Bhutan cannot afford another outbreak of COVID-19. The devastating stories from the region wreaked by the second wave should be a grim reminder to stay alert and follow the COVID-19 protocols strictly. And one of the protocols is wearing a facemask. So far the strategy has proven to be successful, even gaining popularity on the international front for its fight against the pandemic. But some isolated cases on how the rules are being implemented by the front liners might need to be assessed before it’s too late.
Although the effort and practices put in place by the relevant agencies are commendable, there are some people who feel some agencies are unduly harsh while performing their duties. BBS got in touch with a few individuals who feel they were wronged by the authorities in the name of duty.
“We know the importance of wearing a mask, but when Desuups come at odd times such as while we are eating or working, it isn’t really sensible to take pictures and warn us about not wearing the mask. They say we will have to pay a fine if we are caught next time without a mask. Some say the fine is Nu 250 while some say it’s Nu 100,” said a resident of Thimphu, who chose to remain anonymous.
“I work in a restaurant and I know we must wear a mask now. But when we are working we tend to put down or not use the mask properly and that’s when Desuups come and warn us about imposing fines if we are caught next time,” added another.
“Since I work in the kitchen, I sometimes take off my mask while cooking since it’s uncomfortable. I was caught by the Desuups once while working in my kitchen. They took my picture and identity card number and warned me if I don’t wear my mask next time I will be fined. We know it’s necessary but I feel they are a bit harsh when implementing these rules,” a woman in Thimphu said.
The head office of Desuung is not aware of such incidences since they have to manage over 22,000 Desuups in the country. According to the office, Desuung only provides the manpower that the different agencies in the country need. The instructions of the Desuups differ from each agency that they are deployed to.
One of the agencies is the Royal Bhutan Police. And when asked about such incidences, they say the Desuups are instructed to strictly monitor and implement the COVID-19 protocol. Looking at the complacency of the public and the fear of an outbreak, the frontline workers have no choice but to enforce stringent rules. But as per the RBP, they don’t have the authority to impose fines for not wearing a mask as of now nor did they instruct any Desuups to do so. Police say if it had been a verbal warning it is just to deter the public from not wearing a face mask.
Wearing a face mask is the new normal. And wearing the right mask correctly can prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organisation. The health ministry says “one should wear a face mask at all times while outdoors. Now, more than ever, is the most critical time for everyone to use a face mask.”
Yeshi Dorji
