KATHMANDU: The Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), in its regular press briefing, shared the latest updates from across the country on Covid-19 response.

In one of today's major developments, MoHP Spokesperson Dr Bikash Devkota informed that sample collection for COVID-19 testing has been increased in areas identified as hotspots of the infection.

He added that a team from the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, along with Nepal Army personnel, have been mobilised to collect a minimum of 500 samples from Udayapur, 1,000 samples from Birgunj, and 1,000 samples from Nepalgunj as a measure to contain the spread of coronavirus.

Spokesperson Devkota also informed about a Cabinet decision, which directs government and private health facilities to continue providing essential and emergency services to the public. Medical and pharmaceutical outlets will also remain open. Likewise, he said, veterinary services will be made available. People can access these services in their neighbourhood but must practice physical and social distancing while doing so.