By Nabaraj Kattel, Birtanagar, July 26: Being concerned with the threat of spread of COVID-19 in the community, the Biratnagar Metropolitan City has decided to strictly implement the health safety protocols.

The meeting of High-Level Coordination Committee held on Sunday decided to stringently enforce all the safety measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus in the community, said Bhim Parajuli, Mayor of the Biratnagar Metropolitan City.

The meeting also decided to form a different task force to monitor the enforcement of safety measures.

 It has been made mandatory for all the shopkeepers and workers to wear mask within the metropolis area.

According to the decision, if any worker or businessperson is not seen wearing mask for the first time, mask would be provided to him/her by charging Rs. 10.

If one is found not putting on mask for the second time, then his/her shop would be closed for 15 days.

Likewise, the meeting has concluded to expand COVID-19 tests in order to ascertain whether the virus has entered the community or not.

Mayor Parajuli said, “Unnecessary crowding in markets will be prevented from now on.”

He also requested everyone to not step out of their houses without any urgency.

Depending upon the state of COVID-19 spread, the metropolis can go into lockdown at any time, said Parajuli.

Appealing to the locals to stay alert from virus transmission, Parajuli said, “Everyone should focus on their personal health by prioritising adoption of all the safety protocols against COVID-19.”