Apr 24, 2020

Coronavirus: CTA Task Force Announces New Measures


Today [24 April 2020], the Central Tibetan Administration’s Task Force for COVID-19 pandemic announced in a press conference the new response measures being taken within the Tibetan community. Dr. Tsering Tsamchoe, member of the CTA Task Force, highlighted that the door-to-door pilot test was conducted on 1031 people including CTA officials and employees around Ghanchen Kyishong and nearby monasteries and school. Four of the tested people showed mild symptoms of the virus and were immediately sent for further tests at Delek hospital. In order to avoid the potential risk of the second wave after 3 May,  Dr. Tsamchoe notified that the committees have held discussions and issued guidelines to respective settlements in India to follow. In the guidelines, it is notified that each settlement has to maintain a register recording the names and related detailed information of all outsiders entering the settlement. Similarly, they are to be tested for the infection before entering the settlement.

Below is a press release by the Central Tibetan Administration

The Central Tibetan Administration’s Task Force for the Wuhan origin, COVID-19 pandemic addressed the press today on the status of active cases worldwide and particularly in the Tibetan community and the response measures being taken.

Dr. Tsering Tsamchoe, member of the CTA Task Force highlighted the recent measures being initiated by the committee and presented the statistic update on COVID-19.

The global statistic confirms 2,47,5723 positive cases from 213 countries and the current death toll now stands at 169151.

In India, Dr. Tsamchoe stated that there are 16,454 active cases and 681 death cases while 4257 recovered cases.

Among the states in India, Maharashtra tops the tally with 5649 cases, followed by Gujurat at 2407 cases, Delhi at 2248, and Karnataka at 427.

“As of now, since 23 March around 1617 people from India and Nepal have been put into self-isolation,” informed Dr. Tsamchoe.

And for the recent measures taken by the committee, she mentioned that the door-to-door pilot test was conducted on1031 people including CTA officials and employees around Ghanchen Kyishong and nearby monasteries and school. Out of which 4 people showed mild symptoms of the virus and were immediately sent for further tests at Delek hospital.

In addition, she stated that the committee received positive responses in regard to health care volunteers and volunteer drivers. 39 health care workers from various Tibetan settlements are said to have volunteered as well as 9 volunteer drivers.

“It is so likely that from 3 May onwards the lock-down may get eased which means a potential second wave is possible, therefore we encourage more health care workers to step forward and volunteer”.

In order to avoid the potential risk of the second wave after 3 May,  Dr. Tsamchoe notified that the committees have held discussions and issued guidelines to respective settlements in India to follow. In the guidelines, it is notified that each settlement has to maintain a register recording the names and related detailed information of all outsiders entering the settlement. Similarly, they are to be tested for the infection before entering the settlement.

Likewise, routine sanitization of the settlement including ensuring to wear a mask at all times and distribution of personal protective equipment to be strictly implemented.

In addition to the guidelines, the outsiders and non-residents must consent to self-quarantine for a period of 28 days all the while maintaining social distancing at all times and avoiding gathering of any sort.

She further urged to avoid non-essential traveling and outing even when the lockdown is no longer imposed.

“In case of any grievance related to guidelines, one can visit the Department of Health’s official website to voice their grievances and offer suggestions. So far, we haven’t had a single case in our community so let us ensure it remains like this in the future course”, she concluded.