KATHMANDU, Feb 1: The government has set up health desks in various border points to screen suspected cases of coronavirus.

Health Ministry in coordination with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation set up the health desks in Kakarbhitta (Jhapa), Belhaiya (Rupandehi), Rasuwagadhi (Rasuwa) and Tatopani (Sindhupalchowk) as precautionary measures to control possible spread of coronavirus.

So far only one case of coronavirus has been confirmed in Nepal. Officials say that efforts are being made to strictly check the spread of coronavirus in view of the negative message this can send to potential visitors to Nepal. 

Director General of Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Dundu Raj Ghimire said there is no need to panic as the government has taken all necessary precautionary measures to contain the spread of the virus. 

“Health desks have already come into operation in major customs points to screen the potential carriers of the virus and treat them in isolation,” said Ghimire. 

Nepal is currently celebrating Visit Nepal 2020 Year with a view to bring in at least 2 million tourists to the country.

Chief District Officer of Rupandehi Mahadev Panth said the Indian side has also set up a health desk as Belhaiya customs point. “We have also brought a similar desk into operation since Thursday,” he said over telephone.

Government authorities are planning to raise awareness against the coronavirus. The Ministry of Health has printed publicity materials to distribute them among travelling passengers at major custom points and the Tribhuvan International Airport, officials said.

 
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