Even after the relaxation of lockdown in Samdrup Jongkhar, the COVID-19 Task Force in the district is on high alert to contain any undetected cases. For this, the task force has even restricted the movement of vehicles and people within the thromde area.
People residing in Samdrup Jongkhar Toed, Mead and Bar constituencies, where the positive cases were reported, are not allowed to enter Kipse, Bangtsho and Samdrupgatshel constituencies in Dewathang. And the same is applied to the latter three areas.
These constituencies are situated almost at 18 kilometres apart. Movement of people and vehicles are strictly monitored at Pinchhina checkpoint, which located is about 4 kilometres away from Samdrup Jongkhar town.
“Movement between Dewathang and Samdrup Jongkhar is restricted currently and I feel it good decision since there are no cases in Dewathang area as of now and if the movement is allowed then there are risks of spreading the virus. We have full support for it,” said Pema Tenzin, a resident of Kipse under Dewathang in Samdrup Jongkhar.
“People here say it is good that the movement is restricted between Samdrup Jongkhar town and Dewathang. Right now Dewathang is considered as green zone and if the movement is allowed then it will be risky there too,” said Penjor, the thromde thuemi of Bangtsho constituency under Samdrup Jongkhar thromde.
Even vehicles carrying vegetables from other dzongkhag are not allowed to enter Samdrup Jongkhar town, vegetables are transshipped to another vehicle at 8 kilometres away from Samdrup Jongkhar town.
Currently, three COVID-19 positive cases have been reported in Samdrup Jongkhar town.
Kinley Wangchuk