Phub Dem

Following 15 new Covid-19 positive cases in Paro, the dzongkhag administration has imposed strict lockdown to prevent widespread infection.

Paro Dzongdag Tenzin Thinley said that except for essential service delivery, movement within the dzongkhag was restricted. “The movement of stranded people is being facilitated.”

He said that the supply of essential items wasn’t a problem as the residents are given ample time to stock up.

During the press briefing yesterday, Health Minister Dechen Wangmo said that 14 students of Shaba and a parent tested positive to the virus.

The health team conducted close to 700 tests in Shaba and Khangkhu schools following three positive cases.

Shaba Gup Chencho Gyeltshen said that people were calm even though 15 new cases were detected in a day.

However, he said that they were anxious about the test results of the students’ primary contacts. “If the primary contacts of the 15 cases test positive, the virus will spread like wildfire.”

For now, he said that the only solution was to stay home and pray for the best.

Although the gewog has not received any inquiry about the supply of essential goods, Chencho Gyeltshen said the gewog task force had already planned and divided the task.

He said that there were separate teams to supply essential goods, animal feeds, provide health services, and feed stray dogs.

Furthermore, he said that the health team conducted mass testing in the community, as a teacher from Khangkhu who tested positive had played archery in Shaba during Lomba.

In the meantime, the contact tracing of 15 cases is underway.

According to a health official, the hospital has managed to provide essential medical services besides testing people for the virus.

The health official said that there were no shortages of human resources and equipment so far.