PCR test not mandatory to enter Kathmandu Valley

KATHMANDU, Sept 10: Although the local administrations in the Kathmandu Valley have relaxed the prohibitory measures enforced three weeks ago to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the Valley, people willing to enter the Valley  from other districts must produce a ‘facilitation letter’ issued by their district administration offices (DAOs). 

A meeting of the chief district officers (CDOs) of three districts in the Kathmandu Valley held on Wednesday decided to restrict movement of people from outside districts to the Kathmandu Valley in view of the possible spread of COVID-19.  "Essential vehicles including ambulances and cargo vehicles are allowed to enter the Kathmandu Valley. But in case of others, they must have a facilitation letter issued by their respective district administration office to enter the Kathmandu Valley," said a senior official at the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. 

The home ministry has directed all DAOs across the country to effectively control inter-district movement  in a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19. The DAOs have also been asked to issue facilitation letters only if the travel of the person in question to Kathmandu Valley is deemed absolutely necessary. 

Earlier, the local administrations in the Kathmandu Valley had made it mandatory for people traveling to the Kathmandu Valley to produce PCR negative test results. "Although PCR test report has not been made mandatory this time, those wishing to travel to the Kathmandu Valley must secure a facilitation letter from their respective DAOs and follow all health safety guidelines issued by the government," a senior official at the home ministry told Republica. This is applicable to those leaving as well as entering the Kathmandu Valley.

Police in Kathmandu have started maintaining details of those entering the Kathmandu Valley through all major entry points including Sanga in Bhaktapur and Nagdhunga in Kathmandu. They have also been sending back people if they are found coming to the Kathmandu Valley without any urgent work.

Although police personnel have tightened checking at major entry points of the Kathmandu Valley, home ministry officials said it is important to control unnecessary movement of people at the district level itself. The home ministry has helped ensure coordination with DAOs across the country to ensure that ‘unnecessary’ movement of people to and from the Kathmandu Valley is controlled.

 
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