Bhutan is under a 7-day lockdown as a number of COVID-19 cases have been detected in the country.
Amidst nationwide lockdown in Bhutan, India has handed over 20,000 COVID-19 RT-PCR test kits to the country. Kits were handed in southern border town of Phuentsholing. Bhutan is under a 7-day lockdown as a number of COVID-19 cases have been detected in the country.
India's envoy to Bhutan Ruchira Kamboj said, “India stands alongside Bhutan. Together, we will fight the COVID-19 pandemic, through a sustainable recovery.”
Since March 2020, New Delhi has sent 9 consignments of essential medicines such as Paracetamol, Cetirizine, Hydroxychloroquine, medical equipment like PPE kits, N95 masks, RT-PCR test kits and x-ray machines. India is also collaborating with Bhutan for conducting phase 3 clinical trials of the COVID-19 vaccine candidates.
Indian mission in Bhutan in a release said, “The delivery of these RT-PCR test kits will assist Bhutan’s Ministry of Health in carrying out essential testing, given the recent enforcement of a nationwide lockdown in the country.”
Bhutan is the first country in South Asia to announce a 2nd nationwide lockdown this year to deal with the COVID pandemic.
Issuing an order, the government stated that the lockdown across the nation will enable the government to control the spread of the disease and also discern the extent of transmission in the communities.
“In continuation to the inter-district movement restriction imposed this morning, the National COVID-19 Taskforce decided the need for a more stringent action after detection of sporadic cases in flu clinics in Thimphu and Paro, and also in Lhamoizingkha, which is evident of local transmission,” the statement said.
“In doing so, His Majesty has commanded that it should be of minimum inconvenience to our people. The government will strive to work towards that,” it said.
While only designated shops within the zones and essential services will be available, all schools, institutions, offices and business establishments will remain closed during the lockdown period.
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