KATHMANDU, August 20: All the three District Administration Offices (DAOs) in the Kathmandu Valley have urged people to celebrate festivals like Janai Purnima and Gaijatra symbolically, avoiding huge gatherings of people to avoid further spread of COVID-19.
On Thursday, Chief District Officer of KathmanduKaliprasad Parajuli issued a public notice reminding everyone of the threat of COVID-19 infection and asking them to observe the festival in a symbolic manner.
Janai Purnima, Gaijatra festival being observed today
CDO Parajuli requested the ordinary public to avoid crowds during the Janapurni and Gaijatra festivals that fall on Sunday and Monday, respectively, this year in view of the high rate of COVID-19 infection. “As the prohibitory order issued from 12th August to 24th August is still in force, we request all of you to celebrate the festival only in a symbolic manner," Prajuli said in the public notice.
Due to the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases last week, the prohibitory order was extended until August 24 in Kathmandu Valley. Also, both public and private vehicles are not allowed to operate in the Valley after 8 pm.
Similarly, all kinds of gatherings, conferences, seminars, training, cinema halls, party palaces, dance bars, dance clubs, swimming pools, recreational venues, museums and theaters are not allowed to conduct events. Gatherings, processions, festivals and banquets are prohibited in the open space. All religious and cultural activities are also not allowed except the daily worship by the priests. Educational institutions are limited to online classes whereas local transportation is not available from 9 am to 11 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Local administration has also made it mandatory to maintain social distance, wear masks and wash hands frequently with soap or use sanitizer. The tempo and micro buses are not allowed to carry more than 9 passengers i.e. 4/4 in backseat and one in driver’s seat. In addition to this, they have to place a plastic sheet in the middle of the vehicle to avoid possible spread of infection from one passenger to the others. In case of private vehicles operating within the Kathmandu Valley, they have to follow the health standards. Long and medium distance public transportation can operate by following health safety measures.
