State-1 Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Hikmat Karki on Thursday monitored works being carried out at far-east checkpoint Kakadbhitta to contain spread of COVID-19 infection.

The minister made an on-site inspection of medical test process and mobilization of security personnel and health workers in the area.

He directed the Chief District Officer and local chiefs of the police units to not allow crowded gathering at checkpoint, shut open local haat bazaar and restrict people’s mobility to India for unnecessary purpose as measures towards preventing the spread of coronavirus.

The minister enquired with the health workers and security personnel mobilized in and around the entry check posts about the risks of the virus and their health status while discharging duty.

Daily 9000 to 12,000 people are entering Nepal from India via Kakadbhitta checkpoint. However, security mobilization, use of modern equipments and distancing health check-up have not been placed at the checkpoint in accordance with the World Health Organization standards.

On the occasion, Mechinagar municipality mayor Bikas Acharya, deputy mayor Meena Uprety, Chief District Officer Udaya Bahadur Rana, Superintendant of Armed Police Force Resham Kumar Thaksu and Nepal Police superintendant Krishna Prasad Koirala, among others, briefed the minister about ongoing corona prevention efforts.

Minister Karki assured them of extending adequate support and cooperation including arrangement of safe apron, masks and human resource in the fight against the virus.

A team of administration and security agencies chiefs had made onsite inspection of quarantine at Mechinagar-7, Sattighatt.

Mechinagar deputy mayor Uprety said they requested the state government through minister Karki for arrangement of total logistics and human resource for quarantine.