An aerial view of the Kathmandu Valley in this file photo.

April 27: The government has decided to enforce a week-long prohibitory order in Kathmandu valley effective from Thursday midnight.

Once the prohibitory order comes into effect, all but essential services will come to a halt.

The move is an attempt to curb the spread of coronavirus infection that has spiraled in the past few weeks.    
A joint meeting of the Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur on Monday (April 26) decided to shut down all services except essential ones. The meeting also decided to strictly monitor the flow of people into the valley.

All gatherings including seminars, and conferences have been banned, while entertainment centres, cinema halls, gym, sports clubs, libraries, museums and zoo will also remain closed.    
In case of marriages, the authorities have decided to allow a maximum of 15 people attend the function.

As per the decision, only vehicles carrying essential goods  as well as ambulances carrying sick people, and those used by health workers and security persons will be allowed to ply on the streets. Government vehicles will require permits issued by the concerned ministry.    
The meeting has decided to allow grocery shops remain open until 10 in the morning and 5 to 7 in the evening. However, they need to follow the prescribed health protocols.

The prohibitory order will remain in force until May 5. During this period, anyone entering the Kathmandu valley will have to stay in quarantine and home isolation as prescribed by the concerned local level.