Schools to reopen from Jan 30 to Feb 3 for vaccinating students

KATHMANDU: The government and concerned stakeholders have decided to reopen schools from January 30 to February 3 for administering COVID vaccines to students as part of the vaccination drive.

Chief of Disaster Management Division of the Home Ministry Pradip Koirala said this decision was made to implement various recommendations of COVID19 Crisis Management Coordination Center (CCMCC) to effectively contain the spread of COVID19.

Stakeholders also discussed the administration of booster dose against Covid-19 to the target group.

A meeting of the government authorities and stakeholders was held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday under the chairship of Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand in regard to vaccination drive and curbing the third wave of pandemic.

The CCMCC ruled vaccine cards mandatory in public places from January 21.

Similarly, the meeting decided to conduct the university-level examinations by abiding by strict health security measures.

The meeting also provisioned for a separate place for infected students to appear in the exams. The Education Ministry will issue a circular to the universities in this regard.

The meeting also provisioned showing vaccine card at the time of booking ticket while traveling by air. Those booking air tickets online are required to attach a vaccine card as well to the airline ticketing agents.

Similarly, the meeting urged the authorities concerned to suspend the issuance of national identity cards and e-passport for the time being, unless the cases are of critical nature.

The meeting also decided to arrange vaccination for the general public at Nepal Police and Armed Police hospitals. The meeting also decided to conduct antigen testing at border entry points to Nepal and manage vaccination for the unvaccinated, including foreigners in Nepal.

Home Minister Khand said that the government was serious and sensitive to prevent and control the pandemic. Stating that it is the responsibility of the government to save the citizens from COVID, Home Minister Khan instructed all to work sensitively.