KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Oli has directed Cabinet ministers to implement the lockdown enforced to stem the spread of coronavirus strictly.

Mentioning that the number of infected people has increased, the prime minister said that the lockdown should not be eased in such a situation.

During a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, PM Oli also expressed his dissatisfaction saying that the traffic jam has increased in Kathmandu during the lockdown.

According to a minister, the prime minister stressed that the lockdown should not be eased until the pandemic is brought under control.

The government had decided to let 42 different industries operate from last Friday. Similarly, one-third of the employees of government offices in Kathmandu Valley have been instructed to attend office.

It has resulted in traffic gridlock in Kathmandu mainly during rush hours.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the traffic jam during the lockdown, Prime Minister Oli directed to tighten the lockdown.

The government had first enforced the lockdown on March 24 for a week after the second coronavirus case was reported in Nepal.

The first lockdown had been extended until March 31, the second one was extended until April 7, the third until April 15, the fourth until April 27, the fifth one until May 7, and sixth one expiring on May 18.

Nepal has, so far, 191 confirmed cases, and 33 patients have been discharged after recovery as of Tuesday.