KATHMANDU: The government has extended the current nationwide lockdown until April 15 in an effort to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in the country.

The cabinet on the recommendation of the high-level coordination committee on the prevention and containment of COVID-19 on Monday decided to extend the lockdown.

The lockdown, which was supposed to end on Tuesday (April 7), has been extended until April 15, government announced on Monday.

Nepalis have been living under strict rules for the last two weeks, with most shops, stores, and restaurants and other businesses shut. The people have not been allowed to leave their homes unless deemed essential.

The government had initially imposed the week-long lockdown from March 24. However, the government had again extended the lockdown on March 29 by another week, until April 7.

Nepal has, so far, seen nine coronavirus confirmed cases. While one has already recovered, eight others are receiving medical treatment in various hospitals.