Nim Dorji | Trongsa

With hydropower projects in the two gewog of Langthel and Tangsibji in Trongsa, gewog officials have issued letters and introduced penalty to ensure residents follow the Covid-19 protocols.

In Tangsibji, gewog administration issued a letter to relevant authorities to follow all the health protocols and monitor it.

Gup Gyempo Dorji said they asked Nikachhu Hydropower Project authorities to keep the labourers in their area.

The gewog has also requested the dzongkhag Covid task force to conduct random testing for workers in the dam, powerhouse and headrace tunnel areas. “This is for the safety of the workers and people in the gewog.”

He said 14 labourers have reached the project site after completing the quarantine period. “We are asking the projects to quarantine them for a week.”

It was learnt the labourers tested negative after completing the quarantine but they have to again test for safety. They will be allowed to go to workplace if they test negative.”

In langthel gewog, the gewog Covid-19 task force issued an order stating that if anyone is found without a facemask, they would be imposed a fine of Nu 300.

Langthel gup Sonam Dhendup said that the people were not using a facemask. “We had to  issue the order.”

He said that it was not issued to penalize people and collect fine, but to ensure that people follow the health protocol. “It is for their safety.”

He claims people are wearing facemask after the office order. “The strategy is successful in the locality.”

Meanwhile, mass testing was conducted for the third time in Kela on August 12, where 179 people were tested. The result was negative for the two earlier tests.

In Bumthang, 1,013 people in yellow zone were tested for Covid-19 and the sample was sent to Mongar. Mass testing was conducted in Domkhar on August 12.