Nu 2B Freed up for Covid-19 Activities During the Lockdown

SATURDAY

With three new cases detected yesterday, Phuent- sholing has now 16 confirmed Covid-19 positive cases. All are from the Mini Dry Port (MDP). Two men and a woman, who are the primary contacts of the positive case in Phuentsholing, were all found to be Covid-19 positive yesterday. Health ministry said they are from the MDP and not from the community. Kuensel sources said that the woman is a sweeper at the MDP. She also worked at the MDP canteen. By late yesterday evening, rumours that three policemen in Phuentsholing had been infected with the virus had gone viral. Kuensel sources said that one of the two men is a traffic policeman. However, Kuensel couldn’t confirm On the frontline: Two mobile health clinic teams from the Trongsa hospital has been providing essential this officially. health services to the people of the town and nearby areas. In the last three days, they have covered more Meanwhile, the lockdown has brought the than 100 people. country’s largest commercial town to a standstill. Although figures couldn’t be confirmed, Kuensel learned there were Bhutan bound trucks stuck across the border. Many trucks are also stranded at the MDP. Without the entry of trucks to Phuentsholing, Nu 2B freed up for the MDP has also ceased to function. Along with loaders (about 140), at least 60 customs officials have been quarantined. Pg 2 Covid-19 activities Focus Point during the lockdown Essential items enough to last six months Yangchen C Rinzin “The ministry who is respon- Lyonpo said that this adjust- sible for ensuring the availability ment in budget would not affect o meet expenses of of budget is trying every possible the salary of civil servants and the Covid-19 activities means to readjust the budget ministry will not do away with the during the lockdown, to support activities related to allowances. “It’s a stressful situ- the finance ministry Covid-19 in all the dzongkhags,” ation right now. We’re trying our had to free up about Lyonpo said. “We’ve also asked best to arrange the budget from TNu 2 billion (B) from the total allo- dzongkhags to free up budget the available budget to meet the cated capital budget, according to from the planned activities to use Covid-19 expenses,” Lyonpo said. finance minister Namgay Tshering. for Covid-19 activities without Lyonpo said that it would Lyonpo Namgay Tshering said having to wait for directives.” also not hamper any significant that as per the Disaster Manage- Lyonpo said dzongkhag admin- activities or activities of the 12th ment Act, 2013, during a pandemic, istrations should adjust from the Plan. Major activities would be the finance ministry can “free up budget only if necessary. The dzong- carried out immediately after the budget unconditionally” to meet khags can free up from the plans that pandemic situation subsides. mitigation measures or activities. can be deferred or cancelled. Pg 2 HOME PAGE 2 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL Nu 2B freed up for Covid-19 activities during the lockdown From Pg 1 ment is also looking into strat- in bringing goods into Bhutan even if the country is under be a problem in supplying LPG State owned Enterprises egies with the economic affairs with Phuentsholing being now lockdown, we’ll not be in a cylinders.” were recently asked to come ministry to carry out work at declared as a red zone. situation where the country This, the minister said, up with their own reasonable the mini dry port to not ham- “We will have to sanitise will run out of essentials.” was because LPG cylinders are salary packages as an interim per import of essential items the entire mini dry port area, The ministry is also look- subsidised and supplied on a measure should they have to into the country. arrange loaders and officials ing into the possibility of di- quota system, so additional adjust budget because of the The government is sending before we can operate. We’re verting the imports of goods import to store is not possible. pandemic. about 20 custom officials from still working and exploring from other entry points. “But we’re looking into The finance ministry is also Paro airport to Phuentsholing ways.” However, if the situa- alternatives to import these working with the agriculture as everyone in the regional However, lyonpo said peo- tion worsens and should the two products from other ministry regarding the supply revenue and customs office in ple should not worry because lockdown prolong, Lyonpo entry points like Gelephu, as of vegetables and providing Phuentsholing is quarantined there are enough essential Loknath said that the ministry Phuentsholing is under com- immediate budgetary support including the loaders. “How- goods that were imported from is worried about the supply of plete lockdown. People should to buy back vegetables from ever, we still need to figure January and additional import LPG cylinder and petroleum not panic and we’ll work out farmers, as farmers cannot sell out how to arrange loaders, as of goods was carried out since oil lubricants (POL), which on the import.” during this lockdown. there are no more loaders to March. is expected to last only for a Lyonpo said the ministry is “We don’t want the budget load goods now.” Although the minister did month. also supporting and assisting to be the reasons for the fail- Few trucks are stranded in not mention the figures, Ly- “We do have enough to the supply of essential goods. ure in the mitigation activities Jaigaon with goods. There is a onpo assured that there are supply right now, but we don’t However, it was not efficient for Covid-19 during the lock- requirement of about 200 load- enough essential goods to last have enough space to store ad- on the first day, and the min- down,” Lyonpo said. “We’re ers at the dry port. for at least six months. ditional LPG and POL,” Lyon- istry has decided to assist and saving every little budget that Economic affairs minister “People may not have po said. “POL may not be the let private shops, which run we can .” Loknath Sharma said that it choices, but basic essential issue since there are no vehicle online to take orders and de- Lyonpo said the govern- would be difficult to facilitate items will be available. So, movements, but there might liver door-to-door. Red Zone Phuentsholing sees three more cases From Pg 1 there would be no regulated Force and regional heads are Revenue and customs access to grocery shops. even following up on us to officials from Paro will be Earlier modality for pur- check the deliveries and its brought to Phuentsholing to chase of essential items al- effectiveness,” he said. How- replace the staff quarantined, lowed people to register over ever, Namgay Wangchuk said but finding new loaders is a the phone with the hotline vegetable suppliers didn’t problem. About 420 primary (5555) from 9am to 5pm and a have vegetables other than contacts were traced on the regulated access to designat- potatoes, cabbages and car- first day after the MDP posi- ed retail outlets was allowed. rots. tive case. One registered member of a In Pasakha, some facto- household was allowed to go Lockdown views ries are operating. A source out shopping twice a week With more than 80 percent of said the government gave on Wednesday and Saturday. imports coming via Phuent- Lockdown: Empty street in the Red Zone P/ling the industries certain condi- Designated retail outlets were sholing, many said the coun- tions to fulfil and those who supposed to open from 10am e-payment applications. but couldn’t buy vegetables. try’s economy must be the fulfilled were allowed to oper- to 5pm. Individuals who are not Vegetables are still a prob- priority still. ate, while others had to shut However, in the press able to get home delivery lem in Phuentsholing. With- One Phuentsholing resi- down. However, export and release yesterday, the Task services are asked to call the out import, relevant agencies dent, Tshering Yeshi said that import has come to a stand- Force announced all essen- Regional Trade and Industries are mobilising vegetables as the Covid-19 would not still. tial items would be delivered Office. For the delivery of veg- from different regions in the go anytime soon, the socio- All the factory workers are at homes by identified stores. etables, residents could con- country, it has been learned. economic development must confined to individual factory “To place orders for essen- tact FCBL or other vendors One Phuentsholing resi- not be compromised while premises. Nobody is allowed tial items, individuals should through the hotline centre at dent, Namgay said he has battling Covid-19. to move in or out of their fac- call the trader directly. If the 5555. run out of vegetables. “I “We have to keep fighting tory premises. trader cannot be reached, the Much to the relief of the also called for LPG refill but and keep running business- An industrialist said that individual can call 5555,” the residents, the Task Force also they told me that they don’t es. Otherwise, more than the without the local transmis- press release said. announced that people from have a vehicle to deliver ,” he damage by Covid-19, Bhutan sion until recently, every “Identified traders will re- other parts of the country said. “This is very sad.” might face an economic dis- effort was put to ensure the ceive orders of essential items currently stranded in Phuent- Although the introduc- aster.” economy was not affected. for home delivery from 8am sholing could register with tion of home delivery service Another resident said the “Now that we are in a to 1pm every Tuesday, Friday the Covid-19 Control Centre was appreciated from safety lockdown is timely and well lockdown, it’s life before live- and Sunday. Home delivery Helpline at 1216 from 9am to points, Namgay is worried managed by the government lihood. The good news is that will be carried out from 2pm 7pm on weekdays, and hot- after the failure to deliver. and the health ministry. Pasakha is still a green zone,” to 8pm on the same day.” line 5555 during other times. “From beginning it has failed A corporate worker, Tsh- the industrialist said. The press release stated here,” he said. ewang Dema said that people “We are hoping to keep it that customers are advised Vegetables Many said there is some were following the lockdown that way.” to order quantities to last for Until the third day of the improvement in terms of es- rules strictly. one week at a time to reduce lockdown, many people took sential delivery. “If everyone cooperates, Essentials frequency of movement for to social media platforms to Namgay Wangchuk, an- the virus cannot hamper us,” As Phuentsholing is a red home delivery. Identified express their frustration over other resident said home she said. “Staying home is the zone, the Covid-19 Task Force traders are asked to avoid cash difficulty in buying essentials. delivery of groceries was a priority right now. It is serv- in Phuentsholing in a press transactions and encouraged Many were able to go to the brilliant initiative. ing the nation in the best way release yesterday announced to facilitate payment through stores and get the groceries “Officials from the Task possible.” HOME Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 3 Gelephu woman could have recovered after initial infection: TAG None of her primary contacts have tested positive Younten Tshedup are scientific literatures that show about two to six per- The Covid-19 positive case cent of the people developing in Gelephu on August 10 not symptoms for Covid-19 after only became the first positive 21 days. case outside a quarantine “We have released more facility, but also triggered a than a thousand people from nationwide lockdown for the the quarantine centres fol- first time in the country. lowing the most stringent The case of the 27- year- protocols. But studies out- old woman also raised sev- side has shown that there are eral questions on the testing people who become positive mechanism based on the after 21 days of contracting current understanding of the the infection.” mechanism. Because of this, he said The woman had tested that the second layer of sur- five times negative on the veillance was put in place. RT-PCR test, the confirma- Under this, a person com- tory test for Covid-19. pleting the mandatory 21- Medical technologist day quarantine is asked to A technician prepares sample for RT-PCR testing at the Royal Centre for Disease Control and a member of the tech- stay home, minimise contact in Thimphu nical advisory group (TAG) with others and immediately of the health ministry, Rixin a sensitive method but it is a of symptoms, if an individual we can keep our body strong report to authorities if any Jamtsho said that the woman highly specific test, meaning is infected he or she could in- by eating healthy, our im- flu-like symptoms appear. could have been exposed to even if the sample contains fect others. “But the degree of mune system can fight this “However, it seems many the virus in the past and had a small fraction of the virus, transmission would be more virus on its own.” don’t take this advice seri- recovered. the result would be definitely for symptomatic patients be- However, he added that ously. Considering the threat This he said was because positive.” cause they cough and sneeze for now there is no evidence and the 2-4 percent chance, the woman tested positive for While there are very little more than the one who do that the body develops we need to strictly enforce IgG antibody on three occa- chances of error in the sam- not have symptoms.” long-term immunity against this again and make people sions, which is representative ple collection, he said even if Covid-19. “But the body in- aware of the danger if they of a past infection. “And the the samples were incorrectly Staying healthy stantly fights the virus by pro- don’t follow the rules.” positive result on the PCR test collected, by now at least The medical technologist ducing antibodies as it enters Meanwhile the govern- (test number six) could have some of her close contacts said having a healthy body our body. Which is why we ment’s decision to extend the been due to the shedding of should have tested positive. helps in fighting any sort of must eat healthy and keep quarantine period from 14 the dead virus particles.” This means that the disease including Covid-19. the body strong enough for days to 21days was because He said there are several woman did not have active “We have 100 people who it to fight any disease.” the probability for a 14-day in- literatures that show RT-PCR infection, which is why she have recovered from the dis- cubation period was between results can test positive even did not test positive on the ease so far without any spe- Possible danger 10-12 percent as compared to for a dead virus. A PCR test, PCR during the initial tests. cific medication,” he said. “If Rixin Jamtsho said that there 2-6 percent for 21 days. he said, amplifies the genetic The test picked up the virus materials exponentially by (dead) during the sixth PCR making exact copies of the test. molecule. “The copies pro- duced are then used to com- Who can spread the virus? Announcement pare with the gene of the The woman in Gelephu con- virus. The sample here can tinues to be asymptomatic Kholongchhu hydro energy limited be dead or alive.” and all the 135 primary con- A Joint Venture of Druk Green (Bhutan) & SJVN (India) Rixin Jamtsho said that tacts have tested negative to Incorporated under the Company’s Act of Kingdom of Bhutan, 2000 the virus. the evidence of the index Kholongchhu hydro electric Project (600 mW) case shedding dead virus However, the 25-year-old could be deduced from her man who tested positive from 04/KHEL/P&C/NIT/2020 the mini dry port in Phuent- primary contacts. “None of PoStPonement oF Bid SuBmiSSion deAdline & oPening notice her primary contacts have sholing was symptomatic tested positive. If she was when he was taken to the Kholongchhu Hydro Energy Limited would like to inform the prospectve bidders shedding live virus, she hospital on August 11. 15 of that the bid submission deadline and opening date for the tender “Water Supply his primary contacts have would have infected at least & Sewerage Works for Khel colony at doksum, trashiyangtse (infra 2020/2)” one of her close contacts.” also tested positive so far. He explained that the Rixin Jamtsho said that scheduled for August 15, 2020 stand null and void in view of the impositon of initial results on PCR for in the initial days of the pan- natonal lockdown by Royal Government of Bhutan w.e.f August 11, 2020. the woman could have been demic, it was assumed that negative because the virus infected persons who are Therefore, the bid submission deadline and opening date for the aforementoned had not reached the upper asymptomatic did not spread tender is postponed untl further notce, which will be informed through our respiratory tract from where the virus. “But today there website immediately upon lifing of lockdown. the swab for test is collected. are many literature that say “If there are no viruses asymptomatic cases play an chief engineer (contracts) in the swab collected for the equal role in spreading the Kholongchhu hydro energy limited test, the test would not detect virus.” Post Box no. 23, trashiyangtse, Bhutan the virus. PCR might not be He said that irrespective EDITORIAL PAGE 4 Saturday, August 15, 2020 | KUENSEL

Lockdown must not MY COUNTRY, MY TOWN freeze our responses s we enter the fifth day of the nationwide lockdown, it is a good time to pause and reflect on the emergency situation. There is a general consensus that we have managed the lockdown quite well. Despite concerns and complaintsA about not getting essential items or getting stranded, the agreement is that the past four days have been relatively well managed. The government and relevant authorities are trying to improve service delivery. It should, from tomorrow, as better solutions are being explored. The government was prepared to face a possible lockdown. Implementation on the ground, however, didn't meet expectations. Layers of bureaucratic procedures affected service delivery. Preferred landfill: For instance, it took three days to issue cards to enable vehicles or Instead of plastic officials on Covid-19 duty to move. Some are still sorting out the going aground, it’s confusions. kind of the other However, our inconveniences are nothing compared to the way around Photo: hundreds of people on the frontline who cannot and do not com- Tshering Doma, MoAF plain, and are risking their lives. While we spend the lockdown in the comforts of our home, there are people guarding our borders in intense heat, exposed as they are to the virus and not seeing Send in your pictures to: [email protected] family members or loved ones for days on end. Our memories are short, but many of us saw images and videos of thousands of migrant workers walking hundreds of kilometres to What does it mean to violate their villages in peak summer in neighbouring India. Some died of heatstroke, of tiredness and out of hunger on the way. The shortage lockdown rules? of fresh vegetables and fruits are nothing compared to the images With the nationwide lockdown per executive order is arrest/ However, recent judgments and videos we shared and talked about. Many would say that we this week, though we are yet to detain/penalty of Nu 40,000 indicate otherwise. For example, cannot compare the situation, but we have not experienced the declare a state emergency under and charge them finally.” The in a case in Samtse, a student realities of an emergency. We are only talking about not getting Article 33 of our Constitution, we downside of this order is the tried entering the country only bread or milk or having to put up in a hotel. are under enormous restrictions. respective dzongkhags imposing because she was worried that The real problem will start if the situation worsens and the The right to health has put almost their own penalties can cause she might miss the school but lockdown extends for weeks, even months. Beyond the towns, life all our legal and constitutional discrepancies. Ministry of Health crossed through an illegal route. is no different with farmers tending to their fields and managing rights in abeyance to deal with or the Cabinet are appropriate She was still convicted, and many with stock from the previous years. Their only worry is wildlife the pandemic. authorities to decide on such other incidences followed the predation when there are no people to guard their fields. Unlike many other nations, administrative sanctions to set same fate. This means, contrary The government, even in a lockdown is being considerate. we have so much confidence in uniform actions against the to Section 96.2, the burden of our government. Any disapproval violators. proof has shifted to the accused. Priorities are being identified. Those stranded are being regis- on the government’s decision Further, it is likely that Similar judicial interpretations tered to be rescued, and rules are being relaxed to look into the is termed as either disrespect Section 410 and 411 of the are expected in cases of lockdown inconveniences including delivering tobacco or doma at the door. to the country or political Penal Code of Bhutan will be protocol defaulters. Therefore, The expectation is that the zhung or the government will do perfunctory. Since His Majesty is invoked. Section 410 states “A citizens must be careful and are everything. personally guiding the National defendant shall be guilty of the strongly encouraged to adhere to The zhung can only do so much in an emergency. At the same Task Force for Covid-19, people offence of criminal nuisance the lockdown rules. At the same time, promising too much only raises expectations. People get expect that the government will if the defendant knowingly or time, the government must do frustrated when what is claimed at press conferences and ground execute every step under the recklessly creates or maintains their best to retain the people’s realities do not match. In Phuentsholing, people feel the local wise guidance of His Majesty a condition including spreading confidence through this difficult authorities failed miserably when they had to come out to buy es- and stand by His Majesty’s of dangerous diseases that cause time and not justify failures or sentials in a red zone declared area. However, with lessons learnt expectations and benevolent injury or endanger the safety play blame games among various leadership. or health of an individual or implementing agencies. from the last few days, we can expect better days to see through There are rumours that some the public.” Section 411 makes Finally, the experience of this the lockdown. enforcement officials warning this offence punishable with pandemic calls for enactment Besides vegetables and essentials, there are other pressing is- residents of arrest or detention if imprisonment from one year to a of health law to address legal sues. There are reports of increasing teenage pregnancy cases during they defy orders. With increasing maximum of less than five years.” challenges in future. Health law the pandemic. It is learnt that some had approached hospitals for positive cases in Phuentsholing, Section 96.2 of the Civil and will avoid any kind of political abortion and when denied, threatened to commit self-harm or even this lockdown is likely to remain Criminal Procedure Code states drama and help address the suicide. We are also seeing an increase in gender-based violence. much longer. Domino effect of that “finding of guilt against one situation through a parliamentary Covid-19 has not claimed a single life so far. In fact, our recov- this will pose vulnerabilities in the or more of the parties can only act preventing government from ery rate is impressive. Unwanted pregnancies or domestic violence violation of lockdown protocols, be given when the prosecution possible violation of laws. are seen as bigger threats during lockdowns. It is said that many some genuine fatigue of staying to the full satisfaction of the young women have become dependent on emergency contracep- home and some making excuses. Court has established a proof The government has notified beyond a reasonable doubt.” tive pills to avoid unwanted pregnancy. the public that violators will This means the prosecutor must Sonam Tshering Lawyer, Thimphu Health officials are worried about the growing use of emer- be charged but did not specify prove that the person acted gency pills like the popular Ipill. Even as such pills are made avail- which law or provision. However, knowingly or recklessly” violated able, users must be informed about responsible use. There are side Paro Dzongkhag Administration the lockdown protocols and Disclaimer: The views effects to consider. How we list our priorities and respond to them posted on their Facebook caused public nuisance under expressed in this article are will matter more than anything. Page “Lockdown violation as Section 410 and 411. 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 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 5 Hundreds visit mother and child hospital nity Health Unit carries out Yangyel Lhaden outreach clinic for Chang Gewog. Additionally, nine Following Lyonchhen’s ap- Goenpas and Sheydras, proval to continue services and 16 Schools and Insti- for pregnant women and tutions. vaccination of children dur- Doctor Sonam Ugen said ing lockdown, Gyaltsuen Jet- that usually all services were sun Pema Wangchuck Moth- provided in a day according er and Child Hospital saw to their convenience, but hundreds of patient availing considering the Covid-19 the services yesterday. measures family planning By noon, 21 patients was done on one day and availed post-natal immu- child immunization and nisation; 74 availed blood medication refill for ailment and urine sample tests, 22 patient on the next day. availed voluntary counsel- On August 14, seven ling, and 20 availed ultra- individuals availed family sound facility. planning services. Immu- Doctor Sonam Ugen, nisation of 15 children was Head of Community Health scheduled for the next day Department, said that many through outreach clinic. who did not require essential Doctor Sonam Ugyen services had also come to the said that all registered re- hospital. “Some people just cords for mother and child had a fever or a headache.” was registered in Health The hospital had a con- Management and Informa- tingency plan to tackle situ- Many who did not require essential services had also come to the hospital tion System—Mother and head ations during Covid-19 and Child Health Tracking Sys- lockdown, she added. from home, making remote be half health staff for contin- treatment. tem (MCHTS) The contingency plan— treatment possible through ued service,” she added. In case of complication, We call mothers whose Interim operational guide- phone calls. Only emergency The plan is to also reduce expectant mothers would be child need vaccination by line for continuity of repro- patients would be asked to visit hospital visits by pregnant asked to visit hospital and ve- following health protocol ductive, maternal, newborn, the hospital. The other half women; eight visits to the hicles would be arranged by through the MCHTS, she child health, and nutrition would carry out face-to-face hospital is now reduced to the hospital, Doctor Sonam added. services during Covid-19 treatment of patients. four. Pregnant women on Ugen said. “The hospital functioned pandemic—aims to reduce “Temporal measure is to 12, 24, 36 and 38 weeks need “People are miss-using with half staff today but if the hospital visits. ensure that if the facility goes to visit the hospital but 20-, this special service during the number of patients increas- According to the plan, half under lockdown by a Covid-19 30-, 34-, 40-week treatment lockdown,” she added es, we might have to call all the health staff would work positive case, there would still can be done through remote In Thimphu, Commu- the health staff,” she said. NPL increased by Nu 12B in first quarter

MB Subba pandemic should be given President of the Finan- special treatment. Interests cial Institutions Association The non-performing loans were waived and loan repay- of Bhutan (FIAB), Karma last (NPL) ratio to total credit ment deferred as part of the week said that a team (of of- has jumped to 19.5 percent Druk Gyalpo’s Relief Kidu ficials) is looking at possible in March from 10.9 percent since April. options. However, he did in December 2019. The total Sector wise, the total not elaborate, saying that credit, as of April stood at Nu loan in the building and con- he would inform the media 142.689 billion (B), accord- struction sector stood at Nu later. ing to the Royal Monetary 39.05B or 27 percent of the Some officials from a fi- Authority’s monthly statisti- total credit, which was the nancial institution said that cal bulletin for August. highest. the high prevalence of NPL The total NPL ballooned Credit in the service and was partly because of lack of to Nu 27.5B by the end of the tourism sector amounted Nu due diligence on part of the first quarter from Nu 15.161 37.897B while the total loan transport sector, which stood has been performing well. financial institutions. in December last year. This in the trade and commerce at Nu 6.183B. A high-level committee A bank official said that is an increase of more than sector was Nu 17.674B. The total personal loans consisting of officials, includ- in some cases, the collater- Nu 12.3B within the three Loans to the agriculture stood at Nu 14.336B, which ing the central bank governor als were not verified properly months. sector, which engages more accounted for 10 percent of and heads of the financial in- and that the loans could not The figures could be than half of the population, the total credit. The central stitutions, is expected to be be recovered. The Covid-19, much higher by now, but of- stood at Nu 6.505B or only bank, however, has not re- formed and study the problem he said, had made the situa- ficials said that the NPL oc- 4.6 percent. This is slightly leased sector-wise NPLs for and come up with a solution tion worse. curred during the Covid-19 higher than the credits in the comparison of which sector to the NPL problem. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 6 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL

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KwikPuzzle Xword2049 © Gemini Crosswords 2013 All rights reserved Cryptic Clues Quick Clues 123 4 5678Quick CLUES Across Sudoku AcrossAcross 1 Gate - secured by a catch? (6) 1 Northwest 1 Northwest US state US (6) state (6) 4 Offhand royalist (8) 910 4 Small 4 Smalltelescope telescope (8) (8) 9 Introduce one with stern disposition (6) 9 Considerably 9 Considerably (6) (6) 10 Stupid person required to tidy flowerbeds (8) 11 10 Test10 publicTest public reaction reaction (3,1,4) (3,1,4) 12 Formed a mental picture of drunken GI with maiden (8) 12 Feeling of well-being (8) 12 13 12 Feeling of well-being (8) 13 Assembling a steel plant (6) 13 Have13 Have in mind in mind (6) (6) 15 Scene shifter with a firm grasp (4) 14 15 Rational15 Rational (4) (4) 16 Island with many debts is undependable (10) 16 Total16 Total clearance clearance (5,5) (5,5) 15 16 17 19 I’d return to break agreement in dispute (10) 19 Sordid19 Sordid family family affairs affairs (5,5) (5,5) 20 Stage favourites’ comeback (4) 18 20 Woodwind20 Woodwind instrument instrument (4) (4) 23 Eager to be camping? (6) 23 To23 lament To lament (6) (6) 25 One should admit when one is depressed (8) 19 20 21 25 Honoured25 Honoured as holy as (8)holy (8) 27 House buzzer may be stuck on here (8) 22 27 In27 the In sky the (8) sky (8) 28 A shooting box? (6) 28 Lay28 bareLay bare(6) (6) 29 Bananas he will put in fruit container (8) 23 24 25 29 A29 subordinate A subordinate activity activity (8) (8) 30 Snooker on the green? (6) 30 Hostility30 Hostility (6) (6) 26 Down Down 27 28 Down 1 This kind of room is for patient people (7) 1 Weigh 1 Weigh heavily heavily on (7) on (7) 2 Arrest in case is not ordered (9) 2 Surprising 2 Surprising revelation revelation (3-6) (3-6) 3 Animal hearing organ sitting on rug (6) 3 Choice (6) 29 30 3 Choice (6) 5 Pins of revolvers? (4) 5 Become wearisome (4) How to play 5 Become wearisome (4) 6 People at play (8) 6 Pleasure 6 Pleasure (8) (8) 7 Schemes thrownFill inaside the grid(5) so August 13, answers 7 Tolerate 7 Tolerate (5) (5) 8 Their entertainment value is questionable (7) 8 Accelerate (5,2) that every row, every Across: 1 Insipid, 5 Reputed, 9 Perfect, 10 Neutral, 11 Trace, 12 Dromedary, 8 Accelerate (5,2) 11 They may be required to be met (7) Solution to last week’s puzzle 11 The bad character in play (7) column, and every 3 13 Spectacle, 15 On end, 16 Lofty, 18 Mad Hatter, 21 Whimsical, 24 Tweed, 25 11 The bad character in play (7) 14 It pulls cart up hill (7) 14 Clear a path (4,3) X 3 box contains the Release,I RON 26AGE Trivial, 27DI Western,STAF 28F Engaged. INSIPID REPUTED 14 Clear a path (4,3) 17 Right place for gymnastic exercises (2,3,4) N R L R E E U L M U R A U R E E 17 Enough space to work in (9) numbers 1 through 9. REGIMEN SATISFY PERFECT NEUTRAL 17 Enough space to work in (9)

18 Animal food in the barn? (4,4) A A S E P T T H E F S E T N R A 18 In fairness (2,6) Answer Answer Down: 1 Impetus, 2 Surface, 3 Presently, 4 Dated, 5 Run to seed, 6 Prune, 7 18 In fairness (2,6) 19 An inch off providing fine fabric (7) NINTH SOAPOPERA T RACE DROMEDARY 19 Of questionable merit (7) Terrace, 8 Delayed, 14 Come clean, 15 On a string, 16 Lowbrow, 17 Foibles, 19 19 Of questionable merit (7) 21 Stolen goods badly wrapped in a bit of newspaper (7) G I O I R L U C N S C E 21 Infinite (7) ENTeeming,COU 20NT Riddled,ER 22SHE Slate, 23LF Let be. SPECTACLE O NEND 21 Infnite (7) 22 It doesn’t describe the present schoolboy (6) S O E P L O E N 22 Pale22 yellowPale yellow (6) (6) 24 Meeting in the course of a country stroll (5) SABLE LADIE SMAN LOFTY MADHATTER 24 Exert (5) H R E C A U O O E S E I 24 Exert (5) 26 Water thoroughly (4) I NAUGURAL I BSEN WH IMSICAL TWEED 26 Ring26 Ringof light of (4)light (4) N S O A E M C N B B L YEL AE RSR M D DISTURB AVERAGE R ELEASE TR IVIAL Health I I D L V N R R O E T AAGOB N N E Solution on Tuesday G RENADEBHUTANECSTASY WE STERN ENGAGED Capsule Cryptic Quick Across: 1 Iron Age, 5 Distaff, 9 Regimen, 10 Satisfy, 11 Ninth, 12 Soap opera, 13 Encounter, 15 Shelf, Across: 1 Insipid, 5 Reputed, 9 Perfect, 10 Neutral, 11 Trace, 12 Dromedary, 13 Spectacle, 15 On end, 16 Sable, 18 Ladies’ man, 21 Inaugural, 24 Ibsen, 25 Disturb, 26 Average, 27 ImmunizationGrenade, 28 Ecstasy. programmer16 Lofty, 18 Mad Hatter, 21 Whimsical, 24 Tweed, 25 Release, 26 Trivial, 27 Western, 28 Engaged. Down: 1 In range, 2 Organic, 3 Almshouse, 4 Ernes, 5 Despaired, 6 Set-to, 7 launchedAustere, 8 Fly half, in 14 Paro Down: 1 Impetus, 2 Surface, 3 Presently,Idioms 4 Dated, 5 Run to seed, 6 Prune, 7 Terrace, 8 Delayed, 14 Tolerable, 15 Specimens, 16 Shindig, 17 Brassie, 19 Mascara, 20 Nunnery, 22 Gouda, 23 Leave. Come clean, 15 On a string, 16 Lowbrow,Size up 17 Foibles, 19 Teeming, 20 Riddled, 22 Slate, 23 Let be. An expression meaning to carefully look at the person or think about the situation, in order to decide how to act "I've had a chance to size On the frst day of the National Immunization Day trial up Amanda, I think we run, held on August 14, medical teams went out in Paro can trust her and she's administering vaccines which are aimed at ultimately worth doing business controlling the spread of measles and tetanus and with." eradicating polio in Bhutan. Wizard HOME PAGE 8 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL

Looking after our Coping with mental health Keep informed: Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities. Follow trusted news the lockdown channels. Chhimi Dema sleeping a lot after the lock- “Lockdown is a chance to Have a routine: Keep up with daily routines as far down.” practise good habits that are as possible, or make new ones. Day five of the lockdown. How Deki, 25, said that after important in life.” As a teacher, Get up and go to bed at similar times every day. are people coping? lockdown she got to be with Kinley said that she would be Keep up with personal hygiene. More than the inconven- her family, which does not able to spend more time on- Eat healthy meals at regular times. iences of the lockdown, people happen often otherwise. “It line helping her students. Exercise regularly. are worried about the uncer- is difficult with professional Dorji Drakpa, an employee Allocate time for working and time for resting. tainty of the pandemic. commitment.” with a private company, said Make time for doing things you enjoy. Dawa Tshering, 76, from Rinzin Norbu said he had that he would try to cultivate Tsirang, enjoyed waking up become lazy after lockdown. reading habit during the lock- Social contact is important: If your movements are early for his morning walk and To keep himself active, he down. restricted, keep in regular contact with people close to you meeting his friends for a chat guides his niece and nephew Dorji Tshering, 25, said that by telephone and online channels. in the evening. But now, he with their studies. “I am try- his routine had not changed has only to stay home, chant- ing to make the best use of this after lockdown. “I spend most Alcohol and drug use: Limit the amount of alcohol you ing prayers. time—to read and do house- of my time inside the house. drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. Don’t start drinking alcohol “In the current situation, hold chores.” This is normal for me.” if you have not drunk alcohol before. Avoid using alcohol staying home is helping the Yeshi Dorji from Zhem- So it is with Sangay Wang- and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom nation,” he says. “I will walk gang said that he was on social mo, a teacher in Mongar. She and social isolation. around in the house spend media most of the time. “I feel spends her time doing garden- quality time with my family,” caged. So, taking advantage of ing in her small backyard. Screen time: Be aware of how much time you spend in front he said. the situation, I read a lot about “Not being able to go for of a screen every day. Make sure that you take regular breaks Sonam Dema said that cinematography online.” walks makes me feel lazy so from on-screen activities. she was able to guide her For the students, lock- I am with my phone most of children with studies. “Before down has meant more time the time,” Sangay said. To kill Social media: Use your social media accounts to promote lockdown, I could guide them to study and follow one’s boredom, she is also weaving positive and hopeful stories. Correct misinformation only on weekends. I help them interests. A 17-year-old high a kira. wherever you see it. write journals to capture their school student said that when Although lockdown own experiences.” she was bored she engaged in brought inconveniences, Support health workers: Take opportunities online or Pema Choden, a civil serv- activities such as baking and people say that because of the through your community to thank your country’s health-care ant, said she now had ample cooking. government’s initiative of de- workers and all those working to respond to COVID-19. time to read and work out at Kinley Dema said that she livering essential goods things -who.int home. “But I have also been had started practising yoga. were manageable. It’s no lockdown for mushroom collectors in Paro Phub Dem | Paro animals. She said that she wasn’t The rural households in Paro the only person who failed to are killing boredom due to abide by the restriction. lockdown either by working The officials asked them in a nearby fields or going to avoid gathering and ad- into the jungle to collect vised to remain vigilant. mushrooms. Tshering Wangchuk from Although Paro dzongkhag Shomu, who looks after the Covid-19 taskforce did not village’s water supply, went to allow any outdoor activities check the source, as the area initially, the government has ran out of the water after heavy allowed people to collect rainfall the previous night. mushrooms and carry out The water source is about fieldwork. eight kilometres from the Health protocols must be settlement. “There are more observed, however. people than animals in the As per the directive, only forest.” one or two farmers are seen A cattle herder, Kama, working in the field. But, are said that he saw a bunch the mushroom collectors of mushroom collectors “I abiding by the law? thought during the lock- Towards late evening down, everyone should stay on Thursday, the patrolling at home, but everyone is in team at Paro Shomu met with the forest.” four mushroom collectors. As the dusk descends One of the collectors said over the valley, a group of that the collectors had to go mushroom collectors return in groups because of the home. They are all furtive Patrolling team met with four mushroom collectors danger of meeting with wild and watchful. DZONGKHAG PAGE 9 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL Kangpara cut off before lockdown Neten Dorji | Trashigang the goods are carried by volunteers of Kangpara and De- While the nationwide lock- Suups,” he added. down started on August 11, He said that except civil Kangpara, one of the remotest servants, villagers wouldn’t gewogs in Trashigang has been face much problem, since they cut off for over a month now. grow nine different types of ce- The gewog’s road was severely reals. “Both Kangpara gup and damaged following heavy rain Thrimshing gup were asked to in July. collect information incase of With continuous rainfall, any shortage of essential items the block couldn’t be clear and in the villages.” the gewog is still not connected. Yesterday, the Drungkhag People in Kagapara may face administration dropped 120 difficulties if the lockdown con- bags of rice, 30 liters of oil and tinues. pulses at the block site. A massive landslide The Thrimshing Drung- blocked the road at 12km to- khag administration would be wards Kangpara gewog from arranging transportation to Thrimshing drungkhag. How- drop essential items and on ever, a narrow path has been the other side, Kangpara gup is carved into the landslides to going to coordinate to transport De-Suups and volunteers transship essential items across roadblock in Kangpara carry essential items. the essentials items till FCB Thrimshing Drungpa, depot in Kangpara. few reports of people in short- all items are exhausted,” he said. transshipped. “Most of the peo- Wangchen Norbu said that Kangpara Gup, Sangay age of essentials items from two “We cannot restock the items, as ple have enough at their home.” as of now there were no re- Wangdi said the path is nar- places. Most of the shops in the it is lockdown time and no one Meanwhile, Drungpa, ports of residents running row and continues falling gewog were empty since they is allowed to travel.” Wangchen Norbu said continu- short of essential items in the of boulders risk transporta- could not restock due to road- FCB depot manager ing falling boulders and land- gewog. “We drop all essential tion. “There is no other option block. Yangchen Lhamo said people slides delayed clearing work items escorted by De-Suups than taking individual risk to A shopkeeper, Yeshi Tsher- wouldn’t face any problems progress initially. “If the weather in government vehicles until transship the essentials items.” ing managed to restock some since they are restocking the es- favours us, it would take about the block area. From there He said that he received a items by transshipping. “Now sential items even if it has to be two weeks to clear the blocks.”

Mongar court clears Tsakaling gup of corruption charges

Tshering Namgyel | Mongar tender committee, the ulti- not exercising due diligence bers of a light vehicle, two in the tender documents per- mate decision-making power while passing bills for works wheeler and her trailer truck mits hiring of machine and, Mongar dzongkhag court ac- was with the committee and executed in Tsakaling gewog to claim the hiring charges moreover, the main objective quitted tshogdu thrizin and not with the chairman. by UT Hiring unit. The court of the earthmoving machine of the contract agreement four defendants who were all OAG had also submitted ruled that it was legitimate for from the owner of UT Hiring, drawn between the accused charged with fraud and cor- that Karma Sonam Wangchuk the Karma Sonam Wangchuk Samten, who was awarded and the dzongkhag admin- rupt practices in connection had committed four counts as gewog official to monitor the road construction work istration was constructing with farm road construction. of deceptive practices—false the work in the gewog, which worth Nu 330,000 by Tsaka- the farm road which was The Office of the Attorney statement with fictitious ma- helped cut travel cost for the ling gewog. successfully completed. The General (OAG) charged Thri- chine number of a small car dzongkhag administration. The court ruled that court considered the allega- zin Karma Sonam Wangchuk, and scooter belonging to two The court ruled that the Dhenzang Hiring had carried tion as de minis non curat lex who is also the gup of Tsaka- private individuals and trailer Anti-Corruption Commission out the contract work in ac- and there was no evidences to ling, for abuse of power and truck registered in his wife’s failed to follow the due pro- cordance with the contract proof guilty beyond reason- function and four counts of name. cess of law as the investigating agreement made between the able doubts. deceptive practices related The court ruled that the agency had gone beyond its hiring agency and the dzong- to farm road construction in vehicle logbook, bills and mandate while investigating. khag tender committee. Two site engineers Chali, Balam, and Tsakaling other documents upon com- Dhenzang Hiring was The verdict stated that Two site engineers, Namgang gewogs. pletion of contract work were awarded the construction Tshering Yuden had claimed Lhamo and Prem Bahadur The court ruled that signed with hiring agent’s seal projects in Balam gewog only the deserved hiring Ghalley who were charged Karma Sonam Wangchuk was by Karma Sonam Wangchuk ’s worth Nu 3.49 million at the charges for her machine and with official misconduct not a member of dzongkhag wife. There was no evidence quoted price of Nu 2,200 an since the work was awarded were also acquitted. The tender committee and that that Karma Sonam Wangchuk hour in January 2017. to UT Hiring, by no way was court ruled that the accused Dhenzang Hiring Agency be- was involved. she involved in deceptive had carried out their assigned longed to his wife. “Therefore, OAG has said that Karma Owner of Dhenzang Hiring practice. roles accordingly and the alle- gup Karma Sonam Wangchuk Sonam Wangchuk was in- The court also acquitted the gation of official misconduct was not accountable,” the rul- volved in a deceptive prac- owner of Dhenzang Hiring UT Hiring was baseless. On the OAG’s ing stated. tice through corporate veil. and the wife of Tsakaling gup, The court acquitted the owner request to penalize on break- On the allegation of abuse However, court ruled that the Tshering Yuden, who was of the UT Hiring, Samten, who ing the civil service code of of power related to tendering licence holder is an individual charged with five counts of was charged with aiding and conduct, the court said that of a work worth Nu 330,000 and wife of Karma Sonam deceptive practices by OAG. abetting by hiring their ma- the BCSRR 2018 required by the gewog level tender Wangchuk. “Dhenzang Hiring OAG had submitted that chine and paying the entire administrative action, which committee as the chairman, Agency doesn’t bear corpo- Tshering Yuden was liable for amount as hiring charge. was already done by the the court ruled that although rate identity,” the court ruled. creating false and mislead- The court put that the dzongkhag administration Karma Sonam Wangchuk was Karma Sonam Wang- ing statement by submitting terms and conditions of the as they were transferred to the chairman of the gewog chuk was also charged with a fictitious vehicle num- quotation of hiring machine Tsirang and Trashigang. Kuensel Supplement Saturday, August 15, 2020 Kuensel Supplement Saturday, August 15, 2020 Kuensel Supplement Saturday, August 15, 2020 DZONGKHAG Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 13 SJ carries out a series of tests Kelzang Wangchuk | Samdrupjongkhar sholing, Thimphu andGel- ephu. The rapid antigen test on He said although they had 36 people, who had entered managed to trace about 128 Samdrupjongkhar town from people who entered Sam- Phuentsholing, Gelephu and drupjongkhar, about 36 peo- Thimphu before the lock- ple were currently stationed down, came out negative at the town. Most of them yesterday. had moved to Pemagatshel, Antigen test is conducted Nganglam, Gelephu and using a nasal swab and throat Phuentsholing. sample and is as good as an The CMO said that the RT-PCR. It shows the result officials would also move to within 20 to 30 minutes. Orong, Gomdar and Wooling, The officials also con- among others to test people ducted rapid antibody tests who had come from Thimphu, on 31 IMTRAT officials as they Phuentsholing and Gelephu frequently visit India. today. Samdrupjongkhar health “We’re conducting the test officials went to the respec- to the people who had come tive places such as Road Safety from those places to prevent and Transport Authority office the transmission of the virus (RSTA), truck parking, and in the community,” Dr Kezang dzongkhag livestock office, Dorji said, adding that they among others to conduct the had carried out contact trac- Covid-19 antigen test. ing since the lockdown was The chief medical officer announced. A health worker takes a swab sample (CMO), Dr Kezang Dorji, said A truck driver, Tashi, 39, that they had contact traced said they could not sleep after from there. “We are now feeling re- that it is important to maintain those who entered Samdrup- they heard about the Covid-19 “We tried and approached lieved as the officials conduct- the safety measures to ensure jongkhar between August 1 positive cases in Phuentshol- the officials for the test, but ed a test, and the result was the safety in the community,” and August 10 from Phuent- ing as they had also come could not make it.” also negative. We have learned Tashi said. ADVERTISEMENT PAGE 14 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL

PRESS RELEASE SOUTHERN COVID-19 TASK FORCE, PHUENTSHOLING 14 AUGUST 2020 The C19TF greatly appreciates the understanding, support and home delivery from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Tuesday, cooperaton of the residents of Phuentsholing during this very Friday and Sunday. Home delivery will be carried out from challenging tme of the natonal lockdown. With the declaraton 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM on the same day of Phuentsholing as a “red zone”, the C19TF would like to notfy d. Customers are advised to order quanttes to last for one the general public to take note of, and strictly comply with, the week at a tme to reduce frequency of movement for following: home delivery 1. All residents should contnue to follow the lockdown protocols e. To the extent possible, the identfed traders must avoid cash and stay at home as movement is strictly restricted. Only handling, and encourage and facilitate payment through authorized personnel providing emergency and essental e-payment applicatons (MBoB, MPay, TPay, eTeeru) services are allowed to move during the lockdown. f. Those individuals who are not able to get home delivery 2. Frontline workers and essental service providers must strictly services should call the Regional Trade and Industries follow all necessary public health measures to prevent the Ofce (RTIO) ofcials at 17555555, 17886013, 17823175 further spread of COVID-19. or 17240240. 3. In view of the declaraton of Phuentsholing as a red zone, there 4. For the delivery of vegetables, residents can contact FCBL at will be no regulated access to grocery shops henceforth. All 17968694, 17380899 or 17977512, or other vendors through essental items will be delivered to your homes by identfed Hotline Centre at 5555. stores. Kindly note the following with regard to home delivery 5. For essental services such as utlites and other emergency of essental items: requirements, residents are advised to call the Hotline Centre a. The contact details of identfed traders are as given in at 5555. the table at the end of this press release 6. People from other parts of the country currently stranded b. To place orders for essental items, individuals should call in Phuentsholing because of the lockdown are requested to the trader directly. If the trader cannot be reached, the register your details with the COVID-19 Control Centre Helpline individual can call the Hotline Centre at 5555 at 1216 (9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays) and Hotline 5555 c. Identfed traders will receive orders of essental items for during other tmes.

List and contact details of stores identfed for home delivery: Sl# Name of the frms Focal person and contact number Home delivery zone Food Corporaton of Nim Tshering (17660426), Passang Dema (16906552), Toorsa Tar, Amochu, Pekarzhing, 1 Bhutan Limited (FCBL)* Ugyen (17462475), Dorji Tashi (17115060) Pasakha, Ahaley area. Tashi Commercial Subash Rana (17886294/77219325), Tenzin (77770510), Krishna Shah 2 Core town and Dhamdara area Corporaton (77356090), Anup Chand (77221165), Gyem Lham (17715723) Tashi Wangyel Devi Darjee (16924562), Vinod Kumar (17416920), 3 Core town area Tshongkhang Tashi Wangyel (17661876) Hem Kumar Ghalley (17819590), 4 H-Mart Kabraytar & Khareyphu area Anjuma Pulami (17604191/77269455) Sherab Rabten (17684483), Choney Wangmo (17565648), 5 8-Eleven Rinchending/ Kharbandi Wangchuk Namgyel (17600296) Tandin Wangmo (17616132), Ugyen Dema (17616145), 6 My Mart Jigme Wangmo (17616260) Tshering Dema ( 17616220), Core town area Sangay Tenzin (17616121; Fixed line 05-252215) Umesh Prassad Pankaj Kumar Gupta (77328388/17400301), Gopal Shah (17735504) 7 Norgay, NPPF & Pemaling area Grocery Sonam Tobgay (16913313) , Bikash Sharma (77473153) , 8 Zimdra Impex Tshewang Lhamo (17990650), Zangmo (17644105) Core town & Pepildara area

Lobzang Dorji (17840731/17469087), Sonam Rinchen 9 Tamshing Enterprise Core town area (77707632/17707632) Note: i. *FCBL shall facilitate home delivery on a daily basis. ii. Other stores/retailers will be considered for home delivery based on their interest and capacity. HOME Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL PAGE 15 Over 900 bags of livestock feeds distributed to farmers in Tsirang Feed agents running short of supplies worries farmers

Chimi Dema | Tsirang the main concerns of Tsirang farmers was feeding their live- Worried that he may run stock. short of livestock feed before Farmers said that al- relaxing the lockdown, Dam- though they were quite pre- ber Singh Subba, a farmer in pared for the lockdown in Phuentenchu, Tsirang has terms of essentials and other reduced the amount of daily necessities, they couldn’t feed for his layer birds. stock up livestock feed given For about 9,000 layer birds a short expiry term. in his poultry farm, he usually “We cannot keep them feeds at least 11 bags of Karma longer than 15 days,” a farmer Feed a day. But over the past from Gosarling said. few days, however, he has Although farmers could been able to feed only eight feed alternative food resourc- bags a day. es to cattle and pigs, for layer “I may need to reduce the birds, feed was necessary. amount further if the feed About 160 bags of animal shortage continues,” he said. feeds were supplied in the last He was lucky to be able to two days in the gewog. buy 40 bags of feed the day The gewog officials said before the nationwide lock- that although farmers de- down. manded about 10 bags each, With the support from only four to five bags were dis- the dzongkhag livestock sec- tributed given the short supply. tor, the gewog administration Gosarling gewog alone delivered about 100 bags of has about 25,000 layer birds. A Karma Feed agent in Damphu town delivered over 200 bags of livestock feed over the livestock feed for poultry, The feed agent in the past two days piggery and dairy farmers on gewog, Indra Tshongkhang August 13. Farmer got about has run out of poultry feed 150 bags to five gewogs yes- were also asked to compile The Senior Dzongkhag ten bags of feed each. since last evening. terday alone. lists of requirements should Livestock Officer, Gyem Damber Singh Subba said The owner said that they In Barshong gewog, no there be any. Tshering, said that three he managed to get 20 bags, have been receiving continu- shortage of animal feeds has Four feed agents in trucks carrying feed for enough for two days. ous orders from farmers. been reported as of now. Tsirang distributed more than Tsirang were stranded in Pa- The gewog has 18 poul- “Our two trucks carrying Gup Santa Lal Powdel 900 bags of livestock feed in sakha due to restriction on try, eight piggery farms and 500 bags of feed were strand- said, “Farmers have stocked the last two days. While a few vehicle movement. a dairy farm consisting of 56 ed in Phuentsholing due to up enough fearing cut-off agents have about 50 bags “We may face severe members. restriction on vehicle move- from the town due to road- each in stock, others have shortage if there isn’t feed Soon after the nationwide ment,” the owner said. blocks,” the gup said. run short of supplies since supply from the source within lockdown on Tuesday, one of The agent has supplied He said that the tshogpas last evening. a week,” Gyem Tshering said. MoAF delivers vegetables across Thimphu Choki Wangmo onion, green chilli, garlic, and bilised and packaged at the announced: “This is to comple- nounced by the thromde did ginger amounting to Nu 360. Centenary Farmers Market ment the delivery of essentials not work even. Owing to an overwhelming Each truck has three forest- (CFM) by De-Suups, agricul- through the agents under the The thromde, however, number of calls for vegetable ers and a De-Suup to deliver ture and CFM officials. thromde. While this lot of veg- would continue to deliver in delivery and mounting pres- and observe proper health When the trucks arrive etables are from the CFM stor- small quantities as per the sure on the thromde to meet protocols. at various places, De-Suups age, the ministry has already demands of the individuals demands, the Ministry of Agri- In his Facebook page, on duty will make announce- started receiving agriculture or special items unlike the culture and Forests has intro- agriculture minister Yeshey ments but the ministry is yet produce from the districts.” delivery made by the minis- duced an emergency measure Penjore posted that for equity to issue timing of delivery in Until August 13, the Thim- try where the consumers did to deliver vegetables in pack- distribution, there would be different areas. Only one per- phu Thromde had regulated not have the choice to pick up ages in different zones in Thim- limitations to purchase in the son from each household is the delivery but netizens took what they needed. phu starting 4pm yesterday. first round of delivery. allowed to collect the package. to social media and com- In phase two of the deliv- Across different zones in “The door-to-door service Lyonpo said that both types of plained about delayed de- ery, sub-zones with an outlet Thimphu, pick-up trucks were will continue until we have payment—e-payment system livery, switched off contact will be created in the eight allocated to deliver pack- phase two service in place.” and cash—was accepted to re- numbers or busy lines to stock centres in Thimphu, aged vegetable items which Lyonpo said that the duce inconvenience for users. place their orders. Users said which is expected to ensure include potatoes, tomatoes, stocks of vegetables were mo- The Prime Minister’s page that the toll-free number an- efficient delivery. HOME PAGE 16 Saturday, August 15, 2020| KUENSEL Mass feeding of stray dogs begins Thinley Namgay Serbithang had also sent letters to the prime minister, agricul- Following His Majesty The ture minister, and health min- King’s concerns about stray ister requesting approval for the dogs starving during the lock- continuation of their monthly down, a mass feeding of the mass feeding campaign for the dogs began yesterday. stray dogs during the lockdown. Prime Minister Dr Lotay JAST’s, programme man- Tshering citing the Royal con- ager, Sonam Norzin said that cern during a recent press con- the authorities informed them ference said, “Stray dogs will that His Majesty’s Secretariat become aggressive without was initiating the feeding food and might attack people programme for stray dogs. “It and domestic animals. Bod- made our work easier. We are ies of dead dogs would spread ready to help.” diseases.” The national veterinary Currently, there are over hospital is helping JAST by 45,000 stray dogs in the country providing essential medical of which around 15,000 dogs supplies. JAST has around 100 are in Thimphu. animals of which 70 are dogs. The Royal Bhutan Army The Royal Bhutan Army began a nationwide stray-dog (RBA) began a nationwide feeding programme beginning yesterday stray-dog feeding programme beginning yesterday, to ensure that dogs do not starve during TOMORROW the lockdown. The different RBA wings Good Day in Thimphu, Phuentsholing, Samtse, Gelephu, Chukha, Haa, Paro, Wangdue Phodrang, and Samdrupjongkhar will be oper- Bad Day ating in their respective areas to feed the dogs daily. In Thimphu alone, three Another De-Suup Nam- for livestock bedding since the teams were deployed to feed kha Dorji in Chukha said that sites are closed. We are also A good day for rituals (laza): over 15,000 stray dogs living there are limited numbers of looking for fodder.” those born in the dog year. between Dechencholing to dogs in his vicinity. “De-Suups The foundation has its es- Generally a good day (sogza): Ngabiphu. continue to feed the dogs with sentials stranded in Bangkok those born in the sheep year. According to a press release the help of shopkeepers who and New Delhi due to the pan- from RBA, the programme was donate food items.” demic. The essentials include AUGUST 17, MONDAY initiated in view of His Majesty’s Civil Society Organisations supplies for horses, prosthetic Good Day concern about the dogs during dealing with the welfare of the leg fabrication and vitamins Bad Day the lockdown. animals have also expressed and supplements. “As the streets are empty concerns for the stray dogs. Board Secretary of the Bhu- due to the lockdown, the dogs, The executive director of tan Animal Rescue and Care which usually depend on A good day for rituals (laza): Maya Foundation-Barnyard (BARC) centre in Thimphu, scraps from hotels or food left those born in the snake and horse years. Bhutan Animal Rescue and Hendrik Visser said that the by passers-by, may go hungry Sanctuary in Paro, Jamie centre had received permission Generally a good day (sogza): and become feral.” Vaughan said that besides to drive and pick up their staff. those born in the rat and pig years. A spokesperson from the looking for the stray dogs, her “While picking up the staff, A bad day (shedza): RBA said that besides being organisation was also taking we are also feeding the stray those born in the monkey and rooster years. an act of compassion, the pro- care of sick and injured animals dogs between Taba, Babesa gramme to feed stray dogs was referred to them. and Yusipang. However, we deemed appropriate for the Currently, the foundation were running out of veterinary Army to take over, as feral dogs looks after over 500 animals of medicine, but the Indian Army Time of issue: 03:55 PM, would be a security issue if left which about 300 are dogs. helped just the day before the SUNRISE : 5:32 am | SUNSET : 6:40 pm 14 August 2020 unattended. “Army and police have lockdown.” Besides, De-Suups and po- started to feed the stray dogs, There are 400 animals at lice on duty across the country and we will coordinate with the BARC centre of which 350 have also started mass feeding them to provide other food are dogs. Gasa Trongsa Bumthang Sarpang Phuentsholing of dogs since August 13. Pic- items to make the meals tast- Hendrik Visser said that the tures of De-Suups and other ier and nutritious,” said Jamie centre was ‘relatively comfort- 20 24 22 31 32 duty personnel feeding the Vaughan. able’ with the food items for dogs flooded social media plat- However, Jamie Vaughan now. “Since the outbreak of 12 17 16 24 23 forms where people expressed said that her organisation was Covid-19 in the region and with their gratitude to His Majesty also facing challenges due to anticipation of border closure, Thimphu Trashigang The King. the lockdown. “We are getting we received lots of support De-Suup Tshering Norbu adequate food supplies for from people from all walks of 26 25 deployed at Dechencholing, dogs and cats but not feed for life who donated essential food 15 17 Thimphu said, “Otherwise, the horses, cows and other live- items such as rice, oil and dhal, only pet dogs will receive spe- stock,” she said. “We don’t have among others.” Source: National Center for Hydrology and Meteorology. cial care during the lockdown, enough firewood for cooking Officials from Jangsa Animal For any weather information: Call hotline 335578 which is not fair.” and sawdust or wood shavings Saving Trust (JAST) centre in

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Nima | Gelephu primary contacts, believed and has no symptoms. She to have come in contact with was in Sershong most of the Health officials have com- the index case on August 10 Contact tracing of the time with her relatives and pleted testing all primary was done yesterday. family members. and secondary contacts of Medical Superintendent 27-year-old woman However, the community the of CRRH, Dr Dorji Tshering surveillance is not yet over the index case in the Ge- said the tests were usually and the team would con- lephu central regional refer- done after three to five days tinue to revisit the village, ral hospital. since the last contact with according to the officials. The test results of the re- the case or the suspect. With the Phuentsholing maining 11 primary contacts “Many think it should be declared as a red zone, the are expected today. done immediately which is contact tracing team also Contact tracing team not the way,” he said. started to test truckers who from Gelephu CRRH con- With the nationwide 98 276 had travelled from Phuent- ducted over 300 tests after lockdown in place, the Primary contacts Secondary contacts sholing to Gelephu in the the dzongkhag reported its testing of the contacts was past one week. second Covid-19 case on slower and time-consuming A total of 83 truckers August 10, resulting in the because the health officials travelled from Phuentshol- nationwide lockdown. have to move door-to-door. ing to Gelephu between Test results of all 278 All primary contacts of August 4 and 11. The test is secondary contacts in the the index case are either 376 done in relation to a Covid- dzongkhag, mostly from Ser- under facility quarantine or Total tested 19 positive case reported shong village, came negative home quarantine - 71 prima- from a 25-year-old mini dry on the rapid antibody test ry contacts are under facility port loader on August 11. performed in the past three quarantine and 27 are home Out of 83 truckers, only days. quarantined. 31 truckers are in Gelephu- There were a total of 98 The official added that 71 12 20 truckers were tested primary contacts. Of that, 86 the team could confidently Facility quarantine Pending results yesterday as of 9pm. The primary contacts tested neg- say that there is no local team also tested 50 Indian ative on both RDT antibody transmission. “None of the loaders who were involved and RT-PCR test conducted family members who were in of them came negative. The The 27-year-old who is in loading and unloading in so far. close contact with her for a risk of local transmission is currently in the isolation Gelephu to date. The results The remaining test for 11 long time tested positive. All low,” said Dorji Tshering. ward is in stable condition are expected today.

Contrary to reports, contraceptives are available during lockdown

Yangyel Lhaden available during lockdown happening but not seen.” contraceptives pills, are delivered it to her along with through outreach clinics. On May 11, Her Majesty being delivered door-to- condoms, as prolonged use Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Na- Yesterday, seven people the Gyalyum Sangay Choden door by health facilities in of emergency contraceptive tional Referral hospital re- received family planning Wangchuck addressed the Thimphu. was harmful. She was also corded 962 pregnancy cases services through outreach nation on the risk and ad- There are four centres given health advice. until July this year. In the clinic in Chang Gewog. ditional burden on women from where health services Doctor Sonam Ugen said same period last year, the An official from Renew and children during the can be availed—Community that although contraceptives total number of cases was 867. said that it was an individu- Covid-19: “I urge the Minis- Health Unit, Hejo Satellite such as I-pill and condoms Doctor Sonam Ugen, al’s sexual right to avail con- try of Health to ensure Sex- Clinic, Motithang Satellite would be delivered door-to- Head of Community Health traceptives and if such needs ual and Reproductive Health Clinic, and Royal Bhutan door, callers should also be Department, said that the are not made available at services as well as maternal, Police Dispensary. mindful about the timing of pregnancy cases increased this moment it would lead newborn and child health, Kinga Gyaltshen, a order. by 95 which was not dras- to all forms of gender-based health sector response to thromde health officer, said One of the Health centres tic but measures to avoid violence. gender-based violence ser- that he procured 100 I-pills received a call at mid-night unwanted pregnancies was Pregnancy during lock- vices continue to receive pri- from a pharmacy and dis- asking for an I-pill. Doctor taken care from March. down could be due to con- ority throughout the crisis tributed them among the Sonam Ugen said that I-pill She said that contracep- sensual sex or forced one situation. They are essential four centres. could be taken within 72 tives—oral, injection, and which would create undue life-saving services which Doctor Sonam Ugen said hours. “It is an emergency, condoms to last for three burden on women and girls need to be part of the critical that on the second day of yes, but there are priorities.” months—were given to reg- after this pandemic, an of- response to the crisis” lockdown he received a call Contraceptives would be istered patients. ficial from RENEW added. All forms of contracep- from a girl asking for I-pill. delivered between 9:00am These services are still “It is a ‘shadow pandemic’, tive, including emergency She said that the health team and 3:00pm. HOME PAGE 18 Saturday, August 15, 2020 | KUENSEL Yakpogang villagers negotiate with lockdown terms Tshering Namgyal that it took a long time to connect to ambulance ser- The otherwise noisy Yak- vice and was worried if she pogang village in Mongar could reach the hospital on has been quiet for the past time. three days. There are no A farmer, Pema, who screaming children or peo- lost a few baskets of maize ple loitering about. The vil- to monkeys yesterday said lage is observing strict lock- his family stayed inside the down protocol. house after they heard that it An elderly couple are was mandatory. “But we had harvesting pepper outside to chase away the monkeys their single-storey house. and install the scare tiger While 73-year old Khot- doll,” she said. sha picks the hanging on Meanwhile home deliv- the lower branches, his wife ery of essential food items Yuden, 50, removes those on for the needy villagers were the branches. delivered. Before the nationwide Mongar gewog bolero lockdown, the couple em- pickup truck and boleros of ployed around 30 villagers to volunteers reached six bo- harvest the pepper. But only lero trips of essential items half of 200 trees have been to the villagers of Wengkhar, harvested. The couple is wor- Kilikhar, Jaibab, Yakpogang, Yuden picks pepper in Yakpogang ried they may not be able to Themnangbi and Yakpogang harvest all before the fruits Nunnery Center. fall as they are ripening. not even visited their near- with her two sons for her or else my cows will starve. Mongar gewog also Khotsha said that it was est neighbour. three jersey cows. Otherwise, I don’t even go supplied three bolero trips peak season to harvest pepper. They usually sell the She said the village friend out to guard my crops be- of mixed vegetables col- “There were instruc- dried pepper in Samdrup- of police (FoP) restricted the cause there are rumours of lected from the farmers in tions from the local leaders jongkhar and the family family from eating in a circle this virus spread by birds,” the gewog and distributed to avoid field work, but this earns more than Nu 100,000. outside the house on the first she said. among Kideykhar Shedra, is our only annual income,” Another villager Rinchen day. Since then they were A pregnant woman from Yakpogang Anim Dratshang, he said. Wangmo was seen gather- hesitant to enter their fields. the village who has to go for De-Suups and police per- He said that they have ing fodder in her maize field “I have to collect fodder routine check up soon said sonnel on lockdown duty. 3,000 call for tobacco products on the first day Chhimi Dema An official from BDFL tobacco products from Lyonpo in his Facebook ingly intends to breach the said that there were seven Phuentsholing would be post said that the initiative legal provisions,” he said. Around 3,000 people called officials attending to the brought to Thimphu after is an interim measure. “This Chewing tobacco (BABA) the Bhutan Duty Free Lim- calls. Each of them received which it would be delivered in no way intends to promote will be delivered from Mon- ited (BDFL) to place their about 400 calls yesterday. to other dzongkhags. the use of tobacco nor will- day. orders for tobacco products The official said that to- in Thimphu on the first day bacco users can order only of delivery yesterday. two boxes of cigarettes (each Finance Minister Nam- box has 200 sticks). Current- gay Tshering said that the ly, there are 11 types of ciga- initiative was to address the rettes for sale from BDFL. “habitual need” of tobacco Depending on the brand users. of the product, the official Following the Facebook said, the cost for a box of post by the minister, tobacco cigarettes ranges between consumers called BDFL for Nu 3,610 and Nu 5,550. supply. Some said that the The tobacco products line was busy all the time. would be delivered on Mon- A smoker in Thimphu days, Wednesdays and Fri- said that the mobile numbers days, Lyonpo said. However, to place orders for tobacco orders can be placed on any products was switched off. day. “The initiative is useless if Lyonpo said that upon our calls are not received,” consultation with the Na- she said. tional Covid-19 Taskforce, Kuensel Supplement Saturday, August 15, 2020 Kuensel Supplement Saturday, August 15, 2020 REPLACE/RENEW CARDS AT A REDUCED RATE

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