KATHMANDU- Local authorities have relaxed the lockdown that has been extended for an additional week from today in the Kathmandu Valley for the third time as part of containment measures to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Under the prohibitory order issued by the Chief District Officers of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur districts on Wednesday, there will be relaxation on some businesses, activities and the movement of people in the Valley during the ongoing lockdown that has been in place since August 19.
In addition to businesses and shops supplying and selling medicines, water and health equipment that will be allowed to operate at all times, local authorities have now granted grocery shops selling essential services like food, milk, dairy products, vegetables and meats to remain open until 11 am. Earlier, they were allowed to remain open only until 9 am.
Shops selling construction materials, as well as vehicles that supply to development works in the Valley, are also now allowed to operate between 2 pm and 9 pm.
Following widespread criticism for the crackdown on online delivery services last week, local authorities have now decided to provide online delivery or takeaway services for essential consumable goods under the condition that the delivery person has a negative PCR test result, according to the new order. The delivery service providers will be responsible for keeping a record of those they meet and provide services to on the basis of online payment.
Construction works on development projects of national priority will also operate if workers and employees are allowed to remain in quarantines at the project sites.
Similarly, online classes that follow protocols issued by the Ministry of Health, Science and Technology Ministry are also allowed to resume during the lockdown.
Transportation services from airports to quarantine centers and isolation hotels will now operate as per the prohibitory orders.
Similarly, local authorities have decided to also give flexibility to industries and factories related to essential services. They will now be able to operate as long as they have a separate quarantine center for their workers and employees to reside in, with provisions of food inside the premises, and they comply with the necessary health protocols.
Banks and financial institutions (BFIs) can continue their services through one thirds of their staff, according to the new order.
