With an increasing number of COVID-19 cases in neighbouring countries, Bhutanese should act as one and strictly abide by COVID-19 norms. This was highlighted by Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering during his address to the nation yesterday. Lyonchhen said that the new variant of COVID-19 is far more dangerous.
According to the NDTV, a news channel in India, over 200,000 new COVID-19 cases are reported daily for nearly a week. And the situation is the same in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
“The situation in our neighbouring countries is worsening. The virus has already entered our bordering towns and areas. If the virus finds its way into our country, the situation will be the same as the neighbouring countries. The disease is becoming dangerous every day because it is mutating,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister highlighted that people should be extra cautious and wear facemasks, wash hands and maintain physical distance, which are the best practices to keep the disease at bay.
“Wearing facemasks alone will reduce the risk of infection by 60 to 95 per cent. The best is the N-95 facemask but it is limited and also expensive. If we properly use facemasks and maintain distance, the disease would be kept at bay. If people cannot even do this much, I doubt their loyalty and service to the Tsa-Wa-Sum. I sincerely urge everyone to postpone meetings and gatherings that are not necessary,” Lyonchhen said.
With a surge in COVID-19 cases in the high-risk areas of the country, the Health Ministry also urged everyone to cooperate and adhere to the COVID-19 rules and regulations.
Tshering Dendup