Dharamshala: Secretary Palden Dhondup of the Health Department, Chair of Central Task Force Committee said ‘tremendous social solidarity’ was the reason the Tibetan community was able to successfully beat three consecutive Covid waves in the last two years since the first emergence of the covid case in India in 2020.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the front line workers, volunteers, and donors for their incessant contributions,” said Secretary Palden. He presented an overview of statistics of the covid situation in the Tibetan community noting 2000 cases recorded in January alone during the peak of the third wave. Out of those 2000, 5 died due to complications. He further informed about the rapid decline in the daily cases as the overall cases recorded in the Tibetan community this week stand at 70.

In an official announcement issued during a briefing on 11 February, the central task force committee presented a revised directive to be swiftly adopted by the settlement heads. This newly revised directive proposes the withdrawal of establishing makeshift quarantine centres given the stable and improving covid situation. The directive also proposes several changes in the covid protocols regarding the mandatory quarantine/isolation requirement as per the need of each settlement.

As of now, the committee reiterated its focus on individuals above 60 years with comorbidities who hasn’t been vaccinated yet.

In view of the approaching Tibetan New Year, Secretary Palden contended Tibetans to celebrate the occasion wholeheartedly keeping in view to take the necessary precautions as a priority and advised against allowing a large congregation.

“I would like to extend a heartfelt greeting to Tibetans on Losar wishing this Tibetan new year brings an abundance of good health, accumulation of good knowledge and karma to all, ” he concluded.

Dr Namdol highlighted the concern of post covid syndrome that is majorly being detected among the patients of 1st and 2nd wave. This ‘long covid’ as characterised by medical experts exhibits symptoms like extreme fatigues, shortness of breath and constant coughing, joint ache, lack of focus and concentration etc. Those struggling with these prolonged symptoms are advised urgent medical examination.