The rapid taskforce formed under the coordination of Health Director at Gandaki State, Dr Binod Bindu Sharma, has been working actively to fend off the possible spread of coronavirus in the State. The taskforce was formed under the Ministry of Social Development.

Sharma informed that two hubs and 27 satellite hospitals were ready in case anyone was found infected with cor0navirus. Isolation wards are also prepared at four hospitals- regional hospital under Pokhara Institute of Health Sciences (2 beds), Charak Memorial Hospital (27 beds), Manipal Teaching Hospital (15 beds), Gandaki Medical College (15 beds).

He however said efforts were on to find the area for quarantines. "As new kinds of virus are emerging since 2002, a special hospital to treat communicable disease is needed in State. For this the State government should think seriously," he added.

Dr Sharma further said there are only 24 sets of personal protection equipment (PPI) used by doctors, which is inadequate. Preparation is on to purchase special helmet, gloves, masks and other protection material, he added.

According to Dr Sharma, although a person was suspected of coronavirus, he was tested negative. Programmes on public awareness were continued in all districts across the State. Special health desk was set up to beef up monitoring. General health condition with the measurement of fever among visitors was in effect at Pokhara airport.