Vaccination and awareness needed to avoid COVID-19: PM Deuba

Published On: January 18, 2022 10:48 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

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KATHMANDU, Jan 18: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that vaccination against COVID-19 and adherence to health protocol as well as awareness are needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Stating that the new variant of COVID-19 has created problems in public health, the Prime Minister pointed out the need for vaccination against COVID-19, adherence to health safety standards, maintaining physical distance and washing hands regularly.

Speaking at the 9th meeting of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held on Monday, Prime Minister Deuba said that the media has an important role to play in raising awareness among the people about the prevention of COVID-19 infection. He directed the bodies concerned to launch a nationwide campaign on the prevention of COVID-19 and urged all organizations and political parties to cooperate in this regard.

Although the new variant of the COVID-19 ‘Omicron’ has a lower mortality rate, it has spread rapidly, he said, adding that the movement of people across the open border could lead to alarming situations. Saying that the first duty of the government is to save lives, he maintained that adequate testing should be done at the entry points and holding centers should be set up immediately. The Prime Minister directed the bodies concerned to immediately purchase the required amount of Booster Dose against COVID-19 and distribute it across the country with ease.

He also drew attention of the authorities concerned toward providing necessary relief and compensation for the loss of life and property due to unseasonal rains a few months ago.

On the occasion, vice-chairperson of the main opposition party, CPN (UML), Subash Nembang, said that the government should be more active to prevent and control COVID-19, while expressing commitment that his party would provide the necessary support in this regard.

He urged the government to make necessary arrangements of the vaccines against COVID-19 as soon as possible and administer the vaccine to all the people.

Chief ministers of the seven provinces briefed the meeting on the current situation of COVID-19 in their provinces and initiatives taken to prevent and control it.

(RSS)