April 20: The government has issued new directives to contain Covid-19 pandemic following a surge in the rate of infection across the country. The government adopted new measures after more than 1000 cases of daily infection were reported in recent days.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Monday (April 19) issued such directive in accordance to Clause (2) of the Infectious Disease Control Act, 1964.

As per the decision, the government has ordered people not to gather in large number and has also instructed the concerned authorities to strictly monitor cross-border movement.

Likewise, the government has imposed a ban on cinema halls, party palaces, dance clubs and bars, health clubs, gyms, swimming pools, futsal, stadium and all types of public gatherings.    

Unveiling the decisions taken by the cabinet, Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Parbat Gurung said that schools, training centres and academic institutions have been instructed to run their classes virtually until mid-May in major cities. However, the government has given green signal to continue the prescheduled examinations of schools and colleges and all the practical examinations by adopting health safety measures.
Public vehicles have been ordered not to carry passengers more than their capacity. Only a limited number of passengers are allowed to travel on public vehicles on the basis of the vehicles' seating capacity. It is also mandatory to use of face mask and hand sanitizer for passengers, drivers and helpers of the vehicles. As per the cabinet decision, the public vehicles should be disinfected every day. Any passenger found not wearing masks will be fined Rs 10 for the violation.     
Likewise, the hotels and restaurants will be allowed to operate only from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm by applying health precautions and should provide home delivery service beyond the time fixed by the government.

The government has also restricted the gathering of more than 25 people in temples, mosques, monastery and churches, and other religious functions. Furthermore, prior approval from the local administration is expected for conducting social and religious functions at party palaces.