KATHMANDU : The government has urged Kathmandu folks to be on high alert against the growing risk of COVID-19 in the Valley lately. Minister for Foreign Affairs and spokesperson for the government, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, appealed to Valley residents in a press meet organized at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
Minister Gyawali said that among the total new COVID-19 cases being reported across the country every day, around half of them are from the Valley. Kathmandu Valley continues to be at higher risk of COVID-19, although the deadly infection has gradually been contained in other areas across the country.
“It is imperative for Kathmandu Valley folks to observe precaution against COVID-19 due to the increasing cases in the Valley,” cautioned the Minister, warning, “If the infection goes out of our control, it could wreak havoc to us as the Valley is home to more than four million people.”
He urged everyone to maintain health safety protocols put in place by the government to stem the spread of the flu-like infection. At the same press meet, the Minister appealed to the public to take into account the risks of COVID-19 among the elderly while approaching them during the upcoming festivals.
The elderly, chronic patients and children are most vulnerable to the deadly infection. The Minister argued, “The important aspect of Dashain is the reunion with family members and receiving tika and blessings. But the elderly members of the family are at higher risk of COVID-19. We must be sensitive towards their health.” COVID-19 casualties in the country have mostly been against people who are above 60 years old.
