KATHMANDU: The government has initiated consultations with public health experts for reimposing the lockdown following a rapid surge in the number of coronavirus cases.

While experts are warning of a dire situation if the lockdown or other options are not adopted, the government has started consulting on whether to reimpose the lockdown or not.

Prime Minister KP Oli has summoned more than 20 public health experts to his official residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday to discuss the issue of the lockdown as the number of infected people in the Valley, Parsa and Morang among other districts has started increasing.

It is said that experts are being consulted to prepare for additional strategies.

According to Surya Thapa, Press Adviser to the Prime Minister, discussions will be held with the health experts on future strategies to stem the spread of coronavirus.

“The Prime Minister is discussing with the experts on the issue of controlling coronavirus. A similar discussion was held earlier. This time too, further decisions will be made after discussing with the experts,” Thapa said.

Earlier, the Prime Minister had consulted with the health experts on easing the lockdown that was enforced for 120 days from March 24.

Lately, the infection has been increasing in Birgunj, Dhanusha and other places of Province-2 and also in Kathmandu Valley.

Nepal reported 418 fresh cases including 51 in the Valley on Monday.