Is it safe to travel to Bhutan because of Corona Virus?
Bhutanese women in the south-central border district of Sarpang take part in Khuru, a traditional game of darts, to welcome the Male Rat year, on February 25
Is it safe to travel to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, listed as the top travel destination in 2020 by Lonely Planet? As of February 27, there were no cases of Coronavirus in Bhutan.
Travelers are probably asking this question with the Coronavirus (COVID -19) outbreak reported in 38 countries across Asia and the globe.
Travelers might also be wary that Bhutan borders China, where the virus emerged and has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths so far. A few cases of the virus were reported in neighbouring India and Nepal, with which Bhutan has air links, but they are reported to have recovered.
Earlier this month, rumours were circulating of a Chinese tourist with flu like symptoms in central Bhutan. The tourist, who was kept under observation, tested negative, much to the relief of everyone in Bhutan. Since then, there were 23 suspected cases, all of which tested negative according to Bhutanese health officials.
Strict monitoring at entry points
Since January 11, Bhutan has been monitoring everyone entering the country by air or overland. It has set aside quarantine space to handle suspected cases. Health professionals have also been trained and are on standby to respond to emergencies.
There are few entry points into the country, which makes monitoring relatively much easier than in most other countries. High up in the mountains near the northern frontiers with China, border guards are creating awareness on the virus among the sparse highland community living there. Bhutan has no overland crossing with China.
At Paro international airport, the main entry point for international visitors, a full-scale surveillance system is in place.
To the south, where Bhutan share a porous border with India and has several road-entry points, police and immigration authorities are working together with health professionals and volunteers to monitor everyone entering the country.
Travel advisory
Bhutan’s key concern, like most countries, is preventing the virus from entering the country. Bhutan’s health ministry has cautioned Bhutanese to avoid travel to affected countries. It recently issued an advisory stating “travelers with a history of travel to affected countries, may be quarantined for 14 days on arrival”.
Otherwise Bhutan has not shut it gates to visitors. Bhutan has not yet had a single case, which basically means the risk of getting infected is negligible. A robust monitoring and surveillance system are also in place to check the virus from entering the kingdom.
FAQ on Corona virus:
A. No cases have been reported as of Feb 27th 2020.
Q. Is Bhutan prepared to deal with Corona virus?
A. Bhutan has put in place measures to monitor everyone entering the country by air and by road. Those suspected of having symptoms will not be allowed to enter.
Q. Are tourist coming to Bhutan?
A. The numbers have dropped but yes tourist are coming.
Q. Has Bhutan put a ban on tourists from certain countries?
A. No, Bhutan has not put any ban on tourists travelling to Bhutan.
