Bhutan’s King Treks for Five Days To Monitor COVID Management

Bhutan: Concerned about the wellbeing of his citizens during the Covid Pandemic and to check the spread of the virus in the country, Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk trekked 65 kilometres for five days to reach remote areas along eastern border to monitor the Covid situation and management in the country. 

He was also accompanied by Prime Minister Lotay Tshering.

The king started the trek on June 8 from Merak, a settlement on the eastern part of Bhutan and reached Jomotshangkha on June 12.

He inspected the border outposts and inquired about illegal crossings which could increase the chance of virus spread in the country. He also took stock of the impact of the pandemic and border closure on the livelihoods of the people who mostly depends on cross-border interactions.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), since January 3, 2020, Bhutan has recorded 1826 positive cases and one death within its total population of 763,092. A total of 483,699 vaccine doses have been administered in the whole country.

In a tweet, Tenzing Lamsang, the President of the Media Association of Bhutan, shared pictures of the king and wrote, “His Majesty The King trekked 5 days in Bhutan’s eastern border areas through forests, rain, high passes & leeches to check on border posts put up to check illegal crossings to prevent COVID-19. This is his 14th or 15th trip since the pandemic started. Accompanied by the PM this time.”