Prohibitory order still in force in the Valley

KATHMANDU: The prohibitory order in place in Kathmandu Valley following an extension on September 3 has been extended again.

According to Kalpana Ghimire, Assistant Chief District Officer, Kathmandu, the restraining order has been issued with the coordination and consent of the officials of the three District Administration Offices of the Kathmandu Valley.

An order had been issued earlier to conduct economic activities, including activities by fulfilling all the criteria of health security. The order states that people are not allowed to gather unnecessarily, to hold meetings, processions, festivals and banquets, etc.

As per the order, local goods transportation will be available from 9 to 11 in the morning and from 4 to 7 in the evening. Construction materials can be transported only from 9 pm to 5 am. The Kathmandu administration has stated that the health standards set by the Government of Nepal should be fully followed while conducting economic, social and business activities by the general public, groups and institutions.

The previous order has been upheld to allow all businesses to operate without congestion by following health standards. The order states that the local level can decide to operate schools in coordination with the District COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (DCCMC) within the provision of smart lockdown issued by the Government of Nepal.

However, educational institutions are still not allowed to teach students physically in the Valley. Likewise, all the concerned have been asked to observe the festivals during this period only in a symbolic manner by following the health protocol.