All schools and educational institutes across the country will remain closed beginning today until further order from the government. And during the press briefing today, Prime Minister clarified that schools and institutes are not closed due to any positive cases as people think.
Prime Minister highlighted that it is the time where many Bhutanese are returning home from overseas and as a precautionary measure, schools and institutes are closed. He also said there is no positive case for now as people assumed and in such a time, it is important to trust each other. If there is any case the government will announce and there is nothing to hide.
“As it is globally alarming, there will be changes with time. We need not worry much but we need to know. Some of the people are thinking schools are closed as there are cases and the government is hiding. It is not true,” said Dr Lotay Tshering, the Prime Minister.
On the other hand, the Prime Minister urged parents to take an active role in ensuring the children are not wasting time at home. Teachers have also engaged students using online means. And it is not time for children to roam around freely where they will be more vulnerable.
Lyonchhen also said IT experts are developing contact tracing and teaching Apps at the IT Park in Babesa. Teachings will be done through BBS and online platforms. And the government is also talking with the telecom companies on bringing down the internet charges.
“We need contact tracing app and there is an opportunity, as countries are using it and our specialists also said there is a possibility that they can develop it. Secondly, we need to teach students online,” the Prime Minister shared.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also said monastic institutes are not closed as monastic bodies are conducting kurims.
“The Central Monastic Body decided they will take care of the monks. During such a time, monks are conducting rituals with sleepless nights. And they do not allow anyone to enter and go outside. Even if there are any health advises, we will forward it to them and they will follow it. If it is like that, there is no problem, it’s just like any quarantine centres,” Lyonchhen added.
Tshering Zam
