Prohibitory orders to curb COVID-19 spread come into force from today

KATHMANDU: With the Kathmandu Valley witnessing a massive surge in coronavirus cases, the prohibitory orders issued by the government came into effect on Thursday morning.

Aimed at bolstering the government’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus in the Valley, a sizeable number of security personnel have been mobilized in various parts of the capital city on the first day of the 15-day restriction.

Security personnel have been stationed at major junctions in Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

The district administration had on April 26 chalked out specific strategies focusing on the areas that witness heavy rush.

A cabinet meeting held on Monday evening held at Baluwatar had decided to impose the order until May 14 in a bid to curb the pandemic.

Likewise, the government has also decided to establish holding centers in eight different places with the capacity of 1,000 beds each.

The Nepal Army has been entrusted with this responsibility, according to Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi.

It should be noted that the COVID-19 Crisis Management Center (CCMC) had earlier recommended that a local administration can impose prohibitory orders in hilly and mountainous districts with 200 cases and in Terai districts with 500 cases.

Meanwhile, domestic and international air travel will not be suspended for the time being.

Nepalis returning from international flights will have to undergo a mandatory 10-day home quarantine and mandatory hotel quarantine for foreigners.

Authorities have banned public gatherings and other activities, including entertainment venues such as gyms, and party palaces that involve big crowds.

In terms of ceremonies such as marriages and bratabandha, a maximum of 15 persons can participate after obtaining permission from DAOs.

The grocery section of department stores will remain open from 10 am to 5 pm whereas retail grocery shops from 6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 7 pm.

Likewise, public and private transport has been banned.

Likewise, delivery of non-essential services will be prohibited.

Government offices, banks, financial institutions, and other businesses providing the most essential services will remain open following safety protocols.

All kinds of rallies and demonstrations for any purpose have been prohibited to comply with the coronavirus’s appropriate behavior.