Masks made mandatory and passengers must be limited to capacity on public transport 

KATHMANDU: Strict measures will now be taken in the public transport sector to prevent and control the risk of COVID infection.

During a meeting between the Chief District Officer, Department of Transport Management, Traffic Police, transport businessmen and transport workers at the District Administration Office, Kathmandu on Friday, it was decided to tighten health regulations in the public transport sector for the prevention and control of COVID infection.

Chief District Officer Kali Prasad Parajuli said that the decision was taken to strictly adhere to health standards in the public transport sector.

CDO Parajuli said that it has been decided that mandatory masks must be worn in the public transport sector from today, keep passengers according to seat capacity, manage physical distance and arrange handwashing with soap and water in the bus park, spread awareness and make monitoring effective.

Senior Vice President of the National Federation of Nepali Transport Entrepreneurs, Bijay Bahadur Swar, said that precautionary measures have been taken as the infection rate of COVID is increasing in India and also in Nepal. 

He informed that discussions were held on how to protect the public transport sector from risks. The District Administration Office, Kathmandu, is holding discussions with various agencies to prevent and control the second wave of COVID infection.

According to the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, it has been decided that action will be taken against passengers travelling via public transport without wearing masks.