To minimise the risk of community transmission of COVID-19, the government on Monday, issued directives to close all shops and businesses by 7 PM and scrutinise all people visiting public places or roaming in groups of three or more.
The Health Minister, Dechen Wangmo said the government’s directive is considering the unpredictable nature of the virus and people not adhering to the physical distancing directives of the government.
Starting from Tuesday, Police and Desuups were all seen busy patrolling, sensitizing and urging people to close their shops by 7 PM and avoid unnecessary movement in public areas at all cost.
During the Press Briefing on COVID-19 yesterday, the Health Minister said the directive is for everyone to avoid COVID-19 related risks and to discourage public gathering.
“First of all, the directive is not related to the people who were recently released from various quarantine facilities. Despite our repeated request to avoid public gatherings and not to loiter around, people are still found doing so. Going out during day time is fine but some of them are even found loitering during odd hours. So, with the worry and fear of COVID-19, we have sent the directives through the Prime Minister’s Office,” said Dechen Wangmo, the Health Minister.
However, supplementing on the Health Minister’s comment, the Foreign Minister said considering the unpredictable nature of the virus there are chances that it can be detected after completing the 21-day quarantine period.
“Over 2,000 individuals have recently been released from the quarantine centres. Despite testing negative for the virus and completing their quarantine period successfully, there is every chance for one of them to be infected with the virus. We are carefully looking at this matter. That’s why it is very important for everyone to be extra cautious and take the physical distancing measures seriously for the next week or ten days,” said Dr Tandi Dorji, the Foreign Minister.
Lyonpo further added that people released from quarantine are requested to be in their respective homes for a week or more to minimise the risk.
Today over 1,500 individuals are currently serving the 21-day quarantine in various quarantine facilities. So far, over 3,200 people have been discharged after successfully completing their quarantine period and testing negative for COVID-19.
Passang Dorji
