After the country reported the record Covid-19 cases on May 29, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering called a virtual meeting to rev up responses and coordination on the ground.

Of the 100 new cases that were reported on the day from quarantine facilities and communities, 79 contacts were reported from Jomotsangkha, Samdrupjongkhar which meant the possibility of more infection and exposure in the villages.

Sharing His Majesty’s concerns with the taskforce members, technical teams and other experts, the prime minister said that they have to act with real sense of urgency.

Lyonchhen said as evident in any infectious outbreaks,  if the situation is not monitored closely, it will be followed by a wave of symptomatic cases that will be succeeded by a mortality wave. “This will occur within the gap of seven to 10 days. However, the wave of infection is containable, most symptoms are controllable and most Covid-19 deaths are preventable.”

Prime minister said that His Majesty was extremely concerned and has advised to provide extra care to children and vulnerable groups.

Among other response plans, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s office, His Majesty commanded the instant implementation of numerous measures.

Among them were establishing a Covid-19 hospital in Jomotsangkha, placing adequate number of staff in all health facilities, including additional deployment of medical and child specialists, and ensure enough Covid-19 test kits and PPEs at all centres.

The measures also included mobilising three ambulances from RBA centres, reinforcing gewog machineries with de-suups, deputing kidu focal persons to look into livelihood and afflictions of the villagers, and facilitating local trade of seasonal farm produce.

Stocking up local shops, and establishing temporary sheds for places without commercial outlets, and monitoring affected communities closely and clearing them from the infection as soon as possible were other instant measures.

Lyonchhen said the urgent situation in the east was a cue for everyone to realise that the pandemic has infiltrated and the threat was as real for the rest of the country.

“Under His Majesty’s selfless leadership, we have acted together so far. At all costs, we have to work in unity to save each other and our nation,” he said.

By Staff Reporter  

Edited by Tshering Palden