Govt closes all public and private services except ‘essential ones’

KATHMANDU, March 20: The government has closed down all public and private services except ‘essential ones’ effective from March 22 to April 3 as part of its effort to prevent the possible outbreak of the COVID-19.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli made the announcement in his address to the nation on Friday.

The essential and non-essential services are mentioned in the gazette.

Similarly, all long route bus service will remain in halt from March 23. During this period, people have been suggested not to stay away from family, not to stock foodstuffs unnecessarily, avoid gathering, maintain personal hygiene and sanitation, consult doctors in need and stay calm.

The Prime Minister made it clear that the government would emerge stringent against anyone involved in the artificial shortage of goods.

PM Oli said all the international flights to Nepal have been restricted from 21 March to 31 March.

According to the PM, the health checkups of all the passengers traveling to and from the border points would be made compulsory and urged one and all to defeat the coronavirus with high morale since the health care services across the country would be made further effective.

Likewise, PM Oli announced to provide Rs 100 million from the side of Nepal to the SAARC Special Emergency Fund.