By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, May 17: During the weekly Covid-19 Taskforce briefing on Thursday, the Tibetan community reported 443 new cases and 22 deaths in the last week, raising alarm as the rate of infections grows across India. Deputy Secretary of Health Department Tenzin Kunsang appealed to the public to strictly adhere to the safety protocols, and urged immediate testing if any signs and symptoms of the coronavirus is detected, regardless of vaccination status.
“Only collective efforts can bring forth a positive result in overcoming the devastating virus,” she said, further lauding the individuals and organizations for their aid campaigns. As of Thursday, the total tally of cases reached 3377, whereas the task force reported 2119 recovered cases, 83 deaths and 1175 active cases till date.
Dr. Tenzin Tsundue shunned myths related to testing and advised the public to get tested in time, “As much as it has become a strenuous battle to fight the mutant virus, the myth and stigma surrounding the virus has made it even harder”. He further cited the new variant B1.617, which is said to be an airborne infection, as one of the reasons for the sudden surge all over the country.
The task force also urged exile Tibetans to take active participation in vaccinating themselves, as some of the states recently started inoculation drives that was supposed to start from May 1. Since the nationwide vaccine drive began in March for those above 45, a total of 16,222 Tibetans have reportedly received both their doses.
The Kangra district on Saturday announced the extension of the ongoing ‘corona curfew’ in view of the rising rate of Covid-19 cases till 26th May.
