Extended prohibitory orders in Kathmandu Valley implemented from today, public transport in operation

KATHMANDU: The prohibitory orders have been extended till mid-July in Kathmandu Valley. As per the order, all types of vehicles will be allowed to operate as the odd-even system previously implemented in transportation has been removed. The orders imposed from 1 AM today will remain in force till 12 AM on the 31st of this month (Ashadh). 

According to Kathmandu Chief District Officer Kali Prasad Parajuli, drivers are advised not to carry more passengers than their seat capacity, to follow all health standards and to use visors and gloves. Sanitizers should be provided at the door of the vehicle and the vehicle should be disinfected and passengers without masks should not be allowed to board. 

With the permission of the local administration, arrangements have been made to allow vehicles from outside the valley to enter Kathmandu for important activities. According to the order, most businesses except those that will be crowded are allowed to open till 6 PM. 

All kinds of activities including gatherings, conferences, cinema halls, hotels, party palaces and other crowded places have been completely banned. Similarly, weddings in party palaces, mass programs including collective worship, all religious activities except daily worship, and educational activities in physical presence will not be allowed. 

Local goods transport will be available from 9 AM to 11 AM and from 4 PM to 7 PM, but the drug and health stores will be open at any time. Online ‘order’ of essential items, takeaway and home delivery of restaurant and fast food and other orders will be available till 7 PM. 

The safa tempos and the blue microbuses have been told to only keep four passengers each in the back vertical seats and one besides the driver’s seat. A plastic barrier should be installed in the middle of the vehicle to separate the passengers on both sides. Vehicles for public and private construction will have to operate from 9 PM to 5 AM.  

All types of written and practical examinations can be conducted by following the health and safety precautions. While conducting the examinations, more than 25 people have been barred from gathering on the basis of the size of the hall and room. The order states that no more than 25 people can participate in programs such as seminars, conferences, meetings and trainings. 

Even though the prohibitory orders have been relaxed in the Kathmandu Valley, the coronavirus transmission rate has not decreased. According to the ministry, the transmission rate in Nepal is still 20%. Despite the decrease in the number of infections, the infection rate in the Kathmandu Valley remains intact.