Post lockdown, the government has initiated random testing of people leaving Thimphu and Paro at Menchhuna, along the Thimphu-Eastern highway, and Chhudzom, along the Thimphu-Phuentshogling highway. Health officials have so far tested more than 700 people at the Menchhuna checkpoint so far. All tested negative.
At the checkpoint, the Police check if the vehicles are registered online for travel through the Check Post Management System. And every tenth car is tested.
All passengers above five years of age have to undergo the antigen test.
“We are screening all the people who are travelling towards the east irrespective of where they are coming from; be it from Phuentshogling, Paro or Thimphu,” said Sangay Chenzom, a Physical Therapist at the Punakha District Hospital.
The testing began from the first of this month. The test results are valid for a week
“We do not face much problem with the public. Everybody is cooperating well with us as the repeated awareness and sensitisation programs are being given on BBS. However, some see reluctant because they are afraid it will hurt when we take a nasal swab,” she added.
Officials said everything is going smoothly for now except for travellers failing to register on the CPMS which are causing delays.
Changa Dorji, Wangdue Phodrang
