Government of Nepal Issues New Lockdown Guideline

The Government of Nepal ("GON") on June 10, 2020 has made a decision to gradually relax the ongoing countrywide lockdown and lift previous restrictions in order to restart the stalled economy. The lockdown was initially imposed by the GON from March 24, 2020 after detection of second coronavirus ("COVID-19") patient in Nepal. The new guideline issued by the GON invoking its power under the Infectious Disease Act 2020 (1964), categorizes a list of permissible and restricted activities and shall remain in force till June 30, 2020.

Activities permitted to commence operation, adhering to social distancing and safety measures, include:

• All medical services, including private clinics

• Agriculture and livestock industry

• Industries, business, profession, shops, and departmental stores

• All kind of supplies

• Travel on foot, cycle and motorcycle without pillion riders

• Private four wheelers on odd-even basis with two passengers including the driver

• Waste management

• Electricity, fire brigade, ambulance, information, communication, and postal services

• Development projects, manufacturing, and construction industries

• Excavation, collection, supply, and transportation of river products and minerals

• Packing and take away services in restaurants

• Governmental, non-governmental and private offices, banks and financial institutions operated at two shift between 8 AM to 1 PM and 1 PM to 6 PM

Activities which continue to be restricted until further notice of GON include:

• Educational institutions including schools, colleges, tuition centers, training centers

• International and domestic flights except those operating with prior permission

• All cross borders movement except from permitted border points

• All kind of meetings, gatherings, seminars, and training

• All kind of fairs, exhibitions, and conferences

• Shopping malls, cinema halls, party palace, dance bars and other place of entertainment

• Public library, zoos, and museum

• Spa, saloon and beauty parlor

• Swimming pool, gym, and health clubs

• Sports activities played in groups, stadium

• All places of religious and social gathering

• Public transport including tourist vehicle

Amid the global impact caused by COVID-19, we are concerned about the health and well-being of our staff and their families, as well as our clients and their families. While we have resumed working from our office, we are strictly adhering to safety and social distancing norms to minimize the risk.