Kathmandu. Acknowledging the high risk posed by Covid-19 in Kathmandu Valley, the government has appealed to the inhabitants to adopt high vigilance. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on Wednesday to announce the decision of the cabinet meeting held on October 5, Government Spokesperson and Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali mentioned that the Kathmandu Valley was still at high risk.

The Minister advised the people of Kathmandu to remain cautious while providing or receiving services, conducting business or availing assistance, commuting in public transport or private vehicles and conducting any other type of activity. The cases of the virus spread is gradually declining across the country but is on the rise in the valley. He urged citizens to act responsibly as the festival of Dashain is nearing and stated that, “The important aspect of Dashain is family reunion and receiving blessings from the elders, but in such a situation, the health of the eldest member of the family can be adversely affected. That is why it is important to keep in mind the security sensitivities of one’s parents while celebrating Dashain.”

The risk of the infection spreading would be higher if celebrated as usual by visiting multiple places. He added that such possibilities would come again as long as people remained healthy. Covid-19 infection and mortality rates among people under the age of 60 have been relatively low in Nepal. In recent days, more than half of all coronavirus infections in Nepal have been reported in the Kathmandu Valley, which makes it all the more important to abide by the prescribed measures of prevention.