The government has ordered shutdown of all kinds of non-essential services delivered by both the government and private sector starting from Sunday.
In a special address to the nation Friday evening, Prime Minister (PM) KP Sharma Oli has ordered to stop delivery of all kinds of services apart from those listed as essential ones in the Nepal Gazette for 12 days to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
PM Oli's press advisor Surya Thapa clarified that all services apart from the 19 listed in the Nepal Gazette will be stopped for 12 days starting from Sunday.
The listed essential services include post office, telegram or telephone service, transportation service including civil aviation, media, health and medicines, banking, service related to mint or governmental press, supply of daily essential goods, any service of defense affairs of Government of Nepal relating to the function of arms, ammunition or production of any military goods, their storing, and distribution among others.
No international flights will arrive in Nepal for 10 days starting Sunday. Similarly, long-distance domestic transportation has been stopped for unspecified duration from Monday.
The government, similarly, will also conduct mandatory health check-up of everyone entering Nepal from border points.
PM Oli in his speech urged the citizens to make necessary changes in their daily lives and take precautionary measures such as regular hand-washing, avoiding social gatherings, maintaining a safe distance during conversations, staying home and avoiding hoarding of essential goods.
He also urged the people to consult health professionals and follow their advice.
