Govt opens Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani transits points

KATHMANDU, March 25: The government has decided to open Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani transit points to import goods from China.

A meeting the High-level Coordination Committee to prevent and control the coronavirus led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokharel decided to open the two transit points which were shut down for passenger movement for a week on March 22 to stop the possible outbreak of the COVID-19 disease. Nepal has closed border points with its India.

Goods from China will be imported following the health protocol set by the Ministry of Health and Population and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

The ministry has also urged the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Finance to carryout necessary coordination.

The meeting has also decided to resume essential banking service and allow vehicles carrying daily essentials to ply the road during the lockdown. Transportation of medicine, gas and home delivery service of grocery items will also be allowed in coordination with the Home Ministry.

The ward offices in the local levels have been authorized to facilitate sales and distribution of daily essentials including fruits, milk, cereals and vegetables in a safe and secured manner.

STRANDED FOREIGN NATIONALS TO BE AIRLIFTED TO KATHMANDU

The meeting also decided to airlift the foreign nationals stranded in various parts of the country due to the lockdown to the capital. The government will arrange their return to home.

But they might need to self-quarantine themselves at hotels nearby Tribhuvan International Airport if required.

The committee has also directed the local levels to keep records of all people entering their wards from third countries and India with their updated health details.

Likewise, local health coordinator will need to report the details of persons developing COVID-19 symptoms to Chief District Officer every day. The CDO will send the collected details at National Emergency Operation Center, which will refer it to Emergency Health Operation Center at 6:00 pm every day.

The committee has also asked provinces and local bodies to arrange quarantines facilities.

Also, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has to make arrangement of connecting four-digit toll-free telephone service at the office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Home Ministry and Health Ministry.