PM's Address to the Nation: All services except essential closed in light of Covid-19 pandemic and preparedness to it

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic and preparedness to it, the government has closed down all public and private services except 'essential ones' to be effective from March 22 to April 3. In his address to the nation recently, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli made this announcement.

The essential and non-essential services are mentioned in the gazette.

Similarly, all long route bus service would remain shut down from March 23. During this period, people are appealed not to move out of family, not to stock food stuffs unnecessarily, avoid gathering, maintain personal hygiene and sanitation, consult doctors in need and stay calm.

He made it clear that government would emerge stringent against anyone involved in artificial shortage of goods.

In his address to the nation from his official residence, PM Oli said all the international flights to Nepal have been restricted from 21 March to 31 March.

According to the PM, the health checkups of all the passengers travelling to and from the border points would be made compulsory and urged one and all to defeat the coronavirus with high morale since the health care services across the country would be made further effective. Likewise, PM Oli announced to provide Rs 100 million from the side of Nepal to the SAARC Special Emergency Fund.