Govt agencies directed to stay alert over possible second wave of COVID-19

KATHMANDU, Jan 12: The National Concerns and Coordination Committee under the National Assembly has directed the government agencies concerned to be more vigilant and put in place proper proper health security arrangement in view of the possible second wave of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

The committee issued the directive after experts suggested that special precautions should be taken to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 which could be 70 percent more contagious than the first wave of the COVID-19. There are apprehensions that the pandemic is likely to spread in Nepal as it is currently spreading to many countries around the world.

The meeting of the parliamentary committee held on Monday also directed the government to manage the vaccine against COVID-19 and distribute it in a planned manner. It has asked federal, provincial and local governments to immediately ensure coordination and move ahead with the necessary preparation to distribute COVID-19 vaccine.

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The committee has asked the government to study the availability of vaccine against COVID-19, its effectiveness, price, availability of free vaccine, and temperature required for storage. The committee has also directed to make the vaccine available to all the citizens as soon as possible by contacting and coordinating with the governments of the neighboring countries, other countries and various vaccine manufacturing companies.

Stating that the state has to spend huge amounts of money every year for the purchase of vaccines including other vaccines against various diseases which are currently distributed free of cost, the committee has suggested to produce vaccines in the country by conducting feasibility study. For this, the committee has asked the government authorities to build a separate structure and make a plan including study, research of necessary labs, skilled manpower and resource management.

The committee has also directed the government to produce ayurvedic medicine by identifying various valuable herbs found in the country. The committee has also called for the management of adequate funds and manpower for conducting studies and research works.