June 11 : Amidst mounting pressure from several quarters, the government has on Wednesday decided to ease the national lockdown in a phase-wise manner. Since March 24, the country has been undergoing such lockdown to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic
In the first phase, the markets will be opened and vehicles operated under the odd-even rule in low-risk areas, including Kathmandu valley, by adopting necessary safety measures from today.
Similarly, the government plans to open up private offices, the service sector, large industries, malls and big shopping centres in the second phase after assessing the risk, according to the government sources.
The government is being sharply criticized for overlooking the losses of business, income and even lives triggered due to the harsh stay-at-home order.
Traders in Kathmandu are engaged in defying the order and open up shop while protests are also beginning to take place in the country.
Nepal has, so far, reported 4,364 cases and 15 fatalities pertaining to COVID-19.
