Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force

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Government Lifts Lockdown, Some Restriction to Remain in Force

July 22: The government has announced lifting of the lockdown which was imposed since March 24 to contain the spread of coronavirus.

A cabinet meeting on Monday decided to end the lockdown effective from Tuesday midnight (July 21).

Government spokesperson Dr Yuba Raj Khatiwada, who holds the portfolio of finance and communication ministries, formally announced the government decision amid a programme on Tuesday.

“The government has decided to end the lockdown from Tuesday midnight….. Despite the lifting of the lockdown, Nepal’s international borders will remain closed till August 16,” said minister Khatiwada.

The lockdown imposed by the government since March 24 was extended time and again and was fully enforced until June 8. Then onward, the government eased the lockdown to some extent, allowing shops to reopen and private vehicles to ply on odd-even system.

The government has also decided to allow hotels and restaurants to operate from July 30 onward. The hotel industry is completely closed due to the effects of coronavirus while restaurants are providing limited services. Although the government has decided to allow hotels to operate from next week, ban on mass gatherings and parties will still remain in force, informed Khatiwada.

The government has also decided to allow schools to take admission of students and hold examinations  from August 17. Schools and educational institutions will be allowed to run educational programmes by maintaining safety standards and necessary precaution. However, the government is yet to decide on resuming classes altogether.

Although the lockdown has ended, the government has urged the public to adopt necessary precautions while some activities will remain banned for the time being.

Educational institutions, tuition centres, cinema halls, dance bar, saloons and beauty parlours, swimming pools and religious sites will remain closed while public gathering is also banned.

Meanwhile, the government has decided to allow trekking and travel agencies to operate their business keeping in mind the tourism season.

The government has also decided to resume domestic and international flights from August 17. Likewise, transport entrepreneurs will be allowed to operate long-route vehicles from the same date (August 17).

The odd-even number system has also been scrapped and all kinds of vehicles will be allowed to operate from Wednesday onward.

However, entry into Nepal from neighbouring countries will be prohibited until August 16 unless there is any urgency.

 

 

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