Nepal Foreign Affairs (KATHMANDU, 7 April 2020)- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that next two weeks are critical for the country in a fight against novel coronavirus disease. He hinted the lock down could be further extended. Government on Monday decided to extend the lock down by a week.
In his televised address to the nation today, PM Oli urged one and all to stay home to remain safe from this greatest challenge of the present times. “Let’s maintain physical distancing. Let’s stay home safely,” he told the people.
“Federal government is coordinating with local and provincial levels to prevent and contain novel coronavirus across the country,” PM Oli said adding that the government has arranged quarantine facilities for 30566 people across the country. Similarly, there is provision of 3,259 isolation beds. At this time, 9168 people are in quarantine.
He also urged all foreign returnees to stay in quarantine for at least 14 days. “We have made arrangements for those who have been living in neighboring countries,” he said.
During his address, he also extended his heartfelt condolences to all the Nepalis who have lost their life abroad due to this deadly disease and wished for speedy recovery of all who have been infected.
He also informed that he had started holding talks with head of states/governments to take stock of Nepali nationals in various countries. MOFA is also regularly coordinating in this regard, according to him.
“I’d like to express the solidarity from Nepalis people to the nations who are fighting hard against this global pandemic,” he said.
He repeatedly requested the people to stay home and stay safe.
Appreciating the role played by media, he also urged them to disseminate positive news and information to encourage people to be strong enough to cope up with this disease.”Let’s not spread fake news or rumour,” the prime minister said.
The government will also provide double allowance to the health workers and security personnel working in the front line to prevent and contain novel coronavirus.