Graph of COVID-19 cases going up in Valley; will govt go for stricter lockdown?

KATHMANDU: The graph of COVID-19 cases is increasing in the Kathmandu Valley due to uncontrolled movements and activities of the people, of late.

The administrations of the Valley have said they would decide on the extension of the prohibitory order following the analysis of the COVID-19.

Chief District Officer (CDO) of Lalitpur Dhundi Prasad Niraula said the prohibitory order might be extended due to the increasing cases of coronavirus.

“The prohibitory order extended last is going to expire after two days. The COVID-19 cases are increasing due to various reasons. The status of COVID-19 pandemic will be reviewed on Monday,” said CDO Niraula.

Niraula further said the administrations are monitoring whether the people are adhering to the health standards.

According to Niraula, no decision has been taken so far on the extension of the lockdown.  “Even though the administration retains the right to lift or continue the lockdown, it has to take the decision only following the consultations with the stakeholders,” said Niraula.

If the people are found breaching the prohibitory order following the analysis, the administrations will extend the prohibitory order with stricter restrictions.

According to the statistics maintained by the Ministry of Health and Population, there are 11,436 active coronavirus cases in the Kathmandu Valley alone.

The vehicular movement has been banned during the night starting 8 pm in the ongoing prohibitory order. It is going to expire on Tuesday night.