Nepali PM addresses nation, says coming two weeks challenging in fighting COVID-19

In the televised live address from his official residence Baluwatar in Kathmandu, Oli said that though Nepal has recorded only nine positive cases till date, the coming days will be crucial to decide the scale of infection across the country.

"Coming two weeks are crucial, and can be challenging for us. This is not just the period when the symptoms of the novel coronavirus will show up, but has high risk of spread of infection in the community," the prime minister said, adding that all the efforts of the government have been centered to prevent the infection.

Briefing the action plans and measures launched by the government to contain COVID-19 in the Himalayan country, Oli said the rapid detection tests to be conducted from this week are important.

This is the first address of the prime minister since the nationwide lockdown that came into effect from March 24,suspending businesses and all national and international flights. The lockdown, which was extended for the second time on Monday, will last till April 15.

"For social distancing, there is no alternative to lockdown, for which there is a need of support from all the quarters," Oli remarked, urging the public to have patience for one more week.