KATHMANDU, JANUARY 11
The concerned authorities in the three districts in the Kathmandu Valley have restricted the gathering of more than 25 people in public places in order to contain the rising cases of COV-ID-19. The restriction will take effect from midnight today.
The decision, made today by a joint meeting of the Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur district leaders, states that gatherings, carnivals, events, social gatherings or political programs involving more than 25 people are not allowed.
The authorities have decided to make a vaccination card mandatory for entering hotels, restaurants, government offices, airports, cinemas and stadiums from January 21st. The photo of the vaccination card on the mobile phone is also valid. Service seekers should also show the card to use government services from January 21st.
In addition, the authorities have planned to vaccinate children between the ages of 12 and 17 by setting up vaccination booths in the valley within a week.
They also asked the district health departments to coordinate with local levels and create an action plan to vaccinate school children against COVID within a week.
DHOs have also been asked to provide the necessary infrastructure to deal with a possible COVID-19 outbreak, including setting up antigen test booths in public places and conducting such tests at no charge on a regular basis.
Following yesterday’s decision by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the three CDOs have also canceled physical education classes in all schools until January 29th. The preplanned exams are allowed, however, as long as the students are seated in a Z-shape arrangement.
The heads of government offices where people tend to congregate for services have been told not to have more than 25 people gathered in one place. Private or government buildings that were used as “COV-ID-19 treatment centers” and “isolation centers” will be reused in this function after appropriate health protection measures have been taken.
Hospitals, health centers and industries need to keep an adequate supply of oxygen cylinders.
Public vehicles cannot carry more passengers than seats, and they must make the wearing of masks and disinfecting vehicles mandatory.
Industries have been instructed to follow health protocols. The authorities concerned were also asked to ensure a smooth supply of medicines and medical equipment.
Safety authorities have been instructed to ensure the mandatory use of masks in public and to act against violations in accordance with the Infectious Diseases Act 2020.
A version of this article will appear in the print edition of the Himalayan Times on January 12, 2022.