Some of the big stories from today's Post.

Government to roll out rapid testing kits without waiting for assessment results

Although rapid test kits acquired from China have yet to be tested for validity and efficacy, the government is pushing through with using them in mass tests for Covid-19 in two provinces—Gandaki and in Sudurpaschim.

Earlier this month, the government had procured 75,000 rapid test kits from China through a controversial tender with a private company, Omni Business Corporate International. After the tender was heavily criticised for the manner in which it was awarded and questions were raised about the quality of the equipment procured, the tender was annulled. But 75,000 test kits had already arrived and the government had pledged to use them only after testing their efficacy.

Click here to read more.

Patients of chronic ailments cannot afford to avoid hospital, but they’re afraid of catching Covid-19

Twice a week, Om Prasad Tamang travels all the way from Lazimpat to Dhapakhel on his scooter to undergo dialysis at Sumeru Hospital. As a kidney patient, the 55-year-old needs regular dialysis and cannot afford to miss even one of his appointments.

“If I don’t go to hospital, I might die, but if I keep visiting the hospital, I have a high risk of contracting Covid-19,” said Tamang. “I make sure that I put on a face mask every time I am outside.”

Click here to read more.

With a lockdown in place, some of the Valley’s most cherished festivals will not be taking place

Sita Phuju, along with many other women from her community, was looking forward to the Biska Jatra, which takes place in Bhaktapur around the Nepali New Year in mid-April every year. They were preparing clay lamps, cotton wicks and duna tapari for the jatra, but with the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent nationwide lockdown, the jatra has been all but cancelled.

“It’s sad. I never thought I’d see the day,” said 64-year-old Phuju, a resident of Kamal Binayak. “It’s like someone in the family has died and we are in mourning.”

Click here to read more.

Nepali students abroad seek help from their government amid coronavirus crisis

As the crisis triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic deepens across the world, Nepali students abroad are seeking their government’s help in deferring payment of tuition fees and rent and raising the ceiling on the amount their parents can send them.

Various Nepali missions abroad have started surveying students regarding problems they are facing due to the crisis. A large number of students, who have filled up the Emergency Relief Form, said they have lost their jobs and therefore, the Nepal government should talk to the host governments to make provisions for interim relief.

Click here to read more.