KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said the government is working actively to control the coronavirus.

During a press briefing organized at Health Ministry on Wednesday, Minister Khatiwada said the government was engrossed in controlling coronavirus and ensuring citizens’ access to quality health service.

He however said, “The initiative only from the single side does not suffice the control and prevention measures against COVID-19. So, all sides’ efforts and cooperation are expected to avoid further crisis.”

According to Minister Khatiwada, active participation of people in the anti-COVID drive with strict adherence to public health standards and vaccination would help a lot to control the spread of coronavirus.

The general public is being administrated vaccinations free of cost in a convenient manner, he said, adding that Covishield and Vero Cell are for those above 18 years and Pfizer and Moderna for those belonging to 12 to 17 years.

He requested the students to get the anti-COVID vaccines in their respected schools or the one nearby.

Since December 2, the government has banned the entry of people from nine countries including South Africa to Nepal via air route in a bid to contain the spread of coronavirus. Similarly, all those using the international checkpoints and air flights are asked to produce PCR test reports.

The Minister shared the information that 2,19,88,516 Nepalis had got anti-COVID vaccines. Among them, 97,37,333 have got two doses of vaccines.