Nima Wangdi

The National Covid-19 Task Force (NC19TF) notified the airline companies last week that RT-PCR test certificates are not required for incoming passengers.

Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji said that the RT-PCR test certificate requirement for Bhutanese returning home was done away with already and there was no point in still requiring it for foreigners.

“The reason why incoming passengers will not require a RT-PCR test certificate is that we have 14 days of quarantine. That is enough to detect if anyone has the virus,” Lyonpo Tandi Dorji said. RT-PCR tests may be required only if they are to be let into the country without quarantine.

Lyonpo said the people who have medical background and health professionals made the decision. “There is nothing to worry about.”

“It was not the decision of just a few people. The Technical Advisory Group, which is composed of PhD medical doctors, also recommended it,” Lyonpo said.

The NC19TF decided this during their 135th meeting held on February 9. The notification asks Drukair and Tashi Air not to insist on RT-PCR test certificates for any incoming passengers with immediate effect. The notification was issued on February 9.