Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar

The Eastern Covid-19 Task Force (EC-19TF) imposed movement and other restrictions for 72 hours in Samdrupjongkhar town up to Pinchina beginning at 3pm yesterday, after detecting four positive Covid-19 cases from the community.

Two loaders and two frontline workers deployed at the outpost near the loader containment area tested positive during the routine enhanced surveillance. 

The loading containment area

Health officials carried out contact tracing for those who tested positive. The officials traced about 32 contacts of the two loaders and seven contacts of the two frontline workers.




Since the two frontline workers, who were providing external security at the loading containment area, have visited a few shops in the town, the officials are still carrying out contact tracing for them.

“The relaxation of the restrictions will depend on the test results of the samples collected from the contacts.”

The notification said that all offices and businesses must remain closed, and movement is suspended for 24 hours to conduct contact tracing. However, movement to deliver essential services, including transport for import and export, will be facilitated after 24 hours.

Travel from Samdrupjongkhar to other places is not allowed, and registration for quarantine for routine travel is suspended. Residents who were already in the quarantine facility will be facilitated for travel after completing the seven-day quarantine period.




According to the EC-19TF’s notification, all the containment centres at Phuentsho Rabtenling industrial areas approved by the EC-19TF shall be allowed to operate in strict containment mode. However, the movement of staff outside the area is restricted.

The mobile health team will facilitate emergency medical services, while anyone requiring clarification for assistance can call the control room at 1192.