Phub Dem | Paro

With three positive cases outside the quarantine centre in Paro as of yesterday, the dzongkhag has entered a high alert zone.

Starting yesterday Finance Minister Namgay Tshering was stationed at Paro to facilitate and coordinate the functioning of the dzongkhag taskforce with that of the national task force.

He will be in Paro until the situation stabilises.

Lyonpo said that irrespective of the number of cases, Paro is no different than Phuentsholing.

Except for medical emergencies and supply of essential items, dzongkhag task force restricted outbound movement from Paro.

“Despite the lockdown, congestion at Paro hospital was an issue,” the minister said.

Considering the public health safety, he asked the task force and the dzongkhag health team to restrict the number of patients visiting the hospital and allow only those who are in emergency and require life support.

For instance, the hospital was treating minor cases like rashes.

In an attempt to decongest the hospital, the flu clinic at Paro Tshongdue will cater to schedule immunisation and community health department including anti-rabies shots.

Emphasising on the safety of the health officials at the hospital, lyonpo asked the security team – Police and De-Suup – to restrict unnecessary movement towards the hospital from Taju junction along with a health team to screen those visiting the hospital.

“I encourage the health team to focus on telemedicine as well,” he said.

Paro health surveillance team identified Bondey and Woochu as a high alert zone and imposed strict surveillance in these communities.

He also asked the dzongkhag administration to facilitate the supply of vegetables to other dzongkhags, as there is a surplus in Paro.

So far, Paro supplied vegetables to Gelephu, Haa, Samtse, Chukha, and Thimphu.

The dzongkhag administration has imposed travel restriction between chiwogs and made it mandatory for those involved in service delivery to wear face masks.

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