Nepal extends ban on international passenger flights until April 15

KATHMANDU, March 29: The government of Nepal has decided to extend the restrictions on international commercial passenger flights until April 15 as part of its measure to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The decision comes a day after the Health Ministry confirmed the country’s fifth COVID-19 case, fourth in the past six days.

A High-level Coordination Committee formed to prevent and control the COVID-19 led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokharel decided to extend the suspension on Sunday. Earlier, the government had suspended all international passenger flights until March 31.

The committee has also recommended the government to extend the nationwide lockdown to seven more days. The government had enforced a week-long lockdown from March 24, after the Health Ministry had confirmed the country’s second infection.