Lockdown extended till April 15

On 6th April 2020, the government of Nepal decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till April 15 as the number of COVID-19 cases rose to nine since the lockdown was announced on March 23.

First time, On 29 March 2020, the government of Nepal decided to extend the nationwide lockdown till April 7 as the number of COVID-19 cases rose to five since the lockdown was announced on March 23.

“The directive issued as per the Infectious Disease Act 1963 has been extended till April 7 midnight,” said Minister of Finance, Communications and Information Technology Yubaraj Khatiwada at a televised press conference after the Cabinet meeting.

On March 23, the government had announced a weeklong nationwide lockdown from March 24 till March 31.
The Cabinet also decided that restriction of people’s movement through international borders on both northern and southern sides would be extended till April 7 midnight. Movement of vehicles carrying goods, however, will continue as usual.

The government formed a ‘Corona 2019 Crisis Management Team’ under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ishwor Pokhrel. The team will basically ensure implementation of the government’s decision to prevent and control novel coronavirus.

Other members of the team are Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa, Health Minister Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, Finance Minister Khatiwada, Industry and Supplies Minister Lekh Raj Bhatta, Federal Affairs Minister Hridayesh Tripathi and chiefs of security agencies.

The government has decided to extend suspension of incoming international flights till April 15.

The government has also decided to take stern action against those not willing to stay in quarantine, fleeing quarantine or not informing the authorities about their possible exposure to COVID-19.

The government also decided to take security agencies’ help while setting up and operating quarantine facilities across the country.

It was decided to deliver medical equipment received from China, such as personal protective equipment, to the provinces as per their need.

The government has also decided to let Nepalis, who are stuck at border points on their way back home, enter Nepal showing their identity cards. However, they will be allowed in on the condition that they compulsorily undergo a 14-day quarantine at the nearest quarantine facility.

The government will also seek help from security agencies to ensure smooth supply of food, medicines and daily essentials.