March 24: The government has imposed a lockdown for a week starting from Tuesday morning (March 24) to contain the spread of coronavirus after a new case was detected in the country. The lockdown will remain in effect from 6 am on March 24 till March 31.

On Monday, the government confirmed the second case of coronavirus in the country. According to Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal, a 19-year-old Nepali student who returned home from France last week tested positive for the deadly disease a day ago.

Following the detection of the deadly virus that has claimed more than 15,000 lives across the globe, a high level coordination committee to prevent the spread of COVID-19 headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel decided to take strict measures to prevent the disease from spreading among the masses.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Sunday had decided to impose the lockdown upon the recommendation of the committee to prevent further damage to the health of the population and the country’s economy, informed Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada during a press conference on Monday. Among other measures, the cabinet meeting also decided to close the country’s international borders with India and China for a week.

The government has ordered the people not to venture out of their houses unless absolutely necessary. The government order however doesn’t bar people from purchasing essential goods like food and medicines. All private and public vehicles have been banned except for the ones belonging to security forces and health workers.

The eight-point declaration issued by the government does not allow the public to get out of their houses except for buying essential food stuffs and for medical treatment.

The government has ordered the closure of all institutions except those that provide essential services including security agencies, food supplies, drinking water, milk, electricity, information and communication, customs, quarantine, waste management among others.

All domestic flights have also been suspended for a week. The government has instructed the owners of private institutions to provide leave for workers.

Anyone defying the government orders will be punished in accordance to the Infectious Disease Act 2020. The government has issued a circular to all the district administration offices to enforce its decision and to maintain law and order under the Local Governance Act 2028, if required.

The government has also urged the suppliers to ensure smooth supply of medicines in the market.

Meanwhile, the government has issued stern warning to anyone involved in black marketing.