Govt briefs diplomatic community; Police confiscates 1.1 million masks

Kathmandu / Mar. 16:The Government has expressed commitment to extending all necessary supports, within the maximum extent of our capacity, to the diplomatic community for the protection of their staff and the family members living in Nepal. This includes the staff of the UN agencies, development partners and other foreign entities working in Nepal and their family members.

Briefing to the diplomatic community and development partners in Kathmandu on Monday about the preparedness against coronavirus and its possible socio-economic impacts in Nepal, the Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi said that there is no problem in health security for the international community.

On the occasion, Foreign Secretary Bairagi said, “Their safety and security is our utmost priority. In keeping with the provisions of relevant international instruments and the established practices, I would like to assure you all that the life, property and dignity of the diplomatic community and international staff will be protected in all circumstances, including in time of emergency. We appreciate your understanding and continued cooperation in this regard. “

Similarly, the high-level officials of the Health and Population Ministry, Finance Ministry, Home Ministry and Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation informed the diplomatic community and development partners about various issues including hospitals, emergency service, awareness, hygiene, health workers and training, equipment, impacts made by coronavirus on economy, visa, travel permission and health test in all border points including Tribhuvan International Airport.

Present on the occasion were ambassadors of Australia, France, Germany, Egypt, North Korea, representatives from European Union, Secretary-General of SAARC, Country Director of the World Bank and representatives of other diplomatic missions.

Police confiscates 1.1 million masks in three days

Meanwhile, following a tip-off regarding black marketing of surgical masks, the police has confiscated 1.1 million masks in three days.

The police informed that 849,600 masks were seized from Chandragiri Municipality-10, Bishnudevi.

The Metropolitan Police Range and Metropolitan Police Sector, Thankot jointly raided Rohit Shrestha’s home at Bishnudevi Municipality-10 on Sunday evening. After finding out that surgical masks were being illegally stored, the police sealed Shrestha’s storage.

Ghanashyam Shrestha, Deputy Superintendent of Metropolitan Police Sector, Thankot said that he had seized 849,000 pieces of mask from 175 sacks.

Suraj Goyal, 34 and Subash Maheshwari, 39 have been arrested in charges of black marketing, said DSP Shrestha.

Earlier, 246,000 masks were confiscated from Kapan and Dallu.

In the last three days, the police have seized 1.1 millions of illegally stored mask. RSS