Travel advisory Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

In view of increasing confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) being reported from many other countries, the Ministry of Health would like to reinforce the following measures:

1. Bhutanese travelers to:

• • Bhutanese to avoid unessential travel or postpone travel to the affected countries until the outbreak is contained.
  • In case of unavoidable travel (to reduce the risk of infection) travelers should:
  • Avoid close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections
  • Practice frequent hand washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment
  • Avoid close contact with live or dead farm or wild animals
  • Travelers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette.
  • Maintain distance
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing
  • Wash hands with soap and water

2. Tourists and Bhutanese arriving Bhutan:

• • Travelers with travel history to the affected countries are requested to report to the health desk at the point of entry
  • Travelers with one or more of the following symptoms with travel history to affected countries within 14 days are requested to report to the nearest health centers or call 112;
    • • Fever
      • Cough
      • Sore throat
      • Shortness of breath
  • Any travelers entering Bhutan with travel history to affected countries fulfilling the suspected case definition will be quarantined for 14 days on arrival to Bhutan.

3. Preventive measures to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection:

• • Travelers with travel history to the affected countries are requested to report to the health desk at the point of entry
  • Practice respiratory hygiene: Cover nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or handkerchief
  • Avoid unnecessary contact with live animal
  • Wash hands thoroughly after contact with an animal
  • Cook meat and eggs thoroughly before consuming

Source: www.health.gov.bt