The government’s move to keep Nepalis rescued from Hubei of China in quarantine at Kharipati has instilled fear among the locals resident of Bhaktapur. They fear that coronavirus, now known as COVID-2019, could spread from the infected rescued.

After many locals started locking their doors and leaving their homes due to the fear, Chief District Officer of Bhaktapur Humkala Pandey reached the homes of Kharipati locals to alleviate the fear and raise awareness about COVID-19.

“We heard that many local residents left their homes due to the fear of the virus, so I met the locals yesterday to understand what is happening and we will meet them today as well,” Pandey said.

CDO Pandey urged the locals not to be afraid because none of the rescued Nepalis have been infected with the virus. Pandey assured that the people kept in quarantine showed no signs of coronavirus infection when examined.

According to CDO Pandey, Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal will also visit Kharipati today to meet the locals. Although initially terrified, the residents of Kharipati have now returned to their daily lives, said Pandey.

Nepalese arriving from coronavirus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan gather at the quarantine center after their arrival in Bhaktapur, Nepal February 17, 2020. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

Men play cards inside the quarantine center after their arrival from coronavirus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan in Bhaktapur, Nepal February 17, 2020. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar

A man is seen on the roof of a building where Nepalese arriving from coronavirus-stricken Chinese city of Wuhan are kept for quarantine after their arrival in Bhaktapur, Nepal February 17, 2020. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar