KATHMANDU, April 11: Experts have suggested placing equally effective preparedness measures to prevent and control potential outbreak of other diseases during the upcoming hot season along with the suppression of COVID-19 pandemic.

During a  video conference with stakeholders and experts regarding the works to be carried out in drinking water and sanitation sector in view of the transmission of coronavirus in Nepal on Saturday, the experts have said that the hand-washing with water and soap along with social distancing is equally important to protect from virus infection and availability of adequate safe water should also be ensured for this.

Attending the conference, former secretary of Nepal government Engineer Suman Sharma stressed on the need of prevention and treatment of global pandemic of coronavirus at the war footing and also of preparedness for containing possible outbreak of various contagious diseases in the summer season.

Kathmandu University Professor Subodh Sharma called for managing clean toilet, soap, adequate safe drinking water for people in quarantines since basic infrastructure and facilities are also not in sight. He also suggested placing effective monitoring measures as sub-standard sanitizers are visible in the markets.

Smart Wash Solution chair Ramdeep Sah said safe and clean water is inevitable to maintain health and sanitation and also suggested installing water taps if disconnected for water supply and arrange public water taps for disadvantaged people.

Former minister Deepak Gyawali said there is a  lack of a forum to discuss availability and supply of drinking water among policymakers and stakeholders. Also, present on the occasion was former minister Ganesh Sah, academia, researchers, policymakers and government and nongovernment office representatives.

 
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