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CTA urge Tibetans to observe lockdown-like precautions throughout May 

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President of CTA Dr. Lobsang Sangay (Photo courtesy- CTA)
President of CTA Dr. Lobsang Sangay (Photo courtesy- CTA)

By Choekyi Lhamo

DHARAMSHALA, Apr. 30: The Central Tibetan Administration’s President urged Tibetans to continue observing precautions after the all-India lockdown will be lifted on May 3. Dr. Lobsang Sangay urged Tibetans to refrain from travelling in order to prevent community transmission of COVID-19, throughout the next month.

Cabinet minister for Home Affairs, Sonam Topgyal Khorlatsang, advised the general public to observe social distancing and maintain good hygiene in order to avoid unknowingly affecting the vulnerable section of the society like the older people. He emphasised the need to avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary. He separately noted the need for Tibetan farmers to exercise caution, “Tibetan farmers need to take precaution after the lockdown is lifted. These farms usually hire local Indian labourers for work, and it could create an environment laden with risk where both the parties become susceptible to the coronavirus.”

Minister Sonam Topgyal thanked the contributions made by various organisations, monasteries, individuals that have helped vulnerable Tibetan and Indian families, daily wage workers, and other affected people during this pandemic. He stressed on the need to be vigilant when the lockdown is lifted as community transmission of the virus in our society could lead to disastrous health hazard if it is not contained collectively.

CTA in accordance with 45 settlement officers throughout India has informed the officeholders to contact the administration if an emergent situation arises. The Home Minister urged the public to inform CTA if any settlement lacks any basic facilities, medical or otherwise. President Lobsang Sangay said that the measures taken by the administration could face difficulty due to the nature of our dispersed exile community, but assured to provide the required help for all.

India is scheduled to lift the nation-wide lockdown in the coming week after more than a month of lockdown where all institutions and businesses except essential sectors were put on halt to “flatten the curve” of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of Thursday, there are more than 33,000 positive cases and 1075 deaths in India.

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