All sports and games resumed in the country earlier this week. However, due to the high risk of COVID-19 transmission from the porous borders in Samtse, the District COVID-19 Task Force has put in place strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The task force is also yet to allow a few indoor games and sports.
As per the SOPs for Archery and Football, all players and officials have to use Druk Trace, wash hands, and undergo thermal screening before entering the ground. They should also register their personal details and vaccination status before the games. The list will then be shared with the District Health Officer.
Players and officials with fever, flu-like symptoms, and unvaccinated individuals will not be allowed to enter the sporting facilities. Moreover, timings have been set to limit the number of games both on weekdays and weekends.
Meanwhile, gyms, and snooker and carom parlours will remain closed. People who are fitness-conscious are not happy with the news.
“I don’t know why gyms are not allowed to be opened when all other sports are allowed,” said Kalden Tshering Lepcha, in Samtse.
“I planned to participate in this year’s physical fitness competition but because of the lockdown, our gyms have remained closed. As such I could not maintain my body,” he added.
“Our clients who are into the gym are frustrated with the gyms remaining closed for a long time now. For me, I do my fitness at home. But for others, they haven’t done a lot of work out and now some of them are even demoted to do,” said Birkha Bdr Rai, Samtse.
A snooker parlour owner, Phub Tenzin, said it is unfair when games like football and archery are allowed and snooker are barred from opening up.
“Snooker does not bring in a lot of people together. Those who come to play are also the ones who always stay together. While playing too, snooker players have to maintain distance and wait for their turns. Still, then I don’t know why it has not been allowed. It has been five months now with our shops closed,” he bemoaned.
According to the district COVID-19 task force, in gyms and snooker and carom parlours, the risk of transmission of the Coronavirus is high since people share the same equipment. Moreover, they are indoor activities. However, the task force will look into the possibility of reopening them if people follow the SOPs for outdoor games.
Today, there are three snooker parlours and a gym in Samtse.
Sporting activities remained suspended for more than three months in the district due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in the southern region.
Passang Dorji, Samtse
Edited by Sonam Wangdi
