High-level Coordination Committee recommends govt to extend lockdown by one more week

KATHMANDU, May 4: A meeting of the High-level Coordination Committee to prevent and control the coronavirus led by Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwar Pokharel on Monday has recommended the government to extend the nationwide lockdown by one more week.

The government has already extended the lockdown four times since the enforcement came on March 24. The last time the lockdown was extended on April 26, which will expire on May 7.

But as the coronavirus cases continue to surge in the country, the government is preparing to extend the lockdown to contain the pandemic. Sixteen cases were reported in a single day on Monday– one in Rupendahi and 15 in Nepalgunj as Nepal’s coronavirus cases has jumped to 75 since the virus was first reported on Jan 24.

Since the lockdown came into force a day after the second case was confirmed, 74 cases have been reported.

According to sources at the ministry, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli will consult with the ministers in the High-level Committee and other concerned ministers about the next modality of the lockdown.