Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing

Almost a week after relaxation of the lockdown in Gomtu town, residents are cautious to come out.

The town was under lockdown for about 50 days after it went under lockdown on June 7. Lockdown was relaxed on July 26.

A resident said people are scared. “Many people tested positive for Covid-19. I think they fear lockdown and quarantine.”

He said people have also been advised not to move if it is not important by the task force. “However, some people may be afraid of those who have come after their recovery.”

The resident said people are scared if those who tested positive and recovered might relapse.

Another resident said there are quarantine facilities in and around and people were afraid. “People have become cautious.”

The owner of Pema General Store said that although the crowd is not like it used to be before, people are coming out slowly.

“Maybe people are afraid. But they have to come to buy the essentials. They are coming,” he said

The first Covid-19 positive cases in Gomtu were two women working at the Penden Cement Authority Ltd, aged 41 and 47. They tested positive on RT-PCR during routine surveillance testing.

As per the relaxation notice, schools in Gomtu will open today after the summer break. Offices and institutions were allowed to open starting from July 26.

Inter-gewog movement was also allowed. Unnecessary movement of vehicles and people after 10pm is not allowed.

Shops are also allowed to operate from 8am to 8pm but only two to five people are allowed in the shop, depending on the size of the shop. Hotels and salons have been allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars can allow two to five customers.

Edited by Tashi Dema