LUCK or FATE
Luck
goes its way these days with me. Little did it triggered in my nerves, paved my
way forward only to be vanishing within no time. It was frustrating sometimes,
emotional other times to see it happen otherwise. As said, everything happens
for the best the best is yet to come. 
E-pass
After
waiting for more than 2 weeks, I received a call from 1010. I was informed to
go for Covid test at Changlimithang ground on 7th January 2020. The Electronic Movement Pass for the
test was sent to my Whatsapp which should be produced upon every stop. It was
made that the host also needs to undergo the testing to rule out the negative test. We have done our tests and results to be declared the next day. It
was of our understanding that the next day after result declarations, we will
be allowed to move towards Trongsa but fate has its own story.
It
was at around 10:30 PM the same day we had tested for Covid-19, I received a
call, supposedly from 1010. My heart pounded a little faster, goosebumps
raised a little higher, my ugly face turned a little blusher for the fact that we
had an understanding through constant reminder from MoH that they will be
contacting if the results are positive. “Hello
La”. “Is this Chenga Penjor, I am calling from 1010 help desk center”. I
was like, “Uumm… Yes La, I am Chenga
Penjor”. “We are sorry to inform you that the e-pass for stranded people moving
from Thimphu and Paro is temporarily suspended”. ”Why is it so La?” “Sir, we
are just following the order and it may be due to an increase in covid cases La”. “Laso
La, Thank you for the information, Mam.”
I
don’t know, whether it’s the relief from the news or sadden by it. Relief because
it isn’t the positive news and saddened because it is prolonging my stay over here.
Early
in the morning of 8th January 2020, there was a press release from
PMO for the change in protocols for stranded people wishing to return to their
places. It says, for emergencies, three days mandatory quarantine is required and for other
people, it’s seven days. We are again asked to register with 1010. I am not sure
how many times I’ve registered and provided the details. Every time I call 1010,
they are asking for details/information and we need to tell the same story daily.
Question is, is it wise to redo the tests for those who have undergone the tests? I feel the government is at the loss of those resources which can’t be reused. It may be 300+ people who have undergone the testing. It was practiced that way till date, it would have been wiser considering those batch as last before adopting the new rule.
Nevertheless, it’s the decision of the top-level, they might have thought the best way possible and came up with the solution. I will wait for their direction for quarantine and will diligently follow the protocols in place. I feel it is our Gyankhu to respect and follow the rules.
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