UN Bhutan COVID-19 Sitrep #4 – September

Bhutan went into a 21-day nationwide lockdown on August 11 after a woman in Gelephu tested positive for COVID-19 and two days later, 12 positive cases were reported from the mini-dry port in Phuentsholing. Over subsequent weeks the country experienced sporadic transmission but the spread was largely controlled through strict contact tracing, enhanced testing, and the public’s adherence to lockdown guidelines.

Beginning 1 September the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGoB) started a phased approach to easing the lockdown. The RGoB is closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and while 281 cases have  been confirmed no deaths have been reported. While the health impact has so far been limited as compared to many other countries, the impact on the economy has been significant.