Kathmandu, March 23
The government has finally decided to seal all border points, connecting to both India and China, for the next one week, beginning Monday in its bid to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus in the country. With the decision, the country has gone on lockdown.
The decision will come into effect from 10 am today. During the period, however, import and export of various goods and equipment essential for the daily life will not be obstructed.
Earlier, the decision was delayed as India was reluctant to close major border points. Minor border points on the Indian site and those connecting to China, however, were already closed.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Sunday evening made the decision. Despite the demand for closure, the Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokharel-led high-level committee for coronavirus control had failed to take such a decision on Saturday owing to India’s reluctance.
The government spokesperson and Minister for Finance, Yuba Raj Khatiwada, told journalists after the meeting that the border points had been closed temporarily for human movement and bilateral talks would be held if further restrictions were needed in the future. He hinted that India did not clearly approve Nepal’s request to seal the border now.
