Tika R Pradhan

In view of the large number of Nepalis stranded on the border with India following the nationwide lockdown, the government decided to allow citizens to return home only on Tuesday.

But the returnees will have to undergo health screening and remain in quarantine for 14 days, the high-level committee for the prevention and control of COVID-19, led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel decided on Tuesday.

“The decision was taken after a number of Nepalis were unable to enter the country before the government decided to seal the border [from Monday],” said Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, a member of the committee. “This is the only time we will allow anyone to enter, and they must remain in quarantine.”

More than 1,000 Nepalis were stranded at various border crossings with India.

The committee directed local and provincial governments to make arrangements to place the returnees under 14-day quarantine in their respective hometowns.

The government has been gradually disconnecting Nepal from the rest of the world in view of the pandemic. After first announcing cancellation of flights from 55 countries, authorities expanded the measure to all flights from outside Nepal and placed the country under a complete lockdown.

Nepalis in foreign land have expressed serious concerns about not being able to return home, with many saying they do not have the means for an extended stay abroad.

The high-level committee also took cognizance of these concerns and requested countries concerned to ensure the safety of Nepalis living in their territory, said Secretary Narayan Bidari, member-secretary of the committee. The government has also appealed to Nepalis abroad to remain patient.

The confirmation of a second Covid-19 case in Nepal on Monday raised alarms in the country, leading many to wonder if Nepal has adequate means to test suspects and treat patients.

In addition to accepting medical and logistical assistance from China and India, and billionaire Jack Ma, the high-level committee has also decided to seek the private sector’s help in procuring necessary medicine and equipment needed to treat patients from abroad as the public procurement process would take a long time to complete.

According to Lekhraj Bhatta, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, the government will assist the private sector by providing transport if they can procure the necessary materials in a transparent manner.

The committee has asked the Department of Health Services to finalise a deal to supply essential medicines and equipment by Wednesday and ensure that supplies reach Kathmandu by Saturday.

As concerns were raised over the practical rules of the lockdown, the committee clarified that journalists with a press pass, health workers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab technicians, and those involved in the production and distribution of medicine shall be allowed on the road provided they can show their identity cards.

The government has also decided to allow Covid-19 tests at the BP Koirala Academy of Health Science of Dharan, Pokhara Academy of Health Science and Bheri Hospital Nepalgunj at the earliest. The Ministry of Health and Population is to manage necessary test kits and training, the committee decided.

Published on: 25 March 2020 | The Kathmandu Post