Bhutan's only COVID-19 patient evacuated to home country U.S.

The 76-year-old American tourist in Bhutan who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 5 has been evacuated to the United States, his home country, on Friday.

According to the press release from the Ministry of Health, the decision was taken on request from his family members and also in close coordination with the U.S. government through its mission in Delhi.

He was the first and only COVID-19 patient in Bhutan as of Friday. He visited Bhutan on March 2 along with a 57-year-old female friend. His friend and around 90 people in Bhutan who contacted the patient all tested negative. They were all kept under quarantine and tested for second time and still showed negative results.

The patient was evacuated in a special Phoenix Air Ambulance from Bhutan to the United States, as per the press release. "The aircraft is medically equipped and has necessary equipment including being staffed with registered nurse and paramedics."

"We were in constant touch with the patient's family and provided every possible support to the patient and his family," said the press release.