KATHMANDU: The High-level Coordination Committee for Prevention and Control of Coronavirus has decided to expand the ambit of testing and increase the number of tests in an effort to combat the infection in the country.

The Committee has decided to expedite the testing considering the vulnerable state of the infection and the increasing number of COVID-19 cases.

Health workers and committed institutions will be mobilized in order to expand the reach and number of COVID-19 tests.

According to the Committee, the total number of tests including both RDT and PCR has now reached above 15,000 in the country.

Among them, 16 have been confirmed positive so far, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.

The Committee will also facilitate the import of medical supplies through the private sector and give continuity to the procurement process through the Health Ministry.

According to the Committee, the task of importing medical supplies would be continued through government to government (G2G) approach.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and the Ministry of Health have already communicated with the concerned Chinese agency for the same.

Likewise, the Committee 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.

Likewise, police administration has been 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.

Meanwhile, all domestic and international flights will be suspended until April 30.