𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟏

On the evening of May 12, 2021, a couple tested positive for COVID-19 on antigen test. Upon confirmation, the couple tested positive on RT-PCR with features of acute infection from a busy business centre (canteen) in Tashicholing, Samtse.

The surveillance team had traced over 13 primary contacts as of 10pm yesterday. The cases have over 150 people living in their residential cluster.

As precautionary measure and for further rapid tracings, the following measures are being taken in Samtse with immediate effect:

1. Samtse and Tashicholing (Sipsoo) towns will be under total lockdown.
2. No inter-gewog movement will be allowed in Samtse dzongkhag.
3. All offices, schools and institutions will remain closed until further notice.

The surveillance team has already started working and we will begin the unlocking process as soon as possible.

The increasing number of cases being detected along the bordering towns is indicative of ongoing wave coming closer to Bhutan. We would like to therefore urge everyone to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to keep yourself and your families safe.

Please avoid unnecessary gathering and wear facemasks at all times. We would like to advise that using double facemask offers you extra protection.

The new variant that is sweeping the region is far more contagious than the previous strains and has proven to cause higher fatalities.

It will be much easier for His Majesty The King and our frontline workers to protect us, if we follow all COVID norms and take care of ourselves first.