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COVID-19: Bhutan: 187 | Global: 24,605,229 | Recovered: 16,869,866 | Death: 834,771 | US: 6,046,060
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| West Bengal: 150,772 | Assam: 98,807 | Arunachal Pradesh: 3,633 | Sikkim: 1,542 MoE proposes to re-open classes IX to XII When lockdown ceases

Yangchen C Rinzin

The Ministry of Education has submitted a pro- posal to the Prime Minister to re-open Classes IX and XI along with Classes X and XII if the pandemic situation improves and the lockdown is lifted. Education Minister Jai Bir Rai told Kuensel that the proposal was readied before the na- tionwide lockdown came into force on August 11, as the ministry felt the need for face-face teaching. “But before the ministry could submit the proposal to the government, the nationwide lockdown was declared,” he said. Classes X and XII were re-opened before the From the recent mass surveillance: People queue up at Dhamdara for Covid-19 test Pg 15 lockdown in July. Regular classes for X and XII have been suspended following a nationwide lockdown on August 11. The minister said that the ministry is con- cerned, as the pandemic has affected students. We’re already noticing that closure of schools 21 Indian nationals among has impacted students and many students have also started losing interest in studies,” the minis- ter said. “We know that we’re not in a good situa- the 187 total Covid-19 tion, but we need to make a decision by keeping the virus at bay, as the trend is worrying.” Pg 2 cases in the country Younten Tshedup old man tested positive while in the the country of origin, anyone who is quarantine on August 22. He was a in Bhutan has to abide by and follow Focus Point f the 187 total posi- primary contact of one of the posi- the national protocols put in place. tive cases in the tive cases in Phuentsholing. “We cannot custom design different country as of last Following the announcement protocols for different people. The night, 21 of them yesterday, many questioned if the national-level testing, quarantine are Indian nationals government was trying to conceal or movement protocols applies to Oworking for Project DANTAK and the identity of the Indian nationals everyone who is in the country.” Indian Military Training Team (IM- testing positive. The positive cases She said that these cases did not TRAT). among 16 Project DANTAK employ- make a difference to the existing Health Minister Dechen Wang- ees in Phuentsholing were not new. control and preventive measures mo during a press conference yes- The information was revealed only mainly because the country was al- terday said that three new positive yesterday. ready in a nationwide lockdown that cases were detected at the IMTRAT Lyonpo said that the ministry prevented the movement of people headquarters in Haa yesterday has been sharing all possible de- from one place to another. morning. tails with respect to the pandemic. “Another advantage is that the Another two IMTRAT employ- She said that picking positive cases cases were detected in a cluster. They ees, one each in Thimphu and in the DANTAK or IMTRAT camps were not freely roaming individuals. Phuentsholing had also tested posi- made no difference to the extensive Therefore, it was much easier for us to tive recently. The one who tested preventive measures that are already do the contact tracing, testing and as- positive in Thimphu had travelled in place. sessing the risk within a short period from Phuentsholing. The 35-year- Lyonpo said that irrespective of of time.” Pg 16 HOME PAGE 2 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL Will Bhutan ever know its source of Covid-19? Yangchen C Rinzin was connected to the mini concluded, calls the source as a tested positive, as all the positive transmission)- where positive dry port case. This had con- cluster of a specific population people were in the same unit. cases are coming from a specific As Covid-19 reaches to interior firmed the local transmission and well contained areas. Another cluster was the 16 posi- place,” Lyonpo said. “If we’re to parts of the country, the health in Phuenthsoling and the town This will let to exact primary tive cases detected from Project find out whether mini dry port ministry is unable to establish was declared a red zone. contacts and its details. DANTAK and one from IMTRAT workers got it from Project how and when the virus en- Although Bhutan’s first For instance, one cluster is a in Phuentsholing. DANTAK or vice-versa, it will tered Phuentsholing, which is local transmission (25-year- mini dry port where the loader “It’s still a cluster (mode of not be easy to prove.” today a red zone. old loader) is technically an According to Health Minis- imported case, health minister ter Dechen Wangmo like Bhu- during a press briefing yes- tan, many countries are unable terday, said that the source of MoE proposes to re-open classes IX to XII to track down patient zero or infection and local transmis- pinpoint individuals who may sion in the country cannot be have been the first person to established. start spreading Covid-19. “It’ll depend on time but Health Minister Dechen it’ll not be easy to find how did Wangmo said, “Epidemiologi- the virus spread or where did cally, it will be difficult to prove they get it from,” Lyonpo said. the source for local transmis- “We cannot pinpoint the sion in Phuentsholing.” index case and conclude they Phuentsholing today has 41 triggered the outbreak.” people who are primary con- Patient zero or the index tacts of the 25-year-old loader, case refers to the first person who was the first to test positive to be infected by the Covid-19 from the mini dry port. in an outbreak in a community However, during the ac- and spread the virus. tive community surveillance Lyonpo said that based on of the 27,134 people tested, 25 the cases in Phuentsholing, the tested positive. None of them health ministry although not

Interrupted: An empty classroom in one of the schools in Tsirang (Photo: UNICEF Bhutan)

From Pg 1 situation right now, we can- if the situation improves. TV Schedule More than 200 students not keep the rest of the schools However, classes for PP-VIII August 29, 2020 from Classes X and XII dropped closed because of the situation will remain closed for the 2020 out from school when the in Phuentsholing,” Lyonpo said. academic session. Lyonpo said the proposal to Meanwhile, the minister Gatshor (Short Film) 9am schools resumed in July. Lyonpo said that although it relocate schools in Phuentshol- said that all the normal teach- Lue Dha Sem 10am would depend on the decision ing would happen if the govern- ing for Classes X and XII will Gasa Lami Singye 3:30pm of the government whether to ment decides to re-open other remain suspended, as an- approve the proposal or not, schools. Although the figure of nounced earlier while other it was important to continue students and teachers was not students would continue learn- The Silk Road 3:30pm education. shared, Lyonpo said that they ing through online lessons pro- Witness History 5:3pm “Yes, we need to take could be relocated to nearby vided through Self Instructional Covid-19 seriously, but we schools that have classes from Materials and other online plat- The Travel Show 7:30pm can’t keep students out of edu- PP-VIII and are closed right forms. cation. Things may not go back now. Lyonpo said the school ad- Cauvery Calling 7pm to normal, but education must “This is just a proposal to ministrations cannot conduct go on, and by following safety help students continue educa- normal classes for boarding Discover India 7:30pm measures, we must look into tion and if approved, we can students who are on the cam- Man Vs Wild 8:10pm re-opening of schools.” work further including the help pus right now, as this would be Students in Classes IX and from the health ministry in re- unfair to students who are at XI have to learn the lessons locating them,” Lyonpo added. home. If approved, the relocation “It cannot be possible for Impact Wrestling 6:30pm well to perform in the board examinations. would also apply to two private teachers to conduct normal UNL 2020 7pm schools in Phuentsholing. classes since some of the teach- Football Extra Live 8:30pm Relocation of students There are one public high- ers are in the campus while from Red Zone er secondary school and two some are off-campus,” Lyonpo The ministry has also pro- middle secondary schools in said. “The school administra- Wonder Park 7:40am posed to relocate Classes X Phuentsholing. tion can, however, come up and XII students and teachers Schools in other dzong- with their own ideas to keep Harry Potter 12:20pm of Phuentsholing to a safer khags with similar situations boarding students engaged She’s Out Of My League 11:20pm area to continue education. It would also be relocated accord- meaningfully.” is proposed given Phuentshol- ing to the proposal. Many principals of board- ing remains a red zone. The ministry has also pro- ing schools Kuensel talked to Dumbo 5:40pm The proposal also includes posed the government to re- said that students are either re-opening of Classes IX and look into re-opening of ECCDs, asked to complete the project Guardians Of The Galaxy 9:30pm XI and relocating students of Non-Formal Education, Com- works or assignments, read Percy Jackson 11:40pm these classes. munity Learning Centres, and books and are sometimes al- “While we understand the two institutes of deaf and blind lowed to watch movies on BBS. HOME Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Essential medical services running uninterruptedly Health ofcials urge people to cooperate

Younten Tshedup to provide timely response to overall patient visiting hospi- all. “This is because our vehi- tals decreased including peo- Despite the nationwide lock- cles have to wait for the indi- ple visiting the emergency unit. down, the health ministry has vidual for almost an hour. This “Unlike before, only the managed to keep essential disrupts our strategy and we real and genuine patients are medical services running un- land up doing only three trips coming now. This is what we interrupted across the coun- instead of 10 in a day.” want even after the lockdown try. “I would like to request is lifted. We want people to visit Services like mother and people if they have called for the hospitals only if they really childcare, immunisation, ambulances to be ready on need the service.” reproductive health, emer- time and not to keep the ve- The secretary also said that gencies, care for vulnerable hicles waiting,” said Dr Ugen people should only call the hot- population (infants and el- Hotline Dophu. “Don’t delay the ve- line numbers if they are in need derlies above 60 years) includ- Ambulance - 112 hicles as they have to cater to of the medical services. “There ing persons with disabilities Old age related problem - 6060 other people as well.” are people who call our hot- and medication for ongoing line numbers to flirt with lady General health consultation - 2121 management of chronic dis- For an efficient system health workers attending the eases including mental health, The health ministry has made calls.” among others continues to it mandatory, since August 11, He said that prank calls and be available in all the health an access point to pick and ual households. “So far we have to allow only one attendant per queries about other issues such centres. drop medicine refills. received good feedback on the patient in all hospitals across as garbage collection, vegeta- Health Secretary Dr Ugen People requiring the refill initiative. We want to replicate the country. To reinforce the ble delivery and other services Dophu said that even before are asked to drop their pre- this in other urban centres too regulation and in prepara- clog the hotline and deprive the nationwide lockdown was scription with their contact in the future.” tion of a worst-case scenario, opportunities of those requir- enforced, all health facilities details at the identified shops. He said that the method the ministry on Thursday an- ing health services. were asked to dispense refill In the evening health staff col- was piloted in Thimphu as nounced that all patients who “Please cooperate with us medicine for three months lect the prescription, collect the there were complaints of delay are going to be admitted to the so that we can cater to as many except for those requiring fre- medicine from the pharmacy in delivery. The mechanism he hospital along with their at- people as possible. If people quent consultations. at the national referral hospital said was possible and more ef- tendants would be tested for continue calling these num- and drop it back at the same fective in urban areas. Covid-19. bers unnecessarily, we might New initiatives shop. The ministry has also put in A notification from the have to take legal action against Following the lockdown, refills Health officials said that additional vehicles to comple- ministry stated that patient at- them,” he said. for patients who were on long- individuals could collect their ment the existing ambulance tendants would not be allowed Dr Ugen Dophu said that term medication for chronic medicine the next day. And fleet at all levels of health care to change until the patient is since more lockdowns could diseases were delivered at should someone forget to col- centres up to basic health unit discharged. No food from happen henceforth, the health their doorsteps. lect the refill, the shopkeeper (BHU) grade I. outside would be allowed and system has to be more efficient However, the ministry re- or a De-Suup on duty would Depending on the size of the health facilities would provide with each lockdown. “Covid- cently piloted another mecha- contact the individual to col- centres, the secretary said that a balanced diet food for the pa- 19 will stay for a while and the nism to further streamline the lect the refill. additional vehicles were put tients and the attendant. Also health system has to be wiser delivery of medicine refills in Dr Ugen Dophu said that to reach maximum public and no visitors or relatives would be and more efficient going for- Thimphu. With the introduc- this method was found to be carter services immediately. allowed to visit patients. ward. And people should also tion of the zoning system, more sustainable and easy However, he said that de- Dr Ugen Dophu said that become more cooperative so health ministry identified one rather than health workers hav- spite the additional vehicles it although admissions to the that things can work more ef- outlet (shop) in each zone as ing to drop the refills to individ- was challenging for the centres hospitals are continuing, the ficiently.” HM’s relief kidu benefits desperate families Tshering Namgyal | Mongar lief Kidu (DGRK) team imme- search for work in Gelephu. out any alternative, it was inevi- have rice to eat at home,” he diately made to the site and He had never returned nor table and had to ask for kidu,” said. “We are putting extra As days passed, the little they delivered essentials like rice, sent any money. she said. “I am very grateful to burden on His Majesty who had was running out - rice, oil, oil, milk powder, cheese and Tenzin and her family His Majesty The King for saving is worried about the disease, cheese and vegetables. It was salt among others. Ngatshang rented a small house for Nu us from going hungry.” but we had no choice but to near crisis as the lockdown gewog administration also 2,300 a month and started Tenzin Dema is not alone. look for help.” continued for two weeks. supported the families with weaving for a living, but Many people who were badly As of yesterday the Mon- There was no money to re- butter, cheese, and vegetable couldn’t afford the rent. They affected by the pandemic and gar Dzongkhag DGRK team plenish even if a few shops items. had no money to even pay the lockdown received Kidu handed over His Majesty’s opened. The 26-year old said her the cable operator for a year. form His Majesty’s Kidu office kidu to 68 vulnerable families Tenzin Dema (name year-long ordeal came to an A restaurant above her house in Mongar. who were mostly day-wage changed) was worried. She end after she received His had come to their rescue with Another beneficiary, Tsh- workers, who were affected had a family to feed. Des- Majesty The King’s kidu. Ten- leftover food from the kitchen. ewang Namgyal, from Mongar by the lockdown. Following perate and lost in Yadi town, zin has been living with her Their source of meals came to gewog said he had to ask for the recommendations from Mongar, she called up the husband and two daughters at an abrupt end when the lock- kidu after he lost his busi- the gewogs, the DGRK team Royal Kidu Office. Help came Yadi town for a few years now. down closed the restaurant. ness in January. “All the little members said they went and came immediately. The Her husband, after losing his “I’ve been bearing the situa- savings I had were spent on door-door to verify the ap- Dzongkhag Druk Gyalpo’s Re- job with a corporation, left in tion as much as we could. With- house rent and I didn’t even plicants. EDITORIAL PAGE 4 Saturday, August 29, 2020 | KUENSEL

MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN Revealing details of Covid-19 cases very time the health ministry updates the status of Covid-19 cases in the country, there are more ques- tions than answers. People want to know who, where and how an individual contracted the virus. They are after details to the extent that the media is blamed Efor releasing half-baked information. Long time no play: Both the health ministry and the public have their own justi- The neglected fate of fications. The public wants to know the details because they are a khuru target during concerned. If they know the details of the person like where he these troubled times or she had travelled or visited, it would help them report or help Photo: Sonam Dorji, MoFA authorities in tracing contacts. Some are even questioning the Thimphu pleas the health ministry made to help them trace as information provided is vague or incomplete. The health ministry is governed by rules and ethics. They Send in your pictures to: [email protected] cannot issue details. In our case, people are ready to stigmatise and it is right to be socially concerned about revealing details. The debate will ensue as long as the pandemic lasts. Without access to information After the health ministry revealed that 21 of the 187 Covid-19 positive cases so far are Indians, officials of Project DANTAK and freedom of media does not exist the Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), there were more A democratic government effort to fight this pandemic and doubts. When citizens are questions. The instant reaction was that the government was must ensure transparency, solely depends on the correct well informed, mutual trust hiding information, as they had no control over the two foreign openness, and accountability. and adequate information. grows between the citizens organisations in the country. There had been rumours, for many Government’s willingness Any confusing information and their government.” Proper weeks now, that these officials were free to travel in and out of to uphold the fundamental will result in social chaos access to accurate information the country even when the border was sealed. right to information is and eventually cost people’s will not only “facilitate active The health ministry confirmed 16 positive cases among key to transparency and confidence in the government. participation of the people in Project DANTAK officials, five among IMTRAT and revealing a accountability. This right is Second, any distortion or denial the democratic governance case from August 22 only after a week gave reasons for people presumed to exist when the of right to information will process, but also promotes to be suspicious. The health minister assured that it was not information is “freely available result in fake news, rumours, openness, transparency important to reveal who tested positive as long as the national and directly accessible to and anonymity. Further, since and accountability in protocols are followed. Whether it is an official of a foreign or- those who will be affected the public authorities are vested administration.” by such decisions and their with unlimited power during Fifth, unlike most other rights, ganisation or a local farmer, as long as the case is managed well, enforcement.” Any secrecy the lockdown, it may amount right to information benefits the risk too is managed. If contacts are traced and quarantined would extinguish these basic to abuse and threaten the both the government and public following protocols, it doesn’t matter who or which nationality tenets of a democracy. foundations of our democracy. directly. Access to information tested positive. This week, Kuensel, through The only way to ensure that will help people build If all foreign organisations in the country are governed and an editorial cast doubts on the government functions confidence in our government strictly adhered to the protocols and standards established, the government’s willingness to within the limits of democratic and promote mutual trust fight against the spread of the virus could be controlled. share adequate information. values and uphold the people’s between the state and people. However, the concern among the public makes sense. The The editorial further raised confidence now rest with Mutual trust and confidence in government had been telling people to be concerned, not panic. concerns about risks of media. government are key essentials When rumours are not clarified, it creates panic. Bhutanese say speculations or rumours in the Third, our freedom of speech, in success of the lockdown and there won't be smoke without a fire. They heard that foreigners society which could seriously opinion, and expression, right fighting this pandemic together impede the collective fight to information and right to as one. had contracted the virus. It became a concern to the extent against the pandemic and vote depends on freedom of Finally, in any true democracy, that some are convinced that the virus reached Phuentsholing prejudice the functioning of a media. Though article 1 of the public has the right to through uncontrolled movement of foreign officials. responsible media. An editor of our Constitution states that demand and scrutinise the The health minister clarified that every individual in the private newspapers on his social power belongs to people, it actions of public authorities country, foreign or local are governed by the same protocol and network wrote: “Private media is our representatives, the and hold them accountable. it is being followed. This should convince the people. Transpar- houses are not short of news, government, who actually has The code of ethics for the ency could help people become more cautious. We have seen we are short of sources and the the power. Article 20 (6) of our journalist requires that media this before. With three new cases confirmed among IMTRAT only solution is transparency constitution thus, mandates must report accurately without officials in Haa yesterday, residents of Haa would be more cau- and cooperation to give right the government to "promote fear and favour. The question tious, for instance. These would help the government’s effort in information.” an efficient civil administration of accuracy, correctness and controlling the virus or the people during the lockdown. First, with the nationwide based on the democratic values unbiased reporting will largely lockdown, the state has and principles.” People can depends on their access to suspended almost all our judge and speak to government information. rights under article 7 of our only when there is access to constitution. The only visible information. Information is key right now is the right to freedom to upholding the democratic FOR FEEDBACK of media under Article 7(5). In values and principles. Sonam Tshering this pandemic, access to right Fourth, one of the framers Lawyer, Thimphu Call 324684 or email information by media is the of our Constitution wrote most crucial because the entire “Information is knowledge. Disclaimer: The views [email protected] nation relies on details through Knowledge empowers people expressed in this article are media. Our unity and collective and removes the uncertainty author's own.

MANAGING DIRECTOR - Bachu Phub Dorji, MANAGING EDITOR - Ugyen Penjor, PRINTING GM - Karma Nima, MARKETING & SALES GM - Karma J Yangzom, KANGLUNG REGIONAL MANAGER - Ugyen Wangdi HOME Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 Health officials carry out a series of tests in Trashigang Neten Dorji | Trashigang working along the road sides the safety measures to ensure was identified as higher risks,” the safety for both the parties.” In Trashigang, 872 staff of In- said an official. Another worker, Dawa dian Military Training Team “We are conducting a Norbu, said that they were safe (IMTRAT), Project DANTAK rapid diagnostic test and send- and relieved. “If someone is (GREF) officials and Bhutanese ing nasal and throat swabs for infected among us, all would workers were tested for Covid- PCR to Mongar hospital,” said be infected easily. It went well, 19. Swab samples would be Jigme Tenzin, Doctor of Re- the health official conducted sent to Monger Regional Refer- serbu General Hospital. the test before it was too late.” ral Hospital to test on RT-PCR. A machine operator, Tashi Trashigang has quaran- Health officials visited Dorji, said that it was impor- tined five individuals at facility places such as IMTRAT and tant to test for Covid-19. quarantine and placed 85 in DANTAK campus in Kanglung, “We are now feeling re- home quarantine. Khaling and Moshi, among lieved as the officials con- The surveillance teams others, to conduct the tests. ducted a test, and the result trace the travel history at the Health officials say they was also negative,” said Choki entry point and if someone conducted the test following wangmo, who is a day worker comes from an infected area, the notification from the Min- with DANTAK. “I also learned he or she is directly quaran- A health official collects the sample at Moshi in istry of Health. “Individuals that it is important to maintain tined. Warmrong Urban agriculture initiative supplies 500kg of vegetables during lockdown

Choki Wangmo time for cleaning and weed- ing due to lockdown, the The urban agriculturists production was good. He under the urban and peri-ur- said that the agriculture de- ban agriculture initiative in partment had arranged spe- Thimphu supplied about 500 cial permit and was taking kilograms (kg) of vegetables farmers to the field follow- to the Centenary Farmers’ ing proper health protocols. Market during the lockdown. “Except for the harvest, we The second harvest is aren’t allowed to work in the expected yesterday. town areas according to the A group harvested 399kg protocols. The permit is for of vegetables from 21 plots one person and he or she of land in Beybena, Chang- can’t do much.” tagang, Kushuchen, and Be- “Few of them are dis- gana during the lockdown. heartened,” he added. They earned Nu 18,585. A The farmers officially farmer said the prices were harvested the produce twice comparatively lesser than before the lockdown. the market price but “this is He, however, said that the time for us to help the due to the lockdown they nation.” had missed second crop- Some of the farmers, ping which starts in August- however, were upset with Crops ready for harvest in Beybena, Thimphu September and is harvested the prices they were given. by the end of October. Crops For example, a kg of beans in the coming days as per the The initiative which Now with the nation- like turnip, radish peas, and fetched Nu 23 and Nu 19 for instruction of the agriculture rolled out in May as a part wide lockdown, the groups onions are grown in the sec- cabbage according to the department and the national of Covid-19 initiative con- said they were worried ond cropping season. government-fixed price dur- Covid-19 task force, which verted 26 acres of fallow land about self-sufficiency if the He said that the pricing ing lockdown. “Such prices allows only one person from converted to agricultural lockdown continues. “Our system was fixed by the na- might discourage farmers,” the group to visit the field. land in places such as Be- work plan is to continue the tional task force in collabo- one of them said. “Due to movement re- gana, Bebeyna, Kushuchen, agriculture work as before ration with the agriculture Sixty percent of the crops striction and delay in har- Changtagang and thromde and would like to request department and included like beans, carrot, pumpkin, vest, crops such as spinach, areas in the capital. There the government to allow us the cost of production and coriander, chili, peas, radish, carrot, coriander were dam- are 34 groups, mostly laid-off to work at the field with few prevailing market price. cabbage, broccoli, cauliflow- aged by rain, sunshine, and workers from the hospital- people.” Some members pro- er, and spring onion was har- invasive weed,” a farmer ity sector. The initiative was The coordinator of the posed door-to-door sale of vested. The group expects to said, adding that some of the funded by Food and Agricul- initiative, BB Rai, said that vegetables in places near harvest the remaining crops crops were stolen. ture Organisation. although they did not get their fields. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL

vacaNcY aNNouNcemeNT NaTioNal peNsioN aNd provideNT FuNd NPPF/HRD-07/ Natonal Pension and Provident Fund is pleased to announce the following vacancies; Sl. Positon Slot Qualifcaton Work experience Grade Employment Bachelor’s degree in Nil 8 Human Resource 1 Human Resource 1 Regular. Ofcer Minimum of 2 years of 7 or 6 (grade and Bachelor’s degree work experience in handling salary shall be based employee performance systems. on work experience) Bachelor’s degree in 7 Analyst, Pension actuarial science 2 1 Nil Regular and PF Division Bachelor’s degree in 8 statstcs. Maintenance in Class 12 pass with 2 years 3 charge, 1 Diploma in Civil Nil 10 Regular Phuentsholing Engineering. Class XII pass with 2 years 10 4 Legal Assistant 1 Nil Regular Diploma in Natonal Law. Program Class 12 pass (on or afer 5 Assistant, Pension 2 Nil 12 Regular year 2018). and PF Division Nil and age should be 50 One year contract Security Guard, years old or less at the Minimum of 10 years as and renewable 6 2 GSP Phuentsholing tme of applicaton armed force personnel. thereafer based submission on performance. Note: Please visit www.nppf.org.bt for complete details like ToRs and informaton on salary; An applicant can apply for only one positon; and the last date for applicaton submission is on or before 3:00 pm on September 3, 2020. Please contact HRD @ 02-335096 / 17815177 during ofce hours for any enquiries or clarifcatons. Kindly note that physical documents will not be accepted as part of the COVID-19 preventve measures. Disclaimer: NPPF shall not be responsible for the disqualifcaton of your candidature resultng from non-submission of full and complete supportng documents in the prescribed format within the applicaton deadline. Administraton

TeNder NoTice druK HoldiNG aNd iNvesTmeNTs LtD. corporaTe services divisioN DHI invites sealed bids from Bhutanese frms for the supply of following items: 1. Laptops 2. Diary and Calendar for the year 2021 For further informaton, please visit www.dhi.bt or www.tender.bt or contact Procurement unit, DHI @ 02336257/58 or 17607907/17631696 during ofce hours.

aNNouNcemeNT To adverTise iN KueNsel: KueNsel corporaTioN Kuensel would like to request all our valued clients to Call 326191 or fax 326638; menton the bill number against which you are making e-mail us at: [email protected] the payments in the partculars column in your e-payment instructon voucher and similarly in the deposit slip for To subscribe KueNsel: Call 327463; over the counter deposits, and kindly mail the payment instructons/deposit slip to [email protected] DIVER SION Saturday, August 29, 2020 | KUENSEL PAGE 7

KwikPuzzle Xword 2055 © Gemini Crosswords 2013 All rights reserved Cryptic Clues Quick Clues 123 4 5678Quick CLUES Across Sudoku AcrossAcross 1 Crafty sort of shelter for troops (6) 1 Small 1 exclusiveSmall exclusive group (6)group (6) 4 All told; twice (3,5) 910 4 Utterly 4 Utterly perplexed perplexed (3,2,3) (3,2,3) 9 Affected a stylish greeting (6) 9 Confirm 9 Confirm (6) (6) 10 The Utopian has his own collection of notions (8) 11 10 Pencil 10 Pencil lead (8)lead (8) 12 Made a comeback and was elected (8) 12 Versatile 12 Versatile (8) (8) 12 13 13 Good man in a new role looking after horses (6) 13 Military 13 Military pageant pageant (6) (6) 15 Boy of note (4) 14 15 Chief 15 Chief part in part play in (4) play (4) 16 East caught in wild hailstorm - it’s about temperature (10) 16 Movement 16 Movement at a crawl at a crawl(6,4) (6,4) 15 16 17 19 Pull leg about being in bed that’s untidy (10) 19 Source 19 Source of awkward of awkward problems (3,2,5) 20 Game suitable for women (4) 18 problems 20 Yearn (3,2,5) (4) 23 Work’s returning; employ a partner (6) 20 Yearn 23 Brisk (4) (6) 25 A body-builder or space traveller (8) 19 20 21 23 Brisk 25 Austrian(6) composer 1797-1828 (8) 27 Edward being in poor health is unsuitable (8) 22 25 Austrian 27 Exactly composer at appointed 1797- time (2,3,3) 28 Knock everybody out (6) 1828 28 (8) Small crustacean (6) 29 Hills split internally by floods (8) 23 24 25 27 Exactly 29 Once at appointed (8) time 30 He arranges the grave stone to be assembled about ten (6) (2,3,3) 30 The East (6) 26 28 Small crustacean (6) Down 27 28 29 OnceDown (8) 1 Unusually rum code of behaviour (7) 30 The 1 EastPainstaking (6) (7) 2 Dog finally had puppies - that was splendid (9) 2 For the most part (2,3,4) 3 They’ll put you in your place (6) 3 Inequitable (6) 29 30 5 Free from any sound of noise pollution (4) 5 Prank (4) How to play Down 6 Picture a conveyance (8) 1 Painstaking 6 Emphatic (7) approval (8) 7 Hearing noisy Fillneighbour in the grid could so be one (5) August 27, answers 2 For 7the Author most part of Gulliver’s (2,3,4) Travels (5) 8 Fired with real reform and no exaggeration? (7) 8 Breathtaking (7) that every row, every Across: 1 Captain, 5 Succeed, 9 Remnant, 10 Fat cats, 11 Booty, 12 3 Inequitable (6) 11 A communication you’ll understand when you get it (7) Solution to last week’s puzzle 11 42nd President of US (7) column, and every 3 Supervise, 13 Unscathed, 15 Cheat, 16 Exile, 18 Role model, 21 Emotional, 24 5 Prank (4) 14 His mate turns with disbelief (7) 14 Trick to attract publicity (7) X 3 box contains the Odour,FIRED 25 Address,OG LE26 Twaddle,TDRO 27P Hurtled, 28CA Scenery.PTA IN S UCCEED 6 Emphatic approval (8) 17 One way follows another for a churchman (9) U E O U I H E A A O T O O A X E 17 Simultaneously (2,3,4) numbers 1 through 9. R EGENCY FRETFUL REM NANT FATC ATS 7 Author of Gulliver’s Travels (5)

18 Test case involving a recorder maybe (8) 18 Uniform (2,1,5) Answer Answer Down:R A 1Caribou,A E E2 Pompous,I E 3 AtE any rate,I 4 Notes,P N5 Soft-pedal,E T 6E Cater,M 7 C 8 Breathtaking (7) 19 May be taken for Garibaldi (7) I SLET D ESERTRAT BOOTY SUPERVISE 19 Discarded (4-3) Examine, 8 Descent, 14 Hard-nosed, 15 Come of age, 16 Eyewash, 17 In order, 11 42nd President of US (7) 21 Fish with a pin perhaps (7) E L E T E T O U R E N N 21 Deteriorate through neglect (2,2,3) 19RO Do-or-die,YALN 20AVY Larceny,TH 22 EMEIdeal, 23 Lotus. U NSCAT HED CHEAT 14 Trick to attract publicity (7) 22 One insect let out another (6) L S L A T A A O 17 Simultaneously 22 German Protestant (2,3,4) theologian (6) 24 Bid for a chest without a top (5) I DAHO C HECKMATE EX ILE ROLEMODEL 24 In pursuit of (5) N R E E I X Y N D E O A 18 Uniform (2,1,5) 26 Trial sample (4) HITANDRUN LILAC EMOT IONAL ODOUR 19 Discarded 26 Frustrate (4-3) (4) E I O T A E M U W R D YEO AORSF R C 21 Deteriorate through neglect ROSETTA T RADERS A DDRESS TWADDLE Health I T E I A V N E S E A AEGOU G I N (2,2,3) TREASBHUTANON LAERTES HURTLED SCENERY 22 German Protestant Capsule Cryptic Quick theologian (6) Across: 1 Firedog, 5 Let drop, 9 Regency, 10 Fretful, 11 Islet, 12 Desert rat, 13 Royal Navy, 15 Theme, Across: 1 Captain, 5 Succeed, 924 Remnant, In pursuit 10 of Fat(5) cats, 11 Booty, 12 Supervise, 13 Unscathed, 15 16 Idaho, 18 Checkmate, 21 Hit-and-run, 24 Lilac, 25 Rosetta, 26 Traders, 27 Treason, 28 Laertes. Cheat, 16 Exile, 18 Role model, 2126 FrustrateEmotional, (4) 24 Odour, 25 Address, 26 Twaddle, 27 Hurtled, 28 Scenery. Down: 1 Furrier, 2 Regally, 3 Donatello, 4 Guyed, 5 Life style, 6 Their, 7 Referee,Japanese 8 Palette, 14ambassador inaugurates Solution on Tuesday Ascertain, 15 Take leave, 16 Inherit, 17 Artiste, 19 Ailment, 20 Excuses, 22 Notes, 23 Natal. Down: 1 Caribou, 2 Pompous, 3 At any rate, 4 Notes, 5 Soft-pedal, 6 Cater, 7 Examine, 8 Descent, 14 telecommunicationHard-nosed, project 15 Come of age, 16 Eyewash, 17 In order, 19 Do-or-die, 20 Larceny, 22 Ideal, 23 Lotus.

Idioms So hungry I could eat a horse An expression meaning extremely hungry, able to eat almost anything

Wizard PERSPECTIVE PAGE 8 Monday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL New Normal Education will start with New Normal Teachers Education will never be like before; new normal education has begun. New normal education will start with new normal teachers.

hildren lost the whole of 2020 academic session and we are uncertain Cof 2021 academic session or beyond. This will cost eve- ryone dearly. The pandemic has affected education like never before. It has forced homeschooling and online learning—suddenly, chil- dren stopped going to schools and stayed home. Education was synonymous to schooling and there were very less or no alternatives to education. Sud- denly, when the school gates closed for children due to the pandemic, the otherwise lively classrooms and play grounds were nothing more than empty structures. Homeschooling and on- Photo: Sonam Norbu line learning were something no one was familiar with but children. We are still doing ers who can make everything new normal teaching learning to move up from the comfort we had no options. Bhutan the best. deliverable. New Normal cycle. Technology is a big part zone of being just teachers. saw one of the best contin- Now, six months into the Education will start with new of the new normal education. Most of our strategies ued education delivery right pandemic and the nation in normal teachers. Teachers Teachers must become crea- learnt at the colleges are from the beginning when lockdown, it is certain that must start accepting, prepar- tive content creators. Video already becoming obsolete the pandemic’s pandemo- the new normal education ing, learning, unlearning, conference-based classes, and so will our skills. The nium started hitting us. Under should take a good shape relearning and delivering the Google Classrooms, Virtual uncertain times is calling the farsighted guidance of our and foundation. We are new normal education. Our Learning Environment, Chat all teachers to gear up for a beloved King, a supportive continuously blessed by His children are out there in their rooms and virtual connectiv- whole new way of teaching government and a dedicated Majesty’s visionary’s guid- homes and every passing day ity with learners are some of learning. Time is now to invest Ministry of Education along ance. The government will without school should be the many things that teachers your time in getting ready for with various stakehold- support. Ministry of Educa- made as worthwhile as possi- start learning seriously and something that is uncertain. ers, every effort was made tion will lead and every other ble. Parents will do their part. accepting it as an integral When everyone else is taking by this tiny yet nation of big stakeholder will do their Time calls for teachers who part of the profession. Using care of their role in the new dreams. eLearning through best for future fitting our are resilient and possessing technology and online plat- normal education, the 9,000 Tele Education, Google Class- education system and going strong emotional intelligence. forms to deliver lessons will plus teachers, who are the key rooms, Social Media platforms forward with a promising and Teachers should be tech savvy be a challenge to overcome players, must gear up. Teach- and Self-Instructional Materi- practical new normal educa- innovators who are continu- because technology based ers will play the biggest role als reached all 170,000 plus tion. However, it is teach- ously learning to create the learning is the future. A PDF in realising the new normal file sent in a class chat room education as a success. The with notes and questions is stakeholders must equally just a small start-interactive, equip, engage and empower user friendly and creative teachers with the opportuni- ways of lesson delivery along ties of taking forward the new with assessment and engage- normal education. Teachers ment strategies are the big- are humble professionals and ger steps. The new normal are always ready to adapt, in- education will require the novate and initiate. Teachers leadership of self and teachers are important in every society collaborating with each other at all times but this uncertain as well as stakeholders is a future calls for an added im- new normal priority. Teach- portance and responsibility of ers must become the most teachers. creative and versatile profes- sionals. Critical thinking and Contributed by communication skills should Sonam Norbu be a constant focus for every Teacher teacher. In summary, teachers Lobesa LSS, Punakha need to inspire themselves LOCKDOWN IMPRESSIONS Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 9 My Lockdown Experience

oronavirus is a deadly virus which started from Wuhan in China in December 2019. I got engaged in several activities, like playing games, As of today, 213 countries have been listening to music, doing household chores and watch- affected with total death toll of over ing Bhutanese movies on BBS. Out of all the Bhutanese 800,000. movies, I enjoyed “The Pot of Gold” a lot because it was C so hilarious and funny. Bhutan is also affected and, as of now, 183 people have been infected. But, fortunately, the virus hasn’t claimed Above all, lockdown was a blessing in disguise for as I a single person in our country so far. became more close to my family and spent quality time together. It was also an opportune moment to be near However, upon declaration of community transmission my grandmother who taught me how to be respectful to in Phuentsholing, the lockdown was imposed from Au- my elders. gust 11. I salute our King and the government for keeping us During the lockdown, I did many things which created safe. a lasting memory for me. Initially, when the lockdown started, it was little boring as I didn’t have freedom to go Drimey Paldrup out and enjoy with my friends but gradually I began to Class VI C cope with the situation. Druk School

ways you can help keep your My King, My God children safe online Keep them safe with open communication Have an honest dialogue with your children about who they communicate mong the great leaders in the with and how. Make sure they understand the value of kind and supportive world past and present, my King interactions and that mean, discriminatory or inappropriate contact is never is the best. To me my King is my acceptable. If your children experience any of these, encourage them to tell god whose compassion knows no you or a trusted adult immediately. Be alert if your child appears to be upset bounds. or secretive with online activities or if they are experiencing cyberbullying. A Work with your child to establish rules on how, when and where devices can In these difficult times, Bhutan is the safest coun- be used. try and Bhutanese the luckiest people on earth. The way my King has been leading the fight against Use technology to protect them the deadly Covid-19, words are not enough to ex- Check that your child’s device is running the latest software and antivirus press gratitude. programs, and that privacy settings are on. Keep webcams covered when not in use. For younger children, tools such as parental controls, including safe Day and night, my Kings is on the frontline to en- search, can help keep online experiences positive. sure that His people are safe. I can’t imagine what Be cautious of free online educational resources. Your child should never would befallen us if our King did not take the lead. have to provide a photo or their full name to use these resources. Remember Yet the threat from the novel coronavirus grows. to check the privacy settings to minimize data collection. Help your child Words are not enough to express our thankfulness learn to keep personal information private, especially from strangers. to our King but we can all follow the health and lockdown protocols. That would be our greatest Spend time with them online gift to our kind and compassionate King. Create opportunities for your child to have safe and positive online interac- tions with friends, family and you. Connecting with others is more important Let’s pledge to keep ourselves and our country safe than ever at the moment and this can be an excellent opportunity for you to today. My King, you are my light, my god and my model kindness and empathy in your “virtual interactions”. strength. Help your child recognize and avoid misinformation and age-inappropriate content that may increase anxiety about the COVID-19 virus. Many digital resources from credible organizations like UNICEF and the World Health Organization are available for you and your child to learn about the virus Tshering Norbu together. Spend time with your child to identify age appropriate apps, games and other online entertainment. -who.int HOME PAGE 10 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL Hay Lung: Haa, the Sacred Valley of Surprises

n Drubthob Thang- Ap Chungdu ger came to sell the head tong Gyalpo’s The main protector of the of the statue. Drawn by the (1385- 1446/1458?) sacred Hay valley is Ap workmanship, the sculptor biography, the valley Chungdu. People in the placed it on the body and it of Haa is referred to valley revere him as their stuck like a magnet. Ias Hay. The Choekey, word principal protector as much Fondly known as Lopen is used to express breath- as they fear his wrath. Pemala, his story validates taking surprise. Five centu- Ap Chungdu features in local knowledge but the ries later, the great Tibetan Terton Pema Lingpa’s book village elders have more Dzogchen master, Polu of revelations, Thuji Chenpo details to share. According Khenpo Dorji (c. 1896-1970) Muensel Droenme. Accord- to them, when the sculp- confirmed the name of the ing to a legend in the book, tor was finding it difficult valley as Hay. during the eighth century to sculpt the head of the Like Haa, there are Guru Rinpoche performed statue, a stranger dressed multiple sacred sites by the the fifth series of Avalokites- in blue appeared at crack of same name, both in Bhutan vara’s Abhisekha ceremony dawn. After delivering the and elsewhere. For example, at the cave of Gyon-yul-pal. head of the statue he disap- Paro Taktsang was called At that time, Ap Chun- peared from view. Hay Taktsang. The monas- gdu had been working in Seeing the statue fit tery of Neyphug is actually concert with other evil perfectly, the sculptor is Hay Phug. In Tibet there is a deities. Together, they were amazed. When he looks for monastery called Hay Puri. trying to obstruct the Guru’s the stranger, he is nowhere Similarly in Nepal, the vil- spiritual pursuits. The com- to be found. Overwhelmed, lage next to the sacred site bined evil forces created the sculptor exclaims “Hay”. of the Draphu Ma Ra Tika cyclones, set lakes on fire, That statue is the main is called Hay Li Si. All these split rocks, cut down forests, nangten (relic) of the sites have two things in reduced mountains to rub- Lhakhang Karpo and can common: association with ble and rolled the resultant still be seen today. The Guru Padmasambhava and debris down the hillsides. peculiar feature is that the towering hills. In defence, Guru Rinpoche head is slightly bent and The eighth century mys- simply wielded a golden somewhat disproportion- tic Guru Padmasambhava is dorje and knocked the evil ately large for the body. credited with the creation of forces unconscious. The other main nangten several hidden lands to offer According to the legend, of the Lhakhang Karpo, a safe refuge in times of crisis. when Ap Chungdu regained statue of Jowo, is considered Several of these sanctuaries consciousness, he found Photo taken in 1987 from Drukair enroute to Paro equally sacred. Lopen Pe- are in Bhutan. Haa is con- himself turned into a boy. (Photo: Felicity Shaw) mala found that both tem- sidered one of them. Realizing Guru Rinpoche’s ples were built by the same Ancient lore embraces power, he prostrated him- carpenter. It is believed that him in the Lhakhang Karpo. pigeon free from Lhasa. The tales of how Guru Rinpoche self in submission before the master craftsman was places where these birds hid many ter or treasures in the almighty Guru with the the manifestation of King landed in Haa are where he Bhutan including in the Haa following words: “We are all Black and White Tem- Songtsen Gampo. While no had the temples built mi- valley. The great Buddhist your subjects. We pledge to ples written records have yet sur- Lhakhang Karpo, the White raculously in one day. master blessed Haa as a bes dedicate our lives to your faced, oral tradition holds Temple is one of the most The second story is as ney or hidden land. Follow- service. We shall be the it that the master carpenter important temples of the val- magical as the first one. It ing in the Guru’s footsteps, protectors of the Buddhist miraculously built the tem- ley. The other is Lhakhang recounts that people ap- many other great Buddhist doctrine.” It is said that ples at the same time as the Nakpo, the Black Temple. peared from the three hills, masters visited and blessed Guru accepted Ap Chun- Kyichu temple in Paro. In the Lho Chojung built these two lhakhangs in the valley. Some of these lu- gdu’s peace offering and Sarpa by the 69th Je Khenpo a day and then disappeared minaries include Gelong Ma blessed him, and made him Yipri/Kipri Gendun Rinchen who is back into the hills. These Pem, Terton Sherab Mebar the principal protector of In Lopen Pemala’s Neyig, he regarded as a great scholar, three hills are considered and Drubthob Thangtong the valley. also unravels the enigma of there are two stories about Ap Chungdu’s neykhang or Gyalpo. Although Ap Chungdu Kirpri Budethangkha. The the history of the temples. abode. Hence, from that day The 13th Je Khenpo is only the deity of Hay, his popular pilgrim site is where His Holiness says that in the the hill was called Rig-sum of Bhutan, Yonten Thaye status is that of Zorarakye, the rock with the impression absence of documents he and the valley given the (1724-1784) recognised the protecting deity of the of Guru’s body and hat can had to base his research on name Hay Lung or the Valley the sacred state of the Hay beyul (bes yul) or hidden be seen. It is believed that oral accounts. According to of Surprises. valley. His Holiness said land, Khenpajong north of the impression is similar to the first story, the 33rd Ti- In Lopen Pema Tsh- that the valley is so pure Bumthang in Lhuentse. Be- the one at Kurje Lhakhang betan King Songtsen Gampo ewang’s paper titled, Neyig that there are no traces of cause Ap Chungdu received in Bumthang. The impres- (c.605-650, dates vary) built of Hay Valley, he records impediments or obstacles. blessings directly from sion of where Guru tied his the two Lhakhangs at the an oral account of how the So it does not come as a sur- Guru, he has been included horse Balaha on the rock same time as Jambay and head of the Amitabha Bud- prise that the valley is filled amongst the deities of the can still be seen today. Kyichu Lhakhangs. But this dha statue miraculously ap- with ney, or sacred sites. Tantric Mandala. To this is yet to be attested. peared in Lhakhang Karpo. It has at least 17 neys, 42 day, people in the valley Je Gendun Rinchen Lopen Pema Tshewang said Lhakhangs and 113 Chorten pray to Ap Chungdu for pro- relates that the Tibetan that while the main statue Dangrims. tection. There is a statue of King set a black and a white was being sculpted, a stran- Pg 11 HOME Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 11 Hay Lung: Haa, the Sacred Valley of Surprises From Pg 10 deity Vajrakila Kumar (Dorji on the eleventh month, the Gyalpo, as he is seen by sacred valley is filled with Zhonu) appeared at a house Vajrakila ritual is performed. them as the embodiment traditional folklore that often in Kipri. The man of the A statue of Vajrakila is said of transcendental wisdom. blends with facts. In the val- Stories in the Neyig tell house was not the most to have flown to the Zang The right hill represents ley of the three sacred tower- of Guru’s pursuit of a demon pious person in the valley. Lhakhang at Hechu. The Chana Dorji (Vajrapani) the ing hills, hangs stories that that had transformed itself When he saw the deity, he statue can still be seen today. Holder of the Secret Doc- are now only seen in movies. into a serpent. When local threw sticks and chased the trines, remover of obstacles As a cool, wet alpine haunt residents heard about it, divine being away. It is said Rig-sum Gonpo and our spiritual guardian. of Bhutan, with pristine they hid behind a hill, an act that the deity took flight, Our elders in Haa are con- This reminds the elders of white water gushing through that gave rise to the name of landing on an oak tree in vinced that the three sacred our Gyalsey who is seen it, the magnificent valley of their village Yipri, which is Chubarna in close proximity hills in the valley represent as the embodiment of the Hay can easily qualify as an now known as Kipri. Guru to the Black Temple. It is said and remind them of our two energized power of all the earthly paradise filled with is said to have tamed the that the deity then flew on- living monarchs and Gyalsey, Buddhas of the past, present breathtaking surprises. serpent and transformed it wards, flying above the Hay our Crown Prince. and future. Contributed by into stone. The place where Dzong and finally settling According to these elders, Haa is often described Tshering Tashi the rock stands is Budethang, down on another oak tree in the central hill represents like a mirror covered by the with Bu meaning snake and the village of Bangyena. Chenrezig (Avalokitesvara) vapour of one’s breath. The De means demon and thang The owners of the two and corresponds to His Maj- meaning flat land. houses went in front of the esty the Fifth Druk Gyalpo A village elder narrates tree and invited the deity who has evidenced this ap- another version. He said to their respective homes. pellation by his actions and that when Zhabdrung Nga- The deity went to the upper is revered by the populace wang Namgyel was fighting house, causing the owner of as representing the ultimate TOMORROW the Lam Kha Nga, it is said the lower house to become embodiment of compassion. r
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IPVTF (PCE) for the nine colleges ject has some specific man- standing between 10 national under the Royal University of dates such as establishing stakeholders, further training Bhutan (RUB), is on track. a happiness and well-being and certification of trainees by European Union (EU) has centre in all the nine colleges, the Bhutan Board of Certified Time of issue: 04:00 PM, certified the overall progress of with lead centre at PCE with an Counsellors, among others. SUNRISE : 5:39am | SUNSET : 6:25pm 28 August 2020 the project as ‘good’ in the last extension at Samtse College of He said that during this two reports. Education. pandemic, time and stress Project Officer, Pelden “We are in the final management handouts were Dorji Dadil Jamtsho, said: stage,” Pelden Dorji Dadil developed and yoga, medita- Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing “Due to the good certification, Jamtsho said. “So far training tion and other mindfulness we received budget on time level-three has been complet- activities were carried out in which is crucial to carry out ed at PCE and Thailand.” the colleges. “Counsellors are 27 24 24 32 30 activities. “Fund is from EU’s The two-year project, supporting frontline workers 13 14 11 25 23 Erasmus+ programme under which started in November at Paro airport by printing and its capacity-building project in 2018, was supposed to be issuing brochures related to Thimphu Trashigang the field of higher education.” completed by November this mental health for those who The total budget for the year. However, due to Covid- came from abroad.” 27 26 project is Euro 505,960. So far, 19 restrictions, the project University of Birmingham, for the last two pre-financing completion dateline had to be the UK, Institute University of 13 16 period, 90 percent of the budg- postponed until November Da Maia ISMAI, Portugal, and Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. et has been received. next year. Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Bel- For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 “Remaining budget will be Some of the activities gium are the project partners. PERSPECTIVE PAGE 12 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL Coping with Covid-19 id you see the unforeseen calamities is con- going on at a hectic pace, the form of monthly allowances two-year-old secrated in the unshakeable police force was busy ensuring sustained the lives of thou- baby tugging faith which the people have His Majesty compliance with their smile sands of nationals who had at its sleep- placed in their beloved King. and polite words. The mem- lost their livelihood. The com- ing mother to He has won their hearts with has enthused bers of the task force heading passion and empathy, which wakeD her up? She had died his charm, and their trusts the Covid -19 team were His Majesty bestowed on the the nation of starvation on her trek back with empathy and compas- charged with the planning people, percolated down to to their village. If you had sion. His Majesty has galva- with grit and and execution of all activities, the lowest rung of the society. seen the families of millions nised the entire population which must be undertaken to Just as they received it from of people who had lost their into a nation of foot soldiers determination meet this challenge. They syn- the bountiful hands of His loved ones to this pandemic, proudly marching behind his and enabled chronised the entire gamut of Majesty, they too felt obliged you would have also seen the footsteps. the intricate and divergent as- to offer it to their neighbours pain and the suffering that fol- The steely resolve of the them to pects of these operations with and to their needy country- lows its trail. Have you peered people of this country is the meet these clockwork precision. This is a men. The sudden lockdown in their eyes to see the arrant result of the resolute efforts team, comprising of the best had deprived many of the hopelessness that dwells in of our King and his creative formidable brains the country can pro- opportunity to stock up on their hearts? ideas. The effulgence of a challenges. duce, nothing can come better. their immediate needs. It was Fortunately, due to the new dawn began with the We are also fortunate to have a heartening the see neighbours enlightened leadership of this coronation of His Majesty The Prime Minister who is a doctor stepping up to share their country, we have been spared King Jigme Khesar Namgyel modities to all people at all by profession. His knowledge provisions, ensuring that no the trauma and the tragedy Wangchuck. It was a mo- times, and they never lost sight and advice is an integral part one went to bed with hunger that follows this scourge. mentous moment of history of that credo. While we sleep of the drive by the government in their bellies. I was pleas- There is an air of tranquillity which brought into focus the comfortably in our homes, our launched to contain the spread antly surprised to see my own which is all pervasive. We extraordinary gift of leader- heart goes out to the hundreds of the dreaded corona virus neighbours coming forward are living in an extremely ship and character possessed of FCBL workers, officials as and he is carrying out that to offer me home cooked food protected environment with by the Druk Gyalpo. It also re- well as fellow workers, who task with “surgical precision”. and any other assistance that I a sense of security which only vealed the essence of the man: are toiling day and night to The way Bhutan has handled may require. this country can give. a person whose vision for ensure that the vegetables are and contained this pandemic His Majesty has enthused The damage and de- the future was fuelled by his delivered to every household is a matter of pride not only for the nation with grit and deter- struction wrecked by this dreams and powered by his on time. Even the CEO and the our own people but also for the mination and enabled them pandemic is unparalleled in foresight. His Majesty could directors of FCBL are lending international community. to meet these formidable recent history. Global econo- foresee the digital revolution a helping hand. They are all We were quite appre- challenges. The capability mies are in ruins and the changing the world. He could there, merrily eating and sleep- hensive about the rumoured of this nation, which could financial markets have gone feel the urgency of revamping ing in the FCBL complex so lockdown which was about to launch its own satellites, can into a tailspin. Stimulus pack- the education system with that they are available for duty take place. When it did occur, never be underestimated and ages that the governments of greater emphasis on science at all times. They voluntarily we were pleasantly surprised the resolve of the people to various countries offered for and technology and the need opted for these jobs: for them to find that the logistics for confront this pandemic can its revival have failed to stem to strengthen the backbone of this is a lifetime opportunity to supply of food and vegetables, never be undermined. His the tides of recession. Yet the country with good govern- serve their country and their to every household both in Majesty was always at the in all the chaos and turmoil ance. Institutions like RIGSS beloved King. No less is the urban and rural areas, were forefront. The frenetic pace of that is swirling around us, we were specifically created to contribution of the health already in place. When some activity required His Majesty’s have remained imperturbably impart to the bureaucrats a workers who are spending of our friends from across the presence at diverse junctures. unaware of the hardships and deeper understanding of their sleepless nights to cover the border telephoned to enquire He was perpetually on the privations which people have responsibilities. A militia of tracks of covid patients and about the lockdown, they were move, moving like the wind, faced elsewhere. The audac- trained volunteers, who came test thousands of suspects for shocked to hear that no one from once place to another, ity of this global contagion to be known as De-Suups, the slightest sign of the disease. was facing any hardship due just to ensure that you and can never be downplayed the Guardians of Peace, were Then there are the De-Suups, shortage of food. The govern- I remain safe. His presence because of the trail of desola- raised to support the govern- who are seen everywhere, ment had taken care of it. How- was the greatest motivating tion it leaves behind. Despite ment personnel in times of involved in all the multifari- ever, what they found amazing factor for the frontline work- the government’s adoption unforeseen disasters. The ous activities. They are always and unbelievable was the fact ers and the greatest source of of extreme measure for our national health care system there within easy reach to help that the government had not inspiration for the entire na- protection and safety, Bhutan was further strengthened and the old and the feeble. They only ensured uninterrupted tion. During his speech His cannot insulate itself totally given the additional task of are there helping with medica- supply of food and provisions Majesty had pledged never to by creating an impenetrable preparing for epidemics and tion and food deliveries and for the people, they had also rule but always to serve, and bubble. But it can control and other unforeseen contingen- securing the borders against ensured that the stray dogs on today he has redeemed that mitigate its impact through cies. These tasks were imple- infiltrators and intruders. the street did not go hungry. pledge. Nothing stood in the proper planning and execu- mented with fierce urgency. For the homeless coming Things that we take for granted way, not even the need to be tion. The risks can only be We are prepared today only in from Jaigaon, the army built looks quite different from the present at the birth of Their contained by motivating the because of the measures 6,000 apartments in record other side of the table. Majesties’ second son. We task force at the ground level taken yesterday. time. The army personnel are But the towering figure can never recompense him and making the public suf- Despite the hurdles the always at the forefront of any behind this story is that of His for the sacrifices His Majesty ficiently aware of the dangers lockdown must have created, emergency that may arise. Majesty The King. It was his has made, but we can fulfil his and the preventive measures. no one was allowed to suffer Only recently four of these vision and foresight, which dreams with some of our own They say the mettle of a nation any extreme hardship. The fearless soldiers lost their lives energised the people to reach sacrifices. can only be tested in times of garbage van invariably arrived while rescuing some people out to one another and pre- crises. Bhutan is facing that on time. The sorely needed who were stranded in the sent a cohesive and united Afroze Bukht, crises today, and facing it with vegetables reached us just midst of a river in full spate. front. Whereas the Kidu of Phuentsholing confidence. The strength of when our supplies started to They are the ones who are ever land went a long way towards mailto:zanazbi@gmail. this country and the ability dwindle. FCBL was mandated ready to make such sacrifices. alleviation of poverty, the com/ [email protected] of its people to confront such to supply all essential com- While all these activities were Kidu of cash subsidy in the HOME Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 13 13,000kg chicken disposed of in last two weeks Choki Wangmo has deployed 44 people with 14 pick-up trucks to distribute the Despite limited human re- dairy products to shops in dif- source and mounting public ferent zones and households. demand, the Bhutan Livestock Although there were no re- Development Corporation cords as to how many house- Limited (BLDCL) is fighting holds had been reached, the another challenge of keeping orders dropped in the last three the livestock products fresh days, said the CEO. The drop in before delivery. demand might be because the Due to lack of refrigerated cheese was the only product vans, blast freezers, cold stor- regularly consumed, he added. ages, and improper processing Local eggs, cheese, and facilities in the dzongkhags, butter are main products meat products go bad quickly. available with the corpora- The chief executive officer tion which are brought from (CEO) of BLDCL, Jigme Wang- other dzongkhags while beef is chuk, said that in the last two bought from a local importer. weeks, 13,000kg of chicken Jigme Wangchuk said that were spoilt and discarded. other dzongkhags had surplus Since August 15, BLDCL products and so the office did has distributed 48,205 cheese not have to deploy officials to A kg of butter and cheese costs Nu 450 each and a tray of egg is Nu 375 (Photo: BLDCL) balls, 3,291kg of butter, 1,385 deliver in other dzongkhags. kgs of beef, 4,309kg of chicken, The product prices were nego- But he said that BLDCL media complained about lack the location and landmarks on and 3,841 cartons of egg in tiated with the farmers in con- might need to increase the stor- of efficient service delivery. This, call which led to delay in deliv- Thimphu. sultation with the dzongkhag age facilities in the capital and according to Jigme Wangchuk, ering the products.” A kg of butter and cheese livestock officers. also set up more sales outlets or was due to lack of proper ad- The corporation, formed costs Nu 450 each and a tray of “We can continue to sup- distribution points to fast track dress and GPS system in the three years ago, is mandated egg is Nu 375. ply eggs, butter, and cheese if clearing the stock. capital. to supply dairy products for With the help of livestock the lockdown continues for a In the earlier days of the He said: “The deliveries had people during the nationwide department, the corporation month,” he said. lockdown, people on social to be made with description of lockdown. Enough rations in Jomotshangkha for residents Kelzang Wangchuk | He said the suppliers go to Samdrupjongkhar the villages and collect vegeta- bles like cabbages, radish, chil- Jomotshangkha drungkhag li and beans and bring them to in Samdrupjongkhar remains the Jomotshangkha town. “The isolated after the lockdown, task force members and De- but residents will not hungry Suups deliver the vegetables for lack of essentials, accord- going door-to-door.” ing to officials. Lamdak Wangdi said the The incident commander drungkhag had deployed the (IC) and Jomotshangkha De-Suups, army, police, for- drungpa, Lamdak Wangdi, esters, retired armed forces said that the Food Corpora- (RAF), customs and immigra- tion of Bhutan (FCB) depot tion officials keep vigil at all and the shops identified by illegal routes and border gate. the trade had stocked the Local leaders are also monitor- items before the lockdown. ing the situation in the gewogs. The drungkhag Covid-19 “But cow herders from task force, FCB and identified across the border often try to essential delivery shops de- Jomotshangkha town cross the border. Our security liver the goods and other es- officials on duty explain and sential items to the recognised khag task force identified four and essential suppliers deliver The drungpa said that the send them back,” Lamdak shops in the drungkhag’s other shops in Jomotshangkha the rations and other necessary drungkhag also had sufficient Wangdi said. three gewogs. town, six at Serthi and Lauri ge- items to the identified shops vegetables as the task force The drungkhag clears the ir- The drungpa said al- wogs each and three shops at in all the three gewogs. Those had identified two shops each rigation channel leading to fields though the trade office had Langchenphu gewog to assure shops deliver essential items at Lauri and Serthi gewogs to in India so that farmers from the identified two shops in Jomot- better service to the people. to the doorstep in the gewogs,” supply vegetables to the resi- other side can’t enter to maintain shangkha town, the drung- “The task force, De-Suups Lamdak Wangdi said. dents in Jomotshangkha town. them, the drungpa said. HOME PAGE 14 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL The Norzin Lam traffic signal post speaks

Yangyel Lhaden

I retired to bed on the night of August 10. I am still resting. The lockdown has given me a good rest. If you ask me, I would want this lockdown to continue. At the four-way intersec- tion on the Norzin Lam, I had spent years since the early 1980s when I was born. Dressed in traditional attire, I had provided shelter to the traffic signal man for decades. Now, I am alone and deserted. The pride I had as the home to the traffic signal men, which made Thimphu the only capi- tal in the world without traffic lights is slowly fleeting away. Where are you my policeman? I heard that there is a na- tionwide lockdown, which means restriction on move- ment. I pinched myself to ask if it’s a dream and if the busy traffic and the police- man would return. But it has been days, none of them have returned. The city is dead, so I see and so I reflect. From boring days of wait- No graceful hands directing the traffic ing for a few scooters, Mahi- ndra jeeps and Ambassador out. Just before the lockdown, space. I am also sad because compete to avail cheap loans cars, whose drivers I knew by traffic was back to normal. owning a car is a pride, not a to buy cars, vehicle dealer name and address, this city Norzin Lam, where I stand Norzin Lam, necessity. Bigger the car, the have competitive schemes has become crazy. They say has always been a problem. where I stand has bigger the pride. I know from to lure the stupid residents. it is the fastest growing city There was a plan to do away how they look at me when I felt sad when 20 percent of in the region. I take no pride with parking spaces when the always been a they pass by. old Dorji’s meagre salary was in it. I saw how the capital two multi-storey parking were problem. There Covid-19 seemed to have deducted as “vehicle loan.” city’s main thoroughfare had completed. There was also was a plan to affected some families hard He is not. Driving around his changed. Pedestrian Day planned to do away with but I saw hundreds of new new Baleno twice a week is I used to laugh when visi- reduce the traffic once every parking spaces cars since March. I could enough for him. tors told me about traffic jams. month. None of them worked. when the two make out from the registra- While I am enjoying the I thought it was another vari- I would love to wave to kids tion plate. From BP-A, it is peace at Norzin Lam, I am ety of jam. But here, I stand and families strolling around multi-storey now BP-E. We were saying also breathing in the cleanest to see it happen. The number without the worry of speeding parking were that soon it will be BP-Z or air for years. I would not age, of vehicles increased. It pains vehicles and rowdy drivers. completed. BG-Y. but I was sick of the smoke to feel the pain in the arms of We would have provided the There was also Across the Thimpchhu, at and the carbon monoxide at my policeman who starts sign- best public space for the town Pedestrian the road safety office, I heard Norzin Lam. We have been aling for direction from 8:30 that is increasingly getting officials talk about numbers. breathing the cleanest air in am to 6:30pm, seven days a congested. Day planned This pandemic year, five many years since I was born. week. There used to be one. For decades, I have heard to reduce the months to be precise, they I wish for the lockdown It was increased to two. Now planners talk about making traffic once every saw 3,386 new vehicles. As to continue, but it is not fair. we need four man to control Thimphu as a different city. month. None of of July 31, there are 58,143 Livelihoods are affected, de- the traffic. I feel sad, none kept to their them worked. vehicles in Thimphu. “Wow. velopment plans are derailed Covid-19 came as a relief words or to the plans readied That’s almost one car for three and the economy is bad. The to me. When the first case after numerous study tours people in the capital!” reality is when life returns to was reported on March 6, I abroad and millions spent in I question myself. Do all normal, everything is forgot- laughed at the frenzy. Some consultancy fees. Bajaj scooter for years. It was members of the household ten as we chase after income, eyeballed my policemen as I am happy to see my a good mode of transporta- own or need a car? The an- profit and economic growth. they rushed to hoard essen- friend, Pala, who bought tion, a necessity. But I am swer is somewhere else, with Nobody will pause to reflect tials. The number of cases in- a Maruti van after sell- angry with the growing num- smart businesses and smart what we have learnt from our creased, so did those coming ing momos on his rickety ber of vehicles and shrinking marketing people. Banks first nationwide lockdown. HOME Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 15 Only those who test positive are to receive calls Rajesh Rai | Phuentsholing would be contacted. Sonam Penjor, said that he ex- the 12 were detected, which got “But to be honest, this is not “We will only call when it pected a call because he had many worried. happening.” Many residents in Phuentshol- is a positive case because there met so many people just prior “If they could have at least The minister also shared ing were left panicking when are other important procedures to the lockdown. informed a few from one par- that a few who later tested they didn’t receive calls about to follow as doctors have to Another resident in Pemal- ticular community or one per- Covid-19 positive had been to their test results after the recent check them and quarantine.” ing said that he and his family son in a building, it would have others’ homes or had visitors in mass surveillance testing. If the health ministry of- worried the most when 12 new eased the tension,” he said. their houses. This only adds to The samples were taken ficials were to call and inform positive cases were reported Meanwhile, during the more contract tracing, she said. days ago and when the surveil- each and everyone, the health recently. conference, the health minister “If people had not been lance team left for Thimphu, minister said that thousands of “It was natural for us to get Dechen Wangmo also empha- anywhere, then contract trac- they were in a dilemma. people would have to be called. worried. We waited for two sised that people should be at ing may not have to go beyond Health Minister Dechen However, lyonpo said that they days and there was nothing,” home during the lockdown. one family.” Wangmo in a press conference have also considered informing he said. yesterday evening in Thimphu people through SMS. He said that there were ru- said that only positive cases A resident of Pipal Dara, mours of the places from where Gasa self-sufficient Govt. offers amid the pandemic T-Bills to raise money

MB Subba “This is issued to ensure un-disrupted cash flow in The Royal Monetary Author- the market. This will help ity (RMA) has offered Treas- the economy,” he said. ury Bills (T-Bills) worth Nu 3 According to the finance billion (B) for sale on behalf ministry’s Operation Guide- of the government. lines for T-Bills, the Bills T-Bills are a debt instru- shall be listed and issued ment issued by the govern- through the Royal Securi- ment to mobilise fund from ties Exchange of Bhutan. the market and can be ne- The Public Finance Act gotiated and traded freely in authorises the Ministry of the market. Finance to raise loan from The T-Bills, which have a any person, organisation, or Villagers from Khatoed and Khamoed gewogs in Gasa donated fruits, vegetables, rice maturity period of 91 days, government, either within or and dairy products to De-Suups and Gasa dratshang (Photo: Umzey Tshering Dhendup) are being auctioned and is- outside Bhutan. sued through the RMA. The government esti- Any Bhutanese person, mates the domestic borrow- Phurpa Lhamo | Gasa to De-Suups and the monastic vegetables supply during the firm, company, corporate ing for fiscal year 2020-21 at body along with 50kg of butter lockdown. body, financial institution Nu 13.604B, which will be Despite Gasa’s harsh weather and 40kg of cheese. Greenhouse distribution, and trust, among others, financed through issuance conditions and short cultiva- There are around 100 De- fallow land revival, electric can subscribe the Bills. But of T-Bills and long-term tion season, the dzongkhag is Suups in the dzongkhag. fencing, bio-fertilizers and the RMA will have the full government bonds in the self-sufficient in vegetables and Gasa Dratshang Umzey distribution of improved seeds discretion to accept or re- domestic market. dairy products. Tshering Dhendup said that were executed as part of the ject any or all the bids either As of today, the govern- As of August 20, the dzong- around 80 monks live inside the agriculture Economic Con- wholly or partially, without ment has been using T-Bills khag exported around 13.3 dzong and around 12 monks tingency Plan (AECP) with a assigning any reason, the for deficit financing and metric tonnes (MT) of vegeta- stayed in the newly constructed budget of Nu 5.4 million (M). central bank notified. cash management. How- bles. A majority of the vegeta- drasha. Villagers from the two Around 70 acres of land in The sale of Treasury ever, the government plans bles were sold to Punakha and gewogs had earlier donated Khatoed and Khamoed were Bills comes at a time when to raise financing through around 3MT of potatoes were fruits to the dratshang during also developed for cultivation. the government is report- long-term bonds of differ- sold to Thimphu dzongkhag. kurim. The dzongkhag officials edly facing shortage of funds ent maturity, according to Today, the dzongkhag cul- Dzongkhag agriculture also initiated the Dzongkhag amid the Covid-19 pandem- the finance ministry. tivates various kinds of vegeta- officer Karma Wangchuk said Zhiyog Lamten Dumra and ic. T-Bills can be used for fi- The Act also allows the bles in its Khatoed and Kham- that because almost everyone Gomo Lhatshog Dumra by nancing temporary revenue ministry to borrow money oed gewogs, which are much in the dzongkhag has a kitchen the Gasa dratshang. Under the shortfalls in the government to finance budget deficits, to warmer compared to Lunana garden, there was no issue of Dzongkhag Zhiyog Lamten budget. refinance maturing debt and and Laya. vegetable shortage. Dumra and the Gomo Lhats- However, Finance Minis- to maintain credit balance On August 26, farmers Prior to the lockdown, the hog Dumra by the Gasa drat- ter Namgay Tshering down- in the bank accounts by way from Khatoed and Khamoed dzongkhag took some major shang, small gardens were played the sale of T-Bills say- of issue of public securities donated around three boleros initiatives in agriculture to en- maintained by the civil serv- ing that issuing of Treasury such as bills, bonds or com- of vegetables, rice and fruits sure that the dzongkhag had ants and the dratshang body. Bills is a regular practice. mercial paper. … m HOME PAGE 16 Saturday, August 29, 2020| KUENSEL 21 Indian nationals among the 187 total Covid-19 cases in the country From Pg 1 tion for the person,” she said, have been infected from these mission in Phuentsholing, zone was restricted. Gelephu frontline adding that the risk is being clusters and if the virus has the health ministry tested the However, as a precaution- worker assessed and the ministry gone outside.” entire population in the town. ary measure, the dzongkhag Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo said would be able to establish the She said that for this the During the 10-day mass testing, administration has imposed that the ministry was still as- extent of the transmission in government will have to strat- over 26,000 people were tested lockdown in Bangyena and sessing the case of the frontline the community within the next egise on whether to conduct in the community of which 25 Kipri villages under Uesu worker who tested positive on 48 hours. a mass screening of the entire have tested positive so far. gewog, as the two villages are August 27 in Gelephu. “So far Testing is underway in Gel- population like in Phuentshol- Beginning yesterday three adjacent to the military train- none of the contacts of the case ephu and although the primary ing or carry out random sam- teams of health officials were ing camp. has tested positive.” contacts have tested negative so pling. deployed to test over 3,000 peo- Bangyena village shares “I’m a big believer that far, they would be retested after “To strategise, we would ple living along the Phuentshol- boundary with IMTRAT camp along the border areas, the three days. require at least 24 hours to as- ing-Thimphu highway. and the residents have to route compliance towards basic use Lyonpo said that the next sess the risks. In about 24 to 48 “Recognising that there is through the camp to connect of personal protective equip- course of action in Gelephu hours we should be fairly con- a higher risk in Phuentshol- with the highway. ment (PPE) such as face masks would be contingent on the fident enough to gauge the risk ing, we are sweeping the entire Dzongdag Kinzang Dorji and shields and handwashing results of the risk assessment. of the epidemic and that will Phuentsholing-Thimphu high- said that with the restriction has been amazingly good,” Ly- determine our next course of way,” she said. on movement, the dzongkhag onpo said. “So I hope and pray Full-blown transmis- action.” “Every member of the administration would deliver that this would have a certainss sion? However, for Bhutan, Lyon- household along the highway essential items to the village. impact on preventing the virus With cases detected from po said that the mode of trans- will be tested. The data would “We should be alert but from being easily transmitted.” Phuentsholing, Gelephu, Haa mission – sporadic or cluster give us a fairly good idea of the people should not panic as the She added that given the and Paro there is a growing – would make no difference as extent of the transmission.” dzongkhag isn’t in an emer- nationwide lockdown, move- concern of a full-blown trans- the country has already taken gency situation yet.” ment of people was reduced, mission of the disease in the the maximum-intervention ap- In Haa He said that if people follow which gave the ministry enough country. proach. Meanwhile, Haa Dzongdag the protocol set by the dzong- time to plan and implement the However, the minister said “If you look at our testing, Kinzang Dorji said that al- khag administration, there was interventions in time. that for the government the cur- we are testing like it’s nobody’s though three IMTRAT person- nothing to worry about. However, Lyonpo said that rent situation would be more of business. We are in a highly ag- nels have tested positive for In case of emergency, the government is not ruling a cluster epidemic rather than a gressive testing mode. As long Covid-19 in the dzongkhag, residents should call the toll- out possible multiple cases in full-blown transmission. as we rule out importation residents should not panic. free number 1007 for essential Gelephu. “We would still call it a which is from the quarantine Speaking to Kuensel, the items and 1008 for medical “We are considering the cluster because it is coming out centres, rest all mode of trans- dzongdag said that the posi- emergencies. case as a local transmission from a cluster from a specific mission does not make a differ- tive cases were detected from mainly because for now there population,” she said. “But we ence to us.” a self-containment zone where Additional reporting by is no particular source of infec- are also looking if other areas Following the local trans- movement in and out of the Phub Dem, Paro

Lockdown could go on for some days more Druk Gyalpo's Relief Kidu Summary Report Nima Wangdi “Lockdown has helped us in con- Phase II (July - September 2020) taining the virus as people confined to Report Date: 27 August 2020 Data as of: 26 August 2020 Given the rising number of Covid-19 their own places. It could have been positive cases in the country, the na- spread to all 20 dzongkhags if people Total number of Applicants: 26,679 of which: Phase I reapplicants 21,158 tional lockdown may not be relaxed any were left to travel as usual,” she said. New applicants 5,521 soon. “For instance, about 1,000 people travel Total number of Kidu Beneficiaries: 22,955 The health ministry is carrying out between Thimphu and Phuentsholing health surveillance and tests for all the every day and lockdown could prevent Kidu Amount: Nu. 284 million vulnerable people. of which: Child support Kidu Nu. 7.6 million this.” No. of children covered 9,532 Health Minister Dechen Wangmo Lyonpo said that lockdown mini- Cases forwarded from DGRK to OGZ for Immediate said the government imposed nation- 493 mised people’s movement which help Ration Support from 13 Aug till date: wide lockdown, as it was the best in- tracing and testing of all the contacts of which: Thimphu - delivered 304 tervention to break the virus spreading of the index case. It also gave time for chain. the ministry to plan and implement the July 2020 “We now have to assess risks in all measures accordingly. Total number of Applicants: 22,213 the places and then relax lockdown Lyonpo said: “We must be careful Number of Kidu Beneficiaries: 21,093 phase-wise,” she said. “For example, before deciding to lift the lockdown. Our July applicants have received their August Kidu as well. we have already relaxed lockdown in lockdown has been an example to many 1 July applicant has withdrawn from August and 1 has withdrawn and villages and the next phase will come countries.” refunded his August Kidu. dzongkhag wise depending on the risk She said that if lockdown protocols August 2020 (till date) findings,” she said. were followed strictly at the household Total number of Applicants: 4,466 She said the lockdown couldn’t be re- levels, focusing on the family in which Kidu disbursed for applications received upto: 16 August 2020 laxed in any dzongkhag where the primary a member has tested positive would be For total no. of applications received: 1,968 contacts of the index case in Phuentshol- easy. Out of which: Total number of Kidu Beneficiaries: 1,862 ing tested negative. This is because one- Lyonpo emphasised that if the situ- time testing negative doesn’t mean that ation worsen in some places, lockdown Service Hotline Numbers: 1184, 1185, 1186, 1187, 1188 one can be free from virus. in those places could be more stringent. Grievance Cell Numbers: 77359783, 77359784, 77359795, 17342162, 17467860, 17517356

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