Government has begun making preparations for a smart lockdown

KATHMANDU: JAN. 8 – After the COVID-19 infection spread across the country, the government began making preparations for a smart lockdown. On Friday, the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) met at the Prime Ministers and Council of Ministers’ Office at Singha Durbar to discuss the issue.

The meeting also considered the issue of smart lockdown if the Omicron variant’s infection rate rises, according to Health and Population Minister Birodh Khatiwada. Health Minister Khatiwada added that smart lockdown measures such as halting movie halls and schools have been discussed in view of the upcoming winter vacations, which would be overcrowded if the number of affected persons rises.

Minister Khatiwada said, ‘Discussions focused on the issue of COVID. There was talk of how to control the rising tide of Omicron. How to make the borders more efficient and how to arrange isolation of the patients seen during the antigen test, how to increase the test of the patients seen, their food and accommodation facilities. All of these aspects have been discussed, and there has been talk of speeding up vaccinations and getting booster vaccines soon. The same directive was given by the Prime Minister. ‘

What is Smart Lockdown?

The word “smart” has long been used in connection with information technology. For example, smart card, smart passport, smart license, smart toilet, etc. But how can a lockdown connected to public life be smarter than information technology?

The plan to maintain economic and social activity while strictly enforcing health standards has been termed a “smart lockdown” by Health Minister Khatiwada.