Prohibitory order in KTM valley relaxed; vehicular traffic on an odd and even basis with effect from today

The prohibitory order imposed in Kathmandu valley has been relaxed to allow vehicular traffic on an odd and even basis with effect from today. The Chief Districts Officers of the three districts in the valley-Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur took a joint decision to facilitate public life and allowing trade and businesses to run on select times and days of the week. The new order will remain in effect until September 15 at midnight.

Accordingly, public vehicles with more than a 16-seat capacity will be allowed to carry passengers while taxis are allowed to carry only two passengers. Private vehicles and motorcycles will also be allowed to ply on the odd and even number plate basis.

The odd and even number provision, however, does not apply for goods carrier vehicles. Drug stores and water-related businesses will be allowed to run 24 hours, while grocery and vegetable shops can open until 11 in the morning and from 5 to 7 in the evening.

Similarly, stationery, electronic and electrical outlets, department stores would be allowed to open till 11:00 am in the morning and three hours in the evening from 4:00 pm. Similarly, vehicle workshops can be operated from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. The service of take-away foods would be available from midday to 7:00 pm. While operating industries and factories, the employees need to be managed accommodation in the same place.

The online class and the related service can be conducted with adherence to health safety measures. The movement of those going for a foreign job would be eased.

The persons giving swab must stay in quarantine until the report is received. It is the same for the case of those kept in contact tracing. The vehicles used for essential services would, however, be operated as usual.

Moreover, the bank and financial institutions will be operated as the standard set by Nepal Rastra Bank.

The valley administration has however kept intact the prohibition on crowds in public places, rally, pageant, jatra, fair, festival, feasting, mega religious activities, and industries that draw crowds.

Prohibition is also continued on religious and cultural programs, educational activities, seminars, cinema, party palace, recreational palaces, beauty parlors, salon, spa, swimming pool, library, and zoo. The workers could not be transported against the safety standards.