Almost after two years, the government is lifting the 7-day quarantine protocol for domestic travellers. The relaxations come at a time when the daily case has been on the rise. However, the notification says the severity and hospitalization are manageable as of now. The relaxation came as a relief to the southern districts.
The restrictions enforced to keep the country free from COVID-19 came at a heavy price. While everyone was affected by these restrictions, it was the southern districts that were affected the most. People had to sacrifice a lot. Businesses were hampered, family members separated, schooling of children disturbed and, some could not even attend the funeral rites of their loved ones.
“We couldn’t visit our parents for almost two years due to the pandemic. We can now visit our parents. We could not even go to see our sick relatives. Since the travel restriction is being lifted, I am very happy. I would like to thank the government,” said Chokimo, from Gelephu.
“Last time, a friend of mine was stranded here for more than two months. He applied for quarantine services but did not get due to the huge number of people applying for quarantine. It was very difficult earlier to travel from high-risk to low-risk areas. But now, we are delighted that we no longer have to stay in quarantine,” said Bir Bdr Rai, in Samtse.
Similarly, Lotay Tenzin, a shopkeeper in Phuentshogling remains hopeful that his business will bounce back after the travel restriction is lifted.
“When people from other places couldn’t come down, even if we have a shop here, business is never like before. There are more shop owners and it is often difficult to do business. Paying house rents even became challenging,” he said.
“When we had to stay in quarantine, we were not able to do our work on time. It was inconvenient. Lifting the 7-day quarantine for travelling to a low-risk area will benefit us. We will be able to travel whenever there is an emergency now,” said Pema Tenzin, in Samdrup Jongkhar.
The high-risk areas include Thimphu, Wangdue Phodrang, Toedtsho Gewog in Trashi Yangtse, Merak and Sakteng Gewogs in Trashigang and all bordering areas in the south. According to the notification, random testing will be conducted along the bordering communities for the surveillance of new variants.
Meanwhile, the mandatory 14-day facility quarantine for international travellers is also being brought down to five days from Monday.
However, all meetings, seminars and training are to be conducted virtually. Physical gathering is still discouraged. The entertainment centres will remain closed until further notice.
The general public is urged to follow all preventive measures like hand washing and wearing a face mask to keep everyone safe.
Samten Dolkar/Bureau Report from Southern Districts
Edited by Sonam
