It is heartening to note that the Federal Government has been making necessary arrangements for carrying out laboratory tests for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in major cities across the country to cope with the disease. The BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) based in Dharan has begun conducting lab tests for COVID-19 infection since March 28. With the availability of this facility in Dharan, hospitals and other health centres located in State 1 and 2 may find it easier to send blood samples of suspected patients to BPKIHS. Previously, the National Public Health Laboratory based in Kathmandu had been the only lab in the country to conduct tests for coronavirus due to lack of virus test kits and other facilities. The Ministry of Health and Population is planning to introduce such facilities in Hetauda, Nepalgunj and Pokhara as well. The ministry is waiting to install the medical equipment coming from China.

Since the implementation of nationwide lockdown last week, it has been difficult for hospitals located in different parts of the country to send blood samples to Kathmandu to test for COVID-19 infection. It may be recalled here that a plane of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) that flew to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu to collect the blood samples of some patients met with an accident at the Nepalgunj airport on Saturday. The national flag carrier had to send another aircraft to Nepalgunj for lifting the samples. However, the lockdown has definitely helped in preventing further transmission of the deadly virus. The ministry has set up one more call centre to inform the general public about COVID-19. As of Sunday, the number of persons infected with coronavirus in the country has reached five. One of them has already been discharged from the hospital after his recovery while the remaining four are undergoing treatment at various hospitals, including the Shukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital at Teku of Kathmandu and State Hospital in Dhangadhi. Until now, a total of 875 sample tests have been conducted in the country. The government plans to carry out more sample tests with the rise in the number of COVID-19 infections.

Learning lessons from other virus-hit countries, Nepal has focussed on social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus. People have been urged to stay home to contain the possible transmission. The government may extend the nationwide lockdown at least for two more weeks in order to conquer COVID-19. As there is high chance of the spread of coronavirus to others from those returning from abroad, the government needs to identify the latter and get them tested for the virus at the earliest possible. Besides, the government needs to accord high priority to equipping doctors and other health workers with medical instruments, including personal protective equipment (PPE). About 50,000 COVID-19 testing kits and 100,000 PPE have already been brought in from China. Experts say that health care personnel, who are involved in collecting diagnostic specimens, must wear an N95 or higher-level respirator, eye protection gear, gloves and a gown while working in a normal examination room. But most of Nepali health workers are working without sufficient PPE even at this tough time. They can save lives of others only when they are safe.