Neten Dorji  | Trashigang

In Trashigang, 872 staff of Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), Project DANTAK (GREF) officials and Bhutanese workers were tested for Covid-19.  Swab samples would be sent to Monger Regional Referral Hospital to test on RT-PCR.

Health officials visited places such as IMTRAT and DANTAK campus in Kanglung, Khaling and Moshi, among others, to conduct the tests.

Health officials say they conducted the test following the notification from the Ministry of Health. “Individuals working along the road sides was identified as higher risks,” said an official.

“We are conducting a rapid diagnostic test and sending nasal and throat swabs for PCR to Mongar hospital,” said Jigme Tenzin, Doctor of Reserbu General Hospital.

A machine operator, Tashi Dorji, said that it was important to test for Covid-19.

“We are now feeling relieved as the officials conducted a test, and the result was also negative,” said Choki wangmo, who is a day worker with DANTAK.  “I also learned that it is important to maintain the safety measures to ensure the safety for both the parties.”

Another worker, Dawa Norbu, said that they were safe and relieved. “If someone is infected among us, all would be infected easily. It went well, the health official conducted the test before it was too late.”

Trashigang has quarantined five individuals at facility quarantine and placed 85 in home quarantine.

The surveillance teams trace the travel history at the entry point and if someone comes from an infected area, he or she is directly quarantined.