COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test in the Campus
With the local transmission case of a 10-year-old student and his mother on April 16, 2021, in Phuentshogling, the government announced the lockdown for thromdes and satellite towns in southern border Dzongkhags on the same day.
Following the directive of the Samtse Dzongkhag COVID-19 Task Force (DC19TF) to close all schools and institutions, the College stopped the normal teaching and learning until the relaxation of the lockdown by the government at 1 PM yesterday. All movements, both within and outside the campus were strictly prohibited. Students adhered to COVID19 protocols such as handwashing, wearing masks and maintaining the physical distance in the students’ mess and hostels.
The Dzongkhag Medical Surveillance Team was also on the campus to do random rapid antigen test of staff and students. For the test, lecturers, staff, and students volunteered beyond the expected requirement of 10% of the population as per the DC19TF. A total of 30 people were tested-8 male and 22 female. All tested negative. Faculty, Staff and students who have been to Phuntsholing after 7th April were all sent to the Dzongkhag Flu Clinic to test and none tested positive.
“I volunteered to test for COVID-19 because I was having dry a cough and I wanted to know my results”, said Chador Wangmo, a first year M. Ed in English student.
Another student, Ms. Sangay Chezom of 2nd year Bachelor of Arts in Social Work said, “I did the COVID-19 test for safety as I have met with my sister who visited me from Phuentshogling the last weekend. It is for the safety of all”.
Meanwhile, the students and faculties in the college were kept updated by President through the email and social media platforms of the developments in the Dzongkhag, Bhutan and the neighbouring region.
The College also conducted an online class for a day under the direction of the College Management.
