Authorities in Nepal have asked all district administrations to step up their preparations for a possible rise in cases as infections in India are rising steadily. Districts are asked to set up isolation and quarantine facilities. 

COVID-19 infections in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu Valley are also rising. According to a report in the Kathmandu Post, experts believe the capital is totally unprepared if it faces a second wave of infections. 

“As the number of cases is steadily going up in India, Nepal, especially authorities in Kathmandu, should be more cautious as the city had become a hotspot a few months ago,” Dr.  Sher Bahadur Pun, chief of the Clinical Research Unit at Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Hospital, was quoted as saying by The Kathmandu Post. 

The Kathmandu Municipality last year had announced building an isolation facility with 5000 capacity, but no steps have been taken so far to construct the facility. Medical experts said the authorities should shun their reactive mindset, instead, they should be proactive in their approach. 

Officials, and the government, haven’t taken any lessons from last year’s lockdown, they said, adding preparations would have better otherwise.   

Earlier, a circular from Nepal’s Health Ministry directed all district administrations to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 health guidelines. It also asked people to take precautions while venturing out of their homes.