4 years ago
Cabinet discusses loosening lockdown restrictions ;
The cabinet meeting held on Sunday called to discuss the calling of the budget session of the parliament also held serious discussions about what to do regarding the current lockdown due to Covid-19 pandemic.
Baishakh 25 is found to be the 45th day of the government imposed lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
According to a minister present in the discussion, the meeting discussed regarding the classification of areas of the country on the basis of the presence of Covid-19.
Although India has already extended the lockdown, Nepal is yet to decide.
Sunday's meeting has decided to instruct the task force under the High Level Coordination Committee, lead by the Chief Secretary and the Home Ministry to conduct study about the possibilities of extending or relaxing the current lockdown.
The minister also added that the government was aware about the consequences of further extension of the restrictions and the concerns raised by the people and thus has decided to apply a slightly different approach to the lockdown by designating places with high rate of infection, yet to be tested and tested without any positive cases into red, yellow and green zones.
Discussions were held regarding the possibility of easing restrictions in green zones.
Even under the proposed modality however, international flights and long distance public transportation restrictions are to remain.
Similarly, places where gathering of people happen, like schools, colleges, movie theaters, shopping centers and public transportation are to remain restricted. Borders are also going to be strictly monitored.
Some ministers have put forward the opinion of the need to gradually open up places in the green zones where work can go ahead by following social dstancing practices like in certain factories, industries and offices.
According to the minister places with the possibility to see an ease in lockdown restrictions include Himalayan regions, higher hilly regions and cities including Kathmandu and Pokhara.
