After more than 40 days of lockdown, Thimphu once again becomes busier with shops open and people strolling on the street. The National COVID-19 Taskforce allowed Inter-Mega Zone movements of people and vehicles within Thimphu beginning yesterday. The complete unlocking process for Thimphu will begin from Monday.
With the Inter-Mega Zone movement allowed, the ever-busy Norzin Lam of Thimphu returned to its normalcy today.
Addressing the nation yesterday, the Prime Minister said, with over 280,000 COVID-19 tests carried out nationwide, the government is confident that the disease is under control and limited only to facilities.
Lyonchhen added that with lockdown restrictions now lifted, the battle is only half won as the country continues to sail through the pandemic.
“Compared to the past, our responsibilities have only become bigger. Now that the schools will be opened as normal beginning next month, the risk of transmitting the virus is more. That’s why it’s important for all of us to adhere to the health ministry’s safety protocols such as the use of face masks at all times to come and washing hands. I would like to also remind people not to go outside and avoid the crowd, unless absolutely necessary,” said the Prime Minister.
Thimphu residents woke up to the news of complete lockdown on 20th December following a COVID-19 positive case. The 25-year-old female was tested positive upon visiting the flu clinic.
And following the detection of more cases of COVID-19 infection, the government enforced a nationwide seven-day lockdown on 23rd December.
During the seven days, the country, on average, saw almost 13 new cases of COVID-19 every day.
The lockdown was extended to another four days until the festivities of New Year and Nyilo, to discourage people from gathering and break the chain of transmission.
During the lockdown, the country also reported its first death due to the COVID-19 on 7th January. The 34-year-old COVID-19 patient with pre-existing medical conditions died at the National Referral Hospital in Thimphu.
With no COVID-19 cases, the 18 districts implemented the inter-district movement from 16th January.
As of today, there are 858 COVID-19 confirmed positive cases with 782 already declared recovered. There are 75 active cases.
Sonam Pem
