KATHMANDU, March 2: As the novel coronavirus spreads from China around the globe, the main opposition party Nepali Congress on Monday urged the government to take effective precautionary measures to prevent the coronavirus outbreak to the country.

Issuing a 14-point public appeal during the press conference, the NC spokesperson Bishwa Prakash Sharma called for enforcing measures to prevent the coronavirus outbreak since Nepal has been enlisted as the most vulnerable country to COVID-19 by the WHO.

The NC urged the government to issue temporary ban on Nepali nationals from visiting foreign countries affected by the coronavirus. "If the Nepali nationals are to be rescued from any foreign country, it is better to suspend the two-way flights," the party said in its appeal.

Expressing serious concern over the government's weak preparations to prevent the coronavirus outbreak, the NC suggested the government to set up effective health desks at the Tribhuvan International Airport. "As of Monday afternoon, the TIA screening system is too weak and inadequate," the NC stated.

The party also demanded tight screening at all international border points including Kerung of China. "Especially, the government should set up health desks in Terai region bordering India," the party said.