KATHMANDU: Minister of Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi has said the government would not enforce a lockdown to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing the Nepal Health Conclave 2021 in Kathmandu Tuesday, Minister Tripathi dismissed rumors that the government would enforce a lockdown again. He assured the government will proactively employ strict health safety measures to effectively contain the COVID-19 spread and avoid re-imposing lockdown in the country.
“Though lockdown is an effective measure this will have a long-term impact on the country’s economy and society,” he said, adding that the government would take all necessary steps to control the pandemic rather than opting for lockdown.
“The government doesn’t want to impose lockdown again. Preparations are on full swing to increase PCR and antigen testing, enforce use of masks, sanitizers and social distancing, establishing coronavirus special facilities for treatment and isolation of infected, among others, to avoid the situation of imposing lockdown again,” Tripathai said.
Saying Nepal must be prepared to witness the caseload rise given the surge of virus cases in India, he said, “We urge people to not panic as the government is building quarantine and isolation centers at the border points.”
He urged people to remain alert and careful, and adopt all health safety measures.
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