As coronavirus cases remain high, authorities in Nepal have decided to extend the ongoing restrictions in Kathmandu, the country’s capital, for ten more days till 14 June. However, the government has permitted construction-related activities in the valley. 

Local district officials in the three districts of the Kathmandu region, in a meeting on Wednesday, decided to continue restriction, along with certain ease in regulations. On Wednesday, the country reported around 4524 positive cases of the Covid-19, down from its peak of 10,000 daily cases a few weeks ago. However, the number of cases still remains high. 

Vehicles carrying construction material will be exempted from travel restrictions, according to the new directions issued by the government. Timing for grocery shops, too, has been extended. 

Earlier, media reports highlighted how the poor and daily wagers in the urban areas are facing the brunt of restrictions. For many, arranging a daily meal seems a monumental task now. The government is also under pressure to ease restrictions as people are losing livelihoods. 

The country is under restrictions for over a month now. In April end, when coronavirus cases began to rise, the government had imposed a lockdown. 

Even now, the country has not resumed international flights. Recently, for the ease of stranded people, the government had allowed flights to a couple of countries. 

(SAM)