April 7: The government has decided to shut night-time businesses and restaurants after 9 pm.

Issuing a public notice on Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and Population said that it took a decision to close night-time businesses and restaurants after 9 pm keeping in view of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases.

In its 10-point notice, the MoHP also directed local administrations to enforce the use of facemasks and take action against those who violate safety protocols in line with the Infectious Disease Act, 2020.

The decision of the ministry comes in the wake of growing cases of Covid-19 in recent days.

According to the MoHPA, 298 new Covid-19 cases were registered in Nepal on April 7.

The public notice also urges local administrations to restrict the movement of people if active Covid-19 cases exceed 500 in small cities and 1000 in big cities.

It urged all stakeholders to strictly comply with health safety protocols and avoid overcrowding and public vehicles in big cities where there is a high risk of infection.  

The MoHP urged stakeholders to operate shopping malls, theaters, party palaces, health clubs, swimming pools and temples by strictly enforcing health safety measures.

It has also urged local governments and district administrations to encourage those who have returned from abroad to isolate themselves at their homes and monitor their status. Local governments have been asked to increase antigen and PCR tests and expand contact tracing.