Kathmandu, Aug. 24: The Federation of Nepali Journalists ( FNJ), an umbrella organization of journalists, has demanded the government make provisions for a free COVID-19 test of frontline media persons.

The FNJ put forth this demand through a press statement today. Stating that infections among media workers are rising, it has sought a free test for those journalists who are doing duty amidst high risk of the infection. FNJ Secretary Ramesh Bista said journalists mainly field reporters, photo journalists and camera persons are at high risk of contracting the virus.

More, it has appealed to all media workers to be more cautious about personal health safety and work accordingly.

Besides, media houses have been urged to make arrangements for journalists for work from home except for most essential duties, provide health safety equipment for those assigned at offices and fields and make them aware of preventive measures. Stating the COVID-19 infection is also rapidly increasing in the country, the FNJ said in this context, Nepali media takes high risk to fulfil its responsibility.

According to Bista, so far at least three dozen of media personnel have contracted the virus