As the situation around COVID-19 develops around the world, we’re seeing story after story of growing challenges and the heroic people in our health sectors who are rising to meet those challenges. This month, we at the Bhutan Foundation wanted to take a moment to recognize the speed, compassion, and consideration that His Majesty the King and Bhutan’s leaders in the government, including the Prime Minister and the Health Minister, took to address the public when the virus made its way across the border this March and to offer our own ways to stay engaged during this uncertain time.
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COVID-19 Makes Its Way To Bhutan
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When a 76-year-old American tourist visited Bhutan this March, we can most certainly bet he didn't imagine himself becoming a national story. But after a few days of sightseeing, he came down with a fever and was hospitalized with symptoms of the flu. That was when health-care professionals took action. Immediately, the patient's samples were sent to the Royal Centre for Disease Control, and he was placed in the isolation ward with oxygen support.
With little time to lose, the response team promptly tracked over 90 contacts he'd made during his visit, working to isolate and quarantine those persons, including eight Indian nationals aboard the same flight, service staff, and crew members. Meanwhile, His Majesty the King, the Prime Minister, and the Health Minister each came together to maintain up-to-the-hour updates to the public, including school closures,
free-for-all hand sanitizer solutions
, and even prayers and updates for the patient as he recovered.
In this time of uncertainty and increasing tensions, it was moving to note the care and compassion the Prime Minister, a surgeon in his own right, Dr. Lotay Tshering regularly gave toward the visitor—particularly when addressing the alarm surrounding tourism at the time. In one public address, he emphasized that, "For now, we request every Bhutanese to pray for the patient, the American national, so that he recovers and joins his loved ones as soon as possible.”
This past week, the American patient was
evacuated home
upon his family’s wishes, and is on the way to what we all hope is a full recovery. However, last night his partner, who originally tested negative for the virus, was
confirmed positive with COVID-19
.
The partner, a guide, and a driver were the first three in contact with the initial patient, and the health-care team moved quickly to place the guide and driver back into quarantine. The team is currently reviewing plans for moving forward with public safety.
Of course, here at the Bhutan Foundation, we are enormously relieved and grateful for the initial patient's safety and are keeping his partner's health in our thoughts. To us, this is an example of Bhutanese values in action. The combination of fast-acting support, compassion, and community solidarity is what we love about Bhutan and what we hope to embody as a foundation.
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Ways To Stay Connected During Self-Isolation
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We know things are rough right now, but you’re not alone. You can stay in contact with the Bhutan Foundation team in DC and Thimphu by
visiting our website
for more information as the situation develops, by
emailing us directly
, or by joining our new
Facebook Discussion Group
to share stories, books, and movie recommendations during this period of self-isolation.
A couple of movies that might interest you include these:
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As for the kids in your family who may be stuck at home away from school, we're also releasing our Snow Leopard Reader as a
free ebook
! This book, available in both English and Dzongkha, is part of our Snow Leopard Conservation Education Program for schools in rural areas of Bhutan to teach lessons on Bhutanese values in conservation. The stories were written by Bhutanese teachers and illustrated by local artists with support from the Royal Education Council.
You can click the link below to download a free copy of this children's book until
April 22, 2020.
I'm sending my very best to you and your loved ones during this time. Thank you for staying connected to Bhutan and being a part of our community.
Stay safe,
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Tshewang Wangchuk
Executive Director
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The Bhutan Foundation builds capacity in Bhutan by supporting the four pillars of Gross National Happiness (GNH), sustainable development, good governance, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
The Bhutan Foundation has received a platinum rating from charity watchdog GUIDESTAR which holds the highest standards for evaluating non-profit organizations. This rating advises supporters like you so that you know every dollar is making the largest possible impact.
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Bhutan Foundation (Washington, DC)
21 Dupont Circle, NW
Suite 755
Washington, DC 20036
+1 (202) 609 7363
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Bhutan Foundation (Thimphu)
Nazhoen Pelri Youth Center
Post Box 1918
Thimphu, Bhutan
+975 (2) 322751
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