We would like to inform the general public that one positive case of COVID-19 was confirmed at 11pm on March 5. The result was validated at 12.30 am today.

The patient is a 76-year-old from the United States of America, who had come to Bhutan as a tourist. He had entered the country from Paro International Airport, after embarking Drukair flight KB241 from Guwahati, India on March 2.

While Bhutan has no reported case of COVID-19, the recent surge in the incidences in countries beyond China, the first country to report the outbreak, is a cause of concern.

In over three hours meeting held on 2nd March 2020 afternoon, the National Disaster Management Authority, chaired by the prime minister, met to review country’s efforts for COVID-19 prevention and other response mechanisms.

In light of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan City, China and cases reported in 15 other countries as of today (30th January 2020) including Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal; The Ministry of Health urges the general public to avoid/postpone travel to these countries for holidays, pilgrimage, leisure, etc until the outbreak is officially contained.

Ministry of Health Travel Advisory