Tuesday, May 5, 2020

High-level committee recommends extension of lockdown

The high-level government committee formed to prevent and contain the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has recommended the government to continue the lockdown.
A meeting of the committee held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Baluwatar today concluded that the lockdown needs to be extended as the number of Covid-19 cases are rising lately. “We have recommended the government to extend the lockdown,” confirmed secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister Narayan Prasad Bidari. “However, the cabinet meeting will take the final decision on the extension of the lockdown tomorrow," he said, adding that the time duration of the fifth extension of lockdown will be decided by the cabinet tomorrow. Bidari, who is also a member of the coronavirus prevention and control committee, said that the key to contain spread of Covid-19 is lockdown. "The meeting reviewed the measures currently being enforced to stem the coronavirus,” he added.
The nationwide lockdown was first enforced on March 24, and has been extended for the fourth time that will come to an end on Thursday.
Nepal has reported some 82 Covid-19 cases till date. Of which some 16 have returned home after treatment, according to the Health Ministry. Nepalgunj and Udayapur – where the most of the Covid-19 cases were identified – are the corona hotspot in the country.