KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) youth leader and former Health Minister Gagan Thapa has demanded an immediate announcement of a public health emergency in COVID-19 hotspots including Kathmandu Valley to stem the further spread of the coronavirus.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister KP Oli on Tuesday, Thapa suggested the government entirely halt the movement of people and suspend the operation of all except emergency services.
“Instantly declare a public health emergency in hotspots including Kathmandu Valley for at least two weeks to prevent the spread of the infection and facilitate treatment,” Thapa said in the letter, “Restrict the movement of people promptly. Stop everything except essential services. ”
Leader Thapa also suggested that all preparations, including hospital-centric operations, should be carried out on a war footing by assessing the possible risks during the public health emergency period.
Stating that the number of infected people has increased rapidly, Thapa said that the same strategy could not bring effectiveness across the country.
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