According to the Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering, the relaxation of lockdown in Thimphu, Paro, Haa, Trongsa, and Bumthang will be determined after testing by the third day of lockdown.

Lyonchhen said that after 72 hours, 7,000 more test samples will be collected and if there are no single positive cases, unlocking will start in five dzongkhags.

Lyonchhen said that more than 1,800 samples were collected from Thimphu, more than 1,200 from Paro, more than 500 samples from Bumthang and Trongsa. All tests came negative.

Lyonchhen said: “The incubation period of the virus is between three to four days.”

Lyonchhen mentioned that despite requests to avoid gatherings, this lockdown shows that a lot of people took part in gatherings and travel and are now requesting to travel back home.

Lyonchhen said that Covid-19 has changed behaviour more than five times in two years; however people have not changed their behavior. “The problem raised in the first lockdown is still the same.”

Lyonchhen said that His Majesty has commanded that we must continue the policy of not having any Covid-19 case in the country. “We are still in the eliminations of virus.”

“I am the biggest recipient of Kidu of His Majesty and kidu and the current government is the biggest recipient of the Kidu. I would like to thank His Majesty the king.”

There are more than 20 de-suups manning the 1010 call services. They attend to more than 5,200 calls a day.

“I am also worried that the price of commodities might increase in four to five days due to the lockdown in Phuentsholing,” Lyonchhen said.

Lyonchhen said that people should follow the Covid-19 protocols, avoid gathering, wash hands and wear masks. .

He said that the vaccine has been protected around 80 percent of the people; and around 93 percent in the country were given a booster dose.

The Prime Minister’s Office also notifies that the movement within the zones and the opening of identified shops will start from 5am.

The business entities must close by 6pm, and no movement of people will be allowed after that.