KATHMANDU: The government has pressed a button directing for the shut-down of movie theaters, cultural centers, including others to minimize the possible risk of the coronavirus which has spread across the world.

A meeting of the high-level committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwor Pokhrel on Wednesday made the decision to this effect.

The committee directed for shutting down of theaters, playgrounds, gyms, health clubs, museums, swimming pools, among others until April 30.

Likewise, the government has also decided to go for the postponement of all educational activities in Child Development Centers, Basic and Secondary Schools, colleges and universities till April 12  including SEE scheduled to take place from Mar.19.

The Ministry of Home Affairs; Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and the Ministry for Information have been entrusted to monitor the decision to ensure that no such activities take place until the stipulated timeframe.

This also means that the high-level committee has prevented mass gatherings.

Likewise, the meeting has announced to arrange necessary treatment in some designated government, community and private health facilities in case a person gets infected with the coronavirus.

The decision includes restrictions on private events such as weddings, unnecessary mass gatherings, trips, social gatherings, mass prayers, and birthday.

This means that people have been asked to limit the gatherings up to 25 people only.

Meanwhile, the government has expanded the list of countries restricted for flights to Nepal directly or via transit.

The high-level committee meeting held in Singhdurbar also decided to restrict the people coming from the Middle East and the Gulf States, Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, South Korea, Japan and the whole of Europe from March 20.

The decision will be effective from the midnight of March 20 to April 15. The government will mull over the extension provided the situation does not improve as expected.

Likewise, the government has also decided to go for the postponement of all educational activities in Child Development Centers, Basic and Secondary Schools, colleges and universities till April 12  including SEE scheduled to take place from Mar.19.

Earlier, the government had decided to ensure the safety of the SEE examinees establishing health desks in all exam centers.