December 18: The government has lifted the odd-even rule for operating vehicles in Kathmandu Valley effective from Friday (December 18). The rule which was imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus has been removed after a decline in cases of coronavirus.

A meeting of security agencies, including the traffic police force, district administrations, and transport entrepreneurs on Thursday decided to end the odd-even system.

Chief District Officer of Kathmandu Kali Prasad Parajuli informed that all vehicles will be allowed to operate from Friday but it is mandatory for them to adopt safety measures as per the standard health protocol set by the government.

The government had imposed the odd-even rule in Kathmandu Valley on September 22 to minimize overcrowding of streets so that the spreading of virus could be checked to some extent.

Transport entrepreneurs had requested the government to remove the odd-even rule after the government and private offices started operating full time in recent days. They argued that the odd-even rule contributed to overcrowding of vehicles as offices started opening. The government was also facing criticism for opening other sectors but restricting vehicular movement.

The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs informed that all public vehicles will abide by the safety protocols of the government while operating from now onwards.

Meanwhile, the government is preparing to test antigens of 300,000 persons for traces of coronavirus in the month of Poush (mid-December to mid-January). The Ministry of Health and Population informed that the antigen test would give them a clear picture regarding whether coronavirus has spread at the community level or not.

The tests will be conducted from coming Sunday in areas across the country where more than 200 active cases have been reported, according to Mahendra Prasad Shrestha, the focal person of Covid-19 unit of the ministry.

“We have deployed skilled workers across the country. We will focus on hot spots,  big cities and densely populated areas for the tests. The ministry informed that the result from antigen test will be available instantly after placing the swab sample in a kit.