laxmi Devi Khandal.
Similar mass testing is also being carried out in other gewogs and chiwogs that share their boundary with Damphu town.
Pema Tshewang, Tsirang
