The rising number of coronavirus cases has thrown Nepal government authorities into a tizzy.

With 1,069 new cases in the last 24 hours, the national COVID-19 tally on Tuesday reached 40,529. Kathmandu Valley reported a record 481 new cases–393 in Kathmandu, 58 in Lalitpur and 30 in Bhaktapur, according to the Health Ministry.

Valley’s chief district officers, who have been granted powers by the federal government to take measures to contain the virus, now are confused about the next step, as the prohibitory orders that have been in place since August 19 midnight will end on Wednesday midnight.

“Actually, we are for continuing with the ongoing restrictions, at least for one more week, but with easing of some other services besides the essential ones,” said Humkala Pande, chief district officer of Bhaktapur. “It, however, is up to the Home Ministry.”

Chief district officers of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur on Tuesday afternoon held discussions on the next move, according to Pande.

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