KATHMANDU, May 15: The high-level government committee formed to prevent and contain the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is preparing to change the modality of the ongoing nationwide lockdown.

A meeting of the committee earlier on Friday decided to move ahead with a new modality of the lockdown after May 18. The cabinet meeting, earlier on May 6, had extended the ongoing lockdown for the fourth time, until May 18 amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases. 

According to Narayan Bidari, secretary at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM), the ‘format’ of the lockdown is to be revised by demarcating high-risk zones following a consultation with health experts. 

“While analyzing the effectiveness of the lockdown that began on March 24, the committee is preparing to change the modality by identifying high risk, mild risk and low-risk zones,” Bidari added. 

The committee consulted the health experts regarding the modality of the ongoing lockdown and ways out to easing daily life. The experts suggested to the government to intensify tests, expedite contact tracing and proper management of quarantine facilities. 

Today’s meeting also decided to send the people who were engaged in employment and studies in Japan and Hong Kong but have been stuck in Nepal due to the lockdown via chartered planes. Some 600 people will be sent to Japan while those having Hong Kong ID will also be sent after health check-ups and immigration procedures.

 
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