KATHMANDU, March 24: Week-long nationwide lockdown announced by the government began at 6 AM today.

The country's usually bustling cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Biratnagar are silent. Barring shops selling essential commodities, pharmacies and major markets are totally closed.

The main streets have remained eerily empty since last night. A government committee formed to prevent and contain the novel coronavirus headed by Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel had taken a decision on Monday to impose the countrywide lockdown to be effective from early Tuesday (today).

During the lockdown, no one is allowed to go outside their residence except for emergency purpose, and to purchase medicines or food stuffs. All kinds of public or private vehicles are restricted except those used by security personnel or health workers. All kinds of domestic commercial flights will be closed except for the ones fixed by the government or used by the security agencies, according to the lock down order.

Huge numbers of security personnel have been mobilized on the street to make sure all the people follow the order.

Ever since morning, social media including Twitter and Facebook has been flooded with images depicting what different cities look like today as the entire nation is in self-quarantine to fight against the COVID-19.

Here are some of the photos taken by our photo journalist Bijaya Rai.

 
• COVI19
 
• coronavirus
 
• lockdown
 
• Nepal
 
• Stay_home
 
• Stay_Safe