October 20: Nepal Rastra Bank, the regulatory body of banks and financial institutions, couldn’t remain untouched by coronavirus pandemic.

A total of 104 employees of the central bank have been infected with coronavirus as of October 19, including Deputy Governor Shiva Raj Shrestha.

Almost all of the employees of the central office have been reportedly infected with coronavirus. NRB spokesperson Dr Gunakar Bhatta said that the pace of work has slowed down even though there has not been any disruption in the regular work due as the staff working in different shifts.

According to the Department of Property and Services Management of NRB, 84 employees, including Deputy Governor Shrestha, have already recovered by staying in isolation after they tested positive. NRB Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari has also taken extra precautions after he came into contact tracing twice. 

Suman Adhikari, executive director of the Department of Property and Services Management, said that there are 62 active cases and among the total infected, the families of 94 infected staffers have also tested positive for coronavirus. However, families of 42 infected people have now recovered from the virus.

 “The authorised departmental head has been given the right to run the office regularly after the staffs are infected. According to the department, some staff come to office in alternative days, some after three days gap and those of the Department of Banking Supervision come to office in seven days’ interval. Also arrangements have been made to work from home,” he said.