Disaster Risk Reduction in Bhutan: Status Report 2020
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Bhutan’s Response to COVID-19 and Disaster Risk Reduction
Bhutan confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on March 6, 2020. A nationwide lockdown was announced with immediate effect to contain the community spread of the virus. The RGoB put in place every measure necessary to safeguard the people of Bhutan from the pandemic and their response to the pandemic was recognized internationally.
Until July 30, 2020, active cases had flattened, with no evidence of community transmission and no deaths. However, on August 11, 2020 the RGoB announced its first nationwide lockdown, following report of a COVID-19 positive case in a traveller who had been released from quarantine. Bhutan is currently at Level 3 (Orange) stage which indicates that there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 but there is no local transmission of the virus.
Male [Maldives], January 26 (ANI/Xinhua): Nearly 20,000 Maldivians have signed up to be vaccinated against COVID-19 since registrations were opened on January 18, local media reported here Tuesday.
Keiko Yanai, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives and Ahmed Naseem, Health Minister
Twitter
Japan has donated medical equipment to the government of Maldives.
During the ceremony held at the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) stationed at Dharubaaruge on Tuesday, Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai handed the consignment over to the Maldives Minister of Health, Ahmed Naseem
The donation comes under an Exchange of Notes for the grant of 600 million Japanese Yen which is approximately USD 5.6 million, which was signed between both governments during June last year.
The government of Japan expressed hope that the grant assistance of USD 5.6 million with take the island nation’s healthcare capacity across atoll and regional hospitals, and the sector to new heights as well as contribute to the development of the health sector.
Maldives to sign agreement with AstraZeneca for vaccine procurement The Maldives will be procuring the COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford University, the Finance Ministry has revealed.
A declaration signed by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer which was released by the Ministry on Thursday said the government will be signing an agreement with Singaporean company, AstraZeneca to procure COVID-19 vaccines for Maldives.
While the vaccines are available for procurement from specific parties only, the vaccines are being released globally under special procurement policies, said the declaration. The relevant authorities have advised that the signing of the agreement is necessary at this time, it said.
Niyama Private Islands Maldives
Moodhu.com
Niyama Private Islands Maldives has been placed under monitoring following the confirmation of multiple coronavirus infections there.
Health Emergency Operations’ Centre (HEOC)’s spokesperson, Dr. Nazla Rafeeq revealed this at Wednesday night’s Covid-19 press briefing.
She said that a total of seven coronavirus cases were confirmed from the luxury resort, two guests and five staff members, adding that the two tourists and three of the employees were tested after exhibiting symptoms.
The other two employees are contacts.
Dr. Nazla further said that a total of 17 samples were taken from Niyama for testing, stressing that this is being conducted together with Dhaalu Atoll Hospital. More samples are to be tested on Thursday.