Government and activists of #EnoughIsEnough Campaign arrive upon a 12 point agreement, activists break hunger strike

The government of Nepal and activists of the #EnoughisEnough Campaign have arrived upon a 12 point agreement.

Below is a list of the agreed upon terms:

1. Nepalis returning from abroad will have to spend 5 days in quarantine. Following the five day quarantine, and after conducting a PCR test, returnees will be allowed to complete their quarantine period either at home, hotel, or a public quarantine facility. Government has agreed to prepare a directive for home quarantine within a week.
   
2. PCR tests for those identified as ‘at risk’ (symptomatic and asymptomatic) should be implemented as a government policy. The following are considered as ‘at risk’:
   – All Nepalis returning home from abroad,
   – Those who have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
   – At risk health workers and other emergency workers.
   – Anyone who exhibits symptoms relating to COVID-19.
   – All those who have been referred by a doctor to avail a PCR test.
3. To stop using Rapid Diagnostic Test as a measure to identify COVID-19 patients.
4. To keep people at quarantine and holding facilities separately, and based on time spent. (For example: To not mix newly arrived with those who have already spent a week in quarantine).
5. To allow those staying at quarantine to return back to society only after a PCR test confirms a negative report (to be introduced within a week).
6. To modify and implement government policies for testing and quarantine as directed by the Supreme Court.
7. To ensure protection and security of health workers who are working in the frontline of the COVID-19 health crisis and to ensure there is no discrimination against them.
8. To manage protection of COVID-19 suspects and patients. Provisions include equitable access to healthcare, and other social rights such as access to legal protection. Ensure Right to Privacy and safe housing.
9. To address demands not pertaining to the Ministry of Health and Population with relevant authorities. For example, request expenditure details relating to COVID-19 management with the Finance Ministry, address the concerns of migrant workers with the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, and to the Ministry of Home Affairs for other issues within a week in writing.
10. Keeping in mind the rising number of cases, and the probability of the increment in demand for hospital service such as ICU beds (and ventilators), the government will work urgently towards making arrangements for the same.
11. All parties to assist and help the Ministry of Health and Population in its measures towards preventing and controlling COVID-19 in Nepal, including assistance in dissemination of information. Citizens and the public to help government in controlling and preventing COVID-19 in Nepal.
12. Activists to break hunger strike on the day of signing the agreement itself, and to make the news public.

Dr. Roshan Pokhrel and Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari represented the Ministry of Health and Population, and Iih: and Pukar Bam represented the #EnoughisEnough Campaign.