‘PM Oli preparing to address the nation, lockdown likely to be extended’

‘GOVT NOT TO RETURN NEPALIS LIVING IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES’

KATHMANDU, April 3: Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali said Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli is preparing to address the nation to brief the people about the government’s steps to prevent and control the COVID-19 outbreak and the next plans.

He further said that the nationwide lockdown has remained a success to contain the spread of the pandemic.

Nepal has confirmed six cases of the virus so far and none of them are domestic infections.

“Lockdown is the only way to contain the virus. Although large-scale industries producing daily essentials and big projects like hydro-electricity and Melamchi have been allowed to function, the lockdown is likely to be extended for some more days,” Gyawali said.

He also said that the government is not bringing back the Nepali nationals living in foreign countries.

“They will have to stay where they are and apply precaution to avoid the virus,” he added.