𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
At this stage where we are considering some of the final relaxations of the COVID-19 restrictions imposed during the nation’s battle against the pandemic, we would like to thank everyone for the wholehearted support every Bhutanese rendered so far.
In the controlled, phase wise relaxations that we adopted, while gradually transiting into the second phase of COVID-19 management, we are happy to report that the progress is encouraging until now. Despite the increase in the daily case, the severity and hospitalisation are manageable. The health team and taskforces at all levels are working round the clock to monitor the situation.
Therefore, we would like to announce the following relaxations 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐 (𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲).
Quarantine
1. The mandatory quarantine and testing for domestic travellers from high-risk areas are being withdrawn hereon. The high-risk areas include Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, Dukti chiwog under Yallang gewog and Jangphutse-Manam villages under Toedtsho gewog in Trashiyangtse, Merak and Sakteng gewogs in Trashigang and all bordering areas in southern Bhutan.
They need not undergo home quarantine, either at place of origin or destination. Individuals who have entered home quarantine on or before April 3 will be allowed to travel on the enforcement date.
This major shift in policy comes after almost two years. It entailed huge inconvenience and sacrifices for all of us but helped sustained our efforts to detect and control the disease spread. We would like to thank everyone for the cooperation in this effort.
2. For international travellers, the mandatory 14-day quarantine period is being brought down to 𝐟𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐞. Individuals who are already in quarantine and complete five days on April 5 will be allowed to exit based on the revised quarantine protocol.
A close follow up of the global trends, disease prevalence and risk assessments will be ensured for timely intervention when required.
3. The sealing of “red” flats are beings lifted. Those testing positive are advised to self-isolate at home. In case of severe symptoms, please go to the nearest flu clinic or health facility, or call 1010.
𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬
1. All meetings, seminars and trainings are to be conducted virtually. Physical gathering is discouraged.
2. The entertainment centers will remain closed until further notice.
3. Escort services for people travelling via India will continue until the international quarantine remains. But for convenience of our public, frequency of escort services will be increased.
4. The testing requirement for all essential drivers will be discontinued.
5. Random testing will be conducted along the bordering communities for the surveillance of new variants.
6. Both antigen and RT-PCR tests will be offered in health facilities and designated flu-clinics for individuals who are symptomatic.
Meanwhile, we would like to request everyone to maintain caution as far as possible. We reiterate that Omicron is milder in comparison to earlier variants, but this does not mean it is “mild”. Wearing mask, hand washing and distancing from gathering are preventive from all droplet-induced infectious diseases like common cold and pulmonary tuberculosis.
Primarily, hand washing is the best measure we can adopt for our family’s health. These are also best antidote to skin, respiratory and bowel infection.
The second dose of vaccination for children between 5 and 11 years will be rolled out in campaign mode on April 4. Everyone, be it first, second or booster doses are urged to come forward to avail of the vaccines, which offers effective protection against Omicron variant.
