𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞
𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐃-𝟏𝟗 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬
𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟖, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐
Under the constant guidance of His Majesty The King, our COVID-19 pandemic responses averted a major public health crisis and made a well-timed cautious transition to Phase II on April 4, 2022. Supported by emerging evidence and viral characteristics and efficacy of vaccines, further relaxations came into effect on May 2, 2022.
Our current surveillance shows a continuous decline in the national case trend and positivity rate. The rate of severity in cases and hospitalization in COVID-19 hospitals have decreased significantly. Moreover, our vaccination coverage continues to improve and no major outbreaks were reported even after the opening of all schools.
Thus, given the current situational status, it gives us renewed confidence to announce further relaxation for the entire nation as follows 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 (𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐).
- All entertainment centers including movie theatres can now resume their regular business at full capacity.
- All mass gatherings including religious ceremonies such as Tshechus and Moenlam Chenmos will be allowed with strict observance of basic COVID-19 protocols such as face masks and hand washing.
- All indoor and outdoor sporting activities including tournaments will be permitted with spectators. However, individuals showing COVID-19 symptoms are discouraged from taking part in any sporting activities.
- Virtual meetings/conferences/seminars/training are strongly encouraged to bring about greater efficiency and resource-saving. In cases where it is absolutely necessary to have in-person meetings, the meetings should be held in a well-ventilated room and coordinators must ensure that all participants use facemasks and practice hand washing/sanitizing.
- Bhutanese traveling abroad will no longer be required to seek travel clearance from the NC19TF/Department of Immigrations. However, outbound Bhutanese travellers are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and to take all precautionary measures for COVID-19 while traveling. For official travel, government agencies must exercise due diligence, prioritize such travels based on national priorities.
