Tashi Dema

With about 33 people quarantined in Samdrupjongkhar, the dzongkhag has identified hotels, schools and institutions to quarantine more people if needed.

According to dzongdag Tharchen Lhendup, hotels offered free accommodation to the 33 people quarantined as of yesterday evening. “Fooding is provided with budget from the government and hotel staff are trained to prepare hygienic foods.”

He said 300 more people could be accommodated in hotels and if the numbers increase, they would use schools and institutions. “We have readied isolation rooms.” No one has been isolated as of yesterday.

The dzongkhag has also put in place handwashing facilities in about 20 areas as a preventive measure against Covid-19 in the town, in front of offices and at the official entry points.

Dzongdag Tharchen Lhendup said businesspeople in the town came together and sponsored the facilities.

He also said while the three official entry points are manned by enforcement group comprising of representatives from concerned agencies, they have closed all informal routes into the dzongkhag.

“We have people manning the informal routes and have also asked the gups and tshogpas to ensure there are no illegal entries,” the dzongdag said.

He also said Bhutan-India Friendship Association (BIFA) officials conducted many sensitisation meetings and awareness with Indian business community members, day workers and Indian taxi drivers last week.