Kathmandu: Nepal has urged its citizens to stay indoors, not to organise cultural and religious functions of more than 25 people in its bid to check the spread of coronavirus in the Himalayan nation. It has also announced shutdown of cinema halls, cultural centres, stadiums, gyms, health clubs, museums, swimming pools, recreational places and dance bars until April 30.

The government had already announced the closure of all schools, colleges and universities until April 12. Although Nepal has so far recorded only one Covid-19 case, Wednesday’s decisions, according to officials, are part of precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

The government has urged public vehicle operators not to carry passengers exceeding the number of seats. They have also asked people not to get into crowded vehicles. Nepal Police will monitor implementation of this decision.

The committee said local authorities will work to disinfect and clean places where there’s maximum movement of people. 

The government said they will take immediate action against those involved in creating artificial shortages, hoarding, black marketeering or other market anomalies. It has also urged people not to purchase daily essential commodities in excess.

A ban has been imposed on travelers originating from or getting transit in all European, West Asian and Gulf countries, including Iran, Turkey, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan, from March 20 till April 15.

If a foreigner fails to return to their home due to travel restrictions, the government will regularise their visa if applied for the same within a set timeframe to be announced, said officials. Similarly, if a person has postponed travel plans due to Nepal’s travel restrictions, the government will direct airlines companies to make full reimbursement of ticket charges to passengers.

The government has decided to penalise those propagating misinformation through any media, including social media.