By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, July 7: Nepal Police Monday was given rights to nab the people walking in the public places and markets without wearing facemasks.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, issuing an order in the name of Nepal Police Headquarters on Monday, asked police to arrest the people if they found not wearing masks in the Kathmandu Valley and other 74 districts.
Kedarnath Sharma, joint secretary and spokesperson at the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the Police Headquarters was given the authority to nab people if they were found walking without wearing masks under the existing Infectious Disease Act-1964.
He said that the Ministry has instructed the Headquarters to strictly implement the order if the people are found walking without wearing masks and maintaining at least two-metre distance.
Many people in the Kathmandu Valley and other parts of the districts are coming out of their homes as if there was no threat of the virus and some people even without wearing a facemask, he said.
“As the COVID-19 cases are increasing in the valley every day, the capital city has now become riskier to travel and visit the public places without maintaining health protocols, he said.
On Monday alone, 54 people of the Kathmandu Valley were tested positive for the coronavirus.
The Home Ministry has also suggested the people not to come out of their homes and visit market for refreshment unless it is urgent.
The government has not yet lifted the lockdown; it has only relaxed its nature.
Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police and spokesperson of Nepal Police Niraj Bahadur Shahi said that the decision had come into effect from Monday afternoon in the valley and action would be taken against those who breach the order.