Nepal

In light of the spread of Covid-19 in neighbouring countries, traffic police have come up with a “Where’s your mask?” campaign yet again. The campaign started on Thursday. 

Earlier, in August 2021, the police had launched the mask campaign to enforce Covid safety measures. 

Traffic police have been deployed in various areas around the city with placards to alert the public about the importance of wearing masks. 

Rajendra Prasad Bhatta, spokesperson at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, told NepalMinute.com: “We are at risk of the infection spreading. We have been trying to educate the public about the use of masks and its importance in preventing the spread of Covid virus.” 

Various countries have been seeing a rise in the number of infections with the detection of the BF.7 variant. The variant has not been seen in Nepal till now but the risk remains. Health experts have been warning of a rise in the number of infections as Nepal shares an open border with India. As per the media reports, India has detected four cases of BF.7 variant till December 28. 

Bhatta added: “Bus parks and bus stops, and vehicles remain crowded. We have started the campaign yet again as the variant is highly transmissible. Masking saves people from contracting the infection.” 

Earlier the Ministry of Home Affairs, issuing a notice, had requested all the district security committees, health offices, local levels in management of making people follow public health measures such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, maintaining social distance in public and crowded spaces.

All the 38 traffic units in Kathmandu valley have been instructed to alert people to wear their masks.

The health ministry has been requesting all the three-tier governments to help assist in preventing the spread of Covid. The ministry has said that it will increase surveillance and tests in border areas too.