In the wake of Corona Virus (Covid-19) pandemic declaration, the entire staff and students of the college were educated on clinical and epidemiological aspects of Covid-19. Dr. Karma  Lhendup, Chief Medical Officer, Samtse Hospital, shared a brief history of Coronavirus (MERS & SARS), mortality rates of different CoV outbreaks, and assumed virus carriers. He also shared the various virus transmissions such as through person to person contacts and through articles. His talk covered other important aspects of COVID-19. These were symptoms and complications, if a person is infected with the virus. In between his informative sensitization talk, Dr. Karma kept emphasizing the utmost importance of personal hygiene as precautionary means against the virus infection. He touched on how one might not get the virus or what are some of the preventive measures to avoid oneself getting infected with Covid-19. He succinctly, expressed that there is no medication but it is not to be worried because the mortality rate is 2-3% only. He further highlighted on the preparedness of Samtse Dzongkhag in the event of outbreak at Samtse and in Bhutan and demonstrated on the correct way of using mask and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The sensitization talk was followed by question and answer session. Both staff and students took an opportunity to clear their doubts. Some of the questions asked were: What are some of the possible reasons for Bhutanese guide and driver not getting infected despite being in close contact with the first COVID-19 patient? Do pets transmit Coronavirus? Is it advisable to prepare hand sanitizers locally? How effective are the hand sanitizers? And what precautions should be taken while using public transports?

He ended his talk by emphasizing that everybody should be responsible by making the necessary contributions in strengthening the nation’s preparedness for such a national emergency instead of leaving the task of this preparation to the Ministry of Health or the medical personnel.