The second meeting of the Covid 19 Management Steering Committee has decided to reduce the risk of infection and move towards a ‘smart lockdown’ with the production and supply of essential commodities. The committee has concluded that some areas should be opened by maintaining the ongoing lockdown this year, assessing the situation after that and strictly following the health standards.
A meeting of committee chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli at the PM’s residence in Baluwatar on Wednesday decided to resume flights to Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Japan and Malaysia. There will be no more than 2,000 passengers a week from these countries.
The meeting also decided to provide assistance to the workers who have gone for foreign employment but cannot stay in the quarantine at the hotel due to various reasons. The government will manage up to 10 days of quarantine for a total of 15 days.
The meeting also decided to allocate budget for the administrative work of the CCMC center and to allow the construction sector and essential industries to open with compliance with health standards.
The meeting also decided to provide air freight to bring oxygen cylinders sent by non-resident used in intensive care provided by the Israeli government as assistance.
Giving instructions at the meeting, Prime Minister Oli had said that the lockdown could be relaxed only to the extent that there was no risk of infection by tightening the health standards.
Noting that the most important and essential ingredient for Covid control is vaccination, he said that homework id being done to bring 4 million doses of vaccine for it from next summer. Besides, the shortage of vaccines is gradually being solved as initiative are being taken with other countries, he said.
The Prime Minister also directed all the ministries and agencies to work in a coordinated manner.
By Muna Chand
