The Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) has stopped issuing ‘visitors’ pass’ as a precaution to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Issuing a notice yesterday, the airport announced it would halt issuance of such passes until further notice.

TIA has also requested people not to visit the airport unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“People who want to visit the airport to see-off or receive relatives and friends are requested not to do so unless it’s very important and to compulsorily wear masks if they are at the airport,” reads the notice.

The notice was issued following a direction from the government.

“The World Health Organisation has identified Nepal as a high-risk country. The government has also requested all not to gather in public places for safety purposes,” said Devendra KC, general manager at TIA.

On Sunday, TIA started using thermal gun for mandatory check-up of body temperature of passengers.

All passengers travelling to Nepal are also being sprayed with liquid sanitiser agent at TIA.

Meanwhile, the government of Bagmati Province is all set to establish a separate ward at all hospitals across the province under its jurisdiction for the treatment of possible coronavirus patients.

Such wards have already been set up in Hetauda, Bharatpur and Bhaktapur hospitals.

An emergency meeting of the government yesterday made the decision to ramp up preparation to prevent the spread of coronavirus and set up separate wards.