Monthly Archives: December, 0

In order to enhance coverage, improve accessibility, and minimise movements of people between zones, the health ministry is introducing mobile flu clinics in Thimphu from tomorrow. However, people without flu symptoms are advised not to visit the clinic as there is a risk of COVID-19 infection.

From helping patients avail themselves of medical services to the delivery of essentials amid the lockdown, 'Ride for Health' by the Bhutan Red Cross Society (BRCS) couldn’t have been more supportive and timely. Since the lockdown, the initiative has helped about 100 people in Thimphu alone.

Dairy farmers of Lhuntse will no longer have to travel miles in search of fodder for their cattle, beating the harsh winter and terrains. They have found the answer in Hydroponic farming, a technology of horticulture, which grows plants in a greenhouse without using soil.

Punakha police arrested two men, 50 and 55, from Punakha on Wednesday for the breach of lockdown protocols. The men, from Kabesa, had come to Thimphu for a court case. After the lockdown was enforced, they left their vehicle at Dechencholing and walked to Punakha via Sinchula mountain under Kawang Gewog. The journey took them five hours.  

Nyilo or the winter solstice day is an important and renowned annual traditional celebration, especially for the people of western Bhutan. However, given the restrictions posed by the lockdown, it remained an indoor event, this year. 

For the security personnel stationed across the outposts and border of Samtse, Nyilo turned out to be a good treat. All for the kindness of a Samaritan from Yeoseltse Gewog, they had all the reasons to rejoice and smile, despite being far from home.

After the district agriculture sector facilitated markets amid lockdown, Tsirang, the reservoir for fresh vegetables whole round the year, has been able to market their farm products non-stop. Since the lockdown, the dzongkhag supplied around 20 DCM truckloads of mixed vegetables so far.

Taking into account the loss of revenue in the small and micro businesses, especially in the rural areas amid the pandemic, the Finance Ministry extended the exemption of Business Income Tax for such businesses until 31st December 2024. The Department of Revenue and Customs issued a notification today.

Strict restrictions during this lockdown have affected business in many parts of the country. However, in Monggar, the vegetable business has become more convenient with identified vendors collecting vegetables directly from the farmers.

The strict restriction on movement imposed in the Red Zone clusters in Haa will be lifted if no new positive cases are detected tonight. The Haa COVID-19 Taskforce identified Haa town, Betso and Tsiloongkha villages of Uesu Gewog as Red Zone clusters after a student tested positive for COVID-19 a week ago.