What could possibly become the first instance of the known large-scale local transmission of COVID-19 in Bhutan, authorities have identified a total of 21 fresh cases of the COVID-19 infections in last 24 hours, reported The Bhutanese.

The new cases come as a result of mass contact tracing and testing after a 25-year-old female, with no recent history of travel and contact with a known positive person, had tested positive in capital Thimphu for the virus on Saturday.

The detection of the Saturday case had swung the government in motion, forcing authorities to impose temporary lockdown in Thimphu. On Sunday evening, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering addressed the nation. Close to 1700 people were tracked down as the result of the contact tracing exercise; Out of them, 21 tested positive. Among infected, are seven close relatives of the 25-year-old female.

“We request all people who have travelled from Thimphu to other Dzongkhags from 7th December to get tested in their nearby flu clinics,” Bhutanese prime minister was quoted as saying by The Bhutanese. He also thanked the girl who had tested positive on Saturday for clearly remembering her movements, using the Druk trace app and wearing face mask all the time.

People in the capital resorted to panic buying on Monday morning over rumours about a possible longer 21-days lockdown. The authorities, including the prime minister, requested people not to panic and trust only information coming from  Prime Minister Office, Ministry of Health, and mainstream media.

Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck has expressed concern over the situation, the prime minister informed in his address. He also requested people to wear masks, frequently wash their hands, and avoid gatherings.