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Testing for COVID-19 to increase

-Kalika Khadka

The High-level Coordination Committee for Prevention and Control of Corona Virus has decided to increase the number of tests in order to combat the infection of the virus in the country. The 19th meeting of the Committee today took a decision to expedite the testing considering the vulnerable state of the infection as well as the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Sharing the decisions of the meeting, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Narayan Prasad Bidari said health workers and committed institutions will be mobilized in order to expand the reach and number of COVID-19 tests.

The total number of tests including both RDT and PCR has now reached above 15,000 in the country. Of them, 16 have been confirmed positive so far, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.

The meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Iswar Pokahrel also decided to facilitate the import of medical supplies through the private sector and give continuity to the procurement process through the Health Ministry. "The task of importing medical supplies would be continued through government to government (G2G) approach and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health have already communicated with the concerned Chinese agency for the same", Secretary Bidari said.

Talks are being held on the volume of medicines and equipment as well as costs through video conferences, he shared.

The meeting has also decided to continue smooth supply of most-essential goods and ensure unobstructed import and transportation of goods through border areas by mobilizing security agencies in a coordinated manner.

A decision was taken to provide relief to the daily wagers who are at risk of the deprivation of food during the period of lockdown.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had an issued order in the name of the government to bring special relief package targeting daily wagers, labourers and poor people during the period of lockdown enforced to stem potential risks of COVID-19.

Furthermore, the Committee decided police administration be authorized to tighten lockdown and take action against those violating the lockdown by keeping them in custody.
Anyone defying the lockdown will face minimum one month jail term (maximum six months) or a fine of minimum Rs 100 (maximum Rs 600) or both, according to the Infectious Disease Prevention Act, 2020. The Chief District Officer is vested with authority to take action against those defying lockdown.

The meeting has decided to halt domestic and international fights until April 30. It was also decided to bring back home those Nepalis working at the United Nations in Afghanistan in an appropriate way. Around 62 Nepalis are working for the UN in Afghanistan.