A decision regarding the phased easing of the nationwide lockdown is expected today in Bhutan. Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering has been holding deliberations with experts for the last few days, reported Kuensel. 

With more cases being reported each day, the prime minister said, the National COVID-19 Taskforce is carefully examining the issue of easing the lockdown. The committee would take steps to contain the spread of the virus across the country. 

He also informed that the draft regarding the same will be finalized today. “Until the government announces otherwise or specified, it will still be considered as a lockdown,” the prime minister was quoted as saying Kuensel. 

There have been rumors circulated on various social media platforms regarding easing lockdown restrictions. The prime minister clarified until the government announces the decision, restrictions will remain in place. 

He said the purpose of the lockdown was to avoid mass gatherings to break the chain of community transmission. 

On December 23, Bhutan imposed a nationwide lockdown as the country saw a sudden surge in COVID-19 infections from Thimphu and Paro districts.