COVID-19 And All The Confusions

In my thinking, the DNT government showed great courage by not placing restrictions on tourist arrivals into the country, despite the continuing rise of incidences of COVID-19 around the world. Restrictions don’t help - it is counter productive.

What is important to assess is the government’s response capability: how prepared are we in terms of detection and containment? If we are not, then it is time to upscale our preparedness – on a war footing.

One thing we have to understand: There is no way we can keep away the virus from the country. Our best defense is not keeping away tourists, but being able to detect and contain all emerging cases, until the virus runs its course, which it will in due course of time.

But the first order of the day seems to be to better inform the Bhutanese people. As of now, they seem to believe that stocking up on food supplies and fuel reserves is their best defense against the virus. And what of the mask-wearing lot? Who floated this misconception that wearing face masks is effective against any viruses, let alone COVID-19?

The ongoing confusion aside, there is one thing we need to consider and work on a plan immediately:

What do we do about the upcoming Tshechus (festivals) around the country? The BICMA has already disallowed reality shows. The government has discouraged large gatherings.

What are our plans for the following Tsechus?:

Zhemgang Tshechu           April 01 – 03, 2020

Talo Tshechu                     April 01 – 03, 2020

Gasa Tshechu                    April 01 – 03, 2020

Gomphu Kora Tshechu     April 01 – 03, 2020

Paro Tshechu                     April 04 – 08, 2020

Rhododendron Festival     April 17 – 19, 2020

Domkhar Tshechu             May 02 – 04, 2020

Ura Yakchoe                      May 04 – 08, 2020

While the government is working on a plan, let us be responsible and contribute to the government’s efforts. Let us avoid large gatherings, or planning one.

As far as I am concerned, I have stopped going to gatherings,  crowded places, vegetable market, restaurants and hotels. I have stopped eating or drinking outside. I will resume normalcy only once the government tells me that we are safe from the threat of COVID-19.