Lockdown will be imposed only if it is absolutely necessary: Health Minister Khatiwada

Published On: January 13, 2022 06:50 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, Jan 13: Minister for Health and Population, Birodh Khatiwada has said that the government is not in favor of implementing a lockdown unless it is absolutely necessary.

Talking to media after a program organized at Kirtipur Hospital on Thursday, Minister Khatiwada said that although a nationwide lockdown was implemented in the past following suit to the other countries, a lockdown similar to the one imposed last year will be imposed only if it is absolutely necessary to save the lives of people.

Minister Khatiwada said that the previous lockdown had affected the economic, social and educational sectors of the country. He said that there is no need to panic as the government is working with special preparations to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We implemented a lockdown previously copying other foreign countries. Although it helped to control the death rate caused due to the virus, it had an adverse impact on the academic, industrial, tourism, economic and other sectors. The damage caused due to lockdown to these sectors was harsh. Therefore, we are not in favor of haphazardly enforcing a lockdown, creating panic among the ordinary public,” Khatiwada said.

He added, "We will stick to the idea by looking at the need in a particular place. We will not implement lockdown immediately. We can customize the place as per the need. Therefore, there is no need to panic about immediate lockdown. Also, we are prepared for the possible third wave. The isolation wards, ICUs, oxygen, other necessary equipment and tents are ready and the number of these equipment has increased by two to three times as compared to their number during the last year.”

Minister Khatiwada requested people to use masks and sanitizer to help avoid the emergence of the third wave of the COVID-19. He also urged everyone to get the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Minister Khatiwada also announced that an additional dose of vaccine will be administered to all frontline workers and senior citizens from the third week of January.