May 26: After concluding that the coronavirus pandemic has not come under control, government authorities on Tuesday extended prohibitory orders in the Kathmandu Valley by one more week. With the latest decision, restrictions will remain in force in the valley until June 3.

Authorities have also decided to take strict measures to curb the disease from May 28 onward.

Such decisions were taken by a meeting of the Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur districts on Tuesday (May 25), informed Kathmandu’s CDO Kali Prasad Parajuli.    

The meeting has decided to effectively implement the ordinance issued by the government to curb coronavirus. In this regard, even grocery shops and departmental stores would also remain closed when the new order comes into effect from Friday.

“We have given two days’ time for the public to procure necessary food stuff,” said CDO Parajuli.

Morning and evening walks have also been banned this time around.    

During the extended period of prohibitory order, even transportation of essential goods like food as well as construction materials will be banned for a week. Construction of private and public infrastructures will be banned during this period in the valley, informed CDO of Lalitpur Dhundi Prasad Niraula.
The meeting also decided to restrict transportation during the prohibitory period. Even those offices that provide essential services will be allowed to operate vehicles only between 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the morning and 5 to 6 pm in the evening.

Even a limited number of branches of banks will be allowed to operate during this period. Such offices will be allowed to work with limited number of staff deployed on different shifts. A maximum of two vehicle passes will be provided to a bank, informed CDO Parajuli.

The prohibitory order was first imposed on April 29 and has been extended twice as the rate of infection did not receed in the valley.