The third round of mass screening began in Phuentshogling Thromde today. The first day of the mass screening was initiated from Pasakha. The results of the mass screening will determine the way forward for Phuentshogling Thromde.
Over 4,000 residents and employees of the industries in Pasakha were tested as the third round of mass screening for COVID-19 began in the town today. The RT-PCR test for these samples will be sent to Thimphu and Phuentshogling.
As per sources, if the test results in all the mega zone come out negative, the lockdown will be lifted completely.
And if one or more positive cases are detected from any mega zones, the particular building will be cordoned off for two weeks from the day of the last positive case. Similarly, if more than five positive cases are detected from all three mega zones, the entire town may go under complete lockdown again depending upon the case history.
Meanwhile, residents remain optimistic as the Thromde did not record any positive cases from the community in the past few days.
“We were tested today. It has been nearly two months since we have been under lockdown. Since we couldn’t go out, it is a bit challenging. If the lockdown is lifted, we are hopeful that it will make everyone comfortable,” said Sangay, a resident of Pasakha.
“We have been inside the plant for two long months. Some of the staff here have genuine problems. Some of their wives are all alone at home with no smartphones. During the lockdown, it makes them difficult to order essentials. Some have family members who are sick,” added Passang Sherpa, another resident.
According to the health ministry, all household members above the age of 5 years will be tested during the mass screening. There are over 20,000 residents above the age of 5 in Phuentshogling today.
The mass screening will go for a week time. The test results for today’s samples will be out only tomorrow.
SonamPenjor, Phuentshogling
