Trashigang lockdown relaxation measures started yesterday evening. 

With no community transmission after several tests, the Trashigang dzongkhag Covid-19 task force decided to lift the lockdown from today evening. 

Merak gewog is declared as a red zone, Sakteng and the other 13 gewogs are green zones. 

However, due to the high-risk profile, Merak and Sakteng will be classified as a high-risk area. Henceforth movement from Merak and Sakteng will be restricted and will be allowed only after completing one week of quarantine and testing negative. 

The dzongkhag will ensure that essential food items and services are provided and business and trade will be ensured for two gewogs. 

Except for Merak and Sakteng, all schools, offices and institutions in other gewogs and towns will be allowed to resume as normal, the dzongkhag Covid-19 task force announced.  

However, travellers of stranded people of Trashigang and who wish to move out from Trashigang dzongkhag need to undergo antigen tests. They can visit nearby flu clinics in their respective places.   

The seven-day mandatory quarantine will be facilitated for those travelling to low-risk areas from Merak gewog including emergency travels.  

Business entities and sports: 

In terms of the business, all kinds of business will be allowed to operate from 6am to 9pm. However, only 50 percent of the capacity of restaurants, hotels, salons and barbers are allowed to operate.  

Sports such as archery, football and snooker will be allowed as per the existing protocols but entertainment such as drayang, karaoke will not be open. 

Meanwhile, people are advised to practice physical distancing and other health protocols regularly.

By Neten Dorji | Trashigang

Edited by Tashi Dema