Partial lockdown amid COVID-19 fears begins from today mid-night

Published On: March 22, 2020 10:27 AM NPT By: Republica  | @RepublicaNepal


KATHMANDU, March 22: The government announced that a partial lockdown is starting Sunday mid-night with landing permission for international arrivals suspended. Long-distance bus services will be suspended from Tuesday. 

A day after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli announced to suspend all international flights, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) suspended landing permission to all scheduled international airlines carrying passengers bound to Nepal from 22 March mid-night. 

Issuing a notice on Saturday, CAAN Director General Rajan Pokhel, however, said departing passenger flights from Nepal, freighter flights, rescue and air ambulance flights and other emergency flights will remain unaffected.

In an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus, the government has announced sweeping measures in the country. 

Addressing the nation, Prime Minister Oli had announced to suspend international arrivals from Sunday until the end of March, halt long-route bus services and restrict human movement. Services delivered from all three sets of governments—federal, provincial and local other than the essential ones are also temporarily suspended.  

PM Oli has announced to shut down recreation centers, cancel scheduled school and academic examinations.  He has appealed to the people to stay home, wash hands and support his government to overcome the deadly virus. 

Thousands of people living in Kathmandu left for villages before the government suspended the long-route bus services. 


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