Neten Dorji | Trashigang

In the wake of increasing Covid-19 cases in the neighbouring dzongkhag, Samdrupjongkhar, the Trashigang dzongkhag Covid-19 taskforce has alerted residents to be extra cautious.

The dzongkhag through a notification yesterday reminded all government and private agencies in the dzongkhag not to conduct any meeting, training or workshops until further notice.

The dzongkhag has requested the public to follow the Covid-19 safety protocols strictly.

“Individuals violating the Covid-19 norms shall be prosecuted in the court of law irrespective of their professional background,” stated the notification.

According to the dzongkhag’s incident commander and dzongdag, Chekey Gyeltshen, the ongoing dog population management programme has been deferred to minimise public gathering.

He said that Trashigang was vulnerable to Covid-19 infections as people travelling to other eastern dzongkhags passed through the dzongkhag.

He said that people had become a little complacent after receiving the first Covid-19 vaccine.

However, taskforce members said that no restrictions on annual religious activities had been imposed although mass gatherings were discouraged. “Participations in choeps from other communities should be restricted to the community and local leaders are responsible for monitoring such events,” Chekey Gyeltshen said.

With the increasing number of people coming from high-risk areas, the dzongkhag taskforce has also reminded officials on duty to be vigilant.

“Members of the public are requested to use facemasks, wash hands regularly, practice physical distancing and contact the nearest health centre if one shows flu-like symptoms,” the notification states.

Dzongkhag officials are monitoring the town ensuring people wear facemasks and use the Druk Trace app before entering a shop or restaurant. Officials on duty said that most people were aware of health protocols.

Meanwhile, hotels and restaurants are allowed to operate at 50 percent occupancy. According to officials, failures to comply with the Covid-19 safety protocols in shops and restaurants will be dealt as per the law.