Govt. decides rapid testing in Kailali, Kanchanpur and Baglung

The government has decided to carry out rapid tests for possible COVID-19 infection, in wake of new cases of infection being reported in the districts. It may be noted that three news infections including a local transmission was reported in Kailali and Kanchanpur today.

The decision was taken by the meeting of the Council of Ministers held this evening, as it reviewed the measures taken to prevent and control COVID-19 in the country. The cabinet expressed satisfaction over being able to keep the transmission in limited number, government spokesperson Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada said.

The government today also decided to stop and check mobility of people from one State to another, from one local level to another and from one district to another in order to check the spread of the Coronavirus. The State and local governments need to work more effectively in the present situation, including for ensuring strict adherence to the lockdown, said Dr Khatiwada, who also holds the portfolios of finance and communications and information technology.

The cabinet decided to make immediate arrangement of personal protective equipment for the health workers, recognizing their important role in the current situation. It has already rolled our insurance scheme and other incentives for them. "A decision has been taken to mobilize the health workers with complete safety, wipe out any other obstacles to their work and take legal action against anyone involved in endangering the security and well-being of the health workers," Minister Khatiwada shared. All levels of government including the local administration need to ensure security to the health workers.

The meeting today also decided to appoint Rabindra Bhattarai and Kunsan Lama as experts in the Criminal Offense and Punishment Determination Committee. Furthermore, Dr Shanker Kumar Shrestha was appointed as an expert in the Victim Protection Committee.