Nepal Takes Preventive Measures Against COVID-19

Kathmandu: Nepal government has taken up various measures to prevent the spread of the epidemic COVID-19 which has posed as a global threat.

The government’s expedited measures come at a time when the World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned Nepal against the high risk of COVID-19.

According to Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali the government has formed a team under the leadership of secretary at the office of the Prime Minister and Council of Minister, Narayan Bidari who will be responsible to monitor the situation and take measures to contain the coronavirus disease.

The immediate measures taken include suspension of issuance of arrival visas for countries infected by Coronavirus including China, Japan, South Korea, and Iran. The second step includes the introduction of universal health screening for all passengers arriving including passengers from India.

The third step includes government plans to keep the facility of quarantine for others arriving from countries hit by Coronavirus. The government has also arranged at least 100 isolation beds at various hospitals of Kathmandu valley to take precautionary measures.

The government has also directed all provincial governments to deal with the fatal disease by arranging for isolation wards in their respective states. The incoming passengers at the airport will also have to submit a health card to the concerned authorities to prove that they are not tested positive for Coronavirus disease.

A travel advisory has been issued to Nepali citizens not to visit any country reported to be hit by this fatal disease. As precautionary measures, the issuance of No Objection Certificate (NOC) for students to pursue higher education abroad also has been suspended for the time being.

South Korea has been asked to suspend the process of calling for Nepali workers through the EPS system until the situation improves. The measure has also been taken to fulfill the shortage of medicines in case of urgency in the country.

Nepal government has also postponed the promotional campaign of Visit Nepal 2020 and Sagarmatha Sambad 2020. The government is also considering to suspend the operation of flights to countries hit by Coronavirus, beside mulling over preventing Nepali migrant workers from going abroad where coronavirus is pervasive.