Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing

After being under lockdown for more than two months, Phuentsholing has some relaxations now.

The relaxation is implemented after the completion of the third mass screening on June 17, where 23,988 people were tested.

Phuentsholing went into the third lockdown on April 17 after a 10-year-old boy tested positive from the community.

The Southern Covid-19 Task Force (SC19TF) announced yesterday that movement of people and vehicles within Mega Zone 1 and Mega Zone 3 will be allowed until 8pm. However, movements between these zones are not allowed, except for emergencies.

Mega Zone 1 covers Amochhu-Chamkuna, Dhamdara-Kabreytar and Core 2. Mega Zone 3 covers Pasakha and Ahalay-Pekarzhing.

Operations of all shops and automobile workshops have also been allowed from 8am to 7pm. Bars and restaurants have been allowed at a 50 percent sitting capacity from 8am to 7pm.

All offices (government, corporate and private) and financial institutions have also been permitted to open. Construction works have also been allowed.

Factories and industries have been allowed to function under self-contained mode certified by the SC19TF. Further, movement of stranded people will also be facilitated as per the existing health protocols.

However, all the workshops and most of the shops are in Mega Zone 2. Many government, corporate and private offices, including all the financial institutions fall under this zone.

 

Relaxation in Mega Zone 2

Relaxations for Mega Zone 2 will begin from today. Compared to the other two zones, there are more restrictions in this zone because Covid-19 positive cases have still emerged in recent days from the zone.

On June 16, Mega Zone 2 reported seven positive cases from the community. On June 15, the zone reported three positive cases from the flu clinic, which means they were from the community.

Mega Zone 2 is the most affected zone and covers Core 1, Core 3, Core 4, and Rinchending Zone.

People will be allowed to walk and cycle within the zone from 5am to 6pm. Movement to other zones is not allowed. All shops and automobile workshops will be allowed to open from 9am to 5pm.

All government, corporate and private offices, including financial institutions will also be allowed to open from 9am to 5pm. However, they will have to be at 50 percent capacity and a duty roster will have to be maintained by the heads of the respective offices. One-time movement of staff from Mega Zone 1 and 3 to Mega Zone 2 will be allowed.

Integrated vegetable market will also open to operate at 50 percent capacity from 9am to 5pm. Construction activities are allowed under self-contained mode. Travel of stranded people will also be facilitated as per the existing health protocols.

 

Replenishing the stocks

Essentials for Mega Zones 1 and 3 will be taken from Mega Zone 2. Stocks for Mega Zone 1 will be escorted and delivered every Sunday and Tuesday, while it will be on Friday and Saturday for Mega Zone 3. Mega Zone 2 and Rinchending will restock on Mondays and Wednesdays respectively.

Meanwhile, home delivery of essentials will continue for the red buildings.

Supply of animal feeds will also be facilitated from Mega Zones 1 and 3. Home delivery of LPG refill will continue under escort mode in all the zones.

No social gatherings and games and sports are permitted. Funeral rites will be restricted to family members and relatives up to a maximum of 10 individuals.

Conferences, seminars and workshops are not allowed. Export and import will be facilitated as per the protocols prescribed by the SC19TF. Schools and colleges will remain closed except those in self-contained mode approved by the task force.

Edited by Tashi Dema

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