All health workers to undergo COVID-19 test: Health Ministry

KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population is set to carry out the COVID-19 test of all health workers.

Ministry’s expert adviser Dr. Khem Karki shared that the coronavirus test of the health workers would be undertaken through the PCR method as they required to provide treatment to any patients who are ever susceptible to risks.

The corona test of the health workers has kicked off from today, Dr. Karki shared.

Likewise, the Ministry has also mooted to carry out the COVID-19 test of security personnel, workers and journalists in the Kathmandu Valley. As all of them are being deputed in the field even amidst the lockdown, their test has become more pressing, he noted.

The Ministry is also formulating work procedures for undertaking tests of the frontline service providers such as security personnel, journalists and laborers.

A couple of days earlier, two journalists and some security personnel were found infected with COVID-19 infection.

So far, 22,664 PCR and 62,327 RDT were performed on the coronavirus suspects. Likewise, the ministry is to undertake test of all those quarantined in different parts of the country.

Dr. Karki shared that the test of all the quarantined would be undertaken through PCR and RDT methods by 18 May. Presently there are 15,600 people in quarantine and 53, 835 quarantine beds across the country. RSS