Despite lockdowns and other restrictions, the Phuentshogling town continues to see COVID-19 positive cases from the community. This has left an air of uncertainty looming over an otherwise busy town. The most recent case from the community was reported on Friday when six individuals tested positive.
Since the lockdown was imposed on April 16 after detecting positive cases from the community, the Phuentshogling town recorded close to 400 cases. Of this, more than 100 cases were reported from the community. This means an average of at least one case was detected from the community since the lockdown.
Meanwhile, the majority of the remaining cases are the contacts of positive cases.
Today, the town wears a deserted look. Businesses are down, school education affected and residents tired of hoping for the situation to improve.
“It has been almost three months since the lockdown. We the people of Mega Zone 2 are more worried than ever. Our businesses have been badly affected. And when that happens, we have to worry about paying our house rents and even our survival is at stake,” said Passang Choden, a resident in Phuentshogling.
Of the three Mega Zones the town has been divided into, Mega Zone 2 has been hit worst by the outbreak. Since the mass screening ended on June 18, it reported more than 20 cases from the community. And beginning today, the Southern COVID-19 Task Force extended the restrictions in the zone by a week more. The Mega Zone 2 covers the areas falling within the core town till the Rinchending checkpoint.
“Since most activities take place in Mega Zone 2, it is inconvenient for the resident of other mega zones as well. Most offices and business entities are located in the zone. This leaves everyone equally affected,” said Sonam Tshering.
Meanwhile, considering the town’s worsening situation, many residents are reportedly leaving for other districts. Between April 17 and July 1st, the Task Force facilitated travel for over two thousand people.
Currently, there are more than one thousand individuals registered and waiting. The outbound travellers are tested on the RT-PCR and have to undergo the seven-day mandatory facility quarantine.
Sonam Penjor, Phuentshogling
