KATHMANDU: The prohibitory ban issued in Kathmandu Valley to curtail spread of COVID-19 pandemic has been extended by one week. But the provisions have been relaxed.
A meeting of the Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts held at 5 pm on Sunday has decided to extend the ban till June 25.
According to officials, private vehicles will be allowed to operate on odd-even basis and shops will also be allowed to open according to days.
Taxis will also run on the odd-even system during the ban. But other public transport will not be allowed to operate.
The officials have concluded that the COVID-19 infection rate declining in recent days.
A notice regarding new prohibitory order states that shops selling gold, silver, utensils, electrical and household appliances will be operated on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday.
Similarly, automobile and vehicle spare parts shops will also be opened. It has been decided to open shopping malls, sports goods shops, clothes and shoe shops on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Fancy, cosmetic, gift and tailoring shops will also open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The shop is scheduled to open on the basis of the days from 11 am to 4 am. The opening hours of food, fruits and vegetables are also the same.
A meeting of the CCMC Board of Directors chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had decided to hold a ‘smart lockdown’ on Wednesday. It was said that economic and social activities would be promoted by strictly following the health standards.
The draft of this provision was provided by the CCMC to the Ministries including Home Affairs. Following discussions with the ministry and experts, the Chief District Officers have relaxed the ban according to the CCMC’s model.
Likewise, the schools will remain close, and encouraged for online classes.
