Chaith 11: Memories of Lockdown!

KATHMANDU: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24, 2021 – It has been one year since the announcement of lockdown in Nepal to prevent further infection of Covid-19. The government had announced a lockdown on Chaith 10 last year with effect from Chaith 11. The four-month-long lockdown was ended on Shrawan 7.

There was a public curfew in India two days before Nepal announced the lockdown. Some people say that we are in the same situation again today as ‘Ghumdai firdai Rumjatar’. This means that corona infection is on the rise again in neighboring India and some states have declared a lockkdown. At the same time, terror has increased in Nepal. Many have started asking, ‘What will happen in Nepal?’

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) weekly epidemiological update, new infections of covid are on the rise worldwide. With a 10 percent increase in infections last year, more than 3 million new cases of covid have been reported. In India, 30 percent new cases have been added recently.

Nepalis working in different states of India are likely to return to Nepal as the local government has started looting. Due to that, there is a danger of spreading the infection in Nepal as well. Even now, the infection rate, which has been declining in Nepal for the past few months, has started rising again. Although the number of infected people is increasing slightly, everyone should be aware of this. If care is not taken, another wave of infection may begin.

Will there be a lockdown again?
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health and Population Dr. Jageshwar Gautam says that there is no possibility of announcing a nationwide strike like last year. He is requested to follow the standards of public health.

He reiterated his request not to engage in gatherings, processions, rallies, gatherings, conferences, meetings and crowded business and work and to keep socio-physical distance and use masks. ‘The government is preparing to prevent a second wave of corona infection from spreading. In particular, the minimum health standards set by the ministry had to be followed, ‘ Dr. Gautam told Makalu Khabar.’ If the health standards are followed, the corona chain will break. There are no immediate plans to shut down. ‘

Gautam said that antigen testing and quarantine have been arranged for those who cannot stay at home. He said, “I repeat, the emphasis should be on adhering to public health standards. As the infection increases, physical distance must be maintained. You have to wear a mask. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use a sanitizer. ‘

Tighten security
The Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed all 77 district administration offices to tighten security measures as the risk of infection has increased again.

Home Ministry spokesperson Chakra Bahadur Buda said that all 77 district administration offices have been instructed to tighten security measures. Spokesperson Buda said that instructions have been given to tighten the border, strictly adhere to health safety standards and stop unnecessary congestion after the corona infection rate in India started increasing.