Life in Bhutan during COVID-19

These are truly remarkable times and all in Bhutan are praying for the well being of everyone in the world. At this writing we are 99% clear of the virus, according to our Prime Minister, Dr. Lotay Tshering. The government is saving that 1% to keep diligence and continue to monitor for possible infection. Currently, anyone traveling to Bhutan must quarantine for 14 days, either at home or at a quarantine site. Since we seem to be clear of infection we are most vulnerable to Bhutanese traveling home from outside. It is remarkable how the government, let by His Majesty, has been beyond proactive, suggesting that we all self-isolate, closing the country to tourists, and mobilizing all branches of government to address this crisis in a coordinated and effective way.

Bhutan has had a lot of practice at this kind of thing because it is an isolated place and because all Bhutanese have a deep, intuitive understand how vulnerable we are. This tiny country is sandwiched between India, with 1.3 billion humans, and China, with almost 1.5 billion. That's almost half the population of the world above and below us. Because Bhutan's population is around 700,000, and because we listen and adhere to what our remarkable King says, there is every likelihood things will go as well as can be expected.

I am ever amazed by the Bhutanese spirit and the people here who come together and help each other. And I thank God every day I'm able to be here and witness this, as well as the tireless and selfless work of His Majesty the King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. His Majesty is currently on a tour of the country's rather porous borders in the South and East, to coordinate hospitals, immigration check points, and assure the people. Here's an article from yesterday's KUENSEL